The Twin City star. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1910-19??, 1912-09-14
BEN BANNEKER BELIEVED
IN ONENESS OF MANKIND.
Pioneer Advocate of Human Rights
Not Ashamed Of His Race.

The following letter, written by Ben
Banneker to Thomas Jefferson, is self
explanatory and shows how the great
heart Of the one time country boy who
won fame as a scientist longed for the
freedom Of the people of his race in
America:
Maryland, Baltimore County,
Near Ellicott's Lower Mills. Aug. 19. 1871.
Thomas Jefferson, Secretary Of State:
Sir-I am fully sensible of the greatness
OF that freedom which / now take with
you on the present occasion, q liberty
which seemed to me scarcely allowable
when reflected on that distinguished and
dignihed station in which you stand and
the almost general prejudice and prepos-
session which Is prevalent In the world
against those Of my complexion.
Sir. hope l may safely admit in con-
sequence of the report which hath reach
ed me that you are a man far less infiex-
ible in sentiments of this nature than
many others; that you are measurably
friendly and we'll disposed toward US. and
that you are ready and willing to lend
those many distressed and numerous ca
iamities to which we are reduced.
Now, sir. II this Is founded in truth
apprehend you will readily embrace every
opportunity to eradicate that train Of alb
surd and false ideas and opinions which
10 generally prevails with respect to US
and that your sentiments are concurrent
with mine, which are that one universal
Father hath given being to us all and
that he hath not only made as all Of one
flesh. but that he hath also without par
tiality afforded US all with the same fac
uities and that, however variable we may
be In society or religion, however diversi-
fed in situation or color, we are all of the
same family and stand in the same rela-
ton to him.
Sir, II these are the sentiments of which
you are fully persuaded hope you can
not but acknowledge that 1t is the indis-
pensable duty Of those who maintain for
themselves the rights Of human nature
and who profess the obligations Of Chris
tianity to extend their power and infiu-
ence to the relief Of every part of the hu-
man race.
Sir, I freely and most cheerfully ac-
knowledge that I am Of the African race
and in that color which Is natural to them
Of the deepest dye, and 1t Is under a sense
Of the most profound gratitude to the Su-
preme Ruler Of the universe that l now
confess to you that I am not under that
state Of tyrannical thraldom and inhu-
man captivity to which many Of my
brethren are doomed, but that l have
abundantly tasted of the fruition Of the
blessings which proceed from free and un-
eQualed liberty with which you are ia
vored and which, hope you willingly al
low. you have received from the immedi-
ate hand Of that Being from whom pro-
ceedeth every good and perfect gift.
Sir, suffer me to recall to your mind
that time In which the arms and tyranny
Of the British crown were exerted with
every powerful effort in order to reduce
you to a state Of servitude. Look back.
sntreat you. on the variety of dangers to
which you were exposed. Reflect on that
time In which every human aid appeared
unavailable and in which even hope and
fortitude wore the aspect Of inability to
your miraculous and providential preser-
walton. You cannot but acknowledge that
the present freedom and tranquility
which you enjoy you have mercifully re-
ceived and that It 10 the peculiar blessings
Of heaven.