e enlarged with kindness and benevolence
towards them; and thus shall you need neither the direction
of myself or others in what manner to proceed herein.

"And now, sir, although my sympathy and affection for my
brethren hath caused my enlargement thus far, I ardently
hope, that your candour and generosity will plead with you
in my behalf, when I state that it was not originally my
design; but having taken up my pen in order to present a
copy of an almanac which I have calculated for the
succeeding year, I was unexpectedly led thereto.

"This calculation is the production of my arduous study, in
my advanced stage of life: for having long had unbounded
desires to become acquainted with the secrets of nature, I
have had to gratify my curiosity herein through my own
assiduous application to astronomical study, in which I need
not recount to you the many difficulties and disadvantages
which I have had to encounter.

"And although I had almost declined to make my calculation
for the ensuing year, in consequence of the time which I had
allotted for it being taken up at the federal territory, by
the request of Mr. Andrew Ellicott, yet I industriously
applied myself thereto, and hope I have accomplished it with
correctness and accuracy. I have taken the liberty to direct
a copy to you, which I humbly request you will favourably
receive; and although you may have the opportunity of
perusing it after its publication, yet I desire to send it
to you in manuscript previous thereto, that thereby you
might not only have an earlier inspection, but that you
might also view it in my own handwriting.

"And now, sir, I shall conclude, and subscribe myself, with
the most profound respect,

"Your most obedient humble servant,
"BENJAMIN BANNEKER."

Mr. Jefferson, who was Secretary of State under President Washington,
sent the great Negro the following courteous reply:--

"PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 30, 1791.

"SIR,--I thank you sincerely for your letter of the 19th
instant, and for the almanac it contained. Nobody wishes
more than I do to see such proofs as you exhibit, that
Nature has given to our black brethren talents equal to
those of the other colors of men, and that the appearance of
a wan