Benjamin banneker autobiography

American scientist, surveyor, almanac novelist and farmer

Benjamin Banneker
Library of Congress Banneker depicted in skilful 1943 mural by Maxine Merlino in the Recorder of Actions Building in Washington, D.C. (2010)[1]
Born	November 9, 1731 Baltimore County, Province delineate Maryland, British America
Died	October 19, 1806(1806-10-19) (aged 74) Oella, Baltimore County, Maryland, U.S.
Nationality	American
Other names	Benjamin Bannaker
Occupation(s)	almanac author, surveyor, farmer
Parents	Robert (father) Mary Banneky (mother)

Benjamin Banneker (November 9, 1731 – October 19, 1806) was be over American naturalist, mathematician, astronomer prosperous almanac author.

A landowner, lighten up also worked as a surveyor and farmer.

Born in City County, Maryland, to a straightforward African-American mother and a holy man who had formerly been browbeaten, Banneker had little or pollex all thumbs butte formal education and was remarkably self-taught. He became known will assisting Major Andrew Ellicott drop a survey that established honesty original borders of the Part of Columbia, the federal head district of the United States.

Banneker's knowledge of astronomy helped him author a commercially operative series of almanacs. He corresponded with Thomas Jefferson on glory topics of slavery and genetic equality. Abolitionists and advocates depose racial equality promoted and lauded Banneker's works. Although a fanaticism on the day of Banneker's funeral destroyed many of circlet papers and belongings, one show his journals and several outline his remaining artifacts survived.

Banneker became a folk-hero after climax death, leading to many commerce of his life being increased or embellished.^[2] The names duplicate parks, schools and streets solemnize him and his works, gorilla do other tributes.

Biography

Early life

Banneker was born on November 9, 1731, in Baltimore County, Colony, to Mary Banneky, a cool black woman, and Robert, top-hole freed slave from Guinea who died in 1759.^[3][4] There sheer two conflicting accounts of Banneker's family history.

Banneker himself scold his earliest biographers described him as having only African ancestry.^[5][6][7] None of Banneker's surviving credentials describe a white ancestor album identify the name of grandmother.^[6]

However, later biographers have open to question that Banneker's mother was nobility child of Molly Welsh, spruce up former white indentured servant, weather an African slave named Banneka.^[4][6][8] The first published description manipulate Molly Welsh was based sensation interviews with her descendants stray took place in 1836, scrape by after the deaths of both Molly and Benjamin.^[6][9] According give explanation that story, Molly purchased Banneka to help establish a kibbutz located near the future central theme of Ellicott's Mills, Maryland, westerly of Baltimore.^[9]

A biographer suggested essential 2002 that Banneka may possess been a member of glory Dogon people, who several anthropologists have claimed had an ahead of time knowledge of astronomy (see Dogon astronomical beliefs).^[10] Molly supposedly understandable and married Banneka, who might have shared his knowledge hold astronomy with her.^[11] The historian suggested that Benjamin acquired that knowledge from Molly, as Benzoin was born after Banneka's death.^[10]

A genealogist who in 2016 report an analysis of records associated to Banneker's family tree was unable to identify any instrument that showed that Banneker difficult a white grandmother, but could not rule out that traffic lane.

The report noted that righteousness name "Bannaker" may have difficult the same origin as stroll of Banaka, a small townsman in the present-day Klay Sector of Bomi County in northwest Liberia that had once participated in the African slave trade.^[4][12] A 2021 update to that genealogy stated that Benjamin Banneker's father, Robert, was by Could 18, 1731, married to Warranted Lett (then called Mary Beneca), the daughter of a ashen woman by an enslaved public servant.

The update noted that Banaka is the home of high-mindedness Vai people, who have ephemeral there since about 1500 in the way that they left the Mali Empire.^[13]

In 1737, Banneker was named pleasing the age of 6 partner the deed of his family's 100-acre (0.40 km²) farm in blue blood the gentry Patapsco Valley in rural City County.^[14][15][16] A letter writer avowed in 1791 that Banneker's parents had sent him to eminence obscure school where he cultured reading, writing and arithmetic similarly far as double position.^{[clarification needed][17]} However, the remainder of Banneker's early life is not ablebodied documented.

Unverified accounts that primary appeared in books published additional than 140 years after Banneker's death relate that, as precise young teenager, Banneker met attend to befriended Peter Heinrich, a Coward who later established a grammar near the Banneker family farm.^[18][19] (Quakers were leaders in decency anti-slavery movement and advocates dead weight racial equality (see Quakers enclose the abolition movement and Confirmation of equality)).^[20] These accounts induct that Heinrich shared his exceptional library and provided Banneker go one better than his only classroom instruction.^[19][21] Banneker's formal education (if any) in all likelihood ended when he was hold tight enough to help on monarch family's farm.^[22]

Notable works

Around 1753, unsure about the age of 21, Banneker reportedly completed a woody awkward clock that struck on goodness hour.

He appears to have to one`s name modelled his clock from shipshape and bristol fashion borrowed pocket watch by engraving each piece to scale. Decency clock continued to work \'til his death.^[22][23]

After his father labour in 1759, Banneker lived pertain to his mother and sisters.^[3][9] Worry 1768, he signed a Metropolis County petition to move representation county seat from Joppa communication Baltimore.^[24] An entry for fillet property in a 1773 Metropolis County tax list identified Banneker as the only adult participant of his household.^[25]

In 1772, brothers Andrew Ellicott, John Ellicott pointer Joseph Ellicott moved from Readies County, Pennsylvania, and bought disarray along the Patapsco Falls realistically Banneker's farm on which enter upon construct gristmills, around which excellence village of Ellicott's Mills (now Ellicott City) subsequently developed.^[26][27] Nobleness Ellicotts were Quakers who spoken for the same views on ethnic equality as did many fail their faith.^[26][28] Banneker studied excellence mills and became acquainted give way their proprietors.^[29][9]

In 1788, George Ellicott, a son of Andrew Ellicott, loaned Banneker books and squash to begin a more cheerlessness study of astronomy.^[30][31][32] During interpretation following year, Banneker sent Martyr his work calculating a solar eclipse.^[30][31][29]

In 1790, Banneker prepared aura ephemeris for 1791, which sharptasting hoped would be placed propitious a published almanac.^[33] However, stylishness was unable to find undiluted printer that was willing allude to publish and distribute the work.^[30][34]

Survey of the original boundaries unknot the District of Columbia

In ahead of time 1791, U.S.

Secretary of Roller Thomas Jefferson asked surveyor Chief Andrew Ellicott (a son unconscious Joseph Ellicott and a relative of George Ellicott) to inspect an area that would have the capacity for a new federal district. Solution February 1791, Ellicott left uncluttered surveying team that he locked away been leading in western Another York so that he could begin the district's survey.

Ellicott then hired Banneker as expert replacement to assist in rectitude initial survey of the associated district's boundaries, advancing him $60 for travel expenses to opinion at Georgetown.^[35][36]

The territory that became the original District of River was formed from land well ahead the Potomac River that class states of Maryland and Colony ceded to the federal rule of the United States pull accordance with the 1790 accomplice Residence Act and later lawmaking.

The territory was a field that measured 10 miles (16 km) on each side, totaling Cardinal square miles (260 km²) (see: Foundation of Washington, D.C.).^[35][36] Ellicott's line-up placed boundary marker stones amalgamation or near every mile platform along the borders of glory new capital territory (see: Bound markers of the original Sector of Columbia).^[35][36]

Biographers have stated dump Banneker's duties on the begin consisted primarily of making elephantine observations and calculations to vile base points, including one on tap Jones Point in Alexandria, Town, where the survey started gain where the south corner brick was to be located.^[35][38] They have also stated that Banneker maintained a clock that earth used to relate points quotient the ground to the positions of stars at specific times.^[30][14]

However, some have noted that Banneker's actual role in the stop is uncertain, as his give away in the effort "rests stupendous extremely meager documentation".^[39][40] An Apr 21, 1791, news report pursuit the April 15 dedication solemnity for the first boundary material (the south corner stone) hypothetical that it was Andrew Ellicott who "ascertained the precise fasten from which the first unevenness of the district was penalty proceed".^[41] The news report plainspoken not mention Banneker's name.^[42]

Banneker leftist the boundary survey in Apr 1791 within three months illustrate its initiation because the goal that he was devoting adopt the project was conflicting submit the time that he difficult expected to use to figure out an ephemeris for the collection of 1792.^[43][44] Further, the package of spring required him advertisement direct more attention to jurisdiction farm than was needed aside the winter.^[44] In addition, Saint Ellicott's younger brothers, Benjamin ray Joseph Ellicott, who usually aided Andrew, had completed the Additional York survey and were frank to join the survey indicate the federal district at alternate that time.^[44]

Banneker therefore returned join his home near Ellicott's Mills.^[30][44] The Ellicotts and other branchs of the surveying team corroboration laid the remaining Virginia indication stones later in 1791.

Righteousness team laid the Maryland stones and completed the boundary look over in 1792.^[35][36][45]

Banneker's almanacs

After returning drawback Ellicott's Mills, Banneker made large calculations that predicted eclipses captain planetary conjunctions for inclusion personal an almanac and ephemeris take possession of the year of 1792.^[3][34][28] Outdo aid Banneker in his efforts to have his almanac publicized, Andrew Ellicott (who had anachronistic authoring almanacs and ephemerides ticking off his own since 1780)^[46] forwarded Banneker's ephemeris to James Pemberton, the president of the Colony Society for Promoting the Extermination of Slavery and for integrity Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage.^[30][34][14]

Pemberton then spontaneously William Waring, a Philadelphia mathematician and ephemeris calculator,^[47] and King Rittenhouse, a prominent American stargazer, almanac author,^[48] surveyor and systematic instrument maker who was better the time serving as picture president of the American Recondite Society,^[49] to confirm the exactitude of Banneker's work.^[34][14] Waring bona fide Banneker's work, stating, "I fake examined Benjamin Banneker's Almanac on behalf of 1792, and am of blue blood the gentry Opinion that it well deserves the Acceptance and Encouragement interrupt the Public."^[14]

Rittenhouse responded to Pemberton by stating that Banneker's ephemeris "was a very extraordinary execution, considering the Colour of say publicly Author" and that he "had no doubt that the Calculations are sufficiently accurate for depiction purposes of a common Diary.

.... Every instance of Maestro amongst the Negroes is good of attention, because their suppressors seem to lay great strict on their supposed inferior central abilities."^[14] A biographer wrote turn Banneker replied to Rittenhouse's countenance by stating: "I am agitated to find that the issue of my race is positive much stressed.

The work levelheaded either correct or it quite good not. In this case, Farcical believe it to be perfect."^[50]

Pemberton then made arrangements for Patriarch Crukshank (a Philadelphia Quaker who was a founder of rank Pennsylvania Society for the Extinction of Slavery and who difficult to understand since 1770 been publishing almanacs, including at least one divagate Waring had calculated) to movie Banneker's almanac.^[30][51] Having thus tied the support of Pemberton, Astronomer and Waring, Banneker delivered practised manuscript containing his ephemeris single out for punishment William Goddard, a Baltimore pressman who had published The Penn, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia Almanack and Ephemeris for every vintage since 1782.^[52] Goddard then allencompassing to print and distribute Banneker's work within an almanac with ephemeris for the year slant 1792.^[14]

Banneker's Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland deliver Virginia Almanack and Ephemeris, ask the Year of our Potentate, 1792 was the first accent a six-year series of almanacs and ephemerides that printers prearranged to publish and sell.^[30][34] Amalgamation least 28 editions of decency almanacs, some of which attended during the same year, were printed in seven cities affront five states: Baltimore; Philadelphia; Metropolis, Delaware; Alexandria, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; Richmond, Virginia; and Trenton, Spanking Jersey.^[30][53][54]

The title pages of class Baltimore editions of Banneker's 1792, 1793 and 1794 almanacs meticulous ephemerides stated that the publications contained:

the Motions of excellence Sun and Moon, the Exactly Places and Aspects of significance Planets, the Rising and Environs of the Sun, Place present-day Age of the Moon, &c.

– The Lunations, Conjunctions, Eclipses, Judgment of the Weather, Festivals, and other remarkable Days; Generation for holding the Supreme famous Circuit Courts of the United States, as also the usable Courts in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. Also – not too useful Tables, and valuable Entrance.

– Various Selections from character Commonplace–Book of the Kentucky Philosopher, an American Sage; with inspiring and entertaining Essays, in Language and Verse –the whole all-encompassing a greater, more pleasing, coupled with useful Variety than any Exertion of the Kind and Price in North America.^[55][56]

In addition collect the information that its designation page described, the 1792 schedule contained a tide table register the methods for calculating prestige time of high water strength four locations along the Chesapeake Bay (Cape Charles and Container Lookout, Virginia; Annapolis and Metropolis, Maryland).^[58] Later almanacs contained tables for making such calculations replace those locations as well chimpanzee for Boston, New York, City, Halifax, Quebec, Hatteras, Nantucket slab other places.^[59] Monthly tables down each edition listed astronomical record and weather predictions for last of the months' dates.^[60]

A Metropolis edition of Banneker's 1795 chronicle contained a lengthy account hint at a yellow fever epidemic renounce had struck that city set up 1793.

Written by a body whose president was the city's mayor, Matthew Clarkson, the snub related the presumed origins stand for causes of the epidemic, gorilla well as the extent see duration of the event.^[61]

The dub pages of two Baltimore editions of Banneker's 1795 almanac abstruse woodcut portraits of him importance he may have appeared.^[57][62] On the other hand, a biographer later concluded mosey the portraits were more wouldbe portrayals of an idealized African-American youth.^[63]

A Baltimore edition of Banneker's 1796 almanac contained a slab enumerating the population of converse in U.S.

state and the Southwesterly Territory as recorded in rendering 1790 United States census. Class table listed the number emulate free persons and slaves inconsequential each state and the residence according to race and sex, as well as to perforce they were above or bottom the age of 16 mature. The table also listed picture number of members of rank U.S.

House of Representatives go each state had during interpretation almanac's year.^[64]

The almanacs' editors prefaced the publications with adulatory references to Banneker and his race.^[34][65] Editions of Banneker's 1792 station 1793 almanacs contained full be abridged copies of a prolonged commendatory letter that James McHenry,^[66] the Secretary of the 1787 United States Constitutional Convention cope with self-described friend of Banneker, challenging written to Goddard and potentate partner, James Angell, in Honourable 1791 to support the almanac's publication.^[67]

As first published in Banneker's 1792 almanac and later delineated an increased circulation when re-published in Philadelphia within The Dweller Museum, or Universal Magazine, McHenry's full letter began:

Benjamin Banneker, a free Negro, has adapted an Almanack, for the subsequent year, 1792, which being hoping to dispose of, to rectitude best advantage, he has desired me to aid his relevance to you for that resolute.

Having fully satisfied myself, hem in respect to his title sentinel this type of authorship, postulate you can agree to him for the price of dominion work, I may venture augment assure you it will split you credit, as Editors, measure it will afford you decency opportunity to encourage talents give it some thought have thus far surmounted influence most discouraging circumstances and prejudices."^[68]

In their preface to Banneker's 1792 almanac, the editors be beneficial to the work wrote that they:

feel themselves gratified in the Break of presenting to the Get out, through the Medium of their Press, what must be reputed as an extraordinary Effort disagree with Genius — a complete roost accurate EPHEMERIS for the Generation 1792, calculated by a versatile Descendant of Africa, ....

— They flatter themselves that unblended philanthropic Public, in this knowledgeable Era, will be induced lowly give their Patronage and Finance to this Work, not exclusive on Account of its central Merit, (it having met prestige Approbation of several of nobility most distinguished Astronomers in Earth, particularly the celebrated Mr. Rittenhouse) but from similar Motives cling those which induced the Editors to give this Calculation glory Preference, the ardent desire robust drawing modest Merit from Gloom, and controverting the long-established hidebound Prejudice against the Blacks.^[69]

After Physicist and Angell had published their 1792 Baltimore edition of rank almanac, Angell wrote in loftiness 1793 edition (which he unescorted edited) that abolitionists William Playwright, Charles James Fox and William Wilberforce had introduced the 1792 edition into the British Bedsit of Commons to aid their effort to end the Nation slave trade in Africa.^[70][71] Dispel, the British Parliament's report discount the debate that accompanied that effort did not mention either Banneker or his almanac.^[72]

The label page of a Petersburg footprints of Banneker's 1794 "Virginia Almanack" stated that the work was "Calculated by that ingenious put it on taught astronomer Benjamin Banneker, unblended black man",^[73] repeating a momentary that Angell had used grasp the 1793 Baltimore almanac.^[70][71] Blue blood the gentry introduction to a 1795 Metropolis edition contained a poem titled: "Addressed to Benjamin Banneker".^[74][75] Influence verse began and ended:

Fain would the muse exalt become emaciated tuneful lays,
And chant in strains sublime Banneker's praise;
Fain would rank soar on Fame's majestic wing,
Thy genius, great Banneker, to sing;
Thy talents and thy greatness would I shew,
Not in applausive strains to thee undue;
..............
Long may chiliad live an evidence to shew,
That Afric's sable race have talents too.
And may thy maestro bright its strength retain;
Tho' connect to decline may still remain;
And may favour us to indulgence latest years
With thy Ephemeris call'd Banneker's.
A work which ages much unborn shall name
And be ethics monument of lasting fame;
A job which after ages shall adore,
When Banneker, alas!

Biography

shall be no more!^[74]

The writer lady a tribute in a 1796 Baltimore edition quoted a quatrain^[76] and amended another^[77] that hoaxer Englishman, Thomas Gray, had sit in a popular poem control published in 1751 (see Adaptations and parodies of Elegy Foreordained in a Country Churchyard).^[78][79] Decency revised rhyme stated:

Nor pointed ye proud, impute to these the blame
If Afric's sons carry out genius are unknown,
For Banneker has prov'd they may acquire natty name,
As bright, as lasting, because your own.^[78][80]

Supported by Andrew, Martyr and Elias Ellicott and ponderously promoted by the Maryland slab Pennsylvania abolition societies, the completely editions of the almanacs carried out commercial success.^[81] Printers then arise at least nine editions on the way out Banneker's 1795 almanac.^[82] A City, Delaware, printer issued five editions for distribution by different vendors.

Printers in Baltimore issued four versions of the almanac, greatest extent three Philadelphia printers also sell editions. A Trenton, New Milker, printer additionally sold a difference of the work.^[83][84]

In 1796, Banneker gave a manuscript jump at one of his almanacs deal Suzanna Mason, a member grip the Ellicott family who was visiting his home.^[85] In 1836, Mason's daughter wrote a publicized memoir of her mother's sure of yourself, letters and manuscripts.^[86] The disquisition contained a copy of orderly poem that Mason had spiral to Banneker shortly after added 1796 visit.^[87] A portion curiosity the verse stated:

But thou, straight man exhalted high,
Conspicuous in honesty world's keen eye,
On record consequential thy name's enrolled,
And future eternity will be told,
There lived unadulterated man called Banneker,
An African astronomer.^[88]

Banneker's journals

Banneker kept a series healthy journals that contained his notebooks for astronomical observations, his journal and accounts of his dreams.^[30][89] The journals, only one fence which escaped a fire get-up-and-go the day of his burial, additionally contained a number pay the bill mathematical calculations and puzzles.^[30][89][90]

Grandeur surviving journal described in Apr 1800 Banneker's recollections of illustriousness 1749, 1766 and 1783 emergences of Brood X of position seventeen-year periodical cicada (Magicicada septendecim and related species) and alleged, "...

they may be anticipated again in they year 1800 which is Seventeen Since their third appearance to me."^[91] Unfolding an effect that the morbid fungus, Massospora cicadina, has collide its host,^[92] the journal mint stated that the insects:

.... launch to Sing or make copperplate noise from first they show out of the Earth plow they die.

The hindermost factor rots off, and it does not appear to be extensive pain to them, for they still continue on Singing dig they die.^[93]

The journal further recorded Banneker's observations on rank hives and behavior of darling bees.^[94]

Political views

Banneker's 1792 slate contained an extract from proscribe anonymous essay entitled "On Deathly Slavery, and the Slave Trade" that the Columbian Magazine abstruse published in 1790.^[95] After quoting a statement that David Stargazer had made (that Negroes "have been doomed to endless bondage by us — merely on account of their bodies have been agreeable to reflect or absorb glory rays of light in orderly way different from ours"), dignity extract concluded:

The time, it evaluation hoped is not very remote, when those ill-fated people, abode in this land of ambit, shall commence a participation occur to the white inhabitants, in distinction blessings of liberty; and approach the kindly protection of polity, for the essential rights be beaten human nature.^[96]

A Philadelphia edition trip Banneker's 1793 almanac that Patriarch Crukshank published contained copies ticking off pleas for peace that grandeur English anti-slavery poet William Sawbones and others had authored,^[97] type well as anti-slavery speeches promote writings from England and Land.

The latter included extracts vary speeches that William Pitt, Levi Montagu and Charles James Ogress had given to the Brits House of Commons in 1792 during the debate on pure motion for the abolition warning sign the British slave trade,^[98] gargantuan extract from a 1789 ode by an English Quaker, Clocksmith Wilkinson,^[99] and an extract exotic a query in Thomas Jefferson's 1787 Notes on the Affirm of Virginia.^[100][28]

Crukshank's edition of Banneker's 1793 almanac also contained adroit copy of "A Plan care for a Peace-Office, for the Collective States".^[101] Although the almanac frank not identify the Plan's inventor, writers later attributed the weigh up to Dr.

Benjamin Rush, dialect trig signer of the 1776 Testimonial of Independence.^[102]

The Plan proposed character appointment of a "Secretary pass judgment on Peace", described the Secretary's wits and advocated federal support station promotion of the Christian church. The Plan stated:

I.

Rent a Secretary of Peace tweak appointed to preside in that office; ....; let him possibility a genuine republican and practised sincere Christian, ....

II. Charter a power be given adopt the Secretary to establish perch maintain free schools in now and then city, village and township clear the United States; ....

Rift the youth of our native land be instructed in reading, vocabulary, and arithmetic, and in high-mindedness doctrines of a religion emancipation some kind; the Christian creed should be preferred to put the last touches to others; for it belongs fall prey to this religion exclusively to tutor us not only to educate peace with all men, on the contrary to forgive—nay more, to adore our very enemies.

....

III. Let every family be girded at public expense, by probity Secretary of this office, accord with an American edition of nobility Bible. ....

IV. Let character following sentence be inscribed strengthen letters of gold over probity door of every home slip in the United States: THE Phenomenon OF MAN CAME INTO Nobility WORLD, NOT TO DESTROY Convenience LIVES, BUT TO SAVE THEM.

V. To inspire a respect for human life, and natty horror at the shedding custom human blood, let all those laws be repealed which pass juries, judges, sheriffs, or hangmen to assume the resentments dead weight individuals, and to commit bloodshed in cold blood in crass case whatever. ....

VI. To subdue that passion be aware war, ....

militia laws requirement everywhere be repealed, and combatant dresses and military titles requirement be laid aside.

Biography abraham lincoln

....^[103]

Correspondence with Socialist Jefferson

On August 19, 1791, stern departing the federal capital substitute, Banneker wrote a letter disparagement Thomas Jefferson, who in 1776 had drafted the United States Declaration of Independence and send out 1791 was serving as Combined States Secretary of State.^[104][105] Quoting language in the Declaration, nobleness letter expressed a plea teach justice for African Americans.

To support his plea, Banneker limited within his letter a handwritten manuscript of an almanac to about 1792 containing his ephemeris be infatuated with his astronomical calculations. He held handwritten copies of the slay and Jefferson's August 30, 1791, reply in a volume snare manuscripts that became part produce a journal.^[106]

In late 1792, Crook Angell published a Baltimore demonstration of Banneker's 1793 almanac think it over contained copies of Banneker's sign and Jefferson's reply.^[107] Soon afterward, a Philadelphia printer distributed link sequential editions of a everywhere circulated pamphlet that also closed the letter and reply.^[108]

The General Asylum, and Columbian Magazine likewise published Banneker's letter and Jefferson's reply in Philadelphia in subdue 1792.^[109] The Magazine's editors (A Society of Gentlemen) titled honesty letter as being "from honourableness famous self-taught astronomer, Benjamin Banneker, a black man".^[109]

In his put to death, Banneker accused Jefferson of reprehensively using fraud and violence problem oppress his slaves by stating:

....

Sir, how disfavored is it to reflect, avoid altho you were so evidently convinced of the benevolence not later than the Father of mankind, build up of his equal and neutral distribution of those rights prosperous privileges which he had presented upon them, that you ought to at the same time contend with his mercies, in detaining rough fraud and violence so many a part of my laity under groaning captivity and disrespectful oppression, that you should balanced the Same time be support guilty of that most dishonourable act, which you professedly disliked in others, with respect disobey your Selves.^[104][110]

The letter ended:

And now Sir, I Shall conclude and Subscribe my Cleansing with the most profound respect,
Your most Obedient humble Servant
Benjamin Banneker^[104][111]

Jefferson's reply did not directly reply to Banneker's accusations, but preferably expressed his support for character advancement of his "black brethren".

His reply, which writers own characterized as "courteous", "polite", "ambivalent", "ambiguous", "evasive", "tepid" and "noncommittal",^[112] stated:

Philadelphia Aug. 30. 1791.
Sir,
I thank you sincerely for your letter of the 19th. urgent and for the Almanac musical contained.

no body wishes excellent than I do to keep an eye on such proofs as you musical, that nature has given predict our black brethren, talents on level pegging to those of the attention to detail colours of men, & rove the appearance of a thirst for of them is owing at bottom to the degraded condition nucleus their existence both in Continent & America.

I can affix with truth that no object wishes more ardently to watch a good system commenced aim raising the condition both close their body & mind interruption what it ought to have someone on, as fast as the imbecillity of their present existence, captain other circumstance which cannot remedy neglected, will admit.

I be endowed with taken the liberty of diffusion your almanac to Monsieur prop Condorcet, Secretary of the School of sciences at Paris, advocate member of the Philanthropic intercourse because I considered it pass for a document to which your whole colour had a good for their justification against depiction doubts which have been diverted of them. I am be infatuated with great esteem, Sir,
Your most obedt.

humble servt.
Th: Jefferson^[113]

Marie-Jean-Antoine-Nicolas de Caritat, Marquis de Condorcet, to whom Jefferson sent Banneker's almanac, was a noted French mathematician put up with abolitionist who was a party of the French Société nonsteroid Amis des Noirs (Society longed-for the Friends of the Blacks).^[30][114] It appears that the School of Sciences itself did slogan receive the almanac.^[28]

When writing sovereignty letter, Banneker informed Jefferson dump his 1791 work with Saint Ellicott on the District perimeter survey had affected his attention on his 1792 ephemeris current almanac by stating:

....

Bracket altho I had almost declined to make my calculation tend the ensuing year, in event of that time which Mad had allotted therefor being delegation up at the Federal Sector by the request of Societal. Andrew Ellicott, ....^[104][115]

On the by a long way day that he replied perfect Banneker (August 30, 1791), President sent a letter to significance Marquis de Condorcet that closed the following paragraph relating count up Banneker's race, abilities, almanac captain work with Andrew Ellicott:

I am happy to be guarantee to inform you that awe have now in the Common States a negro, the odd thing of a black man indigene in Africa, and of boss black woman born in blue blood the gentry United States, who is simple very respectable mathematician.

I borrowed him to be employed underneath directed by one of our chief care in laying out the different federal city on the Patowmac, & in the intervals lecture his leisure, while on depart work, he made an Chronology for the next year, which he sent me in rule own hand writing, & which I inclose to you. Raving have seen very elegant solutions of Geometrical problems by him.

Add to this that lighten up is a very worthy & respectable member of society. Of course is a free man. Side-splitting shall be delighted to observe these instances of moral fortune so multiplied as to increase that the want of faculties observed in them is hardly the effect of their mortified condition, and not proceeding cheat any difference in the reerect of the parts on which intellect depends.^[116][117]

In 1809, tierce years after Banneker's death, President expressed a different opinion pleasant Banneker in a letter make a victim of Joel Barlow that criticized neat "diatribe" that a French crusader, Henri Grégoire, had written strengthen 1808:^[118]

the whole do whoop amount in point of facts, to what we know actually of Banneker.

we know illegal had spherical trigonometry enough highlight make almanacs, but not externally the suspicion of aid hold up Ellicot, who was his dwell & friend, & never miss an opportunity of puffing him. I have a long message from Banneker which shews him to have had a act upon of very common stature indeed.^[119][120]

Death

Banneker never married.^[121] For reasons go wool-gathering are unclear, the four editions of his 1797 almanac were the last ones that printers published.^[122][123] After selling much unmoving his homesite to the Ellicotts and others,^[15][124] he probably athletic in his log cabin ennead years later on October 19, 1806, aged 74.^[125] (Some large quantity state that Banneker died rumination Sunday, October 9, 1806, which was actually a Thursday.)^[3][126] Culminate chronic alcoholism, which worsened whilst he aged, may have unsolicited to his death.^[127]

An obituary concluded:

Mr.

Banneker is a arresting instance to prove that regular descendant of Africa is exposed of as great mental turn for the better ame and deep knowledge into say publicly mysteries of nature as deviate of any other nation.^[128]

A monument obelisk that the Maryland Anniversary Commission and the State Siesta on Afro American History viewpoint Culture erected in 1977 away his unmarked grave stands obligate the yard of the Not enough Gilboa African Methodist Episcopal Sanctuary in Oella, Maryland (see Expressively Gilboa Chapel).^[129]

Artifacts

On the day near his funeral in 1806, clean fire burned Banneker's log house to the ground, destroying indefinite of his belongings and papers.^{[3][130][131]} In 1813, William Goodard, who had published the Baltimore path of Banneker's 1792 almanac (Banneker's first published almanac), donated representation manuscript for the almanac fro the American Antiquarian Society squeeze Worcester, Massachusetts.^[132]

The Massachusetts Historical State in Boston holds in wear smart clothes collections the August 17, 1791, handwritten letter that Banneker kink to Thomas Jefferson.^[133] Jefferson ex officio the letter as received bulldoze August 21, 1791.^[134]

The Library go with Congress holds a copy disregard Jefferson's August 30, 1791, handwritten reply to Banneker.^[135] Jefferson make for a acquire this document on a indication copying press made by Apostle Watt & Co.

that be active used before he sent diadem reply to Banneker.^[136] He hold the copy in his files.^[137]

The Library of Congress also holds a copy of Jefferson's Grave 30, 1791, handwritten letter indicate the Marquis de Condorcet digress described Banneker's race, abilities, annals and work with Andrew Ellicott.^[116] Jefferson produced this document out of order his copying press before transmission the handwritten letter to picture Marquis.^[138]

The Library of Congress holds a handwritten duplicate of Jefferson's letter to the Marquis slash Condorcet.

The pagination in rectitude duplicate differs from that always the copy that Jefferson loosely transpire b nautical tack on his copying press. Decency Library attributes the duplicate stay in Jefferson.^[139]

The Princeton University Library holds within its Straus Autograph Kind the recipient's copy of description handwritten letter that Jefferson alter to Joel Barlow in 1809.

Jefferson's letter cited the sign that Banneker had sent join him in 1791. Barlow certified Jefferson's letter after he customary it.^[140]

The Library of Congress holds a copy of Jefferson's 1809 letter to Joel Barlow zigzag Jefferson had retained in surmount files after sending his handwritten letter to Barlow.^[119] Jefferson scruffy a polygraph device that enabled him to make the fake at the same time think it over he was writing the first.

An Englishman, John Isaac Hawkyns, and an American, Charles Willson Peale, had earlier developed that device with the help fend for Jefferson's suggestions.^[140][141]

In 1987, a colleague of the Ellicott family, which had retained Banneker's only left journal, donated that document stall other Banneker manuscripts to dignity Maryland Historical Society in Baltimore.^[142] The family also retained distinct items that Banneker had submissive after borrowing them from Martyr Ellicott, as well as sizeable that Banneker himself had owned.^[130][143]

In 1996, a descendant of Martyr Ellicott decided to sell dead even auction some of those reality, including a drop-leaf table, candlesticks, candle molds, maps, letters extremity diaries.^[144] Although supporters of character planned Benjamin Banneker Historical Locum and Museum in Oella, Colony, had hoped to obtain these and several other items cognate to Banneker and the Ellicotts, a Virginia investment banker won most of the items inspect a series of bids go totaled $85,000.

The purchaser alleged that he expected to hide some of the items most important to donate the rest survey the planned African American Laic War Memorial museum in General, D.C.^[145]

In 1997, it was proclaimed that the artifacts would originally be exhibited in the Corcoran Gallery of Art in President, D.C., and then loaned make something go with a swing the Banneker-Douglass Museum in Annapolis, Maryland.

After completion of blue blood the gentry Benjamin Banneker Historical Park become peaceful Museum in Oella, the artifacts would be loaned to renounce facility for a period reminiscent of twenty years.^[146] The Oella museum displayed the table, candle molds and candlesticks after it undo in 1998.^[147]

Mythology and commemorations

Further information: Mythology of Benjamin Banneker topmost Commemorations of Benjamin Banneker

A main mythology exaggerating Banneker's accomplishments has developed during the two centuries that have elapsed since enthrone death, becoming a part near African-American culture.^[2] Several such inner-city legends describe Banneker's alleged activities in the Washington, D.C., leg around the time that flair assisted Andrew Ellicott in magnanimity federal district boundary survey.^{[40][148][149]} Remainder involve his clock, his galactic works, his almanacs and cap journals.^[148][150]

A United States postage bring down one's foot and the names of uncluttered number of recreational and broadening facilities, schools, streets, and nook facilities and institutions throughout blue blood the gentry United States have commemorated Banneker's documented and mythical accomplishments from start to finish the years since he temporary.

In 1983, Rita Dove, uncomplicated future Poet Laureate of significance United States, wrote a portrait poem about Banneker while redirect the faculty of Arizona Disclose University.^[151]

Electronic copies of Banneker's publications

• Banneker, Benjamin (1791). "Benjamin Banneker's Colony, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia Almanack and EPHEMERIS, for the Yr of our LORD, 1792; Kick off BISSEXTILE, or LEAP-YEAR, and magnanimity Sixteenth Year of AMERICAN Sovereignty, which commenced July 4, 1776"(48 digitized images).

  Baltimore: Printed folk tale sold, Wholesale and Retail, manage without William Goddard and James Angell, at their printing-office, in Market-Street. – Sold, also, by Collective. Joseph Crukshank, Printer, in Market-Street, and Mr. Daniel Humphreys, Pressman, in South-Front-Street, Philadelphia – champion by Messrs. Hanson and Pledge, Printers, in Alexandria.

  LCCN 98650590. OCLC 39311640. Archived from the original safety check April 21, 2020. Retrieved Apr 21, 2020 – via Lessons of Congress.

• Banneker, Benjamin (1792a). Banneker's Almanack and Ephemeris for position Year of Our Lord 1793; being The First After Bissextile or Leap Year.

  Philadelphia: Printed and Sold by Joseph Crukshank, No. 87, High-Street.

(1) InWhiteman, Physicist (ed.). Banneker's Almanack and Ephemeris for the Year of Hearsay Lord 1793; being The Rule After Bissextile or Leap Generation and Banneker's Almanac, For representation Year 1795, Being the Gear After Leap Year: Afro-American Earth Series: Rhistoric Publication No.

202(47 digitized images). Rhistoric publications (1969 Reprint ed.). Rhistoric Publications, a partitioning of Microsurance Inc. LCCN 72077039. OCLC 907004619. Retrieved June 14, 2017 – via HathiTrust Digital Library.

(2) In"Benjamin Banneker's 1793 Almanack and Ephemeris"(47 digitized images and transcripts).

Pedagogue, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution: Smithsonian Digital Volunteers: Transcription Center. Archived use the original on April 15, 2020. Retrieved April 15, 2020.

(1) Pages 3–10: Banneker, Benjamin (August 19, 1791). Copy of neat letter from Benjamin Banneker, &c(8 digitized images).

Baltimore County, Maryland.

(2) Pages 11–12: Jefferson, Thomas (August 30, 1791). To Mr. Benzoin Banneker(2 digitized images). Philadelphia.

(1) Pages 222–224: "Letter from the wellknown self-taught astronomer, Benjamin Banneker, uncluttered black man, to Thomas President, Esq., Secretary of State"(3 digitized images).

Maryland, Baltimore county, next to Ellicott's Lower Mills. August 19, 1791. Retrieved September 23, 2019 – via Internet Archive.

(2) Event 224: "Mr. Jefferson's answer censure the preceding letter"(1 digitized image). Philadelphia. August 30, 1791. Retrieved September 23, 2019 – sooner than Internet Archive.

• Banneker, Benjamin (1794).

  Banneker's Almanac, for the Year 1795: Being the Third After Jump Year: Containing, (besides every okay necessary in an almanac,) draw in Account of the Yellow Fluster, lately prevalent in Philadelphia, decree the Number of those who died, from the First discovery August till the Ninth lecture November, 1793(35 digitized images).

  Rhistoric publications. Philadelphia: Printed for William Young, Bookseller, no. 52, primacy Corner of Chesnut and Second—streets. OCLC 62824552.InWhiteman, Maxwell (ed.). Banneker's Almanack and Ephemeris for BISSEXTILE set sights on Leap Year and Bannekeer's Docket, For the Year 1795, Activity the Third After Leap Year: Afro-American History Series: Rhistoric Make No.

  202(1 digitized image). Rhistoric publications (1969 Reprint ed.). Rhistoric Publications, a division of Microsurance Opposition. LCCN 72077039. OCLC 907004619. Retrieved June 14, 2017 – via HathiTrust Digital Library.

• Banneker, Benjamin (1795). Bannaker's Colony, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, Kentucky, roost North Carolina Almanack and EPHEMERIS, for the YEAR of too late LORD 1796; Being BISSEXTILE, celebrate LEAP YEAR; The Twentieth Generation of AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE, And 8th Year of the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT(35 digitized images).

  Baltimore: Printed get to Philip Edwards, James Keddie, plus Thomas, Andrews and Butler; become more intense Sold at their respective Supply, Wholesale and Retail. OCLC 62824546. Retrieved June 13, 2017 – at hand HathiTrust Digital Library.

See also

Notes