How Are Benjamin Banneker And Thomas Jefferson Alike

In the 1971 correspondence between a free African-American man and the author of The Declaration of Independence, differences are seen in how each man views freedom, equality, and race. Benjamin Banneker wrote to Thomas Jefferson to discuss the issues within the freedom and equality of enslaved black men. Thomas Jefferson’s response touched on the issues presented to him, but none were resolved. After this correspondence, Jefferson writes to Joel Barlow and states his true opinions on Banneker. By using these documents, I will summarize, compare, and analyze the opinions on freedom, equality, and race between Benjamin Banneker and Thomas Jefferson.
Benjamin Banneker is a free African-American man that wrote to Thomas Jefferson on the inequalities

Thomas Jefferson responded to Banneker’s letter two weeks after the letter was first written. Jefferson’s response is formal and short. He admits the inequality of men should not be neglected yet disregards to come up with a solution. Later he admits in a letter to Joel Barlow that he had given Banneker a “… very soft answer.” (Jefferson). At the time Jefferson “… personally owned and sold upwards of 700 slaves.” (Created Equal: How Benjamin Banneker Challenged Jefferson on Race and Freedom). If Jefferson were to solve the inequality and freedom issues, then he would have to give up his slaves. In the letter, Jefferson states he was amazed by the intelligence exhibited by Banneker and uses this statement as a justification on how amazing the African-American race is. Even though Banneker is a free man, Jefferson still sees himself above him, this idea is exemplified in a letter Jefferson writes years later to

Banneker is ardent in his writing to Thomas Jefferson and makes him aware of the discriminations upon the African-American race. Throughout his letter, Banneker challenges Jefferson to uphold the ideals set forth in The Declaration of Independence. Banneker thought if he could show Jefferson when given equal opportunities anyone can do remarkable things. But Jefferson is not convinced by Banneker’s words. Jefferson is surprised at Banneker’s knowledge and impressed by the almanac he created, Jefferson sends the almanac as a “… document to which your whole color [has] a right for their justification against the doubts which have been entertained of them” (Jefferson). Jefferson does this to please Banneker and to show the world how great the country is. In the letter between Jefferson and Barlow, Jefferson admits to suspecting Banneker receiving help when creating his almanac. Even though Banneker is a free intellectual man, Jefferson still views himself above him. In Thomas Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia (1781), he states that African-American’s are inferior to white