Benjamin Banneker had ancestors that were slaves, so he felt he needed to show how cruel slavery is. Banneker wrote this letter to convey his message to Thomas Jefferson, secretary of state. Banneker utilizes rhetorical devices and rhetorical appeals to argue against slavery. Banneker presents repetition when saying, "Sir” to show respect toward Jefferson, despite disagreeing with the secretary of state’s views. "You" is repeated to keep the matters personal. By using this word throughout, Jefferson is showed that he needs to act and help put an end to slavery. The letter contains allusions to the Declaration of Independence and to the Bible. First, Banneker alludes to the Declaration of Independence. "We hold these truths to be self-evident,