In 1791, Benjamin Banneker wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson attempting to show him the wrongs the United States are dealing with slavery. Banneker uses his high intellect to use descriptive language, he uses allusions to speak about biblical quotes, and historical events and other rhetorical devices to combat the problems with slavery.
Banneker’s advanced knowledge at the time allowed him to use descriptive language to emphasize the subpar fairness to African-Americas at the time. Banneker notes that slavery is “apprehensions of the horrors of its condition,” stating that African Americans had a much more unpleasant experience than others in this time period. He also references the “groaning captivity and cruel oppression,” Banneker coveys