![Benjamin Banneker - Photo 2](https://d1y822qhq55g6.cloudfront.net/default/_smallImage/TJ-to-Banneker-letter.jpg)
Benjamin Banneker - Photo 2
Dated August 30, 1791, Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson penned this letter in response to Benjamin Banneker questioning his commitment to liberty. Jefferson--a slave owner--acknowledged the paradox and expressed his personal distaste for the institution, but did little else to directly address the issue.
- Credit
- Thomas Jefferson Papers, Library of Congress