Slavery shook the roots and morals of the United States from its creation to its exploits in the 20th century. Although one of the country's founding principles was “all men are created equal,” socioeconomic merit was assigned to maintaining an enslaved population. Unable to foresee appropriate or effective change in this abject situation, Benjamin Banneker appealed to Thomas Jefferson, one of the most respected and trusted men in the country, leading to question not only him but, ultimately, classical American morality on slavery. Benjamin Banneker's appeals carry with them historical and biblical allusions that fuel the emotional appeal and logic of his argument, combined with a professional yet adamant tone that ties into his respect for Jefferson as well as criticism of his inactions. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay To begin, Banneker uses a historical allusion to the American Revolution to instill feelings of empathy and pride that help build the rationale behind the abolition of slavery. He establishes an implicit parallel between the current slaves or his “brothers” and the people who thought against the “British Crown [which] [reduced] [them] to a state of servitude” (3-5). Banneker is able to set up a logical argument and appeal to Jefferson on a personal and emotional level in one fell swoop. Banneker is able to argue inductively that the people fought against servitude to the English and therefore the American people must now fight against the servitude of African Americans to the white population. He continues to flatter Jefferson by referring to how Jefferson “clearly saw the injustice of a state of slavery” and “publicly upheld [the] true and precious doctrine” (20). Banneker is able to appeal to Jefferson through personal experience as Jefferson was a founding father who worked to establish the new country formed following the revolt against Great Britain. By making the connection to the Declaration of Independence, Banneker places at least some of the responsibility for upholding the morality on which the country was founded on Jefferson. This is meant to both flatter Jefferson and introduce a need for guilt into the idea that Jefferson once saw slavery for what it was and knew better, but has now let his eyes drift away from this fact. Throughout the first part of his letter, Benjamin Banneker maintains a professional tone that conveys his respect and admiration for Jefferson in order to establish a favorable dialogue. Banneker treads lightly with repetitive phrases beginning with “Sir” such as “Sir aware me” where he repeats the formality to lead to his main point while maintaining his display of respect for Jefferson. In reference to the Declaration of Independence, a work of which Jefferson was a part, Banneker defines it as “worthy of being recorded and remembered in all subsequent ages” (21). The lingering formality and direct praise directed at Jefferson is intended to provide the foundation of favorable feelings between the two in the dialogue, as Banneker must soon lead to the difficult and direct topic of the injustice that is slavery. Banneker begins the most candid part of his letter and uses biblical allusions to illustrate how freedom is tied to the will of God and how Jefferson, by allowing slavery to continue, ignored God's will. Christians believe that God decided the rich and the poor and the rights of all men. Banneker refers to this idea when he says it is “regrettable.