A Sketch of the Life of Benjamin Banneker; From Notes Taken in 1836 - Read by J. Saurin Norris, Before the Maryland Historical Society, October 5th, 1854 #244628

Benjamin Banneker, they are herewith presented with two of his autograph letters, accompanied by a brief account of him, compiled from notes taken in 1836, from the reminiscences of aged persons then living, who had been intimately acquainted with him, and from other authentic sources, which were then accessible. All were designed for the use of one of our citi zens, a writer of acknowledged merit, who believed that the astronomer's example of mental application, and subsequent attainments, might have a useful influence on his brethren, both in the United States, and in our African Colonies, and therefore wished to draw up a narrative of his life. But, discouragements in the prosecution of the plan, having oc curred, the work was abandoned, and its intended author died in 1849. The notes have since been returned to the writer of the present Sketch, who knowing them to contain reliable information not heretofore published, has arranged them for the perusal of those who, having read the memoir prepared by J. H. B. Latrobe, may be willing to hear what still remains untold of the history of one, Whose peculiar circumstances entitle him to our notice.