The Journal of Negro History Volume III Part 13

B. Latrobe in _Maryland Historical Society Publications_, I, p. 8.

[148] Ford edition of _Jefferson's Writings_, V, p. 379.

[149] In the memoir of Banneker, above mentioned, read before the Maryland Historical Society in 1845, and in another memoir of Banneker, read before the same Society by Mr. J. Saurin Norris, in 1854, the estate purchased by Mollie Welsh is referred to as "a small farm near the present site of Baltimore," and "purchased at a merely nominal price." See Norris's _Memoir_, p. 3.

[150] Norris _Memoir_, p. 4; Williams's _History of the Negro Race_, p. 386.

[151] Tyson, _Banneker_, p. 10.

[152] It is elsewhere given as 7,000, but the earlier record seems to be the correct one.

[153] _Atlantic Monthly_, XI, p. 81.

[154] Latrobe, _Memoir, Maryland Historical Society Publications_, I, p. 7.

[155] _Ibid._, I, p. 7.

[156] Banneker would frequently, in answering questions submitted to him, accompany the answers with questions of his own in rhyme. The following is an example of such a question submitted by him to another noted mathematician, his friend and neighbor, Mr. George Ellicott:

A cooper and Vintner sat down for a talk, Both being so groggy, that neither could walk, Says Cooper to Vintner, "I'm the first of my trade, There's no kind of vessel, but what I have made, And of any shape, Sir,--just what you will,-- And of any size, Sir,--from a ton to a gill!"

"Then," says the Vintner, "you're the man for me,-- Make me a vessel, if we can agree.

The top and the bottom diameter define, To bear that proportion as fifteen to nine, Thirty-five inches are just what I crave, No more and no less, in the depth, will I have; Just thirty-nine gallons this vessel must hold,-- Then I will reward you with silver or gold,-- Give me your promise, my honest old friend?"

"I'll make it tomorrow, that you may depend!"

So the next day the Cooper his work to discharge, Soon made the new vessel, but made it too large;-- He took out some staves, which made it too small, And then cursed the vessel, the Vintner and all.

He beat on his breast, "By the Powers!"--he swore, He never would work at his trade any more.

Now my worthy friend, find out, if you can, The vessel's dimensions and comfort the man!

BENJAMIN BANNEKER.

We are indebted to Benjamin Hallowell, of Alexandria, for the solution of this problem. The greater diameter of Banneker's tub must be 24.745 inches; the less diameter 14.8476 inches. See _Maryland Historical Society Publications_, I, p. 20.

[157] _The Atlantic Monthly_, XI, p. 81.

[158] _The Atlantic Monthly_, XI, p. 81.

[159] _Atlantic Monthly_, XI, p. 82.

[160] _Southern Literary Messenger_, XXIII, p. 65.

[161] Tyson's _Banneker_, p. 24.

[162] Tyson, _Banneker_, p. 26.

[163] J. H. B. Latrobe's _Memoir, Maryland Historical Society Publications_, I, p. 8.

[164] _Atlantic Monthly_, XI, p. 82.

[165] Tyson, _Banneker_, p. 51.

[166] Mr. McHenry was not only one of the most prominent men of Baltimore, but was several times honored with positions of trust. He was Senator from Maryland in 1781; and as one of the Commissioners to frame the Const.i.tution of the United States, he signed that instrument in 1787. He was also a member of the cabinet of President John Adams as Secretary of War in 1797.--Tyson, _Banneker_, pp. 50, 51, 52.

[167] _Maryland Historical Society Publications_, I, 1844-48, I, p.

79.

[168] A copy of Banneker's letter to Thomas Jefferson and the statesman's reply were published in the JOURNAL OF NEGRO HISTORY, III, p. 69.

[169] _Catholic World_, x.x.xVIII, December, 1883.

[170] _Was.h.i.+ngton Star_, October 15, 1916.

[171] _Georgetown Weekly Ledger_, March 12, 1791.

[172] Tyson, _Banneker_, p. 37.

[173] Tyson, _Banneker_, pp. 70-71.

[174] Tyson, _Banneker_, pp. 35-60.

[175] _Records of the Columbia Historical Society_, XX, pp. 117-119.

[176] _The Atlantic Monthly_, XI, p. 84.

[177] Tyson, _Banneker_, p. 31.

[178] _Ibid._, p. 31.

[179] _Catholic World_, XVIII, p. 354.

[180] Norris's _Memoir, Maryland Historical Society Publications_, II, p. 75.

[181] _Federal Gazette and Baltimore Daily Advertiser_, October 28, 1806.

[182] Norris's _Memoir, Maryland Historical Society Publications_, II, p. 64.

[183] _Ibid._, II, p. 73.

[184] Tyson, _Banneker_, p. 72.

[185] _Records of the Columbia Historical Society_, XX, pp. 119-120.

GEORGE LIELE AND ANDREW BRYAN, PIONEER NEGRO BAPTIST PREACHERS

Without any consideration of the merits or demerits of what is called the exceptional man theory, perhaps no two men stand out more prominently in the early history of the Negro church than George Liele and Andrew Bryan. In the days of darkest forebodings and of the greatest human sufferings these two pioneers of religion went forth to disseminate ideas and mold sentiments which were to shape the inner springs of conduct of their fellow-slaves. Sketches of these heroes must claim the attention of seekers for the truth as to this important phase of our history.

A letter dated September 15, 1790, from the late Reverend Mr. Joseph Cook of Euhaw, upper Indian Land, South Carolina, says: "A poor Negro, commonly called, among his friends, Brother George,[186] has been so highly favored of G.o.d, as to plant the first Baptist Church in Savannah, and another in Jamaica." This man was George Liele. He was born in Virginia about 1751. He knew very little of his mother, Nancy, but was informed by white and black that his father was a very devout man. The family moved much during the youth of George, but finally settled in Georgia.