ers write and read, I had a strong desire to learn, and getting what assistance I could, I applied myself to learn reading and writing, which soon became my recreation, pleasure, and delight; and when my master perceived that I could write some, he sent me to a proper school for that purpose to learn. Since, I have endeavoured to improve my mind in reading, and have sought to get all the intelligence I could, in my situation of life, towards the state of my brethren and countrymen in complexion, and of the miserable situation of those who are barbarously sold into captivity, and unlawfully held in slavery. Read the excerpt from Letters of the Late Ignatius Sancho, An African. The first part of my life was rather unlucky, as I was placed in a family who judged ignorance the best and only security for obedience.ÑA little reading and writing I got by unwearied application.ÑThe latter part of my life has beenÑthro' God's blessing, truly fortunate, having spent it in the service of one of the best families in the kingdom.ÑMy chief pleasure has been books. In these excerpts, how do both men use their personal histories to achieve their purpose? Both men use their past experiences to show readers that they persevered and became accomplished readers and writers. Both men use their personal histories to show readers the horrors and misery of being enslaved. Both men share their past experiences to show readers that they are much smarter than the average person. Both men share their personal stories to show readers that they are still having a very difficult time adjusting to European customs.