Summary
Highlights
Oney Judge recounts her arrival in New Hampshire, seeking freedom from the Washington household. She expresses her hope not to return to Philadelphia or Mount Vernon and asks for secrecy regarding her escape and the identity of her helper, Captain John Bowles.
Oney discovers a runaway ad for her capture, placed by the Washingtons. The ad describes her as a 'light mulatto girl' named Oney Judge, about 20 years old, with distinctive features, and mentions a reward for her return. She realizes the severity of her situation but renews her resolve for freedom.
Oney declares her newfound freedom and independence, burning the runaway advertisement as a symbolic act. She envisions a life with privacy, the ability to read and write, marriage, and free children, contrasting it with her past as a slave.
Oney reflects on her upbringing at Mount Vernon, where she was trained as a seamstress like her mother and father. She became Lady Washington's personal maid and describes her duties, her close relationship with the grandchildren, and her sadness at leaving her family behind.
Oney explains that she is a 'dower slave' from the Custis Estate, not directly owned by the Washingtons. She clarifies that upon Martha Washington's death, she and other dower slaves would be divided among the Custis heirs, never gaining freedom, which motivated her escape.
Oney reveals a major catalyst for her escape: the fear of being given as a wedding present to Lady Washington's granddaughter, Eliza. She reiterates her determination to never be Eliza's slave.
Oney acknowledges the special privileges she received in New York and Philadelphia, such as better clothing, money, and occasional trips to the theater and circus. She recounts sharing these experiences and gifts with her family when she returned to Mount Vernon.
Oney learns about Philadelphia's law granting freedom to slaves who resided in the city for more than six months. She realizes the Washingtons deliberately rotated slaves to prevent them from gaining freedom, strengthening her resolve to escape. She details her nighttime departure with help from the free Black community and Captain John Bowles.
Now in New Hampshire, Oney considers her options for making a living. She realizes she cannot work as a seamstress due to her association with Lady Washington, instead opting for domestic work to remain inconspicuous and maintain her freedom. She expresses her willingness to work hard for her liberty.