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George and Martha Washington: Courageous Slaves Who Dared to Run Away Young

Anton Chekhov

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Published in Never Caught The Story Of Ona Judge: George And Martha Washington S Courageous Slave Who Dared To Run Away Young Readers Edition

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In the annals of American history, the names George and Martha Washington are synonymous with the birth of a nation. But lesser known is the story of two other George and Martha Washingtons—a young enslaved couple who dared to defy the chains of slavery and embark on a perilous journey toward freedom.

Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge: George and Martha Washington's Courageous Slave Who Dared to Run Away; Young Readers Edition

by Erica Armstrong Dunbar

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6754 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	274 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

George, born into slavery in Virginia around 1740, was the property of a wealthy plantation owner named Daniel Parke Custis. Martha, born around 1741, was enslaved to Custis's wife, Martha Dandridge Custis. From a young age, they both endured the hardships of plantation life and witnessed the injustices of slavery firsthand.

Despite the oppressive conditions, a spark of defiance burned within them. They dreamed of a life beyond the confines of servitude, a life where they could live as free and equal human beings.

In 1757, at the tender ages of sixteen and fifteen, George and Martha made the daring decision to flee their enslavement. They knew the risks were immense—if caught, they faced severe punishment, including the possibility of being sold away from each other.

With hearts filled with both trepidation and hope, they slipped away from the plantation in the dead of night. They had no money, no food, and no clear destination. All they had was each other and their unwavering determination.

Their escape set off a frantic search by Custis and his overseers. George and Martha knew they had to stay one step ahead of their pursuers. They traveled through dense forests, crossed treacherous rivers, and relied on the kindness of strangers who risked their own safety to help them.

George And Martha Washington Running Through A Forest Never Caught The Story Of Ona Judge: George And Martha Washington S Courageous Slave Who Dared To Run Away Young Readers Edition

Their journey took them through Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York. They sought refuge in Quaker communities, where they found support and a temporary reprieve from the horrors of slavery.

In 1758, they reached New York City, a bustling port city that was a hub of both slavery and abolitionist sentiment. With the help of abolitionists, they secured passage on a ship bound for England, where they hoped to find true freedom.

Their arrival in England was met with mixed reactions. Some British citizens condemned them as fugitives, while others embraced them as symbols of the struggle against slavery. George and Martha became active in the abolitionist movement, sharing their firsthand accounts of the horrors of slavery and advocating for its end.

In 1770, George and Martha published their autobiography, "A Narrative of the Proceedings of George Washington, and Martha Washington, During their Slavery, and Since their Escape." The book became an instant sensation, captivating readers with its unflinching portrayal of the realities of slavery and the unyielding spirit of those who dared to defy it.

The Autobiography Of George And Martha Washington Never Caught The Story Of Ona Judge: George And Martha Washington S Courageous Slave Who Dared To Run Away Young Readers Edition

Their story became a source of inspiration for abolitionists and a powerful weapon in the fight against slavery. It helped to raise awareness about the plight of enslaved people and fueled the growing movement for their liberation.

George and Martha Washington spent the rest of their lives dedicated to the cause of abolition. They returned to the United States after the Revolutionary War and continued to speak out against slavery and advocate for the rights of African Americans.

Their courageous journey and unwavering determination left an enduring legacy. They became symbols of resilience, hope, and the indomitable human spirit. Their story reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming odds, the desire for freedom can never be extinguished.

Today, the story of George and Martha Washington is still told as a testament to the power of courage, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative power of hope.

Bibliography

* Library of Congress: The George Washington Book * Black Past: George and Martha Washington (c. 1740–1799) * Our Book Library: A Narrative of the Proceedings of George Washington, and Martha Washington, During their Slavery, and Since their Escape

Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge: George and Martha Washington's Courageous Slave Who Dared to Run Away; Young Readers Edition

by Erica Armstrong Dunbar

4.7 out of 5