In 1867, the book The Underground Railroad, was published by William Still. At the time the hatred towards slaves free or captured was still strong in the United States. In this era, many were not pleased at the slaves having the chance and right of freedom. Countless Americans, practically in the South, caused riots and would not accept the several laws passed that ordered the rights of slaves. After seeing this all around the country William wanted to improve race relations so he started documenting the stories of slaves and their families. As a reader the deeper you dive into the book The Underground Railroad: A Record of Facts, Authentic, Narrative, and Letters. The more you began to appreciate the freedom that everyone is blessed to have.
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Unlike Ms. Green, Abraham was a slave to Milton Hawkins. Milton was remarkably different in regards to other slave owners as he did not even whip his slaves. In addition to this Abraham described him, “He was a man of very good disposition. I always belonged to him; he owned three. He always said he would sell before he would use a whip.” (Still 1872) Although he was seemly treated with respect by him, Abraham was beaten by Milton’s wife even when advised not to. Abraham wanted freedom as he could not bear the burden of being a slave anymore. Abraham further explains when asked, “What prompted you to escape?” He answered, “Because times were hard and I could not come up with my wages as I was required to do, so I thought I would try and do better.” (Still 1872) Alike Abraham, Richard was not treated poorly either. He elaborates on this when he tells Abraham, “She was very kind and tender to all her slaves. If I was sick, she would treat me the same as a mother would." (Still 1872) When looking at both of their statements of their respective slave masters. Both Abraham and Richard strived for an escape. This continues to provide evidence of the fact that despite being treated well or poorly a slave is still a slave and no one wants to be treated as one. Abraham and Richard later escaped to freedom by coincidentally coming into contact with a captain of a vessel who believed in
Unlike Ms. Green, Abraham was a slave to Milton Hawkins. Milton was remarkably different in regards to other slave owners as he did not even whip his slaves. In addition to this Abraham described him, “He was a man of very good disposition. I always belonged to him; he owned three. He always said he would sell before he would use a whip.” (Still 1872) Although he was seemly treated with respect by him, Abraham was beaten by Milton’s wife even when advised not to. Abraham wanted freedom as he could not bear the burden of being a slave anymore. Abraham further explains when asked, “What prompted you to escape?” He answered, “Because times were hard and I could not come up with my wages as I was required to do, so I thought I would try and do better.” (Still 1872) Alike Abraham, Richard was not treated poorly either. He elaborates on this when he tells Abraham, “She was very kind and tender to all her slaves. If I was sick, she would treat me the same as a mother would." (Still 1872) When looking at both of their statements of their respective slave masters. Both Abraham and Richard strived for an escape. This continues to provide evidence of the fact that despite being treated well or poorly a slave is still a slave and no one wants to be treated as one. Abraham and Richard later escaped to freedom by coincidentally coming into contact with a captain of a vessel who believed in