Two Men Who Escaped to Freedom: Their Own Narratives of Emancipation

Frederick Douglass and Henry "Box" Brown were two slaves who escaped to freedom in the 19th century. Their stories are both inspiring and harrowing, and they offer a unique glimpse into the lives of slaves during that time.

A Slave No More: Two Men Who Escaped to Freedom, Including Their Own Narratives of Emancipation

by David W. Blight

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5731 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	353 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in Maryland in 1818. He was separated from his mother at a young age and never saw her again. He was raised by his grandmother, who taught him to read and write. Douglass was a gifted orator and writer, and he used his talents to speak out against slavery. He escaped to freedom in 1845 and became a leading abolitionist.

Douglass's narrative of his escape is a powerful and moving account of the horrors of slavery. He describes the beatings, whippings, and other cruelties that he endured as a slave. He also describes the courage and determination that he needed to escape to freedom.

"I have often been asked how I felt when I found myself a free man," Douglass wrote. "I have always said that I felt like one who had been rescued from the jaws of death."

Henry "Box" Brown

Henry "Box" Brown was born into slavery in Virginia in 1816. He was sold to a slave trader at a young age and was shipped to Baltimore, Maryland. Brown was a skilled carpenter, and he used his skills to build a box that he could use to escape to freedom.

In March 1849, Brown nailed himself inside the box and had it shipped to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The journey took 27 hours, and Brown nearly suffocated to death. But he was finally rescued by abolitionists in Philadelphia, and he was able to escape to freedom.

Brown's narrative of his escape is a remarkable story of courage and ingenuity. He describes the planning and execution of his escape in great detail. He also describes the challenges that he faced as a free man in the North.

"I have been asked many times," Brown wrote, "how I could have the courage to shut myself up in a box and risk my life in that way." He replied, "I would rather risk my life in that way than live a slave."

The Legacy of Frederick Douglass and Henry "Box" Brown

Frederick Douglass and Henry "Box" Brown were two of the most famous slaves to escape to freedom in the 19th century. Their stories are a reminder of the horrors of slavery and the courage and determination of those who fought for freedom.

Douglass and Brown's narratives are still read and studied today. They are a valuable resource for understanding the history of slavery and the abolitionist movement.

A Slave No More: Two Men Who Escaped to Freedom, Including Their Own Narratives of Emancipation

by David W. Blight

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5731 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	353 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE