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Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom / Or, The Escape of William and Ellen Craft from Slavery cover

Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom / Or, The Escape of William and Ellen Craft from Slavery

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About This Book

The narrative recounts two enslaved spouses' decision and daring flight from bondage, describing their early lives under ownership, the planning and execution of an escape in which one travels disguised as a white male traveler while the other acts as attendant, and the overland and sea stages that carried them toward freedom. It intersperses travel scenes and close calls with reflections on family separations, the legal mechanisms that sustain slavery, and examples of kidnapped and sold children to illustrate systemic cruelty. The account combines chronological storytelling with commentary on human rights, moral outrage, and the practical challenges fugitives faced while seeking liberty.

About the Author

Craft, William portrait

William Craft

William Craft was an American abolitionist and former enslaved person, best known for his remarkable escape from slavery alongside his wife, Ellen Craft. Their harrowing journey is detailed in his autobiographical work, "Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom," which chronicles their daring flight from Georgia to freedom in the North. The Crafts' story not only highlights the brutal realities of slavery but also serves as a testament to their resilience and determination. After gaining their freedom, they became prominent advocates for abolition and civil rights, sharing their experiences to inspire others in the fight against slavery.

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