Summary Of Frederick Douglas's Long Journey From Freedom

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In chapter 12, Douglass explains to the readers and gives the details of his long journey from freedom and how he was successful . However, Douglass explains to the readers he was unable to give a complete account of his flight, because disclosing all the facts of the escape would compromise those who helped him and make it more difficult for other slaves to escape. Frederick Douglass also expresses the frustration he’s feeling with the way in which the In the chapter Douglass explains appreciative the bravery of those slaves who are bold enough to run the Underground Railroad in their indiscretion makes it much more difficult for slaves to escape the freedom. Douglass recommends keeping the slaveholder ignorant of the means by which slaves …show more content…

When Douglass next payment to Hugh is due and when he found out he was short, Hugh is furious, and the two men almost come to blows. After this confrontation, Douglass decides to attempt an escape on the third of September. He works extremely diligently in the meantime, to dispel any of Hugh’s suspicions about an escape attempt. Douglass now has second thoughts of his escape because if his plans are not successful he will be forced to part with the beloved friends in Baltimore “It is impossible for me to describe my feelings as the time of my contemplated start drew near. I had a number of warmhearted friends in Baltimore,--friends that I loved almost as I did my life,--and the thought of being separated from them forever was painful beyond expression.” (Douglass 65). However, he sticks to his resolution and successfully escapes. Douglass reaches New York City on September third 1838, and initially feels great relief but he is also fearful this relief can soon turn into further anxiety when he realizes that he still can be …show more content…

Despite having no money to pay for transportation to New Bedford, they board a stagecoach and arrive at the house of Mr. Nathan Johnson, who treats them well and pays for their coach fare. Douglass begins to feel safe with Johnson. Douglass realizes that the name he had picked for himself, “Frederick Johnson,” is too common. Because “Frederick” is a large part of his identity, Douglass lets Johnson pick a new surname for him; Douglass now officially changes his name to “Frederick Douglass.” The comfort and splendor of life in New Bedford astounds Douglass, because he didn’t think such prosperity would have been possible without owning slaves. He had mistakenly assumed that all non-slaveholders would be as poor as the southerners who couldn’t afford slaves. Douglass is amazed that New Bedford lacks the destitution that some experience in the south, and is especially impressed that many free blacks in the north live more comfortably than some slaveholders in the south. On his third day in town, Douglass finds work loading oil onto a

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