William Craft
Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom
Or, The Escape of William and Ellen Craft from Slavery
"Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom" by William Craft and Ellen Craft is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The narrative details the harrowing escape of a married couple, William and Ellen Craft, from slavery to freedom, underscoring the oppressive conditions faced by enslaved individuals in America. The book reflects on the personal and social injustices of slavery, while illuminating the indomitable spirit and resilience of those seeking liberty. The opening portion of the work introduces the Crafts' background and their motivations for escaping. They provide a poignant insight into their lives as slaves in Georgia, touching on the horrors of being treated as property and the cruel separation from family. The couple's determination to claim their rights, inspired by the idea that "all men are created equal," leads them to devise a daring plan for escape. This plan highlights Ellen's near-white complexion, which allows her to disguise herself as a gentleman while William poses as her slave. Their journey begins as they secure passes from their owners, setting the stage for a desperate leap toward freedom that will unfold throughout the book.