Hope of Escape (2024)

[bunniefuu]

(film rattling)

(gentle music)

(dramatic music)

(engine chugging)

(engine chugging)

(water splashing)

(person breathing)

[Diana] Heart pumping.

Lungs, aching for air,

unforgiving fear.

That's how it feels to escape.

(birds chirp)

My sisters were free, but I was not.

My whole family was separated early on.

They were sent to schools in the north.

They were my half sisters,

but I was placed on a different path.

(girls laughing)

It wasn't easy for them either.

(tense music)

I am not going to lie to you.

I did have many privileges

compared to most sl*ve folk.

I was in the big house after

all, I was head sl*ve servant

and ran everything, and mostly everyone.

(hooves clop)

I could move more freely,

go into town, shop for food,

wear ladylike clothes,

and even though it was

ill*gal, I was educated.

Skin color was also a factor.

Being on the light side was

a situation that was both

advantageous and perilous.

Whether it be outside

(door squeaks)

Or inside the house.

(clock ticking)

(clock bongs)

(insects chirping)

I was never fully protected

and soon my daughters would

be just as vulnerable.

Running the household was grueling work,

but my heart melted

when the babies arrived.

Cornelia was so bright

and bubbly as a child.

Master James Withers couldn't help

but take pleasure in

how she lit up a room.

Little Julianna would

come six years later.

(uplifting music)

They were my sunshine,

my daily ray of hope.

They kept me going, especially

through the hard times.

Things did become increasingly

worrisome when she arrived.

That horrid being, Caroline Laurens.

Now, Caroline Laurens Read

and Master John Harleston Read

moved out to live in

town, so it was just me,

and that cold fish Caroline.

I think we should bring in

the outdoor table settings

before they get spoiled.

I already did that, ma'am.

Well then they need to be washed.

I already washed them, ma'am.

Well then, wash them again.

Yes, ma'am, I will.

(Diana sighs)

Gone were the days when

Dr. Read ran a tight ship,

old age had caught up with

him and his mind was gone

and Rice Hope was now going to pieces.

All that mattered to me was that these

gorgeous girls were mine

and when they grew up,

there would be no more

men clawing at them.

No more unwanted visits in

the middle of the night.

[John] Say hello to the

lovely Miss Read for me.

(birds chirp)

[Diana] Just like Ann

and Julia, my sisters,

it would be about their

brains, not their bodies.

Dr. Read gave me his word.

I was meant to be free,

and so was Cornelia.

(dish clatters)

And then it happened.

Old Dr. Read took his

last breath at age 92.

He had been a hard nosed

man of the revolution,

but always showed a bit

of softness towards me.

But it was the death of a master.

No good ever comes of it.

It stirs terror in every sl*ve's heart.

No matter if you're in the

big house or out in the fields

and the vultures were already gathering.

They listed all the assets and

chattels in perfect detail.

Most everything would go to his son,

Master John Harleston Read

to the dismay of many.

Finally, it was his turn

and I was at his mercy.

I've made a decision.

I'm not gonna discuss money anymore,

and if you don't like it, you

can get married like James.

Then we'll talk about it.

- What will happen to Diana?

- That's my decision.

You stay away from her.

You understand me?

My, you're getting sentimental, father.

Can't bear to share Diana with me?

I suggest you leave before

you regret saying that to me.

(footsteps patter)

(dishes clatter)

[Diana] Master Read?

No.

I know why you are here.

I know what my father promised you

and what I owe you and the children.

I'm not gonna make the same

mistake that my father made.

Here, I want you to take this.

You need to make me one promise though.

Don't get caught.

Because I cannot help you.

(birds chirp)

(footsteps patter)

[Diana] I was promised

this day all of my life,

but I would have to say goodbye

to every place familiar,

every person known.

I had my little ones, but there was a dark

and unclear path ahead of us.

For those who are enslaved,

it would always be about saying goodbye.

Wilby would have to say

goodbye too, many times.

(gentle music)

Wilby was a sl*ve who lived

in Wilmington, North Carolina

as a talented mason and plasterer.

He again, had more

freedom than most sl*ves

and was rented out to help

build grand houses in town

such as the Bellamy

Mansion on Market Street.

But there was one summer in

particular when the town fell

into chaos, despair, and death.

(people coughing)

- [Cornelia] Yellow jack.

- [Diana] Yes,

that's what they called

yellow fever, back then.

It was a time of fear,

but also of opportunity.

We are all in agreement,

there's no time to lose.

Okay, but tomorrow

night would be better.

Why?

This may be our only chance

and the weather is in our favor.

I've gotta go back to

Porter's Neck one more time.

I've got to say goodbye.

Very well,

but we can't have any more delays.

(tense music)

Where is everyone?

Gone, to the country.

Sarah, Rosalie.

They all with the family.

Well, at least less

distraction as we work.

Yes, as long as we don't

end up on the cemetery wagon.

Meanwhile, my absence was,

of course noticed immediately.

[John Jr.] Where the hell is Diana?

I have no idea.

What have you done?

They're my assets, mine.

You have no respect for my future.

Respect?

You trespassed on two of my properties.

They're not yours or anyone

else's at this point.

I won't hear of it, I will find them.

Mark my words.

Get out.

(gentle music)

By then, I was making my way

to the outskirts of Charleston,

I knew of many free Black folk in town

who might take me in for a while.

A successful fisherman

friend away working at sea,

most of the time, offered

his dwelling to us

until our next move.

(kettle clangs)

Thank you, Isaac, for your kindness.

Well certainly, Miss Diana.

Anything for Miss Nancy's

daughter, now drink up.

My first thoughts of freedom

were where are my sisters?

What a thrill it would be to find them.

(men yelling)

Little did I know the trials

poor Julia was going through.

A colored woman seeking

an education became a

target for violence.

(fire crackling)

(glass shattering)

[Julia] Stay here, be careful.

(g*nf*re blasting)

(child whimpers)

[Woman] I can't, I'm sorry.

(men yelling)

- Julia.

- Henry.

Come on.

We gotta get outta here, go, go, go.

That way, that way, that way.

(suitcase rattles)

(men yelling)

(horse snorts)

(g*nf*re blasts)

(horse whimpers)

(tense music)

(hooves clopping)

(crickets chirp)

How in the world do you keep going?

This is like your third school now.

I have a sister.

She's still a sl*ve,

in a place that's far

more dangerous than this.

So I have to keep going

for her, for all of us.

I understand.

Never give up, you hear?

Never.

Yeah.

(crickets chirp)

(fire crackling)

(crickets chirp)

(footsteps patter)

Miss Diana, something's up.

I ran all the way here to warn you.

$100 reward will be paid

for the apprehension

and delivery at the White..

Workhouse for Diana.

Her two children, Miss

Cornelia and Miss Julianna.

See it right here.

Lemme see it, lemme see.

How is it, how is it possible?

How is it possible?

We have, we have permission to leave.

We have papers, I am free!

Well, who would do this then?

I think I know.

That delinquent, John Jr.

I didn't know he would,

he would take it this far.

We won't stay long, just one more night.

Miss Diana, I don't know,

Miss Diana, I don't know.

Julianna, her cough has gotten worse.

Okay, one day, that's

about all I can do.

Just one day.

- [Diana] I understand.

I understand.

We could now end up in

the Sugar House too.

A jail or so-called workhouse for runaway

and disobedient sl*ves in Charleston.

(person crying)

It was a place of punishment,

t*rture, it was hell on earth.

(birds chirp)

Wilby's life was also just

about to take a major turn.

As plantation families were fleeing town,

Wilby dropped his work

and hurried to Porter's Neck Plantation.

He and his mother, Elizabeth,

were owned by a guber nut

or peanut, as you call it,

farmer named Nick Nixon.

Luckily, Wilby was a

smart one with a heart

and a valuable asset to Mr. Nixon.

Hey mama.

Hey.

(birds chirp)

(Wilby sighs)

It's okay, I can find

one somewhere else.

You didn't come all

this way yourself just

to find an old sheet for your bed.

No.

It's time, isn't it?

Yes, but I will be back, I promise.

Mm-mm, mm-mm.

There is no need to look back.

I will always be in your heart.

I will make you proud, mama.

(Mother laughs)

Son, you already have.

(rooster crows)

(Mother sniffles)

William.

You share your gifts with others.

It is the way of our Gullah people.

(emotional music)

(footsteps patter)

[Diana] As I said before,

Wilby was rented out all of the time

as a mason and plasterer of

decorative house molding.

(tool scraping)

Wilby was always an optimist

moving forward, looking ahead,

sometimes not looking at what's

right in front of his face.

(books thudding)

(bird calling)

(papers rustle)

Interesting.

Thank you, just some work papers.

So this says, "Pour plaster

the right consistency."

Yes, making a mixture of

gypsum and water. (Laughs)

Your work sounds fascinating.

(gentle music)

Thank you.

[Diana] They would never

forget that exciting moment

when they both realized the secret power

of literacy between them.

Words immediately connected them.

Words gave them their

friendship and their humanity.

- This is for you.

- Thank you.

Plaster.

Why on earth would you

take the time to sign it?

No one's gonna see your

name in the ceiling.

Just in case they might.

You never know.

It's like my name will be there forever,

even though I won't.

I guess so.

You're weird, Wilby.

(Wilby laughs)

[Diana] They started reading

and writing to each other.

It opened up their heads and hearts.

It gave them a taste of

freedom and a moment of escape.

To be educated was also ill*gal and risky.

If someone found out. They

would need their special secret

in the days and years ahead.

(train chugging)

(birds chirp)

I never looked close up

at train tracks before.

The long ribbons of metal left me in awe.

I felt as if I just touched those rails,

I would feel a pulse,

a vibration of far away lands

of people living their lives in freedom.

That one touch would transport us

to safety in the north.

Thanks to some old contacts

my mother used to have,

I was at last able to come out from hiding

and muster up train tickets

to go as far as Pennsylvania.

We would find cover there and

find a doctor for Julianna.

(footsteps patter)

(birds chirp)

(Julianna coughing)

(whistle blows)

(tense music)

[Conductor] All aboard!

(whistle blows)

Hey, come on, get 'em!

Stop that woman!

Stop! (Yells)

[Cornelia] Mama!

(Diana gasps)

You're going home with us.

(crickets chirp)

Apparently we were too valuable

to be physically punished

at the Sugar House.

Maybe Master John Harleston intervened.

(carriage squeaks)

No matter, we were already

stripped of our dignity

and beaten down by our sorrow.

(emotional music)

(hooves clop)

I must attend to my daughters.

(footsteps patter)

The river seemed so still those days

as if in mourning.

As were the trees,

hunched over, and weeping,

my spirit would have been lost forever

if it wasn't for Cornelia

being by my side.

(whistle blows)

The dream of seeing my

sisters again evaporated,

but a little part of me would not let go.

I would've been so excited

to know that my sister Julia,

was not only highly educated, a teacher,

but also an important

abolitionist who was working

with the likes of William Lloyd Garrison,

the most prominent

abolitionist in the country.

How do you do?

[Diana] Abolitionist

women were controversial,

especially women of color.

It was hard going for her,

northerners were just as harsh.

Let us get some air,

I'll bring you a tea.

Oh, that's quite all right, sir.

I'll see you up there.

(footsteps patter)

(seabirds calling)

(water lapping)

There you are.

Your tea as promised.

- You are too kind.

I'm terribly sorry about

you having to hide like this.

It's quite all right, I'm used to it.

Providence will not be

much better, I'm afraid.

Are you still willing to proceed?

I understand if you're not.

Nothing will get in my way

if I have anything to do with it.

I like your spirit.

Now, please get some rest.

Thank you, sir.

(dramatic music)

[Diana] Julia traveled all the way

to Rhode Island by herself to attend

an important abolitionist

conference for women.

Providence will again

hear us speak, my friends,

on to our conferences.

Mr. Garnet.

- Mr. Garrison.

So nice to see that you've arrived.

Yes, sir.

We can drop you off first, Mrs. Pope.

Julia, unfortunately,

we'll have to leave you

at the colored boarding

house outside of town.

- I understand.

- May I take that?

(carriage rattles)

I do hope you ladies have

a splendid conference.

Thank you.

It's so wonderful meeting people

from all over the country.

Where were you born again, Miss Williams?

Boston?

No, Charleston, South Carolina.

- You don't say.

- Ah, Charleston.

Where rice is above souls and selves.

- Indeed.

- You two know each other?

We've been on a coach like this before,

but uh, under a little

more duress and chaos.

Oh dear.

Driver, we are ready.

(horse neighs)

(hooves clopping)

(dramatic music)

You know it's gonna

be a long walk from here

to the ladies conference.

It's going to be dangerous

and you're not even safe

from the sl*ve catcher's net.

(dog barks)

Yes, I know...

Thank you for your concern.

I'll survive, we all survive somehow.

Yes?

Your past in Charleston?

It's unhealthy for you

to live your whole life

with this burden of guilt.

It's how I survive, it's

how I get things done.

Indeed.

It was nice seeing you

again, good day, Mr. Garnet.

I hope not goodbye, I, I

do hope to see you again.

Maybe our paths will cross again.

[Diana] Despite the cemetery wagons

going past Market Street, day and night,

Wilby and his skilled

colleagues kept going.

You did a nice job on that window.

Thank you.

Just three more to go.

I would take your time.

There's no rush.

Okay.

Look, I heard what you're doing.

I'm sorry?

All right, and I don't agree with it.

You will be putting all of us in danger.

It is, in my opinion that all

of us are already in danger.

(tense music)

Pay no attention to him.

No attention to him.

Godspeed, William.

Godspeed.

Thank you, Henry.

(gentle music)

(birds chirp)

(footsteps patter)

(birds chirp)

(gentle music)

[Diana] I was starting to understand why.

Miss Caroline wanted me back so badly.

Poor Master James had

died while we were gone.

A heart attack at 38 years, and with that,

Caroline's lifestyle was about

to come down with a crash.

(people talking)

(hand slaps)

It was after one of those

family meetings that I saw

a look in Caroline's eye

that was most unsettling.

There's nothing more menacing

than an insecure white woman who knows

she's running out of money.

(birds chirp)

Eight months since James Withers died,

I could feel the storm

approaching in my bones.

(Maffitt singing)

Or the pints must be together

By the rising of the moon

(Maffitt singing)

(Maffitt knocking)

And his cheeks were all aglow

By your orders from the captain

Get you ready quick and soon

For the pints must be together

By the rising of the moon

[Diana] He looked like

something the cat dragged in,

all smiles and smirks, licking his chops.

(gentle music)

(horse neighs)

I don't know how this rascal

John Maffitt had convinced.

Miss Caroline to marry him.

That said, they ended up being

two perfect peas in a pod,

both desperate to improve

their bank accounts.

We should tell them soon.

I know, I know.

(footsteps patter)

(liquid trickles)

(liquid trickles)

Thank you Diana.

You are, both of you.

So refined.

Thank you, Master Maffitt.

Diana, would you close

the door for a moment?

We have some unpleasant news.

(doors bang)

(tense music)

(dishware clanks)

(dishware shatters)

(footsteps patter)

[Diana] My worst fears were realized.

We were to be sold on the open

market to the highest bidder.

(tense music)

(waves lapping)

(rain pattering)

It all happened to us, a downpour to me,

Cornelia, Julia,

and Wilby.

(rain patters)

Nice weather we're having.

Smarty pants, come on.

(thunder rumbles)

[Diana] But sometimes

a storm blows through

the wind scrubs the sky clean

and things become clear

like a fresh start.

That's when little sprouts

of hope start to appear.

Such beautiful weather, Henry.

Beautiful weather now wasn't

too good the other night.

I'm not getting back on that boat.

It's a miracle, and look, we survived.

It's a miracle we survived.

Mighty storm we had last night.

I'll say, oh, my legs are still swaying.

But on the other hand, my wife here

has better sea legs than I do. (Laughs)

- How do you do?

- Nice to meet you, ma'am.

Excuse me.

You look so much like a woman

I know back in Charleston.

Charleston, that's where I'm from.

Oh, you don't say, may

I ask your last name?

Garnet, Julia Williams Garnet.

Williams,

Williams, now, you wouldn't

happen to be related

to a Miss Diana Williams per chance?

I, I am her sister.

Well, land sake's

alive, what a coincidence.

She's a member of the Read

family, do you know her?

How is she?

Where is she?

It's been several years

since the last I've seen her.

But I'm sorry to say, I must

tell you some unfortunate news

that I recently overheard in Charleston.

You, you see, Miss Diana and her daughter

are under the strict control

of a Captain Maffitt,

and he is to sell her on the open market,

as soon as the opportunity arises.

She, she has a daughter?

- [Isaac] Yes, ma'am.

- Oh no, Henry.

How could the Reads let this happen?

Well, look, I'm, I'm sorry ma'am.

I'm afraid to say, but

that's about all I know.

We are much obliged

for the information, sir.

Yeah, we are grateful

that you told us, thank you brother.

Sir, yes sir, welcome.

Ma'am.

(tense music)

This cannot happen.

We must act quickly, Henry.

[Henry] I promise we will.

[Diana] As Julia and Henry

headed back to the United States,

a call to action was launched immediately.

That traveled thousands

of miles up the coast

over high seas

and eventually making its

way to my other dear sister,

Ann, on Nantucket.

(door squeals)

A letter for you, dear,

from your sister Julia.

It's been so long.

Let me see.

Ann?

It's my sister.

She's in terrible trouble.

What has happened to Julia?

No.

My other sister.

Poor Diana.

We'll have to write a letter today.

To whom?

Captain James Newland Maffitt,

Diana's sl*ve holder.

Good heavens.

[Diana] Reverend James

Crawford was a kind

gentleman and a strong, steady presence.

He took it upon himself to

alert all church going folk,

their pressing dilemma.

In the name of Christ, our Lord.

I want to thank you for your support.

(gentle music)

(birds chirp)

(lock rattles)

[Diana] Reverend was

also the most sought

after barber in all of Nantucket.

So he preached to his customers as well.

Looking good.

Little more off the back, please.

Yes, my brother, amen.

[Diana] Meantime,

Captain Maffitt had to move

to Wilmington, North Carolina

because of his Navy duties.

(birds chirp)

Captain Maffitt and Caroline

didn't trust leaving us in Charleston.

So Cornelia and I had to

pack our bags and join them.

Little did I know it was the

last time we would ever see.

Rice Hope Plantation again.

We were now living in a strange new town.

Cornelia seemed to like it,

but every waking moment we

were worried about our future

hanging on a string.

Then one day, several months

after our arrival, a

miraculous letter arrived

into the hands of Captain

Maffitt from my sisters.

They were fighting to save us.

(Maffitt laughing)

Yes, well...

(paper clatters)

They will become aware of

their reality soon enough.

Dear Reverend Crawford,

nothing would give me greater

pleasure to confer upon them

the blessings of liberty

provided that you pay me

$1,900 for the pair.

Not negotiable.

Ah, tea.

Thank you, Cornelia.

Can she go now so she

can do her errands in town?

Yes, that's fine.

(spoon clinking)

Don't,

for a minute

think that we are not watching you.

(spoon clinking)

(crickets chirping)

(gentle music)

[Wilby] You are sort of

close to the edge, aren't you?

Be careful.

You sound like my mother.

Sorry.

No, that's a, that's a good thing.

Wilby, I don't know

what will happen to us.

I don't know if I can

survive without my mother.

I know what you mean.

I have something for you.

What is it?

Here.

It's an old writing set that

was about to be thrown out.

This way you can always

write about what you feel.

That's what helps me.

You can also use it to

write me wherever you are.

Thank you, Wilby.

(crickets chirp)

(paper rustles)

The greedy devil wants almost $2,000

for Diana and Cornelia.

He's only given us a month

to come up with the entire amount.

What are we to do?

All the congregations in the entire

state would not be able to

come up with that amount.

I think calling on Garnet

is in order, don't you think?

Yes, Julia will know

the steps we must take.

(dramatic music)

(hooves clopping)

Thank you for taking the time to see us.

It is my pleasure.

So you think Anna

Richardson would allow us

to use the Weems funds?

If anyone can persuade, it would be you.

I'll start on the letter at once.

[Anna] Dear Reverend Garnet,

the Society of Friends grants your request

to use the surplus Weems funds

to help your wife's family.

May our spirits remain strong and hopeful.

Respectfully, respectfully

yours, Anna Richardson.

(Caroline coughing)

(Caroline coughing)

Sounds like you need some water.

(water trickles)

It's very kind of you.

Thank you.

Ah.

Yes, thank you.

Hmm.

Diana?

- Yes, ma'am.

I didn't want things to end up this way.

Things?

The Reads.

I mean, they left me no choice.

They robbed me of my

rightfully acquired assets.

You can understand that, right?

They let you down too.

It'll all work out for you, for us.

You'll see.

My iron is getting cold.

(footsteps patter)

(birds chirp)

I've gathered the post today.

[James] Here, let's have a look.

(bell ringing)

Praise God.

Julia received $500 and

is coming from England.

How wonderful, I think this will work.

(paper rustling)

Oh...

What is it?

Oh no.

He lied to us.

[Diana] True to his character,

Maffitt brushed aside his arrangements

with Reverend Crawford

and decided to go ahead

and put an ad to sell me and Cornelia.

Maffitt had already made

contact with a buyer.

Cornelia and I started

packing our belongings.

(somber music)

(latches clicking)

Now, Julia and Henry Garnet

weren't the only ones

that had connections.

Ann and Reverend Crawford in Nantucket

could pull some strings too.

Why don't we ask the

Worth family to help?

Well, hello darling, the Worth family?

Yes, their cousin Thomas Worth.

He's a wealthy businessman in Wilmington.

What if he purchased them

from that monster Maffitt

and kept them while we gather the funds?

Do you think we can trust him?

Yes, I do, the Worth family

doesn't believe in sl*very.

I pray that you are right.

(tense music)

Diana?

I bid you farewell.

(birds chirp)

(door squeaks)

[Diana] The good news

on that fateful day was

that it was good riddance

to the Maffitts forever.

We were unsure what our new life would be,

but at least for the

moment we were together,

the bad news is we didn't know what

to expect from our new master.

Was he pleasant, was he a mean character?

Could he harm us?

(clock ticking)

My wife is out at the

country house with friends

and will be back later this month

and I must tell you, and

please listen carefully.

This is only temporary, I am

doing a favor for your family.

Excuse me, sir?

Did you say my family?

I'm a friend of your family in Nantucket

and I have temporarily bought you

so that your sister Ann can raise

the necessary funds for your freedom.

I am expecting the money soon.

Here's the letter.

I know you can read, see for yourself.

(Diana laughs)

(uplifting music)

(insects chirp)

(birds chirp)

What's the first thing

you're going to do with your freedom?

I'm going to watch the sunset.

Not get in trouble.

I am going to keep up with my studies

and I'm going to read more books.

That sounds great.

(birds chirp)

And I'm gonna write to you,

Mr. William Benjamin Gould.

I promise.

[Julia] The money has been exchanged.

(gentle music)

How do you feel?

I know it's all we

could do for now, but,

I wish it was more.

Reverend Crawford has

turned over every stone.

I shouldn't complain.

You are not complaining.

He's quit his job to

raise funds full time.

All with an invalid mother

and my sister, who is ill.

I owe him so much.

And Diana,

how will she cope?

We just have to keep going.

Don't give up, remember, hmm?

(emotional music)

(footsteps patter)

He's back, mama!

Maybe today, we will see.

Well, hello Cornelia,

where's your mother?

You've got the money?

[Mr. Worth] Yes.

What's wrong?

[Mr. Worth] It's only

enough to buy your mother.

What?

No!

- That's all they have.

They're trying to raise more.

Then take Cornelia, take Cornelia.

That won't work.

You have no choice, Diana.

I have signed a contract,

you must go first.

It's in the deal.

No, I won't let you take me!

(dramatic music)

Cornelia, could you take over for awhile?

[Cornelia] It was around

that time, all three sisters,

my mother, aunt Ann and

aunt Julia became ill.

It was as if their dispositions

were somehow connected.

I think my aunts could

feel my mother's heart.

The guilt, the pain of

leaving a loved one behind.

Inevitably, the day arrived,

and mama was forced to gather her things.

I don't care where I'm going.

Look at me.

New York, Massachusetts,

It doesn't matter.

I won't be free until you

are free, you hear me?

It's all right, mama.

No, it's not all right, it's all wrong!

It's all wrong.

But this isn't goodbye.

We will see each other again, I know it.

I'm strong, mama.

- I know.

You are, baby.

I'm just sorry I couldn't save you.

I couldn't protect you.

I tried.

Time to go.

(emotional music)

(leaves rustle)

(horse neighs)

(hooves clopping)

(door squeals)

(footsteps patter)

(leaves rustling)

(birds calling)

I've lived by the rivers all of my life.

This one's different.

- How so?

- This one is more inviting,

more mysterious.

I'm sure it certainly

holds many secrets.

I did hear it's about 40 feet deep.

It looks calm and serene,

but it's actually very cold.

With a treacherous current.

There are so many twists and turns,

offshoots with tall grasses.

Many people have gotten lost,

and even disappeared in it's labyrinth.

(birds calling)

My word.

You know a lot about

the river for a mason.

I thought it was,

I thought it was an

interesting topic to study,

sailing especially.

Okay, genius.

What don't you know?

(birds calling)

How I'll take away your sadness.

Yes, well, I'm glad you found me here.

I'm thinking of running away.

What do you think?

I understand the strong

pull to escape right away,

but I would wait a while

to think things through.

Take some time to assess your options.

(birds calling)

Escape is all about the timing.

All right, Wilby.

(footsteps patter)

They should be here by now.

Hey, hey.

Making it to the city for the first time,

might've slowed them down, hmm?

It'll certainly be more

difficult as darkness falls.

(hand knocking)

Please, come in.

(emotional music)

Diana.

I know, Cornelia.

We will save your daughter.

- I believe you.

- I give you my word.

We have a plan to save your daughter.

You must tell me.

Thank you.

- Come.

Meet Henry.

- Thank you.

Diana, pleasure to meet you.

- The pleasure is mine.

- Yes, ma'am.

[Diana] It was then that I

learned of Anna Richardson,

and the Society of Friends,

and how our prayers had been answered.

Mr. Tappan received 645

pounds in silver sterling,

enough for Cornelia's ransom.

Soon after, I made my way to Ann,

for another emotional reunion,

and an embrace of 30 lost years.

(emotional music)

The feelings were overwhelming.

But with the numerous celebrations,

at the back of all our minds was Cornelia.

Ann told me some troublesome news.

They hadn't heard from

TC Worth in a while.

They received no letters,

and no responses to the ones they sent.

Something had to be done at once.

Reverend Crawford,

I have a favor to ask.

It's quite dangerous,

but if you agree, you must

leave with us to New York.

I am at your disposal.

(tense music)

(door squeals)

He always wanted to visit New York.

Ann?

I know this is an immense sacrifice.

That's a brave man.

The problem is, he doesn't

have a mean bone in his body.

I worry that he won't be able to,

to play the role of a heartless

sl*ve master very well.

Ann, I want to thank you.

Diana.

We never forgot you.

It's just that...

Oh, dear, you've gotten me going.

It's just that we didn't

know how we could help,

but now we can.

(hooves clop)

Reverend James will be back in a minute.

He's out buying gifts for his wife.

- Still not a word from Worth?

- No.

Hmm...

You really think Crawford

can pass for white?

He probably would be

k*lled if they find out.

He has pushed me to volunteer,

he insists it will work.

In that case, we need to

get him a new set of clothes.

I agree.

(curious music)

(Crawford knocking)

- Hello?

- [Mr. Tappan] Reverend?

(Skeptical "hmm" all around)

You sure you're ready for this?

Yes.

Then you're gonna have to

get on this train at once.

Godspeed, my brother.

What's this?

Gifts for Ann,

and my will.

[Conductor] All aboard!

(whistle blows)

Thank you, Henry.

[Diana] And just like

that, all bets were off.

Everything started to move in fast motion

like the second hand in a watch piece.

Time was ticking down with

not a moment to spare,

and much to lose.

Wilby, Wilby!

Wilby!

(tool bangs)

Hey, Gould.

- Yes?

Someone out here

calling for you, a girl.

I'm so sorry if I gotten you in trouble.

- It's okay, what's going on?

- I'm being sold.

Mr. Worth, the lying rat is selling me,

some planter is picking me up today.

Cornelia...

I just wanted to say goodbye.

Here.

I wrote you this, I must

go or they will punish me.

- No.

- I must go.

Cornelia!

(horse snorts)

The station, sir, post haste.

(horse neighs)

(tense music)

(hooves clopping)

Oh mama.

Oh dear girl,

don't despair, Cornelia.

I'm your aunt Ann's husband, your uncle.

I am not a plantation owner.

I'm here to help you and get

you back safe with your mother.

- You're my uncle?

- Yes.

The Reverend James E.

Crawford, at your service.

I'm a colored man, my mother's a n*gro.

What?

Shh, we're almost at the station.

[Cornelia] Dear Wilby,

your kindness has given me strength.

Wherever I am, be sure to know

that you are in my thoughts

and that I hope to

somehow connect with you

again through letters and someday,

God willing, in person.

Very truly yours, Cornelia.

[Diana] And with a new

fire burning in his heart,

Wilby was to begin his

own countdown to freedom.

(tense music)

(paper rustles)

All I can say is, that

for Cornelia and Wilby,

there was no turning back.

(footsteps pattering)

[George] Wilby!

Wilby!

[Wilby] I'm here,

under this blasted tarp.

[Andrew] You smell like vomit.

Just get in the boat!

(train hissing)

(bell ringing)

[Diana] Cornelia would

no doubt be arrested,

or worse if they found out

she was traveling at night

with a man pretending to be white.

(tense music)

(water splashing)

They take turns rowing.

It's a race for time before dawn breaks,

but they can't put up their sail,

or they will be spotted right away.

(water splashing)

What on God's earth, Wilby?

Why would you bring old man

Bellamy's draperies on board?

Are you crazy?

Well, I thought-

Just keep going, Wilby.

(train hissing)

Hey!

Stop that man!

You, sir.

(tense music)

(men breathing hard)

[Andrew] What's our time?

Four hours until daybreak.

We're not gonna make it.

[George] Faster, faster!

[Andrew] Wait, what's that?

(insects chirping)

(tense music)

(stranger murmuring)

[Wilby] Turn off your light, quick.

(water trickles)

(boat creaks)

(toad croaking)

(strangers murmuring)

Who are they?

[George] Shh!

(strangers murmuring)

[Wilby] Fisherman.

(fisherman murmuring)

Whew.

(tense music)

You dropped these, all

you have is your receipt.

You need these get on

the train, don't you?

Oh, yes, yes.

Thank you, thank you, sir.

(thunder rumbling)

You can't ride in the passenger car.

You have to hide in the baggage car.

Okay.

And Cornelia, pretend you hate me.

It focuses the mind.

[Conductor] All aboard!

(bell ringing)

There it is, Fort Fisher!

I see search lanterns, this isn't good.

What are we going to do?

[George] Let's just hope

the fog is in our favor.

(water splashing)

(tense music)

It's now or never, boys.

(train hissing)

(door creaks)

(train hissing)

(suitcase clatters)

(bag rustles)

(door rattles)

(door rattles)

(whistle blows)

(train hissing)

(water splashing)

[George] Okay, it's time for the sail,

we've left the mouth.

[Andrew] No way to hide now.

[Wilby] Ship coming port

side, I can't make out the flag.

[George] We'll find out soon enough.

[Diana] It's either a

Confederate ship or a Union ship.

Whatever the answer,

their lives are about

to change dramatically.

(train chugging)

(whistle blows)

Harpers Ferry,

Frederick,

Baltimore, York,

Winchester.

Harpers Ferry,

Frederick,

Baltimore,

York,

Winchester.

Harpers Ferry,

Baltimore,

Baltimore...

York!

(whistle blows)

(train hissing and clanking)

(train creaking)

(train hissing)

(door rattles)

(Cornelia pants)

Come from behind there, girl.

I know you're here.

No, no, no, no, no, it's okay.

It's okay, hello.

I just have a message for you.

From the nice man in coach.

That's right, Mr. Crawford

wants to know if you're okay.

Do you need some water?

(gentle music)

Oh, no, whoa, whoa, whoa, not so much.

You don't have nowhere

to relieve yourself here.

You have like five more stops.

You're almost there, just keep hope.

I will, thank you.

(door rattles)

Everyone, keep, keep still.

That can't be stars and bars, is it?

Boys, I believe it's

our beloved Old Glory!

Ahoy!

[Man] Wilby, what are you doing?

So we don't get shot at.

Ahoy!

(men screaming)

(train hissing)

They should have been here by now.

This is my fault.

My fault.

[Henry] What are you

talking about, Julia?

- [Julia] No one else.

- Julia.

We are all responsible.

I do not think I will

be able to tell Ann.

To face Diana. (Cries)

I failed, Henry.

- It will be all right.

- I failed.

It's gonna be all right.

(distant noise)

Excuse me.

(emotional music)

Cornelia?

You look just like your mother.

[Diana] Cornelia was finally coming home

and my sister Julia

would finally experience

a small moment of peace.

Wilby, he decided to

stay with the Union Navy.

And as he put it, "Fight

for Uncle Samuel."

It wasn't all roses.

Both Wilby and Cornelia

would have to acclimate

to a new way of life.

You wait your turn,

you stinkin' contraband!

(whistle blows)

(intercom murmuring)

(horn blowing)

(Wilby crunching)

(seagulls calling)

Mail call.

Gould,

and Mitchell.

(Wilby inhales)

(man laughs)

Oh, Cornelia, oh, Cornelia

Oh, Cornelia, my love

(men laughing)

[Diana] It was February

15th, 1858 when the steamer.

Island Home proudly chugged

closer to Nantucket,

with my baby aboard.

A descendant of mine wrote a

particularly touching poem.

It's about Cornelia sailing

into Nantucket Harbor,

called "The Tern."

"The tern stood on the jetty facing Coatue

and waited for the day to grow

into something respectable.

A scooner still stinking of

chum or slick with grease,

and the hurrahs of men

coming home to salt roses,

and little babies for the

hour when clouds split apart

into descendant forms,

and Quaker bells signal

the end of work, the hour of hearth fires,

blessings and heaps of shocked shells.

But reading the signs

that this was not the day

he longed for, at least not here.

He bent his body to partner with the wind.

And at last, Cornelia came into the harbor

for the first time, silent,

"with eyes shining, the day

belonging only to her."

(dramatic music)

By the power vested in me,

by the state of Massachusetts,

I now pronounce you man and wife.

You may kiss the bride.

(emotional music)

(gentle music)

(gentle music)

(gentle music)

(gentle music)

Move,

Move,

Move,

Move

If I don't have a place to go

I know that I can follow you

If my bones decide too move to slow

I'm only falling for you

There's a God that sits

and listens to me cry

He wipe my tears

And swiped the made the

plans I made to die, oh

He built my spirit

And said there's no point to hide

That's inner fear and He

called that the phony lie

But I live here, he said

No your breath is mine

But I'm not free

He said, so your hand is mine

Put your hand in mine

Put your trust in me

My love is more than love could mean

Darling

And Luckily I'm your king

I know just where your heart is

Adjust with me, don't fuss with me

I know it's kinda hard

And the unjust you've seen

Obstructed things so

you just want to haul it

And move

Move

Move

Move

It's time to move, it's time to move

We're going far away

Move, it's time to move

We getting out of here

Move, it's time to move

We going far away

Move, it's time to move

We getting out of here

So it's time to simply go

And move

I said, it's time to simply move

Let's move, let's move, yeah

Move

It's time to move, it's time to move

We getting out of here

Move, it's time to move

We going far away

Move, it's time to move

We getting out of here

Move, it's time to move

We going far away

Move

Move