The book explains that during the Revolutionary War, British soldiers attempt to gain the support of enslaved people by offering them freedom if they align with the British. It is thought that when the British ship the HMS Savage docks in the Potomac River near Mount Vernon, it is done to intentionally lure enslaved people away from Washington’s estate. The ship itself symbolizes freedom and opportunity to the enslaved, and 17 of them take advantage by fleeing. Importantly, this demonstrates that the British understand and acknowledge the desire of enslaved people to be free—as opposed to the justification by American enslavers that the enslaved are “better off” in their subservient positions or that they are not intelligent enough to desire liberty. It speaks, too, to the theme of loyalty, demonstrating that the enslaved have no reason to remain loyal to their enslavers. The presence of the Savage represents an opportunity for a new life.

The authors speculate that witnessing the escape of 17 of Mount Vernon’s enslaved people onto the HMS Savage could serve as inspiration to Ona Judge. It may plant the seed of the possibility of freedom, as Ona then carries the image of the fleeing enslaved people with her as she ages.