Escape To The Maroons
by Mike Weedall
In 1792, an escaped slave, raised and living as white, is discovered and forced to flee into the Great Dismal Swamp.
Barely escaping a bounty hunter, a Maroons community of fugitive slaves rescues him. Over time, Nathanial comes to accept his true identity while fighting to overcome the suspicions of his new community. Because of his pale skin, he becomes a conductor on the underground railroad, slipping runners onto ships going north. On one of his missions, fate intervenes and places Nathanial's community at risk.
This little-known chapter in American history tells how escaped enslaved people gave their all to live free while creating a community and economy in one of the world's most unforgiving environments.
Nathanial Addressing The Maroons Community Attempting To Justify Why He Should Be Allowed To Stay
“We don’t need the help of this man,” Scipio called. “Mister Nathanial admits he lived with people who punished slaves. Maybe he’s a spy sent to find us so the law can come. Why take a chance?”
Without warning, Scipio reached up and grabbed a handful of Nathanial’s hair, forcing him down to his knees. “Look at his painted hair—just another thing he did to deceive. Mister Nathanial, look around and see how we have to live because of the way you grew up. And look at the marks many of us carry for the rest of our lives.”
Cesare and Zack turned, pulling their shirts down to display backs covered with scars from repeated whipping. Any healthy flesh had long disappeared.
Bile rose in Nathanial’s throat. Never before had he seen the product of a slave’s punishment up close. He twisted his head away to avoid vomiting.
“After whipping, their owners tied these men down so birds and ants got their share. They ever do that to people you went to church with, Mister Nathanial?” Scipio spat at Nat’s feet. “This privileged man should return to his world and get a taste of what they do to us. Maybe then he might do more than attend one abolitionist meeting.”
Lincoln rose, but before he could speak, Scipio moved to stand in front of the camp leader. “You put us in danger by bringing this man here, Linc. If he escapes and gets caught, slave hunters will know where to find us. I say we take no chances and save Mister Nathanial from the white law by feeding him to the swamp. That’s what a real leader would do to protect the camp.”
Not a sound escaped any camp members. Nathanial struggled with how to respond. Without warning, one side of the gathering parted. Miss Matilde labored into the circle, supported on each side by Phibe and Moses. With each tentative step, she moved closer to Scipio. At the center, she pushed away the arms supporting her.
In a powerful voice that belied her weakened state, “What fool talk you sprouting today, Scipio? We know you’re jealous of Linc and have designs to be leader. You need to stick to honoring our ancestors and casting your spells. That’s what a shaman is for. This camp would be in trouble if you were in charge.”
With every eye locked onto the frail woman, a few murmurs of agreement rose. Lincoln moved close to the matriarch, calling for a chair. “I don’t need no seat, Linc. I’m not dead yet. I’m here to say we give Mister Nathanial a chance. What harm can come? He’s confined to camp. We’ll learn over time what’s in his mind. He’s already helped my family. I know he’s looking to help others. My heart tells me the Lord sent us a good man.”
The old woman’s legs buckled. A chair appeared. She collapsed into it. Fighting for breath, Matilde lifted her head defiantly towards the muted Scipio.
Out of the gathering stepped a tall man wearing short britches held up by frayed suspenders. Standing erect, he called, “Our grannie makes sense. Give the new man a chance, but keep watch on him.”
Lincoln saw his opportunity. “Who agrees with Paris and Miss Matilde? She led us to this place. Thanks to her, we live in freedom.”
Buzzing agreement grew, along with individual calls of “Praise the Lord.”
Without waiting further, Lincoln proclaimed, “It’s decided. Mister Nathanial’s part of camp but confined. If anyone sees him leave, let Moses or me know. We’ll deal with that problem, and then maybe take Scipio up on his idea to feed the animals.”
Mike Weedall
As the author of three books, Mike’s passion is finding the little-known stories of history and bringing them to life. History in school is too often events and dates. Mike seeks to discover the people who lived those events and reveal why those individuals made the decisions they did. Ultimately, there are stories to be mined, and who doesn’t love a good story?
In his soon-to-be-released historical novel “Escape To The Maroons,” Mike tells the little-known story of 1791 self-liberated slaves who chose to struggle for survival in The Great Dismal Swamp in their determination to live free. The term Maroons delineates areas where escaped slaves fled and could not be recaptured. It’s estimated that over 2,000 survived deep in the swamp around the turn of that century.
His first book “Iva: The True Story of Tokyo Rose” describes the tragic life of Iva Toguri. Trapped in Japan during World War II, this Japanese American woman was forced to work for Radio Tokyo. Although she never participated in propaganda, the racial animus of post-war America led to her being falsely labelled as Tokyo Rose and prosecuted for treason. Through her incarceration and the ongoing discrimination heaped upon her, Iva never lost her courage and determination.
“War Angel: Korea 1950” was his second book that followed a reservist nurse thrust into the carnage of The Korean War. Serving as an operating room nurse in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, the real MASH and strength of a woman is revealed.
Mike resides with his family in the Pacific Northwest where they enjoy experiencing the outdoors.
Thank you for posting my new book. The little-known story of courageous people is one more should be aware of. This is particularly true given efforts by the current US administration, which is acting to deny the darkest chapter in American history--slavery. Recently, the agency that manages the Great Dismal Swamp refuge, where several Maroons existed, was ordered to remove all signage and eliminate literature that referred to the Maroons. The parallels of how 1791 Southern authorities sought to cover up the horrors of slavery and actions by our government today are striking. Countries must learn from their mistakes, not deny them.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mike, for highlighting the awful action of trying to eliminate any traces of the dark side of the past. I hope local communities will reinstate the signage. Education is key, but not popular with those trying to rewrite history. Thank you for making us aware of this overlooked part of history.
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