The Underground Railroad from Slavery to Freedom - Essay Example

 The Underground Railroad from Slavery to Freedom (A comprehensive History) by Wilbur H. Siebert (1898). Introduction and Biography of the author The book ‘The Underground Railroad from Slavery to Freedom (A comprehensive History) written by Wilbur H. Siebert is a narrative that describes the history of the Underground Railroad system. The Underground Railroad system holds a very conspicuous place in the history of slavery in America for it helped a large number of slaves who were subjected to cruelty to escape from the snares of their masters. Wilbur H. Siebert, did many years of research on the Underground Railroad movement before writing the book. He studied at Ohio State University and finished his graduate degree from Harvard. After that, he joined Ohio State University as a professor of history and political science. The Underground Railroad from Slavery to Freedom was the most prominent work written by Siebert. Apart from this work, he also wrote The Government of Ohio (1903) and The Mysteries of Ohio’s Underground Railroads (1951). Brief Summary The book The Underground Railroad from Slavery to Freedom is a collection of different forms of writings like narrations, speeches, letters and biographies, all related to the Underground Railroad movement. The author traces back the history to the time when slavery originated and the various slave laws came into existence. These laws ignited the deep desire for freedom among the slaves and they began to escape to the greener pastures that they found in Canada and in many northern states. The method that they adopted to escape was through the Underground Railroad, with the help cryptic messages, disguises and help from many people. Siebert divulges into the heroic work done to help the slaves escape done by Gerrit Smith and Elijah P. Lovejoy, Seth Concklin, Charles T. Torrey, Calvin Fairbank. Furthermore, the author chronicles the life in Canada and the northern states post the escape, the various laws and regulations, the anti-slavery movements and how ultimately, slavery was abolished. Interesting Person and Event Seibert’ book presents a number of interesting people and unsung heroes before it readers. Among all of them, one person that particular catches the interest is Calvin Fairbank. Fairbank lived in an affluent family that was 'assigned' with two slaves. As these slaves did all the housework, once he got the opportunity to listen to the slave-woman's tale of sorrow, which kindled anger in Fairbank. Once when he was in charge of a raft of lumber, he saw a woodsman who was going to be a slave very soon. Fairbank took him on the raft and helped him. Along with o an old slave woman with 7 children, he helped this man escape by taking them to a secure location on his raft. However, this met with a lot of issues because Fairbank was charged with helping the slaves help and was sent to the penitentiary. Before he was released, the Fugitive Slave law was passed, but this did not prove to be a deterrent to his ideas. According to him, 'I resisted its execution whenever and wherever possible' (Siebert, 1898, p. 159). He continued to help the slaves escape. This landed him in the prison again and he spent more than 17 years of his life in the prison, where some phases were filled with physical and mental torture. Through his strategy of using disguises and helping people hide, he played pivotal part in making the life better for many slaves. One of the very interesting events in the book is about how the disguise was used as a very effective technique to help the slaves escape quietly without the threat of being caught. Mr. Sidney Speed of Crawfordsville narrates the incident when a mulatto girl was about 20 years of age reached their home. As the level of vigilance was very high, they could not move her despite many efforts. The owners of this slave were searching for her all across the place. When they got the right opportunity, she was taken to a coloured man's house to devise a plan of escape. There, she was disguised in a dress of silks and ribbons and also was given a white baby borrowed from somewhere. She was also escorted by a servant who acres as her servant. Thus, disguised as a fine 'white' lady, she was made to board the train. The co-incidence was that her master was also in the same car of the train, but he could not recognize her. As soon as she reached Detroit, she got into a ferry to Canada and the nurse escaped with the baby. As the ferry started moving, she lifted her veil and bid goodbye to her master. The level of anger that the master displayed was very amusing for the onlookers. Did you enjoy the book or not and why? The overall experience of reading this book was both enjoyable as well as informative. On the first look, the book might actually look like a historical document with facts and information. However, when looked closely, the book is a very interesting read. Reading this book was enjoyable because of the style in which this book has been written. There are mentions of letters, narrations that the author got from many different people, records of memoirs and reminiscences. Such a style of narration makes the book very interesting to read because there is no monotony and the reader gets a correct feel of what has happened in actuality. For example, in the description that was given by Mr. Purvis, who headed of the organized society of the Underground Railroad movement, “The funds for carrying on this enterprise were raised from our anti-slavery friends, their needs demanded it, for many fugitives required no other help” (Siebert, 1898, p. 159), it almost gives us the real feel of the passion and the sense of revolution that people like Mr. Purvis had for the cause of slavery. The various struggles, the selfless battles fought by those who supported the cause, the sacrifices made by both the slaves as well as their supporters and the courage comes out clearly in an awe inspiring manner. Therefore, reading this book was a thoroughly enjoyable as well as inspirational experience. There is no doubt that this book holds invaluable information related to the Underground Railroad movement. With years of research behind him, the writer has provided valuable information that accurately captures the essence and the minute details of this great struggle. Reading of the book results in a realization of the long period of struggle that began with the desire to attain freedom and ended with the great Civil war. What is more interesting is how, through narrations and letters, very little know facts related to this struggle were highlighted. Very often, when a revolution such as the anti-slavery movement happens, many small incidents, such as the specific names of slaves and stories of escapade often escape the eyes of the chronicler. However, Siebert has ensured that such stories saw the light of the day. Hence, the greatness of this book lies on a large extent to the way in which Siebert has complied a detailed history of the slavery in America through many little anecdotes. Therefore, this book can be looked at many different levels, while on the one hand, it is a store house of information and facts, on the other hand, it is a book that contains tales and stories of heroism and valour that led to the freedom of slaves in American history. Reference Siebert, W.H (1898), The Underground Railroad from Slavery to Freedom (A comprehensive History) New York : Macmillian Company   Read More