Never caught is a narrative of the story of Ona Judge and is based on the author’s meticulous historical research. To describe the events in the life of the heroine, Dunbar (2017) used primary sources that represent fragments of historical events. In particular, newspaper articles, including later interviews with Judge herself, the diaries of Washington, and other contemporaries, were utilized. Thus, the Judge’s story has been told from the perspective of scientific research, which presumably provides a fairly accurate view of the events of that period.
As a young enslaved woman, Judge was in a unique position compared to the rest of the slaves and servants of the Washington DCs. First of all, she was extremely close to Martha Washington and also accompanied her at receptions, which provided her with the opportunity to observe the changes taking place in the North. In particular, she interacted with free blacks and white servants, giving her an idea of freedom for slaves. Thus, Judge lived in a relatively comfortable environment, which made her escape a desire for independence solely. Dunbar (2017) addresses gender and enslavement as aspects that made the heroine’s life extremely challenging at the time, putting her in the most disadvantaged social position. Thus, Judge’s escape is a feat, as she realizes how difficult it would be for her to be a fugitive slave, especially given the political power of Washington.
The book shows that George and Martha Washington represented and shared the views of the people of the 18th century. However, having got to the North, George Washington, in contrast to Martha, began to consider different perspectives on slavery. Dunbar (2017) showed that slavery was the social norm of the time, and even the most progressive people hesitated about the need to abandon it. Thus, the book conceptualizes George Washington as an example of an era that is gradually moving from accepting the existing order to recognizing the need to change it.
Reference
Dunbar, E. A. (2017). Never caught: The Washingtons’ relentless pursuit of their runaway slave, Ona Judge. 37 Ink.