Hope of Escape (2024) Movie Script
(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 slave folk.
I was in the big house after
all, I was head slave 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
illegal, 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 slave'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 slave who lived
in Wilmington, North Carolina
as a talented mason and plasterer.
He again, had more
freedom than most slaves
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.
(gunfire 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)
(gunfire 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 slave,
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 slaves in Charleston.
(person crying)
It was a place of punishment,
torture, 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 illegal 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 slave 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 slave 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 slavery.
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
slave 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
killed 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 Negro.
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
(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 slave folk.
I was in the big house after
all, I was head slave 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
illegal, 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 slave'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 slave who lived
in Wilmington, North Carolina
as a talented mason and plasterer.
He again, had more
freedom than most slaves
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.
(gunfire 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)
(gunfire 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 slave,
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 slaves in Charleston.
(person crying)
It was a place of punishment,
torture, 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 illegal 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 slave 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 slave 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 slavery.
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
slave 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
killed 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 Negro.
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