Never Caught: The Washingtons’ Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave

Chapter 4 opens with the Washingtons and their slaves returning to Mount Vernon for several months before relocating to Philadelphia, which was now the nation’s capital. Dunbar speculates about how Judge must have felt returning to the South after spending so much time in the North, engaging with free Blacks and a different, more urban way of life: “Her eyes would miss the spotting of free Black men and women in the marketplace, and her ears longed for discreet conversations about black freedom” (50).

While the Washingtons were moving, early American statesmen were arguing over the location of a “‘Federal City’ that was separate and apart from any other city or state government” (52). A compromise ensures that the “Federal City” will be close to Virginia–something the Washingtons wanted, though they never lived there as first family.

The Washingtons choose additional slaves to bring with them to Philadelphia, having been unhappy with the white indentured servants they employed in New York. Six of the seven slaves they brought to New York also accompany them to the new capital. Dunbar describes the new house in Philadelphia, explaining the décor, living arrangements, and social activities of the Washingtons, much as she did for the New York house.