
In 1785, an African American woman, Elizabeth, was sold to her fifth enslaver. She had no idea that Robert Townsend, a son of her first enslaver, would locate her and safeguard her child--nor that Robert, one of America's first spies, had joined an anti-slavery movement. The paperback has a new chapter on recent discoveries about her life.
"Espionage and Enslavement in the Revolution focuses on the intertwined lives of two fascinating people who inhabited the margins of their time: a Revolutionary War spy whose own family never knew the critical role he played in winning America's independence and the enslaved woman whose intelligence and verve ultimately transformed the spy into an ardent abolitionist. A stupendous work of scholarship and storytelling--highly recommended."
"At a time when historically marginalized voices and stories are at last being brought to the forefront, it's exciting to learn about a true story explaining details of the Revolutionary War on Long Island, African American history in New York, and the valiant fight for independence in a world full of loss, heartache, and eventual triumph. Claire's research and commitment bring history to life and reveal a new African American female hero: Liss. Enjoy!"