History of the Underground Railroad

This book tells the many tales of the Underground Railroad, as well as many facts relating the political and social realities that existed in the 1850s, such as a judge being paid $5 when he ruled a slave to be free, and $10 when he ruled in favor of the slave catcher or owner—thus enticing the judge to rule for the latter. Such corrupt practices were rampant in every level of government and life of the slave, making their flight to freedom ever more difficult than simply escaping to the Northern states.