As I finished the book, I understand what the 14 years old Daniel had to got through as he was cheated out of his life. His father, who recently died at sea, had fought in the Revolutionary War. For his service, Daniel's father was paid in "soldiers' notes," a written promise of cash at a future date. When Daniel's father died, Daniel's master took the notes. Daniel believes the notes belong to him and his mother. Daniel's master, Captain Ivers, distrusts Daniel and takes him on his next voyage with the intent of selling him in the West Indies. Daniel's mother stays with Mrs. Ivers, the captain's wife. So now Daniel has to go on a voyage separating him from his mother. As the voyage goes on him and Birdsey become lost at sea. Which is a heavy experience for a young African American to handle. As a young boy, he plans quite good diversion such as when he lit a smoky fire in his Master's house to steal back his revolutionary notes. Daniel receives help from a slave girl named Carrie, a tavern owner named Black Sam Fraunces and an ailing Quaker named Peter Fatherscreft. Daniel learns that men representing the 13 states have gathered in Philadelphia to write a constitution joining the states into a single nation. Daniel hopes the new government will be able to repay the Revolutionary War notes so Daniel can buy his and his mother's freedom. The most pressured part of the book is when Daniel's travels as a runaway slave. Fatherscreft dies before reaching Philadelphia with the message. Before dying, he asks Daniel to deliver the message to William Samuel Johnson. Daniel agrees to deliver the message, but he realizes that the message seals his fate to remain a slave. His promise to Fatherscreft overpowers Daniel's desire to run. Daniel delivers the message, and the compromise becomes part of the Constitution. The books is very adventurous but also emotional. It kept me thinking what was Daniel gonna do in the next situation he got in.
