Questions:

1. I decided to put myself in danger and return to Maryland because I wanted to stand against the violence and discrimination against black Americans and help my family and friends that were trapped in the slave camp. Ever since I saw the segregation between light skinned Americans and us, I wanted to correct our countries’ mistakes and put a stop to the hate. I knew that it would be dangerous going back, but in my excitement and anxiousness, I decided to risk my life to do what I knew was the right thing. 

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2. I wanted to fight for the Union Army because I knew that if they won, it would be a huge leap for the abolition of slavery in America. The Confederates were fighting to keep the law that legalized slavery in our country, and that disgusted me. Every day, I wondered how anyone would want to mistreat my people like that, and every day, that thought fueled my determination to fight with the Union Army. I knew that a Union victory would benefit my aims to rid our country of the segregation of dark and light skinned people. They were fighting to unite our country under the same flag, and to abolish slavery, and that is why I joined the Union Army. 

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3. To a certain extent, I am satisfied with what I have achieved in my life, but I feel that more could be done to rid our society of sexual and racial discrimination. Too many people around us rely on people like me, who have the will to speak out and cry for help, to change views on unjust actions, but my aim is to not only make America a better place, but to help people who have been treated poorly learn to speak out. I am considered a ‘notable person’ because of what I have done for slave rights, but I was just a normal slave girl. What set me aside was the fact that I found my voice – which I found to be strong and persuasive. I tried to make America a better place, but there is still discrimination between races. Until this racism is gone, I will not be satisfied. 

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4. In my time during the war, I fought with the Union Army, which believed that the abolition of slavery would be beneficial for the country. However, I paid meagerly during my time assisting army forces. Black Americans like me were only paid $10 a week, not including a small allowance for clothing, while white soldiers were paid an additional $3. As well as this, woman were rarely fighting in the army, and were not recognised as proper soldiers. After I retired after the Combahee Ferry Raid, it took thirty years for my services with the Union Army to be noticed and I got a pension. Overall, I believe that the rights of slaves improved dramatically after the war, and I do not doubt that my decision to fight on the Union side was a bad idea. 

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5. As you might know, the underground railroad was a network of safehouses that hiding slaves could stay in until the conditions for black Americans improved. I rescued and transported many people here, also adventuring further north later, as social views on slavery became less inhumane. I was extremely surprised and fortunate to find this organization, and it was indispensable to the fight against slavery. I knew that it was a great discovery, but in a way, it also angered me. It was terrible that so many black Americans, who were no different to the privileged lighter-skinned Americans, were forced into hiding, and would be forced into constant labor. But it now makes me happier that my people no longer are treated as horribly as before.