Mike Weedall's Blog

“The open expanse looked inviting. Nat took off his old hat to wipe the sweat. Shading his eyes from the glare of the water, he could see Venus and others already knee-deep, waving for everyone to join. Dropping his sack and wooden rifle, he splashed in to join them. The soft sand soothed his aching feet. Although the water felt warm, it lifted his energy. One person splashed another, and another responded. Soon the lake was foaming with the energy. Laughter and chatter overrode any mandate for quiet. Standing guard on the shore, Lincoln and moses scanned their surroundings.”

This scene from my book is culmination of Nathanial’s Maroon community travelling to Lake Drummond (see above) to meet with a Christian Minister from Boston. Abolitionist activists who abhorred slavery would sometimes venture into the swamp to conduct religious services. Many slave owners believed if their enslaved adopted Christianity, they would be easier to manage.

For the Maroons, security of gatherings and community locations inside the swamp was paramount. In this scene, individuals interested in meeting with a minister traveled from their camp to Lake Drummond to ensure their home location was kept secret from bounty hunters. Besides the attraction at the meeting for religious comfort, the opportunity to visit the largest lake in the Great Dismal would be a welcome distraction from their day-to-day routine.

After a day long trek through the swamp with all of its challenges and dangers, the group finally breaks through the growth to discover a sandy beach and inviting blue water. Exhausted, they rush in to celebrate being together, even as their two leaders kept watch.

I often write of the drive to be free for those self-liberated. Away from their imprisonment on a plantation, bonded with their brothers and sisters created their new family. Being in a community of like-minded people who love and support each other is something sought as long as people occupied this world.

Life was hard in the Great Dismal, but there were positives. Even though they lived in one of the worst environments in North America, they were free and together with people they could trust.