Jacob's did not have to endure long, hard days out in the field like other slaves, but that doesn't mean that her duty as a maid was any easier. She was under constant, 24-hour, supervision being that she lived in her master's house. While slaves out in the field had the night off, Jacob's duty was never done. Her master, Dr. Flint, was very derogatory towards her and tried to break her spirits every chance he could causing her to state "O, what days and nights of fear and sorrow that man caused me!(pg.29)". This fueled her hatred towards her master and her desire to get both herself, and her children, away from him. She was looked down upon because she had given birth to two children of whom the father was unknown to everyone but herself. The father was a Mr. Sands; a single, white lawyer with whom she hoped would purchase her freedom and that of her children. Otherwise, her children would be captives of slavery regardless of the fact that the father is white. Children born of slaves were treated as such as the practice of a masters impregnating a slave was fairly common. Jacob's master was a stubborn man and would not sell her no matter what the price. Seeing that she could never earn her freedom, she decides to run away and make plans for her children to accompany her later on. Running away was too dangerous; so instead, she pretended to flee and then stayed in the neighborhood being concealed by friends and family. Not only was this risky for her, but it also put those who helped her in jeopardy as well. However, through the generosity of friends and family and her overwhelming determination, she managed to stay hidden for seven years. All the while her master made several trips to the north in hopes of re-enslaving her. During this time her children's freedom was purchased now giving her a chance to escape to the North to be with them. Even though Jacob's finally manages to make it to the North, she could be still taken back at anytime.
