Chapters 1 through 3 Summary

Willy Freeman says her most vivid memories of that day are of the sun flashing on the bayonets carried by the British soldiers as they passed the Freeman house. Willy is really Wilhemina, but everyone calls her Willy. Her parents are Jordan and Lucy Freeman. They are black but are free because Jordan has agreed to fight with the Americans against the British during the American Revolution. The former owner, Colonel Ledyard, had freed Jordan, as was the habit of the day. While he wasn't obligated to free Jordan's family, he did, meaning the entire family is free.

On this particular day, Willy says that she wishes her father was home but her mother Lucy counters, saying that Jordan is safer out on the bay fishing than he would be if he were involved in the fighting. Willy, at thirteen, continues...