intention of treating Ona and her daughter roughly if he has to.

"Will you come with me?" he may have said, as politely as he could.

Ona stares at him. her little girl's warm body fueling her courage. After what probably seems like a very long time, Ona answers Burwell very simply.

"No."

As a native southerner, Burwell would have been offended to his core that he had to negotiate with this woman, this slave. Yet it becomes clear, quickly, that Ona is not going to budge.

Burwell swallows his anger and sweetens the deal, promising that the Washingtons "would set her free when she arrived at Mount Vernon." Ona knows this is a lie, but she stands there and listens. Perhaps Burwell continues with promises for an easy, nondramatic return to theestate-maybe even reminding Ona of her family still living at Mount Vernon, or how Martha is still just plain devastated at Ona's loss, because there is no one who is as wonderful as her best slave. Ona is missed! Ona is needed! Maybe Burwell looks around at that moment and delivers his strongest argument. If she goes with him, Ona and Eliza will not have to live in poverty in New Hampshire.

As Burwell prattles on, Ona finds her resolve. When he finally finishes speaking, she looks him straight in the eyes. Her response is final, and fierce.

"I am free now and choose to remain so."

Read the Revolution is published biweekly by the Museum of the American Revolution to inspire learning about the history of the American Revolution and