Deborah Squash ran away from slavery on a Virginia plantation. Her owner's name was George Washington. Deborah and her husband, Harvey Squash, arrived in New York and fought against the Patriots. When the British lost, General Washington asked for a meeting with the British general, Sir Guy Carleton. He asked Carleton to return everything that belonged to the American victors, "including the Negroes." Carleton answered that he meant to honor his promise to free slaves who fought for the British, and help them escape. He said some blacks had already left New York Harbor. Deborah Squash was on one of those first ships. For more about Deborah Squash link to "Life Stories: Profiles of Black New Yorkers During Slavery and Emancipation" Close