The new capital is named “Federal City” but will later be renamed Washington, District of Columbia. While it’s under construction, Ona and the other enslaved people return to Mount Vernon. The Washingtons, knowing their enslaved people witnessed that freedom is possible, have to be selective in determining who will return when they permanently relocate to the capital city. Among those they add to this list is their chef, a man named Hercules. In November of 1790, the Washingtons move into a home in Philadelphia that comes to be known as “President’s House.”

In 1780, the Gradual Abolition Act becomes law in Pennsylvania. Designed to end slavery in stages, it prohibits the import of newly enslaved people and makes the children of enslaved people indentured servants until age 28. Enslaved people brought to the state are granted freedom after residing in Pennsylvania for six months. However, members of Congress are exempt from this law.

Attorney General Edmund Randolph mistakenly believes the exemption applies to him as well. When he loses three of his enslaved people, he meets with the Washingtons to warn them they too risk losing their enslaved people if they reside in

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