In The Shadow of Liberty: The Hidden History of Slavery, Four Presidents, and Five Black Lives

Best-selling popular history author Kenneth C. Davis' IN THE SHADOW OF LIBERTY traces the stories five enslaved people who served four of the most celebrated presidents of the early United States. After an excellent overview of the topic of American slavery, Davis begins with the story of George Washington's valet Billy Lee, who was with the general throughout his entire life and witnessed much of the American Revolution up close. The book then proceeds to the life of Ona Judge, a woman who successfully fled Washington's estate and evaded his attempts to recapture her. Next is Isaac Granger, trusted servant of Thomas Jefferson, a man whose complicated views on slavery have been the subject of much scrutiny and debate. Paul Jennings, who "was always with Mr. [James] Madison till he died, and shaved him every other day for sixteen years," survived the turmoil of the War of 1812, fleeing the capitol building moments before it was burnt to the ground by the invading British army. The final chapter profiles Alfred Jackson, one of many persons held as property by beloved war hero Andrew Jackson for most of his life. All of these individuals eventually gained their freedom, either through manumission (being freed), purchasing their liberty, or escaping from bondage.