# Second Journey on the Underground Railroad explained — Father Henson’s Story of His Own Life

> Chapter companion for Father Henson’s Story of His Own Life by Josiah Henson.

## What happens

Josiah Henson embarks on a second mission to free slaves, this time aiding the Lightfoot family. The journey is fraught with danger, including a narrow escape from slave hunters, a treacherous river crossing, and the illness of one of the party. With the help of a Quaker and a white stranger, they ultimately reach Canada, where Henson experiences the joy of reuniting a sick boy with his family and reflects on having helped 118 people gain freedom.

## Themes in this chapter

### Quest for Freedom

The entire chapter centers on the perilous journey to Canada, with Henson and the Lightfoots risking everything to reach liberty.

### Community and Leadership

Henson's decisive leadership and the cooperation of the Lightfoots, the Quaker, and the white stranger highlight the communal effort required for successful escapes.

### Resilience and Survival

Despite a leaky boat, illness, and close calls with slave hunters, the group perseveres and ultimately reaches safety.

## Character check-ins

### Josiah Henson

Narrator and leader of the second Underground Railroad journey; orchestrates the escape of the Lightfoot family and reflects on his broader mission.

### James Lightfoot

The individual whose earlier escape inspired Henson's second journey; his family is the focus of this rescue mission.

### Mr. Frank Taylor

Owner of the Lightfoots; after losing his slaves, he falls ill and eventually frees the remaining family members.

### Little Tom

A sick boy left behind with a Quaker family; later recovered and reunited with his family in Canada.

## Key lines

> Words cannot describe the feelings experienced by my companions as they neared the shore;—their bosoms were swelling with inexpressible joy as they mounted the seats of the boat, ready, eagerly, to spring forward, that they might touch the soil of the freeman. And when they reached the shore, they danced and wept for joy, and kissed the earth on which they first stepped, no longer the slave—but the free.

As they approached Canada, the fugitives were overwhelmed with joy, leaping from the boat to kiss the ground of freedom, weeping and dancing in celebration.

_Captures the emotional climax of reaching free soil._

> I have been instrumental in delivering one hundred and eighteen human beings out of the cruel and merciless grasp of the slaveholder.

Henson states that he has helped 118 people escape slavery.

_Highlights Henson's cumulative impact as a conductor on the Underground Railroad._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/xvii-second-journey-on-the-underground-railroad
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters