Twelve Years a Slave, Chapter 22 summary
Chapter 22 of 24 · 12 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 22, Solomon Northup travels north with Henry B. Northup, seeks justice against James H. Burch in Washington, and reunites with his family in Glens Falls. The court excludes Solomon’s testimony because of his race and releases Burch, while the homecoming restores Solomon to the family that remembers and mourns his absence.
What happens
- In New Orleans, Mr. Genois supplies a signed pass confirming Solomon’s freedom, and Henry resists a Charleston official’s demand to register him.
- In Washington, Solomon brings a kidnapping complaint against Burch, and witnesses establish Solomon’s status as a free man.
- Shekels and Thorn support Burch’s account, Solomon cannot testify because of his race, and no record of his sale appears.
- The court releases Burch, who then has Solomon arrested for fraud but withdraws the complaint.
- Solomon reaches Sandy Hill and then Glens Falls, where he reunites with Anne and his daughters and meets Margaret’s son.
- The family shares memories of separation, and Solomon closes by affirming his account and expressing gratitude for restored freedom.
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Why does the court reject Solomon’s testimony?
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