All very constructive posts on this topic.  We might also note that
Roxy in _PW_ escapes from her slavery the same way-- taking a canoe
south then getting on a steamboat north.  There's no ignorance in this
decision; she's been a slave and  has travelled the Mississippi
steamboat lines as a freewoman working as a chambmermaid.  Her tactic
for escaping detection is a demonstration of her knowledge and cunning.

Best,

--Larry Howe