On May 23, a Philadelphia newspaper advertises a $10 reward for the return of Ona Judge to the Washingtons. It is unknown when the Washingtons realize she is missing.

Ona arrives in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and is met by an ally in the network of free Black people. This person is unknown, but Ona is taken in by a free Black family and, it seems, taught the skills she lacks to become a paid domestic servant. New Hampshire, though its Black population is small, is taking steps toward abolition. Yet Ona must be vigilant against those seeking to catch fugitives from slavery.

Ona begins to establish a life in which she can support herself financially, though she must still rely on her host family for housing and most of her basic needs. Unfortunately, Portsmouth is the home of Senator John Langdon, who works closely and socializes with the president. One day, Ona spots his daughter, Elizabeth, on the street. Ona walks quickly past Elizabeth, not making eye contact, but later Elizabeth realizes whom she saw and informs her father, who writes to Washington.