Final answer:
African-Americans pursued freedom through self-emancipation and appeals, with experiences around the Emancipation Proclamation marked by a mixture of joy and apprehension.
Step-by-step explanation:
The account "Fleeing to Dismal Swamp, Slaves and Outcasts Found Freedom" depicts the various ways African-Americans pursued freedom during periods of slavery and the Civil War. While some slaves accepted their lives, many sought liberation through self-emancipation or appeals to colonial governments--a phenomenon paralleling the colonists' own pursuit of freedom.
Additionally, narratives describe the complex emotions surrounding the Emancipation Proclamation and the aftermath of the war, highlighting experiences of joy, sorrow, and the daunting responsibilities of newfound freedom. The story of a former slave returning to the South to pay off his freedom underscores the complexities and moral dilemmas faced by those transitioning from bondage to independence.