What was at stake for Smalls and the other slaves who escaped on the ship?

Hey,

Robert smalls made a daring sea escape, he feared the consequences he’d face for this attitude and the fear of being captured.

I hope this helps some how. :)

May 13, 1862, Robert Smalls and a crew composed of fellow slaves, in the absence of the white captain and his two mates, slipped and picked up family members then slowly navigated their way through the harbor. (They had to hide they’re faces in fear of getting caught)Once they reached outside of Confederate waters, he had his crew raise a white flag and surrendered his ship to the blockading Union fleet.

In fewer than four hours, Robert Smalls had done something imaginable this black male slave had safely deliver 17 passengers (nine men, five women and three children) from slavery to