SOURCES ON RUNAWAY SLAVES

SCHMOLL/HISTORY 231/SOURCES ON RUNAWAY SLAVES:

1. Virginia Gazette (Parks),
Williamsburg, From Friday, September 17, to Friday, September 24, 1736.

RAN away, on Saturday the 14th of August last, from the Subscriber's Plantation, in Middlesex County, a Convict Servant Man, named Thomas Rennolds, by Trade a Shoe-maker; he is of a small Stature, Smooth-fac'd, and about Twenty Years of Age. He took with him, several Shoe makers Tools, Canvas Wastcoats and Breeches, and wore a Brown Duroy Coat, lin'd with Blue Shalloon, one Black, and one White Wigg, and, 'tis suppos'd, he also took with him a small Bay Horse, branded with a Horse-shoe, on the near Buttock, and has a White Feather, growing on his Mane, near his Withers; an old Hunting Saddle, with a Red Housing, and a Pair of Leather or Canvas Bags. Whoever secures the said Servant, and Horse, or gives Notice of them, so that they may be had again, shall have a Pistole Reward, besides what the Law allows. Anne Smith.

2. Norfolk Herald (Willett and O'Connor),
Norfolk, December 29, 1800.

Committed to the jail of Princess Anne county, negro LEWIS, a Frenchman; he is about 5 feet high, of a dark complexion, has a scar on his breast; he says he is free, though he has no document to show. The owner is desired to prove his property, pay charges, and take him away. THE JAILER. December 29.

3. Virginia Gazette and General Advertiser (Davis),
Richmond, September 29, 1790.

Twenty Dollars Reward. Ran away from the subscriber, in the lower end of Louisa county, a negro man slave named JAME, about 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high; of a black complexion, rather round shouldered, has a remarkable lightish spot (sometimes almost white) between his breast and his collarbone, a scar on his back or shoulder-blade, done by falling with an ax on his shoulder; he is by trade a blacksmith; it is likely he may be about Richmond or Hanover-Town, as he was seen going down that way, and was bred at the place where Mrs. Welman lives. I believe him to be about 23 or 24 years of age; he may probably get a forged pass. Whoever delivers the said slave to me, shall receive the above reward, or ten dollars for securing him in any jail so that I get him again. JAMES BURNLEY. Sept. 10, 1790.

4. Virginia Independent Chronicle and General Advertiser (Davis),
Richmond, August 18, 1790.

Ran away from the subscriber, since the month of April, 1788, a negro man called CAESAR, a strong made fellow, rather short and thick, about 40 years of age, he is a sawyer, a carpenter, a shoemaker, and a remarkable good mower, he is a strong headed, sensible fellow, has a rough face, with a scar on the right side he will probably pass for a freeman or has a forged pass; he is, or has been, harboured near one of Col. Bassett's quarters, in King William, where he had formerly a wife. Ran away also from the subscriber, since the beginning of April last, a negro man called BARRET, about 35 years of age, he is a raw boned fellow, near six feet high, his upper teeth nearly all gone; he is very fond of trading, rather talkative, yet is but very likely addicted to truth or honesty, he has a pass with him from a Sam, an emancipated negro of Watt Hopkins, and has been lately seen in Isle of Wight, where he goes by the name of said Sam. TEN POUNDS reward will be given for apprehending and securing either of the two mentioned runaways, so that I may get him. L. A. PAULY. Diascum-Bridge, New-Kent county, August 12, 1790.

5. Virginia Gazette (Dixon & Hunter),
Williamsburg, June 24, 1775.

COMMITTED to the Gaol of Henrico, a Negro Woman, who says her Name is BETTY, about 4 Feet 10 Inches high; has on an Osnabrug Shift and Petticoat, has a hole through each ear, appears to be outlandish, and cannot tell her Master's Name. The Owner is desired to prove his Property, pay Charges, and take her away. MARY LINDSEY, Gaoler.

6. Virginia Gazette (Purdie),
Williamsburg, June 27, 1777.

RUN away from the subscriber in Spotsylvania county, about the middle of January last, a young negro wench named Lucy, about 18 years old, of a yellowish complexion, straight and well made, has remarkable large breasts, and in one eye (which I do not remember) there is a small yellow streak, which runs from the sight to the out edge of the white. I have heard that she was seen on the road to col. Corbin's in Middlesex, where she has a father and some other relations, and passed by the name of Lucy Dorrell. Whoever delivers the above negro shall be entitled to 8 dollars. MORDECAI BUCKNER.

7. Virginia Gazette and Weekly Advertiser (Nicolson & Prentis),
Richmond, March 29, 1783.

RUN away from the subscriber the following negroes: Beck a negro woman; Sampson, Quash, and David, negro fellows. Beck went off with Cornwallis and was seen in York after the siege; Sampson and Quash are supposed to be harboured in Williamsburg, or in the neighbourhood of that place; David was purchased of Mr. Adam Byrd in James City, and probably is lurking about that neighbourhood. Whoever apprehends these negroes, or any of them, so that they may be recovered and delivered to Edmund Randolph, Esq; near Richmond, or Robert Prentis, Esq; in Williamsburg, shall be handsomely rewarded. J. H. NORTON.

8. Norfolk Herald (Willett and O'Connor),
Norfolk, November 24, 1803

Ten Dollars Reward. I WILL give the above reward to any person who will apprehend a Negro Wench named RACHAEL, which with her child about 14 months old, eloped from me on Monday last. She is a well-looking light coloured Wench about 27 years of age, who has a husband living with Peter Lugg, who I suspect harbours her. WM. W. WARD. Main-street, Nov. 24.