Runaway Slave Ads - Historic Hudson Valley

Transcription

RUNAWAY ART: Interpreting Colonial Slave Ads Runaway Slave Ads In the following document, the same set of 15 Runaway Slave Ads is presented in three different ways: 1. Text of the ads themselves, pages 1-‐6 2. The ads recreated in period fonts, as they might have appeared originally in local newspapers at the time, page 7-‐ 21 3. Annotated Ads: A Guide for Teachers, page 22-‐40 1
RUNAWAY ART: Interpreting Colonial Slave Ads
New-York Gazette
November 13, 1732
Ran away from JOSEPH READE of New York City, merchant, the 14th of November
1732, a likely mullatto servant woman named SARAH. She is about 24 years of age,
and she has taken with her a callico Suit of Cloathes, a striped Satteen silk
waistecoat, Two Homespun waiste-Coates and Petty-coat; she is a handy Wench, can
do all sorts of House-work, speaks good English and some Dutch. Whoever takes up
the said Servant, and will bring her to her late Master, shall have 5 POUNDS
Reward and all reasonable Charges paid.
New-York Weekly Post-Boy
August 18, 1746
th
Run away on Sunday the 10 instant from Captain George Hall, of this city, a tall
likely young Negroe man named Quaw; he is a cunning and artful fellow, Jamaica
born, stutters very much and had one of his ears cropt; he stole away a £5, 12s and
£3 Johannes Pieces and was seen going towards Kingsbridge. Whoever takes up said
Negro and brings him to his master, shall have fifty shillings reward and all
reasonable charges paid by George Hall.
New-York Weekly Journal
May 25, 1747
New York, May 23, 1747 Made his escape from on board the Privateer Brig, Pollux,
on the 20th inst, a Mulatto man named Storde, a Bermudian Born, aged about 23
years, pretty tall and pock broken, but not very much, but pretty large pits in his
face, pretty fair, with his Head commonly shaved in order to make himself pass for a
white man, by trade a carpenter; the cloathes he used to wear before he left the
vessel, was a check’d shirt, a striped Flannel Jacket, a pair of Oznabrig trousers, a red
and white worsted cap, and some other cloathes, but can’t say what they were and
believe, that he caried with him both shoes and stockings, with a large pair of silver
shoe buckles and a silver stock buckle and also a pair of Gold Sleeve buttons, when
in Bermuda, which without doubt he had with him, and which ‘tis thought he will
offer to sell. It is very likely that he may be well dress’d as he had good cloath when
he left Bermuda. The above mentioned Buckles and Buttons given him by his
Master Mr. Thomas Hunt of Bermuda. Whoever takes up the said Mulatto slave
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and delivers him to Mr. Daniel Stiles at Captain John Waldron’s at New-York or to
Mr. Philip Wilkinson, merchant at New-Port, Rhode Island, shall have ten pounds,
as a reward and all reasonable charges paid by either. Daniel Stiles or Philip
Wilkinson.
New-York Weekly Post Boy
June 27, 1748
Run away from the Executors of Captain Beezley, a Spanish Negro Man, named
Domingo, about 40, pitted with small pox, but a scar under his left eye brow, speaks
bad English; had on when he went away a Brown cloth Jacket, a check shirt, an old
hat flapt, a striped blue and white cotton trowsers, is supposed to harbor in or about
the swamp, having frequently been seen near Mary Carrey, a white woman, that
frequently used to harbor him at her lodgings near the Stockade. Whoever takes up
said Negro, and secures him, so that he made be had again, shall receive Twenty
Shillings Reward by James Mills.
November 14, 1748
Run away from John Pell of the Mannor of Pelham, a Negro wench named Bell, a
boy named Janneau, a girl named Tamar, another named Dianah, another named
Isabel, also a Negro Man named Lewis. Whoever will take up said Negroes, and
bring them to John Pell aforesaid, shall have Five Pounds Reward, and all reasonable
charges, paid by John Pell.
April 23, 1753
th
Run away on the 12 Instant April, from ISAAC KINGSLAND of Saddle River, in
Bergen County, East New Jersey, a Negro Wench named Nell, who formerly
belonged to Robert J. Livingston, Merchant in New York: she is a tall slim Wench,
has three Diamonds in her face, one on each side and the other on her Forehead:
had on and taken with her when she went away, three Petticoats, one is an old
quilted one, and the other two homespun, one striped and the other mixed, a blue
and white striped short gown, a bluish homespun Waistcoat, and an Ozenbrigs shirt,
with Homespun sleeves, a short blue cloke, a new pair of Blue Stockings, a pair of
old crooked shoes, and several other Things too tedious to mention. These are
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therefore to Forewarn all Masters of Vessels and others, of carrying off, concealing or
harbouring said Wench, as they will answer it at their peril with the utmost Rigour
of the Law. Whoever takes up the foremention’d Negroe, and secures her in any
Gaol, so that her master may have her again, shall have Forty Shillings reward, and
all reasonable charges paid by ISAAC KINGSLAND.
New-York Gazette
October 15, 1753
Run away on Sabbath Day evening, Sept. 2, 1753, from his Master Chauncy
Graham, of Rumbout, in Dutchess County, a likely Negro Man named Cuff, about
30 years old, well set, has had the Small Pox, is very black, speaks English pretty well
for a Guinea Negroe, and very flippant; he is a plausable smooth Tongue Fellow.
Had with him a pair of greenish plush breeches about two-thirds worn, and a Pair of
russel ditto flowered green and yellow, two white shirts, two Pair of middling short
Tow Trowsers, one pair of Thread Stockings knit in Squares, one Pair of blue fine
wool ditto flowered, one Diaper Cap, one white Cotton ditto, one blue Broad Cloth
Jacket with red lining, one blue homespun coat lined with streak’d Lindsey Woolsey,
or woolen &c. &c. &c. He is a strong Smoaker. ‘Tis supposed he was seduced away
by one Samuel Stanberry, alias Joseph Linley, a white fellow that run away with him,
and ‘tis very likely this white man has wrote the Negro a pass; for ‘tis said he has
been in Norwalk in Conecticut, and passed there for a free Negro, by the name of
Joseph Jennings, and that he was making toward the Eastward. Whoever shall take
up and secure said Servant, so that his Master may have him again, shall have
FORTY SHILLINGS New-York Money Reward, and all reasonable charges paid by
CHAUNCY GRAHAM. N.B. All Masters of Vessels are forbid to carry off said
Servant, as they would not escape the utmost Rigour of the Law in that case made
and provided.
New-York Gazette
January 22, 1759
th
Ran away from Richard Harris, of Staten Island, the 14 Instant; a Negro man
named Tom, speaks good English, about 30 years of age. Ran away at the same time
a Negro Boy named Harry, 14 years old, has an Impediment in his speech, speaks
good French, and has lost one of Fore Teeth: They both had light coloured Kersey
jackets, with white flowered Metal Buttons; Harry had a cap on, such as Mariners
generally wear, and Tom had a Great coat with a cap to it, that covered his head on
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Occasion. Whoever takes up and secures said Negroes, so that their Master can have
them again, shall receive twenty shillings reward for each, and all reasonable Charges
paid by RICHARD HARRIS.
New-York Gazette
December 31, 1759
New-York, December 31, 1759, RUN-AWAY, from Charles Lewis, of the City of
New-York, Mariner, the 20th Instant, a negro fellow named Harry, about 5 feet 9
Inches high: Had on when he went away, an old green Jacket, and a white one under
it, wore a Cap, and Woolen ribb’d Stockings, and had an Iron Collar round his
neck, which is not visible without examination. Whoever takes up said Negro
Fellow and secures him so that his Master may have him again, shall receive Twenty
Shillings reward, and all reasonable Charges paid, by Charles Lewis.
November 6, 1760
th
Run away from John Waddell the 6 Instant, a negro man named Charles, about 24
years old, a likely middle fine Fellow, talks good English, this Country born; he
formerly belonged to Colonel Moore, is well known in town and in Harlaem, and
was seen last Saturday night in Harlaem. Whoever takes up said negro and brings
him to his master shall have Five Pounds reward paid by John Waddell.
N.B. He reports that he is a free negro and has a Counterfeit pass or
Certificate, in order to induce any Commander of a vessel to take him off.
New-York Gazette
September 30, 1762
TAPPAN, SEPT. 26. RUN AWAY last Sunday Evening, from his Master, in Orange
County, Johannes Blauveldt, Blacksmith, a Negro Fellow, named as he says,
ADONIA, but by us, DUCA. He is a yellow Complexion, being a mixed Breed, speaks
and reads pretty good LOW DUTCH, and speaks little ENGLISH: Is a very good BLACK
SMITH by Trade, and can make Leather Shoes, and do something at the CARPENTERS
TRADE, is about 5 and a half Feet high, full Faced, black Hair, but cut off about one
Inch long, is 20 or 22 Years old. Had on when he went away homespun Trowsers,
Shirt, gray Waistcoat, and Felt Hat; took with him a check Shirt and Trowsers, a
white Shirt and a Pair of blue Cloth Breeches, and one home spun Waist Coat. He
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had been whip’d the day before he went off, which may be seen pretty much on his
right side, he pretends to be free, and perhaps will get a Pass for that Purpose.
Whoever takes up and secures the said Fellow, so that his Master may have him
again, shall have THREE POUNDS Reward, and all reasonable Charges paid by
JOHANNES BLAUVELDT.
N.B. All Masters of Vessels and others are forbid to carry him away.
New-York Gazette
March 05, 1763
ST
WENT AWAY ON SUNDAY MORNING, THE 1 DAY OF MAY INSTANT, from the house of
ADAM STATES, a negro woman called LUCRETIA or CRETIA. She is low in stature,
has not been long in the Country, and speaks broken Dutch and English, she has
had the smallpox and is also great with Child. She had on when she went away, a
black Petticoat mended or patched on both Sides, a white Apron and a speckled
Handkerchief, a blue waistcoat and laced cap with a blue short Cloak. She is very
slow in walking and is very black of Complexion: She was entrusted into the Care of
the Subscriber to sell, and belongs to the Widow MARY DAUCHY, N. Y. Any person
who takes up and secures the said negro woman so that her Mistress or the
subscriber may have her again, shall receive THREE POUNDS IN NEW YORK MONEY
and all reasonable charges paid by HENRY JACOB PITTS.
N.B. All masters of vessels are hereby forewarn’d not to carry her off as they will
answer at their peril.
BEN (F IRST
OF
F OUR
ADVERTISEM ENTS FOR
B EN
BETW EEN
1766
AND
1770)
The New-York Gazette
September 4, 1766
rd
R U N A W A Y on Saturday the 23 of August last, from Nathaniel Richards at
Newark, a Negro man named Ben, about 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, aged 28, slim
made, thin visage, yellow Complexion, and can speak good Dutch. He formerly
belonged to Thomas Budde, at Morris-town in New Jersey, who several months ago
sold him to the Widow Mrs. Elizabeth Finn at Prakenas in the County of Bergen,
from whom he run away soon after, and being advertised, was taken and brought
home to his Mistress, by whom he was sold soon after to the Subscriber. When he
went away he pretended that he was going to swim, and as he never returned, and
next day his Clothes were found near the Shore, he was supposed to be drown’d, till
his Character was known, which gives Reason to suppose he took Method to deceive
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his Master and prevent a Search. It is not known whether he had any clothes with
him or not. Whoever returns him to his Master or secures him in any gaol, shall
receive Eight Dollars Reward and all reasonable charges.
NATHANIEL RICHARDS.
New-Jersey Gazette
April
23,
1778
200 DOLLARS REWARD.
WAS stolen by her mother, a NEGRO GIRL about 9 or 10 years old, named
DIANAH--Her mother's name is CASH, and was married to an Indian named
LEWIS WOLIS near 6 feet high, about 35 years of age--They have a male child with
them between three and four years old. Any person that takes up the said Negroes
and Indian and secures them, so that the subscriber may get them, shall have the
above reward and all reasonable charges.
Any person that understands distilling rye spirits, may find encouragement by
applying to the subscriber at his own house.
KENNETH HANKINSON.
Penelapon, East New-Jersey, April 15, 1778.
The Royal Gazette (New York)
May 24, 1783
FIVE GUINEAS REWARD
W E N T off from his master on Thursday night, a Negro Wench, called VIOLET,
with her male children, one about 7 years old, called Willis, the other about two
years old, named Joe. The Wench is about 26 years old, tall, thin, and somewhat
pitted with the small-pox. The youngest boy is rather of a yellow complexion. Both
boys have lately had their hair or wooll cut short. Whoever apprehends said
Negroes, and brings them to the Subscriber’s House, at Greenwich, shall have a
reward of Five Guineas immediately paid them.
David Campbell.
Excerpts from:
Hodges, Graham Russell and Alan Edward Brown, eds. PRETENDS TO BE FREE: Runaway Slave
Advertisements from Colonial and Revolutionary New York and New Jersey. Garland: New York, 1994.
6 7
New-York Gazette
November 13, 1732
Ran away from JOS. READE of New York Citty, merchant, the 14th
of November, a likely mullatto servant woman named SARAH. She
is about 24 years of age, and she has taken with her a callico Suit of
Cloathes, a striped Satteen silk wai∫tecoat, Two Home∫pun wai∫teCoates and Petty-coat; she is a handy Wench, can do all sorts of
House-work, speaks good English and some Dutch. Whoever takes
up the said Servant, and will bring her to her late Master, shall have
5 POUNDS Reward and all rea∫onable Charges paid.
Joseph Reade
New-York
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New-York Weekly Po[-Boy
Augu[ 18, 1746
R U N A W A Y on Sunday the 10th in[ant from Captain
George Hall, of thi< city, a tall likely young Negroe man
named Quaw; he i< a cunning and artful fellow, Jamaica
born, [utter< very much and had one of hi< ear< cropt; he
[ole away a £5, 12< and £3 Johanne< Piece< and wa< seen
going toward< KINGSBRIDGE. Whoever take< up said
Negro and bring< him to hi< ma[er, shall have fifty
shilling< reward and all reasonable charge< paid by
GEORGE HALL.
2
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3
10
June 27, 1748
R
U N A W A Y from the Executors of Captain
Beezley, a Spanish Negro Man, named Domingo,
about 40, pitted with small pox, but a scar under
his left eye brow, speaks bad English; had on when he
went away a Brown cloth Jacket, a check shirt, an old hat
flapt, a striped blue and white cotton trowsers, is supposed
to harbor in or about the swamp, having frequently been
seen near MARY CARREY, a white woman, that frequently
used to harbor him at her lodgings near the Stockade.
Whoever takes up said Negro, and secures him, so that he
made be had again, shall receive Twenty Shillings Reward
by JAMES MILLS.
4
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New-York Weekly Po} Boy
November 14, 1748
Run Away from John Pell of the Mannor of Pelham, a
Negro wench named Bell, a boy named Janneau, a girl
named Tamar, another named Dianah, another named
Isabel, also a Negro Man named Lewi[. Whoever will take
up said Negroe<, and bring them to John Pell aforesaid, >all
have Five Pound< Reward, and all reasonable charge<, paid
by John Pell.
5
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New-York Weekly PoÌ Boy
April 23, 1753
th
R U N A W A Y ON THE 12 INSTANT APRIL, FROM
ISAAC KINGSLAND of Saddle River, in Bergen
County, EaÌ New JerÇey, a Negro Wench named NELL,
who formerly belonged to ROBERT J. LIVINGSTON,
Merchant in New York: Èe is a tall Êim Wench, has three
Diamonds in her face, one on each Éde and the other on
her Forehead: had on and taken with her when Èe went
away, three Petticoats, one is an old quilted one, and the
other two homeÇpun, one Ìriped and the other mixed, a
blue and white Ìriped short gown, a bluiÈ homeÇpun
WaiÌcoat, and an Ozenbrigs Èirt, with HomeÇpun
sleeves, a Èort blue cloke, a new pair of Blue Stockings, a
pair of old crooked Èoes, and Çeveral other Things too
tedious to mention. TheÇe are therefore to Forewarn all
MaÌers of VeËels and others, of carrying off, concealing
or harbouring Çaid Wench, as they will answer it at their
peril with the utmost Rigour of the Law. Whoever takes
up the foremention’d Negroe, and Çecures her in any Gaol,
Ço that her maÌer may have her again, Èall have Forty
Shillings reward, and all reaÇonable charges paid by
ISAAC KINGSLAND.
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New-York Gazette
October 15, 1753
Run away on Sabbath Day evening, Sept. 2, 1753, from his
Master Chauncy Graham, of Rumbout, in Dutcheß County, a
likely Negro Man named Cuff, about 30 years old, well set, has had
the Small Pox, is very black, speaks English pretty well for a Guinea
Negroe, and very flippant; he is a plausable smooth Tongue Fellow.
Had with him a pair of greenish plush breeches about two-thirds
worn, and a Pair of rußel ditto flowered green and yellow, two
white shirts, two Pair of middling short Tow Trowsers, one pair of
Thread Stockings knit in Squares, one Pair of blue fine wool ditto
flowered, one Diaper Cap, one white Cotton ditto, one blue Broad
Cloth Jacket with red lining, one blue homespun coat lined with
streak’d Lindsey Woolsey, or woolen &c. &c. &c. He is a strong
Smoaker.
‘Tis supposed he was seduced away by one Samuel
Stanberry, alias Joseph Linley, a white fellow that run away with
him, and ‘tis very likely this white man has wrote the Negro a paß;
for ‘tis said he has been in Norwalk in Cone‰icut, and passed there
for a free Negro, by the name of Joseph Jennings, and that he was
making toward the Eastward. Whoever shall take up and secure said
Servant, so that his Master may have him again, shall have FORTY
SHILLINGS New-York Money Reward, and all reasonable charges
paid by CHAUNCY GRAHAM.
N.B. All Masters of Vessels are forbid to carry off said Servant,
as they would not escape the utmost Rigour of the Law in that case
made and provided.
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New-York Gazette
January 22, 1759
RAN AWAY from Richard Harri<, of Staten Island, the 14th
In[ant; a Negro man named Tom, speak< good Engli\,
about 30 year< of age. Ran away at the same time a
Negro Boy named Harry, 14 year< old, ha< an Impediment
in hi< speech, speak< good French, and ha< lo[ one of Fore
Teeth: They both had light coloured Kersey jacket<, with
white flowered Metal Button<; Harry had a cap on, such a<
Mariner< generally wear, and Tom had a Great coat with a
cap to it, that covered hi< head on Occasion. Whoever
take< up and secure< said Negroe<, so that their Ma[er can
have them again, \all receive TWENTY SHILLINGS
reward for each, and all reasonable Charge< paid by
RICHARD HARRIS.
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New-York Gazette
December 31, 1759
New-York, December 31, 1759, R U N – A W A Y, from
Charle< Lewi<, of the City of New-York, Mariner, the 20th
Instant, a negro fellow named HARRY, about 5 feet 9
Inche< high: Had on when he went away, an old green
Jacket, and a white one under it, wore a Cap, and Woolen
ribb’d Stocking<, and had an IRON COLLAR round hi< neck,
which i< not visible without examination. Whoever take<
up said Negro Fellow and secure< him so that hi< Ma[er
may have him again, \all receive Twenty Shilling< reward,
and all reasonable Charge< paid, by Charle< Lewi<.
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New-York Gazette
T
APPAN, SEPT.
Sept. 30, 1762
26. RUN AWAY LAST SUNDAY
Evening, from his Master, in Orange County,
Johannes Blauveldt, Blacksmith, a Negro Fellow,
named as he says, ADONIA, but by us, DUCA. He is
a yellow Complexion, being a mixed Breed, speaks and reads
pretty good LOW DUTCH, and speaks little ENGLISH: Is a very
good BLACK SMITH by Trade, and can make Leather Shoes,
and do something at the CARPENTERS TRADE, is about 5 and a
half Feet high, full Faced, black Hair, but cut off about one
Inch long, is 20 or 22 Years old. Had on when he went away
homespun Trow∫ers, Shirt, gray Waistcoat, and Felt Hat;
took with him a check Shirt and Trowsers, a white Shirt and a
Pair of blue Cloth Breeches, and one home spun Waist Coat.
He had been whip’d the day before he went off, which may be
seen pretty much on his right side, he pretends to be free, and
perhaps will get a Paß for that Purpose. Whoever takes up and
secures the said Fellow, so that his Master may have him again,
shall have THREE POUNDS Reward, and all reasonable
Charges paid by
JOHANNES BLAUVELDT.
N.B. All Masters of Veßels and others are forbid to
carry him away.
J. B.
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New-York Gazette
WENT
AWAY ON
March 05, 1763
SUNDAY
MORNING, THE
1ST
DAY OF
MAY
in∫tant, from the hou∫e of ADAM STATES, a negro woman called
LUCRETIA or CRETIA. She is low in ∫tature, has not been long in
the Country, and ∫peaks broken Dutch and Engli∫h, ∫he has had the
∫mallpox and is al∫o great with Child. She had on when ∫he went
away, a black Petticoat mended or patched on both Sides, a white
Apron and a ∫peckled Handkerchief, a blue wai∫tcoat and laced cap
with a blue short Cloak. She is very ow in walking and is very
black of Complexion: She was entrusted into the Care of the
Subscriber to ∫ell, and belongs to the Widow MARY DAUCHY, N.
Y. Any per∫on who takes up and ∫ecures the ∫aid negro woman ∫o
that her Mistreß or the ∫ubscriber may have her again, ∫hall receive
THREE POUNDS IN NEW-YORK MONEY and all rea∫onable charges
paid by HENRY JACOB PITTS.
N.B.
All ma∫ters of veßels are hereby forewarn’d not to
carry her off as they will an∫wer at their peril.
12
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New-Jersey Gazette
;
April 23, 1778
200 DOLLARS REWARD ;
WAS }olen by her mother, a NEGRO GIRL about 9
or 10 year< old, named DIANAH--Her mother'<
name i< CASH, and wa< married to an Indian named
LEWIS WOLIS near 6 feet high, about 35 year< of
age--They have a male child with them between three
and four year< old. Any person that take< up the
<aid Negroe< and Indian and secure< them, <o that
the <ubscriber may get them, >all have the above
reward and all reasonable charge<.
Any person that under}and< di}illing rye
<pirit<, may find encouragement by applying to the
<ubscriber at hi< own house.
KENNETH HANKINSON.
Penelapon, Ea} New-Jersey, April 15, 1778.
14
21
May 24, 1783
9FIVE GUINEAS REWARD9
W E N T O F F from his master on Thursday night, a Negro
Wench, called VIOLET, with her male children, one about 7 years
old, called WILLIS, the other about two years old, named JOE.
The Wench is about 26 years old, tall, thin, and somewhat pitted
with the small-pox.
The youngest boy is rather of a yellow
comple‰ion. Both boys have lately had their hair or wooll cut
short. Whoever apprehends said Negroes, and brings them to the
Subscriber’s House, at Greenwich, shall have a reward of Five
Guineas immediately paid them.
David Campbell.
15
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RUNAWAY ART: Interpreting Colonial Slave Ads A Guide for Teachers
For the Runaway Art project, students may select one ad from a total of fifteen ads.
The fifteen ads are broken into three categories (easier, somewhat challenging,
most challenging) for different learning levels, as outlined columns below. Within
each category below, ads are listed in chronological order.
EASIER
Sarah
Ad date: Nov. 13, 1732
Domingo
Ad date: June 27, 1748
Bell, Janneau & co.
Harry
Ad date: Dec. 31, 1759
SOMEWHAT
CHALLENGING
Quaw
Ad date: August 18, 1746
Tom & Harry
Ad date: Jan., 22, 1759
Charles
Lucretia (“Cretia”)
Ad date: March 5, 1763
Dinah
Ad date: April 23, 1778
CHALLENGING
Storde
Ad date: May 25, 1747
Nell
Ad date: April 23, 1753
Cuff
Ad date: October 15, 1753
Adonia/“Duca”
Ad date: Sept. 30, 1762
Ben
Ad date: Sept. 4, 1766
Violet
Ad date: May 24, 1783
Ads selected from Hodges, Graham Russell and Alan Edward Brown, eds. PRETENDS TO BE FREE: Runaway
Slave Advertisements from Colonial and Revolutionary New York and New Jersey. Garland: New York, 1994.
Each ad provides a unique description (of individuals, their possessions, possible
motives, etc.) and often logistical circumstances (i.e., escaped from a boat, may be
headed toward the bridge) that owners and agents used to identify these individuals
or groups. This document contains annotated copies of the ads listed above, with
notes to help explain some of the terms and historical connotations. Beyond the
notes on each ad, some themes come up repeatedly, throughout many of the ads.
These are explained below.
23
Note on Historic Documents
The runaway advertisements chosen can be found in PRETENDS TO BE FREE: Runaway Slave
Advertisements from Colonial and Revolutionary New York and New Jersey. (Hodges, Graham
Russell and Alan Edward Brown, eds. New York: Garland Publishing, 1994). Although the font
has been modernized for the purposes of this project, in the “default” ads for your students, the
spelling, syntax, punctuation, capitalization and contractions used in the original ads have been
largely retained. Additionally, on the website, you can find ads in “period” fonts, giving a sense
of these ads as historic documents. On those ads, you’ll notice some differences in the typeface,
most notably the use of the long “s” (shirt, person) and certain ligatures such as the double “s”
(braß, veßel). Although difficult to read at first, students should be aware that these characters
are pronounced like the modern “s.”
Textiles
The runaway ads often contain rich description of fabrics, which is hardly surprising, since
textiles were among the most valuable household goods of this time period. The fabrics
frequently listed in runaway ads are typically cheaper and often a rougher fabric. Still, some
include reference to nicer fabrics, perhaps suggesting that the wearer had a more public role in a
household, for which the owners might have wanted a nicer style of dress. Common fabrics and
fabric terminology include
Calico—a plain, somewhat coarse cotton fabric, often with a delicate printed design
Homespun—fabric woven at home (as opposed to commercially-produced fabric, which was
readily available at this time)
Linsey Woolsey—a linen-wool weave that was durable and warm but also coarse
Oznabrig—a coarse linen cloth, later also made of cotton; the most common material
purchased for clothing for enslaved workers
Tow—linen—a textile produced from flax; a strong and durable fabric, but rough
Worsted—a fabric made of wool; known for being durable
The inclusion of fabric descriptions in these runaway ads also helps shed light on how historians
conduct research. Since the clothes of the enslaved community were not fine, and not passed
down from generation to generation (as were textiles of wealthy people), documents like
runaway ads, which describes clothing worn by the enslaved community, help us better
understand what kind of clothing was worn by this group of people.
24
Complexion
Skin color was frequently listed to describe individuals. Particularly notable are references to
skin color that suggest mixed race parentage, with several ads describing an individual as a
“mulatto” or of “yellow complexion.” Both of these terms refer to mixed black and white
parentage. Though there is no evidence within these ads to prove relationships between enslaved
individuals and white owners, the frequency of the description (plus outside sources that have
documented such relationships) makes it likely that such relationships were involved at least in
some of these circumstances.
Remember that at this time, the “state of the child” (i.e., free or enslaved) followed the mother,
which meant that children from a relationship between a white master and an enslaved black
woman would have been born enslaved.
Currency
The ads included in this selection range from publication dates (in local newspapers) from 1732
through 1783. The majority of this period falls into the colonial period, and reward money is
typically offered in the British currency. Two exceptions to these (in ads from 1766 and 1778)
are listed in dollars. This refers not to the US dollar, but to the Spanish dollar, which was widely
available throughout the Atlantic world as a form of currency. (In fact, it wasn’t until 1857 that
the Spanish dollar was no longer accepted as legal currency in the US.) The US dollar was
introduced by the Federal Reserve in 1785.
British currency includes pounds (£), shillings (s), pence (pennies) (d, from the Latin denarii),
and the guinea.
12 pence = 1 shilling
20 shillings = 1 pound
1 pound = 240 pence
1 guinea=1 pound + 1 shilling
Conversion from historic currency to the present day can be tricky because of a lack of
standardized currency from this time period. To help students understand the amount of money
listed in these ads, we can look at a standard, middle-class income from the time period. In
colonial America, 40£ (40 pounds) was considered a typical salary for a middle-class worker.
With this as a baseline, students can understand the percentage of a middle-class income being
offered as reward for the return.
25
Notice to Ship Captains
Especially in the major trading center of New York City, much of the commercial activity was
done on ships and in docks. Many enslaved men in the region had experience with ships and
sailing. Additionally, ship captains were known as men who didn’t ask many questions about the
backgrounds of their crew. By the mid-18th century, warnings to ship captains not to enlist or
harbor the runaway had become standard in such ads.
26
Context
Vocabulary
Difficulty Level: Easy
New-York Gazette
likely: strong, capable (different
from our sense today of
“probably”)
mullatto: tells us something
about her family
about 24 years: tells us an
approximate age
calico/silk/homespun: The
variety of fabrics, especially
something nice like silk, perhaps
suggests that she was in a more
public position, for which she
was dressed more nicely than
enslaved workers in a field
position. The amount of clothing
is more than indicated in many
ads, perhaps suggesting she had
more clothes than other
enslaved women.
handy/House-work: suggests
this was a competent woman
who worked hard
speaks/Dutch: a reminder of
New York’s past as a Dutch
colony; also belies the notion of
enslaved individuals as ignorant
or uneducated
mullatto (mulatto): term for a
person of mixed European and
black African parentage; today
recognized as an archaic &
pejorative term (the literal
meaning is “young mule”)
callico (calico): a plain,
somewhat coarse cotton fabric,
often with a delicate printed
design
homespun: describes fabric
woven at home
November 13, 1732
Ran away from JOSEPH READE of New York City, merchant,
the 14th of November 1732, a likely mullatto servant woman
named SARAH. She is about 24 years of age, and she has
taken with her a callico Suit of Cloathes, a striped Satteen silk
waistecoat, Two Homespun waiste-Coates and Petty-coat; she
waiste-coate: similar to a vest
petty-coat: a skirt-like garment
worn under a skirt or dress,
either for warmth or to cause
the skirt to flare out from the
body
is a handy Wench, can do all sorts of House-work, speaks
good English and some Dutch. Whoever takes up the said
wench: a girl or young woman,
specifically of the working class
Servant, and will bring her to her late Master, shall have 5
POUNDS Reward and all reasonable Charges paid.
27
Context
Vocabulary
August: many runaway ads are
posted during the busiest times of
year of a farm schedule, such as
harvest time. Perhaps the
individuals knew their work would
be of most value during that time,
and they were in some ways
sabotaging operations by running
away at such a critical time.
young: gives a hint of his general
age, but the lack of specific age
reminds us that ages of enslaved
individuals were often unknown
Quaw: name comes from the Akan
people (of present day Ghana &
Ivory Coast)—this suggests his
family still maintains cultural
connections to this past
Jamaica born: tells us Quaw was
not born in Africa, but he is also not
native to New York
ears cropt (cropped): likely a
marker of punishment, perhaps
because of an act of resistance on
his part
going towards Kingsbridge:
suggests a path he might be taking,
perhaps to meet up with someone
in this region. The Philipse family
(of Philipsburg Manor) owned and
operated the bridge, charging
people to cross it. The bridge
connected northern Manhattan
with the Bronx over the end of the
Harlem River known as Spuyten
Duyvel.
Difficulty Level: Somewhat Challenging
New-York Weekly Post-Boy
10th instant: refers to the date
(the 10th) that had most recently
passed. Since the ad is dated
August 18, 10th instant means
August 10th
August 18, 1746
Run away on Sunday the 10th instant from Captain George
Hall, of this city, a tall likely young Negroe man named
Cunning: achieving a desired
result by deceit
Quaw; he is a cunning and artful fellow, Jamaica born,
Artful: clever, crafty
stutters very much and had one of his ears cropt; he stole
away a £5, 12s and £3 Johannes Pieces and was seen going
towards Kingsbridge. Whoever takes up said Negro and
brings him to his master, shall have fifty shillings reward and
all reasonable charges paid by George Hall.
28
Context
made/Brig: escaped while on a ship
mullatto: tells us something about
his family, being of mixed race.
Bermudan Born: tells us Storde was
not native to New York and had
endured at least one major ship
journey, from Bermuda to the
colonies
Head/man: suggests that running
away is part of a pattern of
behavior to escape the bonds of
enslavement
By trade/carpenter: suggests that
he had some training—goes against
the stereotype of enslaved
individuals as ignorant or unskilled
Cloathes he used to
wear/silver…buckle/offer to
sell/well dress’d: had a variety of
clothes, which enhance the physical
description and also suggest that he
had access to nicer things; also
suggests he might try to sell some
of these items in order to make
money (for his journey)
New-Port: Along with
Providence & Bristol, Newport
was a major center of the slave
trade. These three towns
accounted for 60-90% of the
enslaved individuals brought to
the North Atlantic English
colonies. Given that Mr.
Wilkinson is listed as a
merchant, it is reasonable to
believe that he would likely have
been involved with the slave
trade.
Vocabulary
Privateer: essentially a pirate
operating with the legal backing
of a nation (usu. attacking ships
that were at war with the
mother country)
Brig: a two-masted ship with
square sales
20th inst(ant): refers to the date
May 25, 20th instant means May
20th
Difficulty Level: Challenging
New-York Weekly Journal
May 25, 1747
New York, May 23, 1747 Made his escape from on board the Privateer Brig,
Pollux, on the 20th inst, a Mulatto man named Storde, a Bermudian Born, aged
about 23 years, pretty tall and pock broken, but not very much, but pretty large pits
in his face, pretty fair, with his Head commonly shaved in order to make himself
pass for a white man, by trade a carpenter; the cloathes he used to wear before
mullatto (mulatto): term for a
person of mixed European and
black African parentage; today
recognized as an archaic &
pejorative term (the literal
meaning is “young mule”)
he left the vessel, was a check’d shirt, a striped Flannel Jacket, a pair of Oznabrig
vessel: ship
large pair of silver shoe buckles and a silver stock buckle and also a pair of Gold
Oznabrig: a coarse linen fabric
Sleeve buttons, when in Bermuda, which without doubt he had with him, and which
trousers, a red and white worsted cap, and some other cloathes, but can’t say what
they were and believe, that he caried with him both shoes and stockings, with a
Worsted (wool): a woven fabric
‘tis thought he will offer to sell. It is very likely that he may be well dress’d as he
that is tightly knit (does not have
any gaps in it)
had good cloath when he left Bermuda. The above mentioned Buckles and Buttons
given him by his Master Mr. Thomas Hunt of Bermuda. Whoever takes up the said
Mulatto slave and delivers him to Mr. Daniel Stiles at Captain John Waldron’s at
New-York or to Mr. Philip Wilkinson, merchant at New-Port, Rhode Island, shall
have ten pounds, as a reward and all reasonable charges paid by either. Daniel
Stiles or Philip Wilkinson.
29
Context
Executors/Beezley: suggests
that the owner, Cpt. Beezley,
has died and that Domingo is
taking advantage of a time of
turmoil to make his escape
Vocabulary
Executor: someone who is
finalizing an estate or carrying
out the details of a will
New York Weekly Post Boy
June 27, 1748
Run away from the Executors of Captain Beezley, a Spanish Negro
Spanish Negro/Domingo:
slavery was practiced
throughout the Atlantic
colonies—this description
suggests relationships between
different races
Man, named Domingo, about 40, pitted with small pox, but a scar
pitted/pox: small pox was still a
prominent disease; pock mark
scars are often listed on
runaway ads as an identifying
characteristic
and white cotton trowsers, is supposed to harbor in or about the
under his left eye brow, speaks bad English; had on when he went
away a Brown cloth Jacket, a check shirt, an old hat flapt, a striped blue
swamp, having frequently been seen near Mary Carrey, a white
woman, that frequently used to harbor him at her lodgings near the
speaks/English: reminder of the
diversity of the Atlantic world.
Along with the description of
being Spanish, suggests
Domingo is not originally from
the New York area.
the swamp/Mary Carrey: hints
at a relationship that might have
been the motivation for running
away
Stockade: a defensive barrier
made of upright posts or stakes
Stockade. Whoever takes up said Negro, and secures him, so that he
made be had again, shall receive Twenty Shillings Reward by James
Mills.
30
Context
Vocabulary
November 14, 1748
Run away from John Pell of the Mannor of Pelham, a Negro
wench/boy/girl/man: a mixedage group traveling together,
like this one, might suggest
familial relations. What might
this suggest about their motive
for running away? In many
runaway ads, the author
suggests that individuals might
have run away to visit/be with
family. We also know by
comparing runaway ads to sale
receipts that many individuals
ran away relatively soon after
being sold to a new location.
wench named Bell, a boy named Janneau, a girl named
Tamar, another named Dianah, another named Isabel, also a
Negro Man named Lewis. Whoever will take up said Negroes,
Aforesaid: as mentioned earlier
(in the document)
and bring them to John Pell aforesaid, shall have Five Pounds
Reward, and all reasonable charges, paid by John Pell.
31
Context
formerly/Livingston: ads often
mention former owners to alert
neighbors in that area, should a
runaway be returning to visit
family from in previous location
three/face: suggestive of
scarification practices common
in some parts of Africa. This
might suggest a cultural
connection to Africa, either
being born there or born to
family still connected to their
homeland.
Had/mention: the list of
clothing suggests how precious
textiles were during this time
period. In addition to having run
away herself, Nell also took with
her numerous textiles and other
goods, which would themselves
have been quite an expense.
Rigor of the law: to the full
extent of the law
Vocabulary
passed. Since the ad is dated New-York Weekly Post Boy
April 23, 1753
April 23, 12th instant means April
12th.
Run away on the 12th Instant April, from ISAAC KINGSLAND of Saddle River,
in Bergen County, East New Jersey, a Negro Wench named Nell, who formerly
belonged to Robert J. Livingston, Merchant in New York: she is a tall slim
petticoat: a skirt-like garment
body
homespun: describes fabric
woven at home (as opposed to
being purchased commercially)
Oznabrig: a coarse linen fabric
Wench, has three Diamonds in her face, one on each side and the other on her
Forehead: had on and taken with her when she went away, three Petticoats, one
is an old quilted one, and the other two homespun, one striped and the other
mixed, a blue and white striped short gown, a bluish homespun Waistcoat, and
an Ozenbrigs shirt, with Homespun sleeves, a short blue cloke, a new pair of
Blue Stockings, a pair of old crooked shoes, and several other Things too
tedious to mention. These are therefore to Forewarn all Masters of Vessels and
sleeves: often a separate piece
of clothing, so a dress could be others, of carrying off, concealing or harbouring said Wench, as they will answer it
worn with or without sleeves
at their peril with the utmost Rigour of the Law. Whoever takes up the
vessels: ships
foremention’d Negroe, and secures her in any Gaol, so that her master may have
harbouring (harboring):
protect/shelter
her again, shall have Forty Shillings reward, and all reasonable charges paid by
gaol: jail
ISAAC KINGSLAND.
32
Context
October 15: many runaway ads are
posted during the busiest times of year
of a farm schedule, such as harvest
time. Perhaps the individuals knew
their work would be of most value
during that time, and they were in
some ways sabotaging operations by
running away at such a critical time.
Sabbath Day: Perhaps Cuff was taking
advantage of the non-working day to
get a head-start before his absence was
noticed.
Cuff: an abbreviation of Cuffee, the
Anglicanized version of Kofe, a name of
the Akan people of Western Africa.
speaks/Negroe: tells us something
about his background , and also is a
reminder of the diversity of the Atlantic
world.
Had…&c. &c. &c.: the extensive list of
clothes is a reminder of the value of
textiles during this time
seduced away: convinced to run away
wrote/pass: enslaved individuals were
allowed to travel if they carried a pass,
usually from an owner or oversee, that
gave permission to travel. Many
runaway ads list a forged pass as a
possible way the individual was
traveling without suspicion (and thus
suggested passes should be carefully
examined)
been/Connecticut: suggests a possible
destination or stopping point
passed/Negro: pretending to be free
Rigor/Law: full extent of the law
Vocabulary
Sabbath Day: Sunday
Guinea: today a country in
western Africa; then, it was a
region known as the Guinea
Coast, from present day Sierra
Leone to Ghana
New-York Gazette
October 15, 1753
Run away on Sabbath Day evening, Sept. 2, 1753, from his Master Chauncy
Graham, of Rumbout, in Dutchess County, a likely Negro Man named Cuff, about
30 years old, well set, has had the Small Pox, is very black, speaks English pretty
well for a Guinea Negroe, and very flippant; he is a plausable smooth Tongue
plausable:
Fellow. Had with him a pair of greenish plush breeches about two-thirds
smooth Tongue: someone who
speaks artfully or glibly, a
smooth talker
worn, and a Pair of russel ditto flowered green and yellow, two white shirts,
breeches: pants
Squares, one Pair of blue fine wool ditto flowered, one Diaper Cap, one white
ditto: same as above (in this
case, another pair of pants)
Cotton ditto, one blue Broad Cloth Jacket with red lining, one blue homespun
tow: linen
Smoaker. ‘Tis supposed he was seduced away by one Samuel Stanberry, alias
trowsers: pants
Joseph Linley, a white fellow that run away with him, and ‘tis very likely this white
Lindsey/Woolsey: a fabric of
linen and wool, very durable but
also coarse
&c. &c. &c.: stands for “and
company;” same as our “etc.”
two Pair of middling short Tow Trowsers, one pair of Thread Stockings knit in
coat lined with streak’d Lindsey Woolsey, or woolen &c. &c. &c. He is a strong
man has wrote the Negro a pass; for ‘tis said he has been in Norwalk in
Conecticut, and passed there for a free Negro, by the name of Joseph Jennings,
and that he was making toward the Eastward. Whoever shall take up and secure
said Servant, so that his Master may have him again, shall have FORTY
SHILLINGS New-York Money Reward, and all reasonable charges paid by
N.B.: Note; from the Latin nota
CHAUNCY GRAHAM. N.B. All Masters of Vessels are forbid to carry off said
bene, meaning “note well”
Servant, as they would not escape the utmost Rigour of the Law in that case made
and provided.
33
Context
Vocabulary
th
speaks/English: many enslaved
individuals in New York came to
the area via the Caribbean.
Some runaways are described as
speaking broken English,
whereas others, like Tom, speak
it well.
run/time: suggests that these
two may have run off together
speaks/French: a reminder of
the diversity of the Atlantic
world
metal buttons: metal was more
valuable (than wood, for
example), and the detail of
flowers suggests this might have
been a nicer jacket
14 instant: refers to the date
January 22, 14th instant means
January 14th.
New-York Gazette
January 22, 1759
Ran away from Richard Harris, of Staten Island, the 14th Instant; a
Negro man named Tom, speaks good English, about 30 years of age.
impediment/speech: a speech
impediment, difficulty speaking
(like a lisp or a stutter, though it
is not specified)
fore teeth: front teeth (usually
incisors, the sharp teeth toward
the front of the mount)
Ran away at the same time a Negro Boy named Harry, 14 years old,
has an Impediment in his speech, speaks good French, and has lost
one of Fore Teeth: They both had light coloured Kersey jackets, with
Kersey: coarse woolen cloth
Mariners: people who work
aboard boats; sailors
white flowered Metal Buttons; Harry had a cap on, such as Mariners
generally wear, and Tom had a Great coat with a cap to it, that covered
his head on Occasion. Whoever takes up and secures said Negroes, so
that their Master can have them again, shall receive twenty shillings
reward for each, and all reasonable Charges paid by RICHARD
HARRIS.
34
Context
Vocabulary
th
December 31 & 20 Instant:
The Christmas holiday was a
time when owners often
allowed time off for enslaved
individuals to visit loved ones.
Harry might have taken
advantage of this break when
planning to run away.
mariner: someone who works
aboard a boat; sailor
December 31, 20th instant
means December 20th.
New York Gazette
December 31, 1759
New-York, December 31, 1759, RUN-AWAY, from Charles
Lewis, of the City of New-York, Mariner, the 20th Instant, a
negro fellow named Harry, about 5 feet 9 Inches high: Had on
when he went away, an old green Jacket, and a white one
under it, wore a Cap, and Woolen ribb’d Stockings, and had an
iron/neck: part of a shackle
system; suggests previous acts
of resistance by (and
subsequent punishment of)
Harry
Iron Collar round his neck, which is not visible without
examination. Whoever takes up said Negro Fellow and secures
him so that his Master may have him again, shall receive
Twenty Shillings reward, and all reasonable Charges paid, by
Charles Lewis.
35
Context
Vocabulary
November 6, 6th instant means
October 6th.
November 6, 1760
Run away from John Waddell the 6th Instant, a negro man
talks/born: a reminder of the
diversity of the Atlantic world; at
this time, many enslaved
individuals in New York were
coming either from the
Caribbean or Africa, so this
designation sets Harry apart
named Charles, about 24 years old, a likely middle fine
well known: suggests his
personality (also mentioned
above)
Harlaem, and was seen last Saturday night in Harlaem.
last/Harlem: suggests a possible
location; at this time, Harlem
(then Haarlem) was one of three
towns on Mahnattan Island, the
other two being New York City
(roughly present day financial
district) and Greenwich
(Greenwich Village)
reports/negro: passes himself as
a free person
counterfeit/certificate: carries
forged papers in order to gain
passage on a ship
Fellow, talks good English, this Country born; he formerly
belonged to Colonel Moore, is well known in town and in
Whoever takes up said negro and brings him to his master
Counterfeit: fake, forged
shall have Five Pounds reward paid by John Waddell. N.B. He
vessel: ship
reports that he is a free negro and has a Counterfeit pass or
Certificate, in order to induce any Commander of a vessel to
take him off.
36
Context
Vocabulary
September: many runaway ads are
posted during the busiest times of
year of a farm schedule, such as
harvest time. Perhaps the
individuals knew their work would
be of most value during that time,
and they were in some ways
sabotaging operations by running
away at such a critical time.
New York Gazette
speaks/Dutch: a reminder of New
York’s past as a Dutch colony; also
belies the notion of enslaved
individuals as ignorant or
uneducated
very good/can make/ carpenters
trade: suggests that he has training
(in two fields at least)—goes against
the stereotype of enslaved
individuals as ignorant or unskilled
whip’d/before: tells us something
of the circumstances prior to his
running away
pretends/free: acts as if he is free
September 30, 1762
TAPPAN, SEPT. 26. RUN AWAY last Sunday Evening, from his Master, in
Orange County, Johannes Blauveldt, Blacksmith, a Negro Fellow, named as he
says, ADONIA, but by us, DUCA. He is a yellow Complexion, being a mixed
Sunday: Perhaps Adonia was taking
advantage of the non-working day
to get a head-start before his
absence was noticed.
Yellow/Breed: “yellow” was often a
description of people of white &
black parentage. The use of the
word “breed” is indicative of
pejorative language that describes
enslaved individuals in non-human
terminology.
Breed, speaks and reads pretty good LOW DUTCH, and speaks little
ENGLISH: Is a very good BLACK SMITH by Trade, and can make Leather
Homespun: fabric woven at
home (as opposed to
commercially made)
Trowsers: pants
Waistcoat: similar to a vest
Breeches: pants
Shoes, and do something at the CARPENTERS TRADE, is about 5 and a half
Feet high, full Faced, black Hair, but cut off about one Inch long, is 20 or 22 Years
old. Had on when he went away homespun Trowsers, Shirt, gray Waistcoat, and
Felt Hat; took with him a check Shirt and Trowsers, a white Shirt and a Pair of blue
Cloth Breeches, and one home spun Waist Coat. He had been whip’d the day
Pass: a certificate from an owner before he went off, which may be seen pretty much on his right side, he pretends
or oversee that allowed an
enslaved individual to travel, to be free, and perhaps will get a Pass for that Purpose. Whoever takes up and
usually given as a pass to visit
family or a pass to travel for secures the said Fellow, so that his Master may have him again, shall have THREE
business purposes for the owner
POUNDS Reward, and all reasonable Charges paid by JOHANNES BLAUVELDT.
N.B. All Masters of Vessels and others are forbid to carry him away.
vessels: ships
37
Context
Vocabulary
New York Gazette
Not long/country: a reminder of
the fluid nature of the transAtlantic world, with trade
frequent from Africa to the
Caribbean and American
colonies
Dutch & English: hints at the
back story of Lucretia and
reminds us of the Dutch history
in the New World; her bilingual
tongue also belies the notion
that enslaved individuals were
ignorant
March 05, 1763
instant: refers to the date that
had most recently passed. Since
the ad is dated March 1763, WENT AWAY ON SUNDAY MORNING, THE 1ST DAY OF MAY
instant refers to the most recent
INSTANT, from the house of ADAM STATES, a negro woman called
month of May (1762).
LUCRETIA or CRETIA. She is low in stature, has not been long in the
Country, and speaks broken Dutch and English, she has had the smallpox
petticoat: a skirt-like garment
body
great/child: perhaps suggests a
motive for running away, though
we can’t know for sure. May be
running to reunite with the
father, or to ensure her child a
better life
and is also great with Child. She had on when she went away, a black
Petticoat mended or patched on both Sides, a white Apron and a speckled
Handkerchief, a blue waistcoat and laced cap with a blue short Cloak. She is
very slow in walking and is very black of Complexion: She was entrusted
into the Care of the Subscriber to sell, and belongs to the Widow MARY
DAUCHY, N. Y. Any person who takes up and secures the said negro
subscriber: person writing the woman so that her Mistress or the subscriber may have her again, shall
very/walking: description,
perhaps due to her pregnancy
ad
receive THREE POUNDS IN NEW YORK MONEY and all reasonable
very/complexion: description
N.B.: Note; from the Latin nota charges paid by HENRY JACOB PITTS. N.B. All masters of vessels are
entrusted/sell: suggests that
Lucretia was about to be sold,
perhaps hinting at another
motive for running away
hereby forewarn’d not to carry her off as they will answer at their peril.
38
Context
Vocabulary
The New York Gazette
yellow complexion: “yellow” was
often a description of people of
white & black parentage
September 4, 1766
R U N A W A Y on Saturday the 23rd of August last, from Nathaniel
visage: face
Richards at Newark, a Negro man named Ben, about 5 feet 8 or 9
speaks/Dutch: a reminder of New
York’s past as a Dutch colony; also
belies the notion of enslaved
individuals as ignorant or
uneducated
inches high, aged 28, slim made, thin visage, yellow Complexion, and
who/sold AND from/Mistress:
suggests a pattern of being sold
and running away, perhaps as a
way of trying to take control of
his fate; the mention of previous
owners is a call out to their
neighbors to be on the lookout,
as runaways might have trying
to reconnect with family at
previous homes
Widow Mrs. Elizabeth Finn at Prakenas in the County of Bergen, from
pretended/swim AND
clothes/shore: suggestive of the
method he used to run away
undetected
supposed/known: again reflects
past efforts to run away; states
that he was believed to have
drowned until the owners
realized that this was a pattern
of behavior [to fight his
enslavement]
can speak good Dutch. He formerly belonged to Thomas Budde, at
Morris-town in New Jersey, who several months ago sold him to the
whom he run away soon after, and being advertised, was taken and
brought home to his Mistress, by whom he was sold soon after to the
subscriber: person placing the
ad
Subscriber. When he went away he pretended that he was going to
swim, and as he never returned, and next day his Clothes were found
near the Shore, he was supposed to be drown’d, till his Character
method: precautions, measures
was known, which gives Reason to suppose he took Method to deceive
his Master and prevent a Search. It is not known whether he had any
gaol: jail
clothes with him or not. Whoever returns him to his Master or secures
him in any gaol, shall receive Eight Dollars Reward and all reasonable
charges. NATHANIEL RICHARDS.
(NOTE: This was one of four advertisements for Ben between the years 1766 and 1770.)
39
Context
Vocabulary
New-Jersey Gazette
stolen/mother: suggests that a
mother (an enslaved woman)
had no claim to her own
children; the mother stole
property from an owner
200 DOLLARS REWARD.
WAS stolen by her mother, a NEGRO GIRL about 9 or 10
years old, named DIANAH--Her mother's name is CASH, and
married/Indian & male child:
mention of family relationships
and suggests at a motive for
running away; at this time, the
law for children was that the
status of the child reflected the
status of the mother. A child
born to an enslaved woman,
regardless of the father’s status,
would have been born enslaved
to the mother’s (Cash’s) owner.
Any person/spirits: An ad like
this would have run in the
classifieds section of the paper.
This add-on to the runaway ad
for an unrelated ad is a
reminder that enslaved
individuals were thought of as
property, not humans—and the
ad writer is taking advantage of
column space left over from the
runaway ad.
April 23, 1778
was married to an Indian named LEWIS WOLIS near 6 feet
high, about 35 years of age--They have a male child with
them between three and four years old. Any person that takes
up the said Negroes and Indian and secures them, so that the
subscriber: person writing the
ad
subscriber may get them, shall have the above reward and all
distilling rye spirits: brewing
alcohol
reasonable charges. Any person that understands distilling
find encouragement: find a
position available
rye spirits, may find encouragement by applying to the
subscriber at his own house. KENNETH HANKINSON.
Penelapon, East New-Jersey, April 15, 1778.
40
Context
Vocabulary
night: perhaps to evade
detection
with/children: suggests a family
dynamic and a possible reason
to run away
May 24, 1783
FIVE GUINEAS REWARD
WENT off from his master on Thursday night, a Negro
Wench, called VIOLET, with her male children, one about 7
years old, called Willis, the other about two years old, named
pitted/pox: small pox was still a
prominent disease; pock mark
scars are often listed on
runaway ads as an identifying
characteristic
yellow complexion: “yellow” was
often a description of people of
white & black parentage. The fact
that this description is included just
for the younger son suggests that
he might have been the offspring of
Violet and the owner.
Hair/wooll (wool): The use of the
word wool is indicative of
pejorative language that describes
enslaved individuals in non-human
terminology.
Joe. The Wench is about 26 years old, tall, thin, and somewhat
pitted with the small-pox. The youngest boy is rather of a
yellow complexion. Both boys have lately had their hair or
apprehends: captures, arrests
subscriber: person placing the
ad
wooll cut short. Whoever apprehends said Negroes, and brings
them to the Subscriber’s House, at Greenwich, shall have a
reward of Five Guineas immediately paid them. David
Campbell.

Runaway Slave Ads - Historic Hudson Valley

Transcription

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