STAFFORD County, AQUIA, Nov. 2, 1775.

RAN away last Night, from the Subscriber, a Negro Man named CHARLES, who is a very shrewd sensible Fellow, and can both read and write; and as he always waited upon me, he must be well known through most of Virginia and Maryland. He is very black, has a large Nose, and is about 5 Feet 8 or 10 Inches high. He took a Variety of Clothes which I cannot well particularise, stole several of my Shirts, a Pair of new Saddle Bags, and two MARES, one a darkish, the other a light Bay, with a Blaze and white Feet, and about 3 Years old. From many Circumstances, there is Reason to believe he intends an Attempt to get to Lord Dunmore; and as I have Reason to believe his Design of going off was long premeditated, and that he has gone off with some Accomplices, I am apprehensive he may prove daring and resolute, if endeavoured to be taken. His Elopement was from no Cause of Complaint, or Dread of a Whipping (for he has always been remarkably indulged, indeed too much so) but from a determined Resolution to get Liberty, as he conceived, by flying to Lord Dunmore. I will give 5 l. to any Person who secures him and the Mares, so that I get them again.

ROBERT BRENT.Source: Robert Brent, Virginia Gazette (Dixon & Hunter), Williamsburg, 18 November 1775. https://shec.ashp.cuny.edu/items/show/496