Key Question: To what extent do primary sources about freedom seeking in 18th-century Virginia reveal the skills, personalities, and choices of the freedom seekers?

RUN away the first of January 1775 a likely mulatto negro wench named KATE, 18 years of age, well made, 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high, and talks very smooth. She was hired to mr. Philip Moody of Williamsburg in 1774, and last year to mr. John Thruston, from whence she ran off. She has got a husband in Williamsburg, and probably may pass for a free person, as she is well acquainted in that city, and I have repeatedly heard of her being there. She formerly belonged to the estate of Mr. John Cary, deceased, of York county. I will give 20 [shillings] to any person that will secure her in jail and give me intelligence therof, or 40 [shillings] if brought to me in King & Queen, at Mr. John Thruston’s.
EDWARD CARY, jun.

Source: Virginia Gazette, Purdie, ed., 29 November 1776.