Activity 3: Advertisement 5

RUN away from the subscriber, about the 20th of April, a Mulatto Fellow named PETER BROWN, by Trade a Painter, but can do Carpenters Work, about 35 or 40 Years of Age, five Feet eight or nine Inches high, of a dark Complexion, slim made, thin [facial features], has lost several of his upper fore Teeth, is fond of Singing and sings well, has several Suits of Clothes, therefore I cannot describe his Dress. He was some Years past tried for a Robbery; and found guilty, but obtained the Governour’s Pardon on suffering one Year’s Imprisonment. After that Time he was sold to Mr. John Fox of Gloucester, with whom he lived one or two Years; he then ran away and passed for a Freeman in the Counties of King William, Caroline, and Hanover, where he was taken up and brought home. As he has a Wife at Mr. Benjamin Hubbard’s, it is likely he may be lurking in that Neighbourhood, or near Petersburg, where he was raised. Whoever takes up the said Runaway, and delivers him to me at Osborne’s, shall have 40 [shillings] Reward. All Persons are forbid from harbouring or carrying him out of the Colony.

PETERFIELD TRENT.

Source: Virginia Gazette, Purdie and Dixon, eds., 16 June 1774.

Activity 3: Advertisement 6

Run away from the subscriber in Williamsburg, about three months ago, a negro man named Bacchus who formerly belonged to mr. John Wilkinson, not far from New Kent courthouse. He has a father and other relations on that family, and has several times been seen there since he ran away, and I have great reason to believe he is harboured and employed in that neighborhood. I will give 25[shillings] to any person that brings him to me, and £5 to any person that will prove in Court who the villain is that conceals and employs him.

John Greenhow.

Source: Virginia Gazette, Purdie, ed., 11 October 1776.