Runaway Advertisements

STAFFORD County, AQUIA, Nov 3, 1775.

RUN off last night form the subscriber, a negro man named CHARLES, who is a very shrewd sensible fellow, and can both read and write; and as he has always waited upon me, he must be will known through most parts 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 accomplice, 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 5l. to any person who secures him, and the mares, so that I get them again.

ROBERT BRENT.

N.B. Since writing the above advertisement, the mares have returned, and there is a great probability, form many circumstances, to conclude that he was taken from Dumfries, in company with a white servant of mr. Andrew Leitch's, in an oyster boat belonging to one Kelly, near Smith's point, in Northumberland. I will give10l. if he is taken, and allow a handsome gratuity to any person who can convict Kelly of having carried him off.

SURRY, December 10, 1775.

TAKEN from some runaway Negroes that came down James River , and were going to the Governor, a CANOE about 30 feet long, sharp at both Ends, has a large Split in each Side, and Blocks for 4 Oars. Also sundry Clothes, some of which were stolen, and have since been claimed by the Owners. The Reminder of the Clothes, are supposed to belong to the said Negroes, and may (with the Vessel) be had by applying to JOHN WATKINS

WILLIAMSBURG, Feb. 3.

SIX white men and four negroes, last week, landed near to Mr. Narsworthy's in the Isle of Wight county, in order to carry off some sheep which they knew were on the plantation, and likewise to seize Mr. Narsworthy, for whose ransome they expected a large quantity of stock. A negro man, who happened to be in the yard, discovering a negro dressed in the uniform of the 14th regiment, immediately went and informed his master that some of the Governor's men were landed; he despatched the negro to a guard who were stationed at a small distance; they pursued them, took the negro in uniform, and drove the others into their boat without any stock.

Source: Virginia Gazette (Dixon and Hunter), February 3, 1776.