Runaways

Annapolis Maryland Gazette, October 20, 1763

             “RAN away from the Subscriber, living in Cecil County, near the Mouth of Susquehanna River, on the Second of this Inst. October, a Negro Fellow named Phill, about 25 Years old, Country born, 5 Feet 10 Inches high, well set, and somewhat yellow: Had on when he went away, a good light colour’d Country Cloth Coat and Breeches, the Coat lined with Linsey, two good Tow Shirts, one fine Shirt ruffled at the Bosom, good Shoes and Stockings, and a good Felt Hat.  It is thought he has got an old Gun with him, but not certain.

            Whoever secures the said Negro so as his Master may get him again, shall have Three Pounds reward; and if brought home FIVE POUNDS, and reasonable Charges paid by

ANDREW BARRATT.”

Baltimore Maryland Journal and Baltimore Advertiser, December 23, 1777

FIFTEEN POUNDS REWARD

Dec. 23, 1777

            RAN away, from the subscriber, living in Cecil county, Maryland, a Negro man named CAESAR, about 35 years of age, 5 feet 7 inches high, is blind of the left eye, tho’ not discernable at a distance, big mouth, very talkative, has a scar on one of his shoulders cut by a knife, in the form of an R; is a well set fellow and can read tolerably well.  Had on when he went away a wool hat partly new, that he brimmed himself in the fashion, a cloth coat, worn thin under the arms, a claret coloured broadcloth jacket, a half worn Eight Handred linen shirt, a pair of drilling breeches, a pair of thread stockings, new shoes, and brass buckles.  He ran away about the 16th day of October last.  Whoever takes up said Negro, and secures him in any gaol of the United States, so that his master may get him again, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges if brought home, paid by JOHN M’COY, living at the mouth of Octarara creek. -- N.B.  He was bought out of gaol from a certain Edmund Hungerford, of Calvert County, in Maryland.”

 Transcribed 5/8/97 by Fred Kelso Oxford, PA