April 18, 1751

The Pennsylvania Gazette

Run away from Adam McCool, Blacksmith, of West Nantmell, Chester county, an apprentice lad, [1] named Francis Cannon, born in Ireland, of middle stature, full face, short bushy black hair, well built, much given to drink, and as he walks takes long steps, much given to singing and playing on the jews harp: Had on when he went away, a new felt hat, a brown and yellow silk and worsted coat, lined with yellow silk, full trimmed, blue camblet jacket and breeches, lined with brown shaloon, [2] a new white shirt, blue stockings, good shoes, with pewter buckles.

Whoever takes up the said apprentice, and brings him to his master, or secures him so as he may have him again, shall have Forty Shillings reward, and reasonable charges, paid by ADAM McCOOL.

N.B. The coat is wove burdeye fashion.

1. Apprenticeships are, in modern times, a great opportunity, but, keep in mind, that Adam McCool would be within his rights to beat his lad severely every day of his apprenticeship and that such use of servants was not only common but the norm.

2.

‘a Negro man named Boston, 5 feet 4 or 5 inches high, had on an mid brown camblet coat mid blue and white woolen jacket, ...’ [3]

cam•let

(kăm′lĭt)

n.

a. A rich cloth of Asian origin, supposed originally to have been made of camel's hair and silk and later made of goat's hair and silk or other combinations.

b. A garment made from this cloth.

3. Note that the black runaway slave listing does not use the term slave or black but simply Negro, which sufficed.