November 9, 1769
The Pennsylvania Gazette
RUN away from the Subscriber, living in East Marlborough, Chester County, the 22d Instant, at Night, a Servant Man, named William Ferguson, born in Ireland, and lately from thence, about 20 Years of Age, middle Stature, a Down look, fair Hair and Complexion;
had on a blue Cloth Coat and Jacket, without Sleeves, olive coloured Plush Breeches, Check Shirt, old Shoes and Stockings. [2]
Whoever takes up the said Servant, and secures him in any Goal, or brings him home, shall have Forty Shillings Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by JOSEPH PENNOCK.
Notes
1. Servants, sold straight away by a third party, rather than signing indentures, are now coming steady from Ireland as well as indigenous debtors.
2. Though persons are routinely being sold to sell their grocery or clothing debts, the instances of runaway barefoot slaves are now quite rare. 30 years earlier to be shoed was a notable thing for a runaway.
Stillbirth of a Nation: Caucasian Slavery in Plantation America: Part One
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