Chapter IX

SLAVES AS THEY ARE, ON TESTIMONY OF OWNERS.

The investigation into the actual condition of the slave population at the South is beset with many difficulties. So many things are said _pro_ and _con_,—so many said in one connection and denied in another,—that the effect is very confusing.

Thus, we are told that the state of the slaves is one of blissful contentment; that they would not take freedom as a gift; that their family relations are only now and then invaded; that they are a stupid race, almost sunk to the condition of animals; that generally they are kindly treated, &c. &c. &c.

In reading over some two hundred Southern newspapers this fall, the author has been struck with the very graphic and circumstantial pictures, which occur in all of them, describing fugitive slaves. From these descriptions one may learn a vast many things. The author will here give an assortment of them, taken at random. It is a commentary on the contented state of the slave population that the writer finds two or three always, and often many more, in every one of the hundreds of Southern papers examined.

In reading the following little sketches of “slaves as they are,” let the reader notice:

1. The color and complexion of the majority of them.

2. That it is customary either to describe slaves by some _scar_, or to say “_No scars recollected_.”

3. The _intelligence_ of the parties advertised.

4. The number that _say they are free_ that are to be _sold to pay jail-fees_.

Every one of these slaves has a history,—a history of woe and crime, degradation, endurance, and wrong. Let us open the chapter:

_South-side Democrat_, Oct. 28, 1852. Petersburgh, Virginia:

REWARD.

Twenty-five dollars, with the payment of all necessary expenses,
will be given for the apprehension and delivery of my man CHARLES,
if taken on the Appomattox river, or within the precincts of
Petersburgh. He ran off about a week ago, and, if he leaves the
neighborhood, will no doubt make for Farmville and Petersburgh. He
is _a mulatto_, rather below the medium height and size, but well
proportioned, and very active and sensible. He is aged about 27
years, has a mild, submissive look, _and will, no doubt, show the
marks of a recent whipping, if taken_. He must be delivered to the
care of Peebles, White, Davis & Co.

R. H. DEJARNETT,
Lunenburgh.

Oct. 25—3t.

Poor Charles!—_mulatto!_—has a mild, submissive look, and will probably show marks of a recent whipping!

_Kosciusko Chronicle_, Nov. 24, 1852:

COMMITTED

To the Jail of Attila County, on the 8th instant, a negro boy, who
calls his name GREEN, and says he belongs to James Gray, of Winston
County. Said boy is about 20 years old, _yellow complexion_, round
face, _has a scar on his face, one on his left thigh, and one in his
left hand_, is about 5 feet 6 inches high. Had on when taken up a
cotton cheek shirt, Linsey pants, new cloth cap, and was riding a
large roan horse about 12 or 14 years old and thin in order. The
owner is requested to come forward, prove property, pay charges, and
take him away, or he will be sold to pay charges.

E. B. SANDERS, Jailer A. C.

Oct. 12, 1842. n12tf.

_Capitolian Vis-a-Vis_, West Baton Rouge, Nov. 1, 1852:

$100 REWARD.

RUNAWAY from the subscriber, in Randolph County, on the 18th of
October, a _yellow_ boy, named JIM. This boy is 19 years old, _a
light mulatto with dirty sunburnt hair, inclined to be straight_; he
is just 5 feet 7 inches high, and slightly made. He had on when he
left a black cloth cap, black cloth pantaloons, a plaided sack coat,
a fine shirt, and brogan shoes. One hundred dollars will be paid for
the recovery of the above-described boy, if taken out of the State,
or fifty dollars if taken in the State.

MRS. S. P. HALL,
Huntsville, Mo.

Nov. 4, 1852.

_American Baptist_, Dec. 20, 1852:

TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD FOR A PREACHER.

The following paragraph, headed “Twenty Dollars Reward,” appeared in
a recent number of the _New Orleans Picayune_:

“Run away from the plantation of the undersigned the negro man
Shedrick, a preacher, 5 feet 9 inches high, about 40 years old, but
looking not over 23, _stamped N. E. on the breast, and having both
small toes cut off_. He is of a very dark complexion, with eyes
small but bright, _and a look quite insolent_. He dresses good, and
was arrested as a runaway at Donaldsonville, some three years ago.
The above reward will be paid for his arrest, by addressing Messrs.
Armant Brothers, St. James parish, or A. Miltenberger & Co., 30
Carondelet-street.”

Here is a preacher who is branded on the breast and has both toes cut off,—and _will_ look insolent yet! There’s depravity for you!

_Jefferson Inquirer_, Nov. 27, 1852:

$100 DOLLARS REWARD.

RANAWAY from my plantation, in Bolivar County, Miss., a negro man
named MAY, aged 40 years, 5 feet 10 or 11 inches high, _copper
colored_, and very straight; his front teeth are good and stand a
little open; stout through the shoulders, _and has some scars on his
back that show above the skin plain, caused by the whip_; he
frequently hiccups when eating, if he has not got water handy; he
was pursued into Ozark County, Mo., and there left. I will give the
above reward for his confinement in jail, so that I can get him.

JAMES H. COUSAR,
Victoria, Bolivar County, Mississippi.

Nov. 13, 1m.

Delightful master to go back to, this man must be!

_The Alabama Standard_ has for its motto:

“RESISTANCE TO TYRANTS IS OBEDIENCE TO GOD.”

Date of Nov. 29th, this advertisement:

COMMITTED

To the Jail of Choctaw County, by Judge Young, of Marengo County, a
RUNAWAY SLAVE, who calls his name BILLY, and says he belongs to the
late William Johnson, and was in the employment of John Jones, near
Alexandria, La. He is about 5 feet 10 inches high, black, about 40
years old, _much scarred on the face and head_, and _quite
intelligent_.

The owner is requested to come forward, prove his property, and take
him from Jail, or he will be disposed of according to law.

S. S. HOUSTON, Jailer C. C.

December 1, 1852. 44-tf

Query: Whether this “quite intelligent” Billy hadn’t been corrupted by hearing this incendiary motto of the _Standard_?

_Knoxville_ (Tenn.) _Register_, Nov. 3d:

LOOK OUT FOR RUNAWAYS!!

$25 REWARD!

RANAWAY from the subscriber, on the night of the 26th July last, a
negro woman named HARRIET. Said woman is about five feet five inches
high, has prominent cheek-bones, large mouth and good front teeth,
tolerably spare built, about 26 years old. We think it probable she
is harbored by some negroes not far from John Mynatt’s, in Knox
County, where she and they are likely making some arrangements to
get to a free state; or she may be concealed by some negroes (her
connections) in Anderson County, near Clinton. I will give the above
reward for her apprehension and confinement in any prison in this
state, or I will give fifty dollars for her confinement in any jail
out of this state, so that I get her.

H. B. GOENS,
Clinton, Tenn.

Nov. 3. 4m

_The Alexandria Gazette_, November 29, 1852, under the device of Liberty trampling on a tyrant, motto “_Sic semper tyrannis_,” has the following:

TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS REWARD.

Ranaway from the subscriber, living in the County of Rappahannock,
on Tuesday last, DANIEL, _a bright mulatto_, about 5 feet 8 inches
high, about 35 years old, _very intelligent_, has been a wagoner for
several years, and is pretty well acquainted from Richmond to
Alexandria. He calls himself _DANIEL TURNER; his hair curls, without
showing black blood, or wool; he has a scar on one cheek, and his
left hand has been seriously injured by a pistol-shot_, and he was
shabbily dressed when last seen. I will give the above reward if
taken out of the county, and secured in jail, so that I get him
again, or $10 if taken in the county.

A. M. WILLIS,

Rappahannock Co., Va., Nov. 29.—eolm.

Another “very intelligent,” straight-haired man. Who was his father?

_The New Orleans Daily Crescent_, office No. 93 St. Charles-street; Tuesday morning, December 13, 1852:

BROUGHT TO THE FIRST DISTRICT POLICE PRISON.

NANCY, a griffe, about 34 years old, 5 feet 1¾ inch high, a _scar on
left wrist_; says she belongs to Madame Wolf.

CHARLES HALL, a black, about 13 years old, 5 feet 6 inches high;
_says he is free_, but supposed to be a slave.

PHILOMONIA, a mulattress, about 10 years old, 4 feet 3 inches high;
_says she is free_, but supposed to be a slave.

COLUMBUS, a griffe, about 21 years old, 5 feet 5¾ inches high; _says
he is free_, but supposed to be a slave.

SEYMOUR, a black, about 21 years old, 5 feet 1¾ inch high; _says he
is free_, but supposed to be a slave

The owners will please comply with the law respecting them.

J. WORRALL, Warden.

New Orleans, Dec. 14, 1852.

What chance for any of these poor fellows who _say they are free_?

$50 REWARD.

RANAWAY from the subscriber, living in Unionville, Frederick County,
Md., on Sunday morning, the 17th instant, a DARK MULATTO GIRL, about
18 years of age, 5 feet 4 or 5 inches high, _looks pleasant
generally_, talks very quick, _converses tolerably well_, and can
_read_. It is supposed she had on, when she left, a red Merino
dress, black Visette or plaid Shawl, and a purple calico Bonnet, as
those articles are missing.

A reward of Twenty-five Dollars will be given for her, if taken in
the State, or Fifty Dollars if taken out of the State, and lodged in
jail, so that I get her again.

G. R. SAPPINGTON.

Oct. 13.—2m.

_Kosciusko Chronicle_, Mississippi:

TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD

Will be paid for the delivery of the boy WALKER, aged about 28
years, about 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, black complexion, loose
make, smiles when spoken to, has a mild, sweet voice, and fine
teeth. Apply at 25 Tchoupitoulas-street, up stairs.

o126t.

Walker has walked off, it seems. Peace be with him!

$25 REWARD.

RANAWAY from the subscriber, living near White’s Store, Anson
County, on the 3d of May last, a _bright mulatto boy_, named BOB.
Bob is about 5 feet high, will weigh 130 pounds, is about 22 years
old, and has some beard on his upper lip. His left leg is somewhat
shorter than his right, causing him to hobble in his walk; has a
very broad face, _and will show color like a white man_. It is
probable he has gone off with some wagoner or trader, or he may have
free papers and be passing as a free man. _He has straight hair._

I will give a reward of TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS for the apprehension and
delivery to me of said boy, or for his confinement in any jail, so
that I get him again.

CLARA LOCKHART,
By Adam Lockhart

June 30, 1852. 698: 5

_Southern Standard_, Oct. 16, 1852:

$50 REWARD!!!

RANAWAY, or stolen, from the subscriber, living near Aberdeen,
Miss., a light mulatto woman, of small size, and about 23 years old.
She has _long, black, straight hair, and she usually keeps it in
good order_. When she left she had on either a white dress, or a
brown calico one with white spots or figures, and took with her a
red handkerchief, and a red or pink sun-bonnet. _She generally
dresses very neatly._ She generally calls herself Mary Ann
Paine,—can _read print_,—has some freckles on her face and
hands,—shoes No. 4,—had a ring or two on her fingers. She is very
intelligent, and Converses well. The above reward will be given for
her, if taken out of the State, and $25 if taken within the State.

U. MCALLISTER.

_Memphis_ (weekly) _Appeal_ will insert to the amount of $5, and
send account to this office.

October 6th, 1853. 20—tf.

Much can be seen of this Mary Ann in this picture. The black, straight hair, usually kept in order,—the general neatness of dress,—the ring or two on the fingers,—the ability to read,—the fact of being intelligent and conversing well, are all to be noticed.

$20 REWARD.

Ranaway, on the 9th of last August, my servant boy _HENRY_: He is 14
or 15 years old, _a bright mulatto_, has dark eyes, stoops a little,
and stutters when confused. Had on, when he went away, white
pantaloons, long blue summer coat, and a palm-leaf hat. I will give
the above reward if he should be taken in the State of Virginia, or
$30 if taken in either of the adjoining States, but in either case
he must be so secured that I get him again.

EDWIN C. FITZHUGH.

Oct. 7.—eotf.

Poor Henry!—only 14 or 15.

COMMITTED

To the Jail of Lowndes County, Mississippi, on the 9th of May, by
Jno. K. Peirce, Esq., and taken up as a runaway slave by William S.
Cox, a negro man, who says his name is ROLAND, and that he belongs
to Maj. Cathey, of Marengo Co., Ala., was sold to him by Henry
Williams, a negro trader from North Carolina.

Said negro is about 35 years old, 5 feet 6 or 8 inches high, dark
complexion, weighs about 150 pounds, _middle finger on the right
hand off at the second joint_, and had on, when committed, a black
silk hat, black _drap d’ete_ dress coat, and white linsey pants.

The owner is requested to come forward, prove property, pay charges,
and take him away, or he will be dealt with according to law.

L. H. WILLEFORD,
Jailer.

June 6, 1852. 19—tf.

_Richmond Semi-weekly Examiner_, October 29, 1852:

FIFTY DOLLARS REWARD.

Ranaway from the subscriber, residing in the County of Halifax,
about the middle of last August, a Negro Man, Ned, aged some thirty
or forty years, of medium height, _copper color_, full forehead, and
cheek bones a little prominent. _No scars recollected_, except one
of his fingers—the little one, probably—is stiff and crooked. The
man Ned was purchased in Richmond, of Mr. Robert Goodwin, who
resides near Frederick-Hall, in Louisa County, _and has a wife in
that vicinity_. He has been seen in the neighborhood, and is
supposed to have gone over the Mountains, and to be now at work as a
free man at some of the Iron Works; some one having given him free
papers. The above reward will be given for the apprehension of the
slave Ned, and his delivery to R. H. Dickinson & Bro., in Richmond,
or to the undersigned, in Halifax, Virginia, or twenty-five if
confined in any jail in the Commonwealth, so that I get him.

JAS. M. CHAPPELL,
[Firm of Chappell & Tucker.]

Aug. 10.—tf.

This unfortunate copper-colored article is supposed to have gone after his _wife_.

_Kentucky Whig_, Oct. 22, ‘52:

$200 REWARD.

Ranaway from the subscriber, near Mount Sterling, Ky., on the night
of the 20th of October, a negro man named PORTER. Said boy is black,
about 22 years old, very stout and active, weighs about 165 or 170
pounds. _He is a smart fellow, converses well, without the negro
accent; no particular scars recollected._ He had on a pair of coarse
boots about half worn, no other clothing recollected. He was raised
near Sharpsburg, in Bath county, by Harrison Caldwell, and may be
lurking in that neighborhood, but will probably endeavor to reach
Ohio.

I will pay the above-mentioned reward for him, if taken out of the
State; $50, if taken in any county bordering on the Ohio river; or
$25, if taken in this or any adjoining county, and secured so that I
can get him.

He is supposed to have ridden a yellow Horse, 15 hands and one inch
high, mane and tail both yellow, five years old, and paces well.

October 21st, 1852.

G. W. PROCTOR.

“No _particular scars_ recollected”!

_St. Louis Times_, Oct. 14, 1852:

NOTICE.

Taken up and committed to Jail in the town of Rockbridge, Ozark
county, Mo., on the 31st of August last, a runaway slave, who calls
his name MOSES. Had on, when taken, a brown Jeanes pantaloons, old
cotton shirt, blue frock-coat, an old rag tied round his head. He is
about six feet high, dark complexion, _a scar over the left eye_,
supposed to be about 27 years old. The owner is hereby notified to
come forward, prove said negro, and pay all lawful charges incurred
on his account, or the said negro will be sold at public auction for
ready money at the Court House door in the town of Rockbridge, on
MONDAY, the 13th of December next, according to law in such cases
made and provided, this 9th of September, 1852.

s23d & w. ROBERT HICKS, Sh’ff.

_Charleston Mercury_, Oct. 15, 1852:

FIFTY DOLLARS REWARD.

Runaway on Sunday the 6th inst., from the South Carolina Railroad
Company, their negro man SAM, recently bought by them, with others,
at Messrs. Cothran & Sproull’s sale, at Aiken. He was raised in
Cumberland County, North Carolina, and last brought from Richmond,
Va. In height he is 5 feet 6¾ inches. Complexion copper color; _on
the left arm and right leg somewhat scarred_. Countenance good. The
above reward will be paid for his apprehension and lodgment in any
one of the Jails of this or any neighboring State.

J. D. PETSCH,
Sup’t Transportation.

June 12.

_Kosciusko Chronicle_, Nov. 24, ‘52:

COMMITTED

To the Jail of Attila County, Miss., October the 7th, 1852, a negro
boy, who calls his name HAMBLETON, and says he belongs to Parson
William Young, of Pontotoc County; is about 26 or 27 years old,
about 5 feet 8 inches high, rather dark complexion, _has two or
three marks on his back, a small scar on his left hip_. Had on, when
taken up, a pair of blue cotton pants, white cotton drawers, a new
cotton shirt, a pair of kip boots, an old cloth cap and wool hat.
The owner is requested to come forward, prove property, pay charges
and take him away, or he will be dealt with as provided in such
case.

E. B. SANDERS, Jailer A. C.

Oct. 12, 1852.

n 12tf.

_Frankfort Commonwealth_, October 21, 1852:

COMMITTED TO JAIL.

A negro boy, who calls his name ADAM, was committed to the
Muhlenburg Jail on the 24th of July, 1852. Said boy is black; about
16 or 17 years old; 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high; will weigh about 150
lbs. He has _lost a part of the finger next to his little finger on
the right hand; also the great toe on his left foot_. This boy says
he belongs to Wm. Mosley; that said Mosley was moving to Mississippi
from Virginia. He further states that he is lost, and not a runaway.
His owner is requested to come forward, prove property, pay
expenses, and take him away, or he will be disposed of as the law
directs.

S. H. DEMPSEY, J. M. C.

Greenville, Ky., Oct. 20, 1852.

* * * * *

RUNAWAY SLAVE.

A negro man arrested and placed in the Barren County Jail, Ky., on
the 21st instant, calling himself HENRY, about 22 years old; says he
ran away from near Florence, Alabama, and belongs to John Calaway.
He is about five feet eight inches high, dark, but not very black,
rather thin visage, pointed nose, _no scars perceivable_, rather
spare built; says he has been runaway nearly three months. The owner
can get him by applying and paying the reward and expenses; if not,
he will be proceeded against according to law. This 24th of August,
1852.

SAMUEL ADWELL, Jailer.

Aug. 25, 1852.—6m

In the same paper are two more poor fellows, who probably have been sold to pay jail-fees, before now.

NOTICE.

Taken up by M. H. Brand, as a runaway slave, on the 22d ult., in the
city of Covington, Kenton county, Ky., a negro man calling himself
CHARLES WARFIELD, about 30 years old, but looks older, about 6 feet
high; no particular marks; had no free papers, but he _says he is
free_, and _was born in Pennsylvania_, and in _Fayette county_. Said
negro was lodged in jail on the said 22d ult., and the owner or
owners, if any, are hereby notified to come forward, prove property,
and pay charges, and take him away.

C. W. HULL, J. K. C.

August 3, 1852.—6m.

* * * * *

COMMITTED

To the Jail of Graves county, Ky., on the 4th inst., a negro man
calling himself DAVE or DAVID. He _says he is free_, but formerly
belonged to Samuel Brown, of Prince William county, Virginia. He is
of black color, about 5 feet 10 inches high, weighs about 180 lbs.;
supposed to be about 45 years old; had on brown pants and striped
shirt. He had in his possession an old rifle gun, an old pistol, and
some old clothing. He also informs me that he has escaped from the
Dyersburg Jail, Tennessee, where he had been confined some eight or
nine months. The owner is hereby notified to come forward, prove
property pay charges, &c.

L. B. HOLEFIELD, Jailer G. C.

June 28, 1852.—w6m.

_Charleston Mercury_, Oct. 29, 1852:

$200 REWARD.

Runaway from the subscriber, some time in March last, his servant
LYDIA, and is suspected of being in Charleston. I will give the
above reward to any person who may apprehend her, and furnish
evidence to conviction of the person supposed to harbor her, or $50
for having her lodged in any Jail so that I get her. Lydia is a
_Mulatto woman_, twenty-five years of age, four feet eleven inches
high, with _straight black hair, which inclines to curl_, her front
teeth defective, and has been plugged; the gold distinctly seen when
talking; round face, _a scar under her chin, and two fingers on one
hand stiff at the first joints_.

June 16. tuths

C. T. SCAIFE.

* * * * *

$25 REWARD.

Runaway from the subscriber, on or about the first of May last, his
negro boy GEORGE, about 18 years of age, about 5 feet high, _well
set, and speaks properly_. He formerly belonged to Mr. J. D. A.
Murphy, living in Blackville; _has a mother belonging to a Mr.
Lorrick, living in Lexington District_. He is supposed to have a
pass, and is likely to be lurking about Branchville or Charleston.

The above reward will be paid to any one lodging George in any Jail
in the State, so that I can get him.

J. J. ANDREWS, Orangeburg C. H.

Orangeburg, Aug. 7, 1852. sw Sept 11

* * * * *

NOTICE.

Committed to the Jail at Colleton District as a runaway, JORDAN, a
negro man about thirty years of age, who says he belongs to Dobson
Coely, of Pulaski County, Georgia. The owner has notice to prove
property and take him away.

L. W. MCCANTS, Sheriff Colleton Dist.

Walterboro, So. Ca., Sept. 7, 1852.

The following are selected by the _Commonwealth_ mostly from New Orleans papers. The characteristics of the slaves are interesting.

TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS REWARD

Will be paid by the undersigned for the apprehension and delivery to
any Jail in this city of the negro woman MARIAH, who ran away from
the Phoenix House about the 15th of October last. She is about 45
years old, 5 feet 4 inches high, stout built, _speaks French and
English_. Was purchased from Chas. Deblanc.

H. BIDWELL & Co., 16 Front Levee.

* * * * *

FIFTY DOLLARS REWARD.

Ran away about the 25th ult., ALLEN, _a bright mulatto, aged about_
22 years, 6 feet high, very well dressed, has an extremely careless
gait, of slender build, and wore a moustache when he left; the
property of J. P. Harrison, Esq., of this city. The above reward
will be paid for his safe delivery at any safe place in the city.
For further particulars apply at 10 Bank Place.

* * * * *

ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD.

We will give the above reward for the apprehension of the _light
mulatto boy SEABOURN_, aged 20 years, about 5 feet 4 inches high; is
stout, well made, and remarkably active. He is somewhat of a circus
actor, by which he may easily be detected, as he is always showing
his gymnastic qualifications. The said boy absented himself on the
3d inst. Besides the above reward, all reasonable expenses will be
paid.

W. & H. STACKHOUSE, 70 Tehoupitoulas.

* * * * *

TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS REWARD.

The above reward will be paid for the apprehension of the mulatto
boy SEVERIN, aged 25 years, 5 feet 6 or 8 inches high; _most of his
front teeth are out, and the letters C. V. are marked on either of
his arms with India Ink. He speaks French, English and Spanish, and
was formerly_ owned by Mr. Courcell, in the Third District. I will
pay, in addition to the above reward, $50 for such information as
will lead to the conviction of any person harboring said slave.

JOHN ERMON, corner Camp and Race sts.

* * * * *

TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS REWARD.

Ran away from the Chain Gang in New Orleans, First Municipality, in
February last, a negro boy named STEPHEN. He is about 5 feet 7
inches in height, a very light mulatto, _with blue eyes and brownish
hair_, stoops a little in the shoulders, has a cast-down look, and
is very strongly built and muscular. He will not acknowledge his
name or owner, is an habitual runaway, and _was shot somewhere in
the ankle while endeavoring to escape from Baton Rouge Jail_. The
above reward, with all attendant expenses, will be paid on his
delivery to me, or for his apprehension and commitment to any Jail
from which I can get him.

A. L. BINGAMAN.

* * * * *

TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS REWARD.

The above reward will be given to the person who will lodge in one
of the Jails of this city the slave SARAH, belonging to Mr.
Guisonnet, corner St. John Baptiste and Race streets; said slave is
aged about 28 years, 5 feet high, _benevolent face, fine teeth, and
speaking French and English_. Captains of vessels and steamboats are
hereby cautioned not to receive her on board, under penalty of the
law.

AVET BROTHERS,
Corner Bienville and Old Levee streets.

_Lynchburg Virginian_, Nov. 6th:

TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD.

Ranaway from the subscriber on the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad,
in the county of Wythe, on the 20th of June, 1852, a negro man named
CHARLES, 6 feet high, _copper color, with several teeth out in
front_, about 35 years of age, rather slow to reply, _but pleasing
appearance when spoken to_. He wore, when he left, a cloth cap and a
blue cloth sack coat; he was purchased in Tennessee, 14 months ago,
by Mr. M. Connell, of Lynchburg, and carried to that place, where he
remained until I purchased him 4 months ago. _It is more than
probable that he will make his way to Tennessee, as he has a wife
now living there_; or he may perhaps return to Lynchburg, and lurk
about there, as he has acquaintances there. The above reward will be
paid if he is taken in the State and confined so that I get him
again; or I will pay a reward of $40, if taken out of the State and
confined in Jail.

GEORGE W. KYLE.

July 1.—d&c2twts

_Winchester Republican_ (Va.), Nov. 26:

ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD.

Ranaway from the subscriber, near Culpepper Ct. House, Va., about
the 1st of October, a negro man named ALFRED, about five feet seven
inches in height, about twenty-five years of age, uncommonly
muscular and active, complexion dark but not black, countenance mild
and rather pleasant. He had a boil last winter on the middle joint
of the middle or second finger of the right hand, which left the
finger stiff in that joint, more visible in opening his hand than in
shutting it. _He has a wife at Mr. Thomas G. Marshall’s, near
Farrowsville, in Fauquier County_, and may be in that neighborhood,
where he wishes to be sold, and where I am willing to sell him.

I will give the above reward if he is taken out of the State and
secured, so that I get him again; or $50 if taken in the State, and
secured in like manner.

W. B. SLAUGHTER.

October 29, 1852.

From the _Louisville Daily Journal_, Oct. 23, 1852:

$100 REWARD.

Ran away from the subscriber, in this city, on Friday, May 28th, a
negro boy named WYATT. Said boy is copper colored, 25 or 26 years
old, about 5 feet 11 inches high, of large frame, slow and heavy
gait, has very large hands and feet, small side-whiskers, a full
head of hair which he combs to the side, quite a pleasing look, and
is very likely. I recently purchased Wyatt from Mr. Garrett, of
Garrett’s Landing, Ky., and _his wife is the property of Thos. G.
Rowland, Esq._, of this city. I will pay the above reward for the
apprehension and delivery of the boy to me if taken out of the
State, or $50 if taken in the State.

June 2d&wtf

DAVID W. YANDELL.

* * * * *

$200 REWARD.

TWO NEGROES. Ranaway from the subscriber, living in Louisville, on
the 2d, one negro man and girl. The man’s name is MILES. He is about
5 feet 8 inches high, dark-brown color, _with a large scar upon his
head, as if caused from a burn_; age about 25 years; and had with
him two carpet sacks, one of cloth, the other enamelled leather,
also a pass from Louisville to Owenton, Owen county, Ky., and back.
The girl’s name is JULIA, and she is of light-brown color, short and
heavy set, rather good looking, _with a scar upon her forehead_; had
on a plaid silk dress when she left, and took other clothes with
her; looks to be about 16 years of age.

The above reward will be paid for the man, if taken out of the
State, or $100 for the girl; $100 for the man, if taken in the
State, or $50 for the girl. In either event, they are to be secured,
so I get them.

JOHN W. LYNN.

Oct 5 d&wtf

The following advertisements are all dated Shelby Co., Kentucky.

JAILER’S NOTICE.

Was committed to the Jail of Shelby county a negro woman, who says
her name is JUDA; dark complexion; twenty years of age; some five
feet high; weighs about one hundred and twenty pounds; _no scars
recollected_, and says she belongs to James Wilson, living in
Denmark, Tennessee. The owner of said slave is requested to come
forward, prove property, pay charges, and take her away, or she will
be dealt with as the law directs.

W. H. EANES,
Jailer Shelby county.

oct27—w4t

* * * * *

JAILER’S NOTICE.

Was committed to the Jail of Shelby county, on the 28th ult., a
negro boy, who says his name is JOHN W. LOYD; of a bright
complexion, 25 years of age, will weigh about one hundred and fifty
pounds, about five feet nine or ten inches high, _three scars on his
left leg, which was caused by a dog-bite_. _The said boy John claims
to be free._ If he has any master, he is hereby notified to come
forward, prove property, pay charges, and take him away, or he will
be dealt with as the law directs.

[nov3—w4t

ALSO—Committed at the same time a negro boy, who says his name is
PATRICK, of a bright complexion, about 30 years of age, will weigh
about one hundred and forty-five or fifty pounds; about six feet
high; his face is very badly scarred, which he says was caused by
being salivated. The disease caused him to lose the bone out of his
nose, and his jaw-bone, also. Says he belongs to Dr. Wm. Cheathum,
living in Nashville, Tenn. The owner of said slave is requested to
come forward, prove property, pay charges, and take him away, or he
will be dealt with as the law directs.

[nov3—w4t

ALSO—Committed at the same time a negro boy, who says his name is
CLAIBORNE; dark complexion, 22 years of age, will weigh about one
hundred and forty pounds, about five feet high; _no scars
recollected_; says he belongs to Col. Rousell, living in De Soto
county, Miss. The owner of said slave is requested to come forward,
prove property, pay charges, and take him away, or he will be dealt
with as the law directs.

W. H. EANES,
Jailer of Shelby county.

nov3—w4t

* * * * *

JAILER’S NOTICE.

Was committed to the Jail of Shelby county a negro boy, who says his
name is GEORGE; dark complexion, about twenty-five or thirty years
of age, some five feet nine or ten inches high; will weigh about one
hundred and forty pounds, _no scars_, and says he belongs to Malley
Bradford, living in Issaqueen county, Mississippi. The owner of said
slave is requested to come forward, prove property, pay charges, and
take him away, or he will be dealt with as the law directs.

W. H. EANES,
Jailer of Shelby county.

nov3—w4t

* * * * *

JAILER’S NOTICE.

Was committed to the Jail of Shelby county, on the 30th ult., a
negro woman, who says her name is NANCY, of a bright complexion,
some twenty or twenty-one years of age, will weigh about one hundred
and forty pounds, about five feet high, _no scars_, and says she
belongs to John Pittman, living in Memphis, Tenn. The owner of said
slave is requested to come forward, prove property, pay charges, and
take her away, or she will be dealt with as the law directs.

W. H. EANES,
Jailer of Shelby county.

nov3—w4t

Negro property is decidedly “brisk” in this county.

_Natchez_ (Miss.) _Free Trader_, November 6, 1852:

25 DOLLARS REWARD.

Ranaway from the undersigned, on the 17th day of October, 1852, a
negro man by the name of ALLEN, about 23 years old, near 6 feet
high, of dark mulatto color, _no marks, save one, and that caused by
the bite of a dog_; had on, when he left, lowell pants, and cotton
shirt; reads imperfect, can make a short calculation correctly, and
can write some few words; said negro has run away heretofore, and
when taken up was in possession of a free pass. He is quick-spoken,
lively, and smiles when in conversation.

I will give the above reward to any one who will confine said negro
in any Jail, so that I can get him.

nov6.—3t

THOS R. CHEATHAM.

_Newberry Sentinel_ (S. C.), Nov. 17, 1852:

NOTICE!

RANAWAY from the subscriber, on the 9th of July last, my Boy
WILLIAM, a bright mulatto, about 26 years old, 5 feet 9 or 10 inches
high, of slender make, quite intelligent, speaks quick when spoken
to, and walks briskly. _Said boy was brought from Virginia, and will
probably attempt to get back._ Any information of said boy will be
thankfully received.

JOHN M. MARS.

Near Mollohon P. O., Newberry Dist., S. C.

Nov. 3. 414t.

☞ _Raleigh Register_ and _Richmond Enquirer_ will copy four times
weekly, and send bills to this office.

_Greensboro’ Patriot_ (N. C.), Nov. 6:

10 DOLLARS REWARD.

RANAWAY from my service, in February, 1851, a colored man named
EDWARD WINSLOW, low, _thick-set_, _part Indian_, and a first rate
fiddler. Said Winslow was sold out of Guilford jail, at February
court, 1851, for his prison charges, for the term of five years. It
is supposed that he is at work on the Railroad, somewhere in
Davidson county. The above reward will be paid for his apprehension
and confinement in the jail of Guilford or any of the adjoining
counties, so that I get him, or for his delivery to me in the
south-east corner of Guilford. My post-office is Long’s Mills,
Randolph, N. C.

P. C. SMITH.

October 27, 1852. 702—5w.

The New Orleans _True Delta_, of the 11th ult., 1853, has the following editorial notice:

THE GREAT RAFFLE OF A TROTTING HORSE AND A NEGRO SERVANT.—The
enterprising and go-ahead Col. Jennings has got a raffle under way
now, which eclipses all his previous undertakings in that line. The
prizes are the celebrated trotting horse “Star,” buggy and harness,
and a valuable negro servant,—the latter valued at nine hundred
dollars. See his advertisement in another column.

The advertisement is as follows:

RAFFLE.

MR. JOSEPH JENNINGS

Respectfully informs his friends and the public, that, at the
request of many of acquaintances, he has been induced to purchase
from Mr. Osborn, of Missouri, the celebrated dark bay horse “Star,”
age five years, square trotter, and warranted sound, with a new
light trotting Buggy and Harness; _also the stout mulatto girl_
“_Sarah_,” _aged about twenty years, general house servant_, valued
at nine hundred dollars, and guaranteed; will be raffled for at 4
o’clock, P. M., February 1st, at any hotel selected by the
subscribers.

The above is as represented, and those persons who may wish to
engage in the usual practice of raffling will, I assure them, be
perfectly satisfied with their destiny in this affair.

Fifteen hundred chances, at $1 each.

The whole is valued at its just worth, fifteen hundred dollars.

The raffle will be conducted by gentleman selected by the interested
subscribers present. Five nights allowed to complete the raffle.
Both of above can be seen at my store, No. 78 Commonstreet, second
door from Camp, at from 9 o’clock A. M., till half-past 2 P. M.

Highest throw takes the first choice; the lowest throw the remaining
prize, and the fortunate winners to pay Twenty Dollars each, for the
refreshments furnished for the occasion.

Jan. 9. 2w.

J. JENNINGS.

_Daily Courier_ (Natchez, Miss.), Nov. 20, 1852:

TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS REWARD.

THE above reward will be given for the apprehension and confinement
in any jail of the negro man HARDY, who ran away from the
subscriber, residing on Lake St. John, near Rifle Point, Concordia
parish, La., on the 9th August last. Hardy is a remarkably likely
negro, _entirely free from all marks, scars or blemishes_, when he
left home; about six feet high, of black complexion (though quite
light), _fine countenance_, unusually smooth skin, good head of
hair, _fine eyes and teeth_.

Address the subscriber at Rifle Point, Concordia Parish, La.

ROBERT Y. JONES.

Oct. 30.—1m.

What an unfortunate master—lost an article entirely free from “marks, scars or blemishes”! Such a rarity ought to be choice!

_Savannah Daily Georgian_, 6th Sept., 1852:

ARRESTED.

ABOUT three weeks ago, under suspicious circumstances, a negro
woman, who calls herself PHEBE, or PHILLIS. _Says she is free_, and
lately from Beaufort District, South Carolina. Said woman is about
50 years of age, stout in stature, mild-spoken, 5 feet 4 inches
high, and weighs about 140 pounds. Having made diligent inquiry by
letter, and from what I can learn, said woman is a runaway. Any
person owning said slave can get her by making application to me,
properly authenticated.

WARING RUSSELL,
County Constable.

Savannah, Oct. 25, 1852. 6 Oct. 26.

* * * * *

250 DOLLARS REWARD.

RANAWAY from Sparta, Ga., about the first of last year my boy
GEORGE. He is a good carpenter, about 35 years; a bright mulatto,
tall and quite likely. _He was brought about three years ago from
St. Mary’s, and had, when he ran away, a wife there, or near there,
belonging to a Mr. Holzendorff._ I think he has told me he has been
about Macon also. He had, and perhaps still has, a brother in
Savannah. _He is very intelligent._ I will give the above reward for
his confinement in some jail in the State, so that I can get him.
Refer, for any further information, to Rabun & Whitehead, Savannah,
Ga.

W. J. SASSNETT.

Oxford, Ga., Aug. 13th, 1852. tuths3m. a17.

From these advertisements, and hundreds of similar ones, one may learn the following things:

1. That the arguments for the enslaving of the _negro_ do not apply to a large part of the actual slaves.

2. That they are not, in the estimation of their masters, very stupid.

3. That they are not remarkably contented.

4. That they have no particular reason to be so.

5. That multitudes of men claiming to be free are constantly being sold into slavery.

In respect to the complexion of these slaves, there are some points worthy of consideration. The writer adds the following advertisements, published by Wm. I. Bowditch, Esq., in his pamphlet “Slavery and the Constitution.”

From the _Richmond_ (Va.) _Whig_:

100 DOLLARS REWARD

WILL be given for the apprehension of my negro (!) Edmund Kenney.
_He has straight hair, and complexion so nearly white that it is
believed a stranger would suppose there was no African blood in
him._ He was with my boy Dick a short time since in Norfolk, _and
offered him for sale_, and was apprehended, _but escaped under
pretence of being a white man_!

ANDERSON BOWLES.

January 6, 1836.

From the _Republican Banner and Nashville Whig_ of July 14, 1849:

200 DOLLARS REWARD.

RANAWAY from the subscriber, on the 23d of June last, a bright
mulatto woman, named Julia, about 25 years of age. She is of common
size, _nearly white_, and very likely. She is a good seamstress, and
can read a little. _She may attempt to pass for white_,—dresses
fine. She took with her Anna, her child, 8 or 9 years old, and
considerably darker than her mother.... She once belonged to a Mr.
Helm, of Columbia, Tennessee.

I will give a reward of $50 for said negro and child, if delivered
to me, or confined in any jail in this state, so I can get them;
$100, if caught in any other Slave state, and confined in a jail so
that I can get them; and $200, if caught in any Free state, and put
in any good jail in Kentucky or Tennessee, so I can get them.

A. W. JOHNSON.

Nashville, July 9, 1849.

The following three advertisements are taken from Alabama papers:

RANAWAY

From the Subscriber, working on the plantation of Col. H. Tinker, a
bright mulatto boy, named Alfred. Alfred is about 18 years old,
pretty well grown, _has blue eyes, light flaxen hair, skin disposed
to freckle_. _He will try to pass as free-born._

Green County, Ala.

S. G. STEWART.

* * * * *

100 DOLLARS REWARD.

Ran away from the subscriber, a bright mulatto man-slave, named Sam.
_Light, sandy hair, blue eyes, ruddy complexion,—is so white as very
easily to pass for a free white man._

EDWIN PECK.

Mobile, April 22, 1837.

RANAWAY.

On the 15th of May, from me, a negro woman, named Fanny. Said woman
is 20 years old; is rather tall; can read and write, and so forge
passes for herself. Carried away with her a pair of ear-rings,—a
Bible with a red cover; is very pious. She prays a great deal, and
was, as supposed, contented and happy. _She is as white as most
white women, with straight, light hair, and blue eyes, and can pass
herself for a white woman._ I will give $500 for her apprehension
and delivery to me. She is very intelligent.

Tuscaloosa, May 29, 1845.

JOHN BALCH.

From the _Newbern_ (N. C.) _Spectator_:

50 DOLLARS REWARD

Will be given for the apprehension and delivery to me of the
following slaves:—Samuel, and Judy his wife, with their four
children, belonging to the estate of Sacker Dubberly, deceased.

I will give $10 for the apprehension of _William Dubberly_, a slave
belonging to the estate. William is about 19 years old, _quite
white, and would not readily be taken for a slave_.

JOHN J. LANE.

March 13, 1837.

The next two advertisements we cut from the _New Orleans Picayune_ of Sept. 2, 1846:

25 DOLLARS REWARD.

Ranaway from the plantation of Madame Fergus Duplantier, on or about
the 27th of June, 1846, a bright mulatto, named Ned, very stout
built, about 5 feet 11 inches high, _speaks English and French_,
about 35 years old, waddles in his walk. _He may try to pass himself
for a white man, as he is of a very clear color, and has sandy
hair._ The above reward will be paid to whoever will bring him to
Madame Duplantier’s plantation, Manchac, or lodge him in some jail
where he can be conveniently obtained.

* * * * *

200 DOLLARS REWARD.

Ran away from the subscriber, last November, _a white negro_ man,
about 35 years old, height about 5 feet 8 or 10 inches, _blue eyes,
has a yellow woolly head, very fair skin_.

These are the characteristics of three races. The copper-colored complexion shows the Indian blood. The others are the mixed races of negroes and whites. It is known that the poor remains of Indian races have been in many cases forced into slavery. It is no less certain that white children have sometimes been kidnapped and sold into slavery. Rev. George Bourne, of Virginia, Presbyterian minister, who wrote against slavery there as early as 1816, gives an account of a boy who was stolen from his parents at seven years of age, immersed in a tan-vat to change his complexion, tattooed and sold, and, after a captivity of fourteen years, succeeded in escaping. The tanning process is not necessary now, as a fair skin is no presumption against slavery. There is reason to think that the grandmother of poor Emily Russell was a _white child_, stolen by kidnappers. That kidnappers may steal and sell white children at the South now, is evident from these advertisements.

The writer, within a week, has seen a fugitive quadroon mother, who had with her two children,—a boy of ten months, and a girl of three years. Both were surpassingly fair, and uncommonly beautiful. The girl had blue eyes and golden hair. The mother and those children were about to be sold for the division of an estate, which was the reason why she fled. When the mind once becomes familiarized with the process of slavery,—of enslaving first black, then Indian, then mulatto, then quadroon, and when blue eyes and golden hair are advertised as properties of _negroes_,—what protection will there be for poor white people, especially as under the present fugitive law they can be carried away without a jury trial?

A Governor of South Carolina openly declared, in 1835, that the laboring population of any country, bleached or unbleached, were a _dangerous element_, unless reduced to slavery. Will not this be the result, then?