Runaway Advertisement 1775

Advertisement, Essex Gazette, November 16, 1775 

“Deserted from the subscriber, on the first instant, a Negro man, named Cicero, a straight-limb’d, likely fellow, about twenty-one years of age; had on when he went away: a light-colored ratteen jacket, lined with striped homespun, a pair of sheepskin breeches, a check woolen shirt, a pair of light mixed worsted stockings, ribb’d, a beaver hat, and a pair of half-boots; and also took with him a blue sortout coat, with white metal buttons…I do therefore hereby promise a reward of ten dollars to any person who will apprehend the said Negro, and secure him in any Gaol within any of the United Colonies, to be paid upon receiving information thereof; and will further pay all necessary expense attending the same. 

-Jonathan Bowman. Pownalborough, Nov. 6, 1775 

 N.B. It is supposed that, as he went off in company with a rifle man, he intended to join the army” 

 Collection of the Massachusetts Historical Society