Let me add to Ervin Jordan's post on the first slave who ran away by submitting the name of Sam, who ran away in the 18th century after having been freed and attempting to carry other enslaved persons into freedom. His advertisement appears in the Virginia Gazette (Purdie), Williamsburg, June 16, 1775. as follows: "TEN POUNDS REWARD. RUN away from the subscriber in Dunmore county, in May last, a negro fellow named SAM, 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high, has a broad face, and is a well looking fellow. As to his clothing, I cannot be certain, he having carried several things with him. He also took with him an old bay horse very gray about the head, an iron pot, a narrow axe, a handsaw, and an old smooth bore gun. About three years ago he purchased his freedom of his old master, Mr. Francis Slaughter, and continued in that state till this spring, when it was discovered he was attempting to inveigle away a number of negroes to the new or Indian country (where he had been most of the last summer) upon which the neighbours insisted on his being reduced to slavery again, and I purchased him. I imagine he will endeavour to pass as a freeman, he having a discharge from his old master, as well as one from Lord Dunmore, having served in the expedition against the Indians last fall. Whoever delivers said slave to me shall have the reward that is offered. GABRIEL JONES." You can access this (and many other runaway advertisements, including females) at http://www.vcdh.virginia/edu/gos -- Tom Costa Dept. of History UVA-Wise Wise, VA 24293 276-376-4573 To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html