BCDA (Objects)

Title

Peter Deadfoot - VA-SAW16, VA-SHOE24

Identifier

VA-SAW16, VA-SHOE24

Subject

African Americans--History, African Americans--History--To 1863, Artisans

Source

Virginia Gazette

Date

August 25, 1768

Trade

Sawyer

Shoemaker

Enslaver

Samuel Seldon

Home Location

Stafford County, Virginia

Virginia

Events

1. Hired out to Thomas Mason
2. Self-emancipated from Samuel Seldon
3. Passed a free

Item Type

Advertisement

Transcription

STAFFORD County, August 20, 1768.

RAN away last April, from one of the subscriber's quarters in Loudoun, (where he had been a short time sawing) a Mulatto slave belonging to Samuel Selden,jun. named Peter Deadfoot, thoughit is supposed he has changed his name, ashe the day before attempted to pass for afreeman, and had got as far as Noland'sferry, on his way to Philadelphia, by af orged pass, in which he was called William Swann. He is a tall, slim, clean limbed,active, genteel, handsome fellow, with broad shoulders; about 22 years of age, a dark Mulatto, with a nose rather flat than otherwise, very sensible, and smooth tongued; but is apt to speak quick, swear, and wishdreadful curses upon himself, in defence ofhis innocence, if taxed with a fault, even when guilty; which may be easily discovered,by any person's taxing him withbeing run away. He is an indifferent shoemaker, a good butcher, ploughman, andcarter; an excellent sawyer, and waterman, understands breaking oxen well, and is one of the best seythe men, either withor without a cradle, in America; in short, he is so ingenious a fellow, that he can turn his hand to any thing; he has a great share of pride, though he is very obliging, is extremely fond of dress; and though his holiday clothes were taken from him, when he first attempted to get off, yet, as he has probably passed for a freeman, I make no doubt he has supplied himself with others,as such a fellow would readily get employment; it has been reported that he was seen on board a vessel in York river, near Yorktown; but for my own part, I suspect thathe is either in Prince William county, Charles county in Maryland (in both which places he has relations) or in the neighbourhood of Winchester. Whoever apprehends the said slave, and conveys him to me in Stafford county, shall receive, if taken within ten miles of my house, Five Pounds; if above fifty miles, Ten Pounds; and if above one hundred miles, Twenty Pounds reward, besides what the law allows.

THOMAS MASON.

gender

Male