May 5, 1738.

Ran away from the Subscriber's home on Sapponic, in Prince George County, Maryland - 14 or 15 Weeks ago, a Mulatto Man Slave, named Tom, 25 Years old, about 5 feet 8 or 9 Inches high, thin faced, and bushy hair, if not cut off; he is very likely to grin when he speaks, or is spoken to; had on an old dark thick twilled coat, with plain yellow metal buttons;

Has been several times captured, and escaped again before he could be delivered to the master whom unto he belonged; and the last time shackled, handcuffed, and an iron collar about his neck, with prongs, and to some of them links.

Whoever will deliver him to me, in Charles-City County, shall have a Reward of gold coins, besides what the law allows; and if brought from any great Distance a farther reward suitable to the Trouble,

by John Stith
Note: It is suspected he will seek to escape on Board some Vessel.




Close Reading: What does this document tell you about how black slaves resisted in Colonial America?