Some of the scheduled activities include a lecture by Professor Robert Allison on why 1768 was a critical year within the British Empire, a presentation by Dr. Emily Murphy on female resistance in Essex County (MA) to imperial policies and a talk by J.L. Bell on the experiences of the British Army in 1768 occupied Boston.
Of course, one of the final presentations will feature an all star cast of historians who will share their research findings on 18th Century working class clothing from port towns such as Boston, Newburyport and Salem.
To generate some interest in this event, here is a sampling of ten male runaway advertisements from 18th Century Boston and Providence. The descriptions highlight some of the common working class clothing that would have been found in Massachusetts and Rhode Island between the years 1763 and 1772.
Enjoy!
“Ran away from me the Subscriber, on the 4th instant, an apprentice Lad named Uriah Stone, about 18 years of Age; he is Short in Stature, and of a dark Complexion. He had on when he went away a Flannel Jacket without Sleeves, a striped Tow Shirt, a Pair of Short Wide Trowsers, and an Old Felt Hat. Whoever Apprehends said Lad and brings him to his Master Sall be resonably rewarded for their Trouble. NATHANIEL BROWN Rehoboth, August 13, 1767.” Providence Gazette, August 15, 1767.
“Ran-away from his Master Edward Bardin, a Negro Man named Cuffe, about 22 years of Age, a tall Fellow his Legs crooked the small of them bending out, talks good English : Had on when he went away a white cloth Jacket, short skirts, a red Waistcoat under it, white Shirt, his Hat with a Gold wash’d Loop and Button, he formerly lived with Issac Winslow, Esq; of Roxbury, Whoever apprehends said Negro, and will bring him to his said Master living at the King’s Arms on Boston Neck, shall have a Dollar Reward , and all necessary Charges paid. All Masters of Vessels and other are heredy cautioned against harbouring, concealing or carrying off said Servant as they would avoid the Penalty of the Law. Edward Bardin.” Boston News Letter, December 28, 1769.
“Run away from the Subscriber, at Attleborough, on the 25th of July, a Lad about 17 years old, named Issac Allen, a thick chunky Fellow, about five Feet six Inches high, of a pale swarthy Complexion, has dark brown Hair, which he sometimes wears ty'd: Had on and took with him, when he went away, two Tow Shirts, one Check Linnen Ditto, a Pair of short wide Trowsers, a striped Flannel Jacket, a black Ditto, a yellow doubled and twisted Coat, two Hats, a Black Barcelona handkerchief, a Pair of Check Linen Trowsers, two Pair of Stockings, and one Pair of new Shoes. Whoever takes up said Runaway, and brings him to his Master, shall have Two Dollars Reward, and all necessary Charges, paid by me. JOHN FISHER.” Providence Gazette, August 3, 1771.
“Run away from the Subscriber, the Night of the 5th of April last, an Apprentice Lad, named Danile Bowen, about 20 years of Age, about 5 feet and a Half high, has brown Hair, grey eyes, is something round Shouldered, and understands making Buckles; Had on when he went away a new Felt Hat, a blue double breasted Jacket, with flowered Pewter Buttons, striped underflannel Jacket, Striped Flannel Shirt, Leather Breeches, and Yarn Stockings. Whoever takes up said Runaway, and brings him to his Master, Shall have Two Dollars Reward, and all necessary Charges, paid by BENJAMIN KINGSLEY. Rehoboth, April 25, 1772.” Providence Gazette, April 25, 1772.
“SIX DOLLARS Reward. Run away from the Subscriber, last Monday night, an indentured Irish Servant Lad, named Patrick Sullivan, about 17 Years of Age, smooth faced, has black hair, pretty tall, and something slim made, has been about three Months in Country, and can whistle remarkably soft and fine: Had on, when he went away, a short blue Sailor's Jacket, a striped under Ditto, and a Pair of Tow Trowsers. He took with him a Bundle containing some Shirts and a brownish coloured half worn Thick-Set Coat. Whoever takes up said Runaway, and bring him to my House, on Taunton Green, shall have the above Reward, and all necessary Charges, paid by, ROBERT CALDWELL N.B. It is thought he is gone up the Country. Taunton, November 11, 1771.” Providence Gazette, November 16, 1771.
“RUN away from Moses Cooper of Gloucester, in the County of Providence, on the 2d of October in the Evening, a Negro Man named Jack, about 26 Years of Age, of a small Stature, is of the Pawpaw Tribe, his Teeth filed sharp, has a Scar on the right side of his Forehead, and is marked up and down on each side of his Cheeks, and holes in both Ears, and is blacker than common; had on when he went away, a dark kersey Coat, a blue and white striped Cotton Jacket, a pair of Leather Breeches, and carried away another pair of Breeches of the same of the Jacket. Whoever takes up said Fellow and conveys him to his said Master in Gloucester, or secures him in any of his Majesty’s Goals so that he may be had again, shall have FIVE DOLLARS Reward, and all necessary Charges paid by Moses Cooper. N. B. All Masters of Vessels and others, are hereby forewarned Secreting or Carrying off said Fellow, as they will answer it at their Peril. Providence, October 7, 1763.” Boston Post Boy, October 17, 1763.
“Rehoboth, August 12, 1763, Runaway from his master, Samuel Whitman, of Rehoboth, on Monday the 25th of July, an Apprentice Lad, about 17 years of age, named Edward Green, a Shoemaker by trade. Had on when he went away, a blue coat, green Jacket, a light coloured pair of breeches, and wore his own hair: He is a short, thick fellow. Whoever takes up said lad, and returns him to his Master, or secures him in any of his Majesty's Gaols, so that he may be had again, shall receive THREE DOLLARS Reward, and all necessary Charges paid, by, SAMUEL WHITMANN.B. All Masters of Vessels and others are forewarned either secreting or carring off said Fellow, as they would avoid the Penalty of the Law.” Providence Gazette, August 13, 1763.
“Ran-away from the Subscriber in Dartmouth, on the 20th of this Instant, a Molatto Fellow named Gideon Halley or Gideon Cheat, about 5 Feet and six Inches high, about 30 Years old, a thick built Fellow, wears long Hair tied up; had on when he went away , a brown Kersey Flannel Jacket, strip’d Flannel Shirt, strip’d Flannel Trowsers, and a Beaver Hat much worn, looks much like an Indian, brags much of his being in the Army Westward the last War. Whosoever will secure him in any of his Majesty’s Goals or deliver him to his Master shall have FOUR DOLLARS Reward and all necessary Charges paid by JOSEPH RUSSEL. Dartmouth, June 24, 1768.” Boston News Letter, July 14, 1768.
“10 DOLLARS REWARD Ran away from his Master Jonathan Norwood, of Gloucester, (Cape-Ann) on the 22d of September Inst. a very likely Negro Man named Newport, about 5 Feet and half high, a strait limb Fellow, about 35 Years of Age, very likely in the Face ; had on when he Ran away a good Castor Hat, clean white Frock, a woolen Shirt, white short Trousers, white ribb’d worsted Stockings, pretty good Pumps, very large Silver Buckels in his Shoes, plays well on a Violin, and is a very active Fellow, and as he has Money with him, ’tis likely he will change his Dress, as he took other Cloaths with him. Whoever apprehends the said Negro, and will bring him to his said Master, or secure him, shall have Ten Dollars Reward, and all necessary Charges paid by Jonathan Norwood.” Boston Post Boy, October 1, 1764.
“Ran away from his Mistress Isabel Caldwell, of Rutland District, in the County of Worchester, the 25th of May last, a Negro Man about 30 Years of Age, named Mingo, speaks middling good English, a sprightly little Fellow, about five Feet and five or six Inches high : Had on when he went away, an all wool brown colour’d great Coat with large white metal Buttons, and an all wool Jacket of the same Colour ; a blue and white striped woolen Shirt, and a worsted Cap, an old Hat, A Pair of leather Breeches, and light blue Stockings ; a Pair of Shoes about half worn, tied with leather Strings.” Boston News Letter, August 13, 1765.
“Ran away from me the Subscriber, on the 4th instant, an apprentice Lad named Uriah Stone, about 18 years of Age; he is Short in Stature, and of a dark Complexion. He had on when he went away a Flannel Jacket without Sleeves, a striped Tow Shirt, a Pair of Short Wide Trowsers, and an Old Felt Hat. Whoever Apprehends said Lad and brings him to his Master Sall be resonably rewarded for their Trouble. NATHANIEL BROWN Rehoboth, August 13, 1767.” Providence Gazette, August 15, 1767.
“Ran-away from his Master Edward Bardin, a Negro Man named Cuffe, about 22 years of Age, a tall Fellow his Legs crooked the small of them bending out, talks good English : Had on when he went away a white cloth Jacket, short skirts, a red Waistcoat under it, white Shirt, his Hat with a Gold wash’d Loop and Button, he formerly lived with Issac Winslow, Esq; of Roxbury, Whoever apprehends said Negro, and will bring him to his said Master living at the King’s Arms on Boston Neck, shall have a Dollar Reward , and all necessary Charges paid. All Masters of Vessels and other are heredy cautioned against harbouring, concealing or carrying off said Servant as they would avoid the Penalty of the Law. Edward Bardin.” Boston News Letter, December 28, 1769.
“Run away from the Subscriber, at Attleborough, on the 25th of July, a Lad about 17 years old, named Issac Allen, a thick chunky Fellow, about five Feet six Inches high, of a pale swarthy Complexion, has dark brown Hair, which he sometimes wears ty'd: Had on and took with him, when he went away, two Tow Shirts, one Check Linnen Ditto, a Pair of short wide Trowsers, a striped Flannel Jacket, a black Ditto, a yellow doubled and twisted Coat, two Hats, a Black Barcelona handkerchief, a Pair of Check Linen Trowsers, two Pair of Stockings, and one Pair of new Shoes. Whoever takes up said Runaway, and brings him to his Master, shall have Two Dollars Reward, and all necessary Charges, paid by me. JOHN FISHER.” Providence Gazette, August 3, 1771.
“Run away from the Subscriber, the Night of the 5th of April last, an Apprentice Lad, named Danile Bowen, about 20 years of Age, about 5 feet and a Half high, has brown Hair, grey eyes, is something round Shouldered, and understands making Buckles; Had on when he went away a new Felt Hat, a blue double breasted Jacket, with flowered Pewter Buttons, striped underflannel Jacket, Striped Flannel Shirt, Leather Breeches, and Yarn Stockings. Whoever takes up said Runaway, and brings him to his Master, Shall have Two Dollars Reward, and all necessary Charges, paid by BENJAMIN KINGSLEY. Rehoboth, April 25, 1772.” Providence Gazette, April 25, 1772.
“SIX DOLLARS Reward. Run away from the Subscriber, last Monday night, an indentured Irish Servant Lad, named Patrick Sullivan, about 17 Years of Age, smooth faced, has black hair, pretty tall, and something slim made, has been about three Months in Country, and can whistle remarkably soft and fine: Had on, when he went away, a short blue Sailor's Jacket, a striped under Ditto, and a Pair of Tow Trowsers. He took with him a Bundle containing some Shirts and a brownish coloured half worn Thick-Set Coat. Whoever takes up said Runaway, and bring him to my House, on Taunton Green, shall have the above Reward, and all necessary Charges, paid by, ROBERT CALDWELL N.B. It is thought he is gone up the Country. Taunton, November 11, 1771.” Providence Gazette, November 16, 1771.
“RUN away from Moses Cooper of Gloucester, in the County of Providence, on the 2d of October in the Evening, a Negro Man named Jack, about 26 Years of Age, of a small Stature, is of the Pawpaw Tribe, his Teeth filed sharp, has a Scar on the right side of his Forehead, and is marked up and down on each side of his Cheeks, and holes in both Ears, and is blacker than common; had on when he went away, a dark kersey Coat, a blue and white striped Cotton Jacket, a pair of Leather Breeches, and carried away another pair of Breeches of the same of the Jacket. Whoever takes up said Fellow and conveys him to his said Master in Gloucester, or secures him in any of his Majesty’s Goals so that he may be had again, shall have FIVE DOLLARS Reward, and all necessary Charges paid by Moses Cooper. N. B. All Masters of Vessels and others, are hereby forewarned Secreting or Carrying off said Fellow, as they will answer it at their Peril. Providence, October 7, 1763.” Boston Post Boy, October 17, 1763.
“Rehoboth, August 12, 1763, Runaway from his master, Samuel Whitman, of Rehoboth, on Monday the 25th of July, an Apprentice Lad, about 17 years of age, named Edward Green, a Shoemaker by trade. Had on when he went away, a blue coat, green Jacket, a light coloured pair of breeches, and wore his own hair: He is a short, thick fellow. Whoever takes up said lad, and returns him to his Master, or secures him in any of his Majesty's Gaols, so that he may be had again, shall receive THREE DOLLARS Reward, and all necessary Charges paid, by, SAMUEL WHITMANN.B. All Masters of Vessels and others are forewarned either secreting or carring off said Fellow, as they would avoid the Penalty of the Law.” Providence Gazette, August 13, 1763.
“Ran-away from the Subscriber in Dartmouth, on the 20th of this Instant, a Molatto Fellow named Gideon Halley or Gideon Cheat, about 5 Feet and six Inches high, about 30 Years old, a thick built Fellow, wears long Hair tied up; had on when he went away , a brown Kersey Flannel Jacket, strip’d Flannel Shirt, strip’d Flannel Trowsers, and a Beaver Hat much worn, looks much like an Indian, brags much of his being in the Army Westward the last War. Whosoever will secure him in any of his Majesty’s Goals or deliver him to his Master shall have FOUR DOLLARS Reward and all necessary Charges paid by JOSEPH RUSSEL. Dartmouth, June 24, 1768.” Boston News Letter, July 14, 1768.
“10 DOLLARS REWARD Ran away from his Master Jonathan Norwood, of Gloucester, (Cape-Ann) on the 22d of September Inst. a very likely Negro Man named Newport, about 5 Feet and half high, a strait limb Fellow, about 35 Years of Age, very likely in the Face ; had on when he Ran away a good Castor Hat, clean white Frock, a woolen Shirt, white short Trousers, white ribb’d worsted Stockings, pretty good Pumps, very large Silver Buckels in his Shoes, plays well on a Violin, and is a very active Fellow, and as he has Money with him, ’tis likely he will change his Dress, as he took other Cloaths with him. Whoever apprehends the said Negro, and will bring him to his said Master, or secure him, shall have Ten Dollars Reward, and all necessary Charges paid by Jonathan Norwood.” Boston Post Boy, October 1, 1764.
“Ran away from his Mistress Isabel Caldwell, of Rutland District, in the County of Worchester, the 25th of May last, a Negro Man about 30 Years of Age, named Mingo, speaks middling good English, a sprightly little Fellow, about five Feet and five or six Inches high : Had on when he went away, an all wool brown colour’d great Coat with large white metal Buttons, and an all wool Jacket of the same Colour ; a blue and white striped woolen Shirt, and a worsted Cap, an old Hat, A Pair of leather Breeches, and light blue Stockings ; a Pair of Shoes about half worn, tied with leather Strings.” Boston News Letter, August 13, 1765.
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