The Geography of Slavery

Virginia Journal and Alexandria Advertiser (Richards),
Alexandria, October 21, 1784.

Five Pounds Reward. RAN away from the Subscriber in Prince William County, two likely Mulatto Slaves, viz. CATE, a light Mulatto, about 22 years of age, about 5 feet high, full faced, expressive eyes, of a pleasant countenance, an high forehead, fine teeth, bushy long hair, is well set, and broad shouldered: She took with her two striped waistcoats and petticoats, the one blue and white and the other red and white, a white linen shift and apron, a straw hat, covered and lined with black silk and trimmed with black gauze; and her common wearing apparel was a white waistcoat, and an osnabrug petticoat.---I suppose she will endeavour for Fredericksburg or Alexandria, as she made an attempt to get off about 18 months ago, was taken up on the road to Alexandria, and said she intended for Philadelphia.---She is very handy, spins well, and has been used to both house and plantation work. SINAH, about 20 years of age, rather of a darker complexion than Cate, has a sunken bumpy face, a very unbidding look, has a decay and holes in two of her upper foreteeth, a sulky illnatured countenance, well shaped, of the middle size, low forehead, and very bushy long hair: She took with her a pair of silk cuffs, some pieces of gauze, a white linen petticoat, a fine white shift, white linen enough for a shift and waistcoat, a black Virginia cloth petticoat, striped with white, a straw hat, covered and lined with black silk and trimmed with black gauze; had on a black striped Virginia cloth jacket, an osnabrug petticoat, and a black Virginia cloth ditto, which she wore under the other.---She has been brought up in the house, is a good seamstress, and spins well.-----Whoever will deliver them to me at my house, or secure them in any gaol so that I get them again, shall receive the above reward, of Fifty Shillings, for either, paid by HENRY LEE. October 15, 1784.

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