FAUQUIER County, Oct. 25, 1784. RAN away this morning, from the subscriber, MARK, a black negro man, about 29 or 30 years of age, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, a scar on his right jaw, has the mark of a cut on the outside (I believe) of his right hand, walks much with the broadside of his feet foremost, was born in the Island of Saint Jago, and speaks his native (the Portuguese) language, by his talk is easily discovered to be a foreigner, very active, and remarkable for his ingenuity; and although he may pretend to some knowledge in stone and brick work, has no particular trade, being capable of doing something at most kinds of business. Before the war, he was employed in going by water, and is well acquainted with the Bay, Rivers, and Creeks, to which I expect he will make, in order to get on board a vessel, to be carried to a greater distance from home, and then make his escape from it. It is very probable he will pass for a freeman, in consequence of his being able to speak another language. He can blow the French horn, play the fiddle, whistles many tunes, well to be heard at a surprising distance, is fond of marches and Church music, particularly of that belonging to the Roman Catholic religion, which he professes. He carried with him a negro cotton jacket and breeches, a light coloured surtout coat, much wore, one or two blankets, a soldier's hat, bound round with white linen, and a smooth bored gun, pretty wide in the bore, and straighter than common from the breech to the butt. I make no doubt but he will endeavour to vary his dress as much as possible, in order to effect his escape to as great a distance as he can. Whoever apprehends said negro, and delivers him to me, near the Court-house, with the gun, will be paid EIGHT DOLLARS reward, besides what the Law allows. If great care is not taken by the takers up, he will most certainly make his escape from them. WILLIAM ALLASON.
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