New York Slaveowners Advertise for Return of Runaways in Connecticut Newspaper

A substantial advertisement in this issue placed by slaveowners John Gardner and Jesse Culver offers rewards of $5 each for the return of two of their teenage slaves, whom they believe have run away to go to sea.

The first signer may be John Lyon Gardiner (1770-1816), who was a refugee with his mother and older brother during the Revolutionary War while the British occupied his home of Gardiner's Island. He graduated from the College of New Jersey (Princeton University) in 1789 and took possession of Gardiner's Island as the seventh proprietor in 1791. He held more than a dozen slaves during the period he lived on the island, keeping records of them in his "Book of Colors or Mulatto Book.”

Jesse Culver (1707-1789) was a land and slaveowner in Southampton, Long Island, New York.

[SLAVERY]. The New-Haven Gazette, and the Connecticut Magazine, August 30, 1787. New Haven, CT: Josiah Meigs. 8 pp. (217-224), 8.75" x 10.375". Disbound; light staining and light, scattered spots throughout.

Excerpt
"Ten Dollars Reward.
"Ran away from the subscribes on the evening of the 4t instant, two mulattos; one named Peter, the other Solomon, each about 17 or 18 years old. Peter is of the common mulatto complexion, about five feet, two inches high, very light eyed, curled hair, very talkative and plausible, barefoot, had on tow trowsers, and a blue woolen jacket without sleeves; he belongs to JOHN GARDNER, of Gardner's Island.
"Solomon is a stout fellow, five feet eight inches high, has a down look, o complexion and hair nearly like those of a negro; he had on a short brown linsey Woolsey jacket, a striped flannel under jacket, striped linen shirt and trowsers; he belongs to JESSE CULVER, of Southampton, on Long Island.
"It is probable they will change their names and dress, and that they will endeavour to go to sea; for the subscribers have heard that to be their intention. Whoever will secure either of said runaways, and will give information or deliver them to Dr. JONATHAN TODD, jun. of East-Guildford, or to their masters aforesaid, shall receive FIVE DOLLARS reward for each, and all reasonable charges paid.
"JOHN GARDNER.
"JESSE CULVER.
"New-Haven, August 25, 1787.” (p7/c2)

Historical Background
The Dutch West India Company introduced African slavery into New Amsterdam in 1626. By 1703, more than 42 percent of households in New York City held slaves. Many worked as household servants, but others were artisans or agricultural laborers on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley.

When the British occupied New York City in 1776, they promised freedom to slaves who left rebel masters. After the war, the British evacuated about 3,000 slaves from New York, resettling many in Nova Scotia. The New York Manumission Society began in 1785 to seek the abolition of slavery in the state and to aid free blacks. In 1799, the state passed a law for gradual abolition, and the last slaves were freed under this legislation on July 4, 1827.

Additional Content
This issue also includes a report by Samuel Miles to the Pennsylvania Society for the Promotion of Manufactures and the Useful Arts (p1/c1-p2/c1); a letter to the editor regarding the manufacture of stockings in the United States (p2/c1-3); "Observations upon Cheese Making” (p4/c2-3); and several notices and advertisements, including one noting that "The Subscriber's Hospital for Innoculation is now opened, where constant attendance is given” (p7/c1-3) and another requiring candidates for the degree of Master of Arts from Yale College to send in their request to President Ezra Stiles (p8/c3).

The New Haven Gazette, and the Connecticut Magazine (1784-1789) was a weekly newspaper in New Haven, Connecticut. It began as the New Haven Gazette, published by Josiah Meigs (1757-1822), Daniel Bowen, and Eleutheros Dana (1761-1788). In April 1786, Bowen left the partnership to publish the New Haven Chronicle. Dana left the partnership in August 1787, and Meigs continued to edit the newspaper alone.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE.