Slavery
Magnificent 1818 Runaway Slave Broadside: $30 Reward

Broadside, 13.5" x 16.25", laid paper. Greenbrier County [Virginia, now West Virginia], March 21, 1818. Signed in type "Robert Stephen." Blank verso. Some soiling at edges, scattered light toning. Good condition.

Landowner Robert Stephen (1767-1851) seeks the return of "A Negro Boy Named Henderson," age about 21, "well made, five feet six or seven inches high, fluent in conversation, with no perceptible beard … He has a free pass, and is called in that, Robert or Bob Robinson; the said pass authorising him to pass through the United States…" A free pass is an official document that allows a person to travel.

In full:

"THIRTY DOLLARS

REWARD.

-----

Run-away from the Subscriber,

Living in the County of Greenbriar,

A NEGRO BOY NAMED

HENDERSON,

About twenty-one years of age, well made, five feet six or seven inches high, fluent in conversation, with no perceptible beard, of a good countenance, and inclining a little to a yellowish complexion. He had on a grey cloth or cassimere coat, corded pantaloons, fashionable fur hat, &c. He has a free pass, and is called in that, Robert or Bob Robinson; the said pass authorising him to pass through the United States, signed by William Vauters and witnessed by Samuel Clark. He has stated that his mother lives on Bacon Quarter Branch in Richmond. He was once the property of Col. Baylor near the Bowling Green, and afterwards belonged to John Nicholson of Gloucester County.

I forewarn all masters of vessels and others from employing or carrying the said negro out of this State.

I will give the above reward if he is secured in any jail within this State, and immediate intelligence given to the Subscriber, or to Maj. A. Bernard at the Washington Tavern, so that I get him again.

ROBERT STEPHEN

MARCH 21st, 1818."

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.