Existing comment:
$100 Reward
Runaway from the residence of Mr. George Vestal, in Charlestown, on Monday night last, a dark complexioned Negro Girl, belonging to the heirs of Richard Baylor, Esq., dec'd, named NANCY, about 16 to 18 years of age, well grown and good looking. She had a variety of common clothing -- speaks fiercely, and rather impudent in manner. If taken and lodged in any jail in Virginia, I will give a $10 reward, $50 if taken in Maryland, and $100 if taken in Pennsylvania or any free state.
JOAN YATES
Guard of the said heirs
Charles Town, Jefferson County, VA., April 7, 1830
Running away was one of the most common and effective statements against the slave system. Thousands of African-Americans successfully escaped slavery in the antebellum period. Many others tried but failed.
Runaway slaves evoked sympathy and support from some in the North. Blacks and whites worked together to develop the Underground Railway to bring slaves out of the South. |