June 20, 1765

The Pennsylvania Gazette

RUN away, the 9th of this instant June, a Servant Man, named Robert Jones, born in Ireland, about 5 Feet 3 or 4 Inches high, full Visage, black hair, and much pitted with the Small pox; [1]

had on, when he went away, a half worn Felt Hat, grey Coat, whitish Jacket, with Sleeves, white Tow Trowsers, hemp Shirt, white Stockings, and Shoes tied with Strings.

Whoever takes up said Servant, and delivers him to the Subscriber, living in Lebanon Township, Lancaster County; or to Jacob Barge, at the Sign of the Lamb, in Philadelphia; or secures him in any Goal, so that his Master may have him again, shall have THREE POUNDS Reward, and reasonable Charges paid by JOHN SMITH.

1. Descriptions of servants are commonly accompanied by notes that they are marked from the small pox, a reminder that European immigrants suffered terribly from disease. Increase Mather’s account of the 1676 Indian War mentions much sickness among the colonists. Of course, lacking immunity, Indians suffered more and with a society organized to maintain a stable population rather than exponential growth, were less able to recover from plagues.

A History of Runaway White Slaves in Plantation America: Part Two