Friend of Friend Friday: Ranaway: DAVID and JOHN (1819)

Alexandria Gazette (Va.)
30 July 1819

ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD.

On Monday, the 28th June, eloped from Bell Isle, King George county, Virginia, two negro men, DAVID and JOHN. David is a black fellow, about forty years of age, rather below the middle size, has invariably a smile when spoken to, a good hand in the field, and a tolerable wagoner; his clothing, when he absconded, were an old felt hat, a double milled drab great coat, much worn, lined with red flannel, jacket and pantaloons of domestic cotton and yarn cloth, and a coarse linen shirt. David has a wife belonging to Mr. John Singer, who some years since moved from Culpeper county to Harrison county, Va., and for the last two years has been in habits of intimacy with a negro woman by the name of Rose, who was sold last fall, by Mrs. Berryman, of King George, to Mr. George Mason, of Gunston, Fairfax co. Va. it is probable he will attempt to get to one of these neighborhoods.

Jack is a lively black fellow, about thirty years of age, of the middle size, a little bow legged, rather an awkward hand in the field, having been bred a house servant, at which he excells, rather a surly disposition, and by profession a Baptist. He has a father belonging to Mr. John B. S. Fitzhugh, near Falmouth, Stafford co. Va. and a wife and family belonging to Mr. Thos. Fitzhugh, of Brenton, Prince William co. it is highly probable he is lurking in one of these neighborhoods; had on when he absconded, an old hat, a suit of domestic cloth cotton and yarn, and a brown linen shirt, and carried with him a suit of white domestic jeans. It is probable he and David will change their names and dress. FIFTY DOLLARS will be given for apprehending and securing in jail said negroes, or half for either, if taken in the state of Virginia, or District of Colombia; or the above reward, if taken out of the state, & all reasonable charges, if brought home to the subscriber's residence. Masters of vessels, and others, are forewarned from harboring or carrying off said negros. 

FRANCIS T. FITZHUGH
King George's county, Virginia
july 16    f4w

The editors of the Federal Republican (Baltimore) will please insert the above once a week for four weeks, and forward their accounts to this office for payment.