slaveryto
freedom
A series of pages exploring
various aspects of enslavement in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia County Slavery Advertisements
February 17, 1798
Stop the Runaway.
ABSCONDED from his master's employ, in the city of Philadelphia, on the 5th of this instant February, a Negro Man, named Mentor, about 5 feet 6 or 7 inches in height, and of rather a spare make; his phisiognomy is vacant but not disagreeable; his age is supposed to be about 40. He had on when he went away, a short blue cloth coat, striped cassimere vest, corduroy breeches, and yarn stockings of a blue and white mixture -- he took with him a blue cloth great coat, the cape of which is edged with yellow binding; a long brown cloth coat; a short blue cloth coat with buff coloured cape and cuffs; also, a pair of blue cloth breeches; the other cloathes he took with him cannot be particularly described.
It is supposed, he intends going to the eastern shore of Maryland. Whoever will apprehend, and secure the said negro in any gaol, so that his master may get him again, or bring him home, shall have a reward of TWENTY DOLLARS.
Apply to the Printer.
February 7.
Notes: The name Mentor is from Greek mythology. From The Odyssey, Mentor, son of Alcimus, was a friend to Odysseus. In his old age, Mentor was asked by Odysseus to look after his palace and in particular his son Telemachus while he was away in the Trojan Wars.
Source: Gazette of the United States, 17 February 1798, page 4