Enslavementto
freedom
A series of pages exploring various aspects of enslavement in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Slave Sale Advertisements
Sampling of Advertisements from Anonymous Sellers, 1734-1811
Introduction
African slaves had been held in colonial Pennsylvania and Delaware almost from the start, but in relatively few numbers. The arrival of the merchant ship Isabella at Philadelphia in 1684, with 150 Africans among its cargo, quickly changed the situation. The English settlers, critically short on labor, eagerly purchased every slave. With this newfound acceptance of slaveholding came a blossoming of the enslaved population in the growing provincial town. By 1705 an estimated one in fifteen households in Philadelphia held a slave. (Nash)
In the earliest decades enslaved Africans could be found in Philadelphia Quaker households as well as in the households and businesses of non-Quakers. The Germantown Protest of 1688, four years after the landing of the Isabella, is the first recorded instance of a protest to slaveholding in the colony, but it was limited in its influence. By the 1730s, however, sentiment began to change, possibly spurred by protests from Benjamin Lay, whose taste for theatrical stunts--he once supposedly disrupted a Quaker Yearly Meeting by stabbing a fake Bible with a sword, producing gushes of blood-red pokeberry juice--were widely reported. During that same decade Quaker merchant Ralph Sandiford published an anti-slavery treatise that he freely distributed through two printings. Through these activists and the work of many others, public sentiment very slowly began turning away from slaveholding.
There could be many reasons for wanting to sell an enslaved person anonymously, other than changing public sentiment. By having interested purchasers inquire of a third party, the seller avoided having to deal with insincere offers and supplying tedious details. It limited the number of persons knowing the seller's business and avoided potential rumors of personal or financial misfortune. Frequent travel for business kept some sellers away from their residence or business and therefore unable to field inquiries. Regardless of the reasons, anonymous slave sale advertisements could be found throughout nearly all decades of slave ownership in Pennsylvania.
From the start, most slave sale ads followed a basic template: a brief descriptive lead-in ("A likely Negro man"), approximate age ("about 24 years of age"), selling points and or special skills ("understands her needle," "a baker by trade"), whether used to taking care of a family ("town" work) or farming ("country" work), health notes ("has had the small pox and measles"), and reason for the sale ("sold for want of employ"). Nearly all ads had all or most of these components, usually in that order, showing their popularity and frequency.
Descriptive adjectives such as "strong," "stout," "sound," "healthy" and "young" are easily understood by the modern reader. The term "likely" indicated a pleasing appearance and physically attractive person, either a handsome male or a pretty female. "Lusty" meant vigorous, energetic and healthy. "Lad" and "boy" indicated a youthful male, up to about early 20s in age, while "fellow" could be used for any male above puberty. "Man" was generally reserved for any male older than his teens. The equivalent terms for adult females was "woman," with "girl" used for young females. "Wench" seemed to have been used for females in their mid-teens and up, basically those of childbearing age.
Youth dominates these listings. The majority of the persons advertised below were in their teens or early twenties: a prime age for forced labor. Some are young women or girls with children of their own, frequently the reason for their sale. Several young women were advertised for "breeding" purposes.
After 1780, many listings show the time remaining to serve, indicating the person is a term-slave, born after the Gradual Abolition law. Most term-slaves had a 28-year term of enslavement, which was most of their productive lives.
Click here for more information on the purchasing of enslaved persons in Pennsylvania
Click here for a detailed discussion of the changing attitudes in colonial Pennsylvania toward slave ownership.
The Advertisements
To be SOLD. A LIKELY Negroe Girl, about 14 Years of Age, bred in the Country, but fit for either Town or Country Business. Enquire of the Preinter hereof. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 20 June 1734).
TWO likely young Negroes, one a Lad about 19; The other a Girl of 15, to be sold. Inquire of the Printer. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 20 June 1734).
A LIKELY Negroe Man who was born in the Country, and has had the Small-Pox, to be disposed of. Enquire of the Printer hereof. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 12 September 1734).
TO BE SOLD, A LIKELY young breeding Negroe Woman, speaks good English, understands her Needle and any sort of Household Work, and has had the Small-Pox. Enquire of the Printer. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 30 June 1737).
TO BE SOLD, A LIKELY Bermudian Negroe Woman aged about 24 Years, fit for Town or Country Business. Enquire of the Printer hereof. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 13 April 1738)
To be SOLD, A LIKELY young Negro Woman, that can do all sorts of Houshold Work; with a Child two Years old, and has had the Small Pox; Any one that has a mind to purchase her, may enquire of the Printer hereof. (The Pennsylvania Gazette, 29 October 1741.)
To be SOLD, A Negro Man Twenty-two Years of Age, of uncommon Strength and Activity, very fit for a Farmer, or a laborious Trade, he understands the best Methods of managing Horses, and is very faithful in the Employment; Any Person that wants such a one may see him by enquiring of the Printer hereof. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 March 1743)
A Strong likely lusty Negro Man, that has been very much used to Plantation-work, to be sold, Enquire of the Printer hereof. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 21 July 1743).
To be SOLD, A Likely young Negroe Man, who has been used to the Business of Distilling, but is fit for either Town or Country Business. Enquire of the Printer hereof. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 1 August 1745).
To be SOLD, A Likley Negroe Woman, fit for Town or Country service, with a Child about two Years old; Enquire of the Printer hereof. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 December 1745).
On Wednesday the 11th Instant, at Mr. Hamilton's Wharff, will be sold, by publick Vendue, NINETEEN Negroe Men and Boys, brought in by the Privateers; several of them stout able bodied Seamen; As also a Parcel of Hides and Skins. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 December 1745).
TO BE SOLD, A LIKELY young Negroe Woman, fit for Town or Country Business. Enquire of the Printer hereof. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 17 July 1746).
To be SOLD, A Likely young Negro Woman and Child (Bermuda born) has had the Small Pox and Measles; can Wash, Iron, Cook, and do all manner of House Work well. Enquire of the Printer hereof. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 21 August 1746).
To be SOLD, A Likely young Negro Man, that can mow, reap, cut Wood, and do most Sorts of Plantation Work very well. Enquire of the Printer. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 11 September 1746).
Philadelphia, October 29, 1747. To be SOLD, A Likely young Negroe lad, about twenty years of age, a baker by trade. Enquire at the Printer hereof. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 29 October 1747).
To be SOLD, To be sold cheap, a very likely young Negro wench, about 18 years of age; Also fine Palm-oyl, by the half dozen pound, or lesser quantity. Enquire of the printer hereof. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 31 August 1749).
A Likely Negroe man to be disposed of, about 26 years old, fit for town or country business, especially the latter, is a good mower, reaper, and handles an ax well, having been used to country work from a boy, had had the small-pox and measles. Any person inclining to purchase him, may be further informed at the Post-office. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 30 November 1749).
TO BE SOLD, A Likely Negroe woman, fit for town or country business, with a Negroe child, about two months old. Enquire at the Post-Office. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 29 August 1751).
TO BE SOLD, A Likely young Negroe woman, about 19 years of age, can do all manner of house-work, and has had the small-pox. Enquire at the Post-Office. (The Pennsylvania Gazette, 05 December 1751)
TO BE SOLD, A LIKELY Negroe Woman, is a very good Cook, and can be well recommended for her Honesty. Enquire at the POST-OFFICE. (The Pennsylvania Gazette, 05 December 1751)
To be SOLD, A Likely young Negro woman, about 28 years of age, has had the small-pox, and can do all manner of house-work; she has a child about six months old, which will be sold with her. Enquire at the New-Printing-Office. (The Pennsylvania Gazette, 16 April 1752)
TO BE SOLD, A Likely young Negroe wench, about 22 or 23 years of age, can have great recommendations for her knowledge in cookery, scowring, washing, and all kinds of drudgery. The reason of selling her is that she does not like her situation. Enquire at the New Printing-Office. (The Pennsylvania Gazette, 14 May 1752)
To be SOLD, A Strong able Negroe wench, and her son, a fine boy, about 7 months old, the wench is about 26 years old, has had the small pox, and is an excellent cook, a good washer, and very fit for either town or country business; As also a Molattoe girl, about 16 years of age, has had the small-pox and measles, cooks and washes well, and very fit for any gentleman's service, that may have occasion for such a girl. Enquire at the New-Printing-Office. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 16 November 1752)
To be SOLD, A LIKELY Negroe woman, about twenty years of age, who can sew well, and do all manner of house-work, and is not parted with for any fault. She has a child, a boy, above one year old. Enquire at the New-Printing-Office. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 16 November 1752)
Editor's Note: Compare this ad above with the one below, dated 17 May 1753. These ads appear to describe the same enslaved mother and son.
TO BE SOLD, A Likley Negro woman, she can do house work well; she has a child, about a year and a half old, a boy. Enquire at the New-Printing-Office. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 17 May 1753).
To be SOLD, A Likely Negroe woman, about 23 years of age, fit for town or country business, particularly for the latter, being a good spinster. Enquire at the New-Printing-Office. (The Pennsylvania Gazette, 06 September 1753)
To be SOLD, A Likely Negro woman, that can wash, iron and cook extrordinary well, and understands all sorts of house work, has had the small-pox, and measles; she is sold for no fault, but want of employment, her mistress being dead. Enquire at the New-Printing Office. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 October 1754)
To be SOLD, A Likely Negroe wench, about 19 years of age, fit for town or country business. Enquire at the New-Printing-Office, in Market-street, Philadelphia. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 15 May 1755).
To be SOLD, A Negroe fellow, a skinner by trade, about 28 or 30 years of age: Likewise a Negroe woman, about 20, and a Negroe boy, nine or ten years old. Any person inclined to purchase the above mentioned Negroes, or any of them, may have six months credit, if required. Enquire at the New-Printing-Office. (The Pennsylvania Gazette, 30 October 1755)
To be SOLD, A Likely young Negro man, about 21 years of age, has had the small-pox, and drinks no stong liquor; can handle a broad and narrow ax well, and is very fit for the country, or to go by water. Enquire at the New-Printing-Office. (The Pennsylvania Gazette, 08 January 1756)
To be SOLD, a Negro woman, about 22 years old, with two of her children, a boy and a girl; the boy is about 9 months old, and the girl 3 years and two months. The woman understands house-work, and can cook well. For further particulars, enquire at the New-Printing-Office. (The Pennsylvania Gazette, 08 January 1756)
TO be SOLD, by publick Vendue, on Saturday next, the 25th of this instant June, at eleven a Clock in the Fore-noon, at the Sign of the Indian King, in Market-street, A likely NEGROE LAD, about eighteen Years of Age. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 23 June 1757).
To be SOLD, A LIKELY Negroe Woman, Bermuda born, has had the Small-pox, is a very good Cook, and fit for Town or Country Business. Enquire at the New-Printing-Office. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 13 October 1757).
To be SOLD, A LIKELY young Negroe Woman, this Country born, with a young male Child, nine Months old; she can do all Sorts of Housework, has had the Small-pox and Measles, and is sold for no Fault, only that she breeds too fast. Enquire at the New-Printing-Office, in Market-street. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 13 October 1757).
To be SOLD, A Negroe Man, who understands the Business of Refining bar Iron in all its Parts; a sound, stout healthy Fellow. Whoever inclines to purchase the said Negroe, may be better informed, by Applying to the Printers hereof. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 21 June 1759).
WANTED, A NEGROE LAD, not less than 14 Years old, or more than 24, that can be well recommended for Honesty and Industry, and that has a good Character in general. Any Person having such a one to dispose of, may hear of a Purchaser, by applying at the New Printing-Office.
N.B. One that understands the Coopers and Millers Business would be most agreeable. (The Pennsylvania Gazette, 20 August 1761)
To be SOLD, An ACTIVE LIKELY NEGROE MAN, about 23 Years of Age, has had the Small-Pox, and is very handy at any Business he is employed in. Enquire of the Printers. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 3 September 1761).
TO BE SOLD, A Likely Negroe Wench, about 18 Years of Age, has had the Small-Pox, can wash and clean House very well, and is a good Cook; used to Children, and remarkably fond of them. For Terms apply to the Printers, in Market-street. N.B. She is a good Breeder. (The Pennsylvania Gazette, 22 September 1763)
TO BE SOLD, A LIKELY Negroe man, by trade a blacksmith; sold for want of employ. Enquire of the printers. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 7 April 1768)
TO BE SOLD, A LIKELY smart NEGROE BOY, 13 Years of Age, very fit for a Gentleman, has had the Small-Pox, and is sold only for Want of Employ. Enquire of the Printers hereof. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 7 April 1768)
To be SOLD, A LIKELY healthy NEGROE MAN, about 24 Years of Age, has had the Small-Pox, bred mostly to House work, such as cooking and attending Table, &c. he can Shave very well, and is a neat Hand in a Stable, to look after Horses. Enquire of the Printers hereof. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 14 April 1768).
To be SOLD, A LIKELY NEGROE WENCH, about 17 or 18 years of age, Enquire of the printers hereof. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 14 April 1768).
TO BE SOLD, FOUR healthy likely young NEGROE MEN that have had the small-pox, brought up to the sail-making trade; they have been from 9 to 12 years at said trade, can work well, sold for no other reason than their master declining said business.
N.B. As the sail-makers here are stocked with Negroes, they will be ready at any time for what other market may have a call for them. Enquire of the printers. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 17 May 1768).
TO BE SOLD, A LIKELY NEGROE WENCH, about 20 years of age, with a child 17 months old, she is very handy at, and much accustomed to Country work, and is advertised for sale for no fault, but the want of employ. For terms of sale, enquire of the Printers hereof. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 2 February 1769).
WANTED, A NEGRO BOY, from fourteen to twenty years of age, that can be well recommended. Any person who has such to dispose of, may hear of a Purchaser by applying to the Printer. (Pennsylvania Packet, 18 November 1771).
TO BE SOLD, A Strong, Healthy, Likely NEGRO WENCH, this country born, has had the small-pox and measles, is fit for either town or country business, and is sold for want of employ. Likewise, a NEGRO MAN, of about forty years of age, is a quiet discreet fellow, has been with a silversmith many years, and can do small work in the silversmith business; He will be sold for a term of years, or life, as the purchaser can agree. For further particulars enquire at the Printer. (Pennsylvania Packet, 01 June 1772).
FOR SALE, A LIVELY hearty NEGROE Wench, about 17 Years of Age. It not suiting the Family she is in, to keep a breeding Negroe, is the only Cause of her being sold. Enquire of the PRINTERS. (The Pennsylvania Gazette, 26 August 1772.)
To BE SOLD, A LIKELY young NEGROE FELLOW, who has been used to drive a Carriage for several Years past, and is likewise a good Cook. Enquire of the Printers. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 6 January 1773).
To BE SOLD, A LIKELY healthy NEGROE BOY, 14 Years old, has had the Small-pox and Measles; is sold for no Fault but for Want of Employ. Enquire of the Printers. (Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 February 1773).
A likely NEGROE GIRL, TO BE SOLD, SEVENTEEN Years old, has had the Small-pox and Measles, is remarkably healthy, not having had a Day's Sickness, but what the Measles occasioned, during nine Years, is very brisk and lively, can do all Sorts of House-work, and might soon be made a compleat Cook. A Purchaser that lives in this Province will be most agreeable. For further Particulars, enquire of the PRINTERS. (The Pennsylvania Gazette, 16 February 1774)
TO BE SOLD, A LIKELY NEGRO WOMAN, about 30 years of age, who can cook, wash, iron and sew well, and can do all kinds of house-work; She has a child about 5 years old, and the reasons of their being sold will be honestly told to any one that may want them; she is as handy and valuable a wench as any in the city. Enquire of the Printer. (Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 28 February 1774.)
TO BE SOLD, THREE NEGROES, viz. a man and his wife, about 35 years of age, and a male sucking child: They have been born and bred in the country, and are well acquainted with country work; the man is a good farmer, and very trusty and careful; the woman handy and active at housework, cookery, &c. For further particulars enquire of the printer. (Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 28 February 1774.)
TO BE SOLD, A HEALTHY NEGROE WENCH, about 20 Years of Age, brought up to House-work, and fit for Town or Country, and has a hearty Male Child of 5 Months old. For Particulars, apply to the PRINTERS. (The Pennsylvania Gazette, 25 January 1775)
TO BE SOLD, A LIKELY Mulatto Girl, about sixteen years of age, suitable for any Gentleman living in the country who may chuse to purchase, being mostly accustomed to country business. Sold for want of employ. Enquire of the Printer. (Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 17 July 1775.)
To be SOLD out of the Province, A LIKELY strong and healthy NEGROE MAN, about 30 Years of Age. He is a compleat Farmer, and well understands Ditching in high as well as low Lands. Enquire of the PRINTER. (The Pennsylvania Gazette, 5 June 1776)
WANTED, SIX NEGRO FELLOWS, from sixteen to thirty years of age. Whoever has such to dispose of, may hear of a purchaser by applying to the Printer. (Dunlap and Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser (Philadelphia), 24 December 1778)
TO BE SOLD, A likely NEGRO MAN, About Thirty-five Years old. Inquire of the Printer. (Independent Gazeteer, 14 September 1782).
TO BE SOLD, A well grown NEGRO BOY, About 13 Years of Age, to be free when 28 Years old; he has had the Small-Pox and Measles. Inquire of the Printer. (Independent Gazeteer, 14 September 1782).
TO BE SOLD, A NEGRO WENCH, About thirty Years of Age, For Cash, good Merchantable Flour, or Bar-Iron, &c. She is capable of doing all Manner of House-Work, andwill be particularly useful to a Farmer or Planter, as she prefers the Country to the City. She can do anykind of Farming Business, which requires bodily Strength or Industry, equal to most Negro Men in the Country; and as to the domestic Business of a Farm, she is equally acquainted with. Whoever inclines to purchase the said Wench, will be pleased to apply to the Printer hereof, next Door to teh Coffee-House, in Market-Street. (Independent Gazeteer, 8 October 1782).
TO BE SOLD, A likely Negro Wench, OF about 26 years of age, who was brought up in a reputable family, and can be recommended for her sobriety and honesty. The price is 95 pounds. Inquire of the printer. (The Independent Gazeteer, Philadelphia, 18 February 1783)
TO BE SOLD, A Middle aged Negro Woman, Very sober, honest, healthy, and a good cook. Inquire of the printer. (The Independent Gazeteer, Philadelphia, 18 February 1783)
To be sold for a Term of Years, A LIKELY Negro GIRL about 11 years of age; she is very handy, and has had the small-pox. The owner having no use for her is the reason of his parting with her. For further information enquire of the Printer. (Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 17 January 1784).
TO BE SOLD, A Negro Man that has five and an half years to serve; can be well recommended as a good Coachman, a genteel Waiter; is sober and honest. Enquire of the Printer. (Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 17 January 1784).
A registered Negro Woman To be Sold or EXCHANGED: AGED about 23 years, likely, good tempered, and handy for town or country work. She is parted with only because she has a young Male Child, and a breeding woman does not suit the family she is in. Another Wench would be taken for her, of equal value. Enquire of the Printer. (Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 5 February 1784).
To be Sold cheap, For the term of fourteen years, a smart, active, likely NEGRO GIRL, Sold for no fault but want of employ. -- Enquire of the Printer. (Independent Gazeteer, 22 October 1785).
TO BE SOLD, The time of a likely, healthy NEGRO GIRL, who has nine years to serve; has had the small pox; and sold for no fault, but want of employ. -- Enquire of the Printers. (Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 2 July 1788).
To be Sold into the Country, For Five Years, A Negro Man, Who understands all kinds of farming business. Enquire of the Printers. (Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 2 July 1788).
TO BE SOLD, A Negro Man who has six years to serve; is an excellent coachman, sober and honest. Enquire of the Printers. (Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 28 February 1789).
TO BE SOLD, A Negro Man who has about 6 years to serve -- Is an excellent Waiter, and understands the Management of Horses. Enquire of the Printers. (Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 28 February 1789).
TO BE SOLD A NEGRO GIRL, ABOUT FIFTEEN YEARS OF AGE, HAVING ABOUT FIVE YEARS AND AN HALF TO SERVE. Enquire of the printer. Dec. 3. (Aurora General Advertiser, 5 December 1798).
FOR SALE, THE time of an indented negro lad, about 20 years of age; has four years and three months to serve, and is a complete house servant and waiter. Apply at No. 144, south Fourth street. Sept. 16. (Aurora General Advertiser, 29 September 1800).
FOR SALE THE time of a stout healthy Negro Man, 22 years of age, who has six years to serve -- He has been long used to Horses, and is calculated for House or other work; he is good natured, honest, sober, and industrious -- Want of sufficient employment for him is the owners inducement to dispose of him. For further information apply at No 21, Powel Street. Sept. 13. (Aurora General Advertiser, 02 March 1801).
FOR SALE. THE time of a negro girl, who has 8 years to serve, understands cooking, washing, and all kinds of housework. Enquire at No. 291 Market street. March 26. (Aurora General Advertiser, 26 March 1805).
FOR SALE, THE unexpired time of a BLACK GIRL, who has better than four years to serve -- she is an excellent Cook. Likewise for sale, the time of a BLACK GIRL, about 3 years old, has about 26 years to serve. Enquire at 242, South Second st. May 19. (Aurora General Advertiser, 23 May 1807).
FOR SALE, THE TIME OF A NEGRO BOY, A HOUSE WAITER, he is perfectly honest and sober; has eleven years to serve from the 17th of March last. Apply No. 186, High street. May 19. (Aurora General Advertiser, 08 July 1807).
TO BE DISPOSED OF, THE unexpired time of service of an indented NEGRO GIRL, she has about twelve years to serve, and can be well recommended -- for terms apply at No. 61, north Second street. September 4. (Aurora General Advertiser, 4 September 1807).
FOR SALE, THE time of a stout healthy NEGRO WENCH, aged 14 years, has 12 years to serve. Enquire at No. 63, South Fifth street. January 1 (Aurora General Advertiser, 07 January 1811).
FOR SALE, THE unexpired time of an active BLACK BOY, who has 17 years to serve -- he is 11 years old. Apply at No. 58, north Third street. November 6. (Aurora General Advertiser, 07 November 1811).
Notes