Freedom Seeking Ad for Bet - October 5, 1776

This is the first of at least twelve advertisements printed after Bet, enslaved domestic servant to Thomas Stone, signer of the Declaration of Independence, sought her freedom in October of 1776 while in Philadelphia. The text is predominately a description of her appearance and the clothes she was wearing or carried away with her. The Pennsylvania Evening Post, "Five Pounds Reward." Saturday, October 5, 1776. Vol. II, issue 276, p. 476.  Philadelphia: Benjamin Towne, printer.

Title: Freedom Seeking Ad for Bet - October 5, 1776

Date: 1776

Object Information: Newspaper

Description:

This advertisement in the October 5, 1776 edition of The Pennsylvania Evening Post was the first of many that was published after Bet, an enslaved domestic servant to Thomas Stone, signer of the Declaration of Independence, became a freedom seeker in the city. Between October and November of 1776, Thomas Stone of Maryland and Michael Clarke, a Philadelphia constable, published at least twelve ads in local newspapers to reclaim what they viewed as lost property within the system of chattel slavery. This ad was significant because the detailed description of her array of clothing revealed Bet’s station within the Stone household, the importance she likely placed on retaining her appearance, and the help she undoubtedly received to be “concealed in this city” as she sought her freedom. In this ad, Michael Clarke requested Bet be returned to him at the "sign of the Blueball" which was the inn he managed across from the State House on the north side of Chestnut Street.

TRANSCRIPT

FIVE POUNDS Reward.

WENT away yesterday evening, a young Negro woman named BET, of middling stature, fat and likely, She had on a blue shalloon jacket and petticoat, white linen handkerchief and apron, black leather high heel shoes, silver buckles, and blue worsted stockings with clocks. She took with her a new check black and yellow stuff jacket and petticoat, a white jacket and petticoat, a blue and white stamped cotton ditto, with sundry other clothes, and has had her ears bored for ear-rings. The said Negro belongs to a gentleman of Maryland, and it is supposed she is concealed in this city. Whoever brings her to me, at the sign of the Blueball in Chestnut-street, Philadelphia, shall have the above reward, MICHAEL CLARKE.

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