After the Revolutionary War, slaves continued to assert their right to freedom, most by running away. Slave owners posted broadsides and submitted advertisements to newspapers offering rewards for the recovery of their valuable human property. These ads provided detailed information about the runaway slave: name, age, physical description, skills and distinguising characteristics such as scars. Some mentioned personality traits or particular speech accents, and most advertisements elaborated on clothing. Most, as this advertisement from 1803 demonstrates, offered rewards for the capture and return of fugitive slaves.

Image: Ten Dollars Reward!, broadside, 1803. Courtesy The Connecticut State Historical Society Museum, Hartford, Connecticut.

Click here to look at two other runaway broadside advertisements.