In The Words of Others…

Virginia Gazette
(Purdie), Williamsburg,
August 8, 1777

RUN away from the subscriber, the 21st of July, a mulatto girl named KATE, or Catharine, about 5 feet high, has been brought up in the house from her infancy, and can work well with a needle. She is 19 or 20 years of age, has a smiling countenance when spoke to, and at some times is rather impertinent. She has endeavoured [sic] to pass for a free girl, and was going to the West Indies with the mate of some vessel, but was detected. She has now made a second elopement. I imagine she may be lurking about some of the shores, in order to get off. She has a great number of very good clothes, therefore it is uncertain what she may have with her. I will give a reward of 3£. to any person that will deliver her to col. John Wilson, or mrs. Mary Bradley, at the N.W. Landing, Norfolk county, or to the jailer of Elizabeth City.

NPS Ethnography Program