Runaway Slave Advertisements Essay - 1115 Words

Slavery and indentured servitude was the backbone of the Virginia economy. Slaves were considered an investment in the planter’s business and a necessity for success. The treatment of slaves was much the same as owning a piece of property or equipment. Slaves were not viewed as fellow human beings, quite the opposite they were of lesser status. Slaves and indentured servants grew tired of their treatment and responded with acts of rebellion. One such act was for the slaves and servants to run away. Indentured servants and slaves both made the incredibly brave decision to risk fleeing and capture in the hope of finding a free and better life, as opposed to continue living in their oppressed conditions. Runaway slave advertisements became†¦show more content†¦The descriptions continue with physical accounts such as, a man of â€Å"a middle stature†, â€Å"a small, thin visage fellow†, and â€Å"low stature†. There seemed to be a difference in the wa y the men and women runaways were described. The women’s descriptions had a sexual overtone to them with examples like, â€Å"well featur’d† and â€Å"well set†. These terms were obviously describing the women’s breasts. The descriptions of both indentured servants and slaves also include the complexion of their skin, â€Å"a pale complexion†, â€Å"of a yellowish hue†, â€Å"pretty black†, and â€Å"smooth-faced complexion†. Any scars or other characteristics that can visibly seen, such as â€Å"much Pock-fretten†, â€Å"Lips are remarkably red†, â€Å"has a wide-mouth†, â€Å"scar on top of his head†, and â€Å"limps with her right leg† are among a few given. These physical limitations were not given out of concern for the runaways health, merely to offer visible clues that could lead to their capture. Several of the slave advertisements also mention if they speak English or not. Give n the fact that slaves were brought in from other countries and sold, they often did not speak English. If the slave in the advertisement did not speak English, the language barrier could be another clue to look for. The advertisements of the slaves also include their age in estimation, â€Å"about 30 years of age† and â€Å"upwards of 30 years old†. This is dueShow MoreRelatedThe Cruelty Of Slave By Jared Eliot928 Words   |  4 PagesWalker The cruelty of slave With many resources and reasons, African slave experience numerous of punishment during their time period of slavery. As they crossed from Africa towards the West Indies their encounters experience of starvation, mistreated, beaten, sexual harassment and torments from Europeans slave’s dealers, owners, master and their own kind. Breaking the law or even working slow was a punishments. Especially for runaways slaves. 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