Some runaways took only the clothing they had on, and lacked even a complete ensemble. Running away without shoes shows either desperation or determination.
Run away, the 13th of this instant July, from the subscriber, near Newtown, Bucks County, an Irish servant girl, named Judy Fagan, between 15 and 16 years old, of a dark complection, has black hair and grey eyes; had on when she went away, a long old green worsted gown, brown skirt and black bonnet, no shoes nor stockings. Whoever takes up and secures said girl, so that her master may have her again, shall have twenty shillings reward and reasonable charges paid by Thomas Morgan. [Pennsylvania Gazette, July 23, 1772]
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Nicely done, Mark. I hope your work will prompt some readers unfamiliar...
Very good point about the skills Paine must have brought to editing...
Enjoyed reading this well-done piece. Although it is indeed very difficult to...