October 22, 1776

When William Radiger first issued an advertisement for the return of Alexander Gray, a runaway servant, on October 1, he offered a reward of forty shillings. As was typical for runaway advertisements, Radiger offered a description of Gray’s appearance and behavior. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, Gray was about five feet tall and a frequent drinker and user of snuff. Radiger believed that, although Radiger lived on Market Street between Sixth and Seventh Streets, Gray was hiding out on Water Street “near the sign of the Ship and Pilot Boat.”

Interestingly, by October 22, Radiger had changed the terms of the advertisement. He still offered a reward to anyone who could apprehend Gray “so that his master may have him again.” But he added a nota bene: “If said Gray will return to his master by the 27th instant, and go to his work as usual, no notice will be taken of his absence, nor a word said to him.” No further advertisements were issued for Gray’s return after the ultimatum of October 27, so perhaps he accepted Radiger’s offer, or Radiger gave up the chase.

The Pennsylvania Evening Post
Printed by Benjamin Towne

RAN away last Sunday evening, from the subscriber living in Market-street, between Sixth and Seventh streets, a servant man named ALEXANDER GRAY, born at Aberdeen in Scotland. He is about five feet high, of a dark complexion, uses much snuff, and drinks hard when he can get it. It is supposed he sleeps in Water-street, near the sign of the Ship and Pilot Boat. He had on, and took with him, a brickdust colour coat, spotted jean waistcoat, broadcloth breeches of two different colours, and a brown cloth coat and pillar buttons. Whoever apprehends said SERVANT, so that his master may have him again, shall be entitled to the above reward and reasonable charges.

WILLIAM RADIGER.
Philad. Oct. 1, 1776.

N. B. If said Gray will return to his master by the 27th instant, and go to his work as usual, no notice will be taken of his absence, nor a word said to him.