Sydney Howard Gay’s "Record of Fugitives"

[28]

July 22n. James Morris of Norfolk, bondman of Ann McCourt, widow, left a wife + one child, + had been married about 14 mos. He heard that he was to be sold, + so escaped. He has been sold three times, + always hired out, receiving of his wages about 25 [cents] per. week, with which to clothe himself. With him was Matthew Battums, Plymouth, N.C. Sam. Simmons, owner. His master was sold out by y sheriff, his slaves only being left to him, + these he determined to take to Arkansas. Heard from his brother of an oppy. to escape by vessel, which he embraced. Also Peter Hines of Edenton, N.C. Elias [lawyer crossed out] Hines, owner. He was left by his master in charge of y house, while he was away at Court. He locked y door, leaving y key where it could easily be found + left. He walked to Elizabeth City, + was once seized when asleep by y road-side by a white man, as a fugitive. He denied