Young black male slaves were the most valuable but also highest risk assets for southern plantations as they were more likely to rebel and run away. Colonial newspapers were flooded with advertisements describing runaway slaves, primarily mid-aged black males, providing details of their appearance and personality to aid in recapture. Plantation owners struggled to control rebellious slaves and minimize the financial losses from runaways through strict management and portrayals of slaves as vicious to justify their domination.

1. Fugitive Slaves in Colonial Newspapers By: Bryan Poepperling

2. American Slavery The first slave in Virginia in 1619 problems between slave and master Who was the “better buy” for a southern plantation owner

3. Young Black Male Slaves A more valuable asset to the work force A greater risk to owners More rebellious in nature, and ran away more often

4. Highest Sellers Black male Slaves Skilled and Semi-Skilled Skilled slaves had tools and means to run away

5. Slave Women Not much alarm for rebelliousness Field and domestic work kept women from running away Rarely would slave mothers run away

6. Colonial Newspapers Runaways were described as mid-aged black males age, size, build, height, or scars on their bodies quick-witted, intelligent, deceptive, and calculating

7. Vying for Control slaves were vicious, turbulent, and violent Strict, consistent management was necessary control problems and a significant loss in time and money

8. Summary Runaways were mid-aged, courageous, intelligent male slaves Newspapers were flooded with ads for runaways The problems with runaways never ceased