Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Bartlett, Josiah (1729-1795) [Announcement for reward for runaway "negro man servant" named Peter]

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02816 Author/Creator: Bartlett, Josiah (1729-1795) Place Written: Kingstown, New Hampshire Type: Autograph document signed Date: 20 September 1781 Pagination: 1 p. ; 20.2 x 18.8 cm. Order a Copy

An announcement made by Bartlett, the second signer of the Declaration of Independence, regarding his runaway "Negro man servant Named Peter, aged about Twenty years, a short thick fellow, speaks good English, is pretty sensible and understands farming Business very well, had on when he went away a Brown homespun Coat a new pair of moose Leather Breeches & grey yarn Stockings." States that Peter ran away on 18 September 1781. Bartlett promises a reward for information or capture. He also notes that someone "for their own private advantage" has assisted Peter and that they will be prosecuted unless they make "Reasonable Satisfaction."

Bartlett was a member of the New Hampshire colonial legislature 1765-1775, a Continental Congressman 1775-1776 and 1778, and was Governor of New Hampshire 1790-1794.

[draft] [excerpt]
"On the Evening of the 18th Inst: Deserted & left the Service of the Subscriber, a Negro man Servant Named Peter, aged about Twenty years, a Short thick fellow, Speaks good English, is pretty Sensible and understands farming Business very well ... whoever will take up Said Servant & Bring him to me or Secure him & Send me word So that I may have him again Shall Receive a handsome Reward and all necessary Charges And whereas Some people Contrary to Law and Justice and for their own private advantage have Seduced & Conveyed away Said Servant, they are Requested to bring him back or make me Reasonable Satisfaction otherwise they may Depend on being Speedily Called to answer for their Conduct in that matter before proper authority."

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources