of Employ, an exceeding Active NEGRO BOY, aged fifteen.
Also, a likely NEGRO GIRL, aged seventeen."

From "The Continental Journal," Aug. 17, 1780:--

"_To be_ SOLD, a likely NEGRO BOY."

From the same, Aug. 24 and Sept. 7:--

"_To be_ SOLD or LETT, for a term of years, a strong,
hearty, likely NEGRO GIRL."

From the same, Oct. 19 and 26, and Nov. 2:--

"_To be_ SOLD, a likely NEGRO BOY, about eighteen years of
Age, fit for to serve a Gentleman, to tend horses or to work
in the Country."

From the same, Oct. 26, 1780:--

"_To be_ SOLD, a likely NEGRO BOY, about 13 years old, well
calculated to wait on a Gentleman. Inquire of the Printer."

"_To be_ SOLD, a likely young COW and CALF. Inquire of the
Printer."

"Independent Chronicle," Dec. 14, 21, 28, 1780:--

"A NEGRO CHILD, _soon expected, of a good breed_, may be
owned by any Person inclining to take it, and Money with
it."

"Continental Journal," Dec. 21, 1780, and Jan. 4, 1781:--

"_To be_ SOLD, a hearty, strong NEGRO WENCH, about 29 years
of age, fit for town or country."

From "The Continental Journal," March 1, 1781:--

"_To be_ SOLD, an extraordinary likely NEGRO WENCH, 17 years
old, she can be warranted to be strong, healthy and
good-natured, _has no notion of Freedom_, has been always
used to a Farmer's Kitchen and dairy, and is not known to
have any failing, but being with Child, which is the only
cause of her being sold."

It is evident, from the wording of the last advertisement quoted, that
the Negroes were sniffing the air of freedom that occasionally blew
from the victorious battle-fields, where many of their race had
distinguished themselves by the most intrepid valor. They began to get
"_notions of freedom_," and this depreciated their market value.

Dr. William Gordon, the steadfast, earnest, and intelligent friend of
the Negro, was deposed as chaplain of both branches of the Legislature
on account of his vehement protest against the adoption of the fifth
article of the constitution by that body. But his zeal was not thereby
abated. He continued to address able articles to the public, and
wrought a good work upon the public conscience.

In Virginia, notwithstanding Negroes were among the State's most
gallant defenders, a law was passed in October, 1776, "declaring
tenants of lands or slaves in taille to hold the sa