$50 REWARD.-- Stop Ruffin and Wyatt .-- These men left my house on Saturday night, January 15, 1848, without any provocation. They have uniformly maintained a good character for honesty, industry, sobriety,-- were obedient and trustworthy servants, and no severity nor threats had been offered towards them,a nd I very much fear they have left for some Northern state. These slaves were originally owned in Surry, and possibly may be in the vicinity of their relatives. ~George N. Hatch, Gaysville, P.O. Prince George Co, VA.
(SOURCE: American Beacon (Norfolk VA) January 24 1848. Transcribed by C.Anthony.)