ed the house, but were unable
to discover the cause. I then took a candle, and went with
the girl into the cellar--there the knocking also continued;
but as we were ascending the stairs to return, I heard a
prodigious rapping on each side, which alarmed me very much.
I stood still some time looking around with amazement, when
I beheld some lumber, which lay at the head of the stairs,
shake considerably. About eight or ten days after, we
visited the girl again--the knocking still continued, though
much louder. Our curiosity induced us to pay the third
visit, when the phenomena were still more alarming. I then
saw the chairs move; a large dining table was thrown against
me, and a small stand on which stood a candle, was tossed
up, and thrown in my wife's lap; after which we left the
house, much surprised at what we had seen."

* * * * *

Advertisements for runaway slaves are very numerous, as well as offers
for the sale of single slaves. In some instances negro children are "to
be given away." The following notices are taken from the "Boston
Gazette" and the "Boston Post-Boy." The descriptions of dress, personal
appearance, etc., are very curious.

RAN away from _Thomas Poynton_ of _Salem_, a Negro Fellow,
about 25 Years of Age, a short thick-set Fellow, not very
black, something pitted with the Small-Pox, speaks bad
English: Had on when he went away, a dark colour'd Cloth
Coat, lined with red Shalloon, with Mettal Buttons, a blue
Sailor's Jacket, and a flowered German Serge Jacket, black
knit Breeches, a Pair grey Stockings newly stock'd, an old
Beaver Hatt, and an old Drab Great Coat: Any Person that
shall take up said Negro, and convey him to _Salem_, or
secure him in any Gaol shall be well rewarded, and all
necessary Charges paid.

N.B. All Masters of Vessels and others are cautioned against
harbouring, concealing or carrying off the said Negro, as
they would avoid the Rigour of the Law. THOMAS POYNTON.

_Gazette_, Feb. 4, 1766.

* * * * *

To be given away,

A Male Negro Child of a good Breed, and in good Health.
Inquire of Green and Russell.

_Post-Boy_, Feb. 28, 1763.

* * * * *