In England Lynch law was formerly called Lydford law. In Scotland it was known as Cowper law.
THE SORT OF NEWS OUR ANCESTORS READ.
GLEANINGS FROM OLD JOURNALS.
Runaway Slaves Delighted Hearts of Advertising
Managers, and Antics of
Militia Excited Applause.
Old newspapers make good reading—if they are old enough. Like the deciphering of moss-covered epitaphs, the reading of journals of other days gives rise to reflections that mingle the sweet with the sad. It shows plainly that time does not alter human nature, much as customs may change.
The American Weekly Mercury was formerly published in Philadelphia. An examination of the issue for November 29, 1722, brings to light this interesting advertisement:
Run away from Ezekiel Balding of Hempstead on Long-Island, one Indian Man Slave, named Dick, of Middle Stature and of a smiling Countenance. He speaks English pretty well, and no other Language. He can read. He has a big nose, and has white scratches on his Arm, and a blue spot on the Inside of one of his Wrists, and a little above his Shirt wrist-bands. He run away about the Beginning of September, and had a homespun Shirt and a dark coloured Drugget Coat. We have been informed, that he intended to get into Indian-habit. Others tell, that he has said he would go towards New London and Rhode-Island, and so to Sea.
Whoever can take up the said Indian Man, and secure him, and give Notice to his Master so that he can be had again shall have Three Pounds Reward, besides reasonable Charges.
Whether Dick was ever caught may never be known, for he seems to have made no deep impression on history, though his "smiling Countenance" is here immortalized.
Another Indian receives mention for another reason in the issue for September 2, 1723, the item coming from Boston: