RAN AWAY – from the subscriber living at the Nashwakshis [sic], in the county of York, between the 15th and 21st days of this instant July, the following bound Negro slaves… (The Royal Gazette and New Brunswick Advertiser, July 25, 1786)
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| Fredericton Region Museum; Artist: Claire Vautour, 2020 |
Nancy’s story began in 1786, when she ran away from her Loyalist enslaver, Caleb Jones. The July 25th weekly issue of The Royal Gazette and New Brunswick Advertiser carried vast tidbits of shipping news, as well as Royal Proclamations, editorials, and gleanings from the ports of London, Boston, and Halifax. Buried on page three, amongst the various business and property ads, was one particular notice that stood out by nature of bold letters:
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| Caleb Jones’ Ran away Slaves advertisement (1786), Royal Gazette and the New Brunswick Advertiser, July 25, 1786; UNB Libraries Microform Newspaper Collection |
RAN AWAY – from the subscriber living at the Nashwakshis [sic], in the county of York, between the 15th and 21st days of this instant July, the following bound Negro slaves, viz. ISAAC about 30 years, born on Long island near New York, had on when he went away, a short blue coat, round hat and white trousers. BEN, about 35 years old, had on a Devonshire kersey jacket lined with Scotch plad [sic], corduroy breeches, and round hat. FLORA, a Wench about 27 years old, much pitted with the small-pox, she had on a white cotton jacket and petticoat. Also NANCY about 24 years old, who took with her a Negro child about four years old named LIDGE. The four last mentioned Negroes were born in Maryland, and lately brought to this country.
The notice continued to state that all persons were forbade to harbour any of these Negroes: “as they shall answer the consequences.” A reward of two guineas each was offered for the return of the men, and six dollars each for the women—to be paid upon delivery to Thomas Jennings at York Point, in the City of Saint John. The notice was signed and dated CALEB JONES, 24th June, 1786.
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| Court Transcript of Nancy's trial Fredericton NB, 1800, Ward Chipman, p. 81; UNB Archives & Special Collections, BC MS, Item 181 |
Nancy was subsequently returned to Caleb Jones, and fourteen years later, both she and her enslaver would become lightening rods for the larger issue of the legality of slavery in this province. Defended by the flamboyant Samuel Denny Street and the stalwart Ward Chipman, the famous freedom trial of Nancy took place in Fredericton in February of 1800. Although Nancy did not gain her freedom, her courage in standing for her own cause resulted in others gaining theirs. Her trial also helped draw public attention to the cruelties of slavery in this province.
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Or read on about The Blacks of Maugerville...