“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 same in fee simple.”  Under the circumstances, after the war had begun, and after the declaration by the State of national independence, it was a most remarkable law.

“That any person who now hath, or hereafter may have, any estate in fee taille, general or special, in any lands or slaves in possession, or in the use or trust of any lands or slaves in possession, or who now is or hereafter may be entitled to any such estate taille in reversion or remainder, after the determination of any estate for life or lives, or of any lesser estate, whether such estate taille hath been or shall be created by deeds, will, act of assembly, or by any other ways or means, shall from henceforth, or from the commencement of such estate taille, stand