Joseph Coats, Jr., Reward Announcement,

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Permission to publish material from the Joseph Coats, Jr., Reward Announcement must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Joseph Coats, Jr., Reward Announcement, Ms2013-031, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Coats, Joseph, Jr. (Louisa County, Virginia)
Abstract:
The collection consists of a handwritten announcement regarding an enslaved person that ran away from the Cuckooville neighborhood of Louisa County, Virginia. Dated August 3, 1840, this letter describes in detail -- including physical characteristics and temperament -- the escaped 18-year-old named Sam. The author of this document, Joseph Coats Jr., presumably Sam's enslaver, offers a ten dollar reward for his capture.
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Joseph Coats, Jr., Reward Announcement, Ms2013-031, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of a handwritten announcement regarding an enslaved person that ran away from the Cuckooville neighborhood of Louisa County, Virginia. Dated August 3, 1840, this letter describes in detail -- including physical characteristics and temperament -- the escaped 18-year-old named Sam. The author of this document, Joseph Coats Jr., presumably Sam's enslaver, offers a ten dollar reward to "any persons who will deliver him to me at my house, or secure him in such a manner that I get him again."

It is unclear how this written announcement was meant to circulate, whether as a handbill or possibly a submission to the local newspaper.

Acquisition information:
The collection was purchased by Special Collections in April 2013.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Joseph Coats, Jr., Reward Announcement was completed in July 2013.