Epistle from a Man of Confidence

Sir John Holt:

I recently stumbled upon your advertisement for the capture and return of the ‘villainous’ servant and imposter, Charles Roberts. Imagine, if you will, the despair (and surprise) of seeing one’s name disparaged so very publicly – replete with such a bitter abundance of hostile untruths and scorn. At first glance, I was not certain that you were even speaking of me – but alas – although your account of my departure dramatically differs in scope and magnitude from my own, the incident and person in question are indeed one and the same.

I see that despite the persistent passage of time and age, your petty parsimony continues to abound – as offering a mere pittance of five pounds as reward for my safe return will certainly garner nary a glance.

Further, please know that your vain attempts to thrust the blame for our fair city’s recent crime spree upon me (and my poor brethren) are dubiously flawed. Unlike yours, my professional reputation remains unblemished and continues to prosper. In fact, I enjoy more labor and fair recompense than a typical twenty-four hour day will properly allow. I am certain you will not be surprised that I now command the eighty pounds per year that your good judgment denied year after year. Perhaps in hindsight your refusal to accept my attempt to purchase my freedom and continue to work as your amicable partner and peer seems short sighted at best. Nonetheless, who am I to second guess your respectable opinion and free choice – the deed is indeed done – and as many would attest ‘everything generally works out just as it should’.

Given your capable business acumen, I trust our printing venture continues to thrive in my absence and despite your articulated protests – I am hardly missed.

Finally, please do not attempt to trace or determine my whereabouts. Further exertions in this sphere will only prove exhausting and worthless. By the time you receive this brief missive – I will have already fluttered to a new locale and place of gainful employ and peaceful pursuit.

Please be assured that I harbor no hard feelings towards your published and private sentiments and accusations. Those judgments are best left to the capable hands of a more omnipotent Supreme Being.

Your faithful comrade formerly known as –

Charles Roberts


Question 1: How do characteristic 'claims of culture' currently color the landscape of opportunity, equality and inclusion in US just as they did nearly 300 years ago?


Question 2: One's subjective experience with racial identity is generally socially constructed and informed by interactions with an 'other'. How do 18th century runaway advertisements demonstrate this important mechanism?