Question/Problem 1: What was life like for slaves in the United States prior to the Civil War?

Runaway Slaves

Many slaves tried to escape from the bondage of slavery. If caught, they were often severely punished. The following is an example of a reward offered to find a runaway slave.

$100 REWARD

Will be given for the apprehension and delivery of my Servant Girl HARRIET. She is a light mulatto, 21 years of age, about 5 feet 4 inches high, of a thick and corpulent habit, having on her head a thick covering of black hair that curls naturally, but which can be easily combed straight. She speaks easily and fluently, and has an agreeable carriage and address. Being a good seamstress, she has been accustomed to dress well, has a variety of very fine clothes, made in the prevailing fashion, and will probably appear, if abroad, tricked out in gay and fashionable finery. As this girl absconded from the plantation of my son without any known cause or provocation, it is probable she designs to transport herself to the North. The above reward, with all reasonable charges, will be given for apprehending her, or securing her in any prison or jail within the U. States.
All persons are hereby forewarned against harboring or entertaining her, or being in any way instrumental in her escape, under the most rigorous penalties of the law.

JAMES NORCOM.
Edenton, N. C. June 30

From Mary E. Lyons, Letters From A Slave Girl-- The Story of Harriet Jacobs, (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1992), p. 76.