Colonial consumption also involved the buying and selling of slaves. Slavery persisted in the North, and slave owners purchased advertisements in newspapers to attempt to retrieve runaways. The following runaway slave advertisement appeared in the July 9, 1744, edition of the Boston Post-Boy.

Ran-away again from Mrs. Eleanor Pullen of Boston, on Monday and the 2nd instance, a Negro Woman named Cuba, about 36 Years of Age, a well-fed Wench: She has a Scar over one of her Eye-brows, has lost some of her fore Teeth, speaks good English: She had on when she went away a new cotton linen Shift, a quilted Coat, and a Calico Apron: Whosoever shall take up said Negro and bring her to said Mistress in Com-Court near Fanueil-Hall, shall have Twenty Shillings old Tenor, and all necessary Charges paid.

N.B. All persons are hereby notified not to entertain or harbor said Wench, as they would avoid the Penalty of the law in that Case.

Source: Boston Post-Boy, July 9, 1744.