"RUN away from the Subscriber, the second Week in May last, a Servant Man named JOHN NEWTON, about 20 Years of Age, 5 Feet 5 or 6 Inches high, slender made, is an Asiatic Indian by Birth, has been about twelve Months in Virginia, but lived ten Years (as he says) in England, in the Service of Sir Charles Whitworth. He wears long black Hair, which inclines to curl, tied behind, and pinned up at the Sides; has a very sour Look, and his Lips project remarkably forward. He left his Master on the Road from Williamsburg, between King William Courthouse and Todd's Bridge, where he was left behind to come on slowly with a tired Horse (which I have been informed is since dead) but has never made his Appearance at Home. He had on a Beaver Hat, much worn, a short Postilion's Coat lapelled, and a Waistcoat of light brown Frieze, with common flat Metal Buttons, Country made Shoes and Stockings, and a Pair of large single-rimmed Pinchbeck Buckles. He has been at Richmond, Williamsburg, and in other Parts of the Country, in the Service of Mr. George Rootes of Frederick, and Col. Blackburn of Prince William, of whom I had him; and as he is a good Barber and Hair-Dresser, it is probable he may endeavour to follow those Occupations as a free Man. Whoever takes up the said Servant, and secures him in Gaol, giving me information thereof, so that I may get him again, shall have EIGHT DOLLARS Reward; and if delivered to me at Westwood, in Prince William, further reasonable Charges, paid by WILLIAM BROWN."
Note in one ad he is called a "mulatto."
Tom Costa, Virginia Runaways, The Geography of Slavery in Virginia, accessed 13 March 2007, quoting Virginia Gazette [online image].