Rezin Bowie Advertises for Runaway Slave

There is not much information available about Rezin P. Bowie in the last years of his life, but in scanning newspaper archives I came across the following want ad in the New Orleans Times Picayune of March 14, 1840, that was apparently placed by him. Ante-bellum New Orleans newspapers always featured ads requesting help with the recapture of runaway slaves.

$20 REWARD-- For the apprehension of DAVID, a slender black man, about 18 years old, 5 feet 10 or 11 inches high, long arms, large hands and feet, rather a downcast look when spoken to, has a lump about the size of a bean on the point of the left jaw below the ear. Apply at 125 Bienville street to R.P. Bowie.