On October 8, 1814, a newspaper ad placed by Captain John C. Rochester of the 29th Infantry sought the return of a runaway Black soldier named John Patten. Described as around 20 years old, 5’10”, with black eyes and a dark mulatto complexion, Patten had his initials inked on his right forearm. A $50 reward—equivalent to over $830 today—was offered for his capture and return to a military camp near Plattsburgh, NY.
Interestingly, months earlier, an ad seeking to purchase a young Black man as a waiter for an officer appeared in the same newspaper. It’s possible Patten was that individual.
John Patten’s case is a rare glimpse into the complex lives of Black soldiers during the War of 1812. Though allowed to enlist, they faced deep discrimination, segregation, and unequal pay. Despite these barriers, men like Patten served with courage and determination, helping lay the groundwork for future civil rights progress.
This story also reflects the brutal reality of the time—when even soldiers could be treated as property. Newspaper ads like these were common and stark reminders of the dehumanizing practices of slavery in early America.