This day’s issue of the Middlebury Mercury in 1808, held a notice about a runaway boy from New Haven. It was posted by Seymour Hoyt, the legal guardian of one Marshal Harvey, who was still a minor.

The boy was supposed to be bound to Hoyt until his 21st birthday. Harvey, apparently, had different plans for his own future.

Hoyt’s notice informed the public that Harvey had left home and enlisted “for five years into Mr. Jefferson’s standing army,” and had done so without Hoyt’s knowledge or consent.

Hoyt forbade anyone from “harboring or trusting him,” vehemently disapproving Marshal Harvey’s conduct.

Composite image constructed by The Vermont Book Of Days. Middlebury Mercury underlay courtesy The Vermont State Library.