The Spectator, June 26, 1860, p. 1 , c. 4
Some six years ago, a man came to this place, or rather its vicinity, calling himself Heriff, and has since then worked for numerous gentlemen in the county, as a day laborer. Although of rather dark complexion, no one ever supposed him to be akin to the descendents of Ham. After living here sometime, he won the affections of a pretty white girl whom he married. Things went on 's quite prosperously for some time, two children gladening the happy father's heart, when, alas! his felicitous existance was unexpectedly terminated. A negro man, in town, seems to have conceived the idea that all was not right with Heriff, and that he bore the indications of being more closely connected with the sons of Afric's burning sands, than is countenanced on Southern soil, and communicated this idea to a gentleman, who upon seeing him, immediately recognized him as the same individual once belonging to a gentleman at or near the Hot Springs in Bath county, and from whom he had run off. The gentleman was informed of the fact, and on the 2nd inst. he arrived here, in company with someone who could substantiate his claims. He met Heriff in one of our stores, and informed him that he had come for him and claimed him as his servant. He seemed rather indignant, upon receiving this unpleasant piece of information, but after a few words, he acknowledged his true character, and accompanied his master home.