On 9 July, 1640, John Punch, African slave owned by Hugh Gwyn was given a lifetime indenture in punishment for running away to Maryland with two white slaves. The white slaves were only given whippings and one extra year of servitude.
"Whereas Hugh Gwyn hath by order from this Board Brought back from Maryland three servants formerly run away from the said Gwyn, the court doth therefore order that the said three servants shall receive the punishment of whipping and to have thirty stripes apiece one called Victor, a dutchman [sic], the other a Scotchman called James Gregory, shall first serve out their times with their master according to their Indentures, and one whole year apiece after the time of their service is Expired ... the third being a negro named John Punch shall serve his said master and his assigns for the time of his natural Life here or elsewhere."
