Final answer:
The 1722 advertisement from the American Weekly Mercury reveals aspects of colonial Philadelphia society, including the significance of personal descriptions and connections, the fluid nature of identity and roles, and an early economic-incentivized approach to law enforcement. The correct answer is option b. They used innovative methods of tracking stolen items by collaborating with pawnbrokers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The advertisement from the American Weekly Mercury in 1722 that describes two men, John Flemming and John Corbet, provides a glimpse into the life in colonial Philadelphia. This advertisement suggests that in this period, detailed physical descriptions and past occupations were key in identifying individuals, reflecting the importance of personal recognition in a time before modern identification systems.
The descriptions also indicate a society where status and occupation played a significant role. John Flemming is referred to with his association to a merchant, suggesting a societal structure where connections to notable individuals or employers were significant. Meanwhile, John Corbet's background as a runaway servant and a person who pretends to be different things (a sailor and a former school teacher) hints at the fluid nature of identity and societal roles during that era. The presence of escaped servants in such advertisements also underscores the reality of indentured servitude and the mobility of individuals seeking to escape their conditions.
Facing a Pistole Reward for capturing these men and the involvement of a Goaler indicate a rudimentary criminal justice system where citizens played a direct role in law enforcement through capturing fugitives. This reward-driven system underlines the economic motivations behind capturing offenders and the public's involvement due to the absence of established police forces.