Southampton County Virginia USGenWeb Archives Court.....Southampton Insurrection, 1831 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/va/vafiles.htm ************************************************ Southampton County Virginia USGenWeb Archives Court Records Proceedings against those charged in the Southampton Insurrection, Aug 1831 - Nov 1831 [Southampton Co. Court Minute Book, 1830-1835] [p.] 72 At a Court of Oyer and Terminer Summoned and held for the County of Southampton at the Courthouse on the 31.st day of August 1831 for the trail [sic; 'trial'] of Daniel a negro man Slave the property of Richard Porter, Jack the property of Everett Bryant, Moses the property of Thomas Barrow, Tom the property of Caty Whitehead, Jack late the property of Caty Whitehead, Andrew late the property of Caty Whitehead, Davy late the property of Elizabeth Turner, Stephen the property of Thomas Ridley, and Curtis the property of Thomas Ridley, charged with fe= loniously Consulting, advising & conspirnig [sic; 'conspiring'] with each other and divers other Slaves to rebel and make insurrection and making insurrection and taking the lives of divers free white persons of this Commonwealth _ Present. Jeremiah Cobb, James D. Massenburg, Alexander P. Peete James Trezvant and Orris A. Browne. Gent. Justices Meriweather B. Brodnax attorney for the Commonwealth filed an Information against the prisoners above named. ["and the Court doth assign" struck] ["Walter C. Parker Esq. Atto at Law to defend the prisoners" struck]. And there= upon Daniel a negro man Slave the property of Richard Porter in the said Information mentioned was brought into Court and Set to the Bar in and the Court doth assign Walter C. Parker Esq Atto at Law to defend the prisoner ^ the prisoner Custody of the Jailor of this County ^ and ^ being duly arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the Information, and Levi Waller a witness on behalf of the Commonwealth was sworn and deposed as follows That on monday the 22.d August 1831 a number of negroes, say between, 40 and 50, came to the house of the witness mounted on horse back and swords armed with guns ^ and other weapons _ the Witness and all his family witness attempted to make their escape _ and the ^["prisoner" struck] did make his escape but did not proceede far from his house before he hid himself in sight of the house where he could see nearly all things that transpired at the named Aaron &Sam house._ That the witness saw the prisoner Daniel & two other negroes ^ go and a Small girl into a Log house, where the witnesses wife ^ had attempted to Secrete themselves he saw the negroes come out of the house and the prisoner Daniel had his witness the ["prisoner" struck"] then made for a swamp ["near" struck] farther from the house and was pursued by two of the negroes but they did not overtake him the witnesses wifes, scissors chain in his hand ^ _ after the negroes had left the witnesses house, the witness returned to the house and found his wife & the Small girl ["were murdered" struck] as well as many other members of his family murdered and an infant child mortally wounded who died the Wednesday evening following. Nathaniel Francis also a witness for the Commonwealth was Sworn and deposed in the following facts _ That a number (say between 50 & on 60 free white persons were murdered ^ Sunday night the 21.st & Monday morning the 22.d day of August 1831. by a number of negroes, and [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 73 it was generally believed that there was insurrection among the negroes of this County.- Sampson C. Reese also a witness for the Commonwealth being sworn Says that he was in company with a number of other gentlemen and in pursuit of from report a company of negroes who were ^ in a State of insurrection in this County _ that they came up with the insurgents at Mr. James W. Parkers _ the first negro he Saw after getting to Mr. Parkers gate was the prisoner at the bar on Dr. Musgraves horse _ the witness shot at the prisoner._ the prisoner had no arms.- that the witness saw _ Richard Porter a witness on behalf of the prisoner being Sworn _ Says. he was told the prisoner had surrendered himself and was going to his the witnesses house _ and the prisoner was at home Monday morning _ he saw nothing uncommon about the prisoner. The Court after hearing the testimony and on due consideration thereof are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty in manner and form and it being demanded of him if any thing for himself he had or knew to Say why the Court should not proceede to pronounce Judgment against him and nothing being offered or alledged in delay of as in the information against him is set forth.^. judgment, it is considered by the Court that the prisoner be hanged by the neck until he be dead and that execution of this judgment be done upon him the said Daniel by the Sheriff of this County, on Monday the 5.th day of September next between the hours of ten oClock in the forenoon and two oClock in the afternoon of the same day at the usual place of execution. And thereupon the prisoner is remanded to Jail. Memo: The Court value the said Slave Daniel to the Sum of one hundred dollars. #Absent Jeremiah Cobb & Alex:P. Peete. Present Robert Goodwin & James W. Parker _ Gent Moses late the property of Thomas Barrow was Set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County ["Court" altered] and being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the Information. And on the motion of the said Moses by William C. Parker his Attorney appointed by the Court to defend him, his trial is adjourned till to- morrow. And thereupon the said prisoner is remanded to Jail _ Absent Robert Goodwin Present. Alex:P. Peete. Gent: Tom late the property of Caty Whitehead named in the said Information was then Set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this Court and being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the information. and ["the Court doth assign" struck] James S. French Esq: attorney at Law is by the Court appointed to defend the prisoner; And thereupon the Court after hearing the testimony are of opinion and doth accordingly order that the said Tom be discharged from further prosecution for the said supposed Offence. Jack late the property of Caty Whitehead named in the said Information was then Set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County and being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the information. Whereupon for reasons [page break] [p.] 74 appearing to the Court the trial of the said Jack is adjourned till to morrow Ordered that this Court be adjourned till to morrow morning Eight oClock. J.D. Massenburg At a Court of Oyer and Terminer continued by adjournment and held for the County of Southampton on The first day of September 1831. for the trial Moses a slave late the property of Thomas Barrow. of ^ Jack late the property of Caty Whitehead, Andrew late the property of Caty Whitehead, Davy late the property of Elizabeth Turner, Stephen the property of Thomas Ridley, Curtis the property of Thomas Ridley and Jack the property of Everitt Bryant. charged with having on the 22.d day of feloniously August 1831, at this County ^ Consulted, advised & Conspired with each other and with divers other Slaves to rebel and make insurrection and for making insurrection and taking the lives of divers free white persons of this Commonwealth _ Present, Carr Bowers. James D. Massenburg, James W. Parker James Trezvant and Orris A. Browne. Gent. Justices [margin notes] Record copied & Sent by express Friday Morning. 2.d Septem: 1831_ Jack a negro slave late the property of Caty Whitehead who hath been heretofore arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the information filed against the Said Jack. and others., was again led to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County, and Venus a negro slave was sworn charged and examined as a Witness for the Commonwealth and deposes as follows. That the prisoner Jack. and one named Andrew the witnesses other slave of M.rs Whitehead ^ came to her ^ Masters house (Mr. Rich.d Porters) on &said all the white people were killed Monday before the last about 9 oClock in the morning ^ and enquired ["for" struck] if the negroes had killed their white people there, she told them they had not, for they ["the People and she informed them they were not at home" struck], they then enquired were gone before the negroes. got there there where the black people were (meaning that had been ^ and were in gone insurrection) she told them that they had ^, the prisoner and Andrew - were going to both join the insurgents they were ^ on one horse Hubbard a slave being charged and Sworn_ Says the negroes came to his Mistresses and murdered her and family. that the prisoner and two other negroes the prisoner & Andrew belonging to his mistress went from home, aftersometime ^ returned. and asked if the negroes were gone _ and the prisoner and Andrew caught a horse and rode off. the witness thought they went to join the insurgents. the prisoner appeared to be ^ Much distressed. [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 75 Wallace a negro Slave being charged and Sworn. as a Witness on behalf of the prisoner. States. that he was at home at the house of his Mistress M.rs Caty Whitehead, when a band of insurgent negroes rode up., Jack and Andrew ran off before any murder was Committed_ went off and eturned Several and said they had been to M.r Booths & M.r Powells, the prisoner & andrew appeared hours after. much distressed ^ greatly grieved. but took a horse and rode off - Thomas Hathcock afree man of Colour being charged &Sworn as a Witness for the prisoner _ Says the prisoner and Andrew came to his house, asked what they Should do, much grieved _ went with him to Several houses - George ^ ["John" struck] Booth also a Witness for the prisoner. being Sworn. says he found the prisoner and Andrew at his house, they came when ["when" struck] called very humble, and much grieved _ they went with him to the Cross keys_ and were there taken into Custody _ ["Hubbard a negro Slav" struck] The Court after hearing the testimony and the prisoner by James S. French Esq: assigned Counsel for the prisoner in his defence, are unanim= ously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty in manner and form as in the infor= mation against him is set forth. and it being demanded of the prisoner if any thing for himself he had or knew to Say why the Court should not proceede to pronounce judgment against him and nothing being Offered or alledged in delay of Judgment, it is considered by the Court that the prisoner be taken hence to the place from whence he came there to be Safely kept until Monday instant the twelfth day of September ["next" struck], on which day between the hours of nine oClock in the forenoon and two oClock in the afternoon. the prisoner is to be taken ["to be taken" struck] by the Sheriff to the usual place of execution and there be hanged by the neck until he is dead. And the Court values the said Jack to the sum of four hundred and fifty dollars __ And the Court for Sufficient reasons appearing doth recommend to the Governor to Commute the punishment of the prisoner_ [margin notes] Record Copied & Sent by express Friday Morning. Sep: 2.d 1831_ - Andrew a negro Slave late the property of Caty Whitehead was Set to the bar in Custody of the Jailor of this County and being arraigned plead= ed not guilty to the information, was again led and Venus a negro slave was charged and Sworn as a Witness for the Commonwealth, says that the prisoner & Jack a slave of M.rs Whitehead came to her Masters (Richard Porters, house on the Monday before the last, about 9 oClock, in the morning and Said all the white people were killed and enquired where the black people were - (meaning the negroes that had been there and were in insurrection) She told [page break] [p.] 76 them they were gone. the prisoner and Jack said they were going on after them, that the negroes had left word for them to go on after them and they did not know what else to do, and they went off and the witness understood that the prisoner and Jack were going to join the insurgents _ they were on one horse. Hubbard a Slave was charged and Sworn _ Says the negroes came to his mistresses and murdered her and family _ that the prisoner and two other negroes belonging to his mistress went from home, after sometime the prisoner and Jack and asked if the negroes were gone. and the prisoner and .Jack caught a horse and rode off, the witness thought they went off to join the insurgents. the prisoner appeared to be much distressed. Whereupon the Court after hearing the testimony and the prisoner by James S. unanimously French his Counsel assigned him by the Court in his defence, are ^ of opinion that the prisoner is guilty in manner and form as in the information against him is set forth. and it being demanded of the prisoner if any thing for himself he had or knew to say why the Court should not proceede to pronounce judgment against him according to Law and nothing being Offered or alledged in delay of Judg= ment. it is considered by the Court that the prisoner be taken hence to the place from whence he came, there to be Safely kept until Monday the twelfth day of September Instant on which day between the hours of ten oClock in the forenoon and two oClock in the afternoon. the prisoner is to be taken by the Sheriff to the usual place of execution, and there be hanged by the neck until he be dead. And the Court doth value the said slave Andrew to the sum of four hundred dollars. And the Court for Sufficient reasons Shewn doth recom= mend to the Governor to commute the punishment of the prisoner. Carr Bowers. Robert Goodwin} Absent James D. Massenburg Present. Alexander P. Peete.} Gent: [margin notes] Record Copied &Sent by express Sep: 2.d 1831. Moses late the property of Thomas Barrow who hath heretofore been arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the information was again Set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this Court and Shadrach Futrell a witness sworn in behalf of the Common wealth, Says that about twenty five negroes made an attack on Doctor on Tuesday morning the 22.d August 1831. Blunts ^ a little after day break when it was light, that he Witness was Standing at the portch when he Saw them coming in at the gate about Seventy five or eighty yards off; the prisoner rode foremost within thirty feet of the porch dismounted and charged a negro girl with a little child into the Garden _ that he the Witness is positive the prisoner is the man _ that the prisoner remained in the garden about fifteen or Sixteen minutes until he was taken _ the others being fired on and dispersed while he was charging the woman & child Frank a negro Slave ["being sworn & charged as a witness for the" struck] [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 77 ["Commonwealth" struck] pursued the prisoner into the garden and took him and delivered him to the Witness, he was then Secured and Sent to jail _ the negroes were all mounted and prisoner was the only negro who went into the garden_ that the prisoner was lame and Could not run_ the Witness says that it is impossible that the person who jumped into the garden could have been the one who was Shot _ Mary a Slave being Sworn and charged as a Witness for the Comlth: Says that when the alarm was given of the attack made by the negroes on her Master Doctor Blunts house._ her Mistress M.rs Blunt told her to take her child and make her escape with her, that she ran down in the garden, became so fatigued and frightened that she put the child down and told her to get in the bushes _ that she then returned to+ ward the house and met a negro man, who asked her who she was that he appered to be a Small man, with a light coloured Cap. on Frank a slave being sworn as a Witness on behalf of the Commlth. Says that the prisoner was taken in the garden fifteen or twenty minutes after ["was" struck] the attack on Doctor Blunts house, by the Witness and brought up with a cap on Such as described by Mary _ that he the Witness was Standing in the yard when the negroes rode up that the foremost of them had on light breeches and the others dark ones _ that the foremost one held up his gun flashed it threw it down. dismounted and jumped. over the garden fence Saying .Oh god dam you have I got you to Mary and two or three Women who wer [sic] running in the garden_ that he was looking in the garden found the prisoner Concealed in the corner of a house, took him and brought him up.- that his breeches cor= responded with those which the foremost man had on _ that the prisoner Said that Newet Drew had Sent him to M.rs Vaughans to See what the news was _ that before he got there the negroes took him and forced him ["them" altered] to join them _ Hark a Slave was charged and Sworn as a witness for the Dft and stated that he was one of the insurgents that the prisoner joined them voluntarily _ that they were together Some time that he was in the Company that went to D.r Blunts. but that the Witness did not get to the house, but the prisoner went on and he saw nothing Dalsy a Slave was charged and Sworn on behalf of the prisoner who states that she lived at M.rs Vaughan _ that the prisoner came there Monday evening the day before the attack was made [page break] [p.] 78 at Doct. Blunts the next morning, that after being there about three quarteers of an hour, the insurgents were seen Coming about three hundred yards off _ that the prisoner remained until they Came up altho' he was mounted _ that they rquired the prisoner to go with them which he objected to that they threatened him gave him arms and he went off with them. witness thinks prisoner could have escaped while the insurgents were coming up. Newit Drew was sworn and examined_ who stated that he gave no such orders to the prisoner as he spoke of but on the Contrary that he the witness met with the prisoner shortly before he was at M.rs Vaughans and ordered him to go home_ _ Whereupon after hearing the testimony and the prisoner by his Counsel, the Court are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty in manner and form as in the information against him is Set forth. and it being demanded of him if any thing for him= self he had or knew to say why the Court should not proceede to pro= nounce judgment against him according to Law. and nothing being offered or alledged in delay of Judgment it is considered by the Court that the prisoner be taken hence to the place from whence he came where he is to be safely kept until Monday the fifth day of September instant, on which day between the hours of ten oClock in the forenoon and two oClock in the afternoon he is to be taken by the Sheriff to the usual place of execution and there be hanged by the neck until he be dead. And the Court doth value the said Slave Moses to the Sum of four hundred dollars _ # ["Ordered that this Court be adjourned till to morrow morning Eight oClo" struck] - late Jack the property of Everett Bryant. Davy ^ the property of Eliza= beth Turner & Stephen & Curtis the property of Thomas Ridley who stand committed to the Jail of this County upon a charge of conspir= ing to rebel and make insurrection. were this day brought into Court and for reasons appearing to the Court the trial of the said prisoners is adjourned till to morrow - Ordered that this Court be adjourned till to morrow morning nine oClock. # Robt. Goodwin [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 79. At a Court summoned and held for the County of Southampton at the Courthouse on the first day of September 1831. for the trial of Jacob and Isaac the property of George H. Charlton of the County of Greensville, for consulting advising and conspiring.to rebel and make insurrection - Prest. Robert Goodwin James W. Parker. James Trezvant, Orris A. Browne and Alexander P. Peete. Gent: The above named Jacob & Isaac were set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County and for reasons appearing to the Court the trial of the said Jacob & Isaac is adjourned till to morrow _ and thereupon they are remanded to Jail _ @ Ordered that this Court be adjourned till to morrow morning nine oClock. Robt. Goodwin At a Court summoned and held for the County of Southampton on 1831 the first day of September ^ for the trial of Nathan the property of Benjamin Blunts est: of this County. & Nathan, Tom & Davy the property of Nathaniel. Francis of this County. for making insurrection Present. Robert Goodwin, James W. Parker, James Trezvant Alexander P. Peete & Orris A. Browne. Gent. The above named Nathan, Nathan, Tom and Davy were set to the bar in Custody of the Jailor of this County, and for reasons ap= pearing to the Court the trial of the said prisoners is adjourned till to morrow, and thereupon they are remanded to Jail _ Ordered that this Court be adjourned till to morrow morning Nine oClock. Robt. Goodwin At a Court of Oyer and Terminer continued by adjournment and held for the County of Southampton on the 2.d day of September 1831 for the trial of Davy late the property of Elizabeth Turner, Stephen the property of Thomas Ridley, Curtis the property of Thomas Ridley, & Jack the property of Everitt Bryant, charged with having feloniousley on the 22.d day of August 1831 at this County, consult= ed, advised and Conspired with each other and with Divers other Slaves to rebel and make insurrection and for making insurrection and taking the lives of divers free white persons of this Commonwealth_ Present. Thomas Pretlow, Samuel B. Hines, James W. Parker, James Trezvant & Alexander P. Peete Gent: late The Court being thus constituted the above named Davy ^ the property of Elizabeth Turner was set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County [page break] [p.] 80 [margin notes] Record Copied & Sent by express Sep. 4.th 1831. and Thomas R. Gray is by the Court appointed Counsel for the prisoner in his defence, and thereupon the prisoner being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the Information. and Hubbard a slave was being Sworn and charged as a Witness for the Commonwealth, Says that he is the property of the late M.rs Caty Whitehead, that a company of insurgent negroes came to his mistresses and murdered her and family _ that the prison= er Davy was in the company with them _ the witness is possitive [sic] that the prisoner was there because he has known him well for Several years & Spoke to him. Moses a Slave being charged and Sworn as a Witness for the prisoner Says that he was with the insurgent negroes that went to M.rs Elizabeth Turners where the prisoner lived, and murdered M.rs Turnerand fam= ily that the prisoner took no part in murdering his mistress and family _ the prisoner was told by the insurgents if he did not join them he Should die there, the prisoner put on his clothes and went of [sic; 'off'] with the insurgents _ the company divided and some went to Henry Bryants and Some to M.rs Whiteheads the witness was with those that went to M.rs Whiteheads and the prisoner was one of the Company that went to M.r Bryants witness says prisoner was not at M.rs Whiteheads._ Nathan a Slave being charged and Sworn as a Witness for the pris= oner, Says he was with the insurgent negroes above mentioned, that the pri= oner was with the Company who went to M.r Bryants, (they were on foot,) but came to the other party at M.rs Whiteheads _ the prisoner came with ^ _ M.rs White= head & family were murdered before the party that went by M.r Bryants Came up _.witness says the prisoner was at M.rs Whiteheads _ the witness heard one of the party say that M.r Bryant and family were murdered. The witness further says that the prisoner told a negro belonging to John C. Turner that he had been forced .to join and he the negro Should also Join. The Court after hearing the testimony _and from all the circumstances of the case are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty in manner and form as in the information against him is set forth. and it being demanded of the prisoner if any thing for himself he had or knew to Say why the Court here should not proceed to pronounce judgment against him according to Law. and nothing being offered or alledged in delay of judgment it is considered by the Court that the prisoner be taken hence to the place from whence he came where he is to be safely kept until Monday the twelfth day of September instant on which day between the hours of ten oClock in the forenoon and two oClock in the afternoon the prisoner is to be taken by the Sheriff to the usual [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 81 place of execution and there be hanged by the neck until he be dead_ And the Court doth value the said Slave Davy to the Sum of four hundred and fifty dollars _ # Absent. James Trezvant, James W. Parker and Alexander P. Peete Gent: Present. Jeremiah Cobb, Carr Bowers & Willia B. Goodwyn _ Gent_ [margin notes] Record Cop.d &Sent by Express. Sep: 4.th 1831. Curtis a Slave the property of Thomas Ridley was Set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County. and the Court doth [assign] William C. Parker Esq: Counsel for the prisoner in his defence, and the said Curtis being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the information _ and John C. Turner a witness for the Commonwealth was Sworn and examined Says that, at ,8 or 9 oClock tuesday morning 23.d August 1831 he met the prisoner and another near Dick Dardens mounted on mules_ prisoner admitted that he lived at Major Ridley quarter that he was with the in= Surgents at that place Monday night _ that he had been with the party that visited Cap.t Harris's the Second time _ that he was on his way home _ witness states that the place where he met prisoner ["he" struck] was in the opposite direction from his home _ that he the Witness took him to the Cross keys. where the prisoner. ad= mitted that the leader of the insurgents told him to go to Newsums and Allens quarter to get other negroes to join them and that he was on the way for that purpose _ that the prisoner seemed to have been drinking, and he told the witness that the insurgents gave him drink_ that the prisoner and the were other negro gave the Same Confession _ that no promises or threats ["ade" struck] made to them _ That the prisoner made no effort to escape and that if they had they could easily have been Shot as witness and his party were well mounted & armed _ Witness asked the prisoner how he expected to get M.r Newsums prisoner answered that Nat (the head of the insurgents) had told him the white people were too much alarmed to interrupt them Scipio a Slave Sworn on behalf of the prisoner_ Says that he was at home when the insurgents came up._ they took Curtis with them and he did not appear to go willingly_ that Curtis the prisoner could not have escaped because the insurgents Surrounded him. The Court after hearing the testimony and from all the circumstances of the case are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty in manner and form as in the information against them is set forth and it being demanded of the prisoner if any thing for himself he had or knew to say why the Court here Should not proceede to pronounce judgment against him according to Law. and nothing being offered or alledged in delay of judgment it is considered by the Court that the prisoner be taken hence to the place from whence he came There to be safely and securely kept until Monday the twelfth day of September Instant on which day between the hours of ten oClock in the forenoon & two o.Clock in the afternoon the prisoner is to be taken by the [page break] [p.] 82 Sheriff to the usual place of execution and there be hanged by the neck until he be dead. And the Court value the said Slave Curtis to the sum of four hundred dollars _ [margin notes] # Record Cop.d & sent by express Sep: 4.th 1831. Stephen a Slave the property of Thomas Ridley was then set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County and the Court doth assign William C. Parker esq: Counsel for the prisoner in his defence, and ["the" struck] thereupon the prisoner was duly arraigned of the premises and pleaded not guilty to the information, and John C. Turner a Witness for the Commonwealth being sworn says that 8. or 9 oClock tuesday morning 23.d August 1831 he met the prisoner and another near Dick Dardens mounted on mules _ prisoner admitted that he lived at Major Ridleys quarter _ that he was with the insurgents at that place Monday night _ that he had been with the party that visited Cap.t Harris's the second time- that he was on his way home _ witness states that the place where he met prisoner was in the opposite direction from his home _ that he the witness took them to the Cross keys where the prisoner admitted that the leader of the insurgents told him to go to Newsums and Allens quarter to get other negroes to join them and that he was on the way for that purpose _ that the prisoner Seemed to have been drinking and told the witness the insurgents gave him drink _ that the prisoner and the other negro gave the Same _ Confession _ that no promises or threats were made to them _ That the prisoner made no effort to escape and that if they had they could have easily been Shot as witness and his party were well mounted and armed Witness asked him how he expected to get M.r Newsums, prisoner an= swered that Nat (the head of the insurgents) told him the white people were too much alarmed to interrupt them_ Scipio a Slave was Sworn and charged as a Witness for the prisoner._ and Says that he was at home when the insurgents came up. they took Stephen with them and he did not appear to go willingly _ that the prisoner could not have escaped because the insurgents Surrounded them. The Court after hearing the testimony and all the circumstances of the case are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty in manner and form as in the Information against him is set forth and it being demanded of the prisoner if any thing for himself he had or knew to Say why the Court should not proceede to pronounce judgment against him according to Law and nothing being offered or alledged in delay of Judgment it is considered by the Court that the prisoner be taken hence to the place from whence he came, there to be safely and securely kept until Monday the twelfth day of September instant on which day between the hours of ten oClock in the forenoon and two [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 83 o.Clock in the afternoon the prisoner is to be taken by the Sheriff of this County to the usual place of execution and there be hanged by the neck until he be dead And the Court value the said Slave Stephen to the sum of four hundred and fifty dollars. # Ordered that Richard Porter pay to William C. Parker the sum of ten dollars for a fee for defending his slave Daniel who has been tried and convicted of Conspiring to rebel and make insurrection. - Ordered that William C. Parker be allowed the sum of ten dollars for his fee Moses for defending a negro slave ["Tom" struck] belonging to the Estate of Thomas Barrow; to be paid out of the said Barrows estate, charged with insurrection and murder. - Ordered that James S. French be allowed the sum of thirty dollars as his fee for defending three negroes named Tom, Jack, & Andrew belonging to the Estate of Caty Whitehead, charged with insurrection and murder. Ordered that Thomas R. Gray be allowed the sum of ten dollars as his fee for defending a Slave belonging to the Estate of Elizabeth Turner, named Davy charged with insurrection and murder - Ordered that William C. Parker be allowed the sum of twenty dollars as his fee for defending two negroes belonging to Thomas Ridley named Stephen & Curtis charged with insurrection and murder Jere. Cobb ~ At a Court of Oyer and Terminer Continued by adjournment and held for the County of Southampton on the Second day of September 1831 for the trial of Jacob and Isaac negro men Slaves the property of George H. Charlton of the County of Greensville, who stand charged with consulting, advising and Conspiring to rebel and make insurrection _ Present. Jeremiah Cobb, Carr Bowers, William B. Goodwyne, Thomas Pretlow and Alexander P. Peete. Gent: The Court being thus constituted ["the prisoner was set to the bar in custody of" struck] ["the keeper of the Jail of this County. and thereupon" struck] Meriweather B. Brodnax Attorney for the Commonwealth filed an Information against the said Jacob and Isaac, and thereupon the said Isaac was Set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County and being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the Infor= mation. James S. French esq is by the Court appointed Counsel for the prisoner in his defence, and Nancy Parsons being sworn as a Witness for the Commonwealth Says that she was on her way With her Sister to Belfield on the 22.d day of August last _ that in passing by M.r Charlton's plantation in the upper end of this County she saw several negroes standing near the road which road was [page break] [p.] 84 also near M.r Charlton's field _ that the prisoner was lying some distance off out side of the field kicking up his heals _ that witness had heard of a disturbance in the County but did not know of what character - heard that the british were in the Country - Witness asked the prisoner he was not afraid prisoner answered that he was not _ that if they came by he would join them & assist in killing all the white people _ that if they Succeeded he would have as much money as his master _ a Slave the property of George H. Charlton was examined as a Wit= ness in behalf of the prisoner Said that the prisoner Said to Miss Parsons if the negroes came that way he would join them and kill all the whites and if he had been Set free two Courts ago this would not havehappened prisoner offered to take Miss Parson's child and preserve it and father it. says the prisoner was sick in the morning but news of the insurrection brought him out _ the prisoner very head long _ The Court after hearing the testimony and all the circumstances of the case are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty in manner and form as in the information against him is set forth and it being demand= ed of him if any thing for himself he had or knew to Say why the Court should not proceede to pronounce judgment against him according to Law and nothing being offered or alledged in delay of judgment it is considered by the Court that the prisoner be taken hence to the jail from whence he came there to be safely and Securely kept until tuesday the 20.th day of September instant ["between" struck] on which day between the hours of ten oClock in the forenoon and two oClock in the afternoon the prisoner is to be taken by the Sheriff of this County to the usual place of execution by the neck and there be hanged ^ until he be dead. And the Court values the said Slave Isaac to the sum of three hundred dollars._ And the Court from all the circumstances of the case doth recommend to the Governor to Commute his punnishment to transportation _ # Ordered that George H. Charlton pay to James S. French the sum of ten dollars as a fee for defending his slave Isaac. And for reasons appearing to the Court it is ^ Ordered that this Court be adjourned till the next County Court in course _ Benj Griffin [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 85 At a Court of Oyer and Terminer Continued by adjournment and held for the County of Southampton on the 2.d day of September 1831 for the trial of Nathan a Slave the property of Benjamin Blunts Est: of this County, Nathan, Tom and Davy Slaves the property of Nathaniel Francis. charged with making in= surrection Present. Benjamin Griffin, William B. Goodwyne, James D. Massen- burg James W. Parker & Alexander P. Peete. Gent: The Court being thus constituted the above named Nathan, Nathan, Tom and Davy were brought into Court. Whereupon for reasons appearing to the Court the trial of the said prisoners is adjairned [sic] till tuesday next and thereupon they are remanded to jail. Benj. Griffin At a Court of Oyer and Terminer Summoned and held for the County of Southampton on the 2.d day of September 1831 for the trial of Hardy & Isham negro men Slaves the property of Benjamni [sic] Edwards, charged with Consulting advising and Conspiring to make insurrection and com= mit murder _ Present. Benjamin Griffin, William B. Goodwyne, James D. Massen- burg James W. Parker & Alexander P. Peete. Gent. The Court being thus constituted the above named Hardy & Isham were Set to the bar in Custody of the jailor of this County. Whereupon for rea= Sons appearing to the Court the trial of the said prisoners is adjourned till tuesday next and thereupon they are remanded to jail Benj. Griffin At a Court of Oyer and Terminer Summoned and held for the County of Southampton on Saturday the 3.d day of September 1831 for the trial of Sam a negro man Slave belonging to [blank] Francis of this County charged with insurrection and murder. Present. Carr Bowers, William B. Goodwyne, Robert Goodwyn, James Trezvant and Orris A. Browne. Gent: Justices. [margin notes] Record Cop.d &Sent by Express Sep: 4.th 1831. The Court being thus constituted, Meriweather B. Brodnax Attorney prosecuting for the Commonwealth filed an information against the said prisoner Sam, and thereupon the said Sam was set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County and being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the information, the Court having appointed Thomas R. Gray esq. Counsel for the prisoner in his de= fence, and Levi Waller a witness for the Commonwealth being Sworn Says that the prisoner Same [sic] was one of the insurgent negroes that came to the Witnesses house on Monday the 22.d day of August last. the Witness is positive that the [page break] [p.] 86 prisoner was present for he saw him there and he knew him well for Several years. and he saw the prisoner go with others in the house in which the witnesses family was murdered_ The Court after hearing the testimony and from all the circumstances of the case are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty in manner and form as in the information against him is alledged and it being demanded of him if any thing for himself he had or knew to Say why the Court should not proceede to pronounce judgment against him according to Law and :nothing being offered or alledged in delay of judgment it is considered by the Court that the prisoner be taken hence to the jail from whence he was taken wherein he is to be securely kept until Friday the ninth day of September instant on which day between the hours of ten oClock in the forenoon and. two oClock in the afternoon of the same day the prisoner is to be taken by the Sheriff of this County to the usual place of execution and there be hanged by the neck until he be dead. And the Court value the said slave Sam to the sum of four hundred dollars. # The Court doth allow Thomas R. Gray the sum of ten dollars as his fee for defending the above prisoner Sam _ Carr Bowers, At a Court of Oyer and Terminer Summoned and held for the County of Southampton on the 3.d day of September 1831 for the trial of Hark, a negro man Slave the property of Joseph Travis's Est. Moses a boy. the property of Joseph Travis's est. Davy the property of Levy Waller & Nelson the property of Jacob Williams charged with insurrection Present. Carr Bowers, William B. Goodwyne Robert Goodwyne James Trezvant and Orris A. Browne. Gent: The Court being thus constituted, Merewither B. Brodnax Attorney prosecuting for the Commonwealth filed an information against the said Hark, Moses, Davy and Nelson, Whereupon the said Hark was Set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County, and the Court doth assign William C. Parker esq [margin notes] Record Cop.d &Sent by express Sep: 4.th 1831. Counsel for the prisoner in his defence, and the prisoner being /arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the information, and Levi Waller was Sworn as a Witness for the Commonwealth and Says that he saw the prisoner Hark in his yard with a number of insurgent negroes on Monday 22.d August 1831 with a gun in his hands. that the prisoner acted as one of the Company of insurgents _ he heard the rest of the insurgents call the prisoner Capt. Moore_ Thomas Ridley a Witness for the Commonwealth being Sworn Says he saw the prisoner after he was arrested at D.r Blunts in this County on the day after the morning on which the attack was made by the insurgents at [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 87 D.r Blunts. _ that the prisoner admitted he was in the company that went to D.r Blunts _ found a pocket book in the possession of the prisoner which. he believed to have been Trajan Doyal _ the prisoner had. powder and shot and some Silver in his pockets The Court after hearing the testimony and all the circumstances of the case are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty in manner and form as in the information against him is set forth. and it being demanded of him if any thing for himself he had or knew to say why the Court should not proceed to pronounce judgment against him according to Law. and nothing being offered or alledged in delay of Judgment it is considered by the Court that the prisoner Hark be taken hence to the place from whence he came where he is to be securely confined until Friday the ninth day of September Inst on which day between the hours of ten oClock in the forenoon and two oClock in the afternoon he is to be taken by the Sheriff to the usual place of execution, and there be hanged by the neck until he be dead. And the Court value the said Slave to four hundred and fifty dollars_ [margin notes] # Record Cop.d &Sent by express Sep: 4.th 1831. Nelson a negro man Slave belonging to Jacob Williams, was then set to the bar in custody of the jailor of this County, and the Court doth assign James S. French Esq Counsel for the prisoner in his defence, and the prisoner being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the information_ and Jacob Williams a Witness for the Commonwealth being Sworn Says he returned to his own home on the morning on which the insurrection took place in this County, about eleven oClock, from some business which had carried him out. _ he saw the prisoner, who is the witnesses slave, dressed in his best clothes. from the manner of the prisoner at the time a suspi= cion occured to the Witness that the prisoner had some intention of attacking him witness had not heard of the insurrection _ witness went to the woods to measure some timber _ returned in the evening and found that his family had been murdered _ after remaining some time he saw the insurgents again approaching and distinctly saw the prisoner among the foremost _ witness made his escape and did not See the prisoner any more. Caswell Worrell also a Witness being Sworn says he that he overlooks for Jacob Williams the ower [sic; owner] of the prisoner _ that on thursday preceeding the monday on which the insurrection broke out the prisoner told the witness that they might look out and take care of themselves _ that something would happen before long - that any body of his practice could tell these things_ that on came monday August 22.d he ^ in the morning by Jacob Williams's where the prisoner resided and found him from home _ Went to the new ground where the rest of the negroes were at work _ that at about one hour after the prisoner came to the new ground dressed in his best clothes _ Complained that he was too Sick to work _ put on his old clothes he had with him and desired Witness to go to the house with him which he did and ["directed"? struck] returned [page break] [p.] 88 just before the insurgents arrived and believes the prisoner wished to con [? struck] witness home that he might be killed _ on which the insurrection took place in this County, about eleven oClock, from some business which had carried him out. _ he saw the prisoner, who is the witnesses slave, dressed in his best clothes. from the manner of the prisoner at the time a suspi= cion occured to the WItness that the prisoner had some intention of attacking him witness had not heard of the insurrection _ witness went to the woods to measure some timber _ returned in the evening and found that his family had been murdered _ after remaining some time he saw the insurgents again approaching and distinctly saw the prisoner among the foremost _ witness made his escape and did not See the prisoner any more. Cynthia a Slave being charged and Sworn as a Witness States that on Monday the 22.d of August last the prisoner came home early in the seemingly morning ^ very Sick. Went to his house, dressed himself very clean, while the negroes were in the yard, came into the kitchen asked for some meat took his Mistresses meat out of the pot _ Cut a piece off Said "Cynthia you do not know me _ I do not know when you will see me again _ Steped [sic] over the dead bodies without manifestation of grief_ Stephen a Slave being Sworn and charged Says he and M.r Edmund Drewry went to Jacob Williams's on Monday the 22.d of August last for corn while consulting about who Should go for a corn measure. M.r Drewry Said "Lord who is that coming"; immediately the negroes rode up. killed M.r Drewry, M.r Williams's wife and children _ told Nelson to go with them he seemed unwilling to go _ but insisted upon dressing before he went _ was forced to go with them _ lagged behind when he was guarded _ went to M.rs Vaughans, but did not participate in the murder _ that the prisoner drank with them and had his tickler filled by his own request The Court after hearing the testimony and from all the circumstances of the case are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty in man= ner and form as in the information against him is set forth and it being demanded of him if any thing for himself he had or knew to say why the Court Should not proceede to pronounce judgment against him according to Law. and nothing being offered or alledged in delay of judg= ment it is considered by the Court that the prisoner be taken hence to the jail from whence he came wherein he is to be securely confined until Friday the ninth day of September Inst. on which day between the hours of ten is to oClock in the forenoon and two oClock in the afternoon he ^ be taken by the Sheriff to the usual place of execution, and there be hanged by the neck until he be dead.- And the Court values the said Slave Nelson to the sum of four hundred dollars_ [margin notes] # Record Cop.d &Sent by express Sep: 4.th 1831. Davy a negro man Slave the property of Levi Waller was then set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County ["and the Court doth appoint William" struck] D. Boyle" Counsel for the prisoner in his defence" struck], and the said prisoner Davy being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the Information and Levi Waller being sworn as a witness, Says that on monday the 22.d of August 1831 a band of negroes came to his house, killed all his family but that Davy the prisoner was not at the house._ he came up while the negroes were there dressed himself clean_ drank with them, rode his masters [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 89. horse off in good Spirits_ was called brother Clements by one of the company_ left here in great glee Jarratt W. Judkins. being Sworn as a Witness _ says that Davy was caught on Thursday night after the insurrection broke out _ and on Friday morning made the following voluntary confession Viz. That he went with the negroes from his masters _ was present where the families of Jacob Williams, & William Williams's were murdered _ was also at M.rs Vaughans where the family was murdered got drunk there _ Says that Capt. Nat in passing a house where some very poor people lived Said he would not kill them because he thought no better of themselves than they did of the negroes_ Jacob a Slave being sworn and charged _ says he saw the prisoner at W.m Williams's _ and the prisoner was fully heard by William D. Boyle his Counsel ["and" struck] The Court after hearing the testimony^ and from all the circumstances of the case are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty in manner and form as in the information against him is Set forth and it being demanded of him if any thing for himself he had or knew to Say why the Court should not proceed to pronounce judgment against him according to Law. and nothing being offered or alledged in delay of judgment it is considered by the Court that the which prisoner be taken hence to the jail from ^ he was taken therein he is to be Safely confin= on which day ed until Friday the ninth day of September instant ^ between the hours of ten oClock in the forenoon and two oClock in the afternoon he is to be taken by the Sheriff of this County to the usual place of execution and there be hanged by the neck until he be dead _ And the Court values the said Slave Davy to the Sum of three hundred dollars_ # Absent Robert Goodwin. Present. Benjamin Devany Gent: Absent [erased] Present. [erased] Gent. Moses a negro man Slave the property of Joseph Travis was Set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County Whereupon for good causes shewn it is ordered that the Court be adjourned till thursday the 8.th day of the present mont and the prisoner is remanded to Jail Carr Bowers, At a Court of Oyer and Terminer Summoned and held for the County of South= ampton on the 3.d day of September 1831. for the trial of Nat a negro man Slave the property of Edmund Turner dec.d and Jack a negro man Slave the property of William Reese dec.d charged with making insurrection_ Present. Jeremiah Cobb, Benjamin Devany, William B. Goodwyne, James Trezvant, & Orris A. Browne. Gent: The Court being thus constituted Merewither B. Brodnax Attorney prosecu= ting for the Commonwealth filed an Information against the above named [page break] [margin notes] [p.] 90 Record Cop.d &Sent by express Sep: 4.th 1831. Nat and Jack and thereupon the said Jack the negro man Slave the property of William Reese dec.d was Set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County and the Court doth assign Thomas R. Gray esq. Counsel for the prisoner in his defence, and the prisoner being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the information. and Moses a Slave being Sworn and charged as a Witness for the Commonwealth Says that the prisoner came to the house of the witnesses master, M.r Joseph Travis, on Sunday night preceding the murder of M.r Travis & family _ Complained of being sick and wanted to go home but said Hark would not let him go _ Witness did not know exactly when the prisoner came, but saw - him first with his head between his hands resting on his knees _ Hark had Jacks sister for a wife _ Witness says his master M.r Travis &family went abroad on that day and did not get back until it was dark _ The prisoner was in the kitchen when the witness went to Sleep _ and when witness awoke a few hours after the prisoner was in the yard Sick._ the Witness says Jack went off with the negroes who came to M.r Travis's & murdered him and family _ the negroes went from M.r Travis's to Salathial Francis and M.rs Reeses they made the prisoner go with them_ Thomas C. Jones being Sworn as a Witness Say's [sic] that _ when the prisoner was brought here in custody he was delivered to him. and made the fol= lowing Voluntary Confession _ That on Sunday prededing the insurrection Hark. one of the insurgents came to him and asked him if he would go with him, Hark took the prisoner to a place where Several other negroes were assembled and a dinner prepared _ that they explained to him the witness that they intended to rise and kill all the white peo= one of the Company. ple _ that ["the prisoner" struck] objected and said their number was too few. Hark repplied [sic] and Said as they went on and killed the whites the blacks would join them_ and it appearing to be necessary for the prisoners defence that other witnesses should be in attendance the Court doth suspend further proceeding in this case _ [margin notes] [Record] Certified [Sep.] 4.th 1831. Nat a negro man Slave the property of Edwin Turners Est was then Set to the bar in custody of the jailor of this County, and the Court doth assign William C. Parker Counsel for the prisoner in his defence, and the prisoner being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the information. and Mary T. Barrow being sworn as a Witness says that the prisoner was one of the negroes that came to her husbands house on the day that her husband was murdered that the prisoner fired off a gun in the yard and threw it down, That she knows the prisoner he lived at her house the last year and she was within thirty steps of [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 91 of him when he fired off the gunn _ The Court after hearing the testimony and from all the circumstances of the case are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty in manner & form as in the information against him is Set forth and it being demanded of him if any thing for himself he had or knew to Say why the Court Should not proceede to pronounce judgment against him according to Law and nothing being offered or alledged in delay of Judgment it is consid= ered by the Court that the prisoner be taken hence to the place from whence he came therein he is to be safely confined until Friday the ninth day of September instant on which day between the hours of ten oClock in the forenoon and two oClock in the afternoon he is to be taken by the Sheriff of this County to the usual place. of execution and there be hanged by the neck until he be dead. And the Court value the said Slave Nat to the Sum of four hundred and fifty dollars. # For good Cause shewn this Court is adjourned till Monday the fifth day of September instant nine oClock A.M. Carr Bowers, At a Court of Oyer and Terminer Continued by adjournment and held for the County of Southampton on the 5.th day of September 1831 for the trial of Jack a negro man the property of the Estate of William Reese dec.d charged with having on the 22.d day of August 1831 at this County, with force and arms feloniously, consulted advised and conspired with divers other slaves to rebel & make insurrection, and for making insurrection and for plotting to take the lives of divers free white persons, citizens of this Commonwealth_ Present Jeremiah Cobb, Carr Bowers, William B. Goodwyne, James Trezvant and Orris A. Browne Gent. [margin notes] Record Certified Sep: 8.th 1831 The prisoner Jack was again Set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County, and Sampson C. Reese of full age being sworn as a witness, and confirms the evidence given in this case by Thomas C. Jones, ["and" struck] further that the prisoner when arrested had on a pair of shoes and socks which the Witness believes to be William Reeses who has been murdered. Jordan Barnes being sworn as a Witness, says On monday the 22.d day of August last he left his house in the morning and went into his field while from the house the Witness heard of the murders which had been com= mitted and returned home and the prisoner who had been absent from home for Several days, by permission of the Witness to see his Master William Reese had returned. the prisoner ["had" struck] informed Witness of the murder of M.rs Whitehead and family and Said that he the prisoner had been [page break] [margin notes] [p.] 92 informed of the murder of M.rs Whitehead &family by one of M.rs Whiteheads negroes The Court after hearing the testimony and from all the circumstances of the case are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty in man= ner and form as in the information against him is Set forth and it benig [sic; being] demanded of the prisoner if any thing for himself he had or knew to Say why the Court Should not proceede to pronounce judgment against him according to Law and nothing being offered or alledged in delay of judgment it is considered by the Court that the prisoner be taken hence to the place from whence he came there to be safely confined until Monday the 12.th day of September instant, on which day between the hours of ten oClock in the forenoon and two oClock in the afternoon he is to be taken by the Sheriff to the usual place of execution and there be hanged by the ["head" struck] neck until he be dead. and the Court doth value the said Slave to the Sum by a majority of one. of three hundred and fifty dollars. And the Court ^ from all the Circumstances of the case doth recommend to the Governor to Commute the punnishment of the prisoner to transportation _ # The Court doth allow to Thomas R. Gray. esq: the sum of ten dollars [as] a fee for defending Jack a negro slave belonging to the estate of William Reese # and to William C. Parker the sum of ten dollars as a fee for defending Turners. Nat belonging to Edmund ["Reese" struck] est: Jere, Cobb At a Court of Oyer and Terminer Summoned and held for the County of South= ampton on the 5.th day of September 1831 for the trial of Dred a negro man Slave the property of the Estate of Nathaniel Francis of this County for making insurrection and conspiring [to take] the lives of sundry free white persons of this Commonwealth Present, Carr Bowers, James D. Massenburg, Benjamin Griffin, Orris A. Browne and James Trezvant. Gent_ [margin notes] Record Certified Sep: 8/1831 The Court being thus constituted Merewether B. Brodnax Attorney prosecuting for the Commonwealth filed an information against the above named Dred, and thereupon the said Dred was set to the bar in custody of [the Jailor of] this County and benig arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the information and Levi Waller of full age being sworn as a witness _ States that the prisoner was one of the insurgents who came to his house on Monday 22.d August 1831 and killed his family _ Witness was near him and knew him Well _ prisoner was mounted armed with a gunn or /rifle _ Witness does not know which Witness Cannot be mistaken in his person and prisoner rode up on one [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 93 Side of the fence in Search of him while he was concealed on the other _ that he afterwards crept to within about 60 yards of the house and saw the prisoner drinking with the others And the prisoner was heard in his defence by James S. French his Counsel The Court after hearing the testimony and from all the circumstances of the case are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty in manner and form as in the information against him is Set forth and it being demanded of him if any thing for himself he had or knew to say why the Court should not proceede to pronounce judgment against him according to Law and nothing being offered or alledged in delay of judgment it is considered by the Court that the prisoner be taken hence to the place from whence he came where he is to be Securely confined until Monday the twelfth day of September instant on which day between the hours of ten oClock in the forenoon and two oClock in the afternoon the prisoner is to be taken by the Sheriff to the usual place of execution and there be hanged by the neck until he be dead. And the Court values the said slave Dred to the sum of four hundred dollars. The Court doth allow James S.French Esq: the sum of ten dollars for his fee for defending the above named Slave _ # Carr Bowers, At a Call. Court Summoned and held for the County of Southampton on the fifth day of September 1831 for the trial of Arnold Artis a free man of Colour charged with Consulting, advising and Conspiring to rebel Present. Jeremiah Cobb, James D. Massenburg, Benjamin Griffin James Trezvant and James W. Parker. Gent: The Court being thus constituted the above named Arnold Artis was set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County and Sundry witnesses were Sworn and examined and the prisoner by his Counsel fully heard. The Court after hearing the testimony and from all the circumstances of the case are of opinion that the prisoner ought to be discharged from further prosecution for the said Offence. and it is ordered that the prisoner be discharged from custody - Jere, Cobb At a Court of Oyer and Terminer Continued by adjournment and held for the County of Southampton on the 6.th day of September 1831 for the trial of Nathan a negro man Slave belonging to the Estate of Benjamin Blunt dec.d & Nathan Tom and Davy negro boys Slaves belonging to Nathaniel Francis. charged with consulting, advising and conspiring with divers other Slaves &to rebel and make insurrection and making insurrection &for plotting to take the lives of divers free white persons citizens of this Commonwealth [page break] [p.] 94 Present. William B. Goodwyne, James W. Parker, James Trezvant. Alexander P. Peete & Joseph T. Claud. Gent_ [margin notes] Record Certified Sep: 8/1831 M.B. Brodnax atto: for the Commonwealth filed an Information against the prisoner & The Court being thus constituted ^ the prisoner Nathan the property of the Estate of Benjamin Blunt dec.d was Set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County and the Court doth assign James S. French Esq: Counsel for the prisoner in his defence, and the said Nathan being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the information, and Daniel a negro boy slave being Sworn and charged as a Witness for the Commonwealth Says that he ["and the prisoner" struck] was confined in the jail of as a runaway at the time the prisoner was also confined in Greensville County ["during which confinement the prisoner was relating to" struck] Said jail . that the prisoner said he had been present when the murders had been committed by the insurgents _ the prisoner had blood on his breeches which he said he had told the white people was cider Moses a negro boy Slave was Sworn and charged as a Witness for the prisoner. and Says that the prisoner went unwillingly _ that he com= mitted no murder. and he thinks had no opportunity to escape and remained with the negroes till they dispersed _ And the prisoner was heard in his defence by James S. French his Counsel [margin notes] Record Certified Sep: 8/1831. The Court after hearing hearing [sic] the testimony and from all the cir= cumstances of the case are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty in manner and form as in the information against him is set forth and it being demanded of the prisoner if any thing for himself he had or knew to Say why the Court should not proceede to pronounce judg= ment against him according to Law and nothing being offered or alledged in delay of judgment it is considered by the Court that the prisoner be taken hence to the jail from which he was taken therein to be Safely Confined until Monday the twelfth day of September instant on which day between the hours of ten oClock in the morning and two o.Clock in the afternoon the prisoner is to be taken by the Sheriff to the usual place of execution and there be hanged by the neck until he be dead. And the Court value the said slave Nathan to the sum of three hundred and Seventy five dollars._ Nathan, Tom and Davy negro boys Slaves the property of Nath.l Francis was then Set to the bar in custody of the jailor of this County and being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the informa= Thomas R. Gray tion ^ William C. Parker and James S. French being assigned by the Court Counsel for the prisoners. and Moses a negro boy slave being charged and Sworn as a Witness for the Commonwealth _ Says that the three prisoners were taken from Nath.l Francis's and placed one behind each of the Company _ that they went unwillingly but continued with them the whole of Monday _ Witnessed [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 95 many of the murders but were constantly guarded by negroes with guns who were ordered to Shoot them if they attempted to escape_ they remained until the whole troop were dispersed. _ questions being asked by the Court relative to the ages of the prisoners. it appearred that the oldest was not more than 15 years _ the other two much younger. the eldest very badly grown _ The Court after hearing the testimony and from all the circumstances of are the case are unanimously of opinion that the prisoners ["is" struck] guilty in manner and form as in the information against them is set forth and it being demand ed of each of them if any thing for themselves they had or know to say why the Court should not proceede to pronounce judgment against him accor= ding to Law and nothing being offered or alledged in delay of judgment it is considered by the Court that the prisoners be taken hence to the jail from which they were taken therein to be safely confined until Tuesday the 20.th day of _ September instant on which day between the hours of ten oClock in the morning and two oClock in the afternoon they be taken by the Sheriff to the usual place of execution and there to be hanged by the neck until each of them be /dead.. And the Court from all the circumstances of the case do recommend to the Governor to commute the punnishment of the said Nathan, Tom and Davy to transportation _ And the Court doth value the said Slaves to the sum of three hundred dollars each. - The Court doth allow James S. French the sum of ten dollars his fee for defending Nathan a Slave the property of Benjamin Blunt and to James S. French, William C. Parker & Thomas R. Gray the sum of ten dollars each for defending Nathan. Tom and Davy negro slaves belonging to Nathaniel Francis _ It having been intimated to the Court that the military force assembled at this place will be discharged in a few days, the Court believing that a Strong guard is necessary to the Safe keeping of the prisoners now in jail until Such as are condemned may be executed, respectfully solicit General Eppes the Commanding Officer to retain at this place fifty men as a guard for the jail, and the Clerk of this Court is directed to deliver to General Eppes a copy of this order _ # Wm.B. Goodwyn [page break] [p.] 96 At a Court of Oyer and Terminer continued by adjournment and held for the County of Southampton on the Sixth day of September 1831 for the trial of Hardy and Isham negro men Slaves the property of Benjamin Edwards for consulting, advising and conspiring to make insurrection and commit murder. Present. William B. Goodwyn, James D. Massenburg, James Trezvant Alexander P. Peete and Joseph T. Claud. Gent: The Court being thus constituted M.B. Brodnax attorney prosecuting for the Commonwealth filed an information against the prisoners and thereupon the prisoner Hardy was Set to the bar in custody of the jailor of this County and the Court doth assign James S. French Counsel for the prisoner in his defence. and the prisoner being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the information and the Court for good cause shewn doth suspend further proceedings in this cause for the present. Isham a negro man Slave was Set to the bar in custody of the jailor of this County and for good cause shewn this Court is adjourned till to morrow morning nine oClock. Wm.B. Goodwyn At a Court of Oyer and Terminer continued by adjournment and held for the County of Southampton on the 7.th day of September 1831. for the trial of Hardy and Isham negro men Slaves the property of Benjamin Edwards for consulting advising and conspiring to make insurrection & murder Present. Jeremiah Cobb, Carr Bowere , Robert Goodwin, Orris . Browne and Joseph T. Claud. Gent: [margin notes] Record Certified Sep: 8/1831 Hardy a negro man Slave belonging to Benjamin Edwards was again Set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County . and Henry a Slave being Sworn as a Witness for the Commonwealth says that on Saturday preceeding insurrated [sic] Isham told witness that Gen.l Nat was going to rise and murder all the whites and that witness must join them or that if he did not they would kill him if they caught him _ Witness went to new ground monday morning found the prisoner &Bery Newsum _ Berry stated that the dam'd Rascal, meaning witnesses master, has been there and that they would get him before night _ Prisoner was lying down at some distance asleep _ Witness went about a quarter of a mile to M.r Jones' to get some water . heard at M.r Jones' that the English were in the to County killing the white people _ that he told ["the" struck] prisoner & Berry New= som_ prisoner made light of it and said it was nothing it ought to have been done long ago. _ that the negroes had been punished long enough _ [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 97 Witness does not know where prisoner was monday night. that on Tuesday prisoner and others were sent to M.r Wallers to bury the dead _ M.r Edwards the prisoners master came home . Wednesday morning and ordered the prisoner not to go out of the yard . M.r Edwards went away a short time afterwards and prisoner left home shortly after and returned about one hour by sun in the evening . that while prisoner was at Wallers Thomas Hathcock &four boys came to M.r Edwards' and said Gen.l Nat would be there Wednesday or Thursday and M.r Edwards had 4 likely boys that he would take with them . prisoner and two others said they would join. Harry a Slave also sworn and charged as a Witness for the Commonwealth says that Henry Stated in the presence of the prisoner Gen.l Nat had sent them word that he would be at their home on Wednesday or thursday next for them to join him _ that prisoner and two others said they would join them_ Eliza Crittenton a free woman being charged & sworn as a Witness for the prisoner _ Says the prisoner and two others told her they meant to join Gen.l Nat and She disuaded them from it_ Hark a negro man Slave being charged and Sworn as a Witness for the prisoner Says Tom Hathcock and four boys came to M.r Edwards still & said they had Seperated from Nat. and they were going to join them again. The Court after hearing the testimony and from all the circumstances of the case are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty in manner and form as in the information against him is set forth and it being demanded of the prisoner if any thing for himself he had or knew to say why the Court should not proceede to pronounce judgment against him according to Law & nothing appearing or being alledged in delay of judgment it is considered by the Court that the prisoner be taken hence to the jail from which he was taken therein to be safely confined until tuesday the 20.th day of Septem= ber instant on which day between the hours of ten oClock in the fore= noon and two oClock in the afternoon he is to be taken to the usual place of execution and there to be hanged by the neck until he be dead. And from all the circumstances of the case, the Court doth recommend to the Governor to commute the punnishment of the prisoner to transpor= tation _ And the Court values the said Slave Hardy to the sum of four hundred and fifty dollars_ # Isham a negro man Slave the property of Benjamin Edwards was set to the bar in custody of the jailor of this County, and the Court doth assign William C. Parker Counselfor the prisoner in his defence, and the prisoner being arraigned of the premise's pleaded not guily to the infor= [page break] [p.] 98 mation and Henry a Slave being charged and Sworn as a Witness for the Commonwealth says that on Saturday night preceing [sic; preceeding] the day on which the insurrection broke out . the prisoner told him that Cap.t Nat was going to and wanted witness to join, but witness declined doing so. made no communication to any one- Collect his company and rise and kill all the white people^- and that on Tuesday morning Thomas Haithcock & Nathan and three boys came to M.r Edwards and told the witness and others that Cap.t Nat and company had had a fight with the white people at Parkers field_ that Capt Nat was then making towards Belfield and would return and be at M.r Edwards on Wednesday of [sic] Thursday. that M.r Edwards had four likely negroes that should join them _ that prisoner when informed of it Said he would join them. Harry a Slave being also charged and sworn as a Witness for the Commonlth. Says that Henry Stated in Presence of the prisoner that Gen.l Nat had sent them word that he would be at their house on Wednesday or thursday next for them to join him _ that prisoner and two others said they would join him. [margin notes] Record Certified Sep: 8/1831 The Court after hearing the testimony and from all the circumstances of the case are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty in manner and form as in the information against him is set forth and it being demanded of him if any thing for himself he had or knew to say why the Court should not proceed to pronounce judgment against him according to law and nothing being offered or alledged in delay of judgment it is considered by the Court that the prisoner be taken hence to the jail from which he was taken and therein to be confined until Tuesday the 20.th day of September instant on which day between the hours of ten oClock in the forenoon and two oClock in the afternoon he is to be taken by the Sheriff to the usual place of execution and there to be hanged by the neck until he be dead. And the Court from all the circumstances of the case [doth] recommend to the Governor to Commute the punnishment of the prisoner to transportation_ And the Court values the said slave to the sum of three hundred and fifty dollars_ # The Court [doth] allow James S. French the sum of ten dollars his fee for defending Slave Hardy the property of Benjamin Edwards and to William C. Parker [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 99 ten dollars fee for defending negro Isham the property of Benj.a Edwards - Carr Bowers, At a Court of Oyer and Terminer Summoned and held for the County of South= ampton on the Seventh day of September 1831 for the trial of Sam a negro man Slave the property of James W. Parker. Fery a negro man Slave the property of James W. Parker. & Arnold the property of James W. Parker _ Jim late the property of Wm. Vaughan. and Wright, late the property of Rebecca Vaughan charged with insurrection and murder Present. Jeremiah Cobb, Carr Bowers, Benjamin Devany, Thomas Pretlow and Orris A. Browne _ Gent. The Court being thus constituted Merewether B. Brodnax attorney prosecuting for the Commonwealth filed an information against the prisoners and thereupon Sam a Slave the property of James W. Parker was set to the bar in custody of the jailor of this County _ and the prisoner being arraigned of the prem= ises pleaded not guilty to the information - and. the Court after hearing the testimony and from all the circumstances of the case are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is not guilty as in pleading he hath alledged. and proclama= tion being made as the manner is and nothing further appearing or being alledged against the prisoner it is orderd that he be discharged from custody ["Ferry and Arnold negro men Slaves the property of James W. Parker" erased] Jim a negro man Slave the property of William Vaughan was set to the bar in custody of the jailor of this County ["and the Court doth assign" struck] Willliam C. Parker ^ Counsel for the prisoner in his defence and the prisoner _ being arraigned of the premises pleaded Not guilty to the information, the Court after hearing the testimony and from all the circumstances of the case are of opinion that the prisoner is not guilty as in pleading he hath alledged and proclamation being. made as the manner is and nothing further appearing or being alledged against the prisoner it is orderd that the prisoner be forthwith discharged from custody _ Jere, Cobb [page break] [p.] 100 At a Court of Oyer and Terminer Summoned and held for Southampton County the Seventh day of September 1831 for the trial of Bob a negro man slave the property of .Temperance Parker. Davy a negro man slave the property of Joseph Parker and Daniel a negro man Slave the property of Solomon Parker. for conspiring to rebel and make insurrection Present. Jeremiah Cobb, Benjamin Devany. Carr Bowers, Thomas Pretlow and Orris A. Browne _ Gent. The Court being thus constituted Merewether B. Brodnax filed an infor= mation against the prisoners . and for reasons appearing the Court is adjourned till to morrow morning nine oClock. Jere, Cobb At a Court of Oyer and Terminer continued by adjournment and held for the County of Southampton on the 8.th day of September 1831 for the trial of Bob a negro man Slave the property of Temperance Parker, Davy a negro man Slave the property of Joseph Parker and Daniel, a negro man slave the property of Solomon Parker for consulting, advising and conspiring to rebel and make insurrection and for plotting [to take] the lives of sundry free white persons. Present. Jeremiah Cobb, Carr Bowers, Benjamin Devany, Thomas Pretlow and Benjamin L. Drew _ Gent The Court being thus constituted the prisoners were set to the bar in custody of the jailor of this County and being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the information. and the prisoners were heard in their defence by James S. French their Counsel. the Court after hearing the testimony and from all the circumstances of the case are unanimously of opinion that the prisoners are not guilty/ as in pleading they hath alledged. and proclamation being made as the manner is and nothing further appearing or being alledged against them it is orderd that they be discharged from further prosecution for the said Offence Jere, Cobb At a Court of Oyer and Terminer continued by adjournment and held for the County of Southampton on the eighth day of September 1831 for the trial of Moses a negro boy slave the property of Joseph Travis charged with conspiring to rebel and make.insurrection. Present . Jeremiah Cobb, Carr Bowers, Benjamin Devany, Thomas Pretlow and Benjamin L. Drew - Gent. The said Moses was again were set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County and for reasons appearing the Court is adjourned till .Friday the 16.th of September instant. and the prisoner is remanded to jail Jere, Cobb [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 101 At a Court Summoned and held for the County of Southampton on the 12.th day of September 1831 for the Examination of Thomas Haithcock a free man of colour charged with Conspiring to rebel and make insurrection. Present. Jeremiah Cobb, Carr Bowers, James W. Parker, Alexander P. Peete and James Trezvant.. Gent. The Court being thus constituted the above named Thomas Haithcock was set to the bar in custody of the jailor of this County.. Whereupon for reasons appearing to the Court it is ordered the examination of the said Thomas Haithcock be adjourned till the first day of the next County Court in course to be held for this County . and thereupon the prisoner is remanded to jail _ Jere, Cobb At a Court held for Southampton at the Courthouse the 19.th day of Septem= ber 1831 Present. Jeremiah Cobb, Carr Bowers, William B. Goodwyne & Alex.r Myrick. Gent: - and James Clayton_ Gent: A List of the Deeds &c which have been admitted to record in the Office since the last Court was this day ret.d & OR. - Acc.t & Com.rs report of. Robert Goodwin's Guardianship of Rob.t Blow ret.d & OR. - Elizabeth Dake widow of Amos Drake, dec.d relinquished her right to the admon of her dec.d husbands est. in favour of Edward Butts and thereupon the said Butts. made oath and gave bond and Security according to Law - - Ordered that Dan.l W. Simmons, Zeb. L. Simmons, Jesse Drewry &Rob.t Goodwyne or any .3 of them appraise . Said estate &.c # Ordered that the Sheriff of this County out of any contingent monies in his hands not otherwise appropriated pay to Thomas Hundley two dollars & 43 Cents and to Jason Rowe the sum of ten dollars and seventy Cents. and account with the Court. # Ordered that Master Comr. Cobb settle H.B. Vaughans acc.t of his Guardian= and William A. Vaughan Ship of George Vaughan ^ and make rep.t to the Court &.c # Admon on Rebecca Vaughans est: granted to James W. Parker who made oath and gave bond &Security according to Law - - Ordered. that . James Trezvant, Henry B. Vaughan, & W.m H. Nicholson and Joseph Reese or any three of them appraise said estate _ # George G.G. Gray is by the Court unanimously appointed Com.r of the Revenue in Nottoway Parish in this County for the ensuing year and thereupon he gave bond and Security according to Law _ - John M. Gurley is by the Court unanimously appointed Com.r of the Revenue in S.t Lukes Parish in this County for the ensuing year - - Adm'on on James Grays est. granted to Everett Bryant who made oath and gave bond and Security according to Law _ Ordered that James D. Bryant, John R. Bryant, Henry Kindred and [page break] [p.] 102 John Bryant or any 3 of them app. said Est: & rep.t &.c # Certificates of the Registers of Davy Ricks, Everett Ricks & Monroe Mad= Elias Williams, Arnold Artist, dison ^ exam.d & certified to be correct - On motion of Francis M. Boykin ad'r of Henry Briggs dec.d Ordered that one of the Com.rs of this Court do settle an account of the said Boykins. adm'on on his intestate's estate & make rep.t &.c- # Fielding J. Mahone qualified to his Commission as Lieu.t Colonel of the 65.th Regt. V.a M.a according to Law - Milchia Williams's will proved by the .witnesses & O.R. the Ex'or therein named qualified and gave bond &Security according to Law ~ Ordered. that John T. Cross, Edw.d Crumpler, Simon Murfee & Jesse Gardner or any three of them appraise said estate_ # Infantry in Pitt Thomas qualified to his Commission as Major of ^ the 65.th Regiment V.a M.a according to Law. - Albert Drewry app.d in Court and declared he would not Longer act as Constable in this County and desired his resignation be entered of record. - [margin notes] Record sent by express. Sep: 22.d 1831: Joe a negro man Slave the property of John C. Turner who stands charged with Conspiring to rebel and make insurrection was this day set to the bar in custody of the jailor of this County (the Court Summoned for his trial having failed to meet) and Merewether B. Brodnax Attorney prosecuting for the Commonwealth filed an Information against the said prisoner. and the prisoner being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the Information and Hubbard a Slave being charged and Sworn as a Witness for the Commonwealth Says that about one hour by sun monday morning 22.d Aug: last the prisoner came to his Mistresses house (M.rs Caty Whitehead) with Nat (who has been hung) bringing a racoon, Said he had been hunting) just after the family had been murdered _ did not ask who had committed the murder or why it had been committed _ prisoner lived about a mile off and had a wife at M.rs Whiteheads _ prisoner appeared reluctant to go with the murderers but were told by them he should go. and he went with them Christian a Slave was also charged &Sworn as a Witness for the Commonwealth and Says that the prisoner came to her Masters (M.r Elisha Atkins) about 8 or 9 morning oClock on Monday ^ 22.d Aug: last with Turners Davy who has been hung as one of the insurgents, & another- that prisoner. was armed with a Sword _ enquired where her master was _ that she answered he was gone. prisoner said he might go on. Davy enquired if there was any gun or ammunition in the house & proposed to break in the house . prisoner said no, we have enough amuni= tion to do with without _ the prisoner & Davy ["went off" struck] were armed, the other not_ they carried off one other negro. who returned Shortly after_ [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 103 And the prisoner was fully heard in his defence by James S. French his Counsel. The Court after hearing the testimony and from all the circum= stances of the case are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty in manner and form as in the information against him: is Set forth : and it being demanded of the prisoner if any thing for himself he had or knew to say why the Court Should not proceed to pronounce judgment against him according to Law and nothing being offered or alledged in delay of judgment it is con= Sidered by the Court that the prisoner be taken hence to the jail from whence he was taken and therein safely confined until Monday the 26.th Septem= ber instant on which day between the hours of ten oClock in the forenoon & two oClock in the afternoon he is to be taken by the Sheriff of this County to the usual place of execution there be hanged by the neck until he be dead. And the Court value the said Slave Joe to the sum of four hundred &fifty dollars _ # [margin notes] Record Sent by express Sep: 22/1831_ Lucy a negro Woman Slave late the property of John T. Barrow who Stands charged with Conspiring to rebel and make insurrection, was this day Set to the bar in custody of the jailor of this County (the Court Summoned for her trial having failed to meet) and the Court doth assign W.m C. Parker Counsel for the prisoner in her defence _ and Merewether. B. Brodnax atto'y prosecuting for the Commonwealth filed an Information against the said Lucy and thereupon the said Lucy being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the information _ and. Mary T. Barrow a Witness for the Commonwealth being sworn says that on the 22.d of Aug: last . when the insurgents came to the house of her late husband, (John T. Barrows.) and were entering the yard and she the witness was making her escape the prisoner a girl about 20 years of age Seized and held her about one minute and until another negro took her away _ that she does not know certainly what her intentions were _ but thought it was ["her" overwritten] to detain her. Bird a negro slave being charged and Sworn as a Witness for the Commlth _ Says that he found Several Weeks after the murder at M.r Barrows. four pieces of money in a bag of feathers and covered with a handker= chief, that the room was occupied by the Prisoner and another (Moses since hung) Moses a Slave was Sworn and charged as a Witness for the Commlth. & Says that after the murder was committed he saw the prisoner in Company with the insurgents at the door. Robert T. Musgrave being Sworn as a Witness for the Commonwealth says that after his examining the prisoner she stated that she had fled thro' the kitchen and concealed herself in the corn field _ [page break] [p.] 104 The Court after hearing the testimony and from all the circumstances of the case are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty in manner and form as in the information against her is set forth and it being demanded of the prisoner if any thing for herself she had or knew to say .why the Court Should not proceede to pronounce judgment against him according to Law & nothing being offered or alledged in delay of judgment it is conSidered by the Court that the prisoner be taken hence to the jail from whence she was taken, therein to be safely confined until Monday the 26.th September instant on which day between the hours of ten o.Clock in the forenoon and two oClock in the afternoon the prisoner is to be taken by the Sheriff to the usual place of execution and there be hanged by the neck until she be dead. two And the Court value the said Slave Lucy to the sum of ["three" struck] hundred and Seventy five dollars. # Admon on. Louisa Williams est. granted to John R. Williams who made oath and gave bond and Security according to Law- - The las [sic] Will and. Testament of Robert Ricks dec.d was proved by the oath of Tho.s Camp Aubin Middleton & Jere: Cobb & ^ Witnesses thereto and the said Will & codicil O.R. the Executors therein named made oath and gave bond according to Law. the Will directing that no Security should be required _ - Thomas Grays Will proved &O.R. - Absent William B. Goodwyne. Present Orris A. Browne. Gent: - Boon to Claud _ Po: of Atto: with the Certificate annexed &OR. Ż Matt a negro man Slave the property of Thomas Ridley who. stands charged with conspiring to rebel and make insurrection: was this day set to the bar in custody of the jailor of this County. (the Court Summoned for his trial having failed to meet) and Merewether B. Brodnax Attorney for the Commonwealth filed an Information against the prisoner and the prisoner being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the information and Sundry witnesses being sworn and examined and the prisoner by William C. Parker his Counsel fully heard . It is the opinion of the Court ["and accordingly ordered" struck] that the prisoner is not guilty as in pleading he hath alledged . and proclamation being made as the manner is and nothing further appearing or being alledged against the prisoner it is ordered that the prisoner be forthwith discharged from custody - Barrow vŻ Parker &Wife Chy. heard and decreed as pr. decree filed &.c # On the motion of Benjamin D. Chapman Ordered that the Estate of Joseph Travis dec.d be committed to the hands of Clements Rochelle Shff of this County for administration according to Law _ [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 105 Absent. Jeremiah Cobb. & Orris A. Browne. Gent- Present. William B. Goodwyne & Joseph T. Claud. Gent: - by John C. Turner one of the witnesses _ Mildred Balmers Will proved ^ & O.R. ["and Adm'on with the Will annexed" struck] ["granted to Britton Bryant who made oath and gave bond &Security according" struck] ["to Law_" struck] Adm'on on Henry Bryants est. granted to Britton Bryant who made oath and gave bond and Security according to Law _ # Ordered that Master Comissioner Cobb settle an account of Benj.a Hines's adm'on on Benjamin Hines est and make rep.t &.c # Thomas Haithcock a free man of colour charged with conspiring to rebel & make insurrection was again Set to the bar in custody of the jailor of this Court the Court after hearing the testimony and from all the circumstances of the Case are of opinion that the prisoner ought to be tried for the said Offence at Circuit the next ^ Superior Court to be held for this County and thereupon the prisoner is remanded to jail - Jim a negro man Slave the property of Richard Porter who stands charged with Conspiring to rebel and make insurrection was this day Set to the bar in Custody of the jailor of this County, the Court Summoned for his trial having failed to meet) and Merewether B. Brodnax attorney prosecuting for the Commonwealth filed an information against the prisoner. and the Court doth assign James S. French Counsel for the prisoner in his defence, and the prisoner being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the information and Sundry witnesses being Sworn and examined it is the opinion of the Court that the prisoner is not guilty as in pleading he hath alledged . and proclamation being made as the manner is and nothing further appearing or being alledged against the prisoner it is ordered that the prisoner be forthwith discharged. from Custody _ - Ordered that James Jackson, Rich.d Porter, George Booth and John C. Turner or any three of them do appraise Henry Bryants est & make rept. &.c # Adm'on on William Artis's (fn) est. granted to Howell Harris who made oath and gave bond and Security according to Law _ - Ordered that Henry Moore, Richard Porter and Peter Edwards appraise said est & make rept. &.c # Ordered that Alexander Myrick and Lewis Worrell being Sworn be appt.d Com.rs to settle John Barrett's executorial proceedings on Catharine Barretts est. and that they examine the same & make rept. &.c # Admon on Catharine Whiteheads est. granted to Edwin Whitehead who made oath and gave bond and Security according to Law _ - Ordered that John C. Turner, Rich.d Porter, James Powell & Peter Edwards or any three of them appraise said Est: &.c # [page break] [p.] 106 Absent. Carr Bowers. Present James W. Parker. Gent. Absent. James Clayton Present. James Trezvant _ Gent . Alexander P. Peete qualified as Captain of Cavalry in fourth Regiment, eight Brigade & fourth division according to Law Absent. Alex: Myrick. Present. Alexander P. Peete. Gent: - The Court doth allow James S. French ten dollars for his fee for defending Jim a negro Slave belonging to Rich.d Porter. - The Court doth allow William C. Parker ten dollars for his fee for defending Lucy a Slave belonging to the Est of John T. Barrow dec: Ordered that the Court be adjourned till to morrow Morning nine oClock. W.m B. Goodwyn At a Court Summoned and held for the County of Southampton on the 19.th day of September 1831 for the examination of Exum Artist a free man of colour charged with conspiring to rebel and make insurrection Present. William B. Goodwyn, James W. Parker, James Trezvant Alexander P. Peete and Joseph T. Claud. Gent: The Court being thus constituted the above named Exum Artist was set to the bar in custody of the jailor of this County. and thereupon Sundry witnesses ["to wit B" struck] were Sworn and examined, and for reasons appearing to this Court adjourned till to morrow Morn= ing ["ten" struck] o.Clock and the prisoner is remanded to jail _ W.m B. Goodwyn ["At a Court Summoned for trial of " struck] At a Court summoned and held for the County of Southampton on the 19: day of September 1831 . for the trial of Joe the property of Richard P. Briggs. charged with conspiring to rebel and make insurrection and for plotting to take the lives of Sundry free white persons citizens of this Commonwealth. Present William B. Goodwyn, James Trezvant, James W. Parker Alexander P. Peete & Joseph T. Claud. Gent. For reasons appearing to the Court the trial of the said Joe is adjourned till to morrow and this Court is adjourned till to morrow morning nine o-Clock. W.m B. Goodwyn [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 107 At a Court summoned and held for the County of Southampton on the 19.th day of September 1831. for the trial of Jack a negro man Slave the property of Everett Bryant charged with Conspiring to rebel and make insurrection. Present. W.m B. Goodwyne . James W. Parker, James Trezvant, Alexander P. Peete. & Joseph T. Claud. Gent. For reasons appearing to the Court the trial of the said Jack is adjourned till to morrow . and this Court is adjourned till to morrow morning nine oClock. W.m B. Goodwyn At a Court continued and held for the County of Southampton on the 20.th of September 1831. Present William B. Goodwyne, James W. Parker, Alex.r P. Peete, Joseph T. Claud and Alexander Myrick. Gent. Ordered that Aubin Middleton be added to the persons appointed to ap= praise Catharin Whiteheads est: & that any three of them make rep.t &.c_ # Berry Newsum an indented apprentice to Peter Edwards was this day set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County (the Court Summoned for his exam= ination having failed to meet) and Harry & Henry negro slaves were charged. Sworn and examined as witnesses . The Court after hearing the testimony are that the prisoner unanimously of opinion ^ ought to be tried for the said offence at the next Cir= cuit Superior Court to be held for this County and thereupon the Prisoner is remanded to jail. Sam a negro man the property of Peter Edwards was this day set to the bar in Custody of the jailor of this Court. (the Court Summoned for his trial having failed to meet) Whereupon for reasons appearing to the Court the trial of the said Sam is adjourned till the next Court _ - Absent James W. Parker. Present Robert Goodwin. Gent: - On motion of John C. Turner adm'or of Nancy Drewry dec: Ordered that Master Cobb settle an account of the said John C. Turner adm'or on his intestates Est: and make rep.t &.c //- Jack a negro man Slave the property of Everett Bryant. was this day Set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County (the Court Summon'd for his trial having failed to meet) charged with conspiring to rebel and make insurrection, and Merewether B. Brodnax attorney for the Commonwealth filed an information against the prisoner. and. the Court doth assign William C. Parker Counsel for the prisoner in his defence. and the prisoner being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the information . The Court after hearing the testimony and from all the circumstances are of opinion that the prisoner is [page break] [p.] 108. not guilty as in pleading he hath alledged and proclamation being made as the manner is and nothing further appearing or being alledg= ed against the prisoner it is ordered that the prisoner be forthwith Alex P. Peete discharged from custody _ Absent W.m B. Goodwyne & Jo.s T. Claud & - Present James W. Parker & James Tezvant _ Gent_ & Orris A. Browne_ Gent. On motion of John C. Turner . Ordered that the Estate of Piety Reese be com= mitted to the hands of Clements Rochelle Shff of this County and that he administer the same according to Law. # Ordered that Henry Moore, John C. Turner, Rich.d Porter and Willie Francis or any three of them appraise Piety Reeses est & make rept &.c # Ordered that the Court be adjourned till to morrow morning 9 oClock Robt Goodwin ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ŻŻ At a Court continued and held for the County of Southampton on the 20.th day of September 1831 for the examination of Exum Artist a free man of colour charged with conspiring to rebel and make insurrection. Present. Robert Goodwyn, James W. Parker. James Trezvant. Orris A. Browne and Alexander Myrick - Gent: The said Exum Artist was again Set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County. and the Court after hearing the testimony and from all the circumstances of the case are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner ought to be tried for the Said offence at the next Circuit Superior Court of Law to be held for this County and thereupon the prisoner is remanded to jail. Williams Vick here in Court acknowledged himself to be indebted to John Floyd Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia in the sum of three hundred dollars .of his goods and chattels lands and tenements to be levied and to the said Governor and his successors for the use of the Commonwealth rendered. Yet upon this Condition .that if the said Williams Vick Shall have his Slaves Burwell and Ben before the judge of our Circuit Superior Court of Southampton County at the Courthouse on the first day of the next Term then and there to give such evidence as they or either of them know against Exum Artist a free man of colour charged with felony then this recognizance to be void or else to remain in full force and virtue _ Robt. Goodwin ŻŻŻŻŻ ŻŻŻŻ [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 109 At [a] Court continued and held for the County of Southampton on the 20.th day of September 1831 for the trial of Joe a slave the property of Rich.d P. Briggs. charged with conspiring to rebel and make insurrection & for plotting to take the lives of sundry free white persons citizens of this Com= monwealth . Present Robert Goodwin. James W. Parker. James Trezvant Orris A. Browne. & Alexander Myrick _ Gent. For reasons appearing to the Court the trial of the said Joe be adjourned till the first day of the next Court in course to be held for this County Robt. Goodwin ŻŻŻ ŻŻŻŻ At a Court of Oyer and Terminer Summoned and held for the County of Southampton on the 21.st day of September 1831 for the trial of Stephen a negro man Slave the property of James Bell charged . with conspiring to rebel and make insurrec= tion _ Present James W. Parker. Jacob Barnes, James Trezvant. Alexander P. Peete and Alexander Myrick. Gent: The Court being thus constituted the prisoner was Set to the bar in custody of the jailor of this County. and Merewether B. Brodnax Attorney prosecuting for the Commonwealth filed an information against the prisoner and the prisoner being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the informa= tion . and Sundry witnesses were Sworn & examined . The Court after hearing the testimony and from all the circumstances of the case are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is not guilty as in pleading he hath alledged and proclama= tion being made as the manner is and nothing. further appearing or being alledged against the prisoner it is ordered that the prisoner be forthwith dis= charged from further Custody _ James W. Parker At a Court of Oyer. and terminer Summoned and held for Southampton County the 21.st day of September 1831 for the trial of Jim and Isaac negro men Slaves the property of Sam.l Champion. and Preston a negro Slave the property of Hannah Williamson, charged with conspiring to rebel and make insurrection Present James W. Parker. Robert, Goodwin, Jacob Barnes, James Trez= vant. and Alexander Myrick. Gent: The Court being thus constituted the prisoners above named were set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County -Whereupon for reasons appearing to the Court the trial of the said prisoners is adjourned till to Morrow, and the prisoners are remanded to Jail, and this [page break] [p.] 110. Court is adjourned till to morrow Morning nine. oClock. Robt. Goodwin ŻŻŻŻŻŻ ŻŻŻ At a Court held for the County of Southampton by adjournment on the 21.st day of September 1831. Present . James W. Parker. Robert Goodwin, James Trezvant, Jacob Barnes. Alexander Myrick. Gent: ["Ordered that" &c erased & overwritten] It is the opinion of the Court that the Sheriff of this County shall Summon a guard consisting of twenty five effective men for the pur= pose of guarding the prisoners already confined to Jail or which may be hereafter committed. Ordered that the Court be adjourned till to morrow morning nine oClock. Robt Goodwin ŻŻŻŻ ŻŻŻ At a Court of Oyer. and terminer continued by adjournment and held for the County of Southampton on the 22.d day of September 1831 for the trial of Jim and Isaac negro men Slaves the property of Samuel Champion and Preston a negro Slave the property of Hannah Williamson charged with conspir= ing to. rebel and make insurrection. Present James W. Parker. Jacob Barnes, James Trezvant Orris A. Browne and Alexander Myrick. Gent: The Court being thus constituted Merewether B. Brodnax Attorney prosecuting for the Commonwealth filed an Information against the said Jim, Isaac & Preston & prisoner and thereupon the Said Jim and Isaac were set to the bar in custody of the jailor of this County and being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the information and. Beck a slave being charged and Sworn as a Witness for the Commonwealth says that on the 15.th [sic; altered] day of August last. at a black persons house at Solomon Parkers she heard the prisoners say that if the black people came they would join and help kill the white people . it was after they had been taking [sic; talking] Some time that she went in. and did not hear the Commence= ment of the conversation _ there were Several Slaves present and one of them Stated that his master had crossed him and he would be crossed before the end of the year _ Witness had heard three other Slaves make use of the same declaration Some time previously in the neighbourhood _ prisoners lived about a mile from Solomon Parkers. They told her it was a Secret and if she told the white persons would Shoot her _ Witnesses Mistress went to Sussex upon the alarm of the late insurrection and while there witnesses Mistress . said She wondered if her negroes were concerned [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 111 upon which witness made the above Statement in Substance. Witness states . that the reason of her not telling before was that She did not understand it. States that Jim denied he knew the witness on his examination before the Magistrate in Sussex _ Witness States she is a house servant and is Seldom in the outhouses _ Bob a Slave being Sworn and charged as a Witness for the Commonwealth Says that the Monday night of the insurrection Isaac one of the prisoners left home and on his return stated he had been to Solomon Parkers, and on Mon= August day before after the [sic; "May" struck] meeting both prisoners went to Solomon Parkers _ Witness States that Jim frequently went to Solomon Parkers _ And the prisoners were fully heard in their defence by James S. French their Counsel: the Court after hearing the testimony and from all the circumstances are of the case are unanimously of opinion that the prisoners ["is"] guilty in manner and form as in the information against them is set forth , and it being demanded of each of them if any thing for themselves they had or knew to Say why the Court should not proceede to pronounce judgment against them according to Law and nothing being offered or alledged in delay of judgment it is considered by the Court that the prisoners be taken hence to the jail from whence they came therein to be Safely confined until Friday the 30.th day of September instant, on which day between the hours of ten oClock in the forenoon and four oClock in the afternoon they are to be taken by the Sheriff of this County to the usual place of execution & there be hanged by the neck until each of them be dead. And the Court value the said Slave Jim to the sum of three hundred dollars and the said Slave Isaac to the sum of four hundred dollars _ . # ["Preston a negro man Slave the property of Hannah Williamson was then set to the bar" erased and overwritten] Absent Orris A. Brown. Present , James D. Massenburg_ Gent: Preston a negro man Slave the property of Hannah Williamson was then set to the bar in custody of the jailor of this County. and being ar= raigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the information the Court after hearing the testimony and the prisoner in his defence by James S. French his Counsel are of opinion that the prisoner is not guilty as in pleading he hath alledged and proclamation being made as the manner is and nothing further appearing or being alledged against the prisoner it is ordered that he be forthwith discharged from custody _ J.D. Massenburg __ [page break] [p.] 112 At a Court Continued and held for the County of Southampton on the 22.d day of September 1831 for the trial of Jim Present J.D. Massenburg. Jacob Barnes. Robert Goodwin, James Trezvant and Alexander Myrick. Gent: An account Current of William Bryants adm'on on Sally Bryants est. was returned & O.R. - Frank a negro Slave the property of Solomon Parker was [?; struck] set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County and Merewether B. Brodnax Attorney prosecuting for the Commonwealth filed an information against the prisoner and thereupon the prisoner being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the information and Beck [-"y" erased] a Slave being charged &Sworn Says that on the 15.th day of August last the day on which the insurrection broke out in this County, [sic!] she heard at a black persons house at Solomon D. Parkers the prisoner say that if the black people came that way he would join and help kill the white people, it was after they had been talking some time before the Witness went in _ she did not hear the Commencement of the conversation _ there were Several Slaves present and the prisoner said his master had crossed him and he Would be crossed before the end of the year: That the slaves the Witness heard conversing told the witness it was a Secret and if she told the white persons ["they" struck] would Shoot her . Witnesses Mistress went to Sussex upon the alarm of the late insurrection and while there Wit= nesses Mistress said She wondered if her negroes were concerned upon which the witness made the above Statement in Substance _ Witness States that the reason of her not telling before was that she did not understand it. And the prisoner was fully heard in his defence by James S. French his Counsel. The Court after hearing the testimony & from all the circumstances of the case are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty in manner and form as in the information against him is set forth and it being demanded the prisoner if any thing for himself he had or knew to say why the Court should not proceede to pronounce judgment against him according to Law and nothing being offered or alledged in delay of judgment it is considered by the Court that the prisoner be taken hence to the jail from whence he was taken therein to be safely confined until Friday the 30.th day of September instant on which day between the hours of ten oClock in the forenoon and four oClock in the afternoon he is to be taken by the Sheriff to the usual place of execution and there be hanged by the neck until he be dead . And the Court from all the circumstances of [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 113 the case recommend to the Governor to commute the punnishment of the prisoner to transportation. And the Court in consideration that the said salve Frank is a blacksmith value him to the sum of six hundred dollars _ # Ordered that the Sheriff send an express to the Executive with copies of the record of the convictions of Jim and Isaac. slave belonging to Sam.l Champion & Frank a Slave blonging to Solomon D. Parker Joe belonging to John C. Turner & Lucy belonging to the Est: of John T. Barrow. Ordered that the Court be adjourned till the first day of the next Term_ J.D. Massenburg At a Court of Oyer and Terminer Summoned and held for the County of South= ampton on the 28.th day of September 1831 for the trial of Jack and Shadrack negro men Slaves belonging to Nathaniel Simmons . charged with treason against the Commonwealth _ Present. Carr Bowers, Benjamin Devany, James D. Massenburg, James Trezvant and Orris A. Browne. Gent. The Court being thus constited [sic; constituted] the prisoners above named were set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County. Whereupon for reasons appearing the trial of the said Jack &Shadrack is adjourned till friday the 30.th day of September instant & thereupon they are remanded to jail and this Court is adjourned Friday Morning Nine oClock. Carr Bowers, At a Court of Oyer and Terminer Summoned and held for the County of Southampton on the 28.th day of September 1831. for the trial of Nelson a negro man Slave belonging to the Est. of Benjamin Blunt dec.d charged with Conspiring to rebel and make insurrection _ Present. Carr Bowers. Benjamin Devany, James D. Massenburg, James Trezvant; & Orris A. Brown. Gent: The Court being thus constituted the Attorney prosecuting for the Commonwealth filed an Information against the said Nelson, and the said Nelson was Set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County, and the Court doth assign James S. French Counsel for the prisoner in his defence, and the prisoner being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the information. and Sundry witnesses being Sworn and examined on behalf of the Commonwealth the Court after hearing the testimony and from all the circumstances. are of opinion that the prisoner is not guilty as in pleading he hath alledged & proclamation being made as the manner is and nothing further appear= ing or being alledged against the prisoner it is ordered that he be [page break] [p.] 114 forthwith discharged from custody _ - The Court [doth] allow James. S. French the sum of ten dollars as a fee for defending Nelson and it is ordered that Silas Summerell adm'or &.c of Benjamin Blunt pay the Same_ Carr Bowers, At a court held for the county of Southampton on the 17.th day of October 1831- Pres.t Jeremiah Cobb, Benjamin Griffin, Jeptha Darden, & Jos: T. Claud. Gent. - On the motion of Thomas Hunley adm'r of Harrison J. Griffin dec.d it is ordered that M.[C.] Cobb. examine state and settle an acc.t of said Hunleys adm' on said estate and make report &.c //- Clements Rochelle sheriff of this county this day returned a list of delinquents in the land Tax for this county for the years 1830. & 1831. which is ordered to be certified - - Ordered that the accounts of Clements Rochelle Sheriff of this county amounting to $7:34 also an account amounting to $46:26 cents also an account amounting to $74:50 cents also an account amounting to $247:80. be severally certifies to the Auditor of Public accounts for his examination & payment //- The registers of Levi Ricks, Edney Diggs & Silky Diggs is ordered to be certified as Truly made - Ordered that Jacob Barnes & Mills W. Vick, being first sworn as the law directs examine state and settle an account of Matthew Vicks adm' on joel Vicks est. & rep.t //- List of Insolvents ["& non residents" struck] in the Revenue Tax returned by Clements Rochelle sheriff of this county for the year 1830 & 1831- and ordered to be certified - Daniel vs Doles &.c Ch.y. Decreed & ordered that the clert of this court deliver to the parties the original papers in this cause - Barrow vs Parker &.c Ch.y. Report ret.d & final Decree by consent - Inv.y. & apprais.t of Rebecca Vaughans est. ret.d & OR. - Anderson vs Anderson ad: &.c Ch.y. Amended Decree as filed - - Absent Benj.a Griffin Pres.t James D. Massenburg Gent. Chappell vs Chappell &.c Ch.y. Decree as filed - Absent James D. Massenburg Pres.t Benj.a Griffin Gent - Adm'n on Sam.l Browne est. is granted to Lafayette Browne who gave bond & Sec.y. and qualified acc.g. to Law - Ordered that Fielding J. Mahone, Benj.a Whitfield, Henry Jones & John Caton or any 3 appraise said estate //- On the motion of Nicholas Edmunds Ex'or of Carter Edmunds dec.d It is ordered that the account of said Carter Edmunds as Trustee to a deed in Trust executed by William E. Daughtrey for the benefit of Sundry persons, be re-comm= -itted to M.C. Cobb, that he reexamine state & settle the same & and make rep.t # [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 115 Adm'n on Sally Drapers est. is granted to Jeremiah Chappell who gave bond & sec.y. and qualified acc.g. to Law _ - Ordered that Benjamin Griffin, Sam.l Denson, Thomas Hunley, & Silas Draper or any Three appraise said estate - //- Absent Jeremiah Cobb Pres.t James D. Massenburg Gent Acc.t of Robert Goodwyns Guardianship of Robert Blow ret.d & OR & Recp.t from Rob.t Blow to Rob.t Goodwyn proved by 3 wit: & OR - Ordered that the Overseers of the por for Nottoway Parish bind out Diddy Bird, Nancy Bird, Henry Bird, Ann Bird and Jane Bird poor children according to Law /- Adm'n on Joseph Travis's est. is granted to Henry Moor & Nathaniel Francis who gave bond and security and qualified according to Law - Ordered that Rich.d Porter, Peter Edwards, Giles Reese & Robert T. Musgrave or any Three appraise said estate //- Adm'n on Salathiel Francis est. is granted to Nath.l Francis who gave bond and security and qualified according to Law - Ordered that Rich.d Porter, Peter Edwards, Henry Moor & Giles Reese or any 3 appraise said estate - //- Ordered that Zeb: Washington & Thomas B. Worrell being first sworn as the law directs examine state and settle an acc.t of Lewis Worrells adm' on Polly Whitfields estate & make report &.c- //- Jones Com.l vs James ["James" struck] Recognizance The deft appeared in court according to the condition of his recognizance entered into and for reasons appearing to the court it is ordered that the Deft. be discharged from further prosecution in this behalf - Ordered that Henry Moor Guardian to Joseph W. Reese settle before M.C. Cobb an acc.t of his guardianship afores.d & that he examine state & settle the same & make rep.t &.c //- Adm' on Clifton Harrisons est. is granted to Rowell Harrison who gave bond and Security and qualified according to Law - Ordered that John A. Person, William L. Everitt, Henry Moor & Benj.a Turner or any 3 appraise said estate //- Anderson Furgason orphan of Zachariah Furgason dec.d chose Joshua Thorpe his guardian who gave bond & Security, acc.g. to Law - Ordered that Thomas B. Worrell examine state and settle an account of Levi Furgasons guardianship of Anderson Furgason & make report &.c //- Adm' with the will annexed of Thomas Gray dec.d is granted to Orris A. Browne who gave bond & sec.y. & qualified acc.g. to Law. _ The Ex'ors & Ex'rx named in said will refusing to qualify - - Ordered that Shadrach Boykin, Henry J.B. Kello, John Simmons & Daniel W. Simmons or any 3 appraise said estate # [page break] [p.] 116 John Morris will proved by 2 wit & OR - Ordered that M.C. Cobb examine state & settle an acc.t of Alexander P. Peets [sic; Peete's] Guardianship of James A. Jones orphan of Howell Jones dec.d & make report &.c - Inventory & apprais.t of Harrison J. Griffin est. ret.d & OR - Absent James D. Massenburg Pres.t Alexander P. Peete Gent - Adm'n on Thomas Camps est. granted to George Camp who gave bond & security & qualified acc.g. to Law - Ordered that James D. Massenburg, William E. Lawrence & Elisha Joyner ["or any 3" struck] appraise said estate //- Thomas's adm' vs Tillar &.c Mot on F.C.B. notice proved & Judg.t acc.g. to bond with costs - Newsum vs Hines &.c Mot on F.C.B. notice proved & Judg.t acc.g. to bond with costs - Drewry vs Branch &.c Mot. on F.C.B. notice proved & Judg.t acc.g. to bond with costs - Booths Ex'or for &.c vs Lane &.c Mot on F.C.B. notice proved & Judg.t acc.g. to bond with costs - Boykins Ex'or &.c for &.c vs Holleman &.c Mot on F.C.B. notice proved & Judg.t acc.g. to bond with costs - Fitchets adm'or for &.c vs Bailey &.c Mot on F.C.B. notice proved & Judg.t acc.g. to bond with costs - Booths Ex'or for &.c vs Booth &.c Mot on F.C.B. notice proved & Judg.t acc.g. to bond with costs - Drewry Davis's will a copy with the certificates thereto annexed ret.d & OR - Davis to Gay Power of Attorney & certificates thereto annexed ret.d & OR - Thomas Ridley qualified to a commission appointing him first Lieu.t of Cavalry in the 4.th Reg.t & 8 Brigade & 4.th Division of Virginia Militia acc.g. to Law - Inv.y. & apparais.t of David J. Boykins est. ret.d & OR - Acc.t of Sales of David J. Boykins est. ret.d & OR - John B. Young Guardian to Mary Louisa Cobb orphan of George B. Cobb dec.d this day ret.d an acc.t of Said wards estate which is OR - John B. Young Guardian to Eliza Ann Cobb, & Georgeanna Cobb orphans of George B. Cobb dec.d this day ret.d an acc.t of said wards estates which are OR - Adm' on Joseph W. Reese dec.d is granted to John W. Reese who gave bond and Security & . qualified acc.g. to Law [erasure overwritten] - Ordered that Peter Edwards,- Nath.l Francis, Henry Moor & Willie Francis or any 3 appraise said estate //- Richard E. Worrell qualified to a commission appointing him Cap.t of a company of Infantry in the 65.th Reg.t of the V.a Militia acc.g. to Law - Inv.y. & apparais.t of John R. Kelly, est. ret.d & OR - The registers of, Zelpha Jones, Giles Scott, Mary Diggs, Hannah Browne Milly Whitfield, Betsey Whitfield, Fortune Scott, Penny Copland, Isham Whitfield, Sally Whitfield, Sophia Jones, Dolly Butler, Mike Roberts, Anthony Browne, & Milly Browne are ordered to be certified as Truly made - A List of Deeds proved & ack.d in the clerks office & admitted to record [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 117 Ordered that the account of Albert Drewry amounting to $15. be certified to the auditor of public accounts for his examination and payment //- Pres.t Jacob Barnes Gent. Jack & Shadrach negro men slaves the proprty of Nath.l Simmons who stand Indicted for Treason &.c were again set to the bar by the Sheriff of this county into whose custody they were heretofore committed; And the court being of opinion that a Slave cannot be tried in this court for Treason, Therefore it is ordered that the said Jack & Shadrach be discharged from further prosecution in this behalf - Adm' on George Epps' est. is granted to Williamson Epps who gave bond and Security and qualified acc.g. to Law - Ordered that Benjamin Williamson, George Ivy, Lewis Harris, & John Shepherd or any 3 appraise said estate //- James D. Massenburg is by the court assigned Guardian to Antonette Stith orphan of Griffin Stith dec.d who gave bond & sc.y. acc.g. to Law - ["Absent Benjamin Griffin Pres.t James W. Parker Gent" struck] Dismissed Com.l vs Cordy Whitfield Recognizance for a breach of the peace ["cont.d" struck] ["ill the next court" struck] and rule against Matthias Williams prosecutor in this case - Ordered that the estate of Thadeus Powell be committed to [the hands of] Clements Rochelle Sheriff of this county and that he administer thereon accor= =ding to Law- //- Ordered that Carr Bowers, Jesse Lankford & William Lankford app= =raise said estate - ["Abs" erased] Present James W. Parker Sam a negro man Slave the property of Peter Edwards who stands Charged with feloniously conspiring to rebel with divers other slaves and did on the 23.rd of August 1831 rebel & make inserrection, and M.B. Brodnax attorney for the com.l filed his information against the said Sam who was thereof arraigned pleaded not guilty, ["and James S." struck] ["French was assigned counsel for the prisoner," struck] and thereupon divers witnesses were were [sic] sworn and examined Touching the premises (to wit) Ben a negro man Slave the property of Newit Harris, being sworn and charged, States that on monday morning August 23.rd about 10 O'clock he saw the insergeants approaching his masters house that the prisoner, was with them and had Something which he does not Know whether it was a gun or a stick, that the prisoner was mounted and rather in the rear, that Sam and the Insergeants with the prisoner among them pursued him, that he he does not know whether ^ could have escaped from the others if he had been so disposed - [page break] [p.] 118. : Nath.l Francis of full age being sworn saith that with several where lives others, went to Peter Edwards's (the master of the prisoner) about 10 OClock Tuesday night, after the Sunday of the Insurrection that one of the party went to a negro house, the mother of the prisoner & insisted that some- body was there, he does not know whether she denied it but heard the other insisting that some of the negroes were there- that the next he saw they had the prisoner in custody, he being under the house, during the remarks of the ["prisoner" struck] persons enquiring for him. _ That [he] does not know when the prisoner went under the house- ["upon cross examination States that he lives about 8 or 9 miles f" struck] Peter Edwards a witness introduced for the prisoner States that the prisoner was a negro of good character, ["that his Overseer told him that the" struck] ["prisoner got home, Two hours by Sun monday morning" struck] he lives Upon being cross examination States that ["it is" struck] about 8 or 9 miles from Parkers field, and that the prisoner might have gotten home about about 2 hours by Sun ["the time his Overseer stated" struck] and have left Parkers field after the insurgeants had retreated - Levi Waller of full age was sworn states that he was hid in the bushes some part of the time that the insergeants were at his house, that he Saw two of them engaged in murdering his family that he did not see the prisoner engaged, but Saw him at Some distance wiping his eyes, That he heard Nat tell the prisoner to get on his horse, when they were about to Start, the prisoner Seemed not disposed to get up, but did get up and go off with them, that he does not know whether he was forced to go with them, that he does not know whether he cou'd have escaped if he had been so disposed _ The evidence being thus closed & the prisoner being fully heard ^ by counsel, The court after hearing the Testimony and all the circumstances of the case unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty of the offence whereof he Stands charged Therefore it is ordered that he be taken from hence to the jail from whence he came, There to remain till friday the 4.th of November next, On which day between the hours of 10 Oclock in the fore noon and four Oclock in the afternoon_ It is ordered that he be taken by the sheriff of this county to the place of usual execution & then & there be hanged by the neck till he is dead - And the court value the said Slave to four hundred and Twenty five Dollars _ [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 119 ["James S. French is by the Court allowed the sum of Ten dollars for defending" struck] ["said slave" struck] - Ordered that the court be adjourned till Tomorrow morning nine OClock James W. Parker. by adjournment At a Court of oyer and Termini [sic] continued ^ and held for the county of Southampton on the 17.th day of October 1831 for the Trial of Joe a negro man slave the property of Rich.d P. Briggs' est. charged with Insurrection Pres James W. Parker, Jeptha Darden, Alexander P. Peete, Joseph T. Claud and Jacob Barnes For reasons appearing to the court it is ordered that the Trial of said Joe be adjourned till Tomorrow __ And it is ordered that this court be continued till tomorrow ___ James W. Parker. At a court of continued and held for the county of Southampton on the 18.th day of October 1831. Pres.t James Trezvant, James W. Parker, Joseph T. Claud Alexander P. Peete and Jacob Barnes Gent. On the motion of Jacob Barnes & Joseph Jordan Securities for Bolling Vicks guard= =ianship of the orphans of Sam.l Vick dec.d It is ordered that the said Bolling Vick be Summoned to the next court to give counter Security for his guardianship aforesaid - Ordered that the clerk of this court deliver to Pleasant Catton a free woman of colour a certificate of her register, It appearing to the Satisfaction of the court that certificate her former ["register" struck] has been mislaid or lost - James Bell This day appeared in court and qualified to a commission appointing him Second Lieutenant of Cavalry in the 4.th Reg.t & Brigade & fourth Division of the virginia militia according to Law - Archer a negro man Slave the property of Arthur G. Reese of this county who Stands charged with having on the 22.nd day of August 1831 feloniously consulted advised and conspired with divers Slaves to rebel & make insurrection & plot to Murder Sundry white persons of this com.l was this day set to the bar by the Sheriff of this county into whose custody he was heretofore committed (The court Summoned for his Trial having failed to Meet) And M.B. Brodnax attorney prosecuting for the Comm.l filed an Information against the prisoner, and the prisoner being arr= =aigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the Information, and James S. French was assigned counsel for the prisoner and thereupon divers witnesses were sworn and examined Touching the premises_ The court after hearing the testimony and all the circumstances of the case are of opinion that the prisoner is not guilty of the felony whereof he stands charged & thereupon proclamation being made as the manner is and nothing further appearing or being alledged against the prisoner it is ordered that he be [page break] [p.] 114 forthwith discharged from further prosecution in this behalf - Ordered that Hardy Harris Guardian to Arthur G. Reese pay to James. S. French the sum of Ten Dollars for defending a negro man Archer the property of said Reese charged with Insurrection - - Reese &.c vs Harris &.c Ch.y. Decree as filed by counsel - Isham Turner a free man of colour late of the county of Southampton who stands charged with ["with" struck] conspiring consulting and advising to rebel and make insurrection and plotting to take the lives of free white persons ["of" struck] citizens of this Comm.l was heretofore committed and charged the felony aforesaid (The court Summonded for his examination not having met) and Thereupon divers witnesses were sworn and examined Touching the premises - and the prisoner being fully heard James S. French his by ^ counsel,- The court after hearing the testimony and all the circumstances of the case are of opinion that the prisoner that the prisoner [sic] ought to be Tried for the said offence at the next Superior court to be holden for this county and thereupon, it is ordered that he be remanded to jail - Ordered that the registers of Frank Vines, Eley Vines, & Paul Vines be certified as Truly made - ravis Moses a negro boy Slave the property of the estate of Joseph T["urner" struck] dec.d who stands charged with having on the 22.nd of August 1831. feloniously consulted advised & conspired to rebel & make insurrection and plot to murder Sundry free white persons citizens of this com.l was this day set to the bar by the Sheriff of this county into whose custody he was heretofore committed, and M.B. Brodnax attorney for the com.l filed his information against the prisoner, and Thomas R. Gray was by the court assigned counsel for the prisoner, and the prisoner being arraigned of the premises & pleaded not guilty and thereupon ["Edward" overwritten] divers witnesses were examined touching the premises Jesse Drewry (to wit) ["Edward Butts" struck] of full age being sworn Saith that .he was present on Several occasions when the prisoner was examined as a witness on previous Trials, Some times for the commonwealth and some times on behalf of prisoners,- that his evidence was given freely and voluntarily after being told that he was not compelled to give Testimony & that nothing which he said would be of any advantage to him, that the prisoner stated that he had been compelled to go with the insergeants, that he continued with them them, [sic] untill after the insurgeants were repulsed & forced to retreat from Parkers field_ that he does not know whether the prisoner continued with them longer or whether he availed himself of that first opportunity of leaving them - The evidence being thus closed and the prisoner being fully heard by counsel_ The court after hearing the testimony and all the [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 121 circumstances of the case are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty of the offence whereof he stands charged - Therefore it is ordered that he be taken from hence to the place from whence he came and from thence on the 17.th of November next between the hours [of] 10 Oclock in the fore noon and 4 Oclock in the afternoon of that day that he be taken to the place of usual execution and then and there be hanged by the neck till he is dead _ Mem.d The court value the said negro boy Moses to Three hundred Dollars - and the court unanimously recommend to the Executive to commute the punnish= =ment of the said negro boy Moses _ # Ordered that the estate of Salley Newsum widow of James B. Newsum dec.d be committed to the hands of Clements Rochelle sheriff of this county and that he administer thereon according to Law //- Ordered that Willie Francis, Nath.l Francis, & Peter Edwards appraise said estate - //- Ordered that the account of Walter Blunt amounting to $12 be Cetified [sic] to the auditor of public accounts for his examination & pay.t //- ["Ordered that the court be adjourned till court in course" struck] Ordered that the registers of Matilda Ricks, Fanny Ricks, Rebecca Butler and Dolly Butler be certified as Truly made - Ordered that the court be adjourned till court in course James W. Parker.. // At a Court of Oyer and Terminer Summoned and held for the County of Southampton on Saturday the fifth day of November 1831- for the trial of Nat alias Nat Turner a negro man Slave late the property of Putnam Moore an infant. charged with conspiring to rebel and making insurrection_ Present. Jeremiah Cobb Samuel B. Hines. James D. Massenburg . James W. Parker, Robert Goodwin, James Trezvant & Orris A. Browne _ Gent. Carr Bowers, Thomas Pretlow & Rich.d A. Urquhart. For reasons appering to the Court it is ordered that the Sheriff summon a Sufficient additional guard to repel any attempt that may be made to rescue Nat alias Nat Turner from the custody of the Sheriff _ - The prisoner Nat alias Nat Turner was Set to the Bar in custody of the Jailor of this County, and William C. Parker, is by the Court assigned Counsel for the prisoner in his defence, and Merewether B. Brodnax Attorney for the Commonwealth filed an Information against the prisoner, who upon his arraignment pleaded not guilty . and. [page break] [p.] 122. Levi Waller being sworn as a witness stated that on the morning of the 9 & 22.d day of August last between ^ 10 oClock he heard that the negroes had risen and were murdering the whites and were coming. Witness Sent school off his son Tho.s to the ^ house ["he living" struck] about a quarter mile ^ to let it be School Master came with Witnesses children. witness told him to go to the house & load the guns, but before the guns were loaded prisoner came to to the still where witness was known & set his children to come home _ M.r Crocker the ^ ["retturned" struck] and Said they were in Sight _ Witness retreated and concealed himself in the corner of the fence in the weeds on the opposite Side of the house _ ["behind the garden" erased] ^ Several negroes pursued him but he escaped them by falling among the Weeds over the fence _ One negro rode up and looked over, but did not observe him _ the attention of the party he thinks were called off from him by some of the party going in pursuit of another, which he thinks they took for him but who turned out to be his blacksmith. Witness then retreated into the Swamp which was not far off _ after Witness crept up near the house to see what they were doing and concealed himself by getting in the plub orchard behing [sic; behind] the garden _ the negroes were drinking _ Witness saw prisoner whom he knew very well, mounted (he thought on D.r Musgraves horse) _ States that the prisoner Seemed to command the party _ made Peter Edwards negro man Sam who seemed disposed to remain, mount his horse and go with them _ prisoner gave command to the party to "go ahead" when they left his house _ Witness states that he cannot be mistaken in the identity of the prisoner - James Trezvant being Sworn : Said that M.r James W. Parker and himself were the Justices before whom the prisoner was examined previous to his commitment _ That the prisoner at the time was in confinement but no threats or promises were held out to him to make any disclosures,.That he admitted that he was one of the insurgents engaged in the late insur= rection and the chief among them _ that he gave to his Master & Mistress his M.r Travis &^wife the first blow before they were dispatched,- that he killed Miss Peggy Whitehead _ That he was with the insurgents from their first movements to their dispersion on the Tuesday morning after the insurrection took place, _ That he gave a long account of the motives which lead him finally to commence the bloody scence [sic] which took place _ That he pretended to have had intimations by signs & omens from God that he should embark in the desperate attempt That his comrades and even he was impressed with a belief that he could by the imposition of his hands cure diseases _ That he related [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 123 a particular instance in which it was believed that he had in that manner affected a cure. upon one of his comrades. And that he went on to detail a medley of incoherent opinions about his communications with God, his command over the clouds &.c &.c which he had been entertaining as far back as 1826. The Court after hearing the testimony and from all the circumstances of the case unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty in manner and form as in the Information against him alledged. and it being demanded of him if any thing for himself he had or knew to say why the Court to judgment execution and ^ against him of and upon the premises Should not proceede _ he said he had nothing but what he had before said. Therefore it is considered by the Court that he be taken hence to the Jail from whence he was taken therein to remain until Friday the 11.th of November instant. on which day between the hours of ten oClock in the forenoon and four oClock in the aftern,oon he is to be taken by the Sheriff to the usual place of execution and then and there be hanged by the neck until he be dead. And the Court value the said slave to the sum of three hundred and seventy five dollars_. . # Ordered that William C. Parker be allowed the Sum of ten dollars as a fee for defending Nat alias nat Turner. late the property of Putnam Moore an infant_ JereCobb // [end of that Court's proceedings] [p.] 124 [...] At a Court of Quarterly Session held for Southampton County at the Court house the 21.st day of November 1831_ Present. Benjamin Griffin, Jacob Barnes, Joseph T. Claud & A.P. Peete _ Gent, - [...] [in modern pen, p.] 127 Ordered that Jo.s G. Council, Benj.a Crumpler & Jesse Lowe appraise Mildred Harts est. & rep.t &.c //- Ordered that it be certified to the Auditor of Public Accounts that Jack a negro man Slave who was tried and convicted by a Court of belonging to Oyer & Terminer held in this County on the 5.th of September 1831. as ^ the Estate ["property" struck] of William Reese dec.d and who was valued by them at the Sum of $350: did in truth belong to the Estate of Joseph William Reese dec.d //- [...] //- ~ A Paper writing purporting. [to be] the last Will & Testament of John T. Barrow dec.d was produced in Court in order to be proved and George W. Vaughan the subscribing Witness thereto being dead. Sundry Witnesses were introduced Sworn and examined. from whose testimony it appeared to the Court that the body of the said Writing as well as his name thereto was wholly written by the said John T. BArrow the testator' and that the name of George W. Vaughan the Witness was in the proper hand writing of him the said Geo: W. Vaughans Whereupon the said Writing is established and ordered to be recorded as the last Will & Testament of the said John T. Barrow dec.d ["&.c" struck] Admon with the Will annexed is granted to Rob: T. Musgrave who made oath & gave bond & Secty according to Law . - Ordered that Nath.l Francis, Peter Edwards. Burwell Murfee & Drew: Bittle or any. 3 app: said Est: &.c //- ~ Admon on John Marchants Est: granted to Jacob Jordan who made oath & gave bond &Secty. according to Law . - Ordered that Henry Jones, John Catton, Joshua Tharp & Benj.a Whitfield or any 3 app: said Est &.c //- Admon on William Williams's Est: granted to Kinchen Will= iams who made oath & gave bond &Secty. according to Law . ~ [page break] [p.] 128. Ordered that Jacob Williams, Nathan Pope, Drewry Waller. & Levi Waller or any 3 app: said Est &.c //- [...] [p. 129] [...] //- Ben a negro man Slave belonging to the Estate of Benjamin Blunt dec.d who Stands committed to the jail of this County upon the charge of Conspiring to rebel & make insurrection was this day set to the bar in Custody of the Jailor of this County (the Court Summoned for his trial having failed to meet). And Merewether B. Brodnax Attorney for the Commonwealth filed an information against the prisoner and the prisoner upon his arraignment of the premises pleaded not guilty. and Sam a negro man Slave being charged &Sworn as a Witness Says that the prisoner came to his Masters Drew Bittles, Monday Morning [page break] [p.] 130 last the August ^ 22.d about two hours by Sun. Witness did not know where from - and Said there was going to be a War and that Witness would See _ About an hour after the prisoner made these remarks M.r Barnes came by and Said the negroes are behind Killing the white people. Ben (the prisoner) as soon as M.r Barnes had passed) Said ah: did not I tell you there would be war _ how did I know:_ Drewry Bittle was Sworn & examined as a Witness. and Says that he Sam (the witness, is the owner of the Slave^_ that he ^ was from home when the insurrection broke out _ he went home _ hid his family. left his negroes to guard them _ he went off _ returned. & carried his family off and left his negroes at home and directed them not to go off on any account unless to run from the negroes._ Luke a negro man Slave being charged &Sworn as a Witness _ States August 23.rd 1831. (a leader of the insurgents, that on Tuesday morning ^. Billy Artist ^ &his wife came by _ Witness asked Artist the news &.c Artist asked Witness to go with him _ but Witness refused _ Artist Said nothing to prisoner but prisoner [margin notes] Record Sent by Mail Nov. 26.th 1831_ went off with him _ Artist returned about 3 or 4 oCLock in the evening with the prisoner. and Thomas Haithcock & 3 boys. with him, &Said he would Cut This way, he would kill & cripple as he went. they were So far off that witness did not hear them except when they spoke loud . and Artist flourished his hatred when he spoke of killing &.c Charlotte a negro woman Slave _ being charged &Sworn. Says that been who has ^ convicted as an Insurgents about three hours by sun in the morning of tuesday Nathan ^ the Brother of the prisoner came to her Masters, Peter Edwards's and told prisoner his, Nathans, money was in the field -Ben made no reply and in a Short time _Nathan, Billy Artist &his wife &, Ben the prisoner & two ["others" struck] boys went off together Cherry a negro woman slave was charges &Sworn_ &States that she lives at M.r Francis's, that about 12 oClock. tuesday 23.d.August Billy Artist &his wife. last the prisoner & ^ Nathan & the two boys came to the house of M.r Francis; Ben the prisoner staid in the yard but the others went into the house they brought out 3 bundle of clothes and asked the prisoner to carry some of them and he Said he would. The evidence being closed and the prisoner being fully heard in his defence by Robert Birchett esq: his Counsel. The Court after hearing the testimony and from all the circumstances of the case are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty in manner & form as in the Information against him is alledged and it [page break] [in modern pen, p.] 131. being demanded of him if any thing for himself he had or knew to say why the Court Should not proceede to pronounce judgment against him according to Law. he said he had nothing but what he had before said Therefore it is considered by the Court that he be taken from hence to the Jail from whence he came . and that on Tuesday the 20.th of December next between the hours of ten Oclock in the forenoon & four Oclock in the afternoon of the same day. he be taken by the Sheriff of this County to the usual place of execution and then and there be hanged by the neck until he be dead.. - Memo. the Court value the said Slave Ben to the sum of four hundred dollars_ //- ordered that the Court be adjourned till to Morrow Morning. 9 oClock_ Tho.s Pretlow [end of that Court's proceedings] [At a Court of quarterly Sessions continued and held for Southampton County the 24.th day of November 1831..] [p.] 142. [...] On motion of Henry Moore adm'or of Putnam Moore dec.d It is ordered to be certified that Moses a negro boy slave, who was tried and convicted by a Court held for this County on the 18.th day of October 1831, for Conspiring to rebel and make insurrection was the property of the estate of Putnam Moore dec.d and not the property of the Est. of Jo.s Travis dec.d _ [...] [At a Court of held for Southampton County the 20.th day of February 1832.] [p. 153] From evidence introduce to the Court, Ordered that it be certified that Nat a negro man slave who was found guilty of making insurrection &Sentenced to be hanged by a Court held for this County on the 3.d September 1831, was not the property of Edmund Turner dec.d as is stated in the record of his conviction but is the property of James & Elizabeth Turner orphans of said Edmund Turner dec.d_ //- [...] [At a Court held for Southampton County the 16.th day of July 1832.] [p. 194] [...] - The Register of Thomas Haithcock was examined & certified to be correct._ - Ordered that the Sheriff procure a good lock and cause the same to put to the door of the jail of this County where it is wanting and present the acct to the Court for payment - [...] [end of proceedings directly related to the Insurrection] Southampton Co., VA, Court Minute Book, 1830-1835, pp. 73-123, 124, 127-28, 129-31, 142, 153, 194 The Library of Virginia (LVA), Richmond, VA LVA, Southampton Co. Microfilm Reel 34 Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Matt Harris (zoobug64@aol.com) [brackets mine] file at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/va/southampton/court/ol_nat.txt