GABRIEL‘S  INSURRECTION

October 30, 1800

ON THED TRIAL OF JACOB. PARDONED.

Ben Woolfolk deposed that he saw him at Moor’s School house.  He said he came to meet Ben a negroman who had mentioned to him the war against the white people, and had desired him to meet him there on that day to be informed farther concerning it.  He the prison was disappointed by Ben not attending as had been agreed upon, and expressed great concern at it.  This witness told the prisoner it made no odds that as he had not come, he could give him full information.  He then communicated the plan to him, all of which he said he had been before told by Ben.  This deponent  then observed to the prisoner that he looked so poor and weakly that he could not kill a man.  He said do not judge me by my looks.  Jean and Will kill a white man as free as each.  He said he had jointed to in the war against the white people.  This conversation happened during the time the white people were in the meeting house at Moor’s School house.

ON THE TRIAL OF DICK:

Ben Woolfolk deposed—that in a conversation between him and the prisoner in a field where the prisoner was at work he acknowledged himself one of the conspirators.

ON THE TRIAL OF JAMES—

Ben Woolfolk deposed—that he was asked by Geo[rge] Smith to go to Elisha prices to a feast.  He was in company with this man and a number of others.  He asked the prisoner if he was one of Geo[rge] Smith’s men, he said yes, by God I am.  He asked him if he thought he could kill white people stoutly.  Yes says he by God I can, and I will fight for my freedom as long as I have breath, and that is as much as any man can do.  One of his children was with us, minding or attending a white child of his masters.  His child gave him offense for which he whips him.  The white child cried at his whipping his son.  I suppose, says the prisoner to the white child, if you were big enough you would have my shirt off, but I hope you never will be big enough.

Jack belonging to Mrs. Riddle was introduced as a witness for the prisoner.  He perjured himself as adjudged by the court, and was sentenced to receive thirty nine lashes—which was put in execution.

ON THE TRIAL OF SOLOMON

Ben Woolfolk deposed—that he fell in with the prisoner on the road in company with others.  The prisoner put his hand into his basket and took out some peaches.  Someone in company asked him how he dared to do so unless he was acquainted with him.  I am said he acquainted with him he is one of our society.  Upon this taking the prisoner by the shoulder, he turned him around and asked him what society.  He said to fight the white people and that he would fight them until he died for his freedom.  At another interview the prisoner asked the witness if he was in the same mind now suspecting the insurrection as formerly and having replied in the affirmative, the prisoner answered that he was, saying my name is Solomon, and am good what is of me for fighting.

Sam—Seaham—no pardon

Abram—Theo Burlor-pardon immediately

Billy—Antoine Lepicamble-ditto

Peter—A. Williamson-ditto

Lemurs—D. Waylon—no pardon

Billy—N. C. Lipscomb—pardon

George—J. S. Silate—no pardon

Sam Byrd—Lane Blacke—no pardon

Michael—T. York—no pardon

William—W. Young—no pardon

Gilbert—W. Young—no pardon

Tom—Proper—no pardon

Dick—Lee Smith—pardon

James—G. Price—no pardon

Solomon—Jon Lewis—no pardon

Ned—William Young—reprieved til 20 Friday in November

Laddis—Ln. Williamson—no pardon

Isaac—Jas Allen—no pardon

King—P. N. Nicolas—no pardon

The governor then took the sense of the board whether any of the persons now under condemnation they be reprieved until the needs of the legislature.

Transcribed by Joseph E. Holloway

Governor’s Office, Letters Received, James Monroe, Record Group 3, Library of Virginia.