Gabriel's Insurrection

GABRIEL’S INSURRECTION

On the trial of Jacob, Pardoned.
Ben Woolfolk deposed that he saw him at Moore’s Schoolhouse.  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 prisoner was disappointed by Ben not attending as had been agree 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 joined to fight in the war against the white people.  This conversation happened during the time the white people were in the meeting house as Moor’s Schoolhouse. 

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 George 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 George smith’s men, he said yes, by Gold I am.  He asked him if he thought he could kill white people stoutly.  Yes said 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 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 – Sealant – no pardon
Abram – Theo Burl or – pardon immediately
Billy – Antoine Lepicamble – ditto
Peter – A Williamson – ditto
Lecurs – 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 – Prher – no pardon
Dick – Lehe Smith – pardon
James – G. Price – no pardon
Solomon – Joh Lewis – no pardon
Ned – William Young – reprieved till 20 Friday in Nov.
Laddis – Ln. Williamson – no pardon
Isaac – Jas Allen – no pardon
King – P. N. Nicholas – no pardon

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