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Scott, John B. (1761-1814) [Indictment of Absalum in the Easter Plot]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06338.01 Author/Creator: Scott, John B. (1761-1814) Place Written: Halifax County, Virginia Type: Document signed Date: 1802 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 18.9 x 15.7 cm. Order a Copy

Indictment of Absalum by Scott as Deputy Attorney for the Commonwealth in a court of Oyer and Terminer. Absalum, "a negro man slave of the estate of John Hilyard," is charged with conspiring to create an insurrection and plotting murder on 14 April 1802.

"That the said Absalum...did feloniously consult and conspire to make insurrection... And...did feloniously, wickedly & maliciously plot the murder of sundry persons contrary to the act of Assembly intituled 'An Act to reduce into one the several Acts concerning Slaves, free Negroes and Mulattoes, and against the Peace & Dignity of the Commonwealth"

Related to the Easter Plot, also known as Sancho's Rebellion. Sancho, an earlier participant in Gabriel's Rebellion of 1800, instigated the Easter Plot, intended to take place on or around Good Friday 1802. The ferment spread through southern Virginia (including Halifax County), and northeastern North Carolina, resulting in the hanging of Sancho and four other participants.

Scott, John B., 1761-1814
Hilyard, John, fl. 1802
Absalum, -1802
Sancho, d. 1802

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