Spragins, Mel (fl. 1802-1819) [Warrant to the Halifax County jailer to hold three slaves convicted of participating in the Easter Plot]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06338.07 Author/Creator: Spragins, Mel (fl. 1802-1819) Place Written: Halifax County, Virginia Type: Document signed Date: 18 April 1802 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 19.8 x 20.4 cm. Order a Copy
Spragins orders the Halifax County jail keeper to receive into custody "the body of" Absolam, belonging to John Hillard (in GLC 6336.01 "Absalum" belonging to John "Hilyard"), Bob, belonging to Peter Barksdale, and Martin, belonging to Henry Bass. Docket indicates this is a mittimus (a type of warrant). Spragins was a justice of the peace.
"...charged and convicted before me with consulting and conspireing to rebel and make insurrection and you the said Jailor are hereby required to...them safely keep till they shall be thence discharged by due course of Law."
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.
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