Spragins, Mel (fl. 1802-1819) [Warrant to the jailer of Halifax County to receive Abram, a slave, into custody until 23 April]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06338.09 Author/Creator: Spragins, Mel (fl. 1802-1819) Place Written: Halifax County, Virginia Type: Document signed Date: 17 April 1802 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 32.4 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
Spragins and Dejurnatt order the Halifax County jail keeper to receive into custody "Abram a Negro Man Slave the property of William Smith...he being a Witness in behalf of the Commonwealth" against Sanc[h]o, Frank, Jim and Phebey. A note at bottom specifies that "It is necessary that the above Witness be kept Separate from the persons he is a witness against." A note on verso states: "Sank [Sancho?] said he wd kill Danl Dijarnatt & take his wife. / Frank said he would take Danl. Perkins wife / Jim - [unclear if the latter is a signature or an unfinished sentence]." Docket indicates this is a mittimus (a type of warrant).
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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