Spragins, Mel (fl. 1802-1819) [Writ of summons for the sheriff to call county justices for a trial of the slaves Bob, Absalum, and Martin]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06338.11 Author/Creator: Spragins, Mel (fl. 1802-1819) Place Written: Halifax County, Virginia Type: Document signed Date: 18 April 1802 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 12.7 x 19.9 cm. Order a Copy
Writ of summons, signed by Spragins, Ordering the county sheriff to summon justices for a 26 April trial of "Bob a Negro Man Slave the property of Peter Barksdale, Absalum a Negro Man Slave belonging to the Esta. of John Hilyard, Martin a Negroe Man Slave the property of Henry Bass...." Notes that these three slaves were committed to county jail that day as per warrant. A docket lists three personal names, at least one of which, "Abny's Ned," appears to be that of a slave.
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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