Dublin Core
Title
Trial of those involved in the Boxley Slave Revolt 1816
Subject
Transcription of the Court Order Book, Louisa Court 1816-1818.
Description
Trial of those involved in the Boxley Slave Revolt.
The trail occurred about a week after the incident.
At a Court of Oyer and Terminar held at the courthouse of Louisa County on Tuesday the fifth day of March, One thousand eight hundred and sixteen, for the trial of one negro man slave name Mack, and one negro man slave named Ned, the property of Joseph Boxley of the said county – charged with feloniously consulting, advising and comprising with other to rebel and make Insurrection against the Government & Laws of the Commonwealth, on the twenty fourth day of February one thousand eight hundred and sixteen, within the Jurisdiction of the court of the county.
Present
Peter Crawford, Garland Anderson, William Wash, Reuben Cowherd, James Michie, Ludlow Branham & Duke Cosby gent. Justices – The above name Mack and Ned, having been committed to the jail of this county, charged with Felonious offence aforesaid, was led to the Bar & being arraigned upon the Indictment prefaced against them – pleaded Not Guilty and on hearing the Testimony adduced & the arguments of counsel, as well on behalf of the Commonwealth as the prisoners at the Bar, on mature consideration, the court are unanimously of the opinion that the prisoners are guilty of the Felonious offences wherewith they stand Indicted, and that the said prisoners be remanded to the Jail of this County, and to be taken from thence by the sheriff of this county on Friday the 29th Instant to the public gallows and there be hanged by the neck until they be Dead, Dead, between the hours of 12 o’clock and sun set of the same day and then the court proceeded to value the said Slaves and are of the opinion that they are worth the sum of six hundred Dollars each, which is ordered to be certified to the Auditor of Public Accounts.
The following evidence adduced on the trial-----viz
Sam, the property of Winston Young, charged sworn as a witness about a week previous to last Saturday night, witness was informed by prisoners that George Boxley of Spotsylvania was about raising a compy (company) of negroes to go to a free country, and said the scheme was to meet together, procure horses to march to Frederickburg, where they were by force to seize money & arms from thence they were to go to Richmond & seize money & arms – they were to kill all horses as they went to prevent pursuit & discovery in advance of them. On last Saturday night week George Boxley aforesaid, a negro man Tom, the property of Mrs. Gardner & Ned, the prisoner came to the plantation of Wm Mansfield of this cty where witness was. Ned came to witness and persuaded him to go. Tom said he was Sergt said witness must go, which he refused. Tom had a gun pressed witness to go. Ned stood by. Tom & Boxley by way of inducing witness to go, referred him to company at the gate, witness went to the gate accompanied by Ned. There saw a compy of 8 or 9. Witness further pressed to go, refused. Ned then said to witness – farewell, and went off with the company.
The other witness being charged & sworn Deposeth as followeth.
Abraham, the property of Francis Jordan Deposeth that Geo. Boxley, Tompkin, the property of M. Cole and the two prisoners came to Francis Jordans place in Spotsylvania called Pigeon Quarter, last Saurday night was a week. Boxley had a gun & Tompkin a Bayonet. Boxley wanted witness to go, said they had 20 or 25 negros tied at Mount Hermon for having done little or nothing & something too – prisoners said they were going with Mr. Boxley to relieve those at M. Hermon.
Bengy the property of Robert Garland – Last Saturday night a week, Geo. Boxley of Spotsylvania accompanied by the prisoners & others, about 12 in all, came to Wm Coles place, where witness was Mack had a sword, Ned had a gun – they all said they were going to M. Hermon to cut loose negroes confined there. Mr. Boxley said one of his head men was confined there. There were then to proceed to Fredericksburg to seize upon arms, ammunition, & money & from thence to go to Richmond to seize money, arms & ammunition and to go on to a free country, that they were to kill all the horses as they went. Boxley said if the white people resisted, they were to be killed.
Johnson, the property of Cole Dickinson was at a frolic at W. Coles place on Saturday night was a week – Ned & Mack came in – Ned had gun in his hand, Mack had nothing. They both wanted witness to go with Mr. Boxley. Mr. Boxley also came in and persuaded witness to go with them.
Lee, the property of Hicker Dickerson – was at frolic spoken of by other witness. Ned & Mack came there. Ned had a gun, Mack had a sword & Geo. Boxley came with them had a broad sword. Ned & Mack persuaded witness to go with Mr. Boxley to M. Hermon to cut loose Negroes confined there. Boxley said his object was, go from thence to Fredericksburg to seize money, arms & ammunition & destroy what they left, from thence to Richmond and to do the like but when he said this prisoners were not present.
Hardiman (the property of Joseph Boxley) – that Geo. Boxley, Ned, Mack & others came to Wm Coles place on Saturday night was a week. Mack & Ned both had guns. Boxley used many arguments to induce witness to go with them. Boxleys object was stated to be to go to M. Hermon to release negroes confined there. Boxley said they had one of his head men confined there. Mack said they had one of his cousins confined there and was going to release him at all events that life was but life & had as well loose his in one way as another. The ultimate views of the party were stated in substance as related by the other witnesses.
Proceedings signed
Peter Crawford
At a Court of Oyer and Terminar held at the courthouse of Louisa County on Tuesday the fifth day of March, One thousand eight hundred and sixteen for the trial of one negro man slave named Ned, one Negro man Slave named Matt, and one negro man slave named Kit, the property of Francis Jordan of the S County, charged with Feloniously, on the twenty fourth day of February 1816, within the Jurisdiction of the Court of this County having consulted, advised & conspired with others to rebel and make insurrection against the Government and Laws of this Commonwealth. The above named Ned, Matt and Kit having been committed to the jail of this county charged with the Felony aforesaid was led to the bar in the custody of the sheriff of this county. Present Peter Crawford, Garland Anderson, Wm Wash, Ludlow Branham, Duke Cosby, James Michie, Reuben Cowherd – Gent. Justices
The above named Ned, Matt and Kitt having been committed to the jail of this county charged with the Felonious offence aforesaid, was led to the bar in custody of the Sheriff – and being arraigned upon the Indictment professed against them pleaded Not Guilty – whereupon on hearing the Testimony adduced and the arguments of counsel, as well on behalf of the Commonwealth, as the prisoners at this Bar. On mature deliberation, the court are of opinion that the prisoner Ned is Not Guilty of the Felonious Offence wherewith he stands charged indicted and that he be forthwith discharged from custody and are unanimously of opinion that the prisoners Matt & Kitt are Guilty of the Fact wherewith they stand Indicted and adjudge that the said Matt & Kitt be remanded to the jail of this county and to be taken from thence by the sheriff of this county on Friday the 29th Instant to the public gallows and there be hanged by the neck until they be Dead, between the Hours of twelve Oclock & sunset of the same day and the Court doth value the said Matt to the sum of Seven hundred Dollars & Kitt the sum of six hundred Dollars, which is ordered to be certified to the Auditor of Public Accounts.
The following Testimony was adduced on the Trial viz Joseph Spicer being duly sworn Deposeth that sometime before last Saturday night was a week, being overseer for M. Jordan, Matt the prisoner running on with loose chat wits told him he expected he’d be shot or hanged. Prisoner said he expected to be shot or carried to Louisa CHouse. Matt being a saucy fellow. Witness paid but little attention.
Abraham (a negro man slave the property of Francis Jordan) being charged & sworn Deposeth that on last Saturday night was a week Geo. Boxley came to Francis Jordans place called Pigeon Quarter in Spotsylvania finding Kitt, Matt & Ned the prisoners. Boxley then stated to wits that his wits son with upwards of 20 others were tied to the trees at Mount Hermon and that his object was to release them and wanted witness to go & assist. Boxley then applied to Ned to go. Ned said to him “when I was ready, you were notâ€. Boxley then took Ned, Kitt & Matt severally out & talked with them, and they finally left the place with Boxley about two horses in the night apparently with reluctance. Pigeon Quarter is about six miles distant from Wm Coles frolic spoken place in Louisa, where the frolic spoken of was said to have taken place. When Ned returned he told witness that he had got a discharge from Boxley about day break at M Harris’s in Louisa.
Bengy (the property of Robert Garland) also charged & sworn says on Saturday night last was a week. George Boxley, the prisoners Matt & Kitt & others came to Wm Coles place in the Cty, where wits was. Matt had a gun & Kitt a sword. M Boxley said he was raising a company to go & release a number of slaves who were confined at M. Hermon among whom was one of his head men. Matt & Kitt to go on to Fredericksburg to seize money, arms & ammunition which might be found there. From Fredericksburg they were to go on to Richmond and to do the like. Matt told witness that M. Boxley had stated these views to him & Kitt was standing by near enough to hear him. Boxley said that the whites, if they resisted were to be killed, but the prisoners were not present when he said this. But as they were to kill all horses they did not want, they could not be overtaken.
Hardiman (the property of John S. Boxley) always charged & sworn says on last Saturday night was a week, he was at a frolick at Wm Coles place, George Boxley with Matt, Kitt & Ned the prisoners with others came in Boxley had a sword, Matt had a gun with a bayonet on it. Kitt had a bayonet, Ned had no arms. Witness asked Matt what he was about. He answered he was going with Mr. Boxley to set us all free. This was after midnight. During Boxleys stay he made several attempts to induce those found at the frollick to join him, after lapse of about two hours Boxley said he had met such a cool reception he could do nothing there. He then ordered his men to perrade & march. Wts then went off & left illegible illegible Boxley & his company. Boxley observed that they would retreat to a suitable place till next night when he should turned out & call on all he met with & if they did not go he would drop a ball through them.
Lee the property of Hicker Dickinson being charged & sworn says he saw Boxley, Matt & Kitt at the frollick spoken of by last witness. Matt had a gun & Kitt a sword. Does not remember having seen Ned but he was not acquainted with Ned & others who came with Boxley.
Johnson the property of Cole Dickinson being charged & sworn says he was at the frollick above spoken of. Boxley, Kitt, Matt & Tom came in did not see Ned with whom he is well acquainted but did not see all Boxleys party was at the opposite side of room from that by which Boxley & his party entered. Lots saw Boxley & his company next morning at Mr. Lewis quarter. Did not see Ned. Kitt & Matt were with them but was not then armed. Tom were not then with them.
Proceedings signed
Peter Crawford
At a Court of Oyer and Terminar held at the courthouse of Louisa County on Tuesday the fifth day of March, One thousand eight hundred and sixteen for the trial of one negro man slave named Tom the property of Sarah Gardiner, one negro man slave named Tomkin the property of Samual Cole & one negro man slave named Charles the property of Waller Lewis charged with feloniously on the twenty fourth day of February 1816 within the Jurisdiction of the court of this county having consulted, advised & conspired with others to rebell and make insurrection against the Government & Laws of this Commonwealth.
Present Peter Crawford, Garland Anderson, Wm Wash, Ludlow Branham, Duke Cosby, James Michie, & Reuben Cowherd Gentlemen Justices
The above named Tom, Tompkin & Charles having been committed to the goal of the S County charged with the Felonious offence aforesaid were led to the Bar in the custody of the Shff and being arraingned on the Indictment severally professed against them pleaded “Not Guilty†whereupon on hearing the Testimony adduced & the arguments of counsel on both sides as well on behalf of the Commonwealth as the prisoners at the Bar – on mature deliberation whereof, the Court are unanimously of the opinion that the prisoner Charles is Not Guilty & that he be discharged and that the prisoners Tom & Tompkin are Guilty of the Felony wherewith they stand Indicted, that they be remanded to the Jail of this County to be taken from thence by the Sheriff to the public Gallows on Friday the 29th Instant, and then and there be hanged by the neck till they be Dead, between the hours of twelve Oclock & sunset of the same day. And the Court are further of the opinion that the prisoner Charles is Not Guilty of the Felony wherewith he stands charged indicted and that he forthwith discharged from custody. And the Court doth value the said slaves Tom to the sum of six hundred dollars- which is ordered to be certified to the certf. To the Auditor of Public Accounts.
The following testimony was adduced on the trial (viz).
Same the property of Winston Young (being charged & sworn) says that on last Saturday night was a week, Tom the prisoner came to the House of witness’s master where he had a wife. Prisoner asked wits. If he was able to join Mr. Boxley. Witness replied no. Tom said he was going that they were to get as many guns as they could, and each man take a Horse, kill all the horses they did not want to march on to Fredericksburg, take the arms, ammunition & money found there and then go to Richmond, and if the white people did not give up what they wanted, they would form against them. Witness finally refused to go. He then went to Mr. Mansfields sometime after which Tom & Mr. Boxley & another negro, Tom, having a gun and insisted upon wits. To go with them and spoke of their forces and refered witness’s to forces assembled at the gate, not far off. Wits. Accordingly went to the gate & saw a number of negros collected.
Hardiman (the property of Js. S. Boxley) being charged & sworn says he was at Wm Coles place on last Saturday night was a week. Boxley & his party came there, among whom was Tom the prisoner & Tompkin also a prisoner. Tom had a gun. Boxley & tom pressed wits to join the party and Tome stating their objects as related by the last wits. Wits having started to leave the place. Tom pursued him with his gun & upon overtaking him, said you will not go with us. Witness said he would not. Well, said prisoner, you’l go & tell what you have seen to night. Wits said he would not. Tom then said to morrow night I shall turn out again and will call on all I meet with, & all who do not go, I will put a Ball thro them. Tompkin came with the party, but had no arms. When wits was going away, he asked Timpkin if he was going away with him, or was he going with Boxley, his reply was, that he did not know which he should do.
Lee (the property of Hicker Dickenson) being also charged & sworn says he was at Wm Coles place last Saturday night was a week, at the frolic spoken of by other wits’s. Boxley, Tom, Tompkins & others came there. Tom had a gun & bayonet. Boxley a sword. Boxley & Tom tried to induce wits to join stating the object of the party in substance as stated by other wits. Wits refused to go. Tom said he was a Sergt & should turn out next night & if all he called on did not turn out, he should shoot all those who refused.
Bengy (the property of Robt. Garland) also duly charged & sworn Deposeth that in substance the same as stated by Lee.
Johnson (the property of James C. Dickerson) also Ch.d & sworn says that the morning after the Frolic at W. Coles place being last Sunday morning was a week, he saw Boxleys party pass Warner Lewis’s Quarter in this Cty, and that Tompkins the prisoner was with them and had a gun in his hand. This was about two hours by sun in the morning.
Charles (the property of Waller Lewis) also duly charged & worn, says (being one of the prisoners who had been found not guilty) deposeth that he saw Tompkins, the prisoner come by Lewis’s Quarter with Boxley’s party and he had a gun in his hands. This happened at the time mentioned by the last witness.
Proceedings (signed)
Peter Crawford
The trail occurred about a week after the incident.
At a Court of Oyer and Terminar held at the courthouse of Louisa County on Tuesday the fifth day of March, One thousand eight hundred and sixteen, for the trial of one negro man slave name Mack, and one negro man slave named Ned, the property of Joseph Boxley of the said county – charged with feloniously consulting, advising and comprising with other to rebel and make Insurrection against the Government & Laws of the Commonwealth, on the twenty fourth day of February one thousand eight hundred and sixteen, within the Jurisdiction of the court of the county.
Present
Peter Crawford, Garland Anderson, William Wash, Reuben Cowherd, James Michie, Ludlow Branham & Duke Cosby gent. Justices – The above name Mack and Ned, having been committed to the jail of this county, charged with Felonious offence aforesaid, was led to the Bar & being arraigned upon the Indictment prefaced against them – pleaded Not Guilty and on hearing the Testimony adduced & the arguments of counsel, as well on behalf of the Commonwealth as the prisoners at the Bar, on mature consideration, the court are unanimously of the opinion that the prisoners are guilty of the Felonious offences wherewith they stand Indicted, and that the said prisoners be remanded to the Jail of this County, and to be taken from thence by the sheriff of this county on Friday the 29th Instant to the public gallows and there be hanged by the neck until they be Dead, Dead, between the hours of 12 o’clock and sun set of the same day and then the court proceeded to value the said Slaves and are of the opinion that they are worth the sum of six hundred Dollars each, which is ordered to be certified to the Auditor of Public Accounts.
The following evidence adduced on the trial-----viz
Sam, the property of Winston Young, charged sworn as a witness about a week previous to last Saturday night, witness was informed by prisoners that George Boxley of Spotsylvania was about raising a compy (company) of negroes to go to a free country, and said the scheme was to meet together, procure horses to march to Frederickburg, where they were by force to seize money & arms from thence they were to go to Richmond & seize money & arms – they were to kill all horses as they went to prevent pursuit & discovery in advance of them. On last Saturday night week George Boxley aforesaid, a negro man Tom, the property of Mrs. Gardner & Ned, the prisoner came to the plantation of Wm Mansfield of this cty where witness was. Ned came to witness and persuaded him to go. Tom said he was Sergt said witness must go, which he refused. Tom had a gun pressed witness to go. Ned stood by. Tom & Boxley by way of inducing witness to go, referred him to company at the gate, witness went to the gate accompanied by Ned. There saw a compy of 8 or 9. Witness further pressed to go, refused. Ned then said to witness – farewell, and went off with the company.
The other witness being charged & sworn Deposeth as followeth.
Abraham, the property of Francis Jordan Deposeth that Geo. Boxley, Tompkin, the property of M. Cole and the two prisoners came to Francis Jordans place in Spotsylvania called Pigeon Quarter, last Saurday night was a week. Boxley had a gun & Tompkin a Bayonet. Boxley wanted witness to go, said they had 20 or 25 negros tied at Mount Hermon for having done little or nothing & something too – prisoners said they were going with Mr. Boxley to relieve those at M. Hermon.
Bengy the property of Robert Garland – Last Saturday night a week, Geo. Boxley of Spotsylvania accompanied by the prisoners & others, about 12 in all, came to Wm Coles place, where witness was Mack had a sword, Ned had a gun – they all said they were going to M. Hermon to cut loose negroes confined there. Mr. Boxley said one of his head men was confined there. There were then to proceed to Fredericksburg to seize upon arms, ammunition, & money & from thence to go to Richmond to seize money, arms & ammunition and to go on to a free country, that they were to kill all the horses as they went. Boxley said if the white people resisted, they were to be killed.
Johnson, the property of Cole Dickinson was at a frolic at W. Coles place on Saturday night was a week – Ned & Mack came in – Ned had gun in his hand, Mack had nothing. They both wanted witness to go with Mr. Boxley. Mr. Boxley also came in and persuaded witness to go with them.
Lee, the property of Hicker Dickerson – was at frolic spoken of by other witness. Ned & Mack came there. Ned had a gun, Mack had a sword & Geo. Boxley came with them had a broad sword. Ned & Mack persuaded witness to go with Mr. Boxley to M. Hermon to cut loose Negroes confined there. Boxley said his object was, go from thence to Fredericksburg to seize money, arms & ammunition & destroy what they left, from thence to Richmond and to do the like but when he said this prisoners were not present.
Hardiman (the property of Joseph Boxley) – that Geo. Boxley, Ned, Mack & others came to Wm Coles place on Saturday night was a week. Mack & Ned both had guns. Boxley used many arguments to induce witness to go with them. Boxleys object was stated to be to go to M. Hermon to release negroes confined there. Boxley said they had one of his head men confined there. Mack said they had one of his cousins confined there and was going to release him at all events that life was but life & had as well loose his in one way as another. The ultimate views of the party were stated in substance as related by the other witnesses.
Proceedings signed
Peter Crawford
At a Court of Oyer and Terminar held at the courthouse of Louisa County on Tuesday the fifth day of March, One thousand eight hundred and sixteen for the trial of one negro man slave named Ned, one Negro man Slave named Matt, and one negro man slave named Kit, the property of Francis Jordan of the S County, charged with Feloniously, on the twenty fourth day of February 1816, within the Jurisdiction of the Court of this County having consulted, advised & conspired with others to rebel and make insurrection against the Government and Laws of this Commonwealth. The above named Ned, Matt and Kit having been committed to the jail of this county charged with the Felony aforesaid was led to the bar in the custody of the sheriff of this county. Present Peter Crawford, Garland Anderson, Wm Wash, Ludlow Branham, Duke Cosby, James Michie, Reuben Cowherd – Gent. Justices
The above named Ned, Matt and Kitt having been committed to the jail of this county charged with the Felonious offence aforesaid, was led to the bar in custody of the Sheriff – and being arraigned upon the Indictment professed against them pleaded Not Guilty – whereupon on hearing the Testimony adduced and the arguments of counsel, as well on behalf of the Commonwealth, as the prisoners at this Bar. On mature deliberation, the court are of opinion that the prisoner Ned is Not Guilty of the Felonious Offence wherewith he stands charged indicted and that he be forthwith discharged from custody and are unanimously of opinion that the prisoners Matt & Kitt are Guilty of the Fact wherewith they stand Indicted and adjudge that the said Matt & Kitt be remanded to the jail of this county and to be taken from thence by the sheriff of this county on Friday the 29th Instant to the public gallows and there be hanged by the neck until they be Dead, between the Hours of twelve Oclock & sunset of the same day and the Court doth value the said Matt to the sum of Seven hundred Dollars & Kitt the sum of six hundred Dollars, which is ordered to be certified to the Auditor of Public Accounts.
The following Testimony was adduced on the Trial viz Joseph Spicer being duly sworn Deposeth that sometime before last Saturday night was a week, being overseer for M. Jordan, Matt the prisoner running on with loose chat wits told him he expected he’d be shot or hanged. Prisoner said he expected to be shot or carried to Louisa CHouse. Matt being a saucy fellow. Witness paid but little attention.
Abraham (a negro man slave the property of Francis Jordan) being charged & sworn Deposeth that on last Saturday night was a week Geo. Boxley came to Francis Jordans place called Pigeon Quarter in Spotsylvania finding Kitt, Matt & Ned the prisoners. Boxley then stated to wits that his wits son with upwards of 20 others were tied to the trees at Mount Hermon and that his object was to release them and wanted witness to go & assist. Boxley then applied to Ned to go. Ned said to him “when I was ready, you were notâ€. Boxley then took Ned, Kitt & Matt severally out & talked with them, and they finally left the place with Boxley about two horses in the night apparently with reluctance. Pigeon Quarter is about six miles distant from Wm Coles frolic spoken place in Louisa, where the frolic spoken of was said to have taken place. When Ned returned he told witness that he had got a discharge from Boxley about day break at M Harris’s in Louisa.
Bengy (the property of Robert Garland) also charged & sworn says on Saturday night last was a week. George Boxley, the prisoners Matt & Kitt & others came to Wm Coles place in the Cty, where wits was. Matt had a gun & Kitt a sword. M Boxley said he was raising a company to go & release a number of slaves who were confined at M. Hermon among whom was one of his head men. Matt & Kitt to go on to Fredericksburg to seize money, arms & ammunition which might be found there. From Fredericksburg they were to go on to Richmond and to do the like. Matt told witness that M. Boxley had stated these views to him & Kitt was standing by near enough to hear him. Boxley said that the whites, if they resisted were to be killed, but the prisoners were not present when he said this. But as they were to kill all horses they did not want, they could not be overtaken.
Hardiman (the property of John S. Boxley) always charged & sworn says on last Saturday night was a week, he was at a frolick at Wm Coles place, George Boxley with Matt, Kitt & Ned the prisoners with others came in Boxley had a sword, Matt had a gun with a bayonet on it. Kitt had a bayonet, Ned had no arms. Witness asked Matt what he was about. He answered he was going with Mr. Boxley to set us all free. This was after midnight. During Boxleys stay he made several attempts to induce those found at the frollick to join him, after lapse of about two hours Boxley said he had met such a cool reception he could do nothing there. He then ordered his men to perrade & march. Wts then went off & left illegible illegible Boxley & his company. Boxley observed that they would retreat to a suitable place till next night when he should turned out & call on all he met with & if they did not go he would drop a ball through them.
Lee the property of Hicker Dickinson being charged & sworn says he saw Boxley, Matt & Kitt at the frollick spoken of by last witness. Matt had a gun & Kitt a sword. Does not remember having seen Ned but he was not acquainted with Ned & others who came with Boxley.
Johnson the property of Cole Dickinson being charged & sworn says he was at the frollick above spoken of. Boxley, Kitt, Matt & Tom came in did not see Ned with whom he is well acquainted but did not see all Boxleys party was at the opposite side of room from that by which Boxley & his party entered. Lots saw Boxley & his company next morning at Mr. Lewis quarter. Did not see Ned. Kitt & Matt were with them but was not then armed. Tom were not then with them.
Proceedings signed
Peter Crawford
At a Court of Oyer and Terminar held at the courthouse of Louisa County on Tuesday the fifth day of March, One thousand eight hundred and sixteen for the trial of one negro man slave named Tom the property of Sarah Gardiner, one negro man slave named Tomkin the property of Samual Cole & one negro man slave named Charles the property of Waller Lewis charged with feloniously on the twenty fourth day of February 1816 within the Jurisdiction of the court of this county having consulted, advised & conspired with others to rebell and make insurrection against the Government & Laws of this Commonwealth.
Present Peter Crawford, Garland Anderson, Wm Wash, Ludlow Branham, Duke Cosby, James Michie, & Reuben Cowherd Gentlemen Justices
The above named Tom, Tompkin & Charles having been committed to the goal of the S County charged with the Felonious offence aforesaid were led to the Bar in the custody of the Shff and being arraingned on the Indictment severally professed against them pleaded “Not Guilty†whereupon on hearing the Testimony adduced & the arguments of counsel on both sides as well on behalf of the Commonwealth as the prisoners at the Bar – on mature deliberation whereof, the Court are unanimously of the opinion that the prisoner Charles is Not Guilty & that he be discharged and that the prisoners Tom & Tompkin are Guilty of the Felony wherewith they stand Indicted, that they be remanded to the Jail of this County to be taken from thence by the Sheriff to the public Gallows on Friday the 29th Instant, and then and there be hanged by the neck till they be Dead, between the hours of twelve Oclock & sunset of the same day. And the Court are further of the opinion that the prisoner Charles is Not Guilty of the Felony wherewith he stands charged indicted and that he forthwith discharged from custody. And the Court doth value the said slaves Tom to the sum of six hundred dollars- which is ordered to be certified to the certf. To the Auditor of Public Accounts.
The following testimony was adduced on the trial (viz).
Same the property of Winston Young (being charged & sworn) says that on last Saturday night was a week, Tom the prisoner came to the House of witness’s master where he had a wife. Prisoner asked wits. If he was able to join Mr. Boxley. Witness replied no. Tom said he was going that they were to get as many guns as they could, and each man take a Horse, kill all the horses they did not want to march on to Fredericksburg, take the arms, ammunition & money found there and then go to Richmond, and if the white people did not give up what they wanted, they would form against them. Witness finally refused to go. He then went to Mr. Mansfields sometime after which Tom & Mr. Boxley & another negro, Tom, having a gun and insisted upon wits. To go with them and spoke of their forces and refered witness’s to forces assembled at the gate, not far off. Wits. Accordingly went to the gate & saw a number of negros collected.
Hardiman (the property of Js. S. Boxley) being charged & sworn says he was at Wm Coles place on last Saturday night was a week. Boxley & his party came there, among whom was Tom the prisoner & Tompkin also a prisoner. Tom had a gun. Boxley & tom pressed wits to join the party and Tome stating their objects as related by the last wits. Wits having started to leave the place. Tom pursued him with his gun & upon overtaking him, said you will not go with us. Witness said he would not. Well, said prisoner, you’l go & tell what you have seen to night. Wits said he would not. Tom then said to morrow night I shall turn out again and will call on all I meet with, & all who do not go, I will put a Ball thro them. Tompkin came with the party, but had no arms. When wits was going away, he asked Timpkin if he was going away with him, or was he going with Boxley, his reply was, that he did not know which he should do.
Lee (the property of Hicker Dickenson) being also charged & sworn says he was at Wm Coles place last Saturday night was a week, at the frolic spoken of by other wits’s. Boxley, Tom, Tompkins & others came there. Tom had a gun & bayonet. Boxley a sword. Boxley & Tom tried to induce wits to join stating the object of the party in substance as stated by other wits. Wits refused to go. Tom said he was a Sergt & should turn out next night & if all he called on did not turn out, he should shoot all those who refused.
Bengy (the property of Robt. Garland) also duly charged & sworn Deposeth that in substance the same as stated by Lee.
Johnson (the property of James C. Dickerson) also Ch.d & sworn says that the morning after the Frolic at W. Coles place being last Sunday morning was a week, he saw Boxleys party pass Warner Lewis’s Quarter in this Cty, and that Tompkins the prisoner was with them and had a gun in his hand. This was about two hours by sun in the morning.
Charles (the property of Waller Lewis) also duly charged & worn, says (being one of the prisoners who had been found not guilty) deposeth that he saw Tompkins, the prisoner come by Lewis’s Quarter with Boxley’s party and he had a gun in his hands. This happened at the time mentioned by the last witness.
Proceedings (signed)
Peter Crawford
Source
Louisa County Clerk of Court
Publisher
Louisa County Historical Society
Date
1816
Contributor
Transcribed by volunteer Lori Noffsinger