Saturday Spotting - Object to Reach the Free States

Published on the 6^th of September in 1831 in the Delaware Gazette & State Journal in Wilmington, DE  

From the Norfolk Beacon.

NEWS FROM THE INSURGENTS

     Com. ELLIOTT, arrived in the town of Southampton, in the southern stage yesterday afternoon. – He left there at two o’clock on Saturday, at which time perfect tranquility had been restored.  

     Since our last papers, a few of the volunteers who were engaged in the expedition against the NEGROES in Southampton County have returned to their homes. They state that the object of the expedition had been effectually accomplished, and that the troops were on the return home. The insurgents it is believed have either been killed or taken prisoners.

     We learn that Ned, the preacher and prophet, had been taken – 75 whites killed, and some missing – 38 blacks killed, Nelson killed, and Porter (General so called) in Jail – negro Tom had made a general confession, being desperately wounded, and about to die – Broadnax’s servant stated their object to be to reach the free states, where they expected to make proselytes and return to assist their brethren – Mr. Blount, his son, overseer and negroes beat off the party which attacked his house. From all that we can learn there appears to have been no concert with the blacks in any other part of the state.

     A friend has permitted us to make the following extract of a letter from a gentleman attached to the Richmond Cavalry, dated.

SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY,}

August 25, 12 M.

     “There appears to have been about 70 white persons murdered. I have just been conversing with one of the ringleaders, who is mortally wounded and will probably die to-night. He says the insurrection was urged & headed by a black preacher who is not yet taken – that they commenced with six only, under impression that all would join if their masters were murdered, and thus they could get a large force and sufficient ammunition, &c. There appears to have been no concert with the blacks of any other part of the state. From what I learn there have been about forty blacks killed and taken prisoners and about thirty probably remaining which are dispersed in the swamps, and must in a day or two surrender themselves to the detachments who are tin pursuit of them.”

     Extract of a letter from a gentlemen of Norfolk (one of the mounted volunteers) to the editors, dated

                                                                                     SOUTHAMPTON, August 26^th, 1831.

“On our arrival at Jerusalem, within seven miles of the scene of massacre and devastation, after the  Norfolk and Portsmouth Volunteers had reported themselves to Gen. Eppes, the commanding officer, they received orders to proceed to Cross Keys, the immediate vicinity of the massacre, where they succeeded in making prisoners and brining in 12 men and one woman who it is said had taken a very active part, together with the head of the celebrated Nelson, called  by the blacks, “General Nelson,” and paymaster, Henry, whose head is expected momently, Herk (the blacks abbreviation of Hercules) and Gen. Nat Moore have also been shot and taken prisoners; in fact almost all ringleaders, with the exception of the Prophet, have been either taken or killed. Several have been captured who have confessed assisting in the murder of their mistresses’ children. The country we have passed through is completely deserted, and the inhabitants have absolutely left their doors oven unbarred – In the vicinity of the massacre, we witnessed the greatest scene of devastation imaginable. The inhabitants are regaining confidence and returning to their homes.

     “We saw several children whose brains were knocked out, and we have accounts of the number of 68 men, women and children.

     The skull of Nelson taken by us is in possession of Dr.--, and will be taken to Norfolk.

     “We are very much fatigues having rode 65 miles the first sixteen hours. Our horses worn out and ourselves completely knocked up.

     “The Norfolk and Portsmouth Volunteers have done their duty. We shall with the XXX of the General, perhaps leave here this evening or tomorrow morning, or soon as our horses are refreshed.