NAT TURNER FINALLY CAPTURED AND IDENTIFIED!
THE NEGRO REVOLT IN SOUTHAMPTON, VIRGINIA–THE LEADER SPEAKS!
Daily National Intelligencer, Washington, DC
Monday, November 7, 1831
The news is confirmed that, “….the murderer, Nat Turner, has at last been taken and safely lodged in prison.” The historic report goes on to state, “The poor wretch, we learn, admits all that has been alleged against him–says that he has at no time been five miles from the scene of his atrocities; and that he has frequently wished to give himself up, but could never summon sufficient resolution!” (see scan for the entire report)
(Background: “Gen.” Nathaniel Turner (1800-1831), convinced that “visions” had called him to free his enslaved brothers and sisters, along with sixty or more slaves, indiscriminately massacred some sixty white men, women, and children, beginning with his own master. The state militia and other volunteers finally quelled the revolt and tracked down the slaves. Turner went into hiding and was not captured until October 30. From November 1-3, Turner was interviewed by his court-appointed attorney, Thomas R. Gray, who transcribed his notes into “Confessions” which served as a main source for the data on the rebellion. Nat and sixteen fellow slaves were tried and subsequently hanged on November 11.)
This superb DC newspaper is simply loaded with notices for Runaway Slaves, Slaves for Sale, and “Negroes Wanted.” It’s incredible to realize the slave trading that was an everyday occurrence in our Nation’s Capital!
Four large pages, and in very fine condition. It will give you many hours of historic entertainment and perspective, and serve as quite the conversation piece.
$450