James Rush letter to John Mason, George Town, 1800 November 10

James Rush letter to John Mason, George Town, 1800 November 10

Prosser, Gabriel, approximately 1775-1800.

Mason, John, 1766-1849 -- Correspondence

Virginia. Militia

Slave insurrections -- Virginia

Writing one month after the execution of Gabriel, Rush discusses the disturbances caused by the slave patrols in the wake of Gabriel's rebellion. Rush notes that Governor Monroe has called for militia patrols of the various quarters to look for any "improper assemblage of Blacks." The militia were to bring such blacks before a magistrate or the commanding officer. Rush feared this power would be abused.

Rush, James

Special Collections, John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

1800

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eng

Text

MS 2008.13

Ink on paper

Page 1

Nov. 10^th half after four p.m.

Dear Sir

Panton has this moment delivered me yours of this date re-
questing my attendance this forenoon in George Town, where he has
been since intrusted with it, he can best tell. It being now so late, before I
coud get my Horse out of the Commons the sun woud be set. I had
last week heard of the disturbence occasioned by the Patrols, I was in
hopes the Effects of it had been by this time done away. The late Events
at Richmond had occasioned the Governor to order the militia
to patrol different Quarters and if any improper Assemblage of
Blacks should be discovered to have them brought before a magistrate
or the commanding officer. This power in the hands of ignorant
and arbitrary Characters will be frequently abused. If my pre-
sence can be serviceable in the morning please to acquaint me
by the mornings stage and I will come up. It will not be con-
venient for me to go from thence to the Falls. I was plaguely
galled in my Ride to and from our Courthouse which is not
yet healed, not that is set to Rights I can’t ride as far as the
Falls. We seem to be extremely unfortunate, we hardly get
into a proper train before something turns up to disconcert
our measures.

I am Dear Sir Respectfully
your most obed^t
Ja Rush

Address leaf

John Mason Esquire
George Town