Social and Behavioral Sciences E-Campus

H 101 - Lab Exercise: The Denmark Vesey Insurrection (1822)

The Trial of Tom, a Negro man, the property of Mr. William M. Scott - his owner attending.

Evidence:

Monday testified as follows: I told Tom of the business, and he joined; he was often at my shop talking on this business; he was willing, had joined, and said he was making ready. He was of the same mind after the 16th June; he belongs to the African church.

Cross-examined by Mr. Scott -- It is about three months since I spoke to him about it; the first time it was fixed to commence on the second Sunday in July, and Vesey afterwards altered it to the 16th June.

Peirault gave the following evidence: Tom told me he was engaged in this business with his own mouth, and was willing; he told me the day that Monday was taken of the circumstance and said, the more we stand still, the more of us will be taken; he belonged to Monday's company.

Charles testified as follows: I have heard Tom and Monday often in Monday's shop talking on this business, and heard him assent to the business; he spoke boldly.

Mr. Harth stated that the prisoner had a wife in his yard and bore a good character; I have examined his trunk but found no arms.

Verdict:

Based on the Rules, and the Evidence presented here, what do you think was the verdict?

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Revised: 6 November 1999