Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1822-10-05
JOHN S. SKINNER.
INSTANTANEOUS.
SERViLE CONSPIRACY In SOUTH CA
R0..tNA.
COPY Of a letter from the Governor Of
the STATE Of SgUth CarGiina.
Executive DEPARTMENT., ,
EXECUTlYE UkPARTMENf, Z
Charleston, lug. IL, 1922. )

the state Of SgutA caroAna.
Executive DErARrMENr, ,
Charleston. ing. ~, 1922.
SIR: After prolonged and almost
uninterrupted session Of six weeks, the
frs, court organized for the trial OF
slaves charged With ain attempt to raise
an instruction in this city was dissolved
On the goth ult. Another court was
subsequently convened, and after ses-
sion Of three days closed the unpleasant
investigation with which it was charged,
and adjourned on the 9Th inst. sine die.
Dnring the Interesting period, occu-
pied by the court first organized, the
public mind was agita,ed by variety OF
rumors, calculated 10 produce great ex-
citement and alarm. These had their
origin in the nature Of the transaction,
and the secrecy aud seclusion observed
in the incipient stages OF inquiry; It's
but few OF the circumstances were
known 10 the community, and the norn-
Der apprehended aud sentenced to the
severest punishment, beyond any for
mcr example, certainty gaze place TO
exaggeraton, and the general impress
sion sustained the rumor Of very ex-
tensive conspiracy.
The effects resulting from these re-
ports, if uncontrolled by an exhibition of
the facts, are 100 obvious 10 require
comment. The reputation of the state
must suffer abroad, and a rapid deterlo-
nf hti
suspicion and anxiety WI continue long
TO mar the pnblic tranquility. Ii be-
comes therefore, a duty mperionsly
obligatory on me, to represen, the oc-
currences as they have TRANSFERRED, and
fhus evidence to you the attempt has
not only been greatly magniied, but as
soon as discovered it ceased 10 be dan
gerous.
A servant, prompted by attachment to
his master, communicated TO him that
he had been requested to give his as
sent and subscribe his name to a list Of
persons already engaged in the conspi-
racy. The Intendant Immediately re-
ceived the information, and caused the
arrest of three slaves of Mr.. Paul--one
of whom was subsequently identified
by the servant making the comfnunca-
uon. The City Council was convened,
and after a very close examination, a
general impression was produced that
but little cretlence could attach 10 the
statement. A prudcn, caution was ne
vertheless exercised, and the fellow
charged committed to solitary imprison-
men,. A few days after his coafine-
ment, he made many disclosures to a
member Of Council, bat SO ampliied
the circumstances that the utmos, Gre
duli,y was requisite to the belief Of his
tale.
Some CONSERVATION was obviously
produced amongst few of the conspi-
rators by the arrest of these slaves, and |
cannot doubt led to detail more plau-
sible and deserving Of attention. Ano-
Their servant whose name is also con-
cealed, from prudential motives, stated
generally that such combination ac-
tual!y existed, and mentioned the names
of several who are most conspicuous, in
their exertions, adding, with great con-
fdence that the explosion Of their
schemes would occur on the ensuing
Sunday night. This confession was
given on Thursday, the ! 9Th Of June,
and contained the recital of several &C.
currences which would precede the at
temp, and evidence the intention. This
suggested the propriety, while it sane