Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-09-20
FAyErrEvlLLE, On. C.) Sept.

son Coaniy.--We have an unpleasant duty to
perform, in acquainting our readers, that there Is
no doubt Of a conspiracy having been recently
formed among portion OF the slaves IN the c0un-
ties of Sampson aud Dupiin in this State Sus-
p,cion having been excited, we learn that during
the last week. slave of Thomas K. Morissey,
Esq Sheriff OF Sampson, who had been esteem
ed very faithful, and was usually entrusted
with his masters wagon whenever 1t was sent to
Wilmington, was arrested, and on examination
confessed that he and six or seven others had de-
signed 10 bring about an iusurrection on the LIST
oi October ensuing. That their plan was to mus
ter what E,rces they could in these two counties,
and thence to proceed TO Wilmington, where they
expected to collect a large force. The negroes
Implicated By HIM were arrested and all commit
ted for trial.
Ii is evident that the account received here,
and that which produced such excitement at Will
minyton proceeded from the same source; and our
readers may conjecture how much both accounts
are exaggerated. from the circumstance that they
vary so materially in the numbers stated to be
assembled. For orr own part, we confidently hope
il is nothing more than false alarm, growing out
Of the arrests stated above.
Ia this town and vicinity, there is not the slight
est cause Of appre enson. But the way to ensure
our safety, is to be well prepared for any event.
aud the authorities of our town have taken and
are now taking prompt steps for security. They
are distributing arms among the citizens, organ
izing additional military companies, AMI will IN
the course Of this day TUESDAY, have every pre-
paration made to neet danger, come from what
quarter l.may. -.
Several gentlemen Of this place started For Cln-
ton, on Monday night. with arms and amnunltion.
From, them we are in hourly expectation o correct
information.
What we have subsequently, heard, we trust
has grown out Of the above Circumstance, or at
least is greatly exaggerated; but we do not tee
AT liberty to withhold it from our readers, and
therefore state. that on Monday evening an ex-
press arrived here from Clinton, in Sampson,
bringing letters from respectable gentleman in
that village, stating, upon the authority OF two
pcrsons names not. mentioned, who had come ex-
press to Clinton, at IL o'clock on Sunday night
that the negroes had embodied themselves to the
number of 500, about Il miles from Clinton, in
what direction was not stated, but from the known
intimacy and connexion existing between Mr.
Norissey and the gentleman at Clinton, we infer
that the express came from Mr.. MOrissey, who
lives near the line of Dupiin county, about Ia
miles from Clinton. The letters received here,
state that an express had been forwarded to Will
mingt0n. 49,,
When the stage from this place arrived at VIII
minrton on Mcudav morning. 1t was immediate
ly despatched back without any mat except let
ter from G. Dudley Jr. Esq. Postmaster, 10 The
Postmaster here. informing him that the place
was under martial law. in consequence Of infor-
nation received at eight O'Clock that morning,
that the negroes, to the number of 600, had en-
camped on Sunday night. at Rocktish Bridge, in
-Duplin, 40 miles from Wilmington, and about 81
s'miIes from this place; aud they were. and had
been for several days, expected at Wilmington
The letter was written in great haste and excite
ment. Mr.. Dudley had been undei arms all the
morning
The Governor Of Virginia has issued his pro-
clamation, offering reward OF five hundred dol
lars for the apprehension Of Nat. Turner, the
leader Of the late insurrection in Southampton
This fellow is described as between 80 and SIS
Years old, feet or inches high, weighs be-
tween $50 ard loo pounds, rather bright COM
blexion, but not mulatto, broad shoulders, large
fat nose. large eyes. broad fiat feet, rather
knock-kneed, walks brisk and active, hair on the
ton of the head rather thin, no beard, except on
the upper lip and tue top Of the chin scar on
.,,o opa IN he hack If his