An ambitious but abortive plan to revolt that ended in the conviction and hanging of over two dozen men; Gabriel’s Conspiracy of 1800 sought nothing less than to capture the capital city of Richmond and end slavery in Virginia. Whispers of Rebellion draws on recent scholarship and extensive archival material to provide the clearest view yet of this fascinating chapter in the history of slavery―and to question much about the case that has been accepted as fact.In his examination of the slave Gabriel and his group of insurgents; Michael Nicholls focuses on the neighborhood of the Brook; north of Richmond; as the plot’s locus; revealing the area’s economic and familial ties; the geographic proximity of the key conspirators; and how their contacts allowed their plan to spread across three counties and into the cities of Richmond and Petersburg. Nicholls explores underdocumented aspects of the conspiracy; such as the participants’ recruitment and motives; showing them to be less ideologically driven than previously supposed. The author also looks at the state’s swift and brutal response; and argues persuasively that; rather than the coalition between blacks and whites that has been described in other accounts; the participants were all slaves or free blacks; suffering under an oppressive white population and willing to die for their freedom.
#1740030 in Books Univ of Virginia Pr 2015-01-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.21 x .63 x 6.14l; 1.42 #File Name: 0813915740250 pages
Review
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful. A valuable source -- but...By K. FreemanObviously; as a primary source; this is valuable material; but I have to admit that I found it rather dull. Naturally it isn't fair to judge someone's personal letters on their literary quality; but I wish Goree had seen fit to describe his tasks as an aide; battles (Gettysburg; to my recollection; never appears here); or; well; anything. He focuses primarily on how all his various relatives are doing and so on. At the end of the book letters between him; General Longstreet; and other aides have been appended which will interest those studying the various controversies which have surrounded Longstreet. I really can't see how the non-specialist will enjoy this.5 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Great ReadingBy Old WarhorseGreat reading. Goree has a way with words and this is primary source reading at it's best. Entertaining; insightful as only a member of Longstreet's inner circle could be. Best of all; he doesn't say much about the endless brohauhau concerning Gettyburg. What a relief. Great appendex. Letters to and from Gen. Longstreet; etc. A good read for anyone.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. LONGSTREET'S AIDE: THE CIVIL WAR LETTERS OF MAJ. THOS. J. GOREEBy Lynda RingoldI rated this five stars because it was well written by a man who was at Longstreet's side and was a first hand account of what happened-not just an historians perspective
