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Questions and Answers
What concern is expressed regarding the distribution of arms in the counties between the original region and the Blue Ridge Mountains?
What does John Floyd express frustration over during the council meeting?
What consequence does Floyd anticipate for the enslaved individuals Lucy and Joe?
What was John Floyd's stance on the punishment for the insurgents reported in the trial?
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What obligation does John Floyd cite that affects his decision regarding the prisoners?
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What action did Governor John Floyd take regarding the fate of four specific prisoners mentioned in his diary?
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What was the nature of the conduct described by Governor Floyd regarding the insurgents during Nat Turner's rebellion?
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How long did it take for the insurgents to progress before they were checked, according to Floyd's account?
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What role did General Eppes play in the events described in Governor Floyd's diary?
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Which specific trial outcome is noted by Governor Floyd in his entries?
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What was one of the executive responsibilities Governor Floyd mentioned he attended to on the sixth day?
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How did Governor Floyd describe his well-being on the sixth day of his diary entries?
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What was the primary concern mentioned regarding the negroes in Northampton County?
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Which day did the writer report feeling unwell and had to go to bed?
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What action was taken against five slaves involved in the Southampton insurrection?
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Who was identified as a key figure involved in the instigation of the Southampton massacre?
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What was the outcome of Misek's trial for conspiracy?
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What was the writer's sentiment regarding the report of families being murdered in Dinwiddie?
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What did the writer mention about the negroes' disposition towards rebellion as of the nineteenth day?
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On which day did the writer receive a record of nine slaves condemned to hang?
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What did the writer do on the twelfth day despite feeling unwell?
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What was the state of health of the writer by the eleventh day?
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Study Notes
John Floyd's Diary Entries - September 1831
- John Floyd was the Governor of Virginia in 1831.
- He received daily updates from General Eppes, the commander of the militia, regarding Nat Turner's rebellion and the ensuing trials.
- Trials were held for those involved in the rebellion, commencing on August 31st and continuing into September.
- On September 1st, four slaves (Moses, Daniel, Andrew, and Jack) were convicted of conspiracy and murder; Moses and Daniel were sentenced to hang.
- Floyd was informed about the violence in Southampton County, including details of the brutal killings of men, women, and infants.
- Despite the violence, Floyd received reports of slaves defending their masters and providing information to the authorities.
- Floyd also received reports of unrest in Northampton County, where guns were found in the hands of enslaved people and he feared the insurrection in Southampton would lead to a wider uprising.
- He authorized the distribution of ammunition to Northampton and Accomack counties.
- Accusing preachers of instigating the rebellion, Floyd expressed concern about the spread of insurrectionary sentiments, particularly from free Black people living in the District of Columbia.
- While still unwell, Floyd continued to receive updates on the trial of slaves accused of participating in the rebellion, reading court records and making decisions regarding their punishments.
- Floyd repeatedly mentioned receiving the court records for various trials and his obligation to consult with the Council of State before granting reprieves, which he frequently did for transportation instead of the death penalty.
- He received a report from Colonel Davidson of the 39th Regiment in Petersburgh that families had been murdered in Dinwiddie County, raising concerns about further violence.
- However, further reports from Colonel Davidson confirmed the initial report regarding the massacre was false, and slaves in the area remained peaceful.
- In response to the ongoing fear and unrest throughout the state, Floyd ordered the distribution of arms to counties between Richmond and the Blue Ridge Mountains, despite his belief that slaves were not a threat.
- Floyd experienced challenges in convening the Council of State due to the absence of members.
- He emphasized his commitment to the constitution and the need for Council approval before granting reprieves, even in scenarios that could have resulted in the execution of those sentenced.
- Floyd's actions highlight both concern about the spread of rebellion and ongoing efforts to control and punish enslaved people.
Key Figures
- John Floyd: Governor of Virginia (1830-1834)
- General Eppes: Commander of the Virginia Militia
- Colonel William Christian: Commandant of the 27th Regiment
- Colonel Davidson: Colonel of the 39th Regiment in Petersburgh
- Nat Turner: Leader of an enslaved rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia in 1831
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Description
Explore the historical context of John Floyd's diary entries from September 1831, during a tumultuous time in Virginia. This quiz covers the events surrounding Nat Turner's rebellion, including the trials and the responses of the governor and the militia. Test your knowledge of this pivotal moment in American history!