Rumor Of Revolt

A Rumor of Revolt

In the book a Rumor of Revolt by T.J. Davis a conspiracy is discussed greatly. The trials, convictions, and execution of 30 slaves and 4 whites in New York City in 1741 happened because several judges believed there was a conspiracy to burn the city and kill all of its white residents. Throughout the book the judges use this conspiracy to create fear throughout the city. They bend rules and the definition of evidence to make their conspiracy a reality. But there are other reasons behind the conspiracy, which include political, religious and economical reasons. The fear of slaves rebelling, Catholicism and the burden of an economic depression led to a rumor of revolt.

A rumor of revolt began when in 1712 slaves in Manhattan, New York set fires, robbed and murdered several white people. People in New York City became very concerned. Intimidated by the large amount of slaves, one out of every 5 people was black, the Americans began to fear greatly a revolt against slave owners in an attempt to get equal rights and free themselves from enslavement. Immediately judges were out to look for the slaves responsible for the plotting and committing these crimes and the white men and women that had to have something to do with it. There was no doubt that there were meetings held and plotting was discussed. There was also evidence, often confessions, of talk of hopes of gaining freedom, fights to create equal rights for blacks and whites, and to act against the laws that limited their liberties. And it was clear with the burning of Fort George and other places that some slaves and whites did more than just talk. For the judges, this was a nightmare. The idea of slaves conspiring with whites was unheard of. This only drove them to be more desperate to capture anyone associated with the plot. The slaves for the first time in New York City used fear to cause uproar in the city that thought it knew so well how to use fear to oppress.

Besides fear there were other reasons the judges believed so strongly in the plot. Religious and political happenings at the time caused insecurities in New York City. In England the Reformation and the years after brought about Catholic-Protestant hostility. Beginning with King Henry VIII and ending with King James II religious and political torment swept through England. When King James II was removed by Parliament for trying to rid the laws against Catholics, Protestants William and Mary were brought in to take over as king and queen of England. But the damage had already been done. Many English fled to America to seek freedom from religion. They weren't very tolerant of other religions though. In New York, Protestants and Jews were allowed but Catholics were not. English colonies, because of their history with France and Spain feared invasion. It didn't help that New York was on the border