A Rumor of Revolt: The "Great Negro Plot" in Colonial New York

by Thomas J. Davis

Analyzes the trials held in colonial New York concerning an alleged slave conspiracy, and looks at what this indicates about the city's racial and ethnic tensions, and legal system.

Genres: History

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Nick Urciuoli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Davis' narrative of trials and executions in the wake of a series of arson attacks in 1741 New York City revolves around a single over-zealous judge: Daniel Horsmanden. Not only do the judge and his colleagues convict defendants, including slaves and whites with low social status, based on flimsy evidence and unfair court procedure; Davis also concludes that Horsmanden projected collective social fears (e.g., slave uprisings and ungratefulness, Irish Catholics, and Spanish invaders) into his consideration of the cases, thereby justifying harsh measures to quell supposedly dire consequences. But in characterizing the executions of slaves and others as unjust, Davis nevertheless acknowledges that slaves and Irish soldiers indeed committed serious crimes. A Rumor of Revolt is an enjoyable and nuanced book.


Horsmanden's opposition to slavery as presented in the book also lends insight into how at least some urban residents viewed slavery before the Constitution was written. The judge wanted New York cleared of slavery, but not out of concern for the slaves' welfare. Rather, Horsmanden feared that slavery contributed to social disorder. If he shared this view with some of his contemporaries, the interpretation of the Constitution that holds that the Framers anticipated slavery would die out on its own (thus obviating the need for an intractable fight at the Constitutional Convention) is marginally strengthened.