In this letter to James
Monroe, Mosby Sheppard warns the governor of a planned insurrection that
came to be known as Gabriel's Conspiracy.
Two enslaved men owned by the Mosby family, Pharoah and Tom, had betrayed the
conspiracy to Sheppard earlier in the day.
I have Just been informed that the Negroes were to rise (as they termed it) in the
neighbourhood of Mr Tho: H. Prossers and to kill the neighbours Viz: Majr: Wm: Mosby
Thoma H. Prosser and Mr Johnson from thence they were to proceed to Town where they
would be joined by the Negroes of this place (Richmond) after which they were to take
possession of the Arms and ammunition and then take possession of the Town.
— page 2 —
Here they stoped; appearing much agitated. I then asked them two questions viz: When
was it to take place! Ans to Night! who is the principal Man! Ans Prossers Gabriel. I
have given you the substance of what I have hear'd and there is not a doubt in my
mind but what my information is true and I have given you this information in order
that the intended masacre may be prevented if possible.
I am with due respect,
Mosby Sheppard
Richmond
Aug: 30 1800
— page 3 —
N.B. I will here recite to you the manner in which I got this information. I was
siting in the Compting room with the door shut and no one near except myself they
nocked at the door and I let them in; they shut the door themselves and then began to
tell what I have before recited.
