Analysis Of Gabriel's Rebellion By Douglas R. Egerton

In Gabriel’s Rebellion: The Virginia Conspiracies of 1800 & 1802, Douglas R. Egerton examines the events that led Gabriel to form his emancipation plan, and the subsequent aftermath that resulted. Through the use of a variety of primary sources—most notably trial records—Egerton paints an extensive and well written narrative. His account stretches from the American Revolution and the promise of freedom, to the end of the 1802 conspiracy and the Virginia Assembly’s bitter intentions to curtail the possibility of future rebellions. Yet, Egerton includes a wide assortment of asides, different characters, background information, and quotes that blend together to form a cohesive story. Through this book, Egerton argues that Gabriel, and consequently

Egerton provides an incredibly detailed and persuasive depiction of the controversies and revolutionary thought, including a variety of stories that supplement the overall narrative—such as the perspectives of rebel recruiters, the actions of elite planters, or the account of one female rebel. Interestingly though, as Egerton interprets the two conspiracies with regard to overall racial equality, he continually insists that Gabriel only disliked merchants, as seen in the preface. When discussing the formation of Gabriel’s mindset, as well, Egerton states that he “came to see the “merchants” who dominated the city, and not whites in general, as his chief antagonists.” I would argue that although labor and economic equality was Gabriel’s personal goal, he recognized the importance and necessity of overall equality. His status as a bondman, as well as his lack of certain freedoms, was a result of a larger issue—a society dominated by white elites that benefited from a cheap and profitable labor force of their own creation. In order for Gabriel to truly gain the benefits from his craft that he deserved, he would need all whites to recognize him and other blacks as the equals they truly were. Thus, although Gabriel saw merchants as his enemies, it is evident that his hate went

The first, and most personal, aspect of his plan involved the murder of his master Thomas Prosser, and Absalom Johnson. Whatever his reasoning was, Gabriel’s plan depicted these two as clear enemies to his goals, forcing them to pay for their crimes. Later, after Governor James Monroe had been captured, the plan called for the death of the Richmond townspeople—not including groups such as the poor whites—until they gave into his demands. Gabriel, by this point in time, called for political, social, and economic equality with white elites, a vision now far beyond just labor rights. Gabriel’s plan was more than an attack on merchants, it was at least an attack on white elites, and possibly those who could at least afford to live somewhat comfortably in the city. He was looking to rise up against those that were oppressing him—an issue that involved merchants but certainly was not limited to