Proceedings of Isle of Wight County Court, 24, 27 March 1709.

Att a Cort held for the Isle of Wight County ye 24th of March 1709, by Ordr of the Honble ye president & Council for the Examinacon, of matters relating to a Conspiracy of divers Negros.

The Cort. apprehending that by the referring the Examinacons in this matter they may have better Informacon, by Evidence or Confession, for the more Exact, & full putting in Ex. the sd Ordr, have thought fitt, to adjourn the Cort. till Monday the 27th Inst.

Att wch Cort. held the 27th March 1709,

The Cort. having Caused the severall negroes in Custody and the Evidence produced to be duly Examined, and Finding that It does not appear that any of them are principalls or abettrs. have proceeded as followeth vizt.

It appearing to the Cort. that Manuell a Negro of Mr. Jno George, by the Confession of Scipio a negro of Mr. Wm Edwards att Surry Cort, and by his own Confession, was Knoweing of the designe of the negroes goeing away. Ordered that he receive thirty Lashes upon his bare back well layd on. Which was performed accordingly.

Upon the Examinacon of James Booth a free negro, the Cort. finding he was knowing of the negroes Intentions, of goeing away, and likewise Enterteyned diverse of them att his House, Ordered that he receive Twenty nine Lashes upon his bare Back well layd on, which was done accordingly.

And then the Cort. adjourned till further Informacon.

                                                            Teste: Chas. Chapman C. Co.

  Colonial Papers, Record Group 1, Library of Virginia.