Information Control in Early 19th Century American Slave Societies: The Conflict Over Information in Richmond and Southampton Following Organized Resistance Open Access

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the conflict over the information control in early 19th-century Virginia, as told through a study of the Richmond and Southampton rebellions. This research was conducted primarily within the newspapers published after the events, the court records of enslaved peoples’ trials, and the narratives of other enslaved peoples. The rebellions induced in white Virginians a version of events that involved simplified barbarity simultaneously with the role of information in the organization of resistance. This attention to the significance of information prompted responses by enslavers which sought to extend further control over the access to and influence over information amongst enslaved communities. The conflict over information in Virginia reveals the significance of controlling information to enslavers for maintaining the stability of their society and control over enslaved peoples. For enslaved peoples, information networks are shown to be important and attentively maintained in Virginia for the survival of themselves and their communities.

Table of Contents

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………….. 1

Chapter 1: Newspapers …………………..…………………………………………………. 13

Chapter 2: Courts and Enslaver Documents………………………………………………… 32

Chapter 3: Enslaved People’s self histories…………………………………………………. 62

Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………….. 90

Bibliography………………………………………………………………………………… 93

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	History
Degree	B.A.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	History, United States History, Black
Keyword	Virginia Southampton Richmond Slavery Information
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Maria R. Montalvo, Emory University
Committee Members	Salmon Shomade, Emory University Susan Ashmore, Emory University

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