Shoulders of Giants

September 15, 2015

From the Inkwell of: Bartholomew J. Worthington III

Get FREE of Die Trying. Nat Turner. Shoulder of Giants

Nathanial Turner was born, enslaved, on October 2, 1800 in Southampton County, Virginia on the plantation of Benjamin Turner. His mother, Nancy, was a kidnapped native-born African woman, who passed on to her son the legacy of a passionate hatred for the institution of slavery.

From an early age, Nat was recognized as gifted. It was said that he was able to describe events that had taken place before he had even been born. Combined with his sharp mind, many of the local enslaved people saw him as a prophet.

Turner would learn how to read and write from one of Benjamin's sons, and would develop into a deeply religious young man. He would spend much of his time not in the field fasting and praying. Often his mother and grandmother would tell him that he was "intended for some great purpose."

In 1821, Nat would escape to freedom, but after 30 days, he returned. He would later reveal that he had received a vision in which the Spirit instructed him to "return to the service of my earthly master."

After the passing of Samuel Turner, Nat would end up working on the plantation of Thomas Moore. When Moore died, Nat would become "owned" by his widow, and when she remarried John Travis, he would work Travis' property.

In 1825, Turner would have a vision of a violent confrontation between Black and white spirits. A few years later, on May 12, 1828, Nat would have another vision. In this one:

"A Spirit instantly appeared to me and said the Serpent is loosened, and Christ has laid down the yoke he had borne for the sins of men, and that I should take it on and fight against the Serpent...and by signs in the heavens that it would make known to me when I should commence the great work...I should arise and prepare myself and slay my enemies with their own weapons."

In February 1831, there would be a solar eclipse which Nat took to be the "sign in the heavens" he had been promised. He would confide his plan with 4 other enslaved men whom he trusted and they initially agreed to launch the uprising on July 4th. Their action would be postponed, however, because Nat would become ill.

On August 13, 1831, there was an atmospheric condition that caused the sun to appear bluish-green. Interpreting this to be the final sign, Turner and his confidants would launch their fight for freedom on August 21, 1831. At 2am thy overran the Travis household and killed the entire family. They would continue from property to property until the force consisted of over 75 armed men, many on horses.

Turner's plan was to ride to Jerusalem, which was the Southampton County seat, and take control of the armory located there. Word of the uprising quickly spread, however, and Turner would meet resistance from the combined force of 3,000 local whites supplemented by state militia.

Many of the members in Turner's force were killed or captured in this battle. Turner himself would avoid capture for the better part of six weeks before finally being captured on October 31st.

In the immediate aftermath of Turner's uprising, whites would retaliate by murdering up to as many as 200 Blacks, many who had played absolutely no role whatsoever in the revolution.

Nathanial Turner would be tried and convicted for his actions. He was hung on November 11, an then his body was skinned. In all, the state of Virginia would execute 55 people and banish far more. Slave holders were reimbursed for their slaves, and the state even took a vote on the abolishment of slavery that narrowly resulted in the retention of the practice of "owning" people.

Nat Turner's Rebellion would be used by both abolitionists and those who opposed them to make a case for their causes.

3 Lessons

The importance of Forceful Resistance: While history has largely been supportive of the attempts of men in pursuit of their freedom, it is largely hypocritical when it comes to enslaved Blacks using force. The fact is, there may be a time when forceful insurrection may be necessary to achieve the desired end of liberation. And while Nat Turner would die for his role in planning and executing his revolution, he would die a Free Man.
The importance of Purpose: One of the things that made Nat Turner a formidable adversary was the fact that he felt he was doing God's work. From a young age, Nat was regarded as "gifted", a "prophet" and "destined for greatness." This purpose would drive him until his very last breath.
The importance of Unity: Probably the most cautionary aspect of the failing of Nat Turner's Revolution was that many enslaved people opted not to get involved for fear of retribution. The irony is that hundreds of individuals who were innocent would ultimately be murdered by frenzied white mobs intent vengeance. The lesson here is simple: If they will kill you simply for who you are, you are better off dying while fighting for your freedom.

"“And my father and mother strengthened me in this my first impression, saying in my presence, I was intended for some great purpose, which they had always thought from certain marks on my head and breast.”

Nat Turner

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"“And my father and mother strengthened me in this my first impression, saying in my presence, I was intended for some great purpose, which they had always thought from certain marks on my head and breast.”

Nat Turner

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