the other hand, the services of Gullah Jack, so called because of his Angola origin, were enlisted, for as a recognized conjuror he could bewitch the recalcitrant and bestow charmed crabs’ claws upon those joining the plot to make them invulnerable.  In the spring of 1822 things were put in train for the outbreak.  The Angolas, the Eboes and the Carolina-born were separately organized under appropriate commanders; arrangements were made looking to the support of the plantation slaves within marching distance of the city; and letters were even sent by the negro cook on a vessel bound for San Domingo with view apparently both to getting assistance from that island and to securing a haven there in case the revolt should prove only successful enough to permit the seizure of the ships in Charleston harbor.  Meanwhile the coachmen and draymen in the plot were told off to mobilize the horses in their charge, pikes were manufactured, the hardware stores and other shops containing arms were listed for special attention, and plans were laid for the capture of the city’s two arsenals as the first stroke in the revolt.  This was scheduled for midnight on Sunday, June 16.

[Footnote 72:  See above, p. 421.]

On May 30 George, the body-servant of Mr. Wilson, told his master that Mr. Paul’s William had invited him to join a society which was to make a stroke for freedom.  William upon being seized and questioned by the city council made something of a confession incriminating two other slaves, Mingo Harth and Peter Poyas; but these were so staunch in their denials that they were discharged, with confidential slaves appointed to watch them.  William was held for a week of solitary confinement, at the end of which he revealed the extensive character of the plot and the date set for its maturity.  The city guard was thereupon strengthened; but the lapse of several days in quiet was about to make the authorities incredulous, when another citizen brought them word from another slave of information precisely like that which had first set them on the qui vive.  This caused the local militia to be called out to stiffen the patrol.  Then as soon as the appointed Sunday night had passed, which brought no outbreak, the city council created a special court as by law provided, comprising two magistrates together with five citizens carefully selected for their substantial character and distinguished position.  These were William Drayton, Nathaniel Heyward, James R. Pringle, James Legare and Robert J. Turnbull.  More sagacious and responsible men could certainly not have been found.  A committee of vigilance was also appointed to assist the court.