[Footnote 1:  Official Report, 19.]

[Footnote 2:  Official Report, 96-97, and Higginson, 232-3.]

In the prosecution of such a plan the greatest secrecy and faithfulness were of course necessary, and Vesey waited until about Christmas, 1821, to begin active recruiting.  He first sounded Ned and Rolla Bennett, slaves of Governor Thomas Bennett, and then Peter Poyas and Jack Purcell.  After Christmas he spoke to Gullah Jack and Monday Gell; and Lot Forrester and Frank Ferguson became his chief agents for the plantations outside of Charleston.[1] In the whole matter of the choice of his chief assistants he showed remarkable judgment of character.  His penetration was almost uncanny.  “Rolla was plausible, and possessed uncommon self-possession; bold and ardent, he was not to be deterred from his purpose by danger.  Ned’s appearance indicated that he was a man of firm nerves and desperate courage.  Peter was intrepid and resolute, true to his engagements, and cautious in observing secrecy when it was necessary; he was not to be daunted or impeded by difficulties, and though confident of success, was careful in providing against any obstacles or casualties which might arise, and intent upon discovering every means which might be in their power if thought of beforehand.  Gullah Jack was regarded as a sorcerer, and as such feared by the natives of Africa, who believe in witchcraft.  He was not only considered invulnerable, but that he could make others so by his charms; and that he could and certainly would provide all his followers with arms....  His influence amongst the Africans was inconceivable.  Monday was firm, resolute, discreet, and intelligent."[2] He was also daring and active, a harness-maker in the prime of life, and he could read and write with facility; but he was also the only man of prominence in the conspiracy whose courage failed him in court and who turned traitor.  To these names must be added that of Batteau Bennett, who was only eighteen years old and who brought to the plan all the ardor and devotion of youth.  In general Vesey sought to bring into the plan those Negroes, such as stevedores and mechanics, who worked away from home and who had some free time.  He would not use men who were known to become intoxicated, and one talkative man named George he excluded from his meetings.  Nor did he use women, not because he did not trust them, but because in case of mishap he wanted the children to be properly cared for.  “Take care,” said Peter Poyas, in speaking about the plan to one of the recruits, “and don’t mention it to those waiting men who receive presents of old coats, etc., from their masters, or they’ll betray us; I will speak to them.”

[Footnote 1:  Official Report, 20.  Note that Higginson, who was so untiring in his research, strangely confuses Jack Purcell and Gullah Jack (p. 230).  The men were quite distinct, as appears throughout the report and from the list of those executed.  The name of Gullah Jack’s owner was Pritchard.]