Jesse H. Simmons, commander of the Roanoke Blues a light infantry company, reports that "information reached Halifax Town Stating that the Slaves of Southampton VA were in a state of open rebellion" and that he soon thereafter mobilized his men to march "to the assistence of our distressed neighbours in Southampton." He reports that, in his absence, his house became a "retreat not only for the militia actually called out but for a great number of women and children of Halifax Town & County," whereby he incurred expense in feeding them "for several days" and in caring for their horses. Admitting that "he was disposed and did do all in his power to serve his Country in this unfortunate affair," Simmons nevertheless asserts that "he is unable and unwilling to sustain a loss as heavy as this." The petitioner therefore prays that he receive remuneration, even though "he is unable himself to make any estimate of what he actually did suffer." Related documents reveal that during Simmons's absence, "all the male servants were taken up and put in Jail" during the "alarm."
Result: Referred to county court.
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Repository: North Carolina Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, North Carolina