THIS DAY IN VIRGINIA HISTORY Click image for larger view. August
30, 1800 Mosby Sheppard Warned Governor Monroe About a Slave
Plot One of the most extensive antislavery conspiracies in
American history was aborted on August 30, 1800. Led by a
blacksmith named Gabriel, who was owned by Thomas Prosser, of
Henrico County, the slave group planned to enter Richmond,
capture the Capitol and the Virginia State Armory, and hold the
governor hostage to bargain for freedom for Virginia's slaves. A
storm delayed the conspirators' gathering, and a few slaves told
their masters of the plot. The conspirators were arrested, and
twenty-six slaves were hanged, while another apparently
committed suicide in his cell. Two slaves who had informed their
masters about the intended rebellion received their freedom.