BLACK & BLUE SESQUICENTENNIAL (150^TH ANNIVERSARY) OF ENSLAVED PERSONS’ PLAN TO SELF-EMANCIPATE IN ADAMS AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES DURING THE CIVIL WAR

FRSI 2011 Black and Blue Civil War Living History Events Program Flow and Scripts for Forksoftheroads.net Website

Written & Prepared by Ser Seshsh Ab Heter-CM Boxley, Coordinator, Friends of Forks of Roads Society Inc. (FRSI)

Copy at your discretion!

BLACK & BLUE SESQUICENTENNIAL (150^TH ANNIVERSARY) OF ENSLAVED PERSONS’ PLAN TO SELF-EMANCIPATE IN ADAMS AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES DURING THE CIVIL WAR

2011, breaking a 150 Year Silence in Jefferson & Adams Counties about Slaves’ FREEDOM PLAN in 1861, Based upon Winthrop D. Jordan’s Publication of Tumult and Silence at Second Creek an Inquiry Into a Civil War Slave Conspiracy. Jordan Maintained That Neither Any News Of The 2^nd Creek & Natchez Insurrection Event Appeared In Any Formal Report Or Newspaper. Nor Was The Event Talked About Publicly. It Was Kept Very Quite & Silent

During Spring, Summer And Fall Stages Of The Uncivil War In 1861, Dozens Of Chattel Enslaved Persons In Natchez & Second Creek Areas Of Adams & Jefferson Counties Ms. Were Poised To Carry Out A Plan To Self-Liberate.

In Adams Co., anticipating Civil War Freedom, Slaves Began Making A Self-Emancipation Plan: Annihilate Male And Female “Masters,” & Slaves Who Would Not Participate; Take White Women; & Join The United States Army As Freedom Fighters.

Natchez, Adams & Jefferson Counties Were Part of a Vast & Expansive Cotton Empire. Thousands of African Descendants Were Enslaved When The War Began.

In the “master-slave” principles are issues of superiority vs. inferiority, human vs. subhuman, race vs. racism and freedom vs. chattel bondage

(con·spir·a·cy /an evil, unlawful, treacherous, or surreptitious plan formulated in secret by two or more persons. A typical plan is any diagram or list of steps with timing and resources, used to achieve an objective”). Freedom was the Objective!

OCTOBER 1, 2011 : HISTORIC JEFFERSON MILITARY COLLEGE WASHINGTON MISSISSIPPI.

11 A. M

Welcome Dance

Children’s Runaway Enslaves & Underground Railroad How They Survived Hike, Jefferson College’s Nature Trails led by Natchez Trace Parkway Ranger, Patrick Shell

Special Guest Speaker:

California Professor Ronald F. Davis Speaks on: Award Winner Ser Boxley’s Equal History Efforts Forcing Natchez National Historical Park Service, Historic Natchez Foundation, Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi, City of Natchez Division of Tourism, Mississippi Department of Archives & History & Mississippi Historical Records Advisory Board & Others To Publicly Break Their Silence About The Slave Insurrection On 2^nd Creek & Natchez In 1861

Q & A + Break

1: P.M.

“If compared with other notable episodes in the United States, the events at Second Creek were not minor.”

Welcome Dance!

Act I

In late April of 1861, city slaves had gone down to Natchez Under the Hill to watch the newly outfitted Quitman’s Light Artillery go off from the Natchez Landing to go fight for the south in the Civil War.

On their way back up Silver Street, Bill Postelethwaite, James Carter, John Chase and other slaves began a conversation about freeing themselves from slavery.

1^st Set: Hatching a Freedom Plan Coming from Natchez-Under-the-Hill in April of 1861 after Watching Quitman’s Light Artillery Ship off to Fight for the South in the Civil War

2^nd Set: Natchez Freedom Planners’ General Freedom Plan

3^rd Set: Stealing old master Chase’s newspapers, that has news about the war!

Act II

In Jefferson County Mississippi white people were horrified when they discovered slaves had developed a PLAN to take their freedom by killing their masters. Afterwards, they would join the United States Army as freedom fighters.

Fear was so great some whites opposed allowing any more volunteer Confederate soldiers to leave the county to fight. May 14, 1861, slave-masters Howell Hines and J. D. L. Davenport wrote letters to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus asking him to keep as many of the local militia as possible in Jefferson County as protection on account of the danger of Negroes uprising.

Governor John Pettus also received notice of another planned rebellion on the Louisiana side of the Mississippi River. Aware that through their grapevine communications system, slaves all knew of the war and what it was for, Master Isaac Harrison of Tensas Parish hid beneath his house and eavesdropped on a conversation between his slaves and those of his brother, David Harrison, who was visiting him. He heard them say they would begin striking against white folks on the 4th of July. That date chosen so that takiing their freedom would coincide with the celebration of national independence and on Lincoln's opening of a special congressional session on the war The slaves believed that Lincoln's troops would come down the river, and the two forces (slave and Federal) would join together to kill the masters. .

1^st Set: Davy Harrison, carriage driver organizes slaves & forms freedom PLAN.

2^nd Set: Master David Harrison visit his brother, Isaac Harrison across the river in Tensas Parish Louisiana

3rd Set: David Harrison back in Jefferson County organizes the Minute Men Vigilance Committee

4th Set: David Slay, JEFFERSON COUNTY PLANTER STRESSES WEAKNESS IN FACE OF NEGRO PLOT, MAY 14

5^th Set: David Dreyer, JEFFERSON COUNTY PLANTER WRITES ABOUT INSURRECTION, MAY 14, 1861

6^TH SET: ANDREA CATER, SUSAN SILLERS DARDEN JESSE DARDEN’S WIFE REVIEWS DIARY JEFFERSON CO. Ms.

Freedom Song…….Oh, Freedom, Oh Freedom….Audience Join In

Intermission

Act III

Second Creek Plantations Community Adams County Mississippi

Key Second Creek plantations: Brighton John S. Mosby, Cherry Grove Jacob Surget (Most of Vigilance Committee’s meeting held here & 10 revolutionaries hung here), Oakland John Newton Helm, Grove A. C. Henderson, Waverly John T. Scott, Palatine James M. Mitchell, Elgin Dr. Samuel L. Grier, Montrose Dr. James Metcalf, Fair Oaks Dr. Orrick Metcalf, The Grove Henry Metcalf, Dumbarton Martha Dunbar (Mary Dunbar’s Mother-in-law), Forest Mary G. Dunbar

Enslaved persons on the Brighton and Forest plantations were the core leaders and key planners of the 2^nd Creek Freedom PLAN

1^st Set: Anna B. Mosby, Daughter Of John S. Mosby On 2nd Creek Calls Slave, Nelson Mosby, Brittney Smith

2nd Set: Mosby Slaves at Brighton Key Organizers Talk About War & Freedom among Themselves Early May 1861. Present Are Orange, Nelson, (Father of Wesley), Alfred, (son of Harry Scott), Wesley and Harvey, (Son of Orange)

3^rd Set: Fishing Hole Mosby & Mitchell’s Slaves Brighton & Palatine Plantations talk Freedom PLAN Circa 5-20, 1861

Present Are Orange, Nelson, Alfred, Wesley & Harvey Mosby, from Palatine are, Dennis, John “The Driver”, Doctor, “Little” John, Edward and Harry Lyle Mitchell

4^th Set: The Emerging Leader of the Second Creek Freedom Planners Visits and Stays At Mrs. King. Mrs. King Has No Qualms Bout Talking To Slaves

5^th Set: Orange is Back Hiding out at Second Creek and Meets with Mosby and Mitchell Plantations Men

6^th Set: Orange Mosby Sneaks Around the Mitchell’s Palatine Plantation to See His Sweetheart Caroline Mitchell

7^th Set: Friday night dance at Forest Plantation

8^th Set: Sunday Meeting at Polly’s Cabin on Brighton Plantation: Enslaved folks on Second Creek have Sundays off for church, visiting family and other social gatherings. No overseers or masters are present

SWING LOW SWEET CHARIOT A SONG OF FREEDOM….Audience Join In

9^th Set: Organizing Them-selves Military Style, Orange Mosby Becomes Captain “O”

10^th Set: Captain “O” goes to Mrs. King, Fortune Teller of Cards on Pine Ridge Community (2^nd visit)

Act IV

Breaking News

Natchez Daily Courier September 14, 1861 “A most intolerable Nuisance exists in our city at this time. We allude to the young negroes who are learning to beat the drum. In other respects, after night-fall, our city is delightfully quiet—but, that interminable rub-a-dub-rub-a-dub, commences immediately after dark and never ceases until the nine o’clock bell runs the musical aspirants home. If they must make night hideous with their noises, why do they not give different portions of the city a specimen of their advancement, and not stick to one locality? We would most respectfully suggest to them to divide their favors—to spread them out a little more. The annoyance would not then be so great, or it could be less burdensome to submit to it. Pray let the southern and western portions of the city have a specimen of your skill.”

1^st: Set LOUISA LOVELL Daughter of Prominent Politician, Writes Her Husband In The Confederate Army, About Natchez Insurrection… ANDREA CATER

HUSBAND CAPTAIN JOSEPH LOVELL REPLIES FROM THE FRONT IN VIRGINIA… DAVID SLAY

Second Creek Vigilance Committee at Cherry Grove

Alexander K. Farrar likely had a lot to do with keeping silent the tumult at Second Creek and Natchez. Three years earlier he was part of an investigation into slaves killing of overseers on Second Creeks’ Cedar Grove and Mandamus plantations. Farrar’s argued back in 1957 “that making a spectacle of hanging the culprits could incite still, more killings. If the Negroes are brought out in public to be hung, and they get up and talk out that they have got religion and are ready to go home to heaven and so on, it will have a bad effect upon the other Negroes” in A. Kaye Joining Places. Once the Vigilance Committee learned that Second Creek Negroes planned to join up with Negroes in Natchez, Farrar adjoined meetings and went to Natchez where they held a mass public meeting at the Courthouse on September 30, 1861.

On October 1, 1861, they reconvened out at Pharsalia Racetrack about three miles east of Natchez

2nd Set: Benjamin Wailes Writes about the Examinations May 19 – October 23, 1861… David Dreyer

3rd Set: William J. Minor, Planter Discusses Examinations, Sept. 23 – Oct. 10, 1861 Plantation Diary… Ron Millier

Freedom Song Oh, Freedom, Oh Freedom… Audience Join In

ACT V

Fast Forwarding Two Years to the Freedom Summer of 1863

1^st Set: Captain “O”…Had Revolutionary Planners of Jefferson & Adams Counties Self-Emancipation Freedom Plan Waited Two More Years for the United States Army to Arrive

Thomas Turner Introduces: Colored U. S Troops, Infantry, Artillery, Cavalry, Engineers Pioneer Corps, Navy Sailors & Nurses. Contraband Civilians

“If compared with other notable episodes in the United States, with New York in 1712 and 1741, with Stono, South Carolina, in 1739, with Gabriel’s, Vesey’s and Turner’s rebellions in 1800, 1822, and 1831; even with the larger uprising outside New Orleans in 1811, the events at Second Creek were not minor.”

Little did the Vigilance Committee members sitting on the tribunal benches in Fayette, 2^nd Creek and Natchez’s St. Catherine Creek’s Pharsalia Racetrack pronouncing death sentence judgments for dozens of black revolutionaries know, within two short years Black Union Army soldiers would march throughout Adams and other surrounding Mississippi counties and Louisiana parishes, liberating their fellow enslaved African descendants. Many of the same able bodied enslaved men that had witnessed the horrifying beatings and hangings decisively helped put down the plantation owners’ rebellion against the United States of America. However they did not do so exactly like the organizers of the 1861 Freedom Planners had planned to do it!

Adjourn to the Sesquicentennial of 2012 =1862

President Lincoln’s Issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation September 22, 1862; December 31, 1862 Night Watch (all black churches), Waiting for January 1, 1863 When Emancipation Proclamation went into Effect; The 150^th Anniversary of the Emancipation taking effect January 1, 2013.

THANKS TO REGULAR AND NEW BUSINESS AND INDIVIDUAL DONORS 2011

Marion Vines, J & M Jones Lumber Company, B & K Bank, Charles Woods Security, Biscuits and Blues, Monmouth Plantation, Supermarkets Operations, Kush New Afrikan Nationals, H. I. Stahlman II, Callon Oil Company, Miss-Lou OB/GYN, Willie Green, Thomas McNeely Attorney, United Mississippi Bank, Edward C. “Eddie” Walker Adams Co. Circuit Clerk, Thomas O’Beirne Adams Co. Chancery Clerk, Peter Burns Adams Co. Tax Collector, Thelma Williams, La Fiesta Grande Restaurant, Trinity Church, Old South Trading Post, Afua Sarah Dave, Dr. Moshe Young of Vicksburg, Ned Hester of Lutcher La., David Dreyer, Ralph Vecero, Dr. George Smith of Murfreesboro Tn, Chesney Eco Pictures, Broadmoor Utilities, Whittington Insurance Co., Jenette Felton, Herb Roberts of NY, Roy Lewis Photos Archives of Maryland, Professor Ronald Davis of California

Other Supporters: Jolivette Anderson-Douoning Purdue University, Tselane Mbou, Ed Butler, Natchez Trace Parkway Ranger Patrick Shell, Vicksburg Military Park David Slay, Bluff City Post, Jackson Advocate, Professor Ronald F. Davis, Jefferson Military College, Melrose of NNHP, Marianne Raley, Elodie Pritchett,

Friends of Forks of Roads Society Inc Members: Kathy Moody, Diane Brooks, Afua Sarah Dave, Carolyn Smith, David Dreyer, Josephine Webster,

Living History Role Players: Ron Miller, David Dreyer, David Slay, David Williams, Diane Brooks, Tselane Mbou, Darrell White, Royal Hill, Larry Davis, Vickie Green, David Mosley, Karlyn Ritchie, Andea Cater, Brittney Smith, Chris Cater, Barbara Williams, Jamal McCullen, Amy Rucker, Danniel Terrelll, Norman Fisher & Others

An Annual Civil War Event of Friends of the Forks of the Roads Society Inc. P. O. Box 2188 Natchez, Ms. 39121
http://www.forksoftheroads.net/

Email: forksyaroads@aol.com

Designed and written by Award Winner Ser Seshsh Ab Heter-CM Boxley, Coordinator

Scripts for 2011 Black and Blue Actors

WELCOME DANCE CHANT

The Spirits of the Natchez and other Indigenous Nations who offered refuse to runaway enslaved persons welcome you.

The Spirits of thousands of ill-gotten African descendants sold on the sacred and hallow grounds of the Forks of the Roads enslavement sale markets welcome you.

Goddess Mother Earth welcome you
The Sky God Welcome you

The Air God Welcome you.

The Sun God Welcome you.

The Moon Goddess Welcome you.

The Star Goddess Welcome you.

The Earth

The Sky

The Moon

The Sun

The Moon

The Sun

The Sky

The Earth

Welcome you

Natchez Welcome you.

God Welcome you.

Act I

Hatching a Freedom Plan Coming from Natchez-Under-the-Hill April 14, 1861 after Watching Quitman’s Light Artillery Ship off to Fight for the South in the Civil War

1^st Set: Bill Postelethwaite…(Royal Hill)… You knows, I’se think dis is a good time fer us’en to rise up and take us freedom, whilse most all de able bodi white men done gon off to fight!

It’s de right time fer us to do something to get us freedom.

Ain’t no holding us back, iffen we strike at home whilse de white men gone off to fight fer to keeip us all slaves. We can help make Lincoln’s abolitionists army win de war. Us’en can join up wid Lincoln’s army and help bring de freedom to us people.

John Chase…(Lezell Williams)… Bill Postelethwaite! You sho is right! It be easier fer us’en to strike now! Cause all dey young white men done gone off to fight en de war!

Bill Postelethwaite…(Royal Hill)…James! What ya think bout it’s time us make a move to git us freedom whilst de able bodied white men done gone off to fight in de war, so dey can keep us colored people in slavery?

James Carter…(Darrell White)…(owned by George W. Fox, Drugstore operator)…Wellll, I’se agree wid John, you be right Bill! It’s time fer de colored men what be slaves in Natchez to rise up and break free from all dis slavery going on all over de place.

Bill Postelethwaite…(Royal Hill)…Wellll, let us go on back up top and go about Natchez talking dis idea of us’en and start de organizing of de slaves in Natchez! and making plans

John Chase…( Lezell Williams)…Yes, us need of put together a plan fer us to fight de white folks and git de other slaves in Adams County. When de other slaves in dis county see us fighting de white folks, dey mo dan likely gon do de same.

James Carter…(Darrell White)…Ya’ll knows, I’se can read and I’se gon steal de white folks newspapers and keep ya’ll informed on de goings on of de war!

Natchez Freedom Planners General Freedom Plan

2^nd Set: John Chase…( Lezell Williams)… Bill Postelethwaite, James Carter and me done gone round Natchez talking wid many of de other slaves and mulatoos, what de white folks call free people of color. Ther be plenty of dem what be both slaves and free people of color sey de be all fer joining in wid us’en and help to fight de white folks, fer to take us’en freedom..

Bill Postelethwaite…(Royal Hill)…Yea! De other slaves and free people of color agree dat de colored people working at de City Bakery gon put poison in de bread dey be baking every day fer old master Charlie. Master Charlie sells de bread all over de city. De whites won’t suspect anything about dey people dying, cause dey will think it be another break out of de yellow fever.

John Chase…( Lezell Williams)…I’se done sent word out to Orange Mosby by a Homochitto Teamsters what bring de cotton into Natchez from Second Creek dat when us set dis city on fire, it will be de signal fer de general uprising against de whites to start.

3rd Set: James Carter…Darrell White…I’se been stealing old master Fox’s newspapers what got news bout de war going ons! I’se be reading it to de slaves to let dem know bout de battles in de war. Just yesterday, I’se read this here news to them colored men of old master Aldrich and Smith and 25 other men, who been meeting and drilling for three weeks in Mrs. Boyds Bayou, gitting ready to rise up against de whites. It’s bout de goings on down dere in Penscola Florda. It’s bout old master Joe Lovell, what live right here in Natchez, at Monmouth Plantation done, done! Listen to dis!

Daring Exploit of Captain Lovell and the Natchez Light Artillery

Navy Yard, May 5, 1861 Correspondence of the New Orleans. Delta

A daring moorful attempt was made last night to obstruct the channel and entrance of the bay so as either to close it to the ships of war, or to compel them, if they attempt to come in, to do so in dangerous proximity to the United States Fort McRee. I believe the credit of this idea is due to Captain Lovell, of the Quitman Artillery of Natchez, formerly one of the most active, efficient, and producing officers of the United States Navy (now a Confederate Navy Officer). It had been intimated by the officers of the squadron inside, that a blockade of this port would continue today. In view of this, and of the danger of the ships attempting to come in, whilst our forts and batteries were engaged with Pickens, the plan was adopted of buying some vessels at Pensacola, and staking them in the channel.

To Captain Lovell this was assigned and promptly executed. A brig was brought down from Pensacola, and night before last a large detail from the (Confederate) army were employed with throwing heavy stones into her hold. This consumed nearly the whole night. In the meantime Com. Renshaw, Col. Stephens and Capt. Lovell, and a party of officers proceeded in one of the little steamers to the channel, and by sounding ascertained the proper place to sink the vessels, and placed buoys by which it could be ascertained. They were observed by the sentinels on the ramparts of the Union Fort Pickens, an alarm was given, and drums beat to arms, but they had accomplished their object and returned safely.

Last night a large force was set to work on the vessels again, and by midnight they were all got ready. Capt. Lovell’s company, sixty muskets were the only armed men in the party. A large brig and three scows heavily loaded with stones were fastened to the two little tug steamers, and under command of Capt. Lovell, assisted by Commander Renshaw, and superintended by Col. Stephens, Chief of Engineers, were then noiselessly conveyed about two miles out towards the point where the obstructions were to be placed. They passed very near to Union Army’s Fort Pickens, but excited no alarm. Having reached the scene of their operations, prompt measures were taken to sink the vessels.

This was done by scuttling, and the brig and those scows were just thirty-five minutes in sinking. Capt. Renshaw, with his little tug remained until the vessel had entirely disappeared, but the men on the steamers expected every moment to hear the whizzing of the big shot from Fort Pickens, or from the fleet which lay about a mile off. There was not, however, the slightest indication on either the Union’s forts or ships of any knowledge or observation of what was going on. At day break the Confederate party in command of this expedition returned to the yard safely, greatly to the relief of the whole camp and of the dwellers in the yard, who apprehended that an attempt to sink three vessels would draw fire of the fort, and bring on the action before our side was fully prepared therefor.

James Carter…Darrell White…Ya’ll know I’se could be arrested and hung for reading dis here newspaper bout the war. Ya’ll got to be careful how ya go bout talking bout dis.

Bill Postelethwaite…(Royal Hill)…I’se still sey let us don’t wait til Lincon’s army make it here. Why wait fer Lincon’s Army to git here, lik de sey out dere on Second Creek!

Act II

1^st Set

Davy Harrison…(Ser Seshsh Ab Heter)…I called ya’ll to dis meeting cause I want to tell ya’ll something powerful. It be two week since de south and de north done started fighting in de war. Every since de war broke out on April 12^th of dis year of 1861, I’se mo and mo of de younger white men lebe Jefferson County going off to fight fer to keep us slaves.

Right den and there, I’se thinking dis be a good time to make a move to git us freedom. I see dat us outnumber de white folks in Jefferson County 5 to 1. De time done cum fer us slaves to be free. Lincoln’s troops done started dey march on de south and soon dey gon cum down dat Mississippi River.

De whites done gone off to war fer to keep us in slavery. I’se hear de white folks talking bout de war dats going on.

Now being old master David Harrison carriage driver, I’se been talking to most of de other carriage drivers bout it is time fer us Negroes to rise up and take us freedom. I been gitting de carriage drivers to agree to take part in fighting the white folks. We been going around organizing de slaves without de whites knowing anything and have no suspicion bout what we been talking bout.

Fed Darden…(Larry Davis)…I’se sho been going round spreading de word on de grapevine bout Lincoln gon free de slaves.

John Montgomery…(Lezell Williams)…I done brought men to dis meeting what blong to old Howell Hind, Dr. Fox, Dr. Brummell, Samuel Darden, Jessie Darden, Frank Higdon, Sam Scott and old masters Dangerfield, Torrey, Mrs. Shackelford and Mrs. Sarah Howes. Dey all sey dey will fight de whites to git dey freedom, when Lincoln’s army cum down de ribber.

Davy Darden…(Jamall McCullen)…I been round talking to de slaves of de Darden families. My white folks don’t suspect me, cause I be a good blacksmith, carpenter and been driving carriage for old Samuel and Anna Darden fer 26 years!

Davy Harrison…( Ser Seshsh Ab Heter)…Alright den! Let’s agree on de leaders dat gon lead de colored men dat gon fight fer us freedom!

Davy Darden you be captain since you can go and cum everywhere round here in Jefferson County. Everybodi knows you be driving de carriage fer master Samuel Darden’s family.

John Montgomery, you be 1^st Lieutenant! You being a slave at master Prosper K. Montgomery’s plantation dat almost all of us can git in touch wid you, when us Captain Davy here is gone on one of he long driving trip, taking old missus Anna Darden to Natchez and back.

Davy Harrison…( Ser Seshsh Ab Heter)…Den here is what us plan to do! Us gon git started against de white folks on 4^th of July! Whilst de white folks be celebrating dey freedom from dey home country of England, us slaves gon start us fight fer to git us freedom on de 4^th of July.

De 4^th of July is only bout two months from now, so us must be ready!

On de 4^th of July, ya’ll slaves on old Sarah Howes place start de killing right there.

Den ya’ll on old Dr. Brummell’s place put chloroform in his whiskey!

Den all de rest of ya’ll kill yo masters and take de fine houses and white females fer wives as you like.

Den us gon git all de material thangs us want and march up de river to meet Mr. Lincoln’s army

Davy Harrison…( Ser Seshsh Ab Heter)…When master David Harrison go cross de river dis Sunday to see he brother, Isaac Harrison in Tensas Parish Louisiana, I’se gon talk to de slaves on dat plantation.

Act II

2^nd Set

Narrated by Ser Seshsh Ab Heter-CM Boxley,

2^nd Set and 3^rd Sets are non speaking sets. Role Actors will pretend to be doing so as called out by Ser in narration.

David Harrison… Ron Miller… goes across to visit his brother, Isaac Harrison across the river in Tensas Parish.

He greets Isaac Harrison David Dreyer on stage. The fade off stage and two slaves Davy Harrison…( Ser Seshsh Ab Heter)… and Larry Davis come on stage and begin talking bout the Plan. This is all non talking.

Isaac Harrison secrets himself (back of the stage out of sight of audience) under his house and hears dialog.

Two slave brothers fade off stage and David Harrison (Ron Miller) and Isaac Harrison (David Dreyer) come back on stage as Isaac tells David what he just heard their slaves say.

The slaves say they would begin striking the whites in Jefferson County on "the 4th of July. They choose the celebration of national independence to coincide with taking their own freedom. They believed that Lincons troops would come down the river, and the two forces (slave and Federal) would join together to kill the masters.

Act II

3rd Set

David Harrison…(Ron Miller)… goes back to Jefferson County (go off stage) come right back up on stage with Howell Hines (David Dreyer) and Joseph Davenport…(David Slay)… as the organized Minute Men Vigilance Committee of Jefferson County, holding their meeting at Ebenezer Church in Fayette

Act II

4th Set David Slay

A JEFFERSON COUNTY PLANTER STRESSES WEAKNESS IN FACE OF NEGRO PLOT, MAY 14, 1861

MASTER JO. D.L. DAVENPORT TO GOVERNOR

Gov. Pettus Jackson, MI

Dear Sir:

A plot has been discovered and already three Negroes have gone the way of all flesh or rather paid the penalty by the forfeiture of their lives. We have at this time five white men and one negro in our jail who will doubtless pull hemp. There are others who we have not yet succeeded in arresting. In a population of 650 voters surrounded by 11,000 slaves with one company already in the field, of over one hundred men “Charley Clark Rifles” and three other companies mustered into the service awaiting your call. Has set me to thinking where I could be of the most service to my Country, at home or in the army. You will see that nothing but eternal Vigilance will keep down the enemy at home as well as on our frontier and costs [coasts?]. The plans as developed are of the most diabolical character, the white males were all to be destroyed – such of the females as suited their fancy were to be preserved as Wives and they were to march up the river to meet “Mr. Linkin” bearing off as booty such things as they could carry. Notwithstanding all this, we are a brave and fearless people, and will meet this emergency as we expect to meet all others, as become men, meting out justice to all in the fear of God.

Remaining very respectfully yours Most Obet Servt Jo. D.L. DavenportL

Act II

5^th Set David Dreyer

A JEFFERSON COUNTY PLANTER WRITES ABOUT INSURRECTION, MAY 14, 1861

HOWELL HINES TO GOVERNOR

Gov’ J J Pettus

Dear Sir,

On my return from Jackson I found the greatest state of excitement caused by the discovery – of an organization by the negroes for the purpose of rising on the 4^th of July next at which time they had been induced to believe Lincons troops would be here for the purpose of freeing them all. This was discovered by Mr. Isaac Harrison of Tensas Parish LA, which lies opposite Jefferson County. Mr. David Harrison, brother to the former, had sent his children on a visit to their uncle. Being aware that the negroes all knew of the war and what it was for, Mr. Isaac Harrison secreted himself under the house and heard the conversation between his boy and his brothers. The purport of which was about this. That when Lincons came down each one was to kill his master and they would later the fine houses and the white women. Mr. Isaac Harrison’s boy has paid the penalty. The other is still in durance vile and has disclosed their plan and on the day I left Jackson on Saturday two negroes one belonging to Mr. Darden (who was captain) the other the property of Mr. Prosper K Montgomery 1^st Lieutenant were hung by the gentlemen of the neighborhood. There are 5 white men and 2 negroes now in jail suspected of being in the plot. And the citizens are still investigating the matter with the view of bringing all criminals to summary justice. In consequence of this state of affairs I learn from Captain W L Harper the citizens of Jefferson are not willing any more company’s should leave the county. I told him that I considered we were in honor bound to go and he has consented to go to New Orleans at Co’l French’s suggestion and take two or three men with him to learn the drill[.] Now Sir it is with you to say whether we shall go under the circumstances or not. We are anxious to do so. Whether we will now get that aid from the citizens we had assurances of previously I am unable to say as I have not been home long enough to ascertain their sentiments. We have now about half horses sufficient for the battery and I am well assured we can get men enough. After this would it not be advisable to keep as many of the company’s in the river county’s at home as possible where the largest negro population is. As for myself I don’t apprehend that Lincons forces will ever reach here. Still there are many who live in great fear. I am aware there are many in the cow county’s who are anxious and willing to go if they could be assured their family’s could or would be provided for. I am told some of the wealthiest planters in Adams are going to Europe (I presume for safety). If such be the fact and they do not subscribe in proportion to their means to protect their property, I hope their property will be confiscated and sold to support those and the family’s of those who have little or no interest in the county. Gov. moon of LA I am informed has expressly forbidden any more troop from the river parishes leaving and has said if necessary would charter a Steam Boat and put troops on her so that he could send them to any parish on the river where there was an out break.

You will please share this to Co’l. S.G. French. I will advise him when to ship the two guns. I should not under other circumstances obtruded by myself on your time and patience.

Accept for yourself – my highest regards &c Your friend, How Hines

Act II

6^th Set Andrea Cater

SUSAN SILLERS DARDEN…Andrea Cater…Jesse Darden’s Wife Reviews Her Diary In Jefferson County Mississippi.

Oh! Every since 1851, I have been keeping a daily dairy of many of the events that happened around here in our community in Jefferson County. But I want to review my dairy recordings of the horrible events that happened this very summer of 1861. Oh! It was so horrible! Our slaves had the idea of forming plans to carry out an insurrection such right here in our midst ! Let me re-read my notes!

Friday May 10

cloudy. Ann Stuart and Julia got here before 9 O’clock. Dr. Tate staid till after dinner. Mr. Darden went to Fayette. Fed had been talking a great deal about Lincoln freeing the servants. David Harrison’s carriage Driver had been taken up. They had been forming plans about an insurrection. He has a great many carriage drivers connected with it. The Minute men are investigating the matter. They have Bob Adams the Black Smith in jail. Have Cousin Sarah Howes’s Old Thornton in jail. Mrs. Terry’s negro that was concerned in it jumped in the well and killed killed himself. The negroes engaged in it belong to H. Hinds Mrs. Shackelford L. Dangerfield G. Torrey. Dr. Fox Prosper K. Montgomery S. Darden and J.H. Darden. He whipped Fed and discharged him. Blount promised to come here to night if he could get off but did not come. It is dreadful to think of it the danger we are in all the time by the Servants besides the Abolitionist. Very warm to night.

Saturday May 11

cloudy. This morning Mr. Darden went to Fayette joined the minute men. They marched up to the jail and Bon Adams came praying and crying for the Lord’s to have mercy and begging the Minute Men to spare him till he could make his peace with God. Mr. Darden said he could not help but feel sorry for him. They put him back in jail going to petition to the Governor for him to go to the Penitentiary. – great many there. There was a meeting of minute men Ebenezer Church and the Committee said they would hang Mr. Prosper K. Montgomery ‘s John the carriage driver and Samuel Darden’s Davy a carriage driver. Mr. Montgomery left. Blount Stuart thought they were too hasty and would have gone right there if he had not thought it would have been too late. Oh; Horrible, the idea of such a thing taking place in our midst. We got a letter from Buckner. He is low spirits; had so much rain the cotton looks bad and the country so disturbed; the corn looks well. Says they have a home company; he is orderly Sergeant and has a hard duty to perform if it is necessary he has to let the company all know. Charley Scott has gone home; there were only few boys left…. Dr. Brummell’s negroes put Cloroform in his whiskey; he took mustard vomited it up.

Sunday May 12

clear and warm. Jim drove Ma to Jacks. Tom drove our carriage to Fayette. Fed was sick. Sarah Darden was at church, told Olivia that brother Buckner and Madison witnessed the hanging of Samuel’s Darden’s carriage Driver Davy and P.K. Montgomery’s John. He marketed and drove carriage sometimes. Anna said she had trusted her life with Davy, had every confidence in him, did not even want him examined. They were only allowed 3 hours after the sentence was passed. I feel truly sorry for Samuel and Anna. They have no other negro that they can trust to drive carriage. He is Blacksmith and carpenter too. Mr. Montgomery Boy is great loss but he is not their only carriage driver and will not miss him so much. Davy has been in the family 26 years, poor deluded negro. Sarah heard their place was to be first attacked to commence in few days….

Monday May 13….

Jack came by late this evening; said they brought in 2 more white men this evening one of the Cook’s; put them in jail and put one in yesterday that was working on Will Trimble’s house. Miss Montgomery was with them when they arrested them; it is dreadful state affairs certain….

Tuesday May 14

cloudy rained good deal last night, ground wet as can be; hands hoeing. Mr. Darden went to Fayette heard they had let old Thornton that belongs to Cousin Sarah Howes out of jail; Cook will have a trial…

Thursday May 16….

Mr. Darden went to Fayette after dinner. Jeff Cook that was taken for helping negroes to insurrection great many there his wife came in town she has 3 children. Frank Higdon’s negro was hung; they shot him he was advancing on the person that was going to take him, he ordered him not to advance he still kept on toward him.

They have had him going through the country. It is horrible to think of. Mr. Montgomery told Mr. Darden that Davy died with a lie in his mouth; his boy John acknowledged that they were going to murder the whites but Davy would not say he was going to do it himself. John told Davy to acknowledge and he would die satisfied….

Friday May 17….

Mr. Darden met with eight named men to establish a Home Company and investigate matters; they were there all day

Saturday May 18….

Mr. Darden went to Fayette; saw Dr. Wade; Sam Scott’s negroes are engaged in the Rebellion had several Pistols and Knives Put Darden said he was there yesterday they had some powder buried but did not find it, were going to kill their Master. They put John Folkes’s Dick, he is a preacher, in Jail at Stephen Stampley’s last night…

Monday May 20

cloudy and very warm. Mr. Darden went to Fayette. Jeff Cook did not have his trial on account some of the parties concerned not being present. Great many there. Samuel Darden was there. He is not satisfied about Davy’s being guilty. He did not hear the trial. Brother Buckner was there; he looks better and seems in better Spirits. They had it reported that Miss Parker had Davy’s Daguareotype. Samuel says the way it was that Anna was in the office. Miss P. was having her Daguarotype taken for Anna. Davy came in and Anna asked Miss P. how she would like to see Davy’s picture taken and they had it taken all in jest and the report strated from that. It is a pity for anything of the kind to get in circulation. Laura writes home that 16 of the girls had left and more would in few days on account of the excitement; the School will close on Thursday 13^th June. Mr. Darden heard that President Lincoln had ordered all the Foreign Ships out the Mouth Mississippi in 21 days. He will have it Blockaded so that nothing can go out nor come in to New Orleans. Dreadful State of affairs that a free and Independent people should have to submit to such an outrage. Oh; horrible; horrible; that we have to submit….

Thursday May 23….

There was a large company met to try Jeff Cook: 142 in favor hanging him, 165 for confining him to Jail. The testimony was not clear enough to hand him; the people living in his neighborhood were very much dissatisfied because he was not hung….

Saturday May 25

clear and cool…Mr. Darden was commanded to Patrol to night; he went. Finished moulding his corn at sun down.

Sunday May 26

clear. Mr. Darden got Captain Jacob Stampley to excuse him….

Monday May 27…

Buckner’s letter said Bill Peck was trying to get a company of Irishmen, wants to keep them in the South. Says the War excitement very great…..

Thursday September 5 1861….

Dr. Tate came after 6 O’clock. There has been great excitement in Adam’s County; the negroes were going to rise and burn Natchez. They hung 2 of Henry Swazey’s negroes and have 60 confined belonging to different persons that were concerned….

Sunday September 22

clear very cold; had fire; Cate went home. We went to Presbyterian Church in Fayette. Mr. Mrer was there from Natchez. He says there was great excitement there. The negroes had a plot to put poison in the Bread baked for the City. There was a boy belonging to Aldrich and Smith, said them Fellows they had been drilling for 3 weeks had 25 of them in jail….

Monday September 23….

Dr. Tate had been ordered out with the home Guard, I suppose it is in reference to the negro rebellion in Natchez.

Act II Freedom Song

Oh, Freedom, Oh Freedom

Oh, Freedom over me.

And before I’ll be a slave

I’ll be buried in my grave

And finally be free

No more whippings, now more whippings,

No more whippings over me

And before I’ll be a slave

I’ll be buried in my grave

And finally be free

No more lynching, no more lynching

No more lynching over me

And before I’ll be a slave

I’ll be buried in my grave

And finally be free

No more Samuel Darden,

No more David Harrison

No more Howell Hines over me

And before I’ll be a slave

I’ll be buried in my grave

And finally be free

No more Prosper Montgomery

No more Frank Higdon

No More Doctor Fox over me

And before I’ll be a slave

I’ll be buried in my grave

And finally be free

Oh, Freedom, Oh Freedom

Oh, Freedom over me.

And before I’ll be a slave

I’ll be buried in my grave

And finally be free

Act III

1^st Set

Anna B. Mosby…Brittney Smith… YOUNG MISSUS OF JOHN S. MOSBY PLANTATION ON SECOND CREEK IN 1861, CALLS HER FATHER’S SLAVE, NELSON MOSBY

Nelson! Oh Nelson! Come here, I want to talk to you about something very important!.

My father John S. Mosby, was born in Virginia way back in 1801 and he’s right at 60 years old. That’s too old go off to that war to fight the Yankees.

Mother is right at fifty-five years of age and they don’t have any sons here at Brighton to help protect us from the Yankees either!

Every since the war started a month ago, I became so worried and concerned about who would protect our family from the Yankees, especially me and my two sisters. Why none of us is over 17 years of age!

The south done started the war by firing on the Yankees soldiers, at Fort Sumter in South Carolina. Now there’s serious fighting going on between the North and South

I am so fearful of the Yankees!

Oh. Nelson, I am so scared because there are no white men folks to protect us here at Brighton.

Nelson, Pa been treating ya’ll so good and he ain’t got but twenty slaves in all.

Oh Nelson, I am so scared, I want to ask if you and the other men slaves would protect us girls and our family, if the Yankees should come.

Nelson will ya’ll fight those damn Yankees, and protect us from them?

Nelson Mosby …(Royal Hill)…Missus Anna, I’se knows how hard things is fer yo family. Just last year to git much needed money fer yo family, yo papa put 3 middle aged women, four chillen what who nobodi know who be dey mama and papa and my wife Harriet up for sale in Natchez, long wid my son Wesley and Harriet three other children. Instead of selling my wife, yo papa was considerate and sold Maria in her place. He didn’t sell Wesley to that Negro trader John Hunter, either, because he be right here on de place wid me.

I’se gon talk wid sum of de men and see iffen dey wil fight dem damn Yankees.

Act III

2nd Set

Mosby Slaves At Brighton Who Become Key Organizers Talk About War And Freedom Among Themselves Early May 1861. Present Are Orange “O” Mosby, Nelson, (Father Of Wesley), Alfred, (son of Harry Scott), Wesley and Harvey, (Son Of Orange)

Nelson Mosby (Royal Hill)….I’se got something to tell ya’ll dats plenty, plenty, plenty, powerful!

Just awhile ago, Misses Anna Mosby done call me up to the big house.

She, she, she sey de south done started de war by shooting dem Yankees soldiers, at Fort Sumter in South Carolina. And now dere be sum serious fighting gwing on twixt de North and South!

She sey every since de war done started a month ago, she became so worried and concerned bout who gon protect dey family from the Yankees, specially she and dem other two sisters

Den she sey she be so scared! She asks iffen me and de other men slaves would protect she and de girls and her family, iffen de Yankees come down here.

Orange Mosby…(David Williams)… You mean to tell us’en dere be fighting twixt de white men of de south and de white men of de north, going on right now?

And de Misses want us’en slaves to fight fer protect dem from dem Yankees! She want’s us’en slaves to fight gainst de north where black people don’t be slaves?

Now ain’t dat lik the fox asking de chickens to help keep de hunters from shooting his ass?

Wesley Mosby…(Darrell White) Nelson, what did ya sey to Misses when she tell ya all dis?

Nelson Mosby (Royal Hill)…I’se sey! Misses Anna, you know, just last year yo papa put 3 middle aged women, four chillen what nobodi knows who is dey mama and papa and my wife Harriet up for sale in Natchez at de “nigga” traders yard in de Forks of de Road. Long wid Harriet he put my three other children up for sale, he also put you up fer sale too Wesley! Instead of selling my wife, master, John Mosby was considerate and sold Maria in her place. He didn’t sell you to that Negro trader John Hunter, either!

I’se tell her I’se gon talk wid sum of de men and see iffen dey will fight dem damn Yankees!

Alfred Mosby (H. Scott)…(Jamall McCullen)…You know, I’se been wondering what be going on! Lately, I’se see a lot of white men lebe dis Second Creek area, and dey stay way and ain’t cum back yet. Wonder iffen dey be gone off to fight dem Yankees? Ain’t too many white men left round here on Second Creek area! Most masters do dey own overseering on each plantation, cepten a few. Dis war tween de north and south might just be de right time fer us’en slaves to start thinking bout getting us freedom!

Orange Mosby…(David Williams)…You knows Alfred, I’se was just thinking bout just what you done just say. Time done cum fer us’en to think bout getting us freedom! When us go fishing wid de Mitchell’s slaves next week, let’s talk bout us’en cum up wid a plan fer to git us freedom on Second Creek, whilst de white men fight mongst dem selves!

Harvey Mosby…(David Mosley)…Orange, as yo son, I’se be in agreement wid de idea of us slaves gitting wid other slaves to cum up wid a plan fer to git free from dis here damn slavery! I’se gon make sho de most trusted of old master James Mitchell’s slaves be at de fishing pond next week.

Act III 3^rd Set

Fishing Hole on John Mosby’s Brighton Plantation Mosby slaves and Mitchell’s slaves of Palatine Plantation talk bout Freedom PLAN around the 20^th of May 1861

Present Are Orange “O” Mosby, Nelson, (Father Of Wesley), Alfred, (son of Harry Scott), Wesley and Harvey, (Son Of Orange) and from Palatine Plantation are, Dennis Mitchell, John “The Driver” Mitchell, Doctor Mitchell, “Little” John Mitchell, Edward Mitchell and Harry Lyle Mitchell

Orange Mosby…(David Williams)…Men, the other day, a Surget family carriage driver, Thomas Turner stop by and told me what he done heard his Mistress sey bout de war. He sey, she sey dat iffen de Yankees win de fighting, us slaves gwine be free!

Ebber since den, I’se been a thinking and thinking hard, us slaves gon be free iffen the Yankees win de fighting.

So I’se think bout it be time fer us slaves to cum up wid a plan fer us to take us freedom.

Us Mosby slaves done talked it over and all us agree, time fer us to take us freedom!

Us asked ya’ll Mitchell slaves to come fishing wid us so we can talk, cause ya’ll can be trusted.

Dennis Mitchell…(Larry Davis)…what kind of plan ya’ll be thinking bout?

Harvey Mosby…( David Mosley)…Just lik Alfred done sey, ain’t too many white men left round here on Second Creek area! Most masters do dey own overseering on each plantation, cepten a few. Dis war tween de Yankees and de south might just be de right time fer us’en slaves to make a move to git us freedom!

I’se been thinking dat de southerners is fighting dis war so to keep us colored people slaves forever.

So it’s time us stand up and do something. Tell em what we been thinking bout to git us freedom Orange!

Orange Mosby…(David Williams)…Iffen dem Yankees cum here lik Thomas Turner done heard Mistress Surget say and we gwine be free! And iffen de able bodi white men done gone off from here to fight in de war, and iffen dey be fighting to keep us colored people slaves forever, its best dat we help de Yankees win dis war, so our people will be free.

Orange Mosby…(David Williams)…Here is us plan fer to help git us freedom. Let’s help make it easy fer de Yankees to take dis part of de country when dey cum.

Dis is de plan: As de war go on, let’s organize de slaves on de different plantation to fight and kill dey masters and mistresses what own them, when de Yankees git here.

Dis way we make it easy fer Lincon’s abolitionists to take dis country. Lincon’s army is cuming here, den us can join in wid dem and help fight de south, so colored people don’t have be slaves.

Harvey Mosby…( David Mosley)…my father, Orange, gon runaway from Brighton plantation and stay on de run, going from place to place on Second Creek talking wid other slaves an gitten dem to agree wid us freedom plan.

Dennis Mitchell…(Larry Davis)…where you gon stay whilst you be on de run all de time, Orange?

Orange Mosby…(David Williams)… I’se gon be moving round from place to place organizing and talking wid and holding meetings wid other slaves, gitten dem to join in wid de us Freedom Plan.

I’se will git de carriage drivers to spread de word over de grapevine bout us plan and Lincon’s abolitionists army cumming here and iffen the Yankees win de fight, us colored people gon be free.

I’se want all ya’ll to be going round talking and gitten slave men to join us.

Dennis, I’se gon hide out in de Homochitto Swamp and in Butler’s Swamp. Some of de time I’se gon stay at Mrs. King on Pine Ridge.

First thing I’se gon do when I’se runaway from master John Mosby is go out to Mrs. King, the fortune teller wid de cards. I’se want her fer do a reading bout us Freedom Plan.

Act III

4^th Set

The Emerging Leader of the Second Creek Freedom Planners Visits and Stays At Mrs. King. Mrs. King Has No Qualms Bout Talking To Slaves

Orange Mosby…(David Williams)…Hello Mrs King! I’se don runaway from old master John Mosby and now is on de run, moving bout all over de place and staying in de swamps.

Us slaves out on Second Creek done learned bout south fighting de north to keep us colored people slaves forever. So us done cum up wid a powerful, a most powerful plan to take us freedom when Lincons’ abolitionists army cum here.

Us plan to kill us masters and mistresses when de northern army gits here. Den us gon join in wid de northern army!

Mrs King…Karlyn Ritchie…Oh! Do sit down Orange and let’s talk about all this!

You know you are always welcome to stay around my place here in Pine Ridge.

Now, what brings you way up here to see me?

Orange Mosby…(David Williams)…Mrs. King, I’se want you to do a card reading to gib me sum insight fer being a leader of de slaves dat join in wid our Second Creek Freedom Plan

Mrs King…Karlyn Ritchie… O. K! I first must tell the cards that Orange Mosby seeks insight on his leadership capabilities of their planned insurrection.

Alright Orange! Now pick out one card from the spread and give it to me.

Mrs King…Karlyn Ritchie… 1^st Card says follow your instincts, visualize your work to be done, work it out in your dreams, follow your heart, be the strong warrior you are, keep freedom as your goal and avenge your Ancestors. Avenge your Ancestors! Orange, Avenge the Ancestors!

Now pick out the second card from the spread and give it to me.

The 2^nd Card says Orange, you will live to see your freedom and the freedom of the Negro race.

Orange Mosby…(David Williams)…Oh! Thank you ever so much, Mrs. King. Thank you! Now iffen ya don’t mind, Orange will go out in yo back bunk house and rest and think bout what de cards sey, fo going back out to Second Creek.

Act III

5^th Set

Orange is Back Hiding out at Second Creek and Meets with Mosby and Mitchell Plantations Men

Orange Mosby…(David Williams)…Alfred! Cum here my friend! I’se want you fer to go and round up de rest of de Mosby men and Dennis from de Mitchell’s plantation and bring dem here fer a short meeting.

Alfred Mosby (H. Scott)…(Jamall McCullen)…Alrighty Orange, I’se do dat right now!

(Mosby men gathers around Orange, Nelson Mosby, Harvey Mosby, Wesley Mosby and Dennis Mitchell (Larry Davis)

Orange Mosby…(David Williams)…Men! I’se just cum back from visiting wid Mrs. King out in Pine Ridge. I’se have her do a reading of de cards to see what insight dey gib fer our Freedom Plan.

She sey de cards sey… fer me to follow my instincts, visualize de work to be done, work it out in my dreams, follow my heart and be de strong warrior I is. She sey keep freedom us goal and avenge our Ancestors. Avenge our Ancestors! Avenge de Ancestors! (face the audience when you are saying what the cards said)

Now ya’ll go out all around de plantations and talk wid de men folks telling dem bout us freedom plan. Tell dem to cum to de Friday night dance at de Dunbar Forest Plantation (ya’ll go out in the audience and talk with only the Black men or young boys in the audience. Make up your own words and thoughts about Freedom. Invite them and the Black females to the Friday Night Dance.)

In de meantime, I’se gwine sneak round to Palatine Plantation and spend sum time wid my sweetheart, Caroline Mitchell! See ya’ll at de Friday night dance!

6^th Set

Orange Mosby Sneaks Around the Mitchell’s Palatine Plantation to See His Sweetheart Caroline Mitchell

(Ya’ll go from the heart in acting this part out. Take five minutes and make sure you show caring, love for each other, wanting a family, talk about marrying when freedom come because you don’t want no jumping the broom slave master approved marriage, even kiss each other)

7^th Set

Friday night dance at Forest Plantation

(Females and Males all walk on stage, greeting each other, laughing and jiving with each other. Be creative).

Harvey Mosby…( David Mosley)…the violin player calls ya’ll to dance. When Harvey starts playing his violin (music start playing, drummers join in too) ya’ll get at it. The music will repeat the same song three times, on the second time go out among the audience and get them up dancing right where they are, no matter their racial types.

When the third song stops, Orange Mosby will shut the party down for a talk about the Freedom Plan

(all males and females enslaved persons sit on edge of stage, all around, or sit on ground in front of stage).

Orange Mosby…(David Williams)… my brothers and sisters, I’se knows ya’ll been working real hard from fo daylight to after it’s gits dark, hoeing and chopping de grass and weeds from yo masters and mistress cotton.

I’se knows all ya’ll wants to git on wid us Friday night dance, but I’se got sumting powerful to talk wid all ya’ll bout tonight. It’s bout our plan to take us freedom, now dat de war is going on. Sum of ya’ll already done been talked to bout us’en freedom plan.

I’se knows de onlist way to git all ya’ll together at once, is ya’ll colored folks sho gon cum out fer de dancing fun.

Orange Mosby…(David Williams)…I’se gon let my friend Alfred cum and start off de talk.

Alfred Mosby (H. Scott)…(Jamall McCullen)…Good eveing to ya’ll ladies and gentlemen! Sho is good to see so many of ya’ll done cum out to dance tonight. Wellllll, I’se ain’t gon mess round, I’se go straight to de point!

I’se done talked wid de colored men on de Dunbar, Henderson and Scott plantations. Harvey done talked wid Steve, Wash, Obey, Henry, Ike Giddings and he son on de Surget plantation, and Wesley done talked wid Charles, Edmond Wyatt, John Henderson, Dick Henderson, Dennis done talked wid George, Peter, Paul and Simon Dunbar,

Nelson done talked wid Fred Grier, and Bob, Prince Nichols, Henry Cooper de Homochitto Teamster done talked wid John Mitchell, Little John, and Edward Mitchell. De all be here at dis dance and agreed to fight de white folks.

Thomas Turner, de Surget family carriage driver, done stopped by and told Orange and me dat he done heard his Mistress sey dat iffen de Yankees win de fighting, us slaves gwine be free!

Orange, and sum of us been going round to sum of de other plantations talking up us’en Freedom Plan and gitting de slaves to agree and join in wid us.

Now here is us Freedom Plan: Dis is de plan: As de war go on, us organize de slaves on de different plantation to rise up and take us freedom by fighting and killing all de masters and mistresses what own them We gon start when de Yankees git here.

Dis way we make it easy fer Lincon’s abolitionists to take dis country. Orange sey Lincon’s army is cuming here! Den us can join in wid dem and help fight de south, so colored people don’t have be slaves no mo, no mo!.

Orange Mosby…(David Williams)…Brothers and sisters! Lincon’s abolitionist army is cuming here!

I’se don brought a runaway named Dave Bradley wid me tonight. Dave Bradley can speak both French and English and he sey sum slaves in Natchez and up at Fayette in Jefferson County done cum up wid de same kind of freedom plan lik us.

I’se tell ya’ll, it’s time fer us to take us freedom! Freedom is in de air! I’se can visualize it, just lik Mrs. King wid the fortune telling cards sey.

Henry Cooper here of de Homochitto Teamsters don told me he hear dat Mr. Lincoln is cuming down here.

Brothers and sisters! De whipping of us colored people is gon stop when Lincoln cum here!

De whipping of us colored people is gon stop when Lincoln cum here! Ya’ll hear me?

Alfred Mosby (H. Scott)…(Jamall McCullen)…Dey resting place gon be in hell!

Orange Mosby…(David Williams)…Now I’se want Elisha, de Homocitto Teamster, what blongs to old Gerard Brandon up there on dat Natchez Trace at Brandon Hall Plantation, to git word to dem slaves what planning to take dey freedom in Natchez. Tell dem us out here on Second Creek, gon fight de white folks and take us freedom de same as dem in Natchez and up in Jefferson County.

Harvey Mosby…(David Mosley)…Alright ya’ll, Just lik Alfred done sey, ain’t too many white men left round here on Second Creek area! Dis war tween de Yankees and de south is just de right time fer us’en slaves to make a move to git us freedom!

Ya’ll done had nough dancing! Dis here be serious plenty serious business. Time for colored people to stop dancing and start fighting!

Ya’ll go on back to where you cum from and talk up us freedom plan and git others to join wid us. Now ya’ll knows dis be serious and dangerous business. Sum of us can lose us life, so keep dis from de all de white folks. Be as quite bout dis as a chink pissing on cotton!

Orange Mosby…(David Williams)…Alright now folks, see ya’ll at our regular Sunday meeting over at Polly cabin on de Mosby plantation!

8^th Set

At Sunday Meeting at Polly’s Cabin on Brighton Plantation: Enslaved folks on Second Creek have Sundays off for church, visiting family and other social gatherings. No overseers or masters are present

(Females and Males all walk on stage, greet each other, shake hands and hug each other. Be creative).

Orange Mosby…(David Williams)…Now settle down everybody, we got serious business to tend to!

I’se so gladddd to see so many of ya’ll here today. Today is Sunday and is us day off fer us’en to visit wid us family, friends and socialize.

But fo we do dat, Harvey is de kind of religious man! Let’s us hear him tell us what he hear dat Episcopal preacher over at old Dr. Scott and dat Presbyterian one at de Forest Plantation preach to de slaves!

Harvey Mosby…(David Mosley)…Now listen to what I’se hear dem white preachers sey:

“Suppose you were masters and mistresses, and had servants under you; would you not desire that your servants should do their business faithfully and honestly, You are servants; do therefore, as you wish to be done by, and you will be both good servants to your masters and to God, who requires this of you, and will reward you well for it, Take care that you do not fret, or murmur, or grumble at your condition, for this will greatly offend Almighty God. It is the will of God, who hath by wise providence made you servants, because no doubt, he knew that condition would be best for you in this world and help you the better toward heaven. Now, let us see what the Scriptures say…… The servant that knoweth his master’s will and doeth it not, shall be beaten with many stripes. Now, does this not apply directly to your selves? It is your duty, and Almighty God requires, that you bear it patiently.”

Alfred Mosby (H. Scott)…(Jamall McCullen)…Dey resting place gon be in hell!

My papa Harry Scott told me, hell’s kicking up, we all bound to be free!

Be patient! Be patient my behind! We ain’t patient Almighty God! We bout to rise up and take us Freedom!

Let’s sing dis Swing low, sweet chariot song of bout freedom to lift up us spirit, chillen!

SWING LOW SWEET CHARIOT A SONG OF FREEDOM

Group: = G Chantor(S): = C

Swing low sweet chariot kuming fer to karry me home