I am trying to find primary sources surrounding the Stone rebellion
I am trying to find primary sources surrounding the Stone rebellion
Thank you for posting on History Hub!
The Stono Rebellion began on Sept. 9, 1739 south of Charleston, South Carolina when a group of enslaved men gathered in what became the largest uprising of enslaved persons on the British mainland colonies prior to the American Revolution. Primary sources about the tensions prior to the uprising, the uprising itself, and it's aftermath are scattered among a number of possible archives since this occurred in a British colony that later became part of the United States. You can potentionally find sources at: The National Archives (United Kingdom), which may have records as it was then the head of government; the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, which holds some local government records dating back to the colonial era; and the South Carolina Historical Society, which holds some colonial materials. Additionally, the Georgia Archives and the State Archives of Florida may also hold resources.
Sources dating back to time of the Stono Rebellion are one-sided, and notably do not offer the viewpoint of those enslaved persons who took part in the uprising. Many historians have recognized a 1930s oral history with George Cato, a descendant of one of the enslaved leaders, as a primary source, although the transcription used stereotypical representations of his speech. You can find more about this interview as a source for Stono Rebellion in this essay from the National Humanities Center, “Two Views of the Stono Slave Rebellion”. Also know that reading secondary sources is a great way to ensure you are aware of primary sources already identified. The book Stono: Documenting and Interpreting a Southern Slave Revolt, ed. By Mark H. Smith, would be among such sources that may be useful for you.
Hopefully other community members may have additional suggestions.
We hope this is helpful. Best of luck with your research!