Constitutional Whig

The Artillery Company returned this morning. They had landed at Smithfield, and were about to take up their line of march for Southampton, when they received an order from Gen. Epps to return, as their services were unnecessary. The following is an extract from Gen. Epps's despatch to Capt. Richardson:

"Southampton, Jerusalem, Aug. 24, 1831.

I have to request you will direct the troops to return—perfectly satisfied that they cannot be wanting, as the party are dispersed, and from the best information no probability of their re-assembling—certainly not for some time."

P. S.—The insurgents are nearly dispersed. Fifteen have been killed and twelve in jail.

It is now well ascertained that the band of negroes who committed the horrid murders in Southampton, were composed chiefly or entirely of runaways, who have long infested the swamps of that county. Their object was probably to raise an insurrection among the slaves. But they have completely failed.

The Richmond Dragoons arrived in Southampton on Wednesday night. They will probably get back this evening or to-morrow.

We have obtained from two sources the following list of the persons massacred by the blacks:

Mrs. Whitehead's family
Mrs. Waller's
Mr. Williams
Mr. Barrow's family
Mrs. Vaughn
Mrs. Turner's
Mr. Travis
Mr. J. Williams'
Mr. Reese's
Unknown

Total 58

A letter from Petersburg, written last night, gives the following information:

"I have just read a letter from Capt. to his father, dated yesterday at Southampton. He states that he was among the first that went in pursuit of the negroes. They commenced near the N. Carolina line, directing their course towards Jerusalem, led on by a fellow called Capt. Nat. Turner (a black)—the banditti consisted of about 35 to 40—no others joined. He says that he has counted 40 corpses—mostly women and children—Another letter says 70. They have secured several in jail. For many miles around their track the country is deserted by the women and children, but armed troops are in every mile in squads it is not general and has subsided. When the first party came upon them, they (the party) had dismounted, else they would have taken them all."

From the Petersburg Intelligencer of this Morning

THE INSURRECTION.

A great excitement has prevailed in this town for some days past, in consequence of the receipt of information on Monday night last, that an insurrection had broken out among the negroes in Southampton. The rumors have been so numerous and contradictory, that we are unable to state to our readers, at present, the precise state of affairs in that county. It appears, however, that the disturbance commenced on Sunday night last, in the neighborhood of the Cross Keys, about ten miles from the Courthouse, and has been almost entirely confined to that section of the county. The number of the insurgents has been variously estimated at from 150 to 400, acting in detached parties. From twenty-five to thirty families are said to have fallen victims to their ferocity. We are happy to say that the latest intelligence from the scene of disorder assures us that the further progress of these wretches has been arrested, that they are seeking shelter in the swamps, and that they are by this time surrounded by the militia and volunteers. The letter, which we give below, written by a highly intelligent and respectable gentleman of this town, is the latest account received here, and relieves us from the necessity of detailing the various rumors in circulation.

Our friends at a distance may rest assured that we are prepared to meet any emergency. The Governor and Council have taken prompt and efficient measures to put a speedy end to the disturbance. A finely equipped troop of horse from Prince George, left this place on Wednesday last for Southampton. We understand that a Company of Artillery went down in the steamboat from Richmond on Tuesday; and that detachments of the militia of the surrounding counties have already taken up the line of march. We have not yet been able to send any assistance to our unfortunate neighbors, not having had arms more than sufficient to supply our own wants. The arms ordered by the Executive, did not arrive until Wednesday night; we are, therefore, now prepared to act when and where occasion may require. We trust, however, from the force already on the scene of action, that, by this time, tranquility has been restored.

Belfield, (Greensville Co.) August 24, 1831.

"In the greatest haste I write you a few lines, I can merely say that we are all in arms and in great excitement on account of the insurrection, which broke out on Sunday night last—between 80 and a hundred of the whites have already been butchered—their heads severed from their bodies. The intention of the negroes was to reach the Dismal Swamp. I think however that we have them so hemmed in as to render it impossible for them to do so. On Monday night I reached Belfield (head quarters of the troops) and was given the command of a small body, and a piece of Artillery, which I stationed so as to command the bridge. I was up the whole night visiting each one of my sentinels every ten minutes. At Jerusalem the blacks made three desperate attempts to cross the bridge, but were repulsed with some loss. No whites have been lost in any of the skirmishes which taken place. Those fellows commenced by murdering a family, taking their arms and horses, and pushing on to the next house with all possible speed, where they massacred every white, even to the infant in the cradle. They continue in this manner until they are interrupted, when they disperse and skulk about the woods, until another favorable opportunity occurs of collecting together and repeating their horrible massacres. Between 25 and 30 families have already been entirely destroyed. Three families were yesterday murdered, one consisting of ten persons. Something will be effected to-day, as very active officers and well armed men are at the heels of these villains. Yesterday a very spirited resistance was made by a party, sent out to reconnoitre and discover the position of these fellows, consisting of four against twenty blacks; the whites repulsed them, killed 3 or 4, and took several prisoners. Many of the blacks are well mounted: their leader was shot in the attempt made to cross the bridge at Jerusalem."

"We do not yet know their strength, but think they are now effectually hemmed in, and must all perish within a few days. Dr. Scott left Belfield yesterday with a strong party of horse, and the determination of pursuing them until every man of them was taken or destroyed."
HERALD OFFICE
Norfolk, 24th Aug. Evening.

TO THE EDITORS OF THE WHIG.

Of the occurrences in Southampton, which so powerfully and painfully interest us at present, I can, perhaps, impart to you no information of which you are not already in possession. The horrid tidings were received here yesterday, by an express from Suffolk, and for a moment staggered belief; but doubt soon gave way to painful conviction. Letters, giving the names and number of the innocent and defenceless victims of a most savage ferocity, confirmed all, and even led to an apprehension of the worst that could happen. Our Court immediately convened, and in consultation with Judge Taylor proceeded to adopt measures of precaution at home, while they extended their views to the succor of our fellow citizens of Southampton. It was soon ascertained that arms and ammunition could be obtained from the Navy Yard: and Com. Warrington gave a prompt assurance of his readiness to furnish them at any moment; and, if required, a sufficient number of men. The Court then decided to call on Col. House, commanding at Old Point, for as many U. S. troops as could be spared from that post, and ordered the employment of the Steamboat Hampton, to take them to Suffolk. It being the day on which the Hampton makes her weekly trips to Smithfield, she did not arrive until nearly 9 o'clock at night, and was unable to start for Old Point sooner than one o'clock; consequently, Col. House did not receive the application of the Court until three, when it was delivered to him by Capt. Capron, of the Norfolk Independent Volunteers, who had been deputed by the Court, as the bearer of the despatch. The Col. very promptly ordered three companies under arms, and embarked with them himself, at six o'clock, on board the Hampton. A similar request having been addressed by the Court, to Com. Elliot, of the sloop of war Natchez, (just arrived,) and Capt. Cooper, of the sloop of war Warren, both lying in the Roads, the Hampton called alongside of each ship, and received from them an additional force of marines. The expedition arrived at Suffolk at one o'clock to-day. Here is a general turn-out of the militia of Isle of Wight, Nansemond and Southampton; the deficiency of fire-arms and ammunition, however, is truly lamentable. They have no musket balls, and in the skirmishes they have had in Southampton, the militia have had to use bird-shot!

Another express from Suffolk, was received here to-day, with a despatch from Major Benton, of the Nansemond Regiment, requesting aid for Southampton. They are not so much in want of infantry, as of mounted men and riflemen. We have no cavalry in commission, nevertheless we soon raised a very respectable corps of citizens, who mounted and equipped themselves in a few hours, and started to join their brethren in Southampton. Pistols, cutlasses, and ball cartridges, have also been furnished by Com. Warrington, and forwarded on to Suffolk.

I have received this afternoon, a letter from a friend in Winton, (N. C.,) which, after detailing some of the bloody scenes in Southampton, (with which you must ere this be acquainted,) states that one hundred mounted men had left Murfreesborough for the defence of Southampton; and adds—

"While I am writing, 50 or 60 men, well equipped, are now marching out of town for the same destination, and a detachment has been, or is about to be sent from Gates." Virginia can never forget this fresh instance of the generous friendship of her sister State.

The force now embodied, and on its way to the scene of action from all quarters, with the prompt aid in men and arms, which, I have just learnt, has been sent down by the Executive, will put a stop to all further outrage, insure the capture of the murderers, and give permanent protection and confidence to the citizens.
, official
Sunday night, 21st-
Gen. Eppes reports to the Governor by express that there is no longer any danger in that county or its vicinity, and there is not the least danger of the renewal of the disturbances.
"The insurgents all taken or killed, except Nat. Turner the leader, after whom there is a warm pursuit.
"The troops will be discharged shortly.
"The Gen. reports 48 prisoners,
"The Richmond Troop is at Head Quarters, officers, and members, all well and in good spirits."
Monday morning, 29th-further report from Gen. Eppes.
"Every thing perfectly quiet-a few more prisoners had been taken. The General, whose duties must have been most arduous, has personally examined the country for several miles around-established communications with the militia force of the neighboring counties, and adopted the most effectual measures to give quiet and security to the country."
Monday, 29th, Gen. Brodnax, who had repaired to Greensville, and assumed the command of that portion of his Brigade which he had at Hick's Ford, reports to the Governor that he has discharged the 66th and 96th Regiments. Brunswick who, with the Greenville militia, had instantly turned out upon information of the disturbances in Southampton. The officers detached by Gen. B. to Southampton, report to him that the scene of the late murders is perfectly quiet, and free from any visible marauders. No murder or other injury, committed or attempted, since Monday last. All the party have been killed or taken, with the exception, as is believed from the statement of prisoners and other information, of from four to five who had retreated to a swamp, and will probably be taken: Nat, the ringleader, who calls himself General, pretends to be a Baptist Preacher-a great enthusiast- declares to his comrades, that he is commissioned by Jesus Christ, and proceeds under his inspired directions-that the late singular appearance of the sun was the sign for him, &c. &c.-is' among the number not yet taken. The story of his. having been killed at the Bridge near Jerusalem, and of the two engagements there, unfounded. It is believed he cannot escape.
The General is convinced, from various sources of information, that there has existed no general concert among the slaves--circumstances impossible to have been feigned, demonstrate the entire ignorance on the subject, of all the slaves in the counties around Southampton, among whom he has never known more perfect order and quiet to prevail-that it is most to be regretted, that on the general alarm, the extent of the insurgent force, should have so long continued unknown, and been so much exaggerated. He believes, that at any time, a force of 20 resolute men, confronted with, could easily have put them down.
The highest approbation is expressed of the admirable conduct and spirit of the militia, who have every where turned out with the utmost promptitude, and given the most unquestionable evidence of their ability, instantly and effectually to put down every such attempt." The 66 and 96th Regiments assembled and marched from Brunswick upon Southampton, by different routes, in 20 hours from the time the intelligence reached them--part of them from a distance of 30 miles.
A fine troop of cavalry from Mecklenburg, reported to General B. for service, on the 25th.
The families who had fled from supposed danger, and taken refuge at Hicksford, Greensville, have generally returned to their homes.
A reply by Mr. Robinson of the Richmond Post Office, to the Postmaster of Fife's Office in Goochland, is received, but too late for this day~ we will publish it in our next.