Stepp 1
Faith Stepp
Professor Dupont
History 102
9/30/19
The Hanging of Thomas Jeremiah
Thomas Jeremiah was among the few “Free Negros” residing in South Carolina. His
worth made him the richest black man in British North America. However, the magnate's
execution was questionable. Jeremiah’s death was a result of the strained relationship between
colonists and Great Britain. The victim’s fate depended on the friction that the two factions had.
“The Hanging of Thomas Jeremiah” by William Harris delves into an in-depth description of
how such a rift affected Jeremiah. The colonists instigated Jeremiah's hanging in his perceived
interest for the freedom of slavery, expansion of his wealth, Britain’s rejection of “rights of trial
by jury,” and slave insurrection. They were also concerned that his business would promote
Britain’s military preparations.
The White Carolinians sealed Jeremiah’s fate as they believed that he targeted the
abolition of slavery. Britain focused on offering freedom to slaves. On the other hand, the
m
er as
colonists were against and afraid of the British’s intention to free slaves. They were of the view
that Britain would use this strategy to punish them for any rebellion due to the battles of Concord
co
eH w
and Lexington. While the two groups had different views on administrative processes, they both
appreciated the value of peace. Concerning the previous battles, they chose to negotiate in
o.
political tussles. However, colonists were anxious about Britain’s retaliatory tactics after the
rs e
Lexington and Concord rebellion. They expected the British to revenge through fighting for the
ou urc
rights of slaves. While Jeremiah had bondservants working in his businesses, the patriots doubted
his allegiance to maintaining slavery. Thus, Jeremiah became a scapegoat in destroying Britain’s
schemes.
o
Besides, the colonists accused Jeremiah of encouraging the insurrection of slaves. This
aC s
aspect is the main accusation which forced Jeremiah to the gallows. The rebellion planned by the
vi y re
slaves against the colonists was a British idea (Harris 83-87). Great Britain decided to use this
concept in overpowering its enemies. Since Jeremiah was a free man of color, the White
Carolinians thought that he was fighting for the freedom of slaves. The only way of fighting
against slavery was rebelling. Thus, the insurrection was a major problem that the people had to
ed d
solve. The patriots considered Jeremiah’s situation as the favorite condition to instigate the issues
ar stu
of rebellion arising from slaves.
Jeremiah’s vast wealth proved a questionable concern as he would engage in
administrative issues. His social and financial status exposed him to his woes. His increased
is
interest in continual economic growth angered patriots. Henry Laurens realized his compatriots
provided weaker evidence against the alleged offender. Thus, he was against Jeremiah's need to
Th
grow his wealth. According to Harris (99), Lauren viewed the culprit as “a forward fellow,
puffed up by prosperity, ruined by luxury & debauchery & grown to amazing pitch of vanity &
ambition.” Jeremiah’s aspirations did not augur well with the colonists who believed his
authority in the region would improve. Thus, the offender would focus on subduing their
sh
authority. Besides, Jeremiah’s amassed influence would affect negotiations such as the abolition
of slavery.
Also, colonists believed Jeremiah’s sailing business was a factor in promoting Britain’s
defense service. He was a pilot, navigating ships in murky waters of tensions. Jeremiah did not
discern his fate when he was engaging in cruising. The colonists were wary of his vast
This study source was downloaded by 100000793680026 from CourseHero.com on 06-21-2021 06:37:28 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/52290457/The-Hanging-of-Thomas-Jeremiah-docx/
Faith Stepp
Professor Dupont
History 102
9/30/19
The Hanging of Thomas Jeremiah
Thomas Jeremiah was among the few “Free Negros” residing in South Carolina. His
worth made him the richest black man in British North America. However, the magnate's
execution was questionable. Jeremiah’s death was a result of the strained relationship between
colonists and Great Britain. The victim’s fate depended on the friction that the two factions had.
“The Hanging of Thomas Jeremiah” by William Harris delves into an in-depth description of
how such a rift affected Jeremiah. The colonists instigated Jeremiah's hanging in his perceived
interest for the freedom of slavery, expansion of his wealth, Britain’s rejection of “rights of trial
by jury,” and slave insurrection. They were also concerned that his business would promote
Britain’s military preparations.
The White Carolinians sealed Jeremiah’s fate as they believed that he targeted the
abolition of slavery. Britain focused on offering freedom to slaves. On the other hand, the
m
er as
colonists were against and afraid of the British’s intention to free slaves. They were of the view
that Britain would use this strategy to punish them for any rebellion due to the battles of Concord
co
eH w
and Lexington. While the two groups had different views on administrative processes, they both
appreciated the value of peace. Concerning the previous battles, they chose to negotiate in
o.
political tussles. However, colonists were anxious about Britain’s retaliatory tactics after the
rs e
Lexington and Concord rebellion. They expected the British to revenge through fighting for the
ou urc
rights of slaves. While Jeremiah had bondservants working in his businesses, the patriots doubted
his allegiance to maintaining slavery. Thus, Jeremiah became a scapegoat in destroying Britain’s
schemes.
o
Besides, the colonists accused Jeremiah of encouraging the insurrection of slaves. This
aC s
aspect is the main accusation which forced Jeremiah to the gallows. The rebellion planned by the
vi y re
slaves against the colonists was a British idea (Harris 83-87). Great Britain decided to use this
concept in overpowering its enemies. Since Jeremiah was a free man of color, the White
Carolinians thought that he was fighting for the freedom of slaves. The only way of fighting
against slavery was rebelling. Thus, the insurrection was a major problem that the people had to
ed d
solve. The patriots considered Jeremiah’s situation as the favorite condition to instigate the issues
ar stu
of rebellion arising from slaves.
Jeremiah’s vast wealth proved a questionable concern as he would engage in
administrative issues. His social and financial status exposed him to his woes. His increased
is
interest in continual economic growth angered patriots. Henry Laurens realized his compatriots
provided weaker evidence against the alleged offender. Thus, he was against Jeremiah's need to
Th
grow his wealth. According to Harris (99), Lauren viewed the culprit as “a forward fellow,
puffed up by prosperity, ruined by luxury & debauchery & grown to amazing pitch of vanity &
ambition.” Jeremiah’s aspirations did not augur well with the colonists who believed his
authority in the region would improve. Thus, the offender would focus on subduing their
sh
authority. Besides, Jeremiah’s amassed influence would affect negotiations such as the abolition
of slavery.
Also, colonists believed Jeremiah’s sailing business was a factor in promoting Britain’s
defense service. He was a pilot, navigating ships in murky waters of tensions. Jeremiah did not
discern his fate when he was engaging in cruising. The colonists were wary of his vast
This study source was downloaded by 100000793680026 from CourseHero.com on 06-21-2021 06:37:28 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/52290457/The-Hanging-of-Thomas-Jeremiah-docx/
