Andrews Williams: The Confessions of Nat Turner: Memoir of a Martyr or Testament of a Terrorist?

Introduction

Even almost 200 years after his death, Nat Turner remains one of the most intricate figures in American history. He and his rebellion have been the heart of many intense arguments, and many scholars have burned gallons on end of midnight oil exhausting resources in attempt to get to know Mr. Turner. These valiant attempts at familiarizing themselves with this very influential man have left us with countless sources to study. In these sources, we can find several different explanations as to why Nat Turner launched this infamous rebellion. These explanations range as far as political to cultural, but I will argue until my death that Mr. Turner’s religious beliefs are what compelled him to plot this horrific uprising. I have compiled what I think are the best possible sources to defend my argument, and through this paper I will take you on a journey through my research. During this journey, I hope to enlighten you on Nat Turner’s religious background as well as how it contributed to the plotting of the Southampton slave insurrection.

The history of Nat Turners slave rebellion is undoubtedly enthralling to historians and literary masters alike. It took place on August 31, 1831 in Mr. Turner’s hometown of Southampton County, Virginia. Nat was 21 years old when he started the revolt, but he began plotting long before. Despite his young age, his people saw him as a man of deep religion and a prophet that would make great things happen for them. The murder of 60 white southerners should not be considered great, but the slaves of Southampton County knew that this rebellion would strike a fear in the eyes of slaveholders that they hoped would work to their advantage. Due to the fact that Mr. Turner felt his chosen religion co...

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...m it — others being called on were greatly astonished, knowing that these things had happened, and caused them to say in my hearing, I surely would be a prophet, as the Lord had shewn me things that had happened before my birth. And my father and mother strengthened me in this my first impression, saying in my presence, I was intended for some great purpose, which they had always thought from certain marks on my head and breast — [a parcel of excrescences which I believe are not at all uncommon, particularly among Negroes, as I have seen several with the same. In this case he has either cut them off or they have nearly disappeared]—”2 This account probably raises the brow of every person that reads it, but it gives us an idea of how his story began. It is human nature to model what we know, so Nat’s religious passion most likely stemmed from his mother and fathers.