At Christmas 1831, over 20,000 enslaved people rose up in revolt
in Jamaica. This order from the British military commander threatens
slaves who did not surrender with capture and execution. This promise
was fulfilled: more than 500 met their death during or after the rebellion
(there were 14 White deaths).The document indicates that rumours of
emancipation helped to inspire the rising. The spread of Christianity
among the enslaved also played a part. The Black Baptist preacher
Sam Sharpe was one of the leaders of the rebellion, and met his death
as a result.
CO 137/181 (2 Jan 1832)
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