 | The Hanging of Thomas Jeremiah: A Free Black Man''s Encounter with Liberty Subjects: Jeremiah Thomas d. 1775–Trials litigation etc.; Free African Americans -- South Carolina -- Charleston -- Social conditions; Free African Americans -- Legal status laws etc. -- South Carolina -- Charleston; Liberty -- Political aspects -- United Sta; Intrepid historian Harris (Pulitzer finalist for Deep Souths: Delta, Piedmont and Sea Island Society in the Age of Segregation) presents a carefully research account of nebulous historical figure Thomas Jeremiah, who, at the time of his death in 1775, "had risen as high as it was possible for a [free] black man" in South Carolina, where at least "ninety-nine in a hundred blacks were enslaved." Owner of a fishing company and worth $200,000 in 2009 dollars, Harris was probably the richest black man in North America; he was also a slave-owner. That didn't stop him from becoming a scapegoat, accused by patriot leader Henry Laurens-a wealthy plantation owner with hundreds of slaves-of secretly leading a British-sponsored slave insurrection. Though Governor William Campbell, aggrieved by the unlawfulness of Jeremiah's trial, interceded, it didn't stop those determined to hang Jeremiah. Alongside a rigorous narrative, Harris offers sober but forceful reflections: though he was "free, Christian, and a slave owner," Jeremiah proved an unworthy ally in the eyes of patriots like Laurens, who believed "the America being born.would be a white man's country." Readers will learn much about the darker side of American institutions; students of American history and civil rights will appreciate Harris's impassive approach and thorough standards. 18 b&w photos. (Nov.) Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information. J. William Harris is professor of history at the University of New Hampshire. He is the author of The Making of the American South , Deep Souths (finalist for the 2002 Pulitzer Prize in history), and Plain Folk and Gentry in a |
