Three hundred dollars were offered by Gov. Monroe for the arrest of
Gabriel; as much more for another chief named Jack Bowler, _alias_
Ditcher; whereupon Bowler _alias_ Ditcher surrendered himself, but it
took some weeks to get upon the track of Gabriel. He was finally captured
at Norfolk, on board a schooner just arrived from Richmond, in whose hold
he had concealed himself for eleven days, having thrown overboard a
bayonet and bludgeon, which were his only arms. Crowds of people
collected to see him, including many of his own color. He was arrested on
Sept. 24, convicted on Oct. 3, and executed on Oct. 7; and it is known of
him further, only, that, like almost all leaders of slave insurrections,
he showed a courage which his enemies could not gainsay. "When he was
apprehended, he manifested the greatest marks of firmness and confidence,
showing not the least disposition to equivocate, or screen himself from
justice,"--but making no confession that could implicate any one else.
"The behavior of Gabriel under his misfortunes," said the Norfolk
_Epitome_ of Sept. 25, "was such as might be expected from a mind capable
of forming the daring project which he had conceived." The _United-States
Gazette_ for Oct. 9 states, more sarcastically, that "the general is said
to have manifested the utmost composure, and with the true spirit of
heroism seems ready to resign his high office, and even his life, rather
than gratify the officious inquiries of the Governor."

Some of these newspapers suggest that the authorities found it good
policy to omit the statement made by Gabriel, whatever it was. At any
rate, he assured them that he was by no means the sole instigator of the
affair; he could name many, even in Norfolk, who were more deeply
concerned. To his brother Solomon he is said to have stated that the real
head of the plot was Jack Bowler. Still another leader was "Gen. John
Scott," already mentioned, the slave of Mr. Greenhow, hired by Mr.
McCrea. He was captured by his employer in Norfolk, just as he was boldly