Horsmandens Journal of the Proceedings Essays -- Analysis, Daniel Hor

Daniel Horsmandens Journal of the Proceedings was written with a specific purpose in mind which he openly acknowledges in his introduction. Horsmanden claims that it was for the public benefit (Zabin, p.46) and inspired by the fact that some individuals believed there was no plot at all (Zabin, p.45). He hoped that by displaying the facts of the facial expression he could prove to the people of New York City that the proceedings were just and that there was a great need to keep close supervision on their African slaves (Zabin, p.45). Having such an obvious bias the Journal is far from a perfect historical record of events, but under close examination Horsmandens account gives a vast amount of insight into the sharp divisions that characterized eighteenth century New York and can help explain why the people were so ready to believe in such a grandiose conspiracy. One can even see ways in which the conspiracy brought New Yorkers in concert and how it drove them apart.An analysis of H orsmandens work paints a picture of the social divisions present in the city. Race was a fairly obvious division, exemplified by Horsmandens statement that Peggy was the worst sort of prostitute because she was a prostitute to negroes (Zabin, p.49) and that blacks were much more prone to suspicion which can be seen in the fact that virtually 30 blacks were executed compared to four whites (Zabin, p.175). Economic status also shines through as a source of division. This is apparent by the fact that the Hughsons, who owned a disreputable public house (Zabin, p.48), were tried and executed largely on the testimony of Mary Burton. However, when Ms. Burton cast suspicion upon some people in ruffles (those of better means), the courtyard quickly wrapped up the ca... ...stered togetherness among the people. Horsmandens journal provides a wealth of information about eighteenth century New York if one is willing to analyse it critically and ignore the bias present in it. If one does th is they catch fascinating glimpses of a divided world, one where people are partitioned by race, sparing status, homeland and religion. A world filled with fear and suspicion caused by the tension inherent within such societal division. The same tensions that either gave establish to a massive conspiracy to destroy the town of New York or gave credence to a nightmare constructed by the minds of the people and fed by individuals selfish nature. Regardless, eighteenth century New York was a troubled place and Horsmandens Journal of the Proceedings gives us a partial but valuable insight to the lives and interactions of colonial New Yorks peoples.