THE REVOLUTIONARY SHORE – July 4, 1775

Pictured: Purdie’s Virginia Gazette, July 20, 1775.

By Kellee Blake

On this very day, 250 years ago . . .

John Sharlock still shook from his courthouse ordeal. The Accomack County tradesman had noisily criticized the growing Patriot movement and locals vigorously complained of him to the Accomack Committee of Safety. Action was necessary. On June 27, 1775, the Committee assembled at the courthouse to hold Sharlock (sometimes spelled “Sherlock”) in public contempt for insults against “friends to American liberty.”

Committee Chair Southey Simpson and others were familiar with Sharlock and his abilities in public service and trade. They also knew Sharlock had a temper; his heated passions made him a regular in court. Whether from bravado, fear, or foolishness, the twenty-five-year-old did not appear when summoned. Instead, he sent the Committee a daring “abusive, insulting letter “ which antagonized all waiting in the courthouse.

Witnesses testified that Sharlock promised to hang “rebels” and if “no hemp could be got, he had plenty of flax growing” to finish the job. He allegedly called Accomack’s newly formed Independent Company of soldiers an “unlawful mob” and claimed the Philadelphia Association was nothing but bondage. The Committee resolved to break off all dealings with Sharlock and every person connected with him until Sharlock made proper repentance.

They then deployed members of the Independent Company to arrest Sharlock. As the soldiers approached Sharlock’s residence, the hunted man placed a pistol in each hand and hid in an upper room of the house. He wisely concluded he could not prevail over these angry local men and submitted without incident. The Independent Company soldiers “carried” him to the courthouse for a “solemn” and frustratingly non-transcribed trial. Soon enough, Sharlock was persuaded to see the error of his ways.

The young man was marched out to the courthouse grounds where a “Liberty Pole” had been erected, possibly just in time for him. These tall poles topped with flags or red “Liberty caps” had recently been erected around New England and elsewhere, but this appears to be the first in Accomack County. Sharlock’s swagger seemed stilled and he had every reason to sweat. Not only did an eager crowd await him, but the soldiers of the Independent Company stood in wait, as well.

John Sharlock recanted. He expressed “unfeigned sorrow” and agreed his comments were made thoughtlessly and imprudently. Sharlock then went to each member of the Independent Company and asked their pardon. He declared his opinion greatly altered and proclaimed them “a most respectful body of men.” In a final obeisance, he heartily wished locals success in their struggle for liberty. Sharlock looked at his neighbors and promised to redeem himself and his reputation with them. He was released and the Committee of Safety ordered the complaint and Sharlock’s recantation published in the Virginia Gazette.

The moment was weighty with meaning. Loyalty and disloyalty were quickly being redefined, as were community priorities and legal authorities. The pace of events on the Shore and in Williamsburg swiftly moved past peaceful possibilities and John Sharlock would ride a new wave of opportunity toward the redemption he sought.

Join WESR on the 4th of each month to learn more about Virginia and the Shore’s role in the War for Independence. Welcome to the Revolutionary Shore!