Anne,

As a matter of historical writing, it matters not one bit whether you or I or any other reader believes in divine revelation, Turner did and so your sentence simply should reflect that this was his own understanding.   I don't think that it clarifies matters for you, me, or anyone else to categorize that understanding as true or as delusional.  When I suggested in my other post that Turner's belief might have been delusion, it was only to emphasize the point that we really can't know something so unprovable.  On the other hand, Turner's white contemporaries certainly regarded him as deranged and delusional.  You might accurately note that.  

As for final judgments of Turner, I don't see why your essay can't discuss both reasons as well as actions and offer appropriate judgments on both.  Was Turner justified in fighting to end slavery?  Certainly.   Was murdering people in their beds a bad thing?   Yes.   Indeed, by giving a fuller treatment then you are really in a better position -- rhetorically -- to bring in your legitimate critique of the vengeful response of Virginians and their government.   Otherwise you are engaging in an exercise in situational ethics in which ends justify means.   And I don't think you want to do that.

David Kiracofe



David Kiracofe
History
Tidewater Community College
Chesapeake Campus
1428 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, Virginia 23322
757-822-5136

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