But whether the theories of its origin were wise or foolish, theinsurrection made its mark; and the famous band of Virginiaemancipationists, who all that winter made the House of Delegates ringwith unavailing eloquence,--till the rise of slave-exportation to quite recentcotton regions stopped their voices,--were but the unconsciousmouthpieces of Nat Turner. In January, 1832, in reply to a member who hadcalled the outbreak a "petty affair," the eloquent James McDowell thusdescribed the impression it left close behind:--