Grainge, an African American man residing in Virginia, was enslaved by Jennings Baker. In December 1783 Grainge stood trial before a freeholders court in Chowan County, North Carolina for trying to foment a rebellion amongst the enslaved people there. Any further details regarding the rebellion have not been located, which suggests it was not particularly widespread. The court found Grainge guilty but surprisingly did not order his execution. Still, his punishment was exceedingly severe. The court ordered that both Grainge's ears be cut off and that he receive 200 lashes. Trial documents suggest he survived this punishment. Any further records regarding this individual have not been located.