--- Page 1 --- --- Page 2 --- Hulu Carter Brolmn Libarg Lirmm llninersity AREOSITIANUSN Gift of Wallace G. Maxon --- Page 3 --- U7P 371 --- Page 4 --- --- Page 5 --- --- Page 6 --- --- Page 7 --- AN HISTORICAL SURVE Y OFTHE FRENCH COLONT IN THE ISLAND orST. DOMINGO: COMPREMEXDING A SHORT ACCOUNT OF ITS ANCIENT GOVERNMENT, POLITICAL STATE, POPULATION, PRODUCTIONS, AND EXPORTS; A NARRATIVE OF THE CALAMITIES WHICH HAVE DESOLATED THE COUNTRY EVER SINCE THE YEAR 1789, WITH SOME REFLECTIONS ON THEIR CAUSES AND PROEABLE COXSERVENCESI AND A DETAIL OF THE MILITARY TRANSACTIONS OF THE BRITISH ARMY IN THAT ISLAND TO THE END OF 1794. Br BRYAN EDWARDS, EsQ. M.P. F.R.S. &c. AUTHOR OF THE HISTORY OF THE BRITISH COLONIES IN THE WEST INDIES, LONDON: PRINTED FOR JOHN STOCKDALE, PICCADILLY. 1797- --- Page 8 --- --- Page 9 --- C O N T E N T S. CHAP. I. POLITICAL State %f SAINr DOMINGO, previous is the Tear 1789 Page I CHAP. II. From the Revolution ef1789, to the Meeting of tbe Firf General Colonial, Alembly CHA P. III. Proceedings efitbe General Colonial Allembly until its final Dipolution, and Embarkation 9f the Members for France, Auguf CHAP. IV. Rebellion and Defeat of Ogé, a free Man ef Colour CHA 10 P.. V. Proceedings in Erance-Mafacre of-Colonel Mauduit in St, Domingo-andfatal Decree of the National Alembly %f tbe 1525 May 1791 A2 CHAP. --- Page 10 --- - O N T E N T S. CH A P. VI. Confaquences in St. Domingo of tbe Decree oftbe 15tb MayRebellion oftbe Negroes in the Nortbern Province, and Enormities committed by them-Revolt ofthe Mulattoes at Mirebalais -Concordat or Truce betwveen the Inbabitants fPort au Prince and tbe Men of Colour oftbe 11tb of Sprunir-Predunstion by the National Alembly of the 20tb 9 September CHAP VIIO Of tbe Motives wbich induced tbe People of Colour to join tbe uree L wolted Nogros-Condué of the Britifo Afuciation for the Abolition of tbe Slave Trade, and eftbe Society I/ Paris called Les Amis des Noirs-Letter. fromAbbe Gregoire to tbe People ef Colour-Repeal of the Decree ef tbe 1;tb May 1791Efuéts of tbat Meofire-Ciuil. War with the Mulattoes reneved-Port au Princé defroyedby Fire-Crueltiei exercifed bry both Partias-Arrivdl at Capé François of tbe Civil Commifioners CH A-P: VIII. Reception and Proceedings e tbe Civil Commilfioners, and tbeir Return to Frane-Natiotal Decree of tbe 4tb of. April 1792 -Appointment ef.a. neso Governor (Monf. De/parbes) and tbree, otber Commifioners (Santhonax, Polverel, and Ailbaud) -Tbeir. Embarkation and Arrival, witb-a feleét Body :of Trops-Tbeir violent Predag-Aiteniasiy by the ExeTI cutive -P: VIII. Reception and Proceedings e tbe Civil Commilfioners, and tbeir Return to Frane-Natiotal Decree of tbe 4tb of. April 1792 -Appointment ef.a. neso Governor (Monf. De/parbes) and tbree, otber Commifioners (Santhonax, Polverel, and Ailbaud) -Tbeir. Embarkation and Arrival, witb-a feleét Body :of Trops-Tbeir violent Predag-Aiteniasiy by the ExeTI cutive --- Page 11 --- C O N T E N T S. cutive Council, ef M. Galbaud as CbifGovernor, in the Room ef Dy/parbes-His Arrival, and Difutes with the Commif. fioners-Botb Parties proceed to Hofilities-Tbe revolted Negroes called in to.tbe Afpance %f the Coumifionuerr-4g general Majacre ef tbe Wbite Inbabitants, and Confagration %f tbe Toun of Gape Frangois CH A P. IX. Situation, Extent, and general Defcription of St.. Damingo-Origin eftbe French Colony, and Topagrapbical Defeription ftbe ficeral-Provinees into. wehich the. Frencb Poffefions wère divided Tboir Population, sand: Praduce-Sbippng and ExportsCompared with the Returns ffamaica C-HAP. X. 3 : : o C.. Emigrations- Overtures to tbe Britifs Government acceptedSityation and Strength oftbe Republican Party in St, Domingo, and Difpofition oftbe libabitants-Negra Slavery abolifbed by tbe Erencb Gheripiri-drment allottèd for tbe Invafion ef the Cauutrp-Sarreondar of feremie and tbe Mole at Cape St. Nidalar-tafcaffal Attempt on Cape Tiburon-Furtber Proceedings of the Britifb Army until the Arrival ef General Wiyte-Gopiuresf: Port au Pringe CHA P., XI. Sicknefs among tbe Troops, and tbe Caufes thrf-Reifarcamant Dreadfiul Murtaliy-Geuerali Wbyte isficceeded by Brigadier General èd for tbe Invafion ef the Cauutrp-Sarreondar of feremie and tbe Mole at Cape St. Nidalar-tafcaffal Attempt on Cape Tiburon-Furtber Proceedings of the Britifb Army until the Arrival ef General Wiyte-Gopiuresf: Port au Pringe CHA P., XI. Sicknefs among tbe Troops, and tbe Caufes thrf-Reifarcamant Dreadfiul Murtaliy-Geuerali Wbyte isficceeded by Brigadier General --- Page 12 --- C O N T E N T S. General Harneck-Lezgons taken bytbe Rebel-Tanparary Succefes Lintonant-Cabndl Bri/bene at Aribonite-Reiol ef tbe Mulattoes at St. Marc-Attack efPort Biztton-Preparations by Rigaudfor a Jecond Attempt 072 Tiburon-Tbe Pof and attached 012 Cbrifmas Day, and. carried-Gallant. Déferice Efeape ef the Garrifon, and melancholy Fate 8f Lieutenan? Byderit-tiwwacoled Brifbarie and Markbam killed -Olfervations and Strittures O73 the Conduct ef'tbe War 161 CHAP. XII. - : CO1t Ancient State of tbe Spanifb Colony-The Torn of St: Domingo e/tablifhed by Bartbolomew Colambtis in 1498- Pillaged" -by Drake in 1586-Catjedtwres and Refeétions concerning its prefent Condition, and tbe State of Agriculture in the interior Country-Nunbers and Charaster.of tbe prefent InbabitantsTbeir Animofity towards the French Planters, and Yealouly of the Exgljfh-Cajielture concerning thefuture Situation gf tbe subole Hland; and fome concluding Refeations Tableau du Commerce et de Finances de la Partie Françoife de St. Domingue Additional Tables Additional Notes and Illufrations --- Page 13 --- PR E F AC E. SooN after I had publifhed the Hiftory of the Britifh Colonies in the Weft Indies, I conceived the defign of compiling a general account of the fettlements made by all the nations of Europe in that part of the New Hemifpherc, but more particularly the French, whofe poffeffions were undoubtedly the moft valuable and produétive of the whole Archipelago. This idea fuggefted itfelf to my mind, on furveying the materials Ihad colleéted with regard to thcir principal colony in St. Domingo; not doubting, as the fortune of war had placed under the Britifh dominion all or moft of the other French iflands, that I fhould cafily procure fuch particulars of the condition, population, and culture of each, as would enable me to complete my defign, with credit to myfelf, and fatisfaétion to the Publick. I am forry to obferve, that in this expedation I b have furveying the materials Ihad colleéted with regard to thcir principal colony in St. Domingo; not doubting, as the fortune of war had placed under the Britifh dominion all or moft of the other French iflands, that I fhould cafily procure fuch particulars of the condition, population, and culture of each, as would enable me to complete my defign, with credit to myfelf, and fatisfaétion to the Publick. I am forry to obferve, that in this expedation I b have --- Page 14 --- PREFA C E. 1l have hitherto found myfeif difappointed. The prefent publication therefore, is confined wholly to St. Domingo; concerning which, having perfonally vifited that unhappy country foon after the revolt of the negroes in 1791, and formed connexions there, which have fupplied me with regular communications ever fince, I poffeis a mafs of evidence, and important documents. My motives for going thither, are of little confequence to the Publick; but the circumftances which occafioned the voyage, the reception I met with, and the fituation in which I found the wretched Inhabitants, cannot fail of being interefting to the reader; and I Aatter myfelf that a fhort account of thofe particulars, while it confers fome degree of authenticity on my labours, will not be thought an improper Introduétion to my book. IN the month of September 1791, when I was at Spanifh Town in Jamaica, two French Gentlemen were introduced to me, who were juft arrived from St. Domingo, with information that the negro flaves belonging to the French part of that ifland, to the number, as was believed, of 100,000 and upwards, had --- Page 15 --- PREF A C E. iii had revolted, and were fpreading death and defolation over the whole of the northern province. They reported that the governor-general, confiderng the fituation of the colony as a common caufe among the white inhabitantsofall. nations in the WeftIndies, had difpatched commiffioners to the neighbouring iflands, as well as to the States of North America, to requeft immediate afliftance of troops, arms, ammunition, and provifions; and that themfelves were deputed on the fame errand to the Government at Jamaica: I was accordingly defired to prefent them to the Earl of Effingham, the commander in chief. Although the difpatches with which thefe gentlemen were furnifhed, were certainly a rery fufficient introduéion to his lordfhip, I did not hcfitate to comply with their requeft; and it is fcarcely neceflary to obferve, that the liberal and enlarged mind which animated every part of Lord Effingham's conduét, needed no folicitation, in a cafe of beneficence and humanity. Supcrior to national prejudice, he felt, as a man and a chriftian ought to feel, for the calamities of fello men ; and he faw, in its full extent, the danger to which every ifland in the Weft Indies would be expofed from fuch an b 2 example, ft; and it is fcarcely neceflary to obferve, that the liberal and enlarged mind which animated every part of Lord Effingham's conduét, needed no folicitation, in a cafe of beneficence and humanity. Supcrior to national prejudice, he felt, as a man and a chriftian ought to feel, for the calamities of fello men ; and he faw, in its full extent, the danger to which every ifland in the Weft Indies would be expofed from fuch an b 2 example, --- Page 16 --- IV PREFAC E. example, if the triumph of favage anarchy over all order and government fhould be complete. He therefore, without hefitation, affured the commiflioners that they might depend on receiving from the government of Jamaica, every afliftance and fuccour which it was in his power to give. Troops he could not offer, for he had them not; but he faid he would furnifh arms, ammunition, and provifions, and he promifed to confult with the diftinguifhed Officer commanding in the naval department, concerning the propriety of fending up one or more of his Majefty's fhips; the commiflioners having fuggefted that the appearance in their harbours of a few veffels of war might ferve to intimidate the infurgents, and keep them at a diftance, while the neceffary defences and intrenchments were making, to preferve the city of Cape François from an attack. ADMIRAL AFFLECK (as from his known worth,. and general charaéter might have been expected) very cheerfully co-operated on this occafion with Lord Efingham; and immediately iffued orders to the captains of the Blonde and Daphne frigates to proceed, --- Page 17 --- PREF A C E. V ceed, in company with a floop of war, forthwith to Cape François. The Centurion was foon afterwards ordered to Port au Prince. The Blonde being commanded by my amiable and lamented friend Captain William Affleck, who kindly undertook to convey the French commiflioners back to St. Domingo, I was eafily perfuaded to accompany them thither; and fome other gentlemen. of Jamaicajoined theparty: WE arrived in the harbour of Cape François in the evening of the 26th of September, and the firft objedt which arrefted our attention as we approached, was a dreadful fcene of devaftation by fire. The noble plain adjoining the Cape was covered with afhes, and. the furrounding hills, as far as she eye could reach, every where prefented to us ruins ftill fmoking, and houfes and plantations at that moment in flames. It was a fight more terrible than the mind of any man,. unaccuftomed to fuch a fcene, can cafily conceive.-The inhabitants of the town being affembled on the beach, direéted. all their attention towards us, and we landed amidft a crowd of fpeétators who; with uplifted hands and ftreaming eyes, gave welcome to their deliverers (for fuch they confidered us) and acclamations of vivent les Anglois refounded from every quarter. THE fes and plantations at that moment in flames. It was a fight more terrible than the mind of any man,. unaccuftomed to fuch a fcene, can cafily conceive.-The inhabitants of the town being affembled on the beach, direéted. all their attention towards us, and we landed amidft a crowd of fpeétators who; with uplifted hands and ftreaming eyes, gave welcome to their deliverers (for fuch they confidered us) and acclamations of vivent les Anglois refounded from every quarter. THE --- Page 18 --- P R E F A C E. vi at that time, was THE governor of St. Domingo, General Blanchelande; a marecbal the unfortunate fervice, who has fince pede camp in the French honour to rethe fcaffold. He did us the rifhed on A committee of the coloceive us on the quay. only accompanied by thc governor's nial affembly, * had befon, an amiable and accomplifhed youth 3 board the Blonde, and we were fore attended us on of their meetimmediately conduéted to the placc The The fcene was ftriking and folemn. ing. illuminated, and all the memhall was fplendidly for in mourning. Chairs were placed bers appeared and the Governor having taken us within the bar, the lathand of the Prefident, his feat on the right oration, addreffed us in an cloquent and affeding ter the following is as literal a tranflation as of which will admit: the idiom of the two languages C Wr were not miftaken, Gentlemen, when we placed our confidence in your generofity; but we could hardly entertain the hope, that, befides fending us likewife peri(hed by the guillotine under the tyranny * This young gentleman at Paris, on the 2oth July 1794 in the of Roberfpierre. He was maffacred twentieth year of his age. fuccours, I --- Page 19 --- Pi R E-FAC E. vii fuccours, you would come in perfon to give us confolation. You have quitted, without reluétance, the peaceful enjoyment of happinefs at home, to come and: participate in the misfortunes of ftrangers, and blend your tears with our's. Scenes of mifery (the contemplation of which, tothofe who are unaccuftomed to misfortune, is commonly difgufting) have not fupprefied your feclings. You have been willing to afcertain the full extent of our: diftreffes, and to pour into our wounds the falutary balm of your fenfibility and compaflion. C TIE pidture which has been drawn of our calamities, you will find has fallen fhort of the reality. That verdure with which our fields were lately arrayed, is no longer vifible; difcoloured by the flames, and laid wafte by the devaftations of war, our coafts exhibit no profpeét but that of defolation. The emblems which we wear on our perfons, are the tokens of our grief for the lofs of our brethren, who: were --- Page 20 --- Vin P 2 R E F AC E. were furprifed, and cruelly affaflinated, by the revolters. <C Ir is by the glare of the conflagrations that every way furround us, that we now deliberate; ; we are compelled to fit armed and watchful through the night, to keep the enemy from our fanétuary. For a long timc paft our bofoms have been depreffed by forrow; they experience this day, for the firft time, the fweet emotions of pleafure, in beholding you amongft us. ce GENEROUS iflanders! humanity has operated powerfully on your hearts;-you have yielded to the firft emotion of your gencrofity, in the hopes of fnatching us from death; for it is alrcady too late to fave us from mifery. What a contraft between your conduét, and that of other nations! We will avail ourfelves of your benevolence; but the days you preferve to us, will not be fufficient to manifeft our ure, in beholding you amongft us. ce GENEROUS iflanders! humanity has operated powerfully on your hearts;-you have yielded to the firft emotion of your gencrofity, in the hopes of fnatching us from death; for it is alrcady too late to fave us from mifery. What a contraft between your conduét, and that of other nations! We will avail ourfelves of your benevolence; but the days you preferve to us, will not be fufficient to manifeft our --- Page 21 --- PREFAC E. ix our gratitude: our children Chall kecp it in remembrance, Cc REGENERATED France, unapprized that fuch calamities might befal us, has taken no meafures to proteét usagainft their effects: with what admiration will fhe Jearn, that, without your affiftance, we fhould no longer exift as a dependency to any nation. (6 THE Commifioners deputed by us to the ifland of Jamaica, have informed us of your exertions to ferve us.-Receive the affurance of our attachment and fenfibility. Cc THE Governor-general of this ifland, whofe fentiments perfedly accord with our own, participates equally in thejoy we feelat your prefence, and in our gratitude for the afliftance you have brought us. 15 Ar this junéture, the French colonifts in St. Domingo, however they might have been divided in C political --- Page 22 --- X PREFA C E. political fentiments on former occafions, fecmed to be foftened, by the fenfe of common fuffering, into. perfedt unanimity. All defcriptions of perfons joined in onc gencral outcry againft the National Affembly, to whofe proceedings were imputed all their difafters. This opinion was indeed fo widely diffeminated, and fo decply rooted, as to create a very ftrong difpofition in all claffes of the whites, to renounce their allegiance to the mother country. The black cockade was univerfally fubfituted 1n. place of the tri-colourcd one, and very carneft wifhes. were avowed in all companies, without fcruple or: reftraint, that the Britifh adminiftration would fend an armamentito conquer the ifland, or rather to receive its voluntary furrender from the inhabitants.. What they wilhed might happen, they perfuaded themfelves to believe was adtually in contemplation; and this idea foon becarne fo prevalent, as. to place the author of this work in an awkward fituation. The fanguine difpofition obfervable in the French charaéter, has becn. noticed by all. who have vilited. them; but in this cafc their credulity grew to a height that was extravagant and even ridiculous. By the kindnefs- of the Earl of Effingham, --- Page 23 --- PRE F A C E. X1 Efingham, I was favoured with a letter of introduéion to the Governor-general; ; and my reception, both by M. Blanchelande and the colonial affembly, was fuch as not only to excite the publick attention, but alfo to induce a very general belief that no common motive had brought me thither. The fuggeflions of individuals to this purpofe, became perplexing and troublefome. Aflurances on my part, that I had no views beyond the gratification of curiofity, had no cther cfleét than to call forth commendations on my prudence. It was fettled, that I was an agent of the Englith miniftry, fent purpofely to found thei inclinations of the Colonifts towards the government of Great Britain, preparatory to an invafion of the country by a Britifh armament; and their wilhes and inclinations co-operating with this idea, gave rife to many ftrange applications which werc made to me; fome of them of fo ludicrous a nature, as no powers of face could cafily withftand. THIS circumfance is not recordcd from the vain ambition of fhewing my own importancc. The reader of the following pages will difcover its application; and, perhaps, it mayinducchim to makefome C 2 allowance to an invafion of the country by a Britifh armament; and their wilhes and inclinations co-operating with this idea, gave rife to many ftrange applications which werc made to me; fome of them of fo ludicrous a nature, as no powers of face could cafily withftand. THIS circumfance is not recordcd from the vain ambition of fhewing my own importancc. The reader of the following pages will difcover its application; and, perhaps, it mayinducchim to makefome C 2 allowance --- Page 24 --- EIl P REF AC E. allowance for that confident fpeedy fuccefs, which expeétation of fure and the Britifh afterwards led to attempts, arms, againft this ill-fated by means that muf otherwife have country, with time,-as in the fequel been thought at the they have -altogether unhappily proved, inadequate to the objeét in view. THE ravages of the that I remained at rebellion, during the time reétions. The whole Cape François, extended in all dithe of the plain of the Cape, with. exception of one plantation which town, was in ruins; as were likewife adjoined the Limonade, and moft of the the Parifh of tains adjacent. The Parifh fettlements in the mounon fire; and before ofLimbé was every where obtained my departure, the rebels had poffeflion of the bay and forts well as the diftriéts of Fort at l'Acul, as La Grande Riviere. Dauphin, Dondon, and DESTRUCTION every where marked and refiftance feemed to be their progrefs, not only as confidered by the whites unavailing in the but as hopclefs in future. prefent conjunéture, To fill up the meafure of --- Page 25 --- PREF AC E. xiii of their calamities, their Spanith neighbours in the fame ifland, with a fpirit of bigotry and hatred which is, I believe, without an example in the world, refufed to lend any affiftance towards fupprefling a revolt, in the iffue of which common reafon fhould have informed them, that their own prefervation' was implicated equally with that of the French. They were even accufed-not only of fupplying the rebels with arms and provifions; but alfo of delivering up to them to be murdered, many unhappy French planters who had fled for refuge to the: Spanifh territories, and recciving money from the zebels as the price of their blood. Of thefe latter charges, however, no proof was, I believe, ever produced; and, for the honour of human nature, I am unwilling to believe that they are true. To myfelf, the cafe appeared altogether defperate. from the beginning; and many of the moft refpectable and beft informed perfons in Cape François (fome of them in high ftations) affured me, in confidence, that they concurred in this opinion. The merchants and importers of Europcan manufaatures, apprchending every hour the deftruétion of the town,, as, latter charges, however, no proof was, I believe, ever produced; and, for the honour of human nature, I am unwilling to believe that they are true. To myfelf, the cafe appeared altogether defperate. from the beginning; and many of the moft refpectable and beft informed perfons in Cape François (fome of them in high ftations) affured me, in confidence, that they concurred in this opinion. The merchants and importers of Europcan manufaatures, apprchending every hour the deftruétion of the town,, as, --- Page 26 --- xiv PREF AC E. as much from incendiarics within, as from the rebels without, offered their goods for ready moncy at half the ufual prices; and applications were made to Captain Aflleck, by perfons of all defcriptions, for permiflion to embark in the Blonde for Jamaica. The interpolition of the colonial government obliged him to rejedt their folicitations; but means were contrived to fend on board confignmeuts of money to a great amount; ; and I know that other conveyances were found, by which effcéts to a confiderable value were exported both to Jamaica, and the ftates of North America. UNDER thefe circumftances, it very naturally OCcurred to me to direét my enquiries towards the ftate of the colony previous to the revolt, and colleét authentick information on the fpot, concerning the primary caufe, and fubfequent progrefs, of the widely extended ruin before me. Strongly impreffed with thegloomy idea, that the only memorial of this once fiourifhing colony would foon be found in the records of hiftory, I was defirous that my own country and fellow-colonifts, in lamenting its cataftrophe, might at the fame time profit by fo terrible an example. --- Page 27 --- PREFA C E. XV example. My mcans of information were too valuable to be negleéted, and 1 determined to avail myfelf of them. The Governor-general furnifhed me with copies of all the papers and details of office that I folicited, with a politenefs that augmented the favour. The fate of this unhappy gentleman, two years afterwards, gave me infinite concern. Like his royal mafter, he was unfortunately called to a ftation to which his abilities were not competent ; and in times when perhaps no: abilities would have availed him. THE Prefident of the colonial affembly, at the time of my arrival, was M. de Caducih, who fome time afterwards took up his refidence, and held an. important office, in Jamaica. He was a man of very diftinguifhed talents, and withal ftrongly and fineerely attached to the Britifh government, of which, if it were proper, I could furnifh unqueftionable proof*. This gentleman drew up, at my requeft, a fhort account of the origin and progrefs-of the re- * Hecferwards accompanied General Williamfon back to St. Dominge, ani was kiled(er, as Ihaveh heard, balily murdered)ina a duel at Port 2i Frince, by one c: kis counirymen. bellion; uifhed talents, and withal ftrongly and fineerely attached to the Britifh government, of which, if it were proper, I could furnifh unqueftionable proof*. This gentleman drew up, at my requeft, a fhort account of the origin and progrefs-of the re- * Hecferwards accompanied General Williamfon back to St. Dominge, ani was kiled(er, as Ihaveh heard, balily murdered)ina a duel at Port 2i Frince, by one c: kis counirymen. bellion; --- Page 28 --- xvi PREFAC E. bellion ; and after my return to England, favoured me with his corre/pondence, Many which are given in this important facts, work, are given on his authority. To M, Delaire, a merchant of confideration in the town of the Capc, who has fince ed, I believe, to the ftate of South removindebted Carolina, I was for a fimilar narrative, drawn up by himfelf in the Englifh language, of which he is a petent mafter. Itis brief, but much very comto thc difplays an intimate knowledge of the purpofe; the colony, and traces, with concerns of afters to their fource. great acutenefs, its difBuT the friend from whofe fuperior have derived my chief information in all knowledge I the gentleman alluded to in the refpeéts, is P. I12 of the following marginal note to fheets; and I fincerely regret, that ill-fortune has fo purfued it improper in this work himas to rendcr the to exprefs to him, by name, obligations I owe to his kindnefs. After row cfcape from the a narvengeance of thofe mercilefs men, Santhonax and Polvercl, he was induced X to return --- Page 29 --- P R E F A C E. xvii turn to St. Domingo, to look after his property 3 and, Igrieve to fay, that he is again fallen into the hands of his enemies. He found means, however, previous to his prefent confinement, to convey to me manyvaluable papers; and, among others, a copy of that moft curious and important document, the dying depofition or teftament of Ogè, mentioned in the fourth chapter, and printed at large among the additional notes and illuftrations at the end of my work. Of this paper (the communication of which, in time, would have prevented the dreadful fcenes proper that followed) although I had frequently heard, I had long doubted the exiftence. Its fupprefion by the perfons to whom it was delivered by the wretched fufferer, appeared to be an act of fuch monftrous and unexampled wickednefs, that, until I faw the paper itfelf, I could not credit the charge. Whether M. Blanchelande was a party concernedin this atrocious proceeding, as my friend afferts, Iknow not. Ifhe was guilty, he has juftly paid the forfeit of his crime; and although, believing him innocent, I mourned over his untimely fate, I feruple not to avow my opinion, thatif he had poffeffed a thoufand lives, the lofs of them all had not been a fufficient d atonement, the paper itfelf, I could not credit the charge. Whether M. Blanchelande was a party concernedin this atrocious proceeding, as my friend afferts, Iknow not. Ifhe was guilty, he has juftly paid the forfeit of his crime; and although, believing him innocent, I mourned over his untimely fate, I feruple not to avow my opinion, thatif he had poffeffed a thoufand lives, the lofs of them all had not been a fufficient d atonement, --- Page 30 --- xviii PREF A C E. atonement, in fo cnormous a cafc, to violated juf tice ! SUCH were the motives that induced me to undertake this Hiftorical Survey of the French part of St. Domingo, and fuch are the authorities from whence I havc derived my information concerning thofe calamitous events which have brought it to ruin. Yet I will frankly confefs, that, if I have any credit with thepublick as an author, I am not fure this work will add to my reputation. Every writer muft rife or fink, in fome degree, with the nature of his fubject; and on this occafion, the piéture which I fhall exhibit, has nothing in it to delight the fancy, or to gladden the heart. The profpeéts before us arc all dark and difmal. Here is no room for tracing the beautics of unfullied nature. Thofe groves of perennial verdure; thofe magnificent and romantick landfcapes, which, in tropical regions, cvery where invite the eye, and oftentimcs detain it, until wonder is exalted to devotion, muft now give place to the miferies of war, and the horrors of peftilence; to fcenes of anarchy, defolation, and carnage. We have to contemplate the human mind in its utmoft X deformity a --- Page 31 --- P R EF AC E. xix deformity: to behold favage man, let loofe from reftraint, exercifing cruelties, of which the bare recital makes the heart recoil, and committing crimes which are hitherto unheard ofin hiftory; teeming all monftrous, all prodigious things, Abominable, unutterable, and worle Than fables yet have feign'd, or fear conceiv'd! MILTON. ALL therefore that I can hope and expeét is, that my narrative, if it cannot delight, may at leaft inAruet. On the fober and confiderate, on thofe who are open to conviction, this affemblage of horrors will have its effeét. It will expofe the lamentable ignorance of fome, and the monftrous wickednefs of others, among the reformers of the prefent day, who, urging onwards fchemes of perfedtion, and projeêts ofamendment in the condition ofl human life, fafter than nature allows, are lighting up a confuming fire between the different claffes of mankind, which nothing but human blood can extinguifh. Totell fuch men that great and. beneficial modifications in the eftablifhed orders of fociety, can only be effeéted by a progreflive improvement in the d 2 fituation nefs of others, among the reformers of the prefent day, who, urging onwards fchemes of perfedtion, and projeêts ofamendment in the condition ofl human life, fafter than nature allows, are lighting up a confuming fire between the different claffes of mankind, which nothing but human blood can extinguifh. Totell fuch men that great and. beneficial modifications in the eftablifhed orders of fociety, can only be effeéted by a progreflive improvement in the d 2 fituation --- Page 32 --- XX PR EF AC E. fituation ofthelower ranks ofthe is to to the winds, In their hands people, preach a feythe more deftruéive than reformation, with down that of time, mows every thing, and plants nothing, and caution they confider as rank cowardice. Moderation and violence are the ready, and, in their Force only opinion, the proper application for the cure of early and habitual prejudice. Their pradtice, like that of other mountebanks, is bold and motto is, cure or kill. compendious; their THESE reflections neceffarily arife from the circumflance which is incontrovertibly proved in the following pages, namely, that the rebellion ofthe St. Domingo, and the infurreation of the negroes in to whom Oge was fent as ambaffador, had mulattoes, the fame origin. It was not the one and. fiftible ftrony and irreimpulfe of human nature, groaning under oppreflion, that excited either of thofe claffes plunge their daggers into the bofoms of to women and helplefs infants. unoffending thofe They were driven into esce@ts--reludantly driven-by the vile machinations ofmen calling themfelves (the proiclytes and imitators in philofophers France, of the Old * Jewry --- Page 33 --- PREF A C E. xxi Jewry affociates in London) whofe pretences to philanthropy were as grofs a mockery of human reafon, as their conduét was an outrage on all the feelings of our nature, and the ties which hold fociety together!. Ir is indeed true, that negro-rebellions have heretofore arifen in this and other iflands of the Weft Indies, to which no fuch exciting caufes contributed : but it is cqually certain, that thofe rebellions always originated among thenewly-imported negroes only; many of whom had probably lived in a ftate of free-- dom in Africa, and had been fraudulently, or forcibly, fold: into flavery by their chiefs. That cafes ofthis kind do fometimes occur in the flave trade,.I dare not difpute, and I admit that revolt and infurreétion-are their natural confequences, BUT, in St. Domingo, a very confiderable part of the infurgents were-not Africans, but-Creoles, or natives. Some of the leaders were favoured domef-- ticks among the white inhabitants, born and brought in their families. A few.of. them had even re-: up ceived thofe advantages, the perverfion of which, under. That cafes ofthis kind do fometimes occur in the flave trade,.I dare not difpute, and I admit that revolt and infurreétion-are their natural confequences, BUT, in St. Domingo, a very confiderable part of the infurgents were-not Africans, but-Creoles, or natives. Some of the leaders were favoured domef-- ticks among the white inhabitants, born and brought in their families. A few.of. them had even re-: up ceived thofe advantages, the perverfion of which, under. --- Page 34 --- xxii P REF AC E. under their philofophical preccptors, ferved only to render them pre-cminent in mifchief; for having becn taught to read, they were led to imbibe, and enabled to promulgate, thofe principles and doétrines which led, and always will lcad, to.the fubverfion ofall government and order. LET me not be underftoad, however, as affirming that nothingis to be attributed on this occafion to the flave-trade. I fcorn to havc recourfe to concealment or falfhocd. Unqueftionably, the vaft annual importations of enflaved Africans into St. Domingo, for many years previous to 1791, had created a black population in the French part of that ifland, which was, beyond all meafure, difproportionate to the white;-the relative numbers ofthe two clafies being as fixtcen to one. Of this circumftance the leaders of the rebels could not be unobfervant, and they doubtlefs derived encouragement and confidence from it. Herc too, I admit, is a warning and an admonition to ourfelves. The inference has not cfcaped me:-it conftitutes my parting words with the rcader, and I hope they arc not urged in vain. HAVING --- Page 35 --- PREFAC E. xxiii HAVING thus pointed out the motives which induced me to write the following narrative; the fources from whence my materials are derived, and the purpofes which I hope will be anfwered by the publication ; nothing farther remains but to fubmit the work itfelf to the judgment of my readcrs,. which I do with a refpeétful folicitude. LoNDON, December, 1796. --- Page 36 --- ERR A T A. Fage 3, line 4, for its, read the. 4> note (a) for ordonateur, read ordonnateur. 5, line 16, for 52, read Mfty-one. Io, line 8, from the bottom: : dele the words enflaved Negrees, and place them in the margin. The paflage, asi itnow ftands, is wholly unintelligible. II, line 1, for attending this, read attending it, 13, laft line but onc: read the chief aim. 20, line 2, for in the metropalis, read of the metropolis. 24, line 4, for in exclufion, read to the exclufion. 49, laft line; for Machiovilian, read Machiavelian. 86, line I, for apprized, read believing. 109, line 2, for eight, read/fx. -line 9, aftcr governor, infert accompanied by apect oft tbirty tranfports. 132, linc IO, for fourteens read fixteen. 135, line 5, from the bottom : after the wordfreighted, infert_for Eurape. 152, line 1, inftead of the avbole of tbat extenfive bay, read the vindtvard palfages and the zubole efthat extenfrve bay. ian. 86, line I, for apprized, read believing. 109, line 2, for eight, read/fx. -line 9, aftcr governor, infert accompanied by apect oft tbirty tranfports. 132, linc IO, for fourteens read fixteen. 135, line 5, from the bottom : after the wordfreighted, infert_for Eurape. 152, line 1, inftead of the avbole of tbat extenfive bay, read the vindtvard palfages and the zubole efthat extenfrve bay. --- Page 37 --- A SHORT H I 2e S T 0 R Y OF TI HE FRENCH Colony in Sr. DOMINGO, &c. CHAP. I. Political State ef ST. DOMINGO previous to tbe Tear 1789. HE inhabitants of the French part of St. Domingo, - as of all the Weft Indian Iflands, were CHAP, compofed of 1. three great claffes: ift, pure whites. 2d, people of colour, and blacks of free condition. 3d, negroes in a ftate of Inhabitants, flavery. The reader is apprifed that the clafs which, by a ftrange abufe of language, is called people of colour, originates from an intermixture of the whites and the blacks. The genuine offspring of a pure white with a negro is called a mulatto; but there are various cafts, produced by fubfequent conneétions, fome of which draw near to the whites, until all vifible diftinction between them is loft; whilft others fall retrograde to the blacks. All thefe were known in St. Domingo by the term Jang-melées, or gens de couleur, (in comB mon --- Page 38 --- H I S T O RY O F called mulattoes) and it muft CHAP. mon parlance they are colleétively difcountenance which I. be attributed, I prefume, to the greater manners, that in the married ftate receives from the national French iflands thefe people abound in far greater proall the wbites than in thofe of Great Britain. In portion to the the of colour as three Jamaica, the whites out-number people the whites were eftimated at 30,000, to one. In St. Domingo, were men capable of the mulattoes at 24,000, of whom 4-700 aétuated by and accordingly, as a diftinét people, bearing arms, formidable. Ofthe policy an efprit de corps, they were very in St. Domingo to maintain which it was thought neceffary I thall prefently treat ; but it towards this unfortunate race, fome account of thc feems proper, in the firft place, to give revolution of 1789, the fubordination in which, before the thought fit to hold the colony at large. parent country was exercifed by a Governor General, and THE government Intendant, both of whom were nominated by an officer called of the minifter of the marine, the crown, on the recommendation in their refpeétive offices and generally confidered as eftablifhed were adminiftered Their powers, in fome cafes, for three years. poffeffed feparate and diftinét authority, jointly 5 in others, they without the concurrence or parwhich each of them exercifed ticipation of the other. adminiftration their powers were unlimited; IN their joint and extendcomprehending every part of colonial government, branches of finance and. ing even to detail, in the minuteft nominated to all vacant offices, police. They enaéted the laws, and and generally confidered as eftablifhed were adminiftered Their powers, in fome cafes, for three years. poffeffed feparate and diftinét authority, jointly 5 in others, they without the concurrence or parwhich each of them exercifed ticipation of the other. adminiftration their powers were unlimited; IN their joint and extendcomprehending every part of colonial government, branches of finance and. ing even to detail, in the minuteft nominated to all vacant offices, police. They enaéted the laws, and --- Page 39 --- S T. DOMINGO, and diftributed the crown lands as they thought proper. They CHAP. refpeétively pretided at the fame time in each of the fupreme I. councils, or courts of juftice in the dernier refort; and as vacancieshappened in thofe courts, by the death of removal ofits members, they filled up the vacant places. Againft the abufe of powers, thus extravagant and unbounded, the people had no eertain protedtion. Fortunately, it was rare that the governor and intendant agreed in opinion on the exercife of their joint authority, which therefore became necefarily relaxed; and the inhabitants derived fome degree of fecurity from the difputes and diffenfions of the contending parties. In all fuch cafes, however, the greateft weight of authority fell to the Thare of the governor. He was, in truth, an abfolute prince, whofe will, generally fpeaking, conftituted law. He was authorized to imprifon any perfon in the colony, for caufes of which he alone was the judge ; and having at the fame time the fupreme command of both the naval and military force, he had the means of exercifing this power whenever he thought proper. On the other hand, no arreft, by any other authority, was valid without the governor's approbation. Thus he had power to ftop the courfe of juftice, and to hold the courts of civil and criminal jurifdiction in a flavith dependance on himfelf. THE peculiar province of the intendant was that of regulating the publick revenues, or adminiftering the finances of the colony. The colleétors and receivers of all duties and taxes were fabjedt to his infpection and controul, He paffed or rejected their accounts, and made them fuch allowances as he B: 2 alone without the governor's approbation. Thus he had power to ftop the courfe of juftice, and to hold the courts of civil and criminal jurifdiction in a flavith dependance on himfelf. THE peculiar province of the intendant was that of regulating the publick revenues, or adminiftering the finances of the colony. The colleétors and receivers of all duties and taxes were fabjedt to his infpection and controul, He paffed or rejected their accounts, and made them fuch allowances as he B: 2 alone --- Page 40 --- HISTORY OF CHAP, alone thought I. monies refted proper. The application of all the publick created entirely with the intendant;- - - a fuch province which furnifhed temptation to himfelf as no virtue could fuch means of refift, and from others (a). corruption, as overcame all oppofition For the better adminiftration of lection of the juftice, and the eafier colrevenues, the colony was divided into provinces; which were threc by the names of thc diftinguifhed, from theirrelative fituation, each of thefe Northern, the Weftern and Southern. In provinces refided a deputy en Jecond, and in each governor, or commander juftice, both civil and were eftablifhed fubordinate courts of criminal; from whofe appeals were allowed to the fuperior determination were two; one at Cape councils, of which there the other Frangois for the Northern at Port au Prince for the Weftern province, They were compofed of the and Southern. the deputy governors, the governor-general, the intendant, king's lieutenants (b), a prefident, (a) The taxes and duties were laid and court compofed of the governor general, the modified, as occalion required, bya provincial councils, the attorney general, the intendant, the prefidents of the and the feveral commandants of the militia. commifioner of the navy (erdonateur) title of the Colonial Afemblys although the colonifts This had court was dignified by the (b) Thefe king's lieutenants were military officers not a fingle delegate in it. commonly with the rank of colonel. There were alfo refidingin the feveral towns, aides-major. All thefe officers were in each town majars and owned no fuperior but the wholly independent of the civil power, and It may be proper to obferve governor-general, too that the counfellors who could difinifs them at pleafiure, certain tenure. Onc of the governors (the Prince held their feats by a very unnumber ftate prifoners to France. They were de Rohan) fent the whole put on board a thip in irons, and in that condition feized on their feats ofjuftice, and for a long time in the Baftile, without trial conveyed to Paris, and fhut up or hearing, and the civil power, and It may be proper to obferve governor-general, too that the counfellors who could difinifs them at pleafiure, certain tenure. Onc of the governors (the Prince held their feats by a very unnumber ftate prifoners to France. They were de Rohan) fent the whole put on board a thip in irons, and in that condition feized on their feats ofjuftice, and for a long time in the Baftile, without trial conveyed to Paris, and fhut up or hearing, and --- Page 41 --- S T. DOMING O. and twelve counfellors, four afefeurs, or affiftant judges, to- CHAP, getherwith the attorney generaland regifter. In thefe councils, I. or courts of fupreme jurifdiction, as in the parliaments of France, the king's edicts, and thofe of the governor and intendant, were regiftered. Seven members conftituted a quorum for the hearing ofappeal caufes; 3 but a hint from the governor-general was always furcient to render much inveftigation unneceffary: and it is affcrted (with what truth I pretend not to determine) that, befides their flavifh dependance on the executive power, the members of thefe courts were notorioufly and thainefully open to corruption and bribery. An appeal however lay to the king, in the laft refort; and candour compels me to obferve that, on fuch appeals, fubftantial juftice was generally obtained (c). THE number of the king's troops on the colonial eftablithment was commonly from 2 to 3,000 men S and each of the 52 parifhes into which the colony was divided raifed one or more companies of white militia, a company of mulattoes, and a company of free blacks. The officers, both of the regular troops and the militia, were commillioned provifionally by the governor-general, fubject to the king's approbation; but the militia received no pay ofany kind. FROM this recapitulation, it is evident that the peace and happinefs ofthe people of St. Domingo depended very much on (e) In the year 1787 thefe two fuperior councils were confolidated into one, which held its meetings at Port au Prince, this city being the feat of government in time 5f peace. In the event of a war, the governor-general removed to Cape François. The truc, though not the oftenfible, reafon for this juaction of the council boards, was an idea that a fingle board would be found more traétable in the regiftry of cdicts and ordinances than two feparate jurifdiaions, the. (e) In the year 1787 thefe two fuperior councils were confolidated into one, which held its meetings at Port au Prince, this city being the feat of government in time 5f peace. In the event of a war, the governor-general removed to Cape François. The truc, though not the oftenfible, reafon for this juaction of the council boards, was an idea that a fingle board would be found more traétable in the regiftry of cdicts and ordinances than two feparate jurifdiaions, the. --- Page 42 --- U HISTORY OF CHAP. the perfonal qualities and native of the I. who difpofition governorgeneral, was always feleéted from the army. At the fame time it mult be honeftly admitted, that the liberality and mildnefs, which of late years have dignified and foftened the military charaéter among all the nations of Europe, had a powerful influence in the adminiftration of the government in the French colonies. It muft be allowed alfo, that the manifeft to which, as mankind become divefted of ancient importancc the commercial part of the community, even the prejudices, has imperceptibly rifen, infured to the among French, wealthy and opulent planters a degree of refpect from perfons in power, which, in former times, attached only to noble birth and powerful nections ; while the lower orders among the whites derived conthe fame advantage from that unconquerable diftinétion which nature herfelf has legibly drawn between the white and black inhabitants; and from their vifible importance, in a where, from the difproportion of the whites to the country common fafety of the former clafs depends blacks, the united exertions. altogether on their To contend, as fome philofophers have idly contended, that no natural fuperiority can juftly belong to any one race of ple over another, to Europeans over Africans, merely from peodifference of colour, is to wafte words to no and a combat with air. Among the inhabitants of purpofe, to Weft every ifland in the Indies, it is the colour, with fome few exceptions, that diftinguifhes freedom from flavery: fo long therefore as freedom fhall be enjoyed exclufively by one race of people, and flavery be the condition of another, contempt and degradation X will uperiority can juftly belong to any one race of ple over another, to Europeans over Africans, merely from peodifference of colour, is to wafte words to no and a combat with air. Among the inhabitants of purpofe, to Weft every ifland in the Indies, it is the colour, with fome few exceptions, that diftinguifhes freedom from flavery: fo long therefore as freedom fhall be enjoyed exclufively by one race of people, and flavery be the condition of another, contempt and degradation X will --- Page 43 --- S T. DOMING O. will attach to the colour by which that condition is generally CHAP. recognized, and followit, in fome degree, through all its varieties I. and atfinities. We may trace a fimilar prejudice among the moft liberal aad enlightened nations of Europe. Although nothing furely ought to reflect greater luftre on any man than the circumftance of bis having rifen by induiry and virtue above the difadvantages of mean birth and indigent parentage, there are, neverthelefs, but few perfons in the world who delight to be reminded of this ipecies of mcrit. There is a confcioufneis of fomething difgraceful in the recolledtion; and it feems thercfore reafonable to conclude, that if nature had made the fame diftination in this cafe as in the other, and ftamped, by an indelible mark, the condition and parentage on the forehead, the fame, or nearly the fame, effect would have refulted from it, as reiults from the difference of colour in the Weft Indies. I mean however only to account for in fome degree, not to defend, the conduct of the whites of St. Domingo towards the coloured people ; whofe condition was in truth much worfe than that of the fame clafs in the Britih colonies, and. not to be juftified on any principle of example or reafon. IN many refpeéts their fituation was even more degrading and Free Mito wretched than that of the enflaved negroes in any part of the lattocs, Weft Indies; all of whom have mafters tnat are interefted in their prefervation, and many of whom find in thofe mafters powerful friends and vigilant protectors. Although releafed from the dominion of individuals, yet the free men of colour in all the French iflands were ftill confidered as the property of the publick, and as publick property they were obnoxious to the fituation was even more degrading and Free Mito wretched than that of the enflaved negroes in any part of the lattocs, Weft Indies; all of whom have mafters tnat are interefted in their prefervation, and many of whom find in thofe mafters powerful friends and vigilant protectors. Although releafed from the dominion of individuals, yet the free men of colour in all the French iflands were ftill confidered as the property of the publick, and as publick property they were obnoxious to the --- Page 44 --- HIS S TO RY 0 F CHAP. the caprice and tyranny of all thofe whom the accident of I. had placed above them. birth - By the colonial governments were treated as flaves in the ftrideft fenfe; they taining the age of compelled, on atmanhood, to ferve three ycars in a military eftablifhment called the maréchaufée (e), and on the expiration of that term they were fubjeét, great part of the year, to the burthen ofthe corvées; ;-a fpecies of labour allotted for therepair of the highways, of which the hardfhips were infupportable, They were compelled moreover to ferve in the militia of the province or quarter to which they belonged, without or allowance of any kind, and in the horfe or foot, at the pay of the commanding officer; and alfo pleafure obliged to fupply themfelves, at their own expence, with arms, ammunition, and trements. Their days of mufter were frequent, and the accouwith which the King's lieutenants, majors, and rigour forced their aides-major, enauthority on thofe occafions over thefe people, had degenerated into the bafeft tyranny. THEY were forbidden to hold any publick office, truft, Or employment, however infignificant; they were not even allowed to exercife any of thofe profeflions, to which fome fort ofliberal education is fuppofed to be neceffary. All the naval and military departments, all degrees in law, phyfick, and divinity, were appropriated exclufively by the whites. A mulatto could not (e) It confifted of certain companies of infantry, which were as rangers in clearing the woods of maron or runaway flaves. chicfly This employed blifhment was afterwards very prudently diffolved, and the cftait appearing that the mulattoes acquired, by communication with companies each difbanded; of common intereft and of common ftrength, which other, a fenfe formidable to their employers, was beginning to render them be fick, and divinity, were appropriated exclufively by the whites. A mulatto could not (e) It confifted of certain companies of infantry, which were as rangers in clearing the woods of maron or runaway flaves. chicfly This employed blifhment was afterwards very prudently diffolved, and the cftait appearing that the mulattoes acquired, by communication with companies each difbanded; of common intereft and of common ftrength, which other, a fenfe formidable to their employers, was beginning to render them be --- Page 45 --- S T. DOMI N G O. be a pricft, nor a lawyer, nor a phyfician, nor a furgeon, nor CHAP. an apothecary, nor a fchoolmafter. Neither did the diftinétion I. ofcolour terminate, as in the Britith Weft Indies, with the third generation. There was no law, nor cuftom, that allowed the privileges ofa white perfon to any defcendant from an African, however remote the origin. The taint in the blcod was incurable, and fpread to the lateft pofterity. Hence no white man, who had the fmalleft pretenfions to charaéter, would ever think of marriage with a negro or mulatto woman : fuch a ftcp v-ouldimmedistely have terminated in his difgrace and ruin. UNDER the prefiure of thefe accumulated grievances, hope itfelf, too frequently the only folace of the wretched, was denied to thefe unfortunate people ; for the courts of criminal jurifdiction, adop:ing the popular prejudices againit them, gave effect and permanency to the fyftem. A man of colour being profecutor (a circumftance in truth which feldom occurred) muft have made out a ftrong cafe indeed, if at any time he obtained the conviction of a white perfon. On the other hand, the whites never failed to procure prompt and fpeedy juftice againft the mulattoes. To mark more ftrongly the diftinétion between the two claffes, the law declared that ifa free man of colour prefumed to ftrike a white perfon of whatever condition, his right hand fhould be cut off; while a white man, for a fimilar affault on a free mulatto, was difmiffed on the payment cf an infignificant fine. IN extenuation of this horrible detail, it may be faid with truth that the manners of the white inhabitants foftened, in C fome ft the mulattoes. To mark more ftrongly the diftinétion between the two claffes, the law declared that ifa free man of colour prefumed to ftrike a white perfon of whatever condition, his right hand fhould be cut off; while a white man, for a fimilar affault on a free mulatto, was difmiffed on the payment cf an infignificant fine. IN extenuation of this horrible detail, it may be faid with truth that the manners of the white inhabitants foftened, in C fome --- Page 46 --- IO HISTORY OF CHAP, fome meafure, the I. mentioned, feverity of their laws : thus, in the cafe the univerfal abhorrence which would laft an enforcement of the made have attended was the fame with the penalty, the law a dead letter. It Roman law ofthe a father was allowed to infliét the TecheTabies.bywhich own punifhment of death on his child:-manners, not law, prevented the power fo unnatural and odious, exertion of a Bur the circumflance which contributed coloured people of St. moft to afford the they pofeffed of Domingo protection, was the privilege Several of them acquiring and holding property to any amount. were the owners of confiderable and prevalent was the influence of eftates; fo many of the great officers in money the throughout the colony, that adminiftration of Scrupled not fecretly to become their government coloured people therefore penfioners. Such of the the as had happily the means of venality of their gratifying fons; fuperiors, were fecure enough in their although the fame circumflance made them perthe objects of hatred and more pointedly whites, envy to the lower orders of the THE next enflaved negroes, and loweft, clafs of French iflands were the people in the the year 1789, St. negroes in a ftate of flavery ; of whom, in wasin Domingo contained no lefs than It favour of this clafs that Louis XIV.in the 480,000. lifhed the celebrated year 1685, pubknown to the world ediét, or code of regulations, which is well be under the title of the Code Noir; and it muft allowed, that many ofits provifions breathe a nefs and (pirit of tenderphilanthropy which reflects honour on the memory ofits author 5 , St. negroes in a ftate of flavery ; of whom, in wasin Domingo contained no lefs than It favour of this clafs that Louis XIV.in the 480,000. lifhed the celebrated year 1685, pubknown to the world ediét, or code of regulations, which is well be under the title of the Code Noir; and it muft allowed, that many ofits provifions breathe a nefs and (pirit of tenderphilanthropy which reflects honour on the memory ofits author 5 --- Page 47 --- ST. D 2 O M I N G O. II author -but there is this misfortunc attending this, and muft at- CHAP. tend all other fyftems of the fame nature, that moft ofits regu-, 1 I. to the condition and fituation of the lations are inapplicable colonies in America. In countries where flavery is eftablifhed, the leading principle on which government is fupported, is fiar; or a fenfe of that abfolute coercive neceflity, which, leaving no choice of adtion, fuperfedes all queftion of rigbt. Itis in vain to deny that fuch actuaily is, and neceffarily muft be, the cafe in all countries where flavery is allowed. Every endeavour therefore to extend pofitive rights to men in this ftate, as between one clais of pcople and the other, is an attempt to reconcile inherent contradictions, and to blend principles together which admit not of combination. The great and, I am afraid, the only certain and permanent fecurity of the enflaved negroes, is the ftrong circumftance that the intereft of the mafter is blended with, and in truth, altogether depends on, the prefervation, and even on the health, ftrength, and activity, of the flave. Thisapplies equally to all the European colonies in America; and accordingly the aétual condition of the negroes in all thofe colonies, to whatever nation they belong, is I believe nearly the fame. Of that condition Ihave given an account in another place/f): Ihave therefore only to obferve in this, that in all the French iflands the general treatment of the flaves is neither much better nor much worfe, as faras I could obferve, than in thofe ofGreat Britain. If any difference there is, I think that they are better clothed among the French, and allowed more animal food among the Englith. The prevalent notion that the French planters treat (f) Hift. Civil and Commercial of the Britifh Colonies. C2 their . Of that condition Ihave given an account in another place/f): Ihave therefore only to obferve in this, that in all the French iflands the general treatment of the flaves is neither much better nor much worfe, as faras I could obferve, than in thofe ofGreat Britain. If any difference there is, I think that they are better clothed among the French, and allowed more animal food among the Englith. The prevalent notion that the French planters treat (f) Hift. Civil and Commercial of the Britifh Colonies. C2 their --- Page 48 --- HIS 10 T ORY OF CHAP, their negroes with I. Briti(h, I know to be greater humanity and tendernefs than the had an opportunity of groundlefs; yet no candid perfon, who has and of fecing the negroes in the French contrafting their condition with that of the iflands, many parts of Europe, will think them, peafantry in wretched of mankind, by any means, the moft ON the whole, ifhuman life, in its beft nation of happinefs and ftate, is a combidition of political mifery, and we are to confider that conflanding fociety as relatively good, in which, notwithwith the many difadvantages, the lower claffes are means of healthy eafily fupplied cheerful contentednefs fubfiftence; ; and a general air of behold animates all ranks of opulent towns, plentiful markets, pcople,-where we and increafing cultivation-it muft be extenfive commerce, vernment of the French of pronounced that the golatent caufes it might be part St. Domingo (to whatever owing) was not cally bad, as fome of the circumftances altogether fo practimight give room to imagine, With all that have been fated the licentioufhefs of power, the the abufes arifing from fyftem of flavery, the fcale corruption of manners, and the vourable fide; and, in pite of evidently preponderated on the faances, the ligns of publick political evils and private grievpro(perity were every where vifible.. SUCH were the condition and fituation of the St. Domingoin the year French colony in of liberty which, ever fince 1788-an eventful period; for the feeds her tranfatlantick the war between Great Britain and France, pofefions, had taken root in the now began to fpring with kingdom of up a rank luxuriancy in all parts --- Page 49 --- ST. D OMING O. parts ofher extenfive dominions ; and a thoufand circumftances CHAP, demonftrated that great and important changes and convulfions I. were impending. The neceffity of a fober and well-digefted arrangement for corredting inveterate abufes, both in the mother country and the colonies, was indeed apparent; but, unhappily, ,a fpirit of fubverfion and innovation, founded on vifionary fyftems inapplicable to real life, had taken poffeffion of the publick mind. Its effeétsin St. Domingo are written in colours too lafting to be obliterated; for the pride of power, the rage of reformation, the contentions of party, and the confliét of oppoling interefts and paffions, produced a tempeft that fivept every thing before it. To trace thofe effects to their proper caufes, to develop the atrocious purpofes of pretended philanthropy, political fanaticifm, and difappointed ambition; and to defcribe the vaft and lamentable ruin which they occafioned, thereby to furnifh a. profitable leffon to other nations, is the aim of the following pages. CHAP, rage of reformation, the contentions of party, and the confliét of oppoling interefts and paffions, produced a tempeft that fivept every thing before it. To trace thofe effects to their proper caufes, to develop the atrocious purpofes of pretended philanthropy, political fanaticifm, and difappointed ambition; and to defcribe the vaft and lamentable ruin which they occafioned, thereby to furnifh a. profitable leffon to other nations, is the aim of the following pages. CHAP, --- Page 50 --- HISTORY OF CHAP, II. From tbe Revolution ef 1789, to tbe Mecting 9f tbe Firf General Colonial Afembly. CHAP. N the 27th II. to the memorable ofDecember 1788, the court of France came General of the determination to fummon the States the tiers kingdom; and refolved that the état (or commons) fhould be reprefentation of reprefentation of the other two equal to the fum of the orders, U THIS meafure,as might have been the great national revolution that forefeen, proved the bafisof immediate and decifive effect followed ; and it operated with in all the French colonies. vernor of the French part of St. The goMonf. Domingo at that was Duchilleau, a man who was period the popular pretenfions. He fuppofed fecretly to favour unmolefted in the feat of was allowed therefore to continue from his hand ; for when he government; but the fceptre dropped and provincial attempted to prevent the parochial meetings, which were every where affembling, his proclamations fummoned, from were treated with contempt: the meetings were heldin indignity and refolutions paffed fpite of the governor, and declaratory of the right of the colonifts to deputics to the States General, fend Deputies were accordingly eleéted --- Page 51 --- S'T. D OMIN G O. IS eleéted for that purpole, to the number of eighteen (fix for each CHAP. who forthwith, without any authority either from the 1 II. province) French miniftry or the colonial government, cmbarked for France, as the legal reprefentatives of a great and integral part of the French empirc. THEY arrived at Verfailles the latter end of June, about a 178g. month after the States General had declared themfelves the national affembly. But neither the minifter nor the national affembly were difpofed to admit the full extent of their claims. The number of cighteen deputies from one colony was thought excefiive; and it was with fome difficulty that fix of them only were admitted to verify their powers, and feat themfelves among the national reprefentatives. THERE prevailed at this time throughout the citiés of France, a very ftrong and marked prejudice againft the inhabitants ofthe Sugar Iflands, on account of the flavery of their negroes. It was Rot indeed fuppofed, nor even pretended, that the condition of thefe people was worfe at thisjunéture than in any former period: the contrary was known to be the truth. But declamations in fupport of perfonal freedom, and invectives againft defpotifin of all kinds, had been the favourite topicks of many eminent French writers for a feries of years: and the publick indignation was now artfully raifed againft the planters ofthe Weft Indies, as one of the means of exciting commotions and infurrections in different parts of the French dominions. This fpirit of hoftility againft the inhabitants ofthe French colonies, was induftriouily fomented and aggravated by the meafures of a focicty, who called themfelves and invectives againft defpotifin of all kinds, had been the favourite topicks of many eminent French writers for a feries of years: and the publick indignation was now artfully raifed againft the planters ofthe Weft Indies, as one of the means of exciting commotions and infurrections in different parts of the French dominions. This fpirit of hoftility againft the inhabitants ofthe French colonies, was induftriouily fomented and aggravated by the meafures of a focicty, who called themfelves --- Page 52 --- HIST O RY F CHAP felves.Amis des Noirs (Friends of the II. Blacks); and it muft be ac1 lenowledged, that the fplendid appearance, and thoughtlefs extravagance.ofmany oft the French planters refident in the mother country, contributed by no means to divert the malice of their adverfaries, or to foften the prejudices of the publick towards them. The fociety in France called Amis des Noirs, was I believe originally formed on the model ofa fimilar affociation in but the views and purpofes ofthe two bodies had taken London; ferent direétion. The focicty in London a difprofelfed to have nothing more in view than to obtain an act of the legiflature for prohibiting the further introduétion of African flaves into the Britith colonies. They difclaimed all intention of with the government and condition of the interfering negroes already in the plantations; publickly declaring their opinion to be, that a ral emancipation of thofe peoplc, in their prefent ftate of generance and barbarity, inftead of a bleffing, would prove to them ignofource of misfortune and mifery. On the other hand, the a ciety of Amis des Noirs, having fecretly in view foancient to fubvert the defpotifimn of the French government, loudly clamoured for a general and immediate abolition, not only of the flave trade, but alfo of the flavery which it fupported. on abftract reafoning, rather than on the aétual condition Proceeding of human nature, they diftinguifhed not between civilized and uncivilized life, and confidered that it ill became them to claim freedom for themfelves, and withhold it at the fame time from the negroes : it is to be lamented that a principle fo plaufible in appearance, defpotifimn of the French government, loudly clamoured for a general and immediate abolition, not only of the flave trade, but alfo of the flavery which it fupported. on abftract reafoning, rather than on the aétual condition Proceeding of human nature, they diftinguifhed not between civilized and uncivilized life, and confidered that it ill became them to claim freedom for themfelves, and withhold it at the fame time from the negroes : it is to be lamented that a principle fo plaufible in appearance, --- Page 53 --- S T. D O MIN G O. appezrance, thould, in its application to this cafe, be vifionary CHAP. and impraéticable. II. AT this junéture, a confiderable body of the mulattoes from St. Domingo and the other French iflands, were refident in the French capital. Some ofthefe were young people fent thither for education : others were men of confiderable property,and many of them, without doubt, perfons of intelligence and amiable manners. With thefe people the fociety of Amis des Notrs formed an intimate connection; pointed out to them the wretchednefs of their condition 5 filled the nation with remonfrances and appeals on theirbehalf; and poured out fuch inveétives againft the white planters, as borc awayreafon and moderation in the torrent. Unhappily, there was too much to offer on the part of the mulattoes. Their perfonal appearance too, excited pity, and, COoperating with the temper of the times, and the credulity ofthe French nation, raifed fuch an indignant fpirit in all ranks of people againft the white colonifts, as threatened their total annihilation and ruin. Ix this difpofition of the people of France towards the inhabitants of their colonies in the Weft Indies, the national aflembly, on the 2oth day of Auguft, voted the celebrated declaratisn 1789. of rights; and thus, by a revolution unparalleled in hiftory, was a mighty fabrick (apparently eftablifhed by every thing that was fecure and unaffailable) overturned in a moment. Happy had it been for the general interefts of the human race, if, when the French had gone thus far, they had proceeded no farther! Happy for themfelves, if they had then known-whatpsinful lexD - perience the national aflembly, on the 2oth day of Auguft, voted the celebrated declaratisn 1789. of rights; and thus, by a revolution unparalleled in hiftory, was a mighty fabrick (apparently eftablifhed by every thing that was fecure and unaffailable) overturned in a moment. Happy had it been for the general interefts of the human race, if, when the French had gone thus far, they had proceeded no farther! Happy for themfelves, if they had then known-whatpsinful lexD - perience --- Page 54 --- r8 H I S T O RY OF CHAP, perience has fince taught them-that the II. ments is worft of all govern1 preferable to the miferics of anarchy ! PERHAPS a diligent obferver might have difcovered, the firft proceedings of this celebrated even in of that violence, affembly, the latent fecds injuftice, and confufion which have fince duced fuch a harveft of crimes and calamities. prodoétrines contained in the declaration of Many of the becn introduced for rights feem to have chievous no other purpofe than to awaken a miffpirit of contention and cavil, and to deftroy all fubordination in the lower ranks of the peopte. Such, fori was the pofition, that 66 all men are and inftance, 66 equal as to their rights;" born, continue, free and be no diftinétions in according to which, there ought to fociety, nor (if the poffeflion of is a rigbt) can any man have a right to property any thing to the exclufion of poffefs or acquire but others; a pofition not only falfe, pernicious, and unfit for every condition of civilized life. To promulgate fuch leffons in the colonies, as the declared fenfe of the fapreme government, was to fubvert the whole of their eftablifhments. fyftem Accordingly, a general ferment prevailed among the French inhabitants of St. Domingo, from one end of the colony to the other. All that had paffed in the mother country concerning the colonifts,-the prejudices of the metropolis towards them,-the efforts of the focicty of Amis des: Noirs to emancipate the negroes,--and the conduét of the lattocs,-had beeu reprefented to them through the medium muof party, and perhaps with a thoufand circumftances of ration and infult, long before the declaration of exaggeceived in the colony; ; and this meafure crowned rights was re6 the whole. They the colony to the other. All that had paffed in the mother country concerning the colonifts,-the prejudices of the metropolis towards them,-the efforts of the focicty of Amis des: Noirs to emancipate the negroes,--and the conduét of the lattocs,-had beeu reprefented to them through the medium muof party, and perhaps with a thoufand circumftances of ration and infult, long before the declaration of exaggeceived in the colony; ; and this meafure crowned rights was re6 the whole. They --- Page 55 --- S T. D OMIN G O. maintained that it was calculated to convert their peaceful CHAP. They enemies, and render the II. and contented negroes into implacable svhole country a thcatre of commotion and bloodthed. In the meanwhile, the French government, apprehenfive that diforders of a very alarming nature might arife in the colonies from the proceedings in France, had iffued orders to the gover- Sept. 1;8g. ofSt. to convoke the inhabitants, for the nor general Domingo, purpofe of forming a legilative affembly for interior regulation. Thefe orders, however, being unaccountably delayed, the people had anticipated the meafure. The inhabitants of the Northern diftriet had already conftituted a provincial affembly, which met and their example was followed in November at Cape François, the Weftern affembly met in the Weftern andSouthern provinces; at Port au Prince, the Southern at Aux Cayes. Parochial committees were, at the fame time, every where eftablifhed, for the fake of a more immediate communication between the people and their reprefentatives. A RECITAL of the conduét and proceedings of thefe provincial affemblics, would lead me too much into detail. They differed greatly on many important queftions : but all of them concurred in opinion concerning the neceffity of a full and fpeedy colonial reprefentation ; and they unanimoully voted, that if inftruétions from the king for calling fuch an affembly fhould not be received within three months thenceforward, the colony fhould take on itfelf to adopt and enforce the meafure :-their immediate fafety and prefervation being, they faid, an obligation paramount to all ethers. D 2 DURING differed greatly on many important queftions : but all of them concurred in opinion concerning the neceffity of a full and fpeedy colonial reprefentation ; and they unanimoully voted, that if inftruétions from the king for calling fuch an affembly fhould not be received within three months thenceforward, the colony fhould take on itfelf to adopt and enforce the meafure :-their immediate fafety and prefervation being, they faid, an obligation paramount to all ethers. D 2 DURING --- Page 56 --- H I S T O RY OF CHAP, DURING this period of II. not inaétive. anxiety and alarm, the mulattoes were the Inftrudted by their brethren in the nature and extent of their rights, and metropolis in vourable difpofition of the French apprized of the fabecame, nation towards them, throughout thed colony, actuated bya they and fedition; and (piritofturbulence difregarding all with regard to time and feafons, confiderations of prudence, delay, the full benefit of ali the determined to claim, without Accordingly large bodies of privileges enjoyed by the whites. parts of the them appeared in arms in different country 5 but acting without fuflicient due preparation, they were eafily concert, or the temper of the provincial overpowered. It is faid, that much foever inflamed affemblies at this jun@ture,-how thefe againft the initigators and abettors people in the mother of deration and conceflion country,-was not averfe to motowards the mulattoes Thus, when the party which had taken themfelves, defeated, and their chiefs aris at Facmel was imprifoned, the affembly ofthe interpofed with effect in favour of the whole Weft Artibonite, where the revolt was much number; and at alarming, a free and unconditional more extenfive and pardon was alfo granted on the fubmiffion of the infurgents, chearfally AGAINST fuch of the whites as had taken difturbances, in favour of thc people of any part in thefe populace knew no limits. Monf. colour, the rage oft the general, had not only declared himfelf Dubois, deputy procureur lattoes, but, with a degrce of an advocate for the mufanity, fought occafions imprudence which indicated: into declaim publickly againft the llavery of granted on the fubmiffion of the infurgents, chearfally AGAINST fuch of the whites as had taken difturbances, in favour of thc people of any part in thefe populace knew no limits. Monf. colour, the rage oft the general, had not only declared himfelf Dubois, deputy procureur lattoes, but, with a degrce of an advocate for the mufanity, fought occafions imprudence which indicated: into declaim publickly againft the llavery of --- Page 57 --- S T. DOMIN G O. of the negrccs. The Norchern aflembly arrefted his perfon, CHAP, and very probably intended to proceed to greater extremities ; II. but the governor interpofed in his behalf, obtained his releafe, and fent him from the country. Moxs. Ferrand de Beaudierre, a magiftrate at Petit Goate, was not fo fortunate. This gentleman was unhappily enamoured of a woman of colour, to whom, as the poffeffed a valuable plantation, he had offered marriage. Apprehenfive that by this ftep he might be difplaced from the magiftracy, and being a man of a warm imagination, with little judgment, he undertook to combat the prejudices of the whites againft the whole clafs. Hc drew up, in the name and behalf of the muIatto people, a memorial to the parochial committee, wherein, among other things, they were made to claim, in exprefs words, shefillbenefitofthe national declaration ofrights. Nothing could be more ill-timed or injudicious than this proceeding: it was evident, that fuch a claim led to confequences of which the mulattoes themfelves (who certainly at this junéture had no with to enfranchife the flaves) were not apprized. This memorial therefore was confidered as a fummons to the negroes for a general revolt. The parochial committee feized the author, and committed him to prifon; > but the mob took him from thence by force, and in fpite of the magiftrates and municipality, who exerted themfelves to ftop their fury, put him to death. THE king's crder for convoking a general colonial affembly was received in St. Domingo carly in the month of January January 1790. Itappointed the town of Lengane, in the Weftern pro- 179C, vince, the negroes for a general revolt. The parochial committee feized the author, and committed him to prifon; > but the mob took him from thence by force, and in fpite of the magiftrates and municipality, who exerted themfelves to ftop their fury, put him to death. THE king's crder for convoking a general colonial affembly was received in St. Domingo carly in the month of January January 1790. Itappointed the town of Lengane, in the Weftern pro- 179C, vince, --- Page 58 --- HISTORY O F CHAP, vince, for the place of II. the order, mecting; and inftrnétions concerning the mode of eleéting the members. accompanied inftructions, however, being confidered by the Thefe blies as inapplicable to the circumftances provincial affemdifapproved; and another of the colony, were to the wealth, plan, better fuited, as they conceived, territory, and population of the adopted. They refolved alfo to hold the inhabitants, was of St. Marc inftead of afembly at the town fixed for the time ofits Leogane, and the 2sth of March was to the 16th of April, meeting. It was afterwards prorogued IN the meanwhile the temper of St. intelligence was received in France of inhabitants Domningo towards the mother were very generally country. The pofition either to renounce their reprefented as manifefling a diffelves under the protection of a dependency, or to throw themof Martinico were faid to be foreign power ; and the planters The trading and equally difcontented and difaffeéted. titions and manufaGuring towns took the alarm; and remonfirances were prefented from various peimploring the national affembly to adopt meafures quarters, the minds of the colonifts, and for compofing its moft valuable dependencies, preferving to the French empirc ON the 8th of March 1790, the national into the confideration of the affembly entered lemnity fuited to its fubjed, with a ferioufnefs and fovery importance; and, after full a large majority voted, 66 That it difcuffion, E6 the affembly to never was the intention of Et lonies in the conftitution comprehend the interior government ofthe COwhich they had framed for the mother 66 country, its moft valuable dependencies, preferving to the French empirc ON the 8th of March 1790, the national into the confideration of the affembly entered lemnity fuited to its fubjed, with a ferioufnefs and fovery importance; and, after full a large majority voted, 66 That it difcuffion, E6 the affembly to never was the intention of Et lonies in the conftitution comprehend the interior government ofthe COwhich they had framed for the mother 66 country, --- Page 59 --- S T. D O MI N G O. e country, or to fubject them to laws which 66 with their local cftablithments; were incompatible CHAP. <e they therefore authorife the inII. habitants of each colony to fignify to the ce fentiments and wilhes national affembly their 6 tion and concerning that plan of interior legifla46 ducive commercial arrangement, which would be moft conto their profperity." It was required, however, that the plan to be offered fhould be conformable to the had conneéted the colonies with the principles which lated for the metropolis, and be calcuprefervation of their reciprocal interefts.-To this decree wa3 annexed a declaration, <6 That the national 6c would not caufe any innovation to be made, affembly 6E reêtly, in any fyftem of direétly or indi6 commerce in which the colonies were already concerned." NOTHING could equal the clamour which this decree fioned among the people of colour refident Occain the mother country, and the philanthropick fociety of Amis des Noirs. The declaration concerning commerce was into fanction for thc continuance of the flave interpreted a tacit contended, that the national trade; and it was ever affembly, by leaving the of the colonial conftitutions to the colonifts adjuflment charged them from their themfelves, had difallegiance. It was faid that were no longer fubject to the French empire, but they dependent ftate. members of an inNEVERTHELESS, if the circumftances of the times, and the difpofition of the French colonifts at this junêture, be taken into the account, candour muft acknowledge that it was a decree not only juftifiable on the motives of prudence and policy, but was --- Page 60 --- HISTO d R Y OF CHAP. was founded alfo on the ftrong balis of moral neceffity. The II. arguments that were urged againft it feem to imply that the be1 nefits of the French revolution were intended only for the people refiding in the realm, in exclufion of their fellow fubjects in the plantations. After that grcat cvent, to fuppofe that the inhabitants of thofe colonies (with the fuccefsful example too of the Englifh Americans recent in their memorics) would have fubmitted to be governed and direéted in théir local concernsby a legiflature at the diftance of 3,000 miles from them, is to manifeft 2 very flender acquaintance with human nature. How little inclined the colonial affembly was tofuch fubmiffion, thcir proceedings, from the firft day of their mecting, to their final diffolution, will demonfrate.-Of thofe proccedings I Thall endeavour to furnifh a bricf account in the next Chapter. CHAP. ubmitted to be governed and direéted in théir local concernsby a legiflature at the diftance of 3,000 miles from them, is to manifeft 2 very flender acquaintance with human nature. How little inclined the colonial affembly was tofuch fubmiffion, thcir proceedings, from the firft day of their mecting, to their final diffolution, will demonfrate.-Of thofe proccedings I Thall endeavour to furnifh a bricf account in the next Chapter. CHAP. --- Page 61 --- S T. D OMINGO CI HA P. III. Proceedings ofthe General Colonial Alembly until itsfnal Difolution, and Evibarkation eftbe Membersfor France, Auguf 1790. HE General Affembly of St. Domingo met on the 16th CHAP. of April, at the town of St. Marc. Itwas compofed of III. 213 members, of whom the city of Cape François eleéted twenty-four, Port au Prince fixteen, and Aux Cayes cight. Moft 1790. of the other parifhes returned two reprefentatives each; and it is allowed that, on the whole, the colony was fairly, fully, and moft refpectably reprefented. The provincial affemblies, however, continued in the exercife oft their funétions as before, orappointed committees to act during theirintermifion, THE feffion was opened by a difcourfe from the prefident, wherein, after recounting various abufes in the confitution and adminiftration of the former colonial government, he pointed out fome of the many great objeets that feemed to require immediate attention : among others, he recommended the cafe of the mulattoes, and a melioration of the flave laws. The affembly concurred in fentiment with the orator 3 and one of their firft meafures was to relieve the people of colour from the hardihips to which they were fubjedt under the military jurifdiction. It E was --- Page 62 --- HISTO RY OF CHAP, was decreed, that in future no III. them in the militia than greater duty thould be of from the required thority, in particular, which the whites; : and the harih auaides-major, king's lieutenants, majors, and commanding in the towns, cxercifed people, was declared oppreflive and over thofe dulgence were certainly meant illegal. Thefe aéts of inand an as the earneft of opening to conciliation and greater favours, clafs of the coloured conceffion towards the whole people. THE general affembly proceeded, in the next fome grofs abufes which had long place, to redtify cature, confining themfelves prevailedin the courts ofjudiimmediate redrefs, their however to fuch only as called for great and interefting objeét attention of being chicfly direéted to the fitution, or fyftem of colonial preparing the plan for a new con3790. employed their government ; a bufinefs which deliberations until the 28th of May. M. PEYNIER was now governor partizans and adherents of the ancient general, from whom the encouragement and fupport, The whole defpotifimn fecretly derived and officers under the fifcal body of tax-gatherers, Thefe therefore adminiftration, were ofthis began to recover from the number. great and fudden a revolution had thrown panick into which fo united ftrength. them, and to rally their wifhes, than the fuccefs Nothing of the could be more oppofite to their ment of order and good general affembly in the eftablithNor were thefe the government throughout the colony. this only men who beheld thc body with an evil eye. All the proccedings of courts of civiland criminal perfons belonging to the x jurifdiction (and their numbers were confiderable) fudden a revolution had thrown panick into which fo united ftrength. them, and to rally their wifhes, than the fuccefs Nothing of the could be more oppofite to their ment of order and good general affembly in the eftablithNor were thefe the government throughout the colony. this only men who beheld thc body with an evil eye. All the proccedings of courts of civiland criminal perfons belonging to the x jurifdiction (and their numbers were confiderable) --- Page 63 --- ST. D OMINGO confiderable) who were interefted in the maintenance of thofe CHAP. abufes which the affemblylad corrected, were filled with indig- III. nation and envy. To thefe were added moft of the men who held military commiflions under the king's authority. Habituated to the exercife of command, they indignantly beheld the fubverfion of all that accuftomed obedience and fubordination which they had been taught to confider as effentialto the fupport of government, and offered themfelves the willing inftruments of the governor general in fubverting the new fyftem. SUCH were the perfons that oppofed themfelves to the new order of things in the colony, when the Chevalier Mauduit, COlonel ofthe regiment of Port au Prince, arrived at St. Domingo. He had not come direétly from France, but circuitoufly by Way ofI Italy; and at Turin had taken leave of the Count d'Artois, to whofe fortunes he was ftrongly attached. He was a man of talents ; brave, active, and enterprizing > zealous for his and full of projeéts for a counter-rerolution, By his party, dexterity and addrefs, he foon acquired an afcendancy over the feeble and narrow genius of Peynicr, and governed the colony in his name. His penetration eafily made him difcover that, in order effectually to difturb the new fettlement, it was abfolutely neceffaryto prevent a coalition of interefts between the colonial affembly, and the free people ofcolour. He therefore proclaimed himfelf the patron and protector of the mulattoes, and courted them Onl all occafions, with fuch affiduity and fuccels, as gained over the whole body. E 2 Ir --- Page 64 --- H I S TO RY O F probable that the peace of the CH A P. Ir fecms however extremely notwithftanding the machiIII. country wouldhave been preferved, true to their own nations of Peynier and Mauduit, iftheplanters, unfortucaufe, had remained united among themfelves. But, affembly of the North was induced, nately, the provincial to counteradt, by all poffible through mifreprefentation or envy, affembly at St. Marc. the proccedings of the general means, and difention every where prevailed; and apThus, difcord civil war, even pearances feemed to indicate an approaching This before the plan for the new conftitution was publithed. colonial contained in the famous decree of the general was which having been the affembly of the 28th of May ; a decree, oftenfible motive, of much animadverfion, and made the fubject for commencing hoftilities, on the part ofthe executive power, it is proper to ftate it at large. confifted of ten fundamental pofitions, which are preceded May 1790. IT (as ufual in the French difcourfe or preamble by an introductory other confiderations, it is ftated, as an decrees) wherein, among in the French conftitution, that the right acknowledged principle the acts of the legiflature, is a prerogain the crown to confirm of courfe that it cannot be tive, inherent and incommunicable: is whofe authority precarious delegated to a colonial governor, then in the order and fubordinate. The articles are fubjoined, and words following: in thing which relates to 46 I. The legiflative authority, every interieur), is vefted: the internal concerns of the colony (regime in among in the French conftitution, that the right acknowledged principle the acts of the legiflature, is a prerogain the crown to confirm of courfe that it cannot be tive, inherent and incommunicable: is whofe authority precarious delegated to a colonial governor, then in the order and fubordinate. The articles are fubjoined, and words following: in thing which relates to 46 I. The legiflative authority, every interieur), is vefted: the internal concerns of the colony (regime in --- Page 65 --- ST. DOMII N G O. in the affembly of its reprefentatives, which fhall be called tbe CHAP, General Alembly of'tbe French Part efSt. Domingo. III. 2. No act of the legillative body, in what relates to the in1 ternal concerns of the colony, Thall be confidered as a law definitive, unlefs it be made by the reprefentatives of the French part of St. Domingo, freely and legally chofen, and confirmed by the king. 3- In cafes of urgent neceflity, a legiflative decree of the general ailembly, in what relates to the internal concerns of the colony, fhallbe confidered as a lan provifional. In all fuch cafes, the decree fhall be notified forthwith to the governor general, who, within ten days after fuch notification, fhall caufe it to be publifhed and enforced, or tranfmnit to the general affembly his obfervations thereon. 4. The neceffity of the cafe on which the execution of fucl provifional decree is to depend, Thall be a feparate qucition, and be carried in the affirmative by a majority of two-thirds ofthe general affembly ; the names and numbers being taken down. (Prifes par Pappel nominal.) 5. If the governor g neral Thall fend down his obfervations on any fuch decree, the fame fhall be entered in the journals of the generalafiembly, who Thall then proceed to revife the decree, and confider the obfervations thereon in three feveral fittings. The votes for confirming or annulling the decree Thall be given in the words Yes OF No, and a minute of the proceedings Thall be figned by the members prefent, in which Thall bc enumerated the votes on each fide of the queftion; and if there appears a majority oftwo-thirds for confirming the decree, it fhall be immediatcly enforced by the governor general, 6, As in the journals of the generalafiembly, who Thall then proceed to revife the decree, and confider the obfervations thereon in three feveral fittings. The votes for confirming or annulling the decree Thall be given in the words Yes OF No, and a minute of the proceedings Thall be figned by the members prefent, in which Thall bc enumerated the votes on each fide of the queftion; and if there appears a majority oftwo-thirds for confirming the decree, it fhall be immediatcly enforced by the governor general, 6, As --- Page 66 --- H IS T O RY O F be founded on the confent of thofe CHAF. 6. As every law ought to of St. Domingo thall III. who are to bc bound byit, the French part commercial ara be allowed to propofe regulations concerning conneétion (rapports comrangements, and the fyftem of mutual which the communs), and the decrees merciaux, et autres rapports make in all fuch cafes Ihball not be ennational affembly Ahall bave confented in the colony, until the general afembly Aall forced tbereto. the importation ofarticles for 7- In cafes of prefling neceflity, be confidered as any the fupport of the inhabitants fhall not between St. breach in the fyftem of commercial regulations decrees to be made in and France ; provided that the Domingo aflembly thall be fubmitted to the refuch cafcs by the general under the fame conditions and vifion of the governor general, and modifications as are prefcribed in articles 3 5. affemalfo, that every legiflative act of the general 8. Provided in cafes of urgent neceflity, fhall be bly, executed provifionally, the fanétion. Andif the king thall tranfimitted forthwith for royal fhall be fufpended, refufc his confentto any fuch act, its execution the the refufal thall be legally notified to geneas foon as. king's ral affembly. affembly Chall be chofen every two years, 9. A new general who have ferved in the former afand none of the members fembly thall be cligible in the new one. articles, decree that the preceding IO. The general affembly of the French colony in St. as forming part of the conftitution for the acDomingo, fhall be immediately tranfmitted tc France thall of the national affembly, and the king. They ceptance likewife oon as. king's ral affembly. affembly Chall be chofen every two years, 9. A new general who have ferved in the former afand none of the members fembly thall be cligible in the new one. articles, decree that the preceding IO. The general affembly of the French colony in St. as forming part of the conftitution for the acDomingo, fhall be immediately tranfmitted tc France thall of the national affembly, and the king. They ceptance likewife --- Page 67 --- ST. D OMIN G O, SI likewife be tranfmitted to all the parifhes and diftriéts of the CO- CHAP, lony, and be notified to the governor general," III, THAT a decree of fuch comprehenfivenefs and magnitude fhould have excited very general difquifition in the colony, and have produced miltreprefentation and clamour, even among men of very oppofite fentiments and tempers, is no way furprifing. It muft be allowed, that fome of-the articles are irreconcileable to every juft principle of colonial fubordination. The refufing to allow a negative voice to the reprefentative of the king, is repugnant to all the notions which an Englihman is taught to entertain of a monarchical government, however limited: and the declaration that no decree of the national affembly concerning the colony, in cafes of exterior regulation, fhould be in force until confirmed by the colonial affembly, was fuch an eXtravagant affumption ofimperial authority, in a fubordinate of the French empire, as I believe is without a precedent. part ALL that can be urged in extenuation, feems to be that the circumftances of the cafe were novel, and the members of the colonial affembly unexperienced in the bufinefs of legiflation. That theyhad any ferious intention of declaring the colony an dent ftate, in imitation of thc Englifh American indepenprovinces, it is impofible to believe. Neverthelefs, the decree was no fooner promulgated, than this notion was induftrioufly propagated by their enemies from one end of the colony to the other; and when this report failed to gain belief, it was pretended thatthe was fold to the Englith, and that the members of the colony general affembly the bufinefs of legiflation. That theyhad any ferious intention of declaring the colony an dent ftate, in imitation of thc Englifh American indepenprovinces, it is impofible to believe. Neverthelefs, the decree was no fooner promulgated, than this notion was induftrioufly propagated by their enemies from one end of the colony to the other; and when this report failed to gain belief, it was pretended thatthe was fold to the Englith, and that the members of the colony general affembly --- Page 68 --- H IS T OI RY O F themfelves 40 millions affembly had received and divided among CHAP. III. oflivres as the purchafe money. Ir recent events had not demonftrated the extreme credulity of the French charaéter, it would be difficult and jealous temper wild and could have to believe that charges, thus unfupported, confiderable number made an impreffion on the minds of any So however was the effect produced by of the peoplc. great Weftern parifhes to recal their them, as to occafion fome of the took meafures deputies; while the inhabitants bf Cape François the obedience to general Aill more decilive : they renounced affembly, and prefented a memorial to the governor, requefting the it forthwith, declaring that they confidered him to diffolve with the utmoft vigour colony as loft, unlefs he proceeded of all manner of auand promptitude in depriving that body thority. received this addrefs with fecret fatisfaction. M. PEYNIER be the of both partics to reject all It feemed indeed to policy and there occurred at thoughts of compromife by negociation 5 have renthis junéture a circumftance which would probably In the dered all negociation abortive, had it been attempted. the Leoharbour of Port au Prince lay a thip of the line, called commanded by M. Galifoniere. This officer, co-opepard, in the views of Peynier and Mauduit, made a famptuous rating for the partizans of thofe gentlemen, and by this, entertainment offence to his failors. or fome other parts of his conduét, gave of corruption (as Whether thefe men had felt the influence of thofe aferted by one party) or were actuated folely by unaccountable one oharbour of Port au Prince lay a thip of the line, called commanded by M. Galifoniere. This officer, co-opepard, in the views of Peynier and Mauduit, made a famptuous rating for the partizans of thofe gentlemen, and by this, entertainment offence to his failors. or fome other parts of his conduét, gave of corruption (as Whether thefe men had felt the influence of thofe aferted by one party) or were actuated folely by unaccountable one --- Page 69 --- ST. DOMIN G O. unaccountable freaks to which feamen are particularly fubject, CHAP, the fact certainly is, that they withdrew their obedience from III. their proper officer, and declarcd themfelves to be in the inte1 refts of the colonial aliembly! Their conduét became at length fo turbulent and feditious, as to induce M. Galifoniere to quit the fhip, whereupon the crew gave the command to one of the lieutenants. The affembly, perceiving the advantages to be derived from this event, immediately tranfimitted a yote ofthanks 27th July, to the feamen for their patriotick conduét, and required them, 1790. in the name of the law and the king, to detain the thip in the road, and await their further orders. The failors, gratified with this acknowledgement, promifed obedience, and affixed the vote of thanks on the main-maft of the (hip. Some partizans of the affembly, about thc fame time, took poffeffion of a powder magazine at Lcogane. A CIVIL war feemed now to be inevitable. Two days after the vote of thanks had been tranfiitted from St. Marc's to the crew of the Leopard, M. Peynier iffued a proclamation to diffolve the general affembly. He charged the members with entertaining projects of independency, and afferted that they had treacheroufly poffefed themfelves of one of the king's thips by corrupting the crew. He pronounced the members and all their adherents traitors to their country, and enemies to the nation and the king: declaring that it was his intention to employ all the force he could colleét to defeat their projects, and bring them to condign punifhment; and he called on all officers, civil and military, for their CO- operation and fupport. F His . He charged the members with entertaining projects of independency, and afferted that they had treacheroufly poffefed themfelves of one of the king's thips by corrupting the crew. He pronounced the members and all their adherents traitors to their country, and enemies to the nation and the king: declaring that it was his intention to employ all the force he could colleét to defeat their projects, and bring them to condign punifhment; and he called on all officers, civil and military, for their CO- operation and fupport. F His --- Page 70 --- HIST ORY OF CHAP, His firft III. the Weftern proceedings were direéted againft the committee of provincial affembly.--This held at Portau Prince, and in the exercife of body its meetings during the its fubordinate functions, intermiffion of that affembly, had zealous attachment to the manifefted fuch pofed its general affembly at St. Marc, as exmembers to the refentment of the party. It was determined governor and his day, to arreft their therefore, at a council held the fame duit perfons the following night, and M. Mauundertook to conduét the enterprize. formed that this committee held Having been infeleéted about one hundred of confuitations at midnight, he to feize the members his foldiers, and formed a fcheme at their place of meeting. On however at the houfe, he found it proteéted arriving the national guards by four hundred of (g). A fkirmifh enfied; but the ftances attending it are fo circumcount can be given of the varioufly related, that no precife acwhich particulars; nor is it afcertained party gave the firft fire. Nothing further is known, than that two men were killed on the part of certainly the affemblyy-that feveral were wounded on both and M. Mauduit returned without fides, that feizing, and effedting any purpofe but that of bearing away in triumph, the national colours circumftance which afterwards (as will be feen in the ;-a coft him his life. fequei) THE general affembly, on receiving intelligence of this and of the formidable attack, preparations that were making for di- (g) The troops in St. Domingo, called the National nothing more than the colonial militia. Guards, were originally the model of the national guards in the mother They were new organized in 1789, on and allumed the fame namc, -country, and bore the fame eolours, X recting the national colours circumftance which afterwards (as will be feen in the ;-a coft him his life. fequei) THE general affembly, on receiving intelligence of this and of the formidable attack, preparations that were making for di- (g) The troops in St. Domingo, called the National nothing more than the colonial militia. Guards, were originally the model of the national guards in the mother They were new organized in 1789, on and allumed the fame namc, -country, and bore the fame eolours, X recting --- Page 71 --- $ T. DOMIN G O. redting hoftilities againft themfelves, fummoned the from all parts of the colony, to haften people, CHAP. tect their propcrly armed to pro- III. reprefentatives; : and moft of the inhabitants of the neighbouring parifhes obeyed the fummons. The thip was brought from Port au Prince to St. Marc's for the fame Leopard pofe. On the other hand, the Northern purjoined the party of the and provincial affembly tachment governor, fent to his affiftance a defrom the regular troops in that quarter, which was joined by a body of two hundred people of colour. A much greater force was colleéted at the fame time in the Weftern vince by M. Mauduit, and the proened preparations on both fides threatan obftinate and bloody conflict; wonderful when, by one of thofe eccentricities in the human mind which are feldom difplayed except in times of publick to the immediate commotion, a ftop was put fhedding of blood, by the fudden and unexpected determination of the general affembly to undertake voyage to France, and juftify their conduét to the a the national affembly in king and perfon. Their motives were the more laudable, as all the Weftern and thought Southern great part of the provinces gave a decided approbation of their and armed in a very fhort time two thoufand conduét, men in their dcfence, which were in full march for Port au Prince. Their refolution however was fixed, and accordingly, of about hundred members, to which the colonial one aflembly was reduced by ficknefs and defertion, no lefs than eighty-five (of whom fixty-four were fathers of families) aétually embarked on board the Lcopard, and on the 8th of Auguit tcok their departure for 1790. Europe :-a proceeding, which created as much furprize in the governor and his party, as admiration and applaule the among F 2 people Their refolution however was fixed, and accordingly, of about hundred members, to which the colonial one aflembly was reduced by ficknefs and defertion, no lefs than eighty-five (of whom fixty-four were fathers of families) aétually embarked on board the Lcopard, and on the 8th of Auguit tcok their departure for 1790. Europe :-a proceeding, which created as much furprize in the governor and his party, as admiration and applaule the among F 2 people --- Page 72 --- HIST O RY OF CHAP. people atlarge. Perfons ofall ranks the JII. to the place of embarkation, accompanied members pouring forth prayers for their fuccels, and fhedding tears of fenfibility and affedtion for conduét which was very confidered a of felf-denial, and generally as a noble proof as fignal an inftance of heroick virtue and chriftian forbearance as any age has exhibited. A momentary calm followed this event :-the parties in arms appeared mutually dilpofed to fubmit their differences to the wifdom and juflice of the king and the national affembly, and M. Peynier refumed, though with a trembling hand, the reins of government. SUCH was the iffue oft the firft attempt to eftablith a free confitution in the French part of St. Domingo, on the fyftem of a limited monarchy 5 and it affords occafion for fome Alections. That the general colonial important rethe 28th of affembly, in their decree of May, exceeded the proper boundary of their conftitutional functions, has been frankly admitted. This however, might have been correéted without bloodthed irregularity, lence ; but there is this misfortune or viofrom the rule of attending every deviation right, that, in the conflict of faétions, the exceffes of one party are ever confidered contending fulleft juftification for the outrages of theother. as the of their conduct an For fome parts apology may be offered. The meafure of fecuring to their interefts the crew of the Leopard, and the feizure of the magazine at Leogane, maybe vindicated of felf-defence. It cannot be on the plea doubted that M. Peynier had meditated how beft to reftore the ancient long defpotick fyftem, and + that, one party are ever confidered contending fulleft juftification for the outrages of theother. as the of their conduct an For fome parts apology may be offered. The meafure of fecuring to their interefts the crew of the Leopard, and the feizure of the magazine at Leogane, maybe vindicated of felf-defence. It cannot be on the plea doubted that M. Peynier had meditated how beft to reftore the ancient long defpotick fyftem, and + that, --- Page 73 --- S T. DOMING O. that, jointly with M. Mauduit and others, he rations for that purpofe. He had had made prepa- ÇHAP, minifter in written to M. Luzerne, the IIL. France, that he never intended to fuffer the colonial affembly to meet ; and let it be told in this the French that place, in juftice to taincd miniftry, the anfwer which he received a tacit difapprobation of his conrecommended moderate meafures; for M. Luzerne vernor procceded and conciliatory councils. The gotruftfal notwithflanding in the fame career, and difperhaps of the fidelity of the French foldiers, he made application (as appeared afterwards) to the vannah for a governor ofthe Hais evident reinforcement of Spanifh troops from Cuba. It Mauduit therefore that he concurred entirely in the for plans of reafonable effedtusting a counter-revolution; and hence it to conclude, that the difcord and diftruft is vailed among the inhabitants, and above which pretions that alienated the all, the fatal difenthe general provincial afembly of the North, from affembly at St. Marc's, were and encouraged by M. Peynier and his induftrioufly fomented the members of the colonial adherents. Concerning five determination affembly, their prompt and decito repair to France, and furrender perfons to the fupreme their of their loyalty. Their government, obviates all impeachment indeed fecured attachment to the mother-country was by too many ties ofintereft and to be doubted. felf-prefervation OF their reception by the national ceedings adopted in afembly, and the profball hereafter have confequence of their arrival in Europe, I occafion to fpeak. A paufe in this place feems ing five determination affembly, their prompt and decito repair to France, and furrender perfons to the fupreme their of their loyalty. Their government, obviates all impeachment indeed fecured attachment to the mother-country was by too many ties ofintereft and to be doubted. felf-prefervation OF their reception by the national ceedings adopted in afembly, and the profball hereafter have confequence of their arrival in Europe, I occafion to fpeak. A paufe in this place feems --- Page 74 --- HISTORY OF CHAP. fcems requifite j-for I have now to introduce to the reader the III. mournful hiftory of an unfortunate individual, over whofe fad fate (however we may condemn his rafh and ill-concerted enterprize) c6 One human tear may drop, and be forgiven !" CHAF. --- Page 75 --- S T. DOMINGO, CHAP. IV. Rebellion and Defeat of Ogé, afree Man ff Colour. the firft meeting of the general affembly of St. Do- CHAP: to diffolution FRoM mingo, its and difperfion, as related in the IV. preceding chapters, the coloured people refident within the CO- 1 lony remained on the whole more peaceable and orderly than might have been expected. The temperate and lenient difpofition manifefted by the affembly towards them, produced a beneficial and decifive effect in the Weftern and Southern vinces, and although 300 ofthem from thefe provinces,had been. properfraded by M. Mauduit to join the force under his command, they very foon became fenfible of their error, and, inftead of marching towards St. Marc, as Mauduit propofed, they demanded and obtained their difiniflion, and returned quietly to their refpective habitations. Such of the mulatto people however as refided at that junéture in the mother-country, continued in a far more hoftile difpofition ; and they were encouraged in their animofity towards the white colonifts by parties of very different defcriptions. The colonial decree of the 28th of May, 1790, was no fooner made known in France, than it excited univerfal clamour. Many perions who concurred in nothing clfe, united their voices in reprobating the conduct of the inhabitants quietly to their refpective habitations. Such of the mulatto people however as refided at that junéture in the mother-country, continued in a far more hoftile difpofition ; and they were encouraged in their animofity towards the white colonifts by parties of very different defcriptions. The colonial decree of the 28th of May, 1790, was no fooner made known in France, than it excited univerfal clamour. Many perions who concurred in nothing clfe, united their voices in reprobating the conduct of the inhabitants --- Page 76 --- HISTORY 0 F The adherents of the ancient goCHAP bitants of St. Domingo. this occafion by the partizans of deIV. vernment were joined on To the latter, the conftitution of V mocracy and republicanifim. odious than the old tyranny; and thefe 1789 was even more darkeft defigns, poffeffed all that men, with the deepeft and which were neceffary to their union, firmnels, and perfeverance world has beheld, have fince renand which, as the purpofes; irrefiftible. Thefe two factions hoped to obtain dered them the fatne means 5 and there was another very different ends, by with equalaffiduity in promoting who exerted themfelves party thefe were the difcordant clafs of fpcculapublick confufion : to reconcile to the new tive reformers, whom it was impoffible becaufe every man among them had probably government, in his own imagination which he was formed a favourite fyftem confider the philanto others. I do not eager to recommend Amis des Noirs, as another diftinét body, thropick focicty, called divided becaufe it appears to me that they were pretty equally mentioned. and the clais laft between the democratick party, that the by fuch auxiliaries, it is not furprizing Strengthened fhould have operated powerfully on efforts of this fociety to confider their perthe minds of thofe who were taught and have driven fome fonal wrongs as the caufe of the nation, them into the wildeft exceffes of fanaticifm and firy. of refident in France AMONG fuch of thefe unfortunate peoplc under thus inflamed into madnefs, was a young man as were Ogé: he was born in St. Dothirty years of age, named fames a coffee plantamingo, of a mulatto woman who ftill poffeffed miles from Cape tion in the Northern province, about thirty François, taught and have driven fome fonal wrongs as the caufe of the nation, them into the wildeft exceffes of fanaticifm and firy. of refident in France AMONG fuch of thefe unfortunate peoplc under thus inflamed into madnefs, was a young man as were Ogé: he was born in St. Dothirty years of age, named fames a coffee plantamingo, of a mulatto woman who ftill poffeffed miles from Cape tion in the Northern province, about thirty François, --- Page 77 --- S T, D - OMINGO François, whereon the lived very creditably, and found means out ofits profits to educate her fon at Paris, and even to fupport CHAP, IV. him there in fome degree of affluence, after he had obtained the - age of manhood, His reputed father, a white planter of fome account, had been dead feveral ycars, OGE had been introduced to the meetings of the Amis des Noirs, under the patronage of Gregoire, Briffot (b), La and Robelpierre (i), the leading members of that Fayette, was by then initiated into the fociety ; and tbe popular doctrine of equality, and rigbts ef man. Here it was that he firft learnt the miferies ofhis condition, the cruel wrongs and contumelics to which he and all his mulatto brethren werç expofed in the Wef and the monftrous injuftice and abfurdity of that Indies, 66 which, (faid Gregoire) prejudice, s6 of his eftimating a man's merit by the colour fkin, has placed at an immenfe diftance from 64 the children of the fame cach other < voice of parent; a prejudice which ftifles the nature, and breaks the bands of fraternity afunder." THAT thefe are great evils muft be frankly admitted, would have becn fortunate if fuch and it inftead of men as Briflot and Gregoire, bewailing their exiftence and magnifying their had applied their talents in confidering of the beft extent, mneans of redrefling them. practicable Bur thefe perfons had other objeêts in view:--their I have (hewn, was not to reform, but to aim, as deftroy; to excite con- (b) Guillotined 31 Odober,1793. (i) Guillotined 28 July, 1794. G vulfions inftead of men as Briflot and Gregoire, bewailing their exiftence and magnifying their had applied their talents in confidering of the beft extent, mneans of redrefling them. practicable Bur thefe perfons had other objeêts in view:--their I have (hewn, was not to reform, but to aim, as deftroy; to excite con- (b) Guillotined 31 Odober,1793. (i) Guillotined 28 July, 1794. G vulfions --- Page 78 --- HISTO RY OF and the ill-fated CHAP. valfions in every part of the French empire; of their the tcol, and was afterwards the viétim, IV. Ogé became guilty ambition. that the whole body of coloured Hs had been led to believe, rife as one man in the French iflands were prepared to up people that but a difcreet leader was againft their oppreffors > nothing conceiving that he wanting, to fet them into action ; and, fondly he all the of an able general, poffelled in his own perion qualities firft determined to proceed to St. Domingo by the opportunity. his To cherifh the conceit of his own importance, and aniinate him the rank of licutenantexertions, the fociety procured colonel in the army of one of the German eleétors. found difficult to export a fafficient quantity of arms As it was without attrading the notice of and ammunition from France, the planters rethe government, and awakening fufpicion among fident in the mother country, the fociety refolved to procure articles in North America, and it was recommended to thofe for that purpofe. Accordingly, Ogéto: make a circuitous voyage letters of credit, he embarked being furnifhed with money and for New England in the month of July 1790. the caution that was obferved in this BUT, notwithflanding known at Paris preinflance, the whole projeét was publickly of the fcheme, and even and notice vious to Ogé's embarkation, tranfmitted to St. Domingo, a portrait of Ogé himfelf, were landed there, long before his arrival in that ifland. He fecretly found American floop, on the 12th of Oétober 1790, and from an means --- Page 79 --- S T. DOMINGO mheans to convey undifcovered the arms and ammunition which he had purchafed, to the place which his brother had CIIAP, for their reception. prepared IV. THE firft notice which the white inhabitants received of Ogé's arrival, was from himfelf. He difpatched a letter to the governor (Peynier) wherein, after reproaching the and his predeceffors with the non-execution of the Code governor Nair,he demânds, in very imperious terms, that the provifions of that celebrated flatute fhould be enforced requires that the throughout the colony; he privileges enjoyed by one clafs of inhabitants (the whites) thould be extended to all perfons without diftinction; declares himfelf the protedtor of the mulattocs, and nounces his intention of taking up arms in their behalf, unlefs antheir wrongs thould be redreffed. ABOUT fix wecks had intervened between the Ogé, and the publication of this landing of and his two brothers had mandate; in all which time he exerted themfelves to the utmoft in fpreading difaffeétion, and exciting revolt among the mulattoes, Affurances were held forth, that all the inhabitants of the ther country were difpofed to affift them in the morights, and it was added, that the king himfelf recovery of their inclined to their caufe. Promifcs was favourably money to others. But, were diftributed to fome, and that the of notwithflanding all thefe efforts, and temper the times was favourable to his was not able to allure to his ftandard above views,. Ogé cf thefe, the 200 followers ; and major part were raw and ignorant youths, unufed G2 to difpofed to affift them in the morights, and it was added, that the king himfelf recovery of their inclined to their caufe. Promifcs was favourably money to others. But, were diftributed to fome, and that the of notwithflanding all thefe efforts, and temper the times was favourable to his was not able to allure to his ftandard above views,. Ogé cf thefe, the 200 followers ; and major part were raw and ignorant youths, unufed G2 to --- Page 80 --- HIS TORY OF and averfe to all manner of fubordination and CHAP. to difcipline, IV. order. HE eftablifhed his camp at a placc called Grande Riviere, about fifteen miles from Cape François, and appointed his two together with one Mark Chavane, his lieutenants. brothers, adtive, and enterprizing : prone to Chavane was fierce, intrepid, Ogé himfelf, with all his mifchief, and thirfty for vengeancc. he cautioned his enthufiafim, was naturally mild and humane: the fhedding innocent blood; but little regard followers againft this the firit white man that was paid to his withes in refpeét: of the fell in their way they murdered on the fpot: a fecond, of Sicard, met the fame fate; and it is related, that their name towards fuch perfons of their own complexion as refufed cruelty in the revolt was extreme. A mulatto man of fome proto join follow them, to his wife and fix perty being urged to of pointed bis family as a motive for children, affigning the largenefs This conduét was confidercd as conwilhing to remain quiet. that not only the man himfelf, but tumacious, and it is afferted, the whole of bis family, were maffacred without mercy. INTELLIGENCE was no fooner received at the town of Cape of thefe enormities, than the inhabitants procceded, François and to adopt meafures for with the utmoft vigour unanimity, and the Cape fuppreffing the revolt. A body of regular troops, regiment of militia, were forthwith difpatched for that purpofe. the ofthe revolters, who made lefs reThey foon invefted camp from men in their defpefiftance than might havel been expected of them The rout became general ; many rate circum/tances. were town of Cape of thefe enormities, than the inhabitants procceded, François and to adopt meafures for with the utmoft vigour unanimity, and the Cape fuppreffing the revolt. A body of regular troops, regiment of militia, were forthwith difpatched for that purpofe. the ofthe revolters, who made lefs reThey foon invefted camp from men in their defpefiftance than might havel been expected of them The rout became general ; many rate circum/tances. were --- Page 81 --- S T. DOMINGO, were killed, and about fixty made prifoners; the reft themfelves in the mountains. Ogé difperfed CHAP. and Chavane his himfelf, one of his brothers, IV. affociate, took refuge in the Spanifh Of Ogé's other brother no territories. tained. intelligence was ever afterwards obAFTER this unfuccefsful attempt of Ogé, and his juftice, the difpofition of the white inhabitants efcape from wards the in general tomulattoes, was fharpened into great The lower claffes in particular, (thofe whom the coloured animofity. les petits blancs) breathed nothing but people call and very ferious vengeance againft them; the apprehenfions were entertained, in all of colony, of a profcription and maffacre of the whole parts body. ALARMED by reports of this kind, and the threatened them from all quarters, the mulattoes appearances which many places. They formed flew to arms in camps at Artibonite, Petit Jeremie, and Aux Cayes. But the largeft and moft Goaves, body affembled near the little town of Verette, formidable habitants colleéted themfelves in The white inconfiderable force in the bourhood, and Colonel Mauduit, with neighmen from the of a corps of two hundred fiftance but regiment Port au Prince, haflened to their af- ; neither party proceeded to aétual Mauduit even left his hoftility. M. fx miles from detachment at the port ofSt. Marc, thirtyVerette, and proceeding and the camp of the mulattoes, had fingly unattended to What a conference with their leaders. paffed on that occafion was never is certain, that the mulattocs publickly divulged. It fequence of it; but the retired to their habitations in confilence and * fecrecy of M. Mauduit, and his proceeded to aétual Mauduit even left his hoftility. M. fx miles from detachment at the port ofSt. Marc, thirtyVerette, and proceeding and the camp of the mulattoes, had fingly unattended to What a conference with their leaders. paffed on that occafion was never is certain, that the mulattocs publickly divulged. It fequence of it; but the retired to their habitations in confilence and * fecrecy of M. Mauduit, and his --- Page 82 --- HISTORY OF his influence over them, gave occafion to very unfavourable claffes CHAP. to conciliate the different IV. fufpicions, by no means tending with having ofthe inhabitants to each other. He was charged but perfuaded them not to defift from their purpofe, traiteroufly their to a more favourable opporonly to poftpone vengeance with the utmoft folemnity and apparent tunity ; affuring them, himfelf, and all the friends of the anfincerity, that the king attached to their caufc, and cient government, were fecretly could do it with adwould avow and fupport it whenever they &cc. He is faid and that the time was not far diftant, vantage; the fame line of conduét at Jeremic, Aux Cayes, to have purfued he vifited. Every where he held fecret and all the places which mulattocs, and thofe people confultations with the chiefs of the difperfed. At Aux Cayes, a fkirmith every where immediately his arrival there, in which about fifty perhad happened before had loft their lives, and preparations were fons on both fides The perfuafions of M. Mauduit making to renew hoftilities. the leader of the mulattoes in that effeéted a truce; but Rigaud, tranfient and deceitful openly declared that it was a clafs of quarter, would be permanent, until one calm, and that no peace had exterminated the other. people M. Peynier refigned the government to IN November 1790, embarked for Europe ;-a circumthe lieutenant-gencral, and .the of the ftance which proved highly pleafing to major part the firft meafure ofM. Blanchelande (k), the new planters:-and as the earneft of a decilive commander in chief, was confidered (*) Guillotined at Paris, 1793, and quarter, would be permanent, until one calm, and that no peace had exterminated the other. people M. Peynier refigned the government to IN November 1790, embarked for Europe ;-a circumthe lieutenant-gencral, and .the of the ftance which proved highly pleafing to major part the firft meafure ofM. Blanchelande (k), the new planters:-and as the earneft of a decilive commander in chief, was confidered (*) Guillotined at Paris, 1793, and --- Page 83 --- S'T. DOMINGO O. and vigorous adminiftration. He made ofOgé and his affociates from the a peremptory demand CHAP, which it was enforced, induced Spaniards; and the manner in IV. with. The wretched an immediate compliance theredelivered Ogé, and his companions in mifery, were over, the latter end of December, to a detachment French troops, and fafely lodged in the jail of of 1790. with the prifoners formerly Cape François, afterwards iffued taken; and a commifion was foon to bring then to trial. THEIR examinations were long and frequent; and in the beginning of March 1791, fentence was pronounced. Ogé'sdeluded followers, among them his own brother, Tventy of demned to be hanged. To Ogé himfelf, and were conhis lieutenant Chavane, a more terrible punifhment was allotted: adjudged to be broken alive, and left to :-they were perifh in that dreadful fituation, on the wheel:--a fentence, on which it is to reflect but with mingled emotions of fhamc, impofible nation, and horror ! fympathy, indigTHE bold and hardened Chavane met his fate with firmnefs, and fuffered not a groan to efcape him the unufual mity of his torture : but the fortitude of Ogé deferted during extregether. When fentence him altowith was pronounced, he implored many tears, and an abjedt fpirit. He mercy great difcoveries if his life was promifed to make important fecret (pared, declaring that hc had an to communicate. A reipite of hours was accordingly granted; but it was not made known twenty-four to the lick, at that time, that he divulged pubfecret, if any he had, was believed any thing ofimportance. His to have died with him. Ir regether. When fentence him altowith was pronounced, he implored many tears, and an abjedt fpirit. He mercy great difcoveries if his life was promifed to make important fecret (pared, declaring that hc had an to communicate. A reipite of hours was accordingly granted; but it was not made known twenty-four to the lick, at that time, that he divulged pubfecret, if any he had, was believed any thing ofimportance. His to have died with him. Ir --- Page 84 --- H 2 ISTORY 0 F however, about nine months afterwards, CHAP. Ir was difcovered, man had not only made a full IV. that this moft unfortunate young but alfo diiclofed have related, - confeffion of the facts that I that moment dreadful in agitat'on, and the miferies at the plot His laft folemn declarations and impending over the colony. himfelftheday before his dying confeffion, fworn to and figned by wherein he details at largexecution, were actually produced; had fallen upon to excite the meafures which the coloured people out the chiefs flaves to rife into rebellion. He points the negro notwithftanding his own defeat, a geby name, and relates that, have taken place in the month of neral revolt would actually flood of rain, and confeFebruary preceding, if an extraordinary it, He inundation from the rivers, had not prevented quent ftill maintained the fame atrocious declares that the ringleaders in certain fubterranean paffages, projeét, and held their mectings he offers, in the parifh of La Grande Riviere, to which or caves, be fpared, to conduét a body of troops, fo that if his life might the confpirators might be fecured. before whom this confeffion and narrative were THE perfons appointed for the purpofe of made, were the commiffioners council ofthe Northern takingOgé's examination, by thc fuperior Wheof which body they were alfo members (1). province, the members of which were devotedly atther this court (all determined of itlelf to fupprefs tached to the ancient fyftem) or was direéted on evidence offuch great concern to the colony, Antoine Etienne Ruotte, and Francois Jofeph de Ver- (!) Their names were tierres. this for the purpofe of made, were the commiffioners council ofthe Northern takingOgé's examination, by thc fuperior Wheof which body they were alfo members (1). province, the members of which were devotedly atther this court (all determined of itlelf to fupprefs tached to the ancient fyftem) or was direéted on evidence offuch great concern to the colony, Antoine Etienne Ruotte, and Francois Jofeph de Ver- (!) Their names were tierres. this --- Page 85 --- S T. D OMI N G O. this cccafion by the fuperior officers in the adminiftration of the government, has never been clearly made known. CHAP. certainly was, and the miferable hurried Suppreffed it IV. Ogé to immediate exe1 cution; as ifto prevent the further communication, and full dif. clofure of fo weighty a fecret! CHRISTIAN charity might lead us to fappofe that the commifioners by whom Oge's examination was taken, and negleéted (rather than difregarded it fuppreffed) his information; ; confidering merely as the fhallow artifice of a miferable man te obtain a mitigation of the dreadful him, and utterly punifhment which awaited unworthy of credit. It does not appear, however, that the commifioners made this excule for and the caution, themfelves; circumfpection, and fecrecy which marked their conduct, leave no room for fuch a fuppofition. The large ferupled not to declare, that the planters at and the philanthropick royalifts in the colony, and republican party in the mother country, were equally criminal; and themfelves made viétims the blind purpofes, and unwarrantable to and malignant factions. paflions, of two defperate. OF men who openly and avowedly aimed at the of all good order and fubverion worft; but it will be dificuit fubordination, we may cafily credit the tional to point out any principle of rapolicy by which the royalifts could have been to concur in the ruin of fo noble and beautiful influenced French empire. Their conduét a part of the explicable, or we muft admit therefore remains wholly inMachiavilian they were guided by a fpirit of policy-a principle of refined cunning, which alH ways --- Page 86 --- HISTORY OF A: CHAP. ways defeats its own purpofe. They muft have encouraged the IV. vain and fallacious idea that fcenes of blood(hed, devaflation, and - ruin, in different parts of the French dominions, would nduce the great body of the people to look back with regret tO their former government, andlcad them by degrees to co-operate in the fcheme of effeéting a counter-revolution: ; regarding the evils ofanarchy, as leis tolerable than the dead repofe of defpotifm. If fuch were their motives, we can only afcribe thci to that infatuation with which Providence (as wife men have obferved, and hiftory evinces) blinds a people devoted zo deftruction.. CHAP French dominions, would nduce the great body of the people to look back with regret tO their former government, andlcad them by degrees to co-operate in the fcheme of effeéting a counter-revolution: ; regarding the evils ofanarchy, as leis tolerable than the dead repofe of defpotifm. If fuch were their motives, we can only afcribe thci to that infatuation with which Providence (as wife men have obferved, and hiftory evinces) blinds a people devoted zo deftruction.. CHAP --- Page 87 --- ST. DOMIN G O. SI CHAP. V. Proceedings in Franc-Mafaere of Colonel Mauduit in St. Domingo-andfutal Decree %f the National Alembly eftbe 15tb May 1791. N detailing the tragical ftory of the miferable Ogé, I have CHAP, chofen to continue my narrative unbroken: but it is now V. time to call the reader homewards, and direét his attention to the meafures adopted by the national affembly, in confequence of advices received from all parts of St. Domingo, concerning the proceedings of the colonial affembly which met at St. Marc's. THE eighty-five members, whofe embarkation for France has already been noticed, arrived at Breft on the I3th of September 1790. They were received on landing by all ranks of people, and even by men in authority, with congratulation and fhouts of plaufc. The fame honours were fhewn to them as would have apbcen paid to the national affembly. Their expences were defrayed, and fums of money raifed for their future occafions by a voluntary and very general fubfeription ; but thefe teftimonies of refpect and kindnefs ferved only to encreafe the difappointment which they foon afterwards experienced in the capital 3 H2 where --- Page 88 --- H I S TORY O F awaited then. They had the CHAP. where a very different reception their cnemies had been beforehand V. mortification to difcover that arrived from the provincial V - with them. Deputies were already with the agents of Peynier affembly cf the North, who, joining with M. Barnave (a), and Mauduit, had fo cffectually prevailed that they found ofthe committee for the colonies, the prefident and their conduét condemned, without a their caufe prejudged, affembly had iffued a peremptory order, hearing. The national directing them to attend at Paris, and on the 21ft of September, Their prompt obedience to wait there for further direétions. wereallowed a fingle this order procured Ithem ho favour. They difiniffed from the bar. audience oply, and.then indignantly of being confronted They folicited a fccond, and an opportunity refufed their rewith their adverfaries: the national affembly haften its and dircéted the colonial committee to report queft, conduét. On the 1ith of Oétober, this reconcerning their M. Barnave. It comprchended a detail port was prefented by colonial affembly, from. its firft of all the proceedings of the their general conduct in meeting at St. Marc's, and cenfured from motives reprefenting it as flowing terms of great afperity; the mother country, and an impatience of of difaffection towards authority and. good government. fubordination to conftitutional 66 that all the preThe report concluded by recommending, fhould be 66 tended decrees and aéts of the faid colonial affembly, that and utterly null and of no cffect; 4 reverfed,. pronounced be declared diffolved, and its mems6 the faid. affembly fhould of being delegated in. 46. bers rendered ineligible and incapable (a) Guillotined) December I, 179346. future mother country, and an impatience of of difaffection towards authority and. good government. fubordination to conftitutional 66 that all the preThe report concluded by recommending, fhould be 66 tended decrees and aéts of the faid colonial affembly, that and utterly null and of no cffect; 4 reverfed,. pronounced be declared diffolved, and its mems6 the faid. affembly fhould of being delegated in. 46. bers rendered ineligible and incapable (a) Guillotined) December I, 179346. future --- Page 89 --- ST. DOMI N G O. ce future to the colonial affembly of St. Domingo; that tefli- CHAP. ce monies of approbation fhould be tranfinitted to the Northern V. cc provincial affambly, to Colonel Mauduit and the regiment of <c Port au Prince, for refifting the proceedings at St Marc's; that ce the kingfhould be requefted to give orders for the forming a new <e colonial aflembly on the principles of the national decree of cc the 8th of March 1790, and inftructions of the 28th of the 66 fame month; ; finally, that the ci-devant members, then in 66 France, fhould continue in a ftate of arref, until the national 66 affembly might find time to fignifyits further pleafure concern- <e ing them." A decrce to this cffeét was accordingly voted on the 12th of October, by a very large majority; and the king was requefted, at the fame time, to fend out an augmentation of force, both naval and military, for the better fupporting the regal authority in. St. Domingo, Ir is not eafy to defcribe the furprize and indignation which the news of this decree excited in St. Domingo, except among the partizans of the former government. By tbem it was regarded as the firft ftep towards the revival of the ancient fyitem by moft other perfons it was confidered as a dereliction by the national affembly of all principle; and the orders for eledting a new colonial affembly were fo little regarded, that many of the parithes pofitively refufed to choofe other deputies until the fate of their former members, at that time in France, fhould be decided; declaring, thatthey ftill confidered thofe perfons as the legal reprefentatives of the colony. I One. immediate and apparent effect of this decree was, to heighten and inflame the popular refentment againft Mauduit and his regiment. The reader has already been madc acquainted with fome particulars concerning colonial affembly were fo little regarded, that many of the parithes pofitively refufed to choofe other deputies until the fate of their former members, at that time in France, fhould be decided; declaring, thatthey ftill confidered thofe perfons as the legal reprefentatives of the colony. I One. immediate and apparent effect of this decree was, to heighten and inflame the popular refentment againft Mauduit and his regiment. The reader has already been madc acquainted with fome particulars concerning --- Page 90 --- H I S TORY O F has been faid of his geconcerning this officer; and to what CHAP. his zeal for the re-eftablifhV. neral charaéter, and intemperate fulleft extent, it may be added, - ment of the regal authority in its in his becaufe he was generous that he was the more dangerous, towards his foldiers. difpofition, and even profufe in his bounty towards his perfon In return, the attachment of his regiment and duty (b). to exceed the ufual limits of obedience appeared thofe very troops, a fhort time THE maffacre of this man by affords fo ftriking an after the notification ofthe aforefaid decree, equally iminftance of that cruel and ungovernable difpofition, afraid ftill which prevailed, and I am petuous and inconftant, the lower claffes of the people continues to prevail, amongf that I conceive a briefrethroughout all the French dominions, his murder will not be cital of the circumftances attending thought an unneceffary digreflion. (0),8 fome account of the proInAVE,ins a former place given certain perfons ceedings of M.Peynier, the late governor, againft of the Weftern what was called the committee who compofed and of the attempt by M.Mauduit to feize provincial affembly, that committec, This by force the individuals who compofed and I obierved that the happened on the 2gth of July, 17903 off the colours from a circumftance of M. Mauduit's careying ultimately detachment of the national guards on that occafion, terminated in his deftruction. had rejeéted the national cockade, and wore a white (à) After his example they or avowed fignal, of the royal party. feather iu their hats, the fymbol, (e) Chap. ili, p. 34. THE I individuals who compofed and I obierved that the happened on the 2gth of July, 17903 off the colours from a circumftance of M. Mauduit's careying ultimately detachment of the national guards on that occafion, terminated in his deftruction. had rejeéted the national cockade, and wore a white (à) After his example they or avowed fignal, of the royal party. feather iu their hats, the fymbol, (e) Chap. ili, p. 34. THE I --- Page 91 --- ST, DOMIN N G O. THE cafe was, that not only the detachment from whom enfign was taken, but the whole of the national their CHAP, out the colony, confidered this act guards throughV. as the moft and - unpardonable infult that could poffibly be offered outrageous men, who had fvorn to a body cf fidelity to the new conftitution; thing but the dread of the fuperior and 110compofing the Port difcipline of the veterans manded) au Prince regiment (which Mauduit comprevented them from exercifing on the author cf their exemplary vengeance dilgrace, This regiment therefore, implicated in the crime of their being garded by thc other troops with hatred commanding and oflicer, was redeteftation, Ox the 3d of March 1791, the frigates Le Borée arrived from France, with two Fougueux and Le cf Artois and battalions of the regiments Normandy; and when it is known that thefe troops had been vifited by the crew of the Leopard, it will appcar furprizing that, on their landing at Port au not fhculd have manifefted the fame Prince, they hoftile Mauduit's difpofition towards regiment, as was thewn by the national They refufed all manner of communication guards. them, and even declined to enter or intercourfe with refort. They into any of their places of confidered, or affected to confider mies to the colony, and traitors to them, as eneduét in the new-comers their country. This contowards the ill-fated made a wonderful regiment foon impreffion on the minds of both officers privates of the regiment itfelf; and mutual and. fation fpread through the whole reproach and accucorps. The white feather was indignantly torn from their hats, and dark and fullen looks towards ort. They into any of their places of confidered, or affected to confider mies to the colony, and traitors to them, as eneduét in the new-comers their country. This contowards the ill-fated made a wonderful regiment foon impreffion on the minds of both officers privates of the regiment itfelf; and mutual and. fation fpread through the whole reproach and accucorps. The white feather was indignantly torn from their hats, and dark and fullen looks towards --- Page 92 --- H I S T O R Y O F once-loved commander, indicated not only that he CHAP. wards their but alfo that he was the objest of meV. had loft their confidence, the full extent of his ditated mifchief. Mauduit foon perceived danger, and fearing to involve the governor (M. Blanchelande) the ruin which awaited himfelf, with great geand his family,in make the beft of their way to Cape nerofity advifed them to while they could do it with fafety; and Blanchelande, François, afterwards much cenfured, followed this adfor which he was to whom he had vice. Mauduit then harangued his grenadiers, fhewn kindnefs, and told them that he was willing, always great the colours for the fake of peace, to reftore to the national troops which he had formerly taken from them ; and even to carry with his own hands, at the head of his regiment, and dethem, them in the church in which they had been ufually lodged; pofit on their affeétion and duty to but he added, that he depended him from perfonal infult, while making this ample apoprotect declared that they would prology. The faithlefs grenadiers teét him with their lives. the ceremony took place, and Mauduit reftored THE next day before a vaft croud of fpeétators. the colours as he had promifed, tbat be At that moment, one of his own foldiers cried aloud, muf the nationa! troops 072 bis knees ; and the whole afe pardon ef Mauduit ftarted back with regiment applauded the propofal. and offered his bofom to their fwords:-it was indignation, all of them infliéted by his own pierced with a hundredwounds, lifted his defence. The men, while not a finglel hand was upin the ftood motionlefs, either through hatred to man, fpeétators and cowardice of the foldiers. Such or furprize at thc treachery indeed knees ; and the whole afe pardon ef Mauduit ftarted back with regiment applauded the propofal. and offered his bofom to their fwords:-it was indignation, all of them infliéted by his own pierced with a hundredwounds, lifted his defence. The men, while not a finglel hand was upin the ftood motionlefs, either through hatred to man, fpeétators and cowardice of the foldiers. Such or furprize at thc treachery indeed --- Page 93 --- ST. D OM 0e IN G O. indced was the bafenefs of thefe wretches, that no modern lan- CHAP, guage can defcribe, but in terms which would not be endured, V. the horrible enormities that were practifed on the dead body of their wretched commander. It was referved for the prefent day to behold, for the firft time, a civilized nation exceeding in feats of cruelty and revenge the favages of North America. I grieve to add, that I have many dreadful inftances yet to recite in confirmation of this remark (c). WHILE thefe fhameful enormities were pafling in St. Domingo, the fociety of Amis des Noirs in the mother country were but too fuccefsfully employed in deviling projeéts which gave birth to deeds of ftill greater horror, and produced fcenes that transformed the moft beautiful colony in the world into a field of defolation and carnage. ALTHOUGH it mufthave occurred to every unprejudiced mind, from the circumftances that have been related concerning the (c) The following aneclote, though fhocking to humani-y, I have too extraordinary to omit. It was communicated to me by a French thought gentleman who was at St. Domingo at the timc, and knew the faét; but has induced me to veil it in a learned language. MAUDUITO vix moartu, decency unusde militibus, dun cadaver calidum, et cruore adbuc Aucute madidun, in praimentum cc. slefie epijfcopalis jacuit, ficam difringens, genitalia coram pepuls abfeidit, ct membra truncata in cifam componens, ad feminam nobilem, quam amicain ut legatum de mort tua attulit. Itmay afford the reader fome confolation Maudnitefatuit, to find chat the murder of their commanding officer by his own regiment, excited in all the other troops no other fentiments than thofe of indignation againft his murderers. They werc compelled to lay down their arms, and were fent prifoners to but I fear they efcaped the punifhment due to their crimes, France; I bchaviour in cifam componens, ad feminam nobilem, quam amicain ut legatum de mort tua attulit. Itmay afford the reader fome confolation Maudnitefatuit, to find chat the murder of their commanding officer by his own regiment, excited in all the other troops no other fentiments than thofe of indignation againft his murderers. They werc compelled to lay down their arms, and were fent prifoners to but I fear they efcaped the punifhment due to their crimes, France; I bchaviour --- Page 94 --- H I S T O RY OF refident in the colony, that the geCHAP. behaviour of the mulattoes averfe to conciV. neral body of thofe people were by no means with the whites, yet it was found impoffible to perfuade liation to leave the affairs of St. Dotheir pretended friends in Europe the moft to their natural courfe. Barnave alone (hitherto mingo and pretenfions of the COformidable opponent ofthe prejudices further interference of lonifts) avowed his conviction that any the whites and the the mother country in the queftion between would be produative of fatal confequences. eoloured people, as coming from was entitled to greater refpect, Such an opinion ofthe colonial committee, muft be fupa man who, as prefident knowledge of the fubject; to have acquired an intimate in pofed conviction. There are enthufiafts but he was heard without with well as in religion, and it commonly happens politicks as the recantation of a few of their number fanaticks in each, that and animate the purpofes of ferves only to ftrengthen the errors, La Fayette, Briffot, the reft. It was now refolved by Gregoire, call in the fupreme leand fome other peftilent reformers, to to give cffect to giflative authority of the French government underftand the and that the reader may clearly and their projeéts; of the mifchief that was meditated, nature and complexion the ruin of the French part of St. of thofe meafures to which it is neceffary, in the Domingo is immediately to be attributed, national decree of the to recal his attention to the firft placc, was given in the fcSth of March 1790, of which an account cond chapter. the reader muft have remembered, the naBy that decree, as difclaimed all right of intional affembly, among other things, terference + jeéts; of the mifchief that was meditated, nature and complexion the ruin of the French part of St. of thofe meafures to which it is neceffary, in the Domingo is immediately to be attributed, national decree of the to recal his attention to the firft placc, was given in the fcSth of March 1790, of which an account cond chapter. the reader muft have remembered, the naBy that decree, as difclaimed all right of intional affembly, among other things, terference + --- Page 95 --- ST. DO MIN G O. terference in the local and interior concerhs of the it cannot be doubted, that if this declaration colonies; and CHAP, interpreted and aéted had been fithfully V. eminent upon, it would have contributed, in a degree, to the refloration of peace and very Domingo. To render it therefore tranquillity in St. and to add fuel of as little effeét as peliible, to the fire which perhaps would othervife have become extinguifhed, it had been infidioufly tional affembly, within a few days afterthe propofed in the naMarch had decrec of the 8th of paffed, to tranfmit with it to the governor of St. Domingo, a code, or chapter, of inftructions forits-duc obfervance and execution. and punétual month, inftruéions Accordingly, on the 28th of the fame which were faid to be calculated for that purpofe, were prefented and decreed. They confifted articles, and contained, among other ofeighteen 66 every perfon of the oft things, a direction < that ec age twenty-five and upwards, property, or having refided two years in the poffeffing e taxes, fhould be colony, and paid 66 lonial permitted to vote in the formation of the COaffembly." THE friends of the colonifts national having at that time feats in the affembly, oppofed the meafure its repugnancy to the decree of the chiefly on the ground of 8th; ; it being urged, an interference in the local evidently, they gulations of the colonial arrangements and interior regovernment. It does not appear withftanding what has fince been afferted to the (notthey entertained an idea that the mulatto contrary) that ori indiredtly concerned. The framers and people were direétiy fure pretended that it went fupporters ofthe meaonly to the modification of the privilege of voting in the parochial meetings, which it was well I2 known ; ; it being urged, an interference in the local evidently, they gulations of the colonial arrangements and interior regovernment. It does not appear withftanding what has fince been afferted to the (notthey entertained an idea that the mulatto contrary) that ori indiredtly concerned. The framers and people were direétiy fure pretended that it went fupporters ofthe meaonly to the modification of the privilege of voting in the parochial meetings, which it was well I2 known --- Page 96 --- HISTORY O F CHAP. known, under the old government had been conftituted of white V. pcrfons only. The colcured people had in no inftance attended thofe mectings, nor fet up a claim, or even expreffed a defire, to in the bufinefs tranfacted thereat. But thefe intake any part the national aflembly, and ftructions were no fooner adopted by converted into a decree, than its framers and fupporters threw offthe malk, and the mulattoes refident in the mother country, well as the fociety of Amis sdes Notrs, failed not to apprize their as St. that the people of colour, friends and a gents in Domingo, excepted, were virtually comprized in it. Thefe, not being themfelves fufficiently powerful to enhowever, not thinking doubting the real meaning of the force the claim, or, perhaps, of it decree, fent deputies to France to demand an explanation from the national al fembly. the of May 1791, the confideration of this fubIN beginning forward by the Abbé Gregoire, and the claim jeét was brought the full benefit of the inftruétions of the of the free mulattoes to. and toall the rights and privileges enjoyed 28th ofMarch 1790, citizens of the French colonies, was by the white inhabitants, warmth and eloquence for which he was fiupported with all that the news ofthe difinguifhed. Unfortunately, at this junéture miferable death of Ogé arrived at Paris, and raifed a ftorm of in the minds of all ranks of people, which thé indignation refident in France were unable to refift. Nothing was planters bat declamations againft their opprefion beard in all companies and cruelty. To fupport and animate the popular outcry againft or formed on the ftory of Ogé, was them, a tragedy pantomine, theatres. thefe, and other means, reprefented on the publick By the junéture miferable death of Ogé arrived at Paris, and raifed a ftorm of in the minds of all ranks of people, which thé indignation refident in France were unable to refift. Nothing was planters bat declamations againft their opprefion beard in all companies and cruelty. To fupport and animate the popular outcry againft or formed on the ftory of Ogé, was them, a tragedy pantomine, theatres. thefe, and other means, reprefented on the publick By the --- Page 97 --- ST. D 0 MI N G O. the planters were become fo generally odious, that for they dared not to appcarin the ftreets of Paris. a time CHAP: arts by which Gregoire, Thefe were the V. Roberfpierre Condorcet, La Fayette, Briffot, and explanatory difpofed the publick mind to clamour for a new and fhould decree, in which the rights of the coloured be placedbeyond all future doubts and people and advocates ofthe difpute. The friends In vain did they planters were overpowered and confounded. fuch predict the utter deftruction of the a propofal fhould colonies if faid pafs into a law. 66 Perith the Roberfpierre, < rather than facrifice colonics," cc ciples." The majority one iota of our prinreiterated the mous decree of the 1sth of May fentiment, and the fathe acclamation and 1791 was pronounced amidft applaufe of the multitude. By this decree it was deciared colour refident in the French and enacted, <e that the people of entitled colonies, born of free to, as of right, and fhould be allowed the parents, were all the privileges ofFrench citizens, enjoyment of, ofhaving votes in the choice of and, among others, to thofe eligible to Jeats botb in the parocbial end reprefentatives, and of being did the national affembly eslorialafonblien Thus ufages, fiveep away in a moment all the laws, prejudices, and opinions concerning thefe had exifted in the French colonies from people, which and tear up by the roots the firft their earlieft fet.lement, a principle principle of a free conftitution: founded on the cleareft dictates of reafon juftice, and exprefsly confirmed to the inhabitants and Weft Indies by the national of the French Ir mean, tbe decree of the 8th of March Jole and exclyfive rigbt ef paling 1790; endinterior regulation and lawosfor their local government. The colonial committec, of French colonies from people, which and tear up by the roots the firft their earlieft fet.lement, a principle principle of a free conftitution: founded on the cleareft dictates of reafon juftice, and exprefsly confirmed to the inhabitants and Weft Indies by the national of the French Ir mean, tbe decree of the 8th of March Jole and exclyfive rigbt ef paling 1790; endinterior regulation and lawosfor their local government. The colonial committec, of --- Page 98 --- HI I S T O RY O F the failed not to apprize CHAP. of which M. Barnave was prefident, of this meafure, and V. national affembly of the fatal confequences funétions. At the fufpended the exercife of its immediately their purpofc the deputies from the colonies fignified fame time, The only effeêt produced by to decline any further attendance. affembly, was an order thefe meafures however, on the national in who had been appointed that the three civil commiffioners, of the colonies on preceding for regulating the affairs February thither, and fee the national the fpot, fhould immediately repair in St. Domingo will decrees duly enforced. The confequences be related in the following chapter (d). afferted, that La Fayette, in order to fecure a majority (4) Ithas been confidently into the national affembly no lefs than eighty perfons been on this queftion, introduced fatand voted as fuch. This man had formerly who were not members, but who with feventy negro flaves thereon, whichl hel had poffeffed ofa plantation: at Cayenne, concerning the fituation of the negroes, the fold, without any feruple or ftipulation time enrolled himfelf among the friends of the latter end of 1789, and from that who may be perfonally unacquainted with the blacks. The mere Englith reader, the clamour which was raifed on this occafion Weft Indies, will probably confider illiberal and unjuft. The planters in the Britifh by the French planters as equally home to themfelves; and I have no hefitaWeft Indies will perhaps bring the cafc fhould pafs a law declaring, tion in faying, that, fuppofing the Englith parliament be cligible into the affembly of that for inftance, the free mulattoes of Jamaica to in St. Domingo, the declaifland, fuch a meafure would prove there, as it proved this may appear ftrange and unjufration of civil war. On mere abftract reafoning find them, and few inftances occur in tifiable; but we muft take mankind as we have been correéted by force which the prejudices of habit, cducation, and opinion CHAP. fuppofing the Englith parliament be cligible into the affembly of that for inftance, the free mulattoes of Jamaica to in St. Domingo, the declaifland, fuch a meafure would prove there, as it proved this may appear ftrange and unjufration of civil war. On mere abftract reafoning find them, and few inftances occur in tifiable; but we muft take mankind as we have been correéted by force which the prejudices of habit, cducation, and opinion CHAP. --- Page 99 --- S T. DOMINGO CHA P. VI. Confiquences in St. Domingo ef tbe Decree oftbe istb Rebellion oftbe Negroes in tbe Nortbern Province, My- and mities committed by tbem -Revolt of the Enor- --Concordat or Truce betwcen the Inbabitants Mulattoes at Mirebalais and tbe Men ef Colour eftbe IItb fPort au Prince of by tbe National Allembly eftbe 20rb 9fF spuomkr-Predasina September. I AM now to enter on the retrofpect of fcenes, the horrors of which imagination cannot adequately conceive CHAP, defcribe. The difputes and contefts between nor pen VI, French citizens, and the violences different claffes of 1 wards each of malignant factions toother, no longer claim attention. Such- a human mifery:-fuch a fcene of woe, picture of country, no former age has exhibited. prefents itfelf, as no other dred thoufand fàvage Upwards of one hunAfrica, avail themfelves people, habituated to the barbarities of ofthe filence and and fall on the peaceful and obfeurity ofthe night, famithed unfiafpicious planters, like fo tygers thirfting for human blood. Revolt, many tion and maffacre, every where mark their conflagrain all its horrors, or cruelties and progrefs ; and death, immediate death is outrages, compared to which the mercy, await alike the old and the matron, the virgin, and the helplefs infant, No condition, young, age, --- Page 100 --- H I S T . ORY OF is All the thocking and fhameful enorCHAP. age, or fex fpared. and unbridled paffions of favage VI. mities, with which the fercc The man have ever conduéted a war, prevail uncontrouled. and, of fire confumes what the fword is unable to deftroy, rage hours, the moft fertile and beautiful plains in the jn a few difinal vaft field of wilderworld are converted into one carnage;-a nefs of defolation 1 is indeed too much reafon to believe, that thefe mifeTHERE would have occurred in St. Domingo, in a great degree, ries of the National Affembly, as related in even if the proceedings had been more temthe latter part of the preceding chapter, and if the decree of the isth of May had never paffed perate, The declarations of the dying Ogé fufficiently into a law. long before that obpoint out the mifchief that was meditated, be affirmed, noxious decree was promulgated. But it may and truth and certainty, that this fatal meafure gave life with It was the brand by which the flames activity to the poifon. fet into and the combultibles that were prepared were lighted, having been received of it at Cape Franaétion. Intelligence of no words can defcribe the rage and 2791. çois on the goth June, fpread throughout the colony 5 indignation which immediately breathe greater refentment than and in no placc did the inhabitants in proin the town ofthe Cape, whichhad) hitherto beenforemoft to the mother country, and in promoting feffions of attachment in the colonial affembly. the fpirit of difunion and oppofition the civick oath, determined to rejeét They now unanimoufly had been made for a general fedealthough great preparations The news of this decree fecmed to ration on the 14th of July. unite throughout the colony 5 indignation which immediately breathe greater refentment than and in no placc did the inhabitants in proin the town ofthe Cape, whichhad) hitherto beenforemoft to the mother country, and in promoting feffions of attachment in the colonial affembly. the fpirit of difunion and oppofition the civick oath, determined to rejeét They now unanimoufly had been made for a general fedealthough great preparations The news of this decree fecmed to ration on the 14th of July. unite --- Page 101 --- ST. D OMIN G O. unite the moft difcordant interefts. In the firft indignation it was tranfports of propofed to feize all the CHAP. the effects of the French (hips, and confifcate VI, merchants then in the harbour. embargo was actually laid, and a motion was An provincial affembly to pull down the even made in the the Britith fandard in their national colours, and hoift every where trodden under room. The national cockade was foot, and the continued a forrowful and filent governor-general, who found his fpectator of thefe exceffes, authority, as reprefentative of the gether with every idea of colonial parent country, toannihilated in a moment. fubordination in the people, THE fears and apprehenfions which the occalion have been well defcribed governor felt on this memorial which he afterwards by that officer himfelf, in a niftration. 66 Acquainted publithed concerning his admiee temper of the white (hc obferves) with the genius and colonifts, 46 the Windward by a refidence of feven years in Iilands, and well 46 motives of their informed of the grounds and Cs of prejudices and opinions concerning the ple colour, I immediately forefaw the peose dangers which the news ofthis difturbances and 66 evitably ill-advifed meafure would inproduce ; and not ce the communication having it in my power to fupprefs of it, I loit <6 king's miniiters of the no time in apprizing the 66 tation which it excited general difcontent and violent fermenc6 tions, I added thofe in the colony. To my own obfervaof 66 fonate many refpeétable, fober, and men, whom I it difpaft6 critical a thought my daty to conful: in fo te conjuncture ; and I concluded my letter fng my fears that this decree would by expref prove the death-warrant K €s of <6 king's miniiters of the no time in apprizing the 66 tation which it excited general difcontent and violent fermenc6 tions, I added thofe in the colony. To my own obfervaof 66 fonate many refpeétable, fober, and men, whom I it difpaft6 critical a thought my daty to conful: in fo te conjuncture ; and I concluded my letter fng my fears that this decree would by expref prove the death-warrant K €s of --- Page 102 --- HIS S TO RY OF the inhabitants. The event has mourirCHAP, 66 ofi many thoufands of VI. ce fully verified my predidtions !" of the provincial afembly of the ON the recommendation the CONorthern department, the feveral parithes throughout without further hefitation, to the election lony now proceeded, colonial affembly. Thefe deof deputics for a new general hundred and feventy-fix, met at puties, to the number of one declared themfelves the Leogane, and on the 9th of Auguft They tranfgeneral affembly oftbe French part of St. Domingo. unaniaéted however but little bufinefs, but manifefted great in their proceedings, and refolved to hold mity and temper whither they adjourned for their mectings at Cape François, of the fame month for openthat purpofe, appointing the 2sth ing the feflion. fo was the agitation of the publick IN the mean-while, great not only to tranfmind, M. Blanchelande found it neceffary of the of the North, a copy mit to the provincial affembly have written to the king's minifters,. letter which he mentions to himbut alfo to accompany it with a folemn affurance, pledging wbenever it tbe execution of the obnoxious decree, felf to Fufpend autbenticated; a meafure which fhould come out to bim properly in the colony was at. demonftrated that his authority too plainly an end. alarmed at all thefe proceedings, fo hoftile tovards JUSTLY of a general profcription, the them, and probably apprehenfive to colleét in different mulattoes throughout the colony began places + but alfo to accompany it with a folemn affurance, pledging wbenever it tbe execution of the obnoxious decree, felf to Fufpend autbenticated; a meafure which fhould come out to bim properly in the colony was at. demonftrated that his authority too plainly an end. alarmed at all thefe proceedings, fo hoftile tovards JUSTLY of a general profcription, the them, and probably apprehenfive to colleét in different mulattoes throughout the colony began places + --- Page 103 --- S T. DOMIN G O. places in armed fuffèred bodies; and the whites, by a mournful them to affemble without moleftation. fatality, CHAP, man's thoughts were diredted In truth, every VI. colonial affembly, from towards the meeting of the new whofe deliberations and extinétion of party, and the full and immediate proceedings the exifting grievances, were redrefs of all lande himfclf. confidently expected. M. Blanchedeclares, that he cherifhed the fàme fallacious hopes, 66 After a flattering and 66 I fondly expected long fitcceflion of violent ftorms, €6 (he writes) the return of a calm and ferene morning. The temperate and se new affembly, during their fhort conciliating conduét of the ce racters of moft of the fitting at Leogane, the chace fo individual members, and the apparent to all, of mutual conceffion neceflity, 66 great occafion, led me to think and unanimity on this 66 length fee the termination that the colony would at of its 66 ftorm was ready to burft, which miferies; when, alas, the 66 common defruétion !" has fince involved us in one IT was on the morning of the 23d of Auguft, that a general alarm and confternation juft before day, 1791. town ofthe Cape, from a report that all ipread the throughout the feveral neighbouring negro flaves in the parifhes had revolted, and moment carrying death and defolation were at that and beautiful plain to the North-caft. over the adjoining large of the military officers The governor, and moft on duty, affembled but the ports were fo confufed and together; recredit; when, as contradiétory, as to gain but little ceffive arrival, day-light began to break, the fudden and fucwith ghaftly countenances, of with difliculty efcaped the perfons who had maffacre, and fown to the town K 2 -for olation were at that and beautiful plain to the North-caft. over the adjoining large of the military officers The governor, and moft on duty, affembled but the ports were fo confufed and together; recredit; when, as contradiétory, as to gain but little ceffive arrival, day-light began to break, the fudden and fucwith ghaftly countenances, of with difliculty efcaped the perfons who had maffacre, and fown to the town K 2 -for --- Page 104 --- HIS TORY 0 F confirmation of the fatal CHAP. for protection, brought a dreadful VI. tidings. called Nod, in THE rebellion firit broke out on a plantation of Acul, nine miles only from the city. Twelve or the parith about the middle of thc night, fourteen of the ringleaders, to the refinery, or fugar-houfe, and feized on a young proceeded dragged him to the front of man, the refiner's apprentice, there hewed him into pieces with the dwelling-houfe, and whom their cutlaffes : his fcreams brought out the overfeer, they fhot. The rebcls now found their way to the apartinftantly and maffacred him in his bed. A; young man ment of the refiner, left dead of lying fickin a neighbouring chamber, was apparently the wounds infliéted by their cutlaffes: he had ftrength enough however to crawl to the next plantation, and relate the horrors witneffed. He that all the whites of the eftate hc had reported, only the furgeon, which he had left were murdered, except the whom the rebcls had compelled to accompany them, on that might fand in necd of his profeflional afliftanceidea they the perfons to whom it was comAlarmed by this intelligence, Whatbemunicated immediately fought their fafety in flight. came of the poor youth I have never been informed. revolters (confifting now of all the flaves belonging to THE to the houfe of a Mr. Clement, by that plantation) proceeded joined, and both he whofe negroes alfo they were immediately. of Mr. Clement and his refiner were maffacred. The murderer thewn was his own poftillion, a man to whom he had always kindnefs. The other white people on this eftate congreat trived to make their efcape. AT ety in flight. came of the poor youth I have never been informed. revolters (confifting now of all the flaves belonging to THE to the houfe of a Mr. Clement, by that plantation) proceeded joined, and both he whofe negroes alfo they were immediately. of Mr. Clement and his refiner were maffacred. The murderer thewn was his own poftillion, a man to whom he had always kindnefs. The other white people on this eftate congreat trived to make their efcape. AT --- Page 105 --- ST. DOMINGO AT thisj junéture, the negroes on the ville, a few miles diftant, likewife plantation ofM. Fla- CHAP, perfons, rofe and murdered five one ofwhom (the white VI. had a wife and three procureur or attorney for the eftate) - while daughters. Thefe unfortunate women, imploring for mercy of the favages on their their hufband and father murdered knees, beheld themfelves, before their faces. For they were devoted to a more horrid carried away captives by the affaffins. fate, and were THE approach of day-light ferved only to difcover horror. It was now apparent that the fights of eftates in the plain aéted in negrocs on all the the whites took place in concert, and a general maffacre of indeed the lives of the every quarter. On fome few eftates ferved only to gratify the women were fpared, but they were reit is brutal appetites of the and thocking to relate, that many of them ruffians; on the dead bodies of their hufbands fuffered violation and fathers! Ix the town itfelf, the general belief for fome the revolt was by no means an time was, that tial infurrection extenfive, bat a fudden and only. The largeft fugar parwas that of Monf. plantation on the plain Gallifet, fituated about cight miles town, the negroes from the with fuch kindnefs belonging to which had always been treated and liberality, and pofeffed fo tages, that it became a proverbial many advanwhite people, in expreflion among the lower eft beureux comme (peaking of any man's good fortune, to fay il Gallifet's 2412 negre de Gallifet (hc is as happy as one of negroes). M. Odeluc; the plantation, was a member of attorney, or agent, for this the general affembly, and being fully fs belonging to which had always been treated and liberality, and pofeffed fo tages, that it became a proverbial many advanwhite people, in expreflion among the lower eft beureux comme (peaking of any man's good fortune, to fay il Gallifet's 2412 negre de Gallifet (hc is as happy as one of negroes). M. Odeluc; the plantation, was a member of attorney, or agent, for this the general affembly, and being fully --- Page 106 --- HIS T - ORY OF to it would remain CHAP. fally perfnaded that the negroes belonging thither to enVI. firm in their obedience, determined to repair which end, he courage them in oppoling the infurgents ; to defired the affiftance of a few foldiers from the town-guard, him. He proceeded accordingly, but on which was granted and he found all the approsching the eftate, to his furprife grief tbeir in arms on the fide of therebels, and (horrid to tell!) negroesi wbite infunt, sobichthey bad recently imBandard was tbe body ofa too far to retreat M. Odcluc had advanced paled 012 a Rake! both he, and a friend that accompanied him, andifcovered, and killed without mercy. Two or with moft of the foldiers, were and the three only of the patrole, efcaped by flight 5 conveyed dreadful tidings to the inhabitants of the town. moft of the white perfons that had been By this time, all or maffacred or forced to found on the feveral plantations, being the fword feek their fafcty in flight, the ruffians exchanged where for the torch. The buildings and cane-fields were every from the and the conflagrations, which were vifible fet on fire; furnifhed a profpect more town, in a thoufand different quarters, than fancy can paint, or fhocking, and reflections more difmal, the powers of man defcribe, and terror now took pofcfion of every CONSTERNATION fcreams of the women and children, running from mind; and the of the fcene. All the citithe horrors door to door, heightened vefted the goverzens took up arins, and the general affembly him to with the commnand of the national guards, requefting nor of the cafe fcemed to demand. give fuch orders as the urgency ONE quarters, than fancy can paint, or fhocking, and reflections more difmal, the powers of man defcribe, and terror now took pofcfion of every CONSTERNATION fcreams of the women and children, running from mind; and the of the fcene. All the citithe horrors door to door, heightened vefted the goverzens took up arins, and the general affembly him to with the commnand of the national guards, requefting nor of the cafe fcemed to demand. give fuch orders as the urgency ONE --- Page 107 --- S T. DOMING 1 O. ONE of the firft meafures was to fend the white children on board the thips in the harbour women and CHAP, apprchenfions ; and very ferious VI. being entertained concerning the domeftick groes within the town, a great proportion of the ableft neamong them were likewife fent on men guarded. thipboard and clofely THERE ftill remained in the city a confiderable body of free mulattoes, who had not taken, or affeéted not to take, in the difputes between their brethren of colour any part inhabitants. Their fituation and the white lower clafs of whites, was extremely critical ; for the diate authors of the confidering the mulattoes as the imme-. rebellion, marked them for deftruétion the whole number in the town would ; and. murdered without fcruple, if the undoubtedly have been fembly had not governor and the colonial aftheir immediate vigoroufly interpofed, and taken them under protection. Grateful for this their favour (perhaps not interpofition in all the able thinking their lives otherwife fecure) men among them offered to march againft the rebels, and to leave their wives and immediately hoftages for their fidelity. Their offer children as were enrolled in different was accepted, and they companies of the militia. THE affembly continued their deliberations night, amidft the glare ofthe furrounding throughout the inhabitants, being conflagrations; and theirengthened by a number of feamen from the: fhips, and brought into fome degree of order and niilitary nation, were now defirous that a detachment fuborditack the thould be fent to atftrongeft body of the revolters, Orders were given accordinglys offer children as were enrolled in different was accepted, and they companies of the militia. THE affembly continued their deliberations night, amidft the glare ofthe furrounding throughout the inhabitants, being conflagrations; and theirengthened by a number of feamen from the: fhips, and brought into fome degree of order and niilitary nation, were now defirous that a detachment fuborditack the thould be fent to atftrongeft body of the revolters, Orders were given accordinglys --- Page 108 --- H I S T OR Y OF and M. de Touzard, an officer who had difinguifhed CHAP. cordingly ; fervice of the North Americans, took the comVI. himfelfin the of the line. With thefe, he Y mand of a party of militia and troops and attacked a body marched to the plantation of a M. Latour, deof about four thoufand ofthe rebel negroes. Many were but to little purpofe ; for Touzard, finding the number ftroyed, in more than a centuple proportion to their ofrevolters to encreafe and it cannot be doubted, loffes, was at length obliged to retreat; defencethat if the rebels had forthwith proceeded to the town, towards the they might have fred it lefs as it then was plain, and deftroyed all its inhabitants, or compelled without dificulty, them to Aly to the thipping for refuge. SENSIBLE of this, the governor, by the advice of the affembly, to act for fome time folely on the defenfive; and as determined that the revolters would it was every moment to be apprehended the firft meafure reforted to was to pour down upon the town, into it. At the eaftern éxfortify the roads and paffes leading is interfeéted by a river, tremity, the main road from the plain had no bridge over it, and was croffed in ferry which luckily of this a battery of cannon was boats. For the defence paflage, were. boats lafhed together; while two finall camps raifed on diftances on the banks. The other principal formed at proper to it towards the fouth, entrance into the town, and contiguous called le Haut du Cap. was through a mountainous diftriet, and confitaken of thefc heights, Poffeffion was immediately be derable bodics of troops, with fuch artillery as could fpared, fationed thereon. But thefe precautions not being thought were aifo determined to furrcund the whole oft the towi, fufficient,it was except together; while two finall camps raifed on diftances on the banks. The other principal formed at proper to it towards the fouth, entrance into the town, and contiguous called le Haut du Cap. was through a mountainous diftriet, and confitaken of thefc heights, Poffeffion was immediately be derable bodics of troops, with fuch artillery as could fpared, fationed thereon. But thefe precautions not being thought were aifo determined to furrcund the whole oft the towi, fufficient,it was except --- Page 109 --- ST. DOMINGO except the fide next the fea, with defrizes in the a ftrong palifade and cbevaux bitants laboured ereéting and completing of which, all the inha- CHAP. without difingtion or VI, fame time, an intermiflion. At the bour; embargo was laid on all the a meafure of indifpenfible fhipping in the harobtain the afliftance of the neceffity, calculated as well to inhabitants in the laft feamen, as to fecure a retreat for the extremity. To fuch of the diftant either by land orby fea, parifhes as were open to commanication within notice of the revolt had a few hours after advice of it been tranfinitted and the white inhabitants of was received at the Cape; found time to eftablifh many of thofc parifhes had therefore for a fhort time feemed camps, and form a chain of pofts, which yond the Northern to prevent the rebellion fpreading beprovince (a). Two of ever, one at Grande Riviere, the other thofe camps howby the negroes (who were here at Dondon, were attacked and forced with openly joined by the great flaughter. At mulattoes) tained the conteft for feven Dondon, the whites maininfinite difparity hours; but were overpowered by the ofnumbers, and lofs ofupwards of one compelled to give way, with the took refuge in the hundred of their body. The Spanifh territory. furvivors THESE two diftriets therefore; the tenfive plain of the Cape, whole of the rich and cxtogether with the contiguous (a) It is believed that a mounthe colony on the 25th of Auguft general (St. infurreation was to havetaken place impetuofity of fome negroes on the Louis's day); but that the throughout tions two days before the time. plain, induced them to commence impatience their and operaL tains, in the hundred of their body. The Spanifh territory. furvivors THESE two diftriets therefore; the tenfive plain of the Cape, whole of the rich and cxtogether with the contiguous (a) It is believed that a mounthe colony on the 25th of Auguft general (St. infurreation was to havetaken place impetuofity of fome negroes on the Louis's day); but that the throughout tions two days before the time. plain, induced them to commence impatience their and operaL tains, --- Page 110 --- H I S TO RY O F abandoned to the ravages of the enemy, CHAP. tains, were now wholly nncontrouled, on fuch of VI. and the cruelties which they exercifed, cannot be remem- - the miferable whites as fell into their hands, enough to without horror, nor reported in terms ftrong bered convey a proper idea of their attocity. feized Mr. Blen, an officer of the police, and having THEY the of his plantation, chopped nailed him alive to one of gates off his limbs, one by one, with an axc.. by trade, endeaA POOR man named Robert, a. carpenter of the rebels, was cenccal himfelf from the notice vouring to and the favages declared tbat he difcovered in his hiding-place; accordingly they bound pould die in the way of bis occupation: fawed him afunder.. him between two boards, and deliberately of Grande Riviere, had two naM. CARDINEAU, a planter had manumitted them in tural fons by a black woman. He tendernefs. They and bred them up with great their infancy, and when their father endeavoured both joined in the revolt; foothing language and them from their purpofe, by him to to divert took his money, and then ftabbed pecuniary offers, they the heart. the mulatto children whofe fathers ALL the white, and even murdered without exception, had not joined in the revolt, were the bofoms, of their frequently before the eyes, or clinging to firft violated by a Young women of all ranks were mothers. and then generally put to death. whole troop of barbarians, Some endeavoured both joined in the revolt; foothing language and them from their purpofe, by him to to divert took his money, and then ftabbed pecuniary offers, they the heart. the mulatto children whofe fathers ALL the white, and even murdered without exception, had not joined in the revolt, were the bofoms, of their frequently before the eyes, or clinging to firft violated by a Young women of all ranks were mothers. and then generally put to death. whole troop of barbarians, Some --- Page 111 --- ST. DOMING O, Some of them wrere indeed referved ofthe luft of the favages, for the further with and others had gratification CHAP, a knife. their eyes fcooped out VI. Ix the parifh of Limbe, at 2 place called the venerable planter, the father of two Great Ravine, a tied down by a favage ringleader of beautiful young Jadies, was eldeft daughter in his a band, who ravifhed the to one of his prefence, and delivered over the followers: : their pafion youngeft flaughtered both the father and the being fatisfied, they daughters. AMIDST thefe fcenes of fuch fidelity and ofhorror, one inftance however occurs peétedand daffedting. attachment Monf, in a negro, as is cqually unexand fon-in-law, and and Madame Baillon, their two white fervants, daughter plantation about thirty miles from refiding on a mountain ofthe revolt by one of their own Cape François, were apprized confpiracy, but promifed, if flaves, who was himfelf in the and his family. Having poflible, to fave the lives of his mafter efcape,he conduéted them noimmediate means of providing fortheir wentandjoined the revolters. into an adjacent wood; after which he opportunity of bringing them The following night, he found an The fecond night he returned provifions from the rebel camp. vifions : but declared that again, with a further them any further it would be out of his fapplyofproaffiflance. After this, power to give negro for three days; but at the end oft they faw nothing of the and direéted the how that time he came led to Port Margot, family to make their way to a river again; which part of the river which affuring he them they would find a canoe on a deferibed. They followed his diI, 2 reétions, ions from the rebel camp. vifions : but declared that again, with a further them any further it would be out of his fapplyofproaffiflance. After this, power to give negro for three days; but at the end oft they faw nothing of the and direéted the how that time he came led to Port Margot, family to make their way to a river again; which part of the river which affuring he them they would find a canoe on a deferibed. They followed his diI, 2 reétions, --- Page 112 --- H I S T OR Y OF but were overfe: reétions; found the canoc, and got fafelyintoit; thought CHAP of the current, and after a narrow efcape, VI. by the rapidity The negrc, - 1 it beft to return to their retreat in the mountains. direéted them anxious for their fafety, again found then out,and them he had proof the river, where heaffured to a broader part the laft cffort he could make to vided a boat ; but faid it was the boat, fave them. They went accordingly, but not finding for loft, when the faithful negro again apgave themfelves up He brought with him pigeons, peared like their guardianangel. flow marches and bread; i; and conduéted the family, by poultry, the banks of the river, until they were in the night, along when telling them within fight of the wharf at Port Margot; his leave for ever, and they were entirely out of danger, he took woods nineteen the rebels. The family were in the went to join nights. back to the town ofthe Cape; LET US now turn our attention or fuppofed to be where, the inhabitants being at length placed, necefifary by the placed, in fome fort of fecurity, it was thought the rebels and affembly, that offenfive opcrations againft of governora renewed, and a fmall army, under the command fhould be the eaftern part of the plain, and enM. Rouvray, marched to A confiderable body of camped at a place called Roucrott. about very thc fame time, of the the rebel negroes took poffefion, and mounted buildings on the plantation of M. Gallifet, large of artillery on the walls. They had profome heavy pieces places and harbours along cured the cannon at different thipping in time of war by the gothe coaft, where it had been placed but it was a matvernment, and imprudently left unprote@ted; tcr . Rouvray, marched to A confiderable body of camped at a place called Roucrott. about very thc fame time, of the the rebel negroes took poffefion, and mounted buildings on the plantation of M. Gallifet, large of artillery on the walls. They had profome heavy pieces places and harbours along cured the cannon at different thipping in time of war by the gothe coaft, where it had been placed but it was a matvernment, and imprudently left unprote@ted; tcr --- Page 113 --- ST. DOMING O. ter of great furprize by what means they obtained ammuni- CHAP. tion (b). From this plantation they fent out foraging parties, VI, with which the whites had frequent fkirmithes. In thefe engagements, the negroes feldom ftood their ground longer than to receive and return a fingle volley, but they appeared again the next day; ; and though they were at length driven out of their entrenchments with infinite flaughter, yet their numbers feemed not to diminith :--2s foon as one body was cut off, another peared, and thus they fuccecded in the object of harafling ap- and deftroying the whites by perpetual fatiguc, and reducing the country to a defert. To detail the various conflicts, fkirmithes, maffacres, and fcenes of flaughter, which this exterminating war produced, were to offer a difgulting and frightful picture; 3-a combination of horrors -wherein we fhould behold cruelties unexampled in the annals of mankind; human blood poured forth in the earth blackened with afhes, and the air tainted with torrents; 5 lence. It was computed that, within two months after the peftivolt firft began, upwards of two thoufand white reperfons, of all conditions and ages, had been mafficred,-that one hundred and eighty fugar plantations, and. about nine hundred coffee, cotton, (b) It was difcovered afterwards, that great quantities of powder and ball were ftoien by the negroes in the town of Cape François from the king's arfenal, and fecrctly conveyed to the rebels. Moft of the fire-arms at firft in their werc fuppofed to havebeenp partof Ogè's importation. But it grieves me to poilefion the rebels were afterwards abundantly fupplied, by fmall veffels from North add, Ame- that rica; the mafters of which felt no feruple to receive in payment and from eftates of which the owners had been murdered by the men with fugar whom rum, thay traflicked. and , and fecrctly conveyed to the rebels. Moft of the fire-arms at firft in their werc fuppofed to havebeenp partof Ogè's importation. But it grieves me to poilefion the rebels were afterwards abundantly fupplied, by fmall veffels from North add, Ame- that rica; the mafters of which felt no feruple to receive in payment and from eftates of which the owners had been murdered by the men with fugar whom rum, thay traflicked. and --- Page 114 --- H I ST ORY OF buildings thereon fettlements had been deftroyed (the CHAP. and indigo thoufand twohundred chrittian fire), and one VI. being confumedby to fuch a ftate of mifery as to mer families reduced from opulence, Oil publick altogether for their clothing and fuftenance that depend Of the infurgents, it was reckened and private charity. by the fword or by famine ; upwards often thoufand had perifhed ;- many of hundreds by the hands of the executioner and fome wheei:--a iyitem them, I grieve to fay, under the torturcofthe of favage life which no enormities of revenge and retaliation, could juitify or excufe (c). narrative has applied chiefly to tranfactions HITHERTO, my to relate, that the flames of in the Northern province $ I grieve fuffered in this manner under the window of the (:) Two of thofe unhappy men François, on Thurfday the 28th of author's lodgings, and in his prefence, at Cape of timber placed crofswife. 1791. They were broken on two pieces his ftomach, each of his legs September them on receiving the third ftroke on three blows he bcre One of expired firit broken in two places; the firft and arms having been had a harder fate. When the executioner, after without a groan. The other the inftrument to give the fnifhing ftroke on breaking his legs and arms, lifted up criminal out of his pain) is called le coup de the breaft, and which (by putting the of cannibals, called out arretez! (ftop) gract, the mob, with the ferocioufnefs In that condition, the miferable and compelled him to leave his work unfinifhed. was put on a cart-wheel, which was wretch, with his broken limbs doubled u?, being driven into the earth. He horizontally, cnc end of the axle-tree At the end of forty minutes, placed fenfible, but uttcred not a groan. him in mercy. fecmed perfoélly of the tragedy, ftrangled fome Englifh feamenl, who were fpeétators of them perfons of fafhion, who beheld the As to all the French fpeStators (many it grieves me to fay, that they fcene from the windows oftheir upper apartments), Some of the ladies, as I looked on with the moft perfeêt compofure and fangfroid. mirth, the fympathy mawith a great deal of unfeemly was told, even ridiculed, of the wretched criminals. nifefled by the Englith at the fufferings rebellion were fpeétators of them perfons of fafhion, who beheld the As to all the French fpeStators (many it grieves me to fay, that they fcene from the windows oftheir upper apartments), Some of the ladies, as I looked on with the moft perfeêt compofure and fangfroid. mirth, the fympathy mawith a great deal of unfeemly was told, even ridiculed, of the wretched criminals. nifefled by the Englith at the fufferings rebellion --- Page 115 --- - à S T. D OMING G O. rebellion foon began to break forth alfo in the Weftern Here, however, the divifion. CHAP, whom infurgents were chiefly men of coiour, of VI. of upwards of two thoufand appeared in arms in the - 1 Mirebalais. Being joined by about fix hundred of the parifh flaves, they began their operations by burning the negro tations in the mountains coffee planSome detachments adjacent to the plain of Cul-de-Sac.. of the military which were fent from Port au Prince were againft them. repulfed; and the nucd to ravage and burn the infurgents contimiles, country through an extent practifing the fame exceffes and ferocious ofthirty wards fuch of the whites as fell into their barbarities toplayed by the rebels in the North. hands, as were diflength to approach Port au Prince, They had the audacity at lieved, to fet it on fire; and fo with intention, as it was bedevoted town, that its deftruétion defencelefs was the fate of that the mulatto chiefs, however, feemed inevitable. Many of overthe flaves finding that their attempts to gain negro on the fugar plantations in this part country, were not attended with that fuccefs which ofthe: peéted, exprefled an they exdeclaring that unwillingness to proceed to this they took up arms not. to defolate the estremitys merely to fupport the national decree cf the. colony, but that thez were not averfe to a reconciliation. Isth ofMay, and coming to the knowledge of M. de Thefe fentiments nence, he undertook the oflice fumecsurt, a planter of emitimed and of mediator, and through his wellthe powerfil interpofition, a truce or convention, called. concariat, was agreed upon the I Ith of the free people of colour, and the white September, between Princs, of waich the chief inhabirants of Port au part, and. an provilions were an oblivion of the: engagement Oil the part of the whites, to admit tin fuil. Thefe fentiments nence, he undertook the oflice fumecsurt, a planter of emitimed and of mediator, and through his wellthe powerfil interpofition, a truce or convention, called. concariat, was agreed upon the I Ith of the free people of colour, and the white September, between Princs, of waich the chief inhabirants of Port au part, and. an provilions were an oblivion of the: engagement Oil the part of the whites, to admit tin fuil. --- Page 116 --- H I S T ORY OF full force the nationaldecree of the Isth of May, fo often menCHAP. the oftenfible, though perhaps not the fole VI. tionedy-certainly Y and original caufe of the rehellion. INSTRUCTED by this example, and foftened, it may be prefumed, by the loyal and temperate conduct of the free mulattoes in the town of Cape François, as before related, the general affembly, by a proclamation of the 2oth of September, declared 1791. the of the fame dcthat they would no longer oppofc operation even went further, and announced an intention to cree. They indulgences towards fuch free people of COgrant confiderable in it, meaning thofe who were lour 2S were not comprehended voted at the fame time the born of enflaved parents. They wherein the formation of certain free companies of mulattoes, of colour ofall defcriptions, poffeffed of certain qualificamen fhould be allowed to ferve as commifioned officers. tions, THESE conceflions, at an earlier period, would have operated with powerful effect in the falvation ofthe colony; but they now and only a partial truce, a temporary and came too late, produced The wounds that had been infallacious ceffation of miferies. and bleeding; and the dark and fullen fliéted were yet green malice, hatred and repaffions of difappointed pridc, anger, burning in the gloomy minds of all parvenge, were fecretly foon to ties. Thc flaies were fmothered, not extinguifhed; break out again, with aggravated violence and greater fury than ever. CHAP. --- Page 117 --- S 2e T. DOMINGO CHA P. VII. Oftke Motives subicb induced tbe People ef Colour to wolted Nigrou-Condud ef tbe Britijfo join tbe TeAbolition of tbe Slave Trads, ande eftbe Afociation for the Les Amis des Society in Paris called ef Noirs-Littr-frsmt Abbé Gregoire to tbe Calbur-Repeal f tbe Decree ef tbe 1stb May People feets ff that Moofire-Ciuil War witl the 1791-EF neued-Port au Prince deflreyed by Mulattoes 1eby botbs Fire-Crucltics exereijed mificners. Partis-Arrical at Cape Frangois ef the Civil ComI proceed to a renewal of thofe devaftation, and difgufting fcenes CHAP, BEPORE faithful hiftorian, calls flaughter, ruin, which my duty, as a VII. as an impreflive leffon upon me to defcribe (happy if they ferve - 1 to other nations !) it feems remove fome difficulties which neceffary to mind of the reader, may poffibly have arifen in the of the junétion and concerning the original and primary caufe negro flaves, in this co-operation of fo large a number of the the whole body ofthe rebellion, with the men of colour. That latterin St. Domingo had folid ground complaint and diffatisfaction, cannot be denied. of point at which opprefion fometimes There is a under it ccafès to be a virtue; and I arrives, fhould when forbearance mitted that the aétual fituation and readily have adin the French iflands would condition of the mulattoes have made refiftance a duty,if it M did , in this co-operation of fo large a number of the the whole body ofthe rebellion, with the men of colour. That latterin St. Domingo had folid ground complaint and diffatisfaction, cannot be denied. of point at which opprefion fometimes There is a under it ccafès to be a virtue; and I arrives, fhould when forbearance mitted that the aétual fituation and readily have adin the French iflands would condition of the mulattoes have made refiftance a duty,if it M did --- Page 118 --- H I S T ORY O F from what I have already related, that the reCHAP. did not appear, the very firit deliberations of VII. drefs of their grievances occupied that ever met in St. 1 the firft general affembly of reprefentatives be offered for Domingo. Certainly, then, no juftification can unfortunate reformers, who could perfuade thefe thofe peftilent rcbellion and maffacre, which waspeople to feck that relief by of the country, as a fponoffered to them by the fupreme power of enlightened. taneous and voluntary conceffion ;-the homage the enflaved reafon on the altar of humanity. Concerning the conduét of the negrocs, however, it does not appcar that Ibelieve, on whites towards them was in general reprehenfible. with the whole, it was as lenient and indulgent as was confiftent who It was the mulatto people themfelves their own fafety. tafk-mafters to the negrocs. The fame were the hard-hearted received from the whites, they direéted indignitics which they exercifing over the latter without feruple towards the blacks; Joudly and juftly fpecics of that oppreffion which they every this is a true complained of, when exercifed on themfelvess-and then, it will be piéture of human nature. By. what mcans, and the induced to forget their refentments, afked, were negroes the conftant objeéts both of their envy join with thofe who werc and hatred? this with as much accuracy and IN order to reply to queftion, it is neccfary to recur to precifion as the fubjeét will admit, of which mention was the proceedings of the two affociations, the Britifh made in the Sccond Chapter of this Hilory 3 namely, held its affociation for the abolition of the flave trade, which and the fociety called mectings in the Old Jewry in London; 2 Les --- Page 119 --- ST. D O MINGO. Les Amis des Noirs in Paris. A thort review of thefe focicties will ferve not the conduét of CHAP, only to leffen the may be felt at the revolt of ther negroes furprize which VII. raife a confiderable ofSt. Domingo, but alfo 1 degree of aftonifhment that the enflaved negroes in the Britifh iflands had not given them the example. IHAVE obferved, that the fociety in London nothing more in view than to obtain prefufed to have an act oft the prohibiting the further introdudion legillature for Britifh colonies. CHAP, only to leffen the may be felt at the revolt of ther negroes furprize which VII. raife a confiderable ofSt. Domingo, but alfo 1 degree of aftonifhment that the enflaved negroes in the Britifh iflands had not given them the example. IHAVE obferved, that the fociety in London nothing more in view than to obtain prefufed to have an act oft the prohibiting the further introdudion legillature for Britifh colonies. Ihave of African flaves into the 66 tention of faid, that <6 they difclaimed all ininterfering with the 66 the negroes already in the government and condition of 66 their plantations; 5 publickly opinion to be, that a declaring <6 peoplc, in their prefent ftate general emancipation of thofe <6 ofa would ofignorance and barbarity, inftead bletling, prove to them the <6 mifery." 77 But fource of misfortune and although fuch were their oftenfible as a publick body, the leading members of the declarations moment, hcld a very different fociety, in the fame itfelf (aéting as fuch) language; and even the fociety medintely purfued a line of conduét dircatly and imrepugnant to their own profeffions. every poflible endeavour to inflame the Belides ufing againft the planters, they diftributed publick of Great Britain throughout the colonies, tracts at a prodigious expence the direét tendency of which and pamphlets without number, odious and was to render the white inhabitants cite in the contemptible latter fuch in the eyes oft their own flaves, and exof ideas of their natural rights and condition, as fhould lead them to a cquality dom through rebellion and general fruggle for freeings, bloodihed. In many of thofe writarguments are exprefsly adduced, in language which canM 2 not tributed publick of Great Britain throughout the colonies, tracts at a prodigious expence the direét tendency of which and pamphlets without number, odious and was to render the white inhabitants cite in the contemptible latter fuch in the eyes oft their own flaves, and exof ideas of their natural rights and condition, as fhould lead them to a cquality dom through rebellion and general fruggle for freeings, bloodihed. In many of thofe writarguments are exprefsly adduced, in language which canM 2 not --- Page 120 --- H. I S T O RY OF CHAP. not be mifunderfcod, to urge the negroes to rife up and murder VII. their mafters without mercy.- Reliftance," fay they, < is al66 ways juftifiable where force is the fubftitute of right: nor is c6 tbe commiffion ef a civil crime polmible in a Rate gf Havery" Thefe fentiments are repeated in a thoufand different forms; and in order that they might not lofe their effect by abftract reafoning, a reverend divine of the church of England, in a pamphlet addrefed to the chairman or prefident of the fociety, pours forth the moft earneft prayers, in the moft undifguifed exprefions, that the negroes would deftroy all the white people, men, women, and children, in the Weft Indies: 66 Should we c6 not, (he exclaims) approve their conduét in their violence ? (< Should we not crown it with eulogium, if they exterminate 66 their tyrants with fire and fword! Should tbey even deliberately < inflict the maf exquijfite tortures G12 thofe tyrants, wouldtbey not ce be excufable in the moral judgment of thofe who properly va66 luc thofe ineftimable blellings, rational and religious liC6 berty y(a)?" Befidcs diftributing pamphlets of this complexion gratis, at the doors of all the churches and places of worfhip in the kingdom, and throughout the colonies, the fociety caufed a medal to be ftruck, containing the figure of a naked negro, loaded with (a) This is a fiir extraÉt from a letter addreffed to Granville Sharp, Efg; chairmnan of the focicty in the Old Jewry, by the Reverend Percival Stockdale, A.M. Off fuch writers the planters may well exclaim, < Forgive them, they kazu nct aubat ( they do!" The fame ejaculation I applied to the learned and pious Samuel Johnfon, who poffeffed a negro fervant, and before whom he frequently gave as a toaft, €6 Apedyrelelliong tbe negroes in Tamai:a, andfusrefs to thom!" chains, Granville Sharp, Efg; chairmnan of the focicty in the Old Jewry, by the Reverend Percival Stockdale, A.M. Off fuch writers the planters may well exclaim, < Forgive them, they kazu nct aubat ( they do!" The fame ejaculation I applied to the learned and pious Samuel Johnfon, who poffeffed a negro fervant, and before whom he frequently gave as a toaft, €6 Apedyrelelliong tbe negroes in Tamai:a, andfusrefs to thom!" chains, --- Page 121 --- ST. DOMING O. chains, and in the attitude of whichello they found means imploring mercy ; thoufands of of the fugar iflands, for to difperfe among the negrocs in each CHAP, VII, them the inftruétion, I as could not read; but, prefame, of fuch of caution was nct unhappily, this inftance of provident requifite; for fo many annually from Europe to the Weft Indies, negro domefticks return fulicient number of living as conftantly furnifi a nounce it from my own infiructors; and certain it is (Iprolabours of the knowledge refpedting Jamaica) that the moft violent fociety on their behalf, 2S well as many ofthe fpeeches in the Britih whole body of planters were parliament, wherein the and remerfelefs painted as a herd of tyrants, were explained to the blood-thirty terms well adapted to their negro flaves, in been fuppofed,to their capacities, and fuited, as might have other mcafures the Old feelings. It will be dificult to fay what excite a rebellion, Jewry affociates could have taken to folicitude except that of furnifhing the with fire arms and ammunition. objects of their HITHERTO, this fociety had ferved as a to that ofParis; but a model and exemplar fitutes no part of the difpolition French to ftop at half meafitres conAnis des Nirs reforted, charaéter 5 and the fociety of which their fellow labourers without feruple, to thofe meafures beginning with the clafs of free in London fill hefitated to adopt: many cf them in France, who m alattoes, becaufe they found of their becume the willing purpofès ; and who inftruments groes in the French colonies undertook to interpret to the netowards them oftheir friends the withes and good intentions in the mother opening was made towards conciliation country. Thus an and union between the two éter 5 and the fociety of which their fellow labourers without feruple, to thofe meafures beginning with the clafs of free in London fill hefitated to adopt: many cf them in France, who m alattoes, becaufe they found of their becume the willing purpofès ; and who inftruments groes in the French colonies undertook to interpret to the netowards them oftheir friends the withes and good intentions in the mother opening was made towards conciliation country. Thus an and union between the two --- Page 122 --- HISTO RY OF CHAP. two claffes. The negroes, apprized that it was only through VII. the agency of the mulattoes, and the connections of thofe people in France, they could obtain a regular fiupply of arms and ammunition, forgot or fufpended their ancient animofities; and the men of colour, fenfible that nothing but the co-operation of the enflaved negroes (docile, as they fuppofed them to be, from their ignorance, and irrefiftible from their numbers) could give fuccefs to their caufe, courted them with fuch affiduity as gained over at leaft nine-tenths of all the flaves in the Northern province of St. Domingo. THERE feems however to have been fome apprchenfions entertained by the leading men among the Amis des Noirs, that the decree of the national affembly of the Isth of May, confined as the benefits of it were to the people of colour exclufively, (and of thofe, to fuch only as were born of free parents) might give rife to jealoufies and fufpicions, deftruétive of that unanimity between the different claffes, the maintenance of which was an objeét of the laft importance. To obviate any mifapprehenfions on this account, as well as to keep the mulattoes firm to their purpofe, the Abbé Gregoire wrote and publifhed his celcbrated circular letter ;--a performance which, if the intentions of the writer had been as pure as his expreflions are eloquent, would have reflcéted luftre on his abilities (b). What effeét this diftinguithed piece of oratory may have had on the rugged and unenlightened minds of favage people, (b) The reader will find a tranflation of this letter at the cnd of the prefent Chapter. I pretend attoes firm to their purpofe, the Abbé Gregoire wrote and publifhed his celcbrated circular letter ;--a performance which, if the intentions of the writer had been as pure as his expreflions are eloquent, would have reflcéted luftre on his abilities (b). What effeét this diftinguithed piece of oratory may have had on the rugged and unenlightened minds of favage people, (b) The reader will find a tranflation of this letter at the cnd of the prefent Chapter. I pretend --- Page 123 --- S T. DOMIN G O. I pretend not to afeertain. It is goire was confidered by the certain, that the Abbé Gregreat advocate and negroes in St. Lomingo as their CHAP. VII. deity; of the good patron; effeéts a fort of guardian angel or of whofe tutelary and friendly offices their mafters benevolent interpofition on whofe fupport and affiftance unjufly deprived them, and the attempt, through rebellion and they might confidently rely, in themfelves. murder, to obtain juftice for BoTH claffes of people being thus the decree ofthe I sth inftruéted and prepared, hoop of maffacre. From ofMay was the fignal of revolt, the warall orders of the whites in the clamour which it excited amongft cially) the people of colour, St. Doiingo (the lower claffes prehend that mifchiefs as I have fhewn, had reafon to cfpemeditated of an extenfive and apagainf them. They alarming nature were plaufible, and, had they meant were thus furnifhed with a fenfive, a juftifiable caufe for to have aéted folely on the dcthe ftrong tide of popular reforting to arms; but, unhappily, ther country againft the prejudice which prevailed in the movoted forthe fatal decree planters, in and the great majority which ftances that infpired them the with national aflembly, were circumtheir own refources, as fo dangerous a confidence in dence, policy, and humanity, orerpowered all confiderations of pruITr muft be confidered, at the fame unegrocs (ignorant and time, that the enflaved: not pofibly be deprefied as we fuppofe them to be) could. circumflances. unobfervant of thefe combined and They beheld the coloured concurring people in open hottility ances that infpired them the with national aflembly, were circumtheir own refources, as fo dangerous a confidence in dence, policy, and humanity, orerpowered all confiderations of pruITr muft be confidered, at the fame unegrocs (ignorant and time, that the enflaved: not pofibly be deprefied as we fuppofe them to be) could. circumflances. unobfervant of thefe combined and They beheld the coloured concurring people in open hottility --- Page 124 --- HIS TORY OF the whites. They were affured, that the former CHAP. lity againft and encouragement from the fupreme VII. had the fulleft fupport legiflature ofthe mother country. They were taught to believe, that themfelves alfo were become the objects of the paternal folicitude of the king and the national affembly, who wifhed to refcue them from the dominion oftheir mafters,and inveft them with their eftates. It appeared from indifputable evidence, that affurances of this nature were held out to the enflaved which could not but excite their attention, negroesy-affurances awaken their faculties, and rouze them to aétion. Whoever deliberate on thefe, and the other faéts that have thall calmly in accounting for the dreadbeen ftated, will find no difficulty ful extent of this infurreétion ; or in affigning it to its proper thofe rivers of blood caufc, and tracing to the fountain-head which ftill continue to flow in this unfortunate and devoted colony (c)! In September 1791, when the author was at Cape François, he dined with (c) on board the frigate la Prudente, commanded by Monf, Toycufe a large company, admiral in the fervice of the new republick, by the name (at prefent a diftinguifhed in the midft of the entertainment, a loud exclamation from the of F'illaret) when, This man, who had been mifling crew announced that the gumner avas returned. and the following acccunt of fome wecks, was immediately brought forward, gave to colleét the caufe cf his abfence. He faid that, having gone on fhore, green meatfor the pigs, he was furrounded by the rebel negroes, who were about purting when François, the chief, finding that he was an officer in hin to death, ordered Jean that his life fhould be fpared, alledging that tbe king the king's fervice, detained him however as a prifoner, and compelled him to 20.25 their) friend. They in the attack at M. Gallifet's plantation before-n enlozd and point their arillery he made his tioned. On the defeat of the rebels in that engagement, fortunately the from trem. Some of the fhocking enormities and cruelties infieted by efcap: as related in the proceding pages, were committed rebcls on thcir white prifoners, in this man's prefence, BUT be king the king's fervice, detained him however as a prifoner, and compelled him to 20.25 their) friend. They in the attack at M. Gallifet's plantation before-n enlozd and point their arillery he made his tioned. On the defeat of the rebels in that engagement, fortunately the from trem. Some of the fhocking enormities and cruelties infieted by efcap: as related in the proceding pages, were committed rebcls on thcir white prifoners, in this man's prefence, BUT --- Page 125 --- ST. DOMINGO EUT itis now time to advert to the curred in France, where we left proceedings which Oc- CHAP, Ipierre, and the reft ofthe Gregaire, La Fayetts, Rober- VII. the fociety of Ani des Neirs, exulting in triumph they had ob:ained on the Isth of May; end haps waiting, in the ardent hope and pernoxious decree of that date, would expedlation, that their obwhich aétually refulted from it. It produce thofe very evils of September that information was not until the beginning arrived at Paris reception which the account of this decree had concerning the Domingo. The tumults, diforders, met with in St. duced and confufions thet it there, were now reprefented in the proand the lofs of the colony to France ftrongeft colouring, hended. At this time, was univerlally apprehowever, no fulpicion was entèrtained concerning the enflaved negroes; but a civil war, whites and the mulattoes, was believed between the commercial and to be inevitable. The trade and manufacturing towns,prediding the ruin of their (hipping, and the lofs oft their capitals from dangers, prelènted remonftrances and exifling affembly, urging the of petitions to the national decrees by which the necefity an immediate repeal of all the rights of the planters were ofthe 1sth ofMay efpecially. The conftituent invaded; that bly was now on the point of difiolution, and national afiemleave every thing in peace. At the fame tine perhaps withed to pular prejudice, which the tide of pothe colonifts, hadhitherto ran with fuch violence was beginning to turn. Moft of thofe againft whofe opinions in colonial members guided the deliberations concerns, a few months before, had of the national either filentiy affembly, were now dilregarded, or treated with and Aekingprofefthe outrage;- a ftrong lightnef and verfatility of the French N charaéter. fame tine perhaps withed to pular prejudice, which the tide of pothe colonifts, hadhitherto ran with fuch violence was beginning to turn. Moft of thofe againft whofe opinions in colonial members guided the deliberations concerns, a few months before, had of the national either filentiy affembly, were now dilregarded, or treated with and Aekingprofefthe outrage;- a ftrong lightnef and verfatility of the French N charaéter. --- Page 126 --- HIS TO RY OF motion was made to annul the obCHAP. charaéter. At length, a on thc of September noxious decree, and (ftrange to tell!) 24th VII. voted by a large majority !-At this reits repeal was actually it is 1791. markable change of fentiment in the fupreme legiflature, and remind the reader of what was doing at neceffary to paufe, as we have fcen, on the fame time in St. Domingo ; where, took place the IIth of thatvery month, the concordats or truce, of Port the of colour and the white inhabitants between people the colonial affembly of Cape au Prince; and on the 2oth, mentioned in the latter part François publiched the proclamation Thus, almoft in the very moment of the preceding Chapter. of the decree were acknowledged, when the juftice and necefity the colonial affembly, its and its faithful obfervance promifed by in the mother the national legiflature repeal was pronounced by country! and abfurdity muft every government be To fuch repugnancy and direét the local concerns of driven that attempts to regulate Ofthe two meafures that three thoufand miles diftant. a country it is difficult to fay which produced the have been mentioned, the decree of the Isth of May in the firft greateft calamities; repeal, at the time and in the manner inftance; or its unexpeéted arifenin the minds ofthe mulattoes of related! Doubts had already white with refpeét to the the fincerity and good faith ofthe people, had indeed grown concordat. Their fufpicions andapprchenfions and as to induce them to infift On a renewal to fuch a height, which were accordingly granted confirmation of its provifions; of the Ith of October, and them,by a new inftrument or treaty of the fàme month : agreement of the 2oth a fupplementary but the minds ofthe mulattoes of related! Doubts had already white with refpeét to the the fincerity and good faith ofthe people, had indeed grown concordat. Their fufpicions andapprchenfions and as to induce them to infift On a renewal to fuch a height, which were accordingly granted confirmation of its provifions; of the Ith of October, and them,by a new inftrument or treaty of the fàme month : agreement of the 2oth a fupplementary but --- Page 127 --- ST. DOMING O. but no fooner was authentick information reccived of the ceedings in France, in the repeal of the decree, than all truft pro- CHAP, VII. and confidence, and every hope of reconciliation and between the two claffes, vanifhed for ever. It amity perfuade the mulattoes that the was not poflible to planters in the colony were innocent, and ignorant of the tranfaétion. accufed whites of the moft horrid They the duplicity, faithlefsncfs and and publickly declared that one treachery; party or the other, themfelves or the whites, muft be utterly deftroyed and There was no longer, they faid, an alternative. exterminated:- IN this difpofition, exafperated to frenzy, the coloured throughout the Weftern and Southern people In the Southern provinces flew to arms. province, a body of them became mafters of Port St. Louis; but the inhabitants of Port au Prince, been reinforced, a fhort time before, by the arrival of fome having from Europe, were better prepared, and drove the revolters troops from the city with great flaughter. They took poft in the of Croix des Bouquets; but found parifh means, however, before thcir retreat, to fet fire to the city, and a dreadful conflagration in which more than one-third of the enfued, fumed. buildings were conOPEN war, and war in all its horrors, was now All the foft workings of humanity-what renewed, Shakefpeare calls the compunétisus wifitings 9f nature-were now abforbed in the and infatiable thirft of revenge, which inflamed cach clafs raging It was no longer a conteft for mere but alike. emulation which victory, a diabolical party could inflia the moft abominable cruelN 2 ties enfued, fumed. buildings were conOPEN war, and war in all its horrors, was now All the foft workings of humanity-what renewed, Shakefpeare calls the compunétisus wifitings 9f nature-were now abforbed in the and infatiable thirft of revenge, which inflamed cach clafs raging It was no longer a conteft for mere but alike. emulation which victory, a diabolical party could inflia the moft abominable cruelN 2 ties --- Page 128 --- HI IS T ORY F CHAP. ties on the other. The enflaved negroes in the diftriét called VIL. Calde Sac having joined the mulattoes, a bloody engagement took place, in which the negrocs, being ranged in front, and acting without any kind of difeipline, left two thoufand oftheir number dead on the field. Of the mulattoes about fifty were killed, and feveral taken prifoners. The whites claimed the victory; but for want of cavalry were unable to improve it by a purivit, and contented themfelves with fatiating their revenge on their captives. Every refincment in cruelty that the moft depraved imagination could fuggeft, was practifed on the perfons of thofe wretched LC11, Onc of the mulatto leaders was unhappily among the number: him the viétors placed on an elevated feat in a cart, and fecured him in it by driving large ipiked nails through his fect into the boards. In this condition he was drawn a miferable fpcétacle through the city. His bones were afterwards broken, and he was then thrown alive into the flames! THE mulattoes fcorned to be outdone in deeds of vengeance, and atrocities Thameful to humanity. In the neigl.bourhood of Feremie a body cft thcm attacked the houfe of M. Sejourné, and fecured the perfons both ofhim and his wife. This unfortunate woman (my hand trembles while I write !) was far advanced in her pregnancy. The monflers, whofe prifoner fhe was, having firft murdered her hufband in her prefence, ripped her up alive, and threw the infant to the hogs.-They then (how fhall I relate it!) fewed up the head of the murdered hufband in 1 -I!! --Such are thy triumphs, philanthropy! WITH houfe of M. Sejourné, and fecured the perfons both ofhim and his wife. This unfortunate woman (my hand trembles while I write !) was far advanced in her pregnancy. The monflers, whofe prifoner fhe was, having firft murdered her hufband in her prefence, ripped her up alive, and threw the infant to the hogs.-They then (how fhall I relate it!) fewed up the head of the murdered hufband in 1 -I!! --Such are thy triumphs, philanthropy! WITH --- Page 129 --- ST. DOMING O. WITH thefe enormitics terminated the difaftrous Juft before Chriftmas the three civil commifioners year 1791. CHAP. by the national affembly for St. nominated VII. çois. Much was Domingo, arrived at Cape Franof expeéted from their appointment by the friends peace and good order; but the fequel will fhew that effedted very little towards reftoringthe they peace ofthe country. Tranpation ff the Letter of ABBE GREGOIRE, the Department of Loire and Cber, Bihop ff tional Deputy ff tbe NaAlembly, to tbe Citizens ef Colour in tbe Frencb Wep Indies, coneerning the Decree ef the Istb f May 1791. FRIENDS! cere You fiated in the fuinefs of MEN,-you are now CITIZENS. Reinfovereignty ofthe your rights, you will in future participate of the people. The decree which the national juftp publifhed ailembly has and a reipectingyou, isnot a facur; for 2 fevouris a They privilege to onc clafs of people is an injury to all the pricilege: reft.- are words which wiil no longer dilgrace the laws of the Is fecuring roFou the exercife ofyour policical French. quitted ourfelves of a debt: not to have paid it, rights, would we have have acerime on our part, and a difgrace to the conftitution. The been 2 ofa fre nation certainly could not do lefs for leginators defpo:s have dune, you than our ancient Iris now above a century thac Louis the XIVth folernnly acknowlelged and prochimed your rights; bu: ofthis facred have been defreudedby pride andavarice, which inheritance you your burthens, and embit ineredyour exiftence. havegradusilyi increafed THE --- Page 130 --- H I S T O RY F of the French empire opened your hearts to hope, CHAP. THE regeneration has alleviated the weight of your miferies: VII. whofe cheering influence of Europe had no idea. While the white miferies of which the people againft miniplanters refident among us were loud in their complaints Not they tcok cfpecial care to be filent as to tbeir ocil. Berial tyranny, thc complaints of the unhappy people a hint was fuggefted concerning are their own children. It is of mixed blocd; who, notwithtanding, from you, have been who, at the diftance of two thoufand leagues ae, thefe children againft thc negleét, the contempt, conftrained to proteét the unnatural cruelty of their fathers! the juftice of BuT itis in vain that they have endeavoured to fupprefs of the ocean the extent your claims. Your groans, notwitkftanding hearts of the European Frenchwhich feparates us, have reached the men; -for they have bearts. in the circle ofhis mercy. His all men Gop Almighty comprehends between them, but what arifes from the diflove makes no diftinétion Can laws then, which ought to be an ferent degrees of their virtues. fo culpable a partiality? Can emanation of eternal juftice, encourage alike all the members of whofe duty it is to proteét that government, be the mother of one branch, and the ftep-mother the fame great family, only ofthe others ? the folicitude of the national No, gendemen: : -you could not efcape univerfe the great charter of affembly. but what arifes from the diflove makes no diftinétion Can laws then, which ought to be an ferent degrees of their virtues. fo culpable a partiality? Can emanation of eternal juftice, encourage alike all the members of whofe duty it is to proteét that government, be the mother of one branch, and the ftep-mother the fame great family, only ofthe others ? the folicitude of the national No, gendemen: : -you could not efcape univerfe the great charter of affembly. In unfolding to the eyes of the had indeed been made to nature, your titles were traced. An attempt in charaéters as indelible them; but happily they are written expunge facred image of the Deity, which is graven on your counterances. as the in the inftructions which it preALREADY had the national affembly, the 28th of March 1790, for the goverament of the colonies, on pared and of colour under one common comprized both the whites people have publithed denomination. Your enemies, in afferting the contrary, fhould Itis inconteftibly true, that when I demanded you a forgery. numbcr of members, among whom were be exprefsly named, a great feveral --- Page 131 --- S T. DOMI N G O. feveralp planters, engerly exclaimed, that under the general words contained you were already comprehended himfelf, in thofe inftruétions. M. CHAP, upon my repeated inftances to him Barnave VII, acknowledged, beforc the whole on that head, has at length now appears how much reafon I alembly, that this was the faét. It ftruétion would be had to apprehend that a falfe New put upon our decree ! conoppreffions on the part of your and yours, until at length the cup ofaffliction is mafters, new miferies on but too well juftified my filled even to the brim, have ceived from you upon apprehenfions. this The letters which I have rePofterity will learn, with head, have forced tears from my cyes. aftonifhment and yours, the juftice of which is fo indignation, that a caufe like for no lefs than five days cvident, was made the fubjeét of debate to ftruggle fo long againft fucceflively, Alas! when humanity is obliged obtained! vanity and prejudice, its triumph is dearly Iris a long time that the fociety of Amis themfelves in finding out the des Noirs have employed ofthe flaves. Itis means to foften your lot, as well as that to dificult-perhaps impoffible, do impuniry, The meritorious zeal of this good with entire much obloquy. Deipicable writers have fociety has drawn upon them them, and impudent libels have never lanced their poifonous fhafts at lumnies, which have been a hundred ceafed to repeat objections and Caoften have we been accufed of times anfivered and refuted. How paid by them for fending being fold to the Englith, and of know, you inflammatory writings and being my friends, the weaknefs and wickednefs arms ? You have inceflantly recommended of thele charges, We fignation and to you attachment to your patience, while waiting the country, rebeen able to cool cur zeal, return ofjuftice! or that ofy your Nothing has are at Paris. M. Raimond, in brethren of mixed blood who heroically to your defence. With particular, has devoted himfelf moft this diflinguifhed what tranfport would you have citizen, at the bar ofthe feen ought to be 2 member, national affembly, ofwhich he laying beforc it. fignation and to you attachment to your patience, while waiting the country, rebeen able to cool cur zeal, return ofjuftice! or that ofy your Nothing has are at Paris. M. Raimond, in brethren of mixed blood who heroically to your defence. With particular, has devoted himfelf moft this diflinguifhed what tranfport would you have citizen, at the bar ofthe feen ought to be 2 member, national affembly, ofwhich he laying beforc it. the afeding picture of your miferies,. --- Page 132 --- HIS T ORY OF CHAP miferies, ar.d frenuoully claiming your rights! If that affembly had VII. facrificed them, it would have tarnifhed its glory. It was its duty to decree with juftice, to explain itfelf clearly, and caufe its lavs to be executed with frmnefs: it has done fo; and if (which God forbid!) fome event, hidden in the womb of futurity, fhould tear our colonies from uS, wouldit not be better to have a lois to deplore, than an injuflice to reproach ourfelves with ? Crrizess! raife once more your humiliated countenances, and to the dignity of men, affociate the courage and noblenefs of a free people. The Isth of May, the day in which you recovered your rights, ought to be fer ever memorable to you and to your children. This epoch will periodically awaken in you fentiments of gratirude towards the Supreme Being; and may your accents afcend to the vault of heaven, towards which your grateful hands will be extended! At length you have a country. Hercafter you will fee nothing aboveyou but the. laws while the opportunity of concurring in the framing it, will: affure to you thac indefealible right of all mankind, the right of obeying yourfelves oniy. You have a country: and it will no longer be a land ofexile, where you meet none but tyrants on the one hand, and companions in miffortune on the other; the former diftributing, and the latter receiving, contempt and outrage. The groans of your afflictions were punithed asthe clamours of rebellion; and fituated between the uplifted poinard, and certain death, thofe unhappy countries were often moiftened with your tears, and fometimes ftained with your blood. You have a country: and happinefs will fhine on the feat of your nativity. You will now enjoy in peace the fruits of the fields which you have cultivated without compulfion. Then will be filled up that interval, which, placing at an immenfe diftance from each other, the children of the fame father, has fuppreffed the voice of nature, and broke the bands of fraternity afunder. Then will the chafte enjoyments of corjugal union take place of thofe vile fallies of debauchery, by which the majefly have a country: and happinefs will fhine on the feat of your nativity. You will now enjoy in peace the fruits of the fields which you have cultivated without compulfion. Then will be filled up that interval, which, placing at an immenfe diftance from each other, the children of the fame father, has fuppreffed the voice of nature, and broke the bands of fraternity afunder. Then will the chafte enjoyments of corjugal union take place of thofe vile fallies of debauchery, by which the majefly --- Page 133 --- S 0e T. DOMING O. jefly of moral fentiment has been infuled. of reafon can it be deemed By what ftrange perve:fion Or mulatto woman, when difgraceful in a white man to a CHAP it is not marry black VIT. be conneéted with her in the moft licentious thought difhonourable in him to THE lefs real worth a man pofleffes, the familiarizy! felfofthe appearances of virtue. What more he feeks to avail himthe merit of a perfon confift in can be more abfurd than to make different fhades of complexion more orlefs fallow? The the fkin, or in a times blufh at a man who thinks at all muft being man, when he fees his fomeby fuch ridiculous prejudices ; but as fellow-creatures blindel failings we moft unwillingly unfortunately pride is one ofthole moft difficult to fubvert part with, the empire of : man appears to be unable prejudice is the until he has exhaufted his ftrength in to arrive at trurh, paths of error. travelling through the different THIS prejudice againft the mulattoes and exiftence in our Eaftern colonies. negroes has however no the eulogium made on the Nothing can be more affecting than part of the world, in the inftruétions people of colour, by the inhabirants of that appointed their deputies to the national given by them, to thofe they have acaderny of fciences pride themfelves aflembly. The members ofthe of France in the number of their in reckoning a mulatto oft the Ile correfpendents. worthy negro is a fuperior officer of the diftriét of Among ourfelves, a department of Gard. We do not conceive St. Hypolite, in the can be the foundation of different that a difference of colcur political fociety. Iristherefore rights among members of the fame our brave national we find no fuch defpicable pride guards, who offer among Indics to infure the execution of our themfelves to embark for the Weft laudable fentimnents decrees. Perfeétly concurring in the manifefted by the inhabitants knowledge with them, that the decree ofBourleaus, they acframed under the-aufpices of refpeéting the people of colour, prudence and dered to reafon and juflice. While the wifdom, is an homage renendeavoured to calumniate deputies from the colonies have your intentions, and thofe ofthe mercantile part felves to embark for the Weft laudable fentimnents decrees. Perfeétly concurring in the manifefted by the inhabitants knowledge with them, that the decree ofBourleaus, they acframed under the-aufpices of refpeéting the people of colour, prudence and dered to reafon and juflice. While the wifdom, is an homage renendeavoured to calumniate deputies from the colonies have your intentions, and thofe ofthe mercantile part --- Page 134 --- H IS T O RY OF of thofe deputies is perfeêly contrapart of the nation, the conduét admiflion among us at Verfailless CHAP. dictory. Ardently foliciting their own from us, until the VII. us in the Tennis Court not to feparate e fwearing with and then declaring, when the decree conftitution fhould be eftablifhed, could no longer continue to of the 15th of May was paffed, that they their and a breach with us ! This defertion is a defertion of principles, fit oftheir folemn oaths. of the colonies who are worthy the name ALL thofe white inhabitants fuch ridiculous prejudices, and have haftened to abjure With of Frenchmen, in future as brothers and friends. have promifed to regard you cite the words of the citizens of Jacmel. what delightful fenfations do we the decrees ofthe national affembly c We fwear to obey, without referve, and even fuch of them our and future conftitution, sc refpeéting prefent itP" The citizens of Port au Prince tell < as may fubftantially change in different words. ce Condethe national affembly the fame thing, oath which the munithey, c6 to receive the 66 feend, gentlemen," fay in the name of the commons of Port au se cipality has taken to you, execute all your decrees, and never to < Prince, punêually to obey and c fwerve from them in any refpeêt whatfoever." in the new world, and foon enlarged its horizon Thus has philofophy than a few inferior tywill abfurd prejudices have no other fupporters the reign of that defpotifm who wifh to perpetuate in America, rants, which has been abolifhed in France. people of colour had enWHAT would thefe men have faid, ifthe advantages ? With the whites cf thbeir political deavoured to deprive at fuch an oppreffion Inwould they not have exclaimed out to what energy that your rights have been pointed fiamed into madnefs at finding lead them to make every effort their irritated pride may perhaps endeavour to you, ineffeétual. They will probably to render our decrees wrefting the colonies from the mother raife fuch difturbances, as, by their creditors of their juft debts. country, will enable them to defraud threats that St. Domingo will be have inceffantly alarmed us with lofts They an oppreffion Inwould they not have exclaimed out to what energy that your rights have been pointed fiamed into madnefs at finding lead them to make every effort their irritated pride may perhaps endeavour to you, ineffeétual. They will probably to render our decrees wrefting the colonies from the mother raife fuch difturbances, as, by their creditors of their juft debts. country, will enable them to defraud threats that St. Domingo will be have inceffantly alarmed us with lofts They --- Page 135 --- ST. DOMING: O. loft, ifjuftice be rendered to you. In this thing but falfchood: we pleafe affertion we have found no. will draw the bands ourfelves in the belief, that our CHAP. VIL. Your ftill clofer which unite you to the mother decrec patriocifimn,your intereft, and your country. you to confine your commercial affestions, will concurinindlucing reciprocal tributes of induftry will conneétions to France only; and the eftablifh lonies a conftant of between her and her COunfaithfully towards interchange riches and good offices, If you ast doned of the human France, you will be the bafeft and moft abanrace, But nod become traitors to your generous citizens, you will not with all other good country : you fhudder at the idea. Rallied, will defend our Frenchmen, around the ftandard of liberty, glorious conftitution. The day thall you reprefentatives of the people of colour will crofs arrive, whén the their feats with us, and fwear to live and die the ocean to take day fhall arrive among you when the fun under our laws. The men; when thei rays of fhall will fhine on none but freeIti is true, the national light no longer fall on the fetters of Alavery. enflaved affembly has not yet raifed the negroes to a level with condition of the granting the rights to thofe who your fituation; becaufe fuddenly might perhaps have been are ignorant of the duties of they, like a fatal prefent to them : but citizens, yourfelves, are born to freedom and forget not, that in thei irrefiftible courfe of things that all perfeét equality. It is invaded, Thall recover that nations, whofe liberty has been ritance! precious portion of their indefeafible inheYou are accufed of treating your flaves much but, alas ! fo various have been the worfe than the whites: : been afperfed, that it would be weaknefs detraétions with which you have however, there be in Us to credit the charge. head, fo any foundation for what has been advanced I6 conduét yourfelves in future as to prove it will be on this calumny hereafter. a fhameful YoUR oppreffors have heretofore Qaves the lights of endeavoured to hide from their chrilianity, becaufe the religion of mildnefs, O 2 equality, worfe than the whites: : been afperfed, that it would be weaknefs detraétions with which you have however, there be in Us to credit the charge. head, fo any foundation for what has been advanced I6 conduét yourfelves in future as to prove it will be on this calumny hereafter. a fhameful YoUR oppreffors have heretofore Qaves the lights of endeavoured to hide from their chrilianity, becaufe the religion of mildnefs, O 2 equality, --- Page 136 --- HISTORY O F 1OO fuits not with fuch blood-thirly men. May your CHAP. lity, and liberty, Univerfal love is the language of the VI. conduét be the reverfe of tbcirs. Open your hearts Y paftors will make it heard among you. golpel; your of morality. We have mitigated your to receive this divine fyftem thofe of the unhappy viétims of misfortunes, alleviate, on your part, fweat, and often with their avarice, who moiften your fields with their their torment; Let the exiftence of your flaves be no longer tears. treatment of them, expiate the crimes of Europe! but by your kind to liberty, you wili fulfil a duty: By leading them on progrellively comfortable reflections: will prepare for yourfelves the moft the COyou and infure the profperity of you will do honour to humanity, towards your brethren, the negroes; lonies. Such will be your conduét the whites? Doubtlefs but what ought it to be towards your fathers, the afhes of Ferrand de will be permitted to Thed tears over forms of law, you and the unfortunate Ogé, affaffinated under the he Baudiere, wheel for having wifhed to be free! But may and dying on the fhall dare to entertain an idea of revenge againft among you perith, who delivered over to the ftings of their your perfecutors! 1 They are already The abhorrence and covered with eternal infamy. own confciences, the race of mankind, only precedes in which they are held by prefent then in eternal oblivion every of pofterity. Bury the cxecrarion and tafte the delicious pleafure of conferring befentiment of hatred, Reprefs even too marked expreffions of nefits on your oppreffors. them to refleét on their own injuftice towards your) joy, which, in caufing will make their remorfe itill more pungent. them. you, obedient to the laws, teach your children to refpeét STRICTLY inftruét them in all the duties of morality ; fo By a careful education, generation virtuous citizens, hofhali you prepare for the fucceeding and defenders oftheir country! nourable men, enlightened be patriots, affeéted when, conduéting them to your How wili their hearts Francc, telling them, 6c be- (hores, you direét their looks towards ic is from thence we. have s6 yond thofc feas is your parent country; (6 received --- Page 137 --- S T. D O M I N G O. IOI ec received juftice, protedtion, happinefs, and liberty. There dwell our C fellow citizens, our brethren, and our friends : to them we have CHAP, VII. < fworn an eternal friendihip. Heirs of our fentiments, and of our - - (6 affedtions, may your hearts and your lips repeat our oaths ! Live to CC love them; and, if neccfary, die to defend them.!" Signed, GREGOIRE, Paris, 8th June, 1791CHAP. G O. IOI ec received juftice, protedtion, happinefs, and liberty. There dwell our C fellow citizens, our brethren, and our friends : to them we have CHAP, VII. < fworn an eternal friendihip. Heirs of our fentiments, and of our - - (6 affedtions, may your hearts and your lips repeat our oaths ! Live to CC love them; and, if neccfary, die to defend them.!" Signed, GREGOIRE, Paris, 8th June, 1791CHAP. --- Page 138 --- H I S TO RY F CHAP. VIII. Civil Commiftoners, and tbeir ReReception and Proceedings eftbe Decree oftbe 4tb ef April turn to France-Natonal tbree neto Governor (Monf: Deparbes) ME Appointmen: of a Poluerel, and Ailbaud)-Tbeir otber Commifiomers (Sentbonax, Body Embarkation and Arrival, avitb a felest yTrprTir Council, by the Executive wviolent Praedige-dipsismad Governor, in the Room FDefparbesef M. Galbaud as Chief tbe ParHis Arrival, and Difputes wvitb ConsifRanurr-Bab called in to tbe revolted Negroes ties proceed to Heflihks-Tbe general Malacre of tbe Affance of tbe Commifioners-A of tbe Toun 9f Cape Wbite Inbabitants, and Confagration François. commiffioners who were to reftore peace and CHAP. civil in St. Domingo, and whofe arrival there T fubordination VIII. noticed in the laft Chapter, were named Mirbeck, Roomc, January was Mirbeck and Roome had formerly been known 1792. and St.Leger. of Paris ; and St. Leger, who as advocates in the parliaments in France as native of Ireland, had pradtifed many years was a the confufion of the times had elevated a furgeon. Although not one of them was diftinguifhed for CXthefe men to power, and their rank in life was not fuch as to traordinary abilities, of confideration from the planters. command any great degree They + c, January was Mirbeck and Roome had formerly been known 1792. and St.Leger. of Paris ; and St. Leger, who as advocates in the parliaments in France as native of Ireland, had pradtifed many years was a the confufion of the times had elevated a furgeon. Although not one of them was diftinguifhed for CXthefe men to power, and their rank in life was not fuch as to traordinary abilities, of confideration from the planters. command any great degree They + --- Page 139 --- ST. DOMING O. They were received however, from with politenefs and refpect to their appointment, CHAP. inhabitants. fubmiffion, both by the governor and the VIII. led in publick Military honours were fhewn them, and they were of the proceffion to the cathedral, where the Almighty was devoutly implored for fuccefs blefing miflion. to their THEIR firft proceeding, after tion and form of announcing the new confitufirmed by the government for the mother country, as conking, was to publifh the decree of the September 1791, by which the fatal decrec of 24th of was annulled. So far all was well: the Isth of May wards they took them but a few days aftcrupon to proclaim a pardon to fuch people, of all general amnefty and their arms, and come in, deferiptions, as fhould lay down take the oaths within a certain preferibed time, and loft them the required by the new conftitution. This meafure confidence ofall the white amnefty to the men of colour and revolted inhabitants: : a general asa juftification of the moft horrible flaves, was confidered out a dangerous enormities, and as example to fuch of the holding their fidelity; and it loft its effedt negroes as preferved accompanied with a repeal of their on the mulattoes, by being what contempt and it favourite decrec. With following circumftance indignity was received by the latter, the mulattoes will demonftrate. At Petit were mafters, and held in clofe Goave, the four white perfons whom they referved confinement thirtythe publication of this amnefty, for vengeance, On but inftead of putting them they led them to execution: : each oft them to be broken to immediate death, they caufed alive; and in the midft of their tortures, the mulattoes, by being what contempt and it favourite decrec. With following circumftance indignity was received by the latter, the mulattoes will demonftrate. At Petit were mafters, and held in clofe Goave, the four white perfons whom they referved confinement thirtythe publication of this amnefty, for vengeance, On but inftead of putting them they led them to execution: : each oft them to be broken to immediate death, they caufed alive; and in the midft of their tortures, --- Page 140 --- H I S T ORY OF 1O4 ftrain of diabolical mockery, the proclatures, read to them, in a for the CHAP. aloud; affecting to confider it as a pardon VIII. mation 1 cruelties they had juft committed. and indefinite authority which the commifTHE unlimited alarmed the colonial affembly, who fioners feemed to claim, and extent of their powers. defired to be informed of the nature the commifanfwer being given, To this requeft no fatisfactory opinion daily; and their perfioners loft ground in the publick contributed by no means to acquire fonal conduct, as individuals, the greateit part of his time in them refpect. Mirbeck fpent indulgence to his the praétice of low debauchery, giving St. Leger without reftraint or decency. vicious propenfities to exaét money, confidered his appointment as an authority laid the few mulatto in which he was little fcrupulous, and moft unmerciful contribupeople who remained faithful, under a without reproach : he tion. Roome alone conduéted himfelf though inoffenfive man, and attempted, was a well-meaning of mediator between the different without effect, to act the part This praife at leaft was factions which defolated the country. barm. him-that if be did no good, be did no given the commiflioners AFTER a fhort ftay at Cape François, themfelves every vifited other parts of the colony; but finding to fupport regarded, and having no troops where very lightly feparately to France in the their authority, they returned months of March and April, TROOPS , was a well-meaning of mediator between the different without effect, to act the part This praife at leaft was factions which defolated the country. barm. him-that if be did no good, be did no given the commiflioners AFTER a fhort ftay at Cape François, themfelves every vifited other parts of the colony; but finding to fupport regarded, and having no troops where very lightly feparately to France in the their authority, they returned months of March and April, TROOPS --- Page 141 --- S T. DOMIN G O. TROOPS Ios however, as I have obferved, had to the number in the whole of about four arrived from France CHAF. fpirit of the times, they manifefted thoufand; but, in the VIII. to the civil very little obedience either yet they commiffioners, or to the governor of the ferved as a check to the colony; wile, in all probability, before revolters, who would otherboth of Cape this time, have become vince, the François and Port au Prince. In the maftersrebel negroes indeed were Northern proreduced by difeafe and famine. fuppofed to be confiderably vifion grounds, and devoured the Having deftroyed all the proof the Cape, they had cattle of all kinds on the mountainous now taken poffeffion of the plain diftricts, and were compelled by their farrounding Yean Frangois, a negro of great chiefleader, their future fagacity, to plant provifions for of rebellion fubfiftencc; ; a meafure which has thc alive to the prefent hour. kept flames IN the mean time, the ftate of country was tending to a great and ominous publick affairs in the mother the flight and feizure of their change. Ever fince June 1791, the faétion was unhappy king, in the month of was foon to lay the hourly increafing În numbers which himfelfto the fcaffold. kingdom in ruins, and bring the monarch thirfty triumvirate The Jacobin party, headed by a blood- (a), were becoming fociety of Amis des Noirs had all-powerfiul; and the dency in the legiflative body. once more acquired a fatal afcenthem, named Garan de On the 29th ofFebruary, one of Coulon, after a long and 1792. ranguc againft thc planters in general, inflammatory hapropoled the forin of a (a) Danton, Robefpierre and Marat, P decree monarch thirfty triumvirate The Jacobin party, headed by a blood- (a), were becoming fociety of Amis des Noirs had all-powerfiul; and the dency in the legiflative body. once more acquired a fatal afcenthem, named Garan de On the 29th ofFebruary, one of Coulon, after a long and 1792. ranguc againft thc planters in general, inflammatory hapropoled the forin of a (a) Danton, Robefpierre and Marat, P decree --- Page 142 --- HIS TORY- OF 7c6 that of the 24th of September, declaring a CHAP. decree for abrogating all the French colonies; and cnaêt-. VIII. general amnelty throughout affemblies fhould be formed, which fhould ing, that new colonial the of the internal tranfmit their fentiments not only on fubjeat metbod of efecling ofthe colonies, but alfo 012 tbe bef government IN TOTO. tbe abolition of nogrofevery (b) had fhewn itfelf O11 FRANTICK as the new legifature could not at occafions fince its firft mecting, a majority a promany be found to vote for fo fenfelefs and extravagant this time months afterwards, this affembly pofition; ; but in about two of April 1792, of which it paffed the famous decree ofthe 4th with a copy at large 5 the reader thould be furnithed is necefary in the words following: and it is conceived and declares, that the acknowledges 66 THE national affembly in the colonies ought to enjoy people of colour and free negroes the whites; in confequence of of political rights with an equality which it decrees as follows: after the publication of the preARTICLE ift. Immediately of each of the French colonies in fent decree, the inhabitants Iflands Thall proceed to the rethe Windward and Leeward affemblics, after the mode preelection ofcolonial and parochial and the inftructhe decree of the 8th of March 1790, fcribed by of the 28th of the fame month. tions of the national affembly Èhall be admitted 2d. THE people ofc colour and free negrocs and fhall be in all the and cleétoral affemblies, to vote primary known by the name of the Confituent (b) The former affembly is generally called itfelf the Firft Aliembly. The new one met the ift of Oétober 179t,and Lrgifative Affembly, eligible of March 1790, fcribed by of the 28th of the fame month. tions of the national affembly Èhall be admitted 2d. THE people ofc colour and free negrocs and fhall be in all the and cleétoral affemblies, to vote primary known by the name of the Confituent (b) The former affembly is generally called itfelf the Firft Aliembly. The new one met the ift of Oétober 179t,and Lrgifative Affembly, eligible --- Page 143 --- S T, DOMINGO eligible to the legifature and all poffefs the qualifications places of truft, provided they aforefaid inftructions. prefcribed by the 4th article of the CHAT, VIII. 3d. THREE civil of St. comimifficners thall be named forthe Domingo, and four for the iflands of colony daloupe, St. Lucia, and Martinico, Gua4th, THE faid Tobago, to fee this decree enforced. the prefent colonial commiffioners fhall be authorized to diffolve for affemblies ; to take every meafure accelcrating the convocation of the necefiary affemblies, and therein to eftablifh primary and electora! well as to determine union, order, and peace : as provifionally peal to the national affembly) (referving the po wer of aparife concerning the upon every queftion which regularity of may affemblies, the form convocations, the holding of ofclections, and the sth. THEY are alfo authorized cligibility of citizens. poffible, in order to difcover the to procure every information Domingo, and the continuance authors of the troubles in St. fecure the perfons of the thereof, ifthey Atill continuc; to there to be put in a ftate of guilty, and to fend them over to France, 6th. THE faid civil accufation, êcc. purpofe to tranfmit to commifioners the Thall be direéted for this proceedings, and of the evidence national afembly minutes of their cerning the perfons accufed as they mayhave collected conaforefaid. 7th. THE national affembly authorizes to call forth the publick force the civil commiffioners ceffary, either for their own whenever they may think it nefuch orders as they may iffue proteétion, or for the execution of 8th. THE executive by virtue of the preceding articles. to the power is direéted to fend'a fuflicient force colonics,to be compofed chiefly of national guards. P 2 gth. THE cerning the perfons accufed as they mayhave collected conaforefaid. 7th. THE national affembly authorizes to call forth the publick force the civil commiffioners ceffary, either for their own whenever they may think it nefuch orders as they may iffue proteétion, or for the execution of 8th. THE executive by virtue of the preceding articles. to the power is direéted to fend'a fuflicient force colonics,to be compofed chiefly of national guards. P 2 gth. THE --- Page 144 --- H I S TORY OF after their formaCHAP. gth. THE colonial affemblies, immediately refpedtively, their VIII. tion, (hall fignify, in the name of each colony laws, and the adfentiments refpedting that conftitution, thofe of them, which will beft promote the profperity miniftration conforming themfelves nevertheand happinefs of the people; which the colonies and mother lefs to thofe general principles by which their refpective country are conneéted together, and by the decree of the 8th of interefts are beft fecured, agrecably the to 28th of the fame month. March 1790, and inftruétions of to fend home 1oth. THE colonial affemblies are authorized article, in delegates for the purpofes mentioned in the preceding which to the population of each colony, numbers proportionate determined by the national afproportion Thall be forthwith which its colonial committee is fembly, according to the report direéted to make. the colonies thall be in 1ith. FORMER decrees refpeéting decrce." force in every thing not contrary to the prefent be fuppofed that the men who (rejedting all pretenIT may the leffons of experience) firit fions to confiftency, and defpifing in carrying it through propofed this decree, and finally prevailed confidered of the means for the legiflative affembly, had duly with its execution in the colonics, and were provided enfuring The new commiffioners nofit inftruments for that purpofe. Santhonax, Polverel, minated for St. Domingo were Meffrs. moft violent of the Jacobin and Ailhaud, all of them among the furnith them with fuch a force faction ; and it was refolved to not only efwould, it was alledged, as (if preperly employed) end to all the diturtablif their authority, but put a fpeedy bances its execution in the colonics, and were provided enfuring The new commiffioners nofit inftruments for that purpofe. Santhonax, Polverel, minated for St. Domingo were Meffrs. moft violent of the Jacobin and Ailhaud, all of them among the furnith them with fuch a force faction ; and it was refolved to not only efwould, it was alledged, as (if preperly employed) end to all the diturtablif their authority, but put a fpeedy bances --- Page 145 --- ST. DOMINGO, bances which had fo long afflicted Eight thoufind and defolated the men, feleéted wich great colony. CHAP, the national guards, with officers circum/pection, from VIII. known to their employers, whofe principles were well - forthwith for St. were accordingly ordered to embark Domingo. M. Blanchelande, the general, was recalled, and a new governorchief given to a Monf, commiffion of commander in Defparbes. THus appointed and provided, the civil the new governor took their commifioners and of July, probably in much the departure from France in the month the colonifts, as was manifefted fame difpolition of mind towards Spanifh and Italian by the Duke D'Alva and his 1792. troops in 1568, towards the the Low Countries. Inflamed like inhabitants of fanaticifm, and them with a (pirit of avarice, revenge, they meditated on benefits to arife from feizure and nothing but on the mifchief and projeêts of confifcation ; on fchemes of vengeance, THEY landed at Cape finding M. Blanchelande François on the I3th of September, and at great variance with 1792. aflembly, the commiffioners took the the colonial terminate the difpute, by forthwith thorteft courfe poffible to fending the unfortunate difolving the affembly and Blanchelande a fate to where, as to be accufed was to bc prifoner France, perifhed by the guillotine condemned, he foon afterwards (c). DIsMAYand terror now prevailed the legates were fent to the civil throughout colony. Decommiffioners from all quarters, to fe) 7th Aptil, 1793demand the the colonial terminate the difpute, by forthwith thorteft courfe poffible to fending the unfortunate difolving the affembly and Blanchelande a fate to where, as to be accufed was to bc prifoner France, perifhed by the guillotine condemned, he foon afterwards (c). DIsMAYand terror now prevailed the legates were fent to the civil throughout colony. Decommiffioners from all quarters, to fe) 7th Aptil, 1793demand --- Page 146 --- H I S T O R Y O F IIO oft their views and intentions. CHAP. demand an expofure and explanation the projeét, which VIII. Sufpicions were already gone forth concerning of declaring a general avowed, - - the commifioners afterwards and all parties, as well among emancipation of the negro Mlaves; concurred on this occafion in rethe republicans as the royalifts, meafure. So general was the folly and iniquity of the extenfive coaliprobating this account, that if a firm and the clamour on could at this time have been tion ofinterefts among the planters might have found that effected, it is probable the commiffioners them would have proved inall the force they had brought with meditated. Diffimulation ufficient for the purpofes which they They declared necefiary for the prefent. therefore was thought: with the folemnity of an oath) (and confirmed the declaration change in the that they had no with or intention to make any concerning the flaves ; avowing fyftem of colonial government of thofe people, the fulleft conviétion that the emancipation views, under exifting circum/tances, was impraditcable.-Their the decree of the 4th no farther than to fec they faid, extended free of colour, properly enforced : of April, in favour of the people obedience, and to fettle the the flaves in rebellion to and to reduce of the colony on a folid future government and tranquillity permanent foundation. declarations filenced, though they did THESE, and fimilar, who foon with the white inhabitants; ; perceived, comnot fatisfy, held fecret unavailing indignation, that the commiffioners in all parts of the munications with the chiefs of the mulattoes of thofe people, the commiffioncolony. By the co-operation fufficient to avow themfelves openly ers foon found their ftrength the to reduce of the colony on a folid future government and tranquillity permanent foundation. declarations filenced, though they did THESE, and fimilar, who foon with the white inhabitants; ; perceived, comnot fatisfy, held fecret unavailing indignation, that the commiffioners in all parts of the munications with the chiefs of the mulattoes of thofe people, the commiffioncolony. By the co-operation fufficient to avow themfelves openly ers foon found their ftrength the --- Page 147 --- - ST. DOMINGO the patrons and proteétors of the whole groes and mulattoes : and body of the free ne- CHAP, ing the perfons and cffects they now made no fcruple of feiz- VIII, their of all fuch of the whites as - projedts, fending great numbers ofthem in oppofed to Europe, to anfwer before a ftate of arreft accufations which the national affembly to the they pretended to tranfinit Among the perfons thus againft them. imprifoned and were comprehended the colonel, tranfported to France, other officers of the Cape licutenant-colonel, and many regiment, THE white inhabitants now called aloud for new colonial affembly, and the elcétion of a taxes would induce hoped that the neceffity ofl the commifioners to iffue orders for levying purpofe; but inftead of that they fubftituted what complying with the publick was called une commifion requeft, nominating twelve perfons, fix of whom bad intermediaire, by the laft affembly, to act as a fort of been mcmbers of other fix were mulattoes. To this legiflative council: the fioners delegated motley board, the commif authority to raife money from the referving to themfelves, however, the inhabitants; right ofa expending it, as they alone thould think fappropriating and proper. IN the meanwhile the new manifeft fome ligns of diffatisfaction governor (De(parbes) began to plained that he was confidered and impatience, He comment, or rather as as a mere cypher in the His an inftrument in the commifioners' governcomplaints were anfwvered by the arreft hands. he foon afterwards followed his ofhis perfon, and flate prifoner to France, predeceffor, M. Blanchelande, Foux think fappropriating and proper. IN the meanwhile the new manifeft fome ligns of diffatisfaction governor (De(parbes) began to plained that he was confidered and impatience, He comment, or rather as as a mere cypher in the His an inftrument in the commifioners' governcomplaints were anfwvered by the arreft hands. he foon afterwards followed his ofhis perfon, and flate prifoner to France, predeceffor, M. Blanchelande, Foux --- Page 148 --- HISTO RY OF II2 of the fix whites that compofed a moiety CIAP. FoUR members out with fimilar treatment. They VIII. ofthe commilion intermediaire, met of finance, in opventured to offer their opinion on a meafure comthat of M. Santhonax. The commiffioners pofition to and M. Santhonax invited them to a mended their franknefs, ; but at the hour apfupper. The invitation was accepted detachment of found themfelves furrounded by a pointed, they entertainment which conveyed them to very forry the military, and there left them as ftate prifoners (d). in the hold of a fhip, in the next place, fell out among themTIE commifioners, Polvérel determined to get quit of their felves; and Santhonax and however, that the publick affociate Ailhaud. Prudently judging, would reflect fome degrce degradation of one of their own body content with them all, they perfuaded him to be ofignominy on plunder, and filently quit the a proportion of the common to what he Ailhaud fubmitted with a good grace country. could not avoid. and other means, above all by the practice of beBy thefe, and the acquifition of a defperate ftowing largeffes on the troops, of the revolted flaves, and compofed of fome band of auxiliaries, moftly colleéted from vagabonds of all colours and defcriptions, of the year the jails, Santhonax and Polverel, in the beginning I am indebted for more valuable and extenfive (d) To one of thefe gentlemen other channel. In his information than I have been ablc to colleét through any for him) to Europe, the fhip in which he was confined was (fortunately had the voyage which brought him to England, where I captured by an Englifh frigate, fervice, happinefs to render him fome acceptable 1793: vagabonds of all colours and defcriptions, of the year the jails, Santhonax and Polverel, in the beginning I am indebted for more valuable and extenfive (d) To one of thefe gentlemen other channel. In his information than I have been ablc to colleét through any for him) to Europe, the fhip in which he was confined was (fortunately had the voyage which brought him to England, where I captured by an Englifh frigate, fervice, happinefs to render him fome acceptable 1793: --- Page 149 --- S T. DOM I d N G O. 1793,found themfelves abfolute mafters and properties of all the white ofthe colony. Thelives CHAP. the dreadful fcenes which inhabitants lay at their mercy, and VIIL, were at that time in the - country, enabled thefe men to paffing mother tify their vindidtive and profecute their purpofes, and gracontroul from avaricious paflions, without notice or any fuaperior, BUr the tragedy which was adting in France, brought to its cataftrophe, by the foul was no fooner and unoffending murder of their amiable tain and fovereign, and war declarcd againft Great BriHolland, than the perfons who called the executive council, compofed what Was little thought it neceffary to attention to the fafety of St. pay fome ever leifure or Domingo. Not having howinclination to enter into a full of complaints received from thence, invefligation the powers exercifed by the civil they declined to revoke the themfelves with commiffioners, and contented Defparbes. Their appointing a new governor, in the rcom of M. choice fell on a Monf. artillery, and a man of fair Galbaud, an officer of embark for his new character, whom they direéted to national frigates, and government without delay, in one of the fence put the colony into the beft ftate againft a foreign enemy. of deGALBAUD, with his fuite of çois on the of attendants, landed at Cape Fran7th May, to the great joy of the 1793: tants. At that period, thc civil white inhabitheirtroops, were in the Weltern commifioners, with moft of an infarreétion there which province, endeavouring to quell Galbaud was received with their tyranny had created; ; fo that municipality of the town of acclamations the and fubmiffion by the Cape; to whofe place of meetQ ing fuite of çois on the of attendants, landed at Cape Fran7th May, to the great joy of the 1793: tants. At that period, thc civil white inhabitheirtroops, were in the Weltern commifioners, with moft of an infarreétion there which province, endeavouring to quell Galbaud was received with their tyranny had created; ; fo that municipality of the town of acclamations the and fubmiffion by the Cape; to whofe place of meetQ ing --- Page 150 --- HISTORY O F took the neceffary oaths, CHAP, ing he repaired with his attendants, He deVIIL. and entered Cn his government without oppofition. on the a clared, at the fame time, that hc was not dependent their and not bound to execute, at all events, civil commiffioners, proclamations. interchange of letters took place between the A VERY quick He defired them to reand the commifioners. new governor that he might communicate the pair immediately to the Cape, the executive council. They inftruétions hc had received from them; that they had anfwered that he was an entire ftranger to themof the national convention by which they feen no decree and that being vefted with authority to iclves were fuperfeded, alone might think proper, fufpend or appoint a governor, as they fubordinate to themhe could only be confidered as an agent affembling an army felves:-They added, that they were then of Port a rebellion in the town and neighbourhood to fupprefs bufinefs was at an end, they au Prince; ; but that as foon as the the of his would repair to the Cape, and examine into validity pretenlions. the civil commiffioners, having reduced ON the ioth of June the The ftreets were 1793and Jacmel, arrived at Cape. Port au Prince Galbaud with attenlined with troops, and they were received by immediately tion and refpeét. A very ferious altercation however the difadvantageous to governor. took place between them,highly of the national aflembly, enaêtThere exifted, it feems, a decree Weft Indies fhould of an eftate in, the ing that no proprictor wherein his eftate was fituated; hold the government of a colony in St. Doand M. Galbaud was poffeffed of a coffee-plantation mingo, * with troops, and they were received by immediately tion and refpeét. A very ferious altercation however the difadvantageous to governor. took place between them,highly of the national aflembly, enaêtThere exifted, it feems, a decree Weft Indies fhould of an eftate in, the ing that no proprictor wherein his eftate was fituated; hold the government of a colony in St. Doand M. Galbaud was poffeffed of a coffee-plantation mingo, * --- Page 151 --- ST. DOMIN G O. mingo, When therefore he was afked hc II5 quainted the executive council why had not acutterly with this circumflance, he was CHAP. VIII. difconcertedand had no reply to make. Ox thc I3th, the commillioners ordered bark forthwith on board the M. Galbaud to emreturn to France. At floop of war La Normande, and Monf. de la the fame time they fent inftructions to Salle, whom they had left commandant at Prince, to repair to the Capc and receive Fort au name of the French republick, the from them, in the command of the colony. THE feven following days were trigues and fpent on both fides in inpreparations for hoftilities. Galbaud's man of fpirit and enterprize, had colleéted brother, a habitants, the Cape militia, and the from among the ina ftrong party to fupport the feamen in the harbour, 2oth, the two brothers landed governor's authority. On the two hundred at the head of one thoufand failors, and being joined by a confiderable volunteers, immediately marched in body of ment houfe, in which the array towards the governlatter were defended commifioners were ftationed. The and by the people of colour, a of one piece of cannon. The confliet body regulars, The volunteers manifefted was fierce and bloody. ting poffeffion of a wine great firmnefs, but the feamen getungovernable; cellar, foon became intoxicated and arfenal, and the column was obliged to retirc to the where they remained the enfuing royal night unmolefted. THE next morning many fkirmifhes took with various fuccefs, in place in the ftrects, taken one of which Galbaud's brother was prifoner rby the commiffioners' troops; and in another, the Q2 feamen, bloody. ting poffeffion of a wine great firmnefs, but the feamen getungovernable; cellar, foon became intoxicated and arfenal, and the column was obliged to retirc to the where they remained the enfuing royal night unmolefted. THE next morning many fkirmifhes took with various fuccefs, in place in the ftrects, taken one of which Galbaud's brother was prifoner rby the commiffioners' troops; and in another, the Q2 feamen, --- Page 152 --- HIS T O R Y O F CHAP. feamen that were fighting on the part of Galbaud made captive circumftance occurred. VIll. Polverel's fon ; and now an extraordinary Lamy The governor fent a flag propofing to exchange the commiffioner's fon for his brother; but Polverel rejeéted the propofal declaring in anfwer, that his fon knew his duty, with indignation; and was prepared to die in the fervice of the republick. BUT a fcene now opens, which, if it does not obliterate, exceeds at leaft, all that has hitherto been related of factious anarchy, and favage crucity, in this unfortunate colony. On the frit of Galbaud with fo large a body of feamen, the approach agents to call in to their affiftance the commiffioners difpatched for paft revolted negroes ; offering them an unconditional pardon freedom in future, and the plunder of the city. offences, perfect and Biafouprejected their offers; The rebel generals, fean Frangois after that Galbaud and moft cf but on the 21ft, about noon (juft had retired to the his adherents, finding their caufe hopelefs, chief called Macaya, with upwards of three thoufhips) a negro entered the town, and began an unifand of the revolted flaves, and children. verfal and indiferiminate flaughter ofmen, women, in The white inhabitants fled from all quarters to the fea-fide, of finding (helter with the governor on board the fhips in hopes but a body of the mulattoes cut off their retreat, the harbour; ; of which every heart and a horrid butchery enfued, a defcription Suffice it fufceptible of humanity muft be unable to bear. that the continued with unremitting fury from to fay, flaughter of the when the favages, having the 21ft, to the evening 23d; fet fire spardered all the white inhabitants that fell in their way, ; and more than halfthe city was confumed by to the buildings the X body of the mulattoes cut off their retreat, the harbour; ; of which every heart and a horrid butchery enfued, a defcription Suffice it fufceptible of humanity muft be unable to bear. that the continued with unremitting fury from to fay, flaughter of the when the favages, having the 21ft, to the evening 23d; fet fire spardered all the white inhabitants that fell in their way, ; and more than halfthe city was confumed by to the buildings the X --- Page 153 --- S T. DOMINGO, the flames, The commiffioners beholding the lamentable and themfelves, either terrificd at CHAP, extenfive mifchief which had occafioned, Or afraid to truft their perfons with their they VIII. fought proteétion under cover of a thip of the line. rebcl allies, clamations which they publithed from The protion of their conduet, manifeft time to time in palliacculd not be a confcioufnefs of guilt which fupprefled, and form a record of their which the day of retribution villanies, for them 0! awaits, but ftill lingers to overtake SucH was the fate of the once flourifhing and beautifal pital of St. Domingo!-a city which, for trade, camagnificence, was undoubtedly opulence, and among the firft in the Weft Indies,-perhaps in the new world : and here I fhall clofe for prefent, the difgufting detail of confpiracies, the cruelties, and conflagrations rebellions, crinies, which the (a uniformity of horrors !) nature of my work has through rejoicing that I have at laft compelled me to travel i Efcap'd the Stygian pool, tho' long detain'd In that obfeure fojourn; : MILTox. And have the pleafing tafk to perform of to the gallant and enterprizing rendering due homage noble-butalas! fpirit of my countrymen in their hitherto unavailing- -endevourstoreftore, fubordination, and good peace, andl bloodfhed. government on this theatre of anarchy Previous to which, however,it will be a relief and () When this was written, the author did not know vives. Polverel died in 1794, in 'fome part of St. that Santhonax alone farlately appeared before the national affembly, and been Domingo. Santhonax has pronounced guiltlefs! fatisfaction. as! fpirit of my countrymen in their hitherto unavailing- -endevourstoreftore, fubordination, and good peace, andl bloodfhed. government on this theatre of anarchy Previous to which, however,it will be a relief and () When this was written, the author did not know vives. Polverel died in 1794, in 'fome part of St. that Santhonax alone farlately appeared before the national affembly, and been Domingo. Santhonax has pronounced guiltlefs! fatisfaction. --- Page 154 --- HI S T 0 R Y 0 F fatisfaction to the reader to be prefented with a piature or ftateof CHAP. VIII. the colony, as it exifted in the days of its profperity y-its culand com1 ture, population, and produce;-its growing importance but fcenes mercialvalue. Hitherto, we have contemplated nothing defolation.-We (hall now behold a pleafing contraft in the of : due fubordination, focial orbleffings of regular government: cultivation, der, extenfive commerce, peaceful induftry, increafing to be and general happinefs 1 The conclufions fmiling plenty, of fcenes fo different in their nadrawn from the contemplation ture are ofimportance to all mankind. Account above of the Defiruction ef tbe City of Cape The given draron with as much Caution as tbe Cale Frangois, was up tranfmitted to tbe Autbor Jeemed to require,. from Information Jome of abom by Perfins in famaica and St. Domingo, He bad difered in many clfential Circumfances from otbers. perfomally on the Subafterwards an Opportunity ef converfing and jedl with a Gentleman ff St. Domingo, on aubofe Veracity Honour be could place tbefulligf Dependance, by wbom be q0as favoured with the following Notes or Memoranda in Writing, wbich be tbinks bep to lay before bis Readers verbatim. NOTES SUR TEVENEMENT DU CAP. LE General Galbaud avoit mandé au Cap les commiffaires de la maniere la plus impcrieufe; les comSanthonax et Polverel, rendre par terre de S. Marc, d'où ils miffaires fe font déterminés a s'y font aubofe Veracity Honour be could place tbefulligf Dependance, by wbom be q0as favoured with the following Notes or Memoranda in Writing, wbich be tbinks bep to lay before bis Readers verbatim. NOTES SUR TEVENEMENT DU CAP. LE General Galbaud avoit mandé au Cap les commiffaires de la maniere la plus impcrieufe; les comSanthonax et Polverel, rendre par terre de S. Marc, d'où ils miffaires fe font déterminés a s'y font --- Page 155 --- ST. D O MI I N G O. font partis le 8 Juin, accompagnés de II9 compris Jeurs coupe tête les dragons 400 mulâtres et 200 blancs, et CHAP. au Cap d'une maniere afféz audacieufe d'Orleans. Ils ont fait leur entrée VIII. GALBAUD avait deja pour en impofer. indifpofe les habitans du ou proclamation, qui ordonnait une Cap par une addreffe, dont la perception 2 été faite de la contribution de 450 mille livres, plus du pillage que d'une façon la plus violente, et qui tenaic contribution. LE General Galbaud n'avait fait aucune des refolutions et des entreprifes des dipolitions pour fe preferver dant d'une maniere menaçante. commiffaires, qui entrerent cepenA LA premiere entreviie des General Galbaud la maifon de la commiffion (le et des commifaires, en pliments, il y eut explication fur gouvernement) les apres les premiers commifaires loi pouvoirs du general; les opoferent un decret qui comdans la colonie deffendait qu'aucun M. pôt y commander ni y avoir proprietaire Galbaud d'avoir diffimulé au confeil d'autorité; et accuferent prietés. executif qu'il avait des proPENDANT ce demélé, qui dura près de deux miffaires préparaient les efprits a les laiffer jours, les agents des comla difcution, dans laquelle Santhonax faire, et a ne point fe méler de ponderance. prenait cependant une grande preGALBAUD, voyant que perfonne ne voyant fans doute une chute s'empreffait a le foutenir, et pres'en humiliante, demanda aux retourner en France, préférant la commiBaires de ce qui Jui fut accordé fur le retraitc, a des pouvoirs conteftés; LE champ, et il s'embarqua le 17 Galbaud réinit tous les matelots de la 14vaiffeaux de guerre, et projette de defcendre rade et ceux des débarquement le 18, et marche 2 la ville du Cap; il fait fon miflaires, qui inftruits des au gouvernement, où logeaient les comqui leurs etaient mouvemens de Galbaud, réinirent les devouées, et particulieremene les troupes bufquerent derricre les murs du mulatres, et les cmgouvernement, dans toutes les ifties, fur iffeaux de guerre, et projette de defcendre rade et ceux des débarquement le 18, et marche 2 la ville du Cap; il fait fon miflaires, qui inftruits des au gouvernement, où logeaient les comqui leurs etaient mouvemens de Galbaud, réinirent les devouées, et particulieremene les troupes bufquerent derricre les murs du mulatres, et les cmgouvernement, dans toutes les ifties, fur --- Page 156 --- H I S T O R Y 0 F Auffitôt les matelots furent a portée de piftolet, CHAP. fur les terraffes, &c. que un nombre, néanfit des décharges, qui en tuerent et blefferent grand VIII. on ebranlés deux fois; mais le défordre dans les moins les mulâtres furent Galbaud a faire fa retraite a l'arfenal; là, matelots determina le General les bons citoyens a fe réunir a lui, il fit une proclamation pour inviter voulaient ufurper le gouvernement. pour chaffer les commiffaires, qui mulâtres tous les négres dela ville, Dès-lors les commiffaires réûnirentaux dans la ville; toutes qui avaient deja pris parti dansl'aétion en affaffinant et les placcrent par qui leurs avaient fervis a leur expedition, de chéz les troupes et dès qu'un blanc voulait fortir pelotons a chaque coin des ries, aux fenetres, il etait fufillé. Jui, ou paraiffit les commiffaires eurent capprisl les mouvePENDANT ce tems, et dès que aux chefs des brigands, dc Galbaud, ils avaient depeché des exprès de la mens venir a leur fecours, et leurs offraient lc pillage pour les engager a ville. à l'arfenal, et fe rend abord: ilyen mis en LE 19 Galbaud capitule Cambis, etle Contre-Amiral Sercey, etat d'arreftation, ainfi quelAmiral qui font dépouillés de leur commandement. a cet' évenedes commiffaires avait precedamment UNE proclamation ou riches particuliers, pour une ment, mis a contribution 37 negociants, avoir été exigée et payée fur Pheure. fomme de675 mille livres, qui parrait entrent de toutes parts dans la Le 19, au foir, le 20, le 21, lcs brigands affure M. de Graffe du ayant a leur tête leurs chefs, et on que ville Cap, les maffacrés, les Aammes deviennent s'y eft trouvé auffi. Le pillage, les enfans font affaiffinés, maffacrés, effroyables; les hommes, les femmes, Ils ont eu la barbarie de toutes les horreurs imaginables. et éprouvent de perfonnes toutes renfermer et de brûler dans une maifon plus 300 vives. de tout âge, qui cherchaient a fc fauver LEs malheureux de tout fexe, etaient fufilés même dans des embarcations, ou a la nage, en gagnant l'eau. IL , les enfans font affaiffinés, maffacrés, effroyables; les hommes, les femmes, Ils ont eu la barbarie de toutes les horreurs imaginables. et éprouvent de perfonnes toutes renfermer et de brûler dans une maifon plus 300 vives. de tout âge, qui cherchaient a fc fauver LEs malheureux de tout fexe, etaient fufilés même dans des embarcations, ou a la nage, en gagnant l'eau. IL --- Page 157 --- ST. DOMINGO IL parrait que dans le maffacre les tous les partis, blancs, négres cnt frapés indiftinétement tous mulâtres, et que les blancs fe font CHAP, avec un grand acharnement; néanmoins deffendus contre VIII. population blanche a été entierement il parraic certain, que la 1 feul blanc au Cap; on eftime détruite, et qu'il n'a pas refté un abord, c'eft plus que, s'il s'eft fauvé 12 a 1500 qu'on n'ofe l'efperer. perfonnes Le convoi eft fortie du Cap le ayant très peu de vivres, très 23 pour P'Amerique, la majeure partie a ce fans peu d'eau, et plufieurs fans être voyage, mats ni voilles, &c ceux qui ont préparés qui fe font fauvés abord, n'y auront trouvé reçu les malheureux LA ville incendiée, détruite, fes aucune fubfiftance. refte que le habitans maffacres, on affuré qu'il ne gouvernement, une partie dcs maifons du Petit cafernes, l'arfenal, et les LES commiffaires Carenager-léglife etles fontaines detruites. ont refté fpeétateurs et le maffacre ; dans leur maifon tranquilles pendant le fes bras les chefs des on a vu Santhonax ferrer et preffer carnage dans leur reconnaifance. brigands, les appeller fes fauveurs, et leur témoigner LE 23 proclamation des commiflaires, bons citoyens à fe réûnir autour qui invite et appelle tous les vont aller fubir le jufte chatiment d'eux, ctde laiffer partir les fcélerats, qui jour même, & la ville fumait de leurs crimes, le convoi en parti le encore, R CHAP, --- Page 158 --- HISTORY OF CHA P. IX. Situation, Extent, and general Defcription ef-St. Domingo-Origin French Colony, and Topograpbical Defcription ef tbe feeftbe Provinces into aubicb tbe French Polfefiors were divided veral and Praduc-Sbipping and Exports-ComTbeir Population, pared wvith tbe Returns of famaica. ifland of St. Domingo is fituated in the Atlantick CHAP. T HE about three thoufand five hundred miles from IX. Ocean, the eaftern lying in north la4 - the land's end of England ; point from Greenwich. titude 18° 20, and in longitude 68° 40W. miles in the The ifland extends about one hundred and forty hundred and from north to fouth, and three broadeft part, In a country of fuch magnitudc, dininety from eaft to weft. and mountains of prodigious verfified with plains of vaft extent, of foil which nature height, is probably to be found every fpecies In it to all the tropical parts of the earth. general, has affigned where well watered, and is fertile in the higheft degree; every nature, for ufe and producing almoft every variety of vegetable hand of a bounfor food and luxury, which the lavifh beauty, on the richeft portion of the globe. tiful Providence has beftowed the French territory, the quanIn that part which conftituted of to the tity of unproductive land bears no manner proportion whole; found every fpecies In it to all the tropical parts of the earth. general, has affigned where well watered, and is fertile in the higheft degree; every nature, for ufe and producing almoft every variety of vegetable hand of a bounfor food and luxury, which the lavifh beauty, on the richeft portion of the globe. tiful Providence has beftowed the French territory, the quanIn that part which conftituted of to the tity of unproductive land bears no manner proportion whole; --- Page 159 --- - ST. DOMINGO whole; and the liberality ofnoture induitry of the inhabitants. was laudably feconded by the tions which I have had the Until thofe ravages and devafta- CHAP, IX. and deftroyed, with painful taik of recording, deformed - of nature, and the labours undilinguiding of barbarity, both the bounties this noble idand were confidered art, the poffefions of France in dies; and fur beautiful as the garden of the Weft Invariety of climate, might icenery, richnels of foil, falubrity and New World. juftly be deemed tbe Paradje 9f the OF the territories which remained the original conquerors, the exclufively in poffefion of imperfect, I thall hereafter Spaniards, my information is very able to colleét give the beft account I have been concerning them. On the fouthern efpecially in the neighbourhood of the ancient coaft, more the ifland derives its prefent city from which the beft, and without doubt name, the lands are faid to be mainder a very large proportion of the among rerequires only the hand of the productive, The interior cultivator to become very or plains, many of them country contains extenfive favannahs, and herned cattle; for the occupied only by wild fivine, horles, Spaniards fimple and unoffending natives, having exterminated the of domettick animals, which fapplied their place with herds yond compuration. Thus does running the wild, foon multiplied befruirtul habitations of his tyranny of man convert the beafts! In the prefent cafe, fellow-creatures into a wildernefs for down its own however, the crime foon brought venged the wrongs. punithment of the j-a punithment which almoft rehelplefs Americansy-and who does R2 2 not unoffending natives, having exterminated the of domettick animals, which fapplied their place with herds yond compuration. Thus does running the wild, foon multiplied befruirtul habitations of his tyranny of man convert the beafts! In the prefent cafe, fellow-creatures into a wildernefs for down its own however, the crime foon brought venged the wrongs. punithment of the j-a punithment which almoft rehelplefs Americansy-and who does R2 2 not --- Page 160 --- HISTO RY OF ambition, and cruelty may be thus alway3 CHAP. not wifh that avarice, IX. entangled in their own projeéts? L that I here allude to the THE reader is doubtlcfs apprized band eflablifhment in St. Domingo of that daring and defperate the Bucaniers;-an affociation confituted of men of adventurers, but of whom it may truly of all countries and defcriptions, of the hoftibe faid that, if felf-prefervation be a lawv nature, maintained for upwards of fifty years againft lities which they and legitimate in their their oppreffors, were more juftifiable of than all the wars which the pride and ambition kingorigin, from the beginning of the doms and nations have occafioned, of the firit the hour. As the cruclty Spaniards world to prefent fenfe of common danger, to unite compelled thefe men, from a with cattle a countheir ftrength, fo the blind policy of ftocking for the fleth of thofe: try of fuch extent, became their fupport; arms, amanimals fupplied them with food, and they purchafed munition, and clothing with the ikins. the rife of thefe people, and the primary caufe of theis OF to make reprifals on the Spanith fettlements, combining together I have elfewhere treated the a fhort account may be neceffary. confifted originally of a body fubjeét more at large (a).-They whom, in the year 1629, Spaof French and Englith planters, of St. had expelled from the ifland Chriftopher, nith armament barbarity. Driven from thence, with circumftances of outrageous alternative of which they could not refift, as the only by a force (a) Hift. of the Britifh Colonies, Book ji. C. 2.. efcaping a fhort account may be neceffary. confifted originally of a body fubjeét more at large (a).-They whom, in the year 1629, Spaof French and Englith planters, of St. had expelled from the ifland Chriftopher, nith armament barbarity. Driven from thence, with circumftances of outrageous alternative of which they could not refift, as the only by a force (a) Hift. of the Britifh Colonies, Book ji. C. 2.. efcaping --- Page 161 --- - S T. DOMIN G O. efcaping from their families, and flaughter or flavery, they fled in open boats with ifland of poffefled themfelves ofthe fmall CHAP. Tortuga, fituated within a few unoccupied IX. coaft of St. Domingo. Here miles of the northern - - number of Dutch they were joined by a confiderable rice and cruelty of the emigrants from Santa Cruz, whom the avaSpaniards had to roam over the occan for compelled, in like manner, maffacre of many oftheir fhelter, after having witneffed the dren. number, even to the women and chilCompanions in adverfity, their misfortunes taught thefe poor exiles mutual forbcarance; probably were compofed of three different for, alhough they lived for fome yearsin perfect nations, they appear to have mode of life contributed harmony with each other. Their finding to produce the fame beneficial a country ofimmeafurable extent in their cffeét: abounding in cattle, their time was chiefly neighbourhood an employment which left no leifutre for occupied in hunting; them both exercife and food, The difenfion, and afforded confidered, however, plains of St. Domingo were merely as their continued their home, and place of hunting grounds: Tortuga and young people cultivated fmall retreat. Herc their women of which, in hot and moift plantations of tobacco (an herb, fmoke, feems to be climates, the practice ofi inhaling the rugged, and of difficult pointed out by nature); and as the coait was obfeurity would proteét them approach, they fondly hoped that their from further perfecution. Ir thegovernment of Spain had been motives of wifdom, it would indeed actuated at this time by to range over the wildernefs have left thefe poor people known, that the unmolefted. It ought to have occupation of * hunting diverted them from projelts herb, fmoke, feems to be climates, the practice ofi inhaling the rugged, and of difficult pointed out by nature); and as the coait was obfeurity would proteét them approach, they fondly hoped that their from further perfecution. Ir thegovernment of Spain had been motives of wifdom, it would indeed actuated at this time by to range over the wildernefs have left thefe poor people known, that the unmolefted. It ought to have occupation of * hunting diverted them from projelts --- Page 162 --- HISTORY O F CHAP jects of vengeance, and deeds of greater enterprize; but tyranny IX. is without forefight, and the reftlefs and remorfelefs bigotry of 1 the Spanifh nation allowed the fugitives no refpite. An armament was coliected, and preparations made to effeét their utter extermination ; the commenders of which, taking occation when the ableft of the men had reforted to the larger ifland in their ufual purfuit, landed a body of foldiers at Tortuga, and making captives of the women and children, the old and infirm, caufed them all to be maffacred without mercy. IT does not appear that the miferable people who were thus purfued to deftruction, like bcafts of prey, had hitherto been guilty ofany outrages or depredations on the fhips or fubjedts of Spain, which called for fuch exemplary vengeance. Neither was it imputed to them as a crime that they had pofeffed themfelves of Tortuga, or that they roamed about the defarts of St. Domingo in purfuit of cattle which had no owners. Their guilt confifted in the circumfance of being born out of the Spanifh territories, and prefuming neverthelefs to venture into any part of the New World; for the arrogant prefumption and extravagant felfifhnefs of this bigotted nation, led them to appropriate all the countries of America to themfelves. They claimed even the fole and exclufive right of failing on any fuch part of the main ocean ae, in their judgment, conftituted a portion of the newlydifcovered hemifphere ; and ftrict orders were iffued to all their commanders, by fea and land, to feize on the fhips and fubjects of all other people that ihould be found within the boundaries which they had preferibed, and to punith the intruders with lavery , led them to appropriate all the countries of America to themfelves. They claimed even the fole and exclufive right of failing on any fuch part of the main ocean ae, in their judgment, conftituted a portion of the newlydifcovered hemifphere ; and ftrict orders were iffued to all their commanders, by fea and land, to feize on the fhips and fubjects of all other people that ihould be found within the boundaries which they had preferibed, and to punith the intruders with lavery --- Page 163 --- S T. DOMINGO, favery Or death.--We have feen in what were executed. manner thofe orders CHAP, IX, Irisevident, therefore, that nc alternative cupiers of Tortuga, but to turn remained to the Ocoffenlive war on thofe who would on their purfiers, and wage Ifchejufice of their caufe be allow of no peace with them. time be confulted; let ftill a queftion, let the records duet, which an appeal be made to that rule of (to ufe an cloquent of conwritten exprefion of Lord and lgibefngor 9f God 072 the Coke) is reafon determine, whether beartef man ; and let hiftory annals of any inftance of mankind, can be defended on hoftility, in the men, in fuch a caufe, no dangers better grounds. To: fitch ftacles too great. Inured by their were too formidable, no obtudes of the climate, united mode of Jife to the viciliall the motives and among themfelves, and animated to great exertion, paffions which can inflame the human by which chey became the moft mind the Spaniards had ever formidable antagonifts deeds of valour and fuccefsful encountered, and difplayed fuch confidered) have never been enterprize, as (all circumfances equalled before or fince, FROM a party of thefe adventurers mandy) the French colony.in St. (chiefly natives of Norwhat means they were induced Domingo derived its origin. in danger, to to fepirate from their By relinqui the affociates and exchange the tumuits of gratification ofr revenge and avarice, cfhutbandry, it is neither war for the temperate plain. Many of them, within my province nor ability occupations to driven from without doubt, were men who had exEurope by indigent circumflances been and defperate fortunea; of thefe adventurers mandy) the French colony.in St. (chiefly natives of Norwhat means they were induced Domingo derived its origin. in danger, to to fepirate from their By relinqui the affociates and exchange the tumuits of gratification ofr revenge and avarice, cfhutbandry, it is neither war for the temperate plain. Many of them, within my province nor ability occupations to driven from without doubt, were men who had exEurope by indigent circumflances been and defperate fortunea; --- Page 164 --- HISTO RY 0 F CHAP tunes; fome by the cruclty of creditors; and others, perhaps, IX. by the confsiou@nsisofcheir crimes. Captivated by the renown, and allured by the wealth of the Bucaniers, they joined in their expeditions againft the Spaniards from no better motives than thole of plunder and rapine; and to fuch inen muft be imputed thofe outrages and excelles which have flamped the proceedings of the whole affociation with infamy (b). But there is a time (A) I conccive, however, that thefe have been wonderfully magnified and exaggerated. The narrative called The Hiflary efthe Bucaniers, publifhed towards thel latter end of the laft century, which has been quoted by writers of all defcriptions ever fince, as of unqueftionable authority, was originally written in Dutch, by one John Efquemeling, who confeffes that he had been one of the Eucaniers, and Was expelled from their fociety. The reports of fuch a writer ought to have been received with great caution ; but there is a ftill ftronger circumftance to excite fufpicion; andi it is this: The Englith work is not taken from the Dutch original, but from a Spanip tranflations and to fuppofe that a Spaniard would fpcak favourably of the Bucaniers, is the very excefs of human credulity. Not having the original book to refer to, I cannot pronounce with certainty; bu: I am of opinion, that of the tragical ftories concerning the torture of the Spanifh prifoners, and many the violation of the women, are interpolations of the Spanith tranflator. I form this conclufion from the malignity difplayed towards the charaéter of the famous Sir Henry Morgan. If we may believe the account given of this gallant commander, moft inhuman monfter that ever cxifted. Yet this very man (who hc was the commiffion and letters of reprizal from governby the way aéted under a regular the of Carlifle to be ment) after he had quitted the fea, was recommended by earl his fucceffor in the government of Jamaica, and was accordingly appointed lieutein the earl's abfcnce. He afterwards received the honour of knightnant-governor hood from King Charles II. and paffed the remainder of his life on bis plantation in Jamaica. By the kindnefs ofa friend in that ifland, I have had an opportunity of perufing fome of Sir Henry Morgan's original private letters; and this I will fay, that they manifeft fuch a fpirit of humanity,, juftice, liberality, and piety, as prove tbat he has either been groisly traduced, or that he was the greateft hypocrite living; ill-fuited to the frank and fearlefs temper oft the man. - a charaôter for of his life on bis plantation in Jamaica. By the kindnefs ofa friend in that ifland, I have had an opportunity of perufing fome of Sir Henry Morgan's original private letters; and this I will fay, that they manifeft fuch a fpirit of humanity,, juftice, liberality, and piety, as prove tbat he has either been groisly traduced, or that he was the greateft hypocrite living; ill-fuited to the frank and fearlefs temper oft the man. - a charaôter for --- Page 165 --- S T. DOMINGO. for all things; ; and the the obfervation of change of life in thefe men confirms cc which will an clegant writer, cc that as there is no CHAP. not fhew itielf foil IX. grateful to culture, fo there is dilpofition, no charaéter in no <6 dexterous mankind, which may not, by management, be turned to the tage (c)." It was a happy circumfance publick advaneftablifhment, that while in the infancy oft their the government, they were too obfeure for the notice of the chill they had no check given to their induftry influence of poverty. To a by the hand of power, and the fortunate exemption from plied with the facility with which they were common neceffaries of fupfor their prefervation and life, they were indebted tion, and equal freedom, profperity. A mediocrity of condithem excited the fpirit of ; but opprefion would have emulation among and penury is the parent of floth. produced difcouragement, OF the progrefive purfuits of thefe footing which they had people in extending the obtained, until the French accepted their fubmifion, government jeôts, and availed itfelf of acknowledged them 2S faithful fubtheir to France of the weftern labours,-and the final ceflion Ryfwick, the reader will find part of St. Domingo, by the peace of this ifland by Pere an ample account in the hiftory of detail what Charlevoix. It is therefore an author fo well informed in the unneceffary to tions of the colony, has written. All ancient tranfàcexpeét from me, is an that the Englifh reader will ftate of the account of the political and colony; its population, topographical produce, and exports at the (e) European Setclements, Vol, II. P. 109. S time , by the peace of this ifland by Pere an ample account in the hiftory of detail what Charlevoix. It is therefore an author fo well informed in the unneceffary to tions of the colony, has written. All ancient tranfàcexpeét from me, is an that the Englifh reader will ftate of the account of the political and colony; its population, topographical produce, and exports at the (e) European Setclements, Vol, II. P. 109. S time --- Page 166 --- II I S T O R Y O F CHAP, time my Hiltory commences; and thefe particulars will be found IX. in what remains oft the prefent Chapter. THE poffciiions ofthe French in St. Domingo, as I have elfewhere obferved, were divided into three great departments, called the Northern, the Weftern, and the Southern provinces. The Northern province comprehended a line of fca-coaft extending about forty leagues, from the river Maffacre, to Cape St. Nicholas, and contained (including Tortuga) twenty-five parifhes. Its population, in the beginning of 1790, confifted of 11,996 white inhabitarits of all ages, and 164,656 negro flaves. The number of fugar plantations was 288, of which 258 made what is called clayed, or foft white fugar, and 30 mufcorvado, or new fugar. It reckoned 2,009 plantations ofcoffee, 66 of cotton, 443ofindigo, and 215 fmaller eftablithments, fuch as provifion-polinks, caca0groves, tan-pits, potteries, brick-kilns, Scc. OF the towns and harbours in the Northern province, the chief were thofe of Cape François, Fort Dauphin, Port Paix, and Cape St. Nicholas. I Thall treat only of the firft and the laft. THE town of Cape François (which in time of war was the feat of the French government) would have ranked among the cities of the fecond clafs, in any part of Europe, for beauty and regularity. It confifted of betwcen cight and nine hundred houfes of ftone and brick, many of them handfome and commodious, befides fhops and warehoufes; and it contained two magnificent fquares, ornamented each with a publick - St. Nicholas. I Thall treat only of the firft and the laft. THE town of Cape François (which in time of war was the feat of the French government) would have ranked among the cities of the fecond clafs, in any part of Europe, for beauty and regularity. It confifted of betwcen cight and nine hundred houfes of ftone and brick, many of them handfome and commodious, befides fhops and warehoufes; and it contained two magnificent fquares, ornamented each with a publick - --- Page 167 --- ST. DOMIN G O. a publick fountain. The chief publick buildings were the CHAP, church; the Jeiuirs' college (converted after the revolution IX. into a goverment-houfe, and place cf meeting for the colonial and provincial aflemblies); a fuperb barrack for royal troops ; a arfenal; a prifon ; a play-houfe ; and two hotpitals. The number of free inhabitants of all colours, was eftimated.at eight thcuiand, exclufive of the king's trcops and fea-faring" peopie. The domeftick flaves were faid to be about twelve thoufund. The fituation of the town, however, was not to be commended. It was built at tbe foot of a very high mountain, called Le Haut du Cap, which abounds indeed with fprings of excellent water, and furniched a great fupply of garden vegetables, but it ferved as a fcreen from the land wind, and berated the rays of the fun. The town arofe to reverchiefy from the commodioufmnefs of its harbour, and opulence the treme fertility of the plain adioining it to the caft, a diftrist exfifty miles in length, and twelve in breadth, appropriated to the cultivation of fogar (the plantations of which folely vided from each other only by hedges ofcitrons and were dilimes) and yielding greater returns than perhaps any other fpot of the fame extent in the habitable globe. THE town of Cape St. Nicholas confifts of about houfes, which are chieflybuilt of American wood. It is fituated 250 at the foot of a high blua, called the Moles but having free port, it was a place ofcontiderable trade, and becn a forted to by the Ahips cf America. It is chiefy particularly reever, for the iafery and ertent cf its harbour, which known, howcalled the kcy of the is jufly Winderanlpatages and the fortifications S2 towaris Cape St. Nicholas confifts of about houfes, which are chieflybuilt of American wood. It is fituated 250 at the foot of a high blua, called the Moles but having free port, it was a place ofcontiderable trade, and becn a forted to by the Ahips cf America. It is chiefy particularly reever, for the iafery and ertent cf its harbour, which known, howcalled the kcy of the is jufly Winderanlpatages and the fortifications S2 towaris --- Page 168 --- HI IS' TO RY JJ F CHAP. towards the fea are reckoned among the Arongeit in the Weft IX. Indies. On the fide of the land they are overlooked by the furrounding heights, and hence it is concluded, that although it might be diflicult to take the place by an invading armament, it would be ftill more difficult to retain it afterwards, unlefs poffeffion was obtained alfo of the interior country. THE Weflern province began at Cape St. Nicholas, and extending along the line of coaft which forms the bight of Leogane, for upwards of one hundred leagues, terminated at Cape Tiburon. It contained fourteen parifhes,and five chicf towns, namely, Port au Prince, St. Marc, Leogane, Petit Goave, and Jeremie ; befides villages, of which thofe of Gonaives, Arcahaye, and Croix des Bouquets, are not inconfiderable. The only good harbours in this great extent ofcoaft are thofe of Port au Prince and Gonaives. All the other thipping-places are open roads, fometimes much expofed. PorT AU PRINCE (except in time of war, when the Governor General was direéted to remove to Cape François) was confidered as the metropolis of the colony. It was deftroyed by a dreadful earthquake on the 3d of June 1770, and had never been completely rebuilt. In 1790 it confifted of about 600 houfes, and contained 2,754 white inhabitants (d). The fituation is low and marfhy, and the climate, in confequence, very unhealthy. It is furrounded morcover by hills, which command (d) The free people of colour were eftimated at 4,000, and the enflaved negrocs at about 8,c00: : but being comprehended in the general return for the whole diftrid, they arc no where afcertained with precifion. both de 1790 it confifted of about 600 houfes, and contained 2,754 white inhabitants (d). The fituation is low and marfhy, and the climate, in confequence, very unhealthy. It is furrounded morcover by hills, which command (d) The free people of colour were eftimated at 4,000, and the enflaved negrocs at about 8,c00: : but being comprehended in the general return for the whole diftrid, they arc no where afcertained with precifion. both de --- Page 169 --- - a -S ST. DOMIN G O, both the town and the vallies are abundantly harbour; but both the hills and the plain of Cul de fertile. To the caft is fituated the noble CHAP, IX. Sac, extending from thirty to miles length by nine in breadth, and it forty in fifty contained one hundred and fugar-plantations, moft of which were watered in times of drought, by canals capable of being difpofed for that purpofe. The admirably contrived and at the fame time clothed with circumjacent mountains were tended quite to the Spanidh plantations of coffce, which exfettlements. THE population and ftate of in the vince were as follow : white inhabitants agriculture Weftern pronegroes in a itate offlavery of all ages 12,798; 135, of mufcovado 192,961 ; plantations of clayed fugar 489, ofindigo 222. Plantations of coffee 894, of cotton. 1952, befides 343 fmaller fettlements. THE Southern province, extending from Cape Tiburon, along the upwards of fixty leagues L'Ance a Pitre, contained fouthern coaft of the ifland to Aux Cayes and ten parifhes, and two chief towns, after have Jacmel; two places of which I thall hereoccafion to fpeak. It and its roads are pofleffes no fafe harbours, Cayes take refuge dangerous. The thipping that load at Aux Flamands. during the hurricane feafon at La Baye des THE population in this whites, and 76,812 department was compofed of 6,037 of negro flaves. Its cflablithments confifted 38 plantations of white fagar, and IIO of coffe-plantations, 234 of cotton, 765 of mufcovado; 214 fettlements, indigo, and I19 finaller THE fafe harbours, Cayes take refuge dangerous. The thipping that load at Aux Flamands. during the hurricane feafon at La Baye des THE population in this whites, and 76,812 department was compofed of 6,037 of negro flaves. Its cflablithments confifted 38 plantations of white fagar, and IIO of coffe-plantations, 234 of cotton, 765 of mufcovado; 214 fettlements, indigo, and I19 finaller THE --- Page 170 --- H IS T ( ) RY O F CHAP. THE quantity of land in cultivation throughout all the paJX. rifhes was 763-923 carreaux (e), equal to 2,289,480 Englith acres, of which about two-thirds were fituated in the mountains ; and that the reader may have a ftate of the agriculture at one view, I fhall fubjoin a fummary of the preceding accounts, from whence it will appcar that the French colony contained, the beginning of 1790, 431 plantations of clayed fugar, 362 - - of mufcovado. Total - 793 plantations of fugar, 3,117 - - of coffee, 789 - a of cotton, 3,160 - - of indigo, 54 - of cacao, or chocolate, 623 fmaller fettlements, chiefy for raifing grain, yams, and othcr vegctable food. Making - 8,536 eflablifhments of all kinds throughout the colony. THE population in 1790, on a like funmary, appcars to have been 30,831 whites of both fexes and all ages (exclufive (c) The carrcau of land in St. Domingo is IOO yards fquare, of31 French fect each; the fuperficies 122,500 fect. The Paris foot is divided into twelve inches, and each inch into twelve lines; wherefore, if wc fuppofe each line to be divided into 310 parts, the Paris foot will be 1440 parts, the London 1350. Thefe proportions were fettled by the Royal. Academy of Scicnces. The Jamaica acre contains 43,560 Englifh fect fuperficial mealure; which being multiplied by 1,350, and the total divided by 1,440, gives 40,837:, or onc-third part of the French carreau. of --- Page 171 --- - ST. D OMIN G O. of Europcan troops and fen-faring flaves. In this account, however, pcople), the and 434429 negro CHAP, negro mechanicks employed in the feveral domeftick flaves, and IX. prehended. They amounted to about towns, are not comthe number of negro flaves 46,000, which made throughout the colony 480,000. OF the free pcople of colour, no obtained. Monf. Marbois, the very accurate account was 1787 at about 20,000. In intendant, reported them in them at 24,000. 1790, the general opinion fixed THE exterior appearance of the colony, as I another place, every where demonftrated have obferved in profperity. Cultivation was making great and increafing country. The towns abounded in rapid advances over the filled with the richeft commodities warehoufes, which were and the harbours were crouded and productions of Europe, with freighted, in 1787, 470 thips, containing thipping. There were vigated by 11,220 feamen. Many of them 112,253 tons, and nalarge burthen; and the were veffels of very the intendant's following is an accurate account, from the years 1787, reports, of the general exports, on an average of 1788, and 1789; viz. AVERAGE, with the richeft commodities warehoufes, which were and the harbours were crouded and productions of Europe, with freighted, in 1787, 470 thips, containing thipping. There were vigated by 11,220 feamen. Many of them 112,253 tons, and nalarge burthen; and the were veffels of very the intendant's following is an accurate account, from the years 1787, reports, of the general exports, on an average of 1788, and 1789; viz. AVERAGE, --- Page 172 --- HISTORY OF CHAP. AVERAGE EXPORTS FROM THE FRENCH PART OF IX. ST. DOMINGO, BEFORE THE REVOLUTION. Livres. Clayed fiagar lbs. 58,642,214 1 4:,049,549 Mufcovado - lbs. 86,549,829 1 34,619.93E Coffee = Ibs. 71,663,187 1 71,663,187 Cotton - - lbs. 6,698,858 1 12,397:716 Indigo IIhds. 951,607 - 8,504.463 Molaffes Hhds. 23,061 2,767,320 An inferior fort of rum, cal-7 Hhds. 2,600 Jed taftia 312,000 Raw hides N* 6,500 5,2000 Tanned ditto N; 71900 118,500 The total value at the ports of thipping, in livres of St. Domingo, was 171,544,666 being equal to L-4:765.129 fterling money of Great Britain. Ir this ftatement bc compared by the rule of proportion with the exports from Jamaica, the refult will be confiderably in favour of St. Domingo, i. e. it will be found that the planters of Jamaica receive fmaller returns from the labours of their negroes, in proportion to their numbers, than the planters of St. Domingo have received from theirs. For this difference various caufes have bcen affigned, and advantages allowed, and qualities afcribed to the French planters, which I venture to pronounce, on full enquiry, had no exiftence. Thc true caufe arofe, undoubtedly, from the fuperior fertility of the foil; and, above all, from the prodigious benefit which refulted to the French planters from the fyftem S of returns from the labours of their negroes, in proportion to their numbers, than the planters of St. Domingo have received from theirs. For this difference various caufes have bcen affigned, and advantages allowed, and qualities afcribed to the French planters, which I venture to pronounce, on full enquiry, had no exiftence. Thc true caufe arofe, undoubtedly, from the fuperior fertility of the foil; and, above all, from the prodigious benefit which refulted to the French planters from the fyftem S of --- Page 173 --- ST. DOMIN G O. of watering their fugar-lands in dry weather. This is an ad- CHAP, vantage which nature has denied to the lands in Jamaica, IX. except in a very few placcs; but has freely beftowed parts ofSt. on many Domingo ; and the planters there availed themfelves of it with the happief fuccefs (). () Having made diligent enquiry into the average produce of the French fugar-lands while on the fpot, I venture to give the found:d in truth as the fubjedt will admit, following cftimate, as nearly In the North, the diftricts of Ouanaminthe, Maribaroux, and phin, generally yiclded from fix to feven thoufand pounds Quartier Daufugar for cach carreau in canes; the averageis weight of mufcovado Jaquizi 6,500 Limonade 7,000 Quartier Morin 9,0co Plaine du Nord, Limbé, Petite Anfe * 6,000 5,000 The average of the whole is 6,700lbs. each carreau.-This 33,500 St. Domingo was not watered. part of In the Weft-St. Marc, L'Artibonite, and Gonaives, each yielded carreau Vazes, Arcahaye, Boucaffin 8,500 Cul de Sac 10,000 Leogane 9,000 6,500 The average is 8,500 Ibs, the carreau,-All thefe diftriats 34,000 watered, were In the South--the diftriéts ofGrand-Goave, Fond, L'Iet, Sc. which likewife Aux-Cayes, Plaine du were watered, yielded a The general average, on the whole, i57:500 Ibs. from each to which add 8; per cent. for the difference between the carreau in canes; 5 weights, the total is 8,137 Ibs. for three Englifh and French acre; being nearly two-thirds every acres Englifh, or 2,712 Ibs. per canes throughout Jamaica, more than the general yielding of all the land in T AND likewife Aux-Cayes, Plaine du were watered, yielded a The general average, on the whole, i57:500 Ibs. from each to which add 8; per cent. for the difference between the carreau in canes; 5 weights, the total is 8,137 Ibs. for three Englifh and French acre; being nearly two-thirds every acres Englifh, or 2,712 Ibs. per canes throughout Jamaica, more than the general yielding of all the land in T AND --- Page 174 --- HISTORY O F CHAP. AND fuch, in the days of its profperity, was the French IX. colony in the ifland of St. Domingo. Ihave now prefented to my readers both fides of the medal. To GREAT BRITAIN, above all other nations of the earth, the facts which I have related may furnifh an important leffon; and it is fuch a one as requires no comment ! CHAP. --- Page 175 --- ST. DOMINGO: CHAP. X. Erigratisa-Osertura to tbe Britifs Gouernment Situation and Strengtb oftbe Republican Party in St. accepied and Difpofition ef tbe Ibabitants-Nigre Domingo, the Frencb CommifionersSlavery abolifbed by ef tbe Couxtry-Surrondor Armament allotted for tbe Irvafion St. of feremie and tbe Mole at Cape Niedlar-Uxhosfyal Attempt on Cape Tiburon-Purtber Procedings ef tbe Britifs Army until tbe Arrival ef General Wlyts-Capture of Port au Prince. T HE deftruétion of the beautiful city of Cape and the maffacre of moft of the white François, CHAP. the fad events which inhabitants, were X. of the Eighth terminated our hiftorical detail at the clofe 1 Galbaud Chapter. It was obferved, however, that and his partizans, among whom were M. many refpeétable families, had fortunatcly embarked comprehended in the harbour,juft before the revolted on the fhips Happy to fly from a country devoted negroes entered the town. courfe to the wnited to ruin, they dircéted their the. human charaéter RatesorNfonhAmerieas and to the honour of tions) (debafed as we have beheld it in other they found there, what great numbers of their fituafellow-citizens had found before unhappy of them, a refuge from the reach perfecution, and an afylum from the preffure of poverty. T 2 EMIGRATION: Happy to fly from a country devoted negroes entered the town. courfe to the wnited to ruin, they dircéted their the. human charaéter RatesorNfonhAmerieas and to the honour of tions) (debafed as we have beheld it in other they found there, what great numbers of their fituafellow-citizens had found before unhappy of them, a refuge from the reach perfecution, and an afylum from the preffure of poverty. T 2 EMIGRATION: --- Page 176 --- HISTORY O F CHAP, EMIGRATIONS from all parts of St. Domingo had indeed X. prevailed to a very grcat extent, ever fince the revolt of the negroes in the Northern province. Many of the planters had removed with their families to the neighbouring iflands: fome of them had taken refuge in Jamaica; and it was fuppofed that not lefs than ten thoufand had tranfported themfelves, at various times, to different parts of the continent of America. Moft of thefe were perfons cf peaceable tempers, who fought only to procure the mcre neceffaries of life in fafety and quict. The principal among the planters, having other objects in view, had repaired to Great Britain. It is a circumflance within my own knowledge, that fo early as the latter end of 1791 (long before the commencement of hoftilities betwcen France and England) many of them had made application to the King's minifters, requcfting that an armament might be fent to take poffeflion of the country for the king of Great Britain, and reccive the allegiance of the inhabitants. They afferted (I am afraid with much greater confidence than truth) thatall claffes of the people wifhed to place themfelves under the Englifh dominion, and that, on the firft appearance of a Britifh fquadron, the colony would furrender without a frugglc. To thefe reprefentations no attention was at that time given; but at length, after the national aflembly had thought proper to declare war againft Great Britain, the Englith miniftry began to liften, with fome degree of complacency, to the overtures which werc again made to them, to the fame effect, by the planters of St. Domingo. In the fummer of 1793, a M. Charmilly (one of thofe planters) was furnifhed with cifpatches from the fecretary of ftatc to Gencral Williamfon, the lieutenant-governor and commander in chief at length, after the national aflembly had thought proper to declare war againft Great Britain, the Englith miniftry began to liften, with fome degree of complacency, to the overtures which werc again made to them, to the fame effect, by the planters of St. Domingo. In the fummer of 1793, a M. Charmilly (one of thofe planters) was furnifhed with cifpatches from the fecretary of ftatc to Gencral Williamfon, the lieutenant-governor and commander in chief --- Page 177 --- - ST. D ON MIN GO. 14! chief of Jamaica, fignifying the king's of great latitude however pleafure (with allowance CHAP. fhould to the governor's difcretion) that he X. accept terms of capitulation from the inhabitants of fuch parts of St. Domingo as folicited the government; and for that protection of the Britith to detach, from the purpofe the governor was authorized troops under his command in a force as fhould be thought fufficient Jamaica, fuch of all the places that to take and retain poffeflion Ahould might be furrendered, until arrive from England: M. reinforcements livered the orders and inftructions Charmilly, having thus defent an with which he was agent without delay to eutrufted, town in the diftrict of feremie (a), a finall port and Grand-dnce, to which he prepare the loyal inhabitants for a vifit from belonged, to and; protectors-the Englith. their new allies Bur, before we proceed to detail the this determination of the Britith operations which followed well- for the fatisfaction of the cabinet, it feems neceffary, as and reader, as in juftice to good condudt of the officers and men who thegallantry fent to St. Domingo, that fome werc afterwards the ditlicultics which account fhould be given of be encountered in this were to arife, and the force that was to colony to the Britifh attempt to annex fo great and valuable a here dominion. Iam well apprized that I am treading on tender ground; but if it fhall happilyit will, that the appear, as unprojeét perfons at whofe inftancé and was adopted, either mcant to entreaty the grofsly deceived, in the deceive, or were themfclves Englith reprefentations which they made to the goverhment on this occafion, it is my province and my (a). Iris fituated juft within the Bight of Leagane. T3 duty that I am treading on tender ground; but if it fhall happilyit will, that the appear, as unprojeét perfons at whofe inftancé and was adopted, either mcant to entreaty the grofsly deceived, in the deceive, or were themfclves Englith reprefentations which they made to the goverhment on this occafion, it is my province and my (a). Iris fituated juft within the Bight of Leagane. T3 duty --- Page 178 --- HISTORY O F CHAP, X. duty to place the failure which has enfued to its The hiftorian who, in fuch cafes, from fear, proper account, tion, fuppreffes the communication of favour, or affecble than the factious fadts, is. hardly lefs culpaor venal writer, who facrifices the interefts of truth, and the dignity of hiftory, to the prejudices of party. THE republican commiflioners, as the reader :' has bcen informed, had brought with them from France. fix' thoufand chofen troops; which, added to the. national force in the colony, and the militia of the already body of fourteen or fifteen thoufand country; conftituted a effeétive. whites; to whom were joined the greateft part of the free negrocs and befides a motley but defperate band of all complexions mulattoes, and deferiptions, chiefly flaves which had deferted from, their and negroes colleéted from the jails. All thefe, owners, in whole to about twenty-five thoufand amounting the effectives, were fome degrec of order and difcipline; were well armed, broughtinto and, what Îs ofinfinite importance, were, in a confiderable degree, inured to the climatc. Being neceffarily difperfed, however, in detachments throughout the different provinces, they were, become on that account lefs formidable to an invading enemy. Aware of this circumfance, the commiflioners, on.the firft intimation of an attack from the Englith, reforted to the moft defperate to ftrengthen their party, that imagination can conceive. expedient declared by proclamation all manner of flavery abolifhed, They and pronoumced the negro flaves to be from thencsforward a free people, on condition of reforting to their ftandard. From this moment it might have been forefeen that the colony was loft to Europe; ; for though-but few of the negroes, in proportion to the whole, joined the commiffioners, many thoufands choofing to from the Englith, reforted to the moft defperate to ftrengthen their party, that imagination can conceive. expedient declared by proclamation all manner of flavery abolifhed, They and pronoumced the negro flaves to be from thencsforward a free people, on condition of reforting to their ftandard. From this moment it might have been forefeen that the colony was loft to Europe; ; for though-but few of the negroes, in proportion to the whole, joined the commiffioners, many thoufands choofing to --- Page 179 --- S T. DOMING O. to continue flaves as they their were, and participate in the fortunes of mafters, yet vaft numbers in all parts oft the CHAP, henfive probably that this offer of colony (appre- X. to be permanent) availed liberty was too great a favour the mountains, and themfelves ofit to fecure a retreat to which the poffefs themfelves of the natural interior country affords. faftneffes fince joined them, and it is believed Succeflive bodies have have eflablifhed that upwards of 100,000 themfelves, in thofe receffes, into a fort of republick, like that of the black Charaibes of favage they fubfift on the St. Vincent, where cattle which fpontaneous fruits of the earth, and the wild they procure byh hunting; five war, and trufting their prudently declining offenfafety to the nature has raifed around rocky fortreffes which it will be no eafy them, and from which, in my opinion, undertaking to dillodge them (6). Or the revolted negroes in the perifhed of difeafe and Northern province, many had famine; : but a as it was fuppofed to defperate band, upwards of amounting practifed in devaflation and 40,000, inured to war, and murder, ftill continued in arms. Thefe of (b) The proclamation alluded to, was iffued at Auguft, and was ligned by Polverel alonc, Port au Prince. the latter end Northern province. Itt begins by declaring, that Sunthenax being at that time in the recalled or difgraced, That, in order to neither himfelf nor Santhonax are pofing the medirated invafion. of the encourage the negro flaves to aflift in and the negroes are thenceforward Englifh, ail manner of Aavery is abolifhed op- :: expatiates upon the neceffity of labour, to conider themfelv. : as free citizens.. It -hen to work as ufual,, from year to but and cells the negroes that tney muft their relpective mafters. That year; that they are at liberty to make engage to the purchafe of one third cf the crop thall be appropriated choice off clotbing and provifions for their annually mainrenance; and that in the: montl forward Englifh, ail manner of Aavery is abolifhed op- :: expatiates upon the neceffity of labour, to conider themfelv. : as free citizens.. It -hen to work as ufual,, from year to but and cells the negroes that tney muft their relpective mafters. That year; that they are at liberty to make engage to the purchafe of one third cf the crop thall be appropriated choice off clotbing and provifions for their annually mainrenance; and that in the: montl --- Page 180 --- HIS T ORY 0 F CHAP. Thefe were ready to pour down, as occafion might offer, cn all X. nations alike; and, inftead ofjoining the Englith on their landing, would rejoicc to facrifice both the victors and the vanquithed, the invaders and invaded, in one common deftruction. CONCERNING the white proprietors, on whom alone our dependence was placcd, a large proportion, as we have feen, perhaps more than one half of the whole, had quitted the country. Oft thofc that remained, Farne there werc, undoubtedly, who fincerely wifhed for the reftoration of order, and the blefings of regular government; but the greateft part were perfons of a diferent charaéter: they were men who had nothing to lofe, and every thing to gain, by confufion and anarchy: not a few of them had obtained poffeflion oft the cfieéts and citates of abfent proprietors. From people of this ftamp, the moft determined oppolition W2s neceffarily to be expected; and unfortunately, among thofe of better principle, I am afraid but a very fimall number were cordially attached to thc Englith. The majority feem to have had nothing in view but to obtain by any means the reftoration of their eftates and poffeflions. Many of them, under their ancient government, had belonged to the month of September in each year they are at liberty to make a new choicc, or to confirm that of the preceding ycar. Such, to the beft of my remembrance (for I fpeak from memory) are the chicf provifions of this celebrated proclamation, which I think extended only to the Weftern and Southern provinces; Santhonax being empowered tomake what other regulations he might think proper for the Northern province. The wholc appears to have been a matchlefs piccc of abfurdity; bctraying a lamentable degree ofignorance concerning the manners and difpofitions of the negrces, and totallyi impraclicableinitéeir. lower ycar. Such, to the beft of my remembrance (for I fpeak from memory) are the chicf provifions of this celebrated proclamation, which I think extended only to the Weftern and Southern provinces; Santhonax being empowered tomake what other regulations he might think proper for the Northern province. The wholc appears to have been a matchlefs piccc of abfurdity; bctraying a lamentable degree ofignorance concerning the manners and difpofitions of the negrces, and totallyi impraclicableinitéeir. lower --- Page 181 --- - 79 ST. DOMINGO lower order ofmeblifi, and being tenacious of tities and ho- CHAP, nours, in proportion as their pretenfions to real diftinétion were X, difputable; they dreaded the and introduction of 2 fyitem of laws government, which would reduce them to the of the coimuniry. general level their Thus, as their motives were felfith, and attachment feeble, their exertions in the were not likely to be very frenuous common caufe find that the number of or eflicacious. I do not French in arms, who joined us at any one peried (I mean of white inbabitants) two thoufand. It were ever excceded unjuft, however, not to obferve, that among them were fome ditinguithed individuals, lity was abore whofe fidefufpicion, and whofe fervices were important, Such were the Baron de highly count de Fontagnes, Monf. Montalembert, the Vifothers (c). Defources, and perhaps a few FROM this recapitulation it is evident, that the St. Domingo was an enterprize of invafion of greater magnitude and difhi- (<) A few men of colour alfo diftinguithed themfelves viz, Monfieur Le Pcint, in the common caufe; about 300 Mulattoes under Lisutenant-Colonel his of the St. Marc's legion, who, with plete fubjection for a confiderable command, time, kept the parich: of L'Arcahaye in coiof Verettes, a perfon much attached 2. Bexeguezs Major of the Milice Rayale commanded a very to the Englifh. 3- Charles Savery, who D'Efterre. Great important poft in the plain of Artibonite, upon the river never was it abufed. confidence All was placed in this man by Colone! Brifbane, and fentment againft the French thefe men were well educated, and nourifhed deep re. clafs of coloured peopls had planters, on account of the indignities which the four hundred blacks were embodied received from them. At Cape Tiburon, threc or Kina, who ferved well and very carly, under 2 black general named Iean faithfully, U culty important poft in the plain of Artibonite, upon the river never was it abufed. confidence All was placed in this man by Colone! Brifbane, and fentment againft the French thefe men were well educated, and nourifhed deep re. clafs of coloured peopls had planters, on account of the indignities which the four hundred blacks were embodied received from them. At Cape Tiburon, threc or Kina, who ferved well and very carly, under 2 black general named Iean faithfully, U culty --- Page 182 --- HIS T O RY O F CHAP. culty than the Britifh government feem to have imagined. X. Confidering the extent and natural ftrength of the country, it may well be doubted, whether all the force which Great Britain could have ipared, would have been fufficient to reduce it to fubjection, and reftore it at the fame time to fucli a degree of order and fubordination, as to make it a colony worth holding. The truth feems to have' been, that General Williamfon, to whom, as hath been obferved, the direction and diftribution of the armament was entrufted, and whofe aétive zeal in the fervice of his country was eminently confpicuous, was deceived, equally with the King's minifters, by the favourable accounts and exaggerated reprefentations of fanguine and interefted individuals, concerning the diipofition of their countrymen, the white planters remaining in St. Domingo. Inftead of the few hundreds of them which afterwards reforted to the Britifh ftandard, the Governor had reafon to expeét the fupport and co-operation of at leatt as many thoufands. In this fatal confidence, the armament allotted fer this inportant expedition was compofed of only the rgth regiment of foot, feven companies of the 4gth, and a detachment of artiliery,. altogether amounting to about eight hundred and feventy, rank and file, fit for duty. Such was the force that. was to annex to the crown of Great Britain, a country nearly equal in extent, and in natural ftrength infmnitely fuperior, to Great Bri-. tain itfelf! Speedy and effeétual reinforcements fromn England however, as well to replace the troops which were, promifed, the in St. were removed from Jamaica, as to aid operations Domingo. IN a detachment of artiliery,. altogether amounting to about eight hundred and feventy, rank and file, fit for duty. Such was the force that. was to annex to the crown of Great Britain, a country nearly equal in extent, and in natural ftrength infmnitely fuperior, to Great Bri-. tain itfelf! Speedy and effeétual reinforcements fromn England however, as well to replace the troops which were, promifed, the in St. were removed from Jamaica, as to aid operations Domingo. IN --- Page 183 --- - ST. DO MI N G O. Ix the meantime, the firft and feventy-feven rank and divifion, confifting of fix hundred CHAP. nant-Colonel file, under the command cf Lieute- X. Whitelocke, failed from Port the - I September, and arrived at Royal oth of month. They were efcorted Jeremie on the 19th of the fame ropa, accompanied by Commodore Ford, in the Eu- 1793. by four or five frigates. As the propofitions, or terms oufly adjufted between the ofcapitulation, had been previCharmilly, and General people of Jeremie, by theiragent Mr. Britifh forces to take Williamfon, it only remained for the pofefion of the town and cordingly, the troops difembarked harbour. AcBritifh colours were hoifted early the next morning; the from each, which at both the forts, with royal falutes were anfvered by the Commodore fquadron, and the oaths of and his by the refident inhabitants, fidelity and allegiance were taken and alacrity. with an appearance of grcat zcal AT the fame time information rifon at the Mole of was received, that the render that Cape St. Nicholas, were inclined to fur- garcircumflance important fortrefs in like manner. As not to be negle@ted, the this was a directed his courfe thither, Commodore immediately the fortrefs and and, on the 22d, took poffeffion of harbour, and received the cers and privates. The allegiance of the offiment, was forthwith grenadier company of the I3th regimand of the garrifon difpatched from Jeremie to take the com- ; which was foon by the arrival of the fecond divifion afterwards ftrengthened from Jamaica, of the armament ordered confifting of five companies of forty men each. U2 THE thither, Commodore immediately the fortrefs and and, on the 22d, took poffeffion of harbour, and received the cers and privates. The allegiance of the offiment, was forthwith grenadier company of the I3th regimand of the garrifon difpatched from Jeremie to take the com- ; which was foon by the arrival of the fecond divifion afterwards ftrengthened from Jamaica, of the armament ordered confifting of five companies of forty men each. U2 THE --- Page 184 --- HIS T ORY OF CHAP THE voluntary furrender of thefe plces raifed expectations X. in the people of England, that the whole oft the French colony in St. Domingo would fubmit without oppofition; but the advantages hitherto obtained, feem to have been greatly overvalued. The town ofJeremie is a place of no importance.-It contains about one hundred very mean houfes, and the country in the vicinage is not remarkably fertile ; producing nothing of any account but coffee. At the Mole of Cape St. Nicholas, the country is even lefs productive than in the neighbourhood of Jeremie; but the harbour is one of the fineft in the new world, and the fortifications vie with the ftrongeft in the Weft Indies : unfortunately, from the elevation of the furrounding heights, the place is not tenable againft a powerfal attack by land. The garrifon confifted only of the regiment of Dillon, which was reduced by ficknefs or defertion to about one hundred and fifty men. The town of St.. Nicholas adjoining, was in the higheft degree hoftile: mof of the inhabitants, capable of bearing arms, left the place on the arrival of the. Englith, and joined the republican army. ZEALOUS, however, to promote the glory of the Britith name, Colonel Whitelocke determined that his little army fhould not continue inactive at Jeremie. It was reprefented to him, that the acquifition of the neighbouring poft of Tiburon: would prove of the utmoft importance towards the fecurity of Grand Ance, and a M. Duval pledging himfelf to raife five hundred men to co-operate in its reduétion, an expedition was undertaken for that purpofe, and Colonel Whitelocke, with moit of the. --- Page 185 --- - S T. D OMIN G O. the Britith force from Jeremie, 4th of Oétobcr. arrived in Tiburon Bay on the CHAP. X. BUT, On this occafion, as on aln:of 1793. had a melancholy procihow little cvery other, the Englifh French declarations and affurances. dependence can be placed on pearance, for he was not able Duval never made his apforce was found to be far to colleét fifty men; the fented, and the more formidable than had been enemy's galiantry of our troops proved reprefuperiority of numbers. They unavailing againft the lofs of about twenty were compelled to retreat, with men killed and wounded. THE defeat and were the more grievoufly difcouragement fuftained in this attack to a great extent in the felt, as fickneis began to prevail was unfavourable in the army. The feafon of the year rations in a tropical climate. highett degree for military opethe conflant and unufual The rains were incefint; and. which the foldiers, from the fatiguc, and extraordinary duty to neceffarily fubject, finallnefs of their number, were produced the moft co-operating fatal with the ftate cf the weather, tendant on military confequences. That never-filing ator Feftilential fever, expeditions in the Weft Indies, the raged with yellow beth of the feamen and dreadful virulence, and fo many, foldiers, vors were ftricken with perifhed daily, that the furvithe havock made aftonifhment and horror at among their comrades !: beholding GENERAL himfelf to WILLIANSON, with bis ufual give them all the reliefin his humanity, exerted power, Unhappily he had quences. That never-filing ator Feftilential fever, expeditions in the Weft Indies, the raged with yellow beth of the feamen and dreadful virulence, and fo many, foldiers, vors were ftricken with perifhed daily, that the furvithe havock made aftonifhment and horror at among their comrades !: beholding GENERAL himfelf to WILLIANSON, with bis ufual give them all the reliefin his humanity, exerted power, Unhappily he had --- Page 186 --- HIS T O RY 0 F CHAP. had no alternative but either to withdraw the troops altogether X. from St. Domingo, leaving our allies and new fubjects, the French planters who had fworn allegiance to our gorernment, to the mcrcy of their enemies, or to fend, from an already exhaufted army, a fmall reinforcement of men, to perifh probably in-the fame manner as thofe had done whofe numbers they were fcarccly fufficient to replace. THE latter meafure was adopted : in truth, the circumftances of the cafe admitted of no other. The remainder of the 49th regiment, the 2oth, and the royals, amounting altogether to feven or eight hundred men, were therefore difpatched with all poffible expedition ; and the fafety of Jamaica entrufted to lefs than four hundred regular was at length troops. THE fudden appearance in St. Domingo of a reinforcement, though fmall in itfelf, produced however a confiderable effeét the French by inducing a belief that the Britifh among planters, government was now ferioufly refolved to follow up the blow. In the beginning of December, the parifhes of Jean Rabel, St. Marc, Arcahaye, and Boucaffin furrendered on the fame conditions as had been granted to Jeremie; and their example was foon afterwards followed by the inhabitants of Leogane. All the former parifhes arc fituated on the north fide of the Bight: Leogane on the fouth. THE Britifh commanders now directed their views once more towards the capture of Tiburon. The defeat which our troops had --- Page 187 --- ST. DOMING O. fiad fuftained in the late attack of that oply to animate them to important poft, ferved CHAP. time unavoidably greater exertions; but a conliderable X. elapfed before the expedition took interval being employed in place; the rendered. On the 21ft of fecuring the places which had furtouched at January, however, the Commodore Jeremie with the fquadron, and 1794on board; and the whole arrived off received the troops ing of the 2d of February. Cape Tiburon Oil the evenTHE enemy appeared in confiderable wait the arrival of the Britifh with force, and feemed to broadfides from the fhips foon cleared great refolution ; but a few ward however the beach. They came foragain, as the flank companies fhore, and direéted a general difcharge of approached the but our troops landed and formed in mufquetry at the boats; with great llaughter, and an inflant, routed their line The gailantry of Major immediately took poflellion of the poft. Spencer who officers and men who commanded, and of the compofed, the flank ticularly confpicuous. It feems, companies, was parand well conduéted indeed, to have been a fpirited effeéted with the lofs enterprize of throughout; : and it was happily feven wounded. only three of the Englifh killed, and Ofthe enemy, one hundred and prifoners of war ; and their magazines fifty furrendered ammunition. were found replete with By the poffeflion of this Mole at Cape St. Nicholas poft on the fouth, and that,of the on the north-weftern ifand, the Britifh fquadron part of the commanded the navigation of the ted with the lofs enterprize of throughout; : and it was happily feven wounded. only three of the Englifh killed, and Ofthe enemy, one hundred and prifoners of war ; and their magazines fifty furrendered ammunition. were found replete with By the poffeflion of this Mole at Cape St. Nicholas poft on the fouth, and that,of the on the north-weftern ifand, the Britifh fquadron part of the commanded the navigation of the --- Page 188 --- H IS TOR Y OF CIAP the whole of that extenfive bay which forms the Bight of X. Leogane, and the of the capture forts, thipping, and town of Port au Prince (the metropolis of the French colony) feemed morc than probable, on the arrival of a large armament now daily cxpedted, with much anxiety, from England. Ix the mean while (the reduced ftate and condition ofthe troops not admitting of great enterprize) the commander in chicf conceived an idca of obtaining pollefion of the town of Port Paix, an important fation to the eaftward.of Cape St. Nicholas, ly private negociation. The town was commanded by I.avaux, an old general in the French fervice, to whom Colonel Whitelocke addreffed himfelf by letter, which he fent with a fag, and offered five thoufand pounds to be paid to him in perfon, on his delivering up the poft. Colonel Whitelocke feems, however, to have miftaken the charaéter of Lavaux, who was not only a man of ditinguifhed bravery, but ofgrcat probity. His anfwer is remarkable: 66 You <6 have endeavoured (faid he) to difhonour me in the cyes of 66 my troops, by fuppofing me fo vile, flagitious, and bafe, as to 66 be capable ofbetraying my truft for a bribe: this is an affront 66 for which you OWC me perfonal fatisfaction, and I demand it 66 in the name ofhonour. Wherefore, previous to any general 66 adtion, I offer you fingle combat until one of us falls; leaving 66 to you the choice of arms, either on fcot or horleback. Your 66 fituation, as my enemy on the part ofyour country, did not give 66 you a right to offer mc a perfonal infuit; and as a private 64 perfon, raying my truft for a bribe: this is an affront 66 for which you OWC me perfonal fatisfaction, and I demand it 66 in the name ofhonour. Wherefore, previous to any general 66 adtion, I offer you fingle combat until one of us falls; leaving 66 to you the choice of arms, either on fcot or horleback. Your 66 fituation, as my enemy on the part ofyour country, did not give 66 you a right to offer mc a perfonal infuit; and as a private 64 perfon, --- Page 189 --- ST. DOMIN G O. ce perfen, Iafk fatisfaction for an done €6 vidual(d)." injury me by an indi- CHAP: X. - THIS attempt therefore proving abortive, it was determined (now that the feafon was favourable) in order that the might not continue troops tated inactive, as well as to facilitate the medireduction of Port au Prince, to attack L'Acul, portant fortrefs in the vicinity of an imI9th of the Leogane. Accordingly, on the February, fank companies, a detachment of the royal artillery, and of the I3th with 1794. regiment, fome colonial troops, having two five half-inch howitzers and pounders, marched from thence under two fourlonel the command of CoWhitelocke, at four in the morning. Baron de Montalembert, with about two hundred colonial few of the Britith troops, and a tranfports, and artillery, were previoufly embarked on ordered to land and attack the fort at an hour appointed. Captain Vincent, with the 49th, and about cighty of the light infantry of the road, while Colonel colonial troops, took a mountain road, and took Whitelocke moved forward on the grcat poft juft out of cannon fhot, attacks of the Baron and waiting the united Captain Vincent's detachments, enemy began to cannonade about feven The o'clock, and continued- (a) Colonel Whitelocke, I fuppofe, rejedted the who was fent by him with the letter to challenge; but the officer for Lavaux, having filently read the Lavaux, had a fervice of danger: honour of a foldier, whether he knew the letter, compelled him to declare, upon the was, anfwered in the negative, The contents ofit. The officer, as the faÉt aloud to thc people who furrounded French general thereupon read the letter had brough: him fuch a propofal him, and told the Britifh officer, that if he be executed on a giebet. Ansseingb, he would inflantly have caufed him to X it read the Lavaux, had a fervice of danger: honour of a foldier, whether he knew the letter, compelled him to declare, upon the was, anfwered in the negative, The contents ofit. The officer, as the faÉt aloud to thc people who furrounded French general thereupon read the letter had brough: him fuch a propofal him, and told the Britifh officer, that if he be executed on a giebet. Ansseingb, he would inflantly have caufed him to X it --- Page 190 --- HIS T ORY O F when Colonel Whitelocke ordered CHAP. it with intervals till elcven, and cannon, to advance and X. Captain Smith, with the howitzers infantry of the royals fire upon the fort, fupported by the light in regiments, under the command of Major Spencer, and r3th time for the Baron's people to land. Unfortunately, order to give ofthe the troops under fromt the mifmanagement ofone tranfports, be landed. the orders of the Baron de Montalembert could not Whitelocke, therefore, finding he had nothing to expect Colonel confiderably advanced, now came to from them, the day being the fort by ftorm; and detachthe determination of attacking and with the grenadiers of the 49th regiment, ed Major Spencer, Vincent, and aplight infantry of the r3th, to join Captain marched the fort by thc mountain road, while he himielf five proach road for the fame purpofe. Athalf paft four or by the great moved forward, and the moment the o'clock, the two columns divifion, difcovered the march of Colonel Whitelocke's enemy fire of cannon and mufquetry. they commenced a very heavy for the column to advance and Orders were immediately given and executed. gain the fort, which orders were gallantly rapidly and At this inflant, Lieutenant M*Kerras of the engineers, but Hutchinfon of the royals, were both wounded; Captain notwithftanding, till the fort they continued their exertions, of the viétors. Our lofs was not great; was in quict poffefion had before received a fhot in the but Captain Morfhead (who the hill) with Lieutenant Tinlin body, when gallantly mounting Caulfield of the 62d regiof the 2oth grenadiers, Licutenant blown up from an ment, and fome privates, were unfortunately the fort was taken; for the explofion which took place after defend it, officer who commanded, finding he could no longer placed continued their exertions, of the viétors. Our lofs was not great; was in quict poffefion had before received a fhot in the but Captain Morfhead (who the hill) with Lieutenant Tinlin body, when gallantly mounting Caulfield of the 62d regiof the 2oth grenadiers, Licutenant blown up from an ment, and fome privates, were unfortunately the fort was taken; for the explofion which took place after defend it, officer who commanded, finding he could no longer placed --- Page 191 --- ST T. DO MI N G O. placed a quantity of powder and other combuftibles of the buildings, which was fired in one CHAP. who perifhed in the by an unfortunate brigind, X. next day, and was interred explofion. with Captain Morfhead died the the Britifh military honours, attended by garrifon 5 Lieutenant Caulfield lingered fome longer. and then followed him time Tinlin recovered, to the grave but Lieutenant THE next enterprize of our gallant little army had vourable termination. It was direéted a lefs fàfettlement at a place called againft a frong poft and Cape St. Nichelas, where Bompard, about fiftcen miles from 2 hardy race of colony of Germans, had eftablithed people, chieily a ambitious poverty. A detachment themfelves, and lived in unthe different of two hundred men, from corps, were ordered on this fervice in two one of which was commanded by Major divifions, active officer already mentioned, the Spencer, the brave and lonel Markham. Of their other by Lieutenant-Cotheir retreatafterwards, proceedings during the attack, and Ihave not been furnifhed with ticulars. All that is known to the the parthat our troops were repulfed publick with certainty is, lois of forty men, but without by fuperior numbers, with the charaéter. Itwas any diminution of the national allowed, even by the enemy, that bravely. They were defeated, not difimnayed, they fought probably which they did not forefee, and by circumftances prudence could not provide. againft which human THIS afilicting lofs was but ill compenfated, by the diftinguithed honour which was foon afterwards very acquired by the X 2 few certainty is, lois of forty men, but without by fuperior numbers, with the charaéter. Itwas any diminution of the national allowed, even by the enemy, that bravely. They were defeated, not difimnayed, they fought probably which they did not forefee, and by circumftances prudence could not provide. againft which human THIS afilicting lofs was but ill compenfated, by the diftinguithed honour which was foon afterwards very acquired by the X 2 few --- Page 192 --- H I S T O RY O F that had been left in poffeffion of Cape TiCHAP. few Briti(h troops the 16th of by an army of X. buron, who were attacked on April, The enemy's brigands amounting to upwards of two thoufand. 1794Andrew Rigand, a man of colour, who comforce was led on by of revolted negroes, manded at Aux Cayes, and was compofed and after plunder, and defperadces of all defcriptions, rapacious furrounded the fort thirfting for blood. This favage horde defended with about three o'clock in the morning. It was before nine, when the befieged, much fpirit until a quarter and routed the bequitting the fort, affailed the affailants, of their with great flaughter, one hundred and feventy fiegers left dead on the field; but when it was difcovered number being foldiers had loft that no lefs than twenty-eight of our gallant and that one hundred and nine others were feverely their lives, conteft, the fhouts of triumph were wounded in this bloody the forlorn condition of the fuppreffed by gloomy refleétions on few more fuch viétoit being mournfully evident that a army, ries would annililate the viétors ! whole of the Britifh force at this time in all parts of THE I believe, amount to nine hundred effecSt. Domingo did not, fufficient to garrifon the places tive men, a number by no means which ; and the rapid diminution prevailed in our poffefion fail to attract obfervation among all among them, could not our allies, and enclaffes of the French inhabitants; to difpirit had hitherto ftood our enemies. Such of the planters as courage declare themfelves hoftile; and defertions aloof, now began to that had furrendered. were frequent from moft of the parithes had volunAt Jean Rabell, a place which, a few months before, tarily which ; and the rapid diminution prevailed in our poffefion fail to attract obfervation among all among them, could not our allies, and enclaffes of the French inhabitants; to difpirit had hitherto ftood our enemies. Such of the planters as courage declare themfelves hoftile; and defertions aloof, now began to that had furrendered. were frequent from moft of the parithes had volunAt Jean Rabell, a place which, a few months before, tarily --- Page 193 --- S T. DOMII N G O. tarily declared for the Britith of two hundred and government, the garrifon, confifting CHAP, officers, and fifty of our fuppofed allies, rofe on their X. compelled them to deliver the the French general, and it up poft to Lavaux, very powerful reinforcement was greatly apprehended that, unlefs a the Britith fhould fpeedily arrive to frengthen army, many other places would follow their example. EIGHT months had now elapfed fince the furrender Jeremie, and in all that interval, of May 1794. from Great Britain not a foldier had arrived ; and the want of vifions, and neceffaries, was camp-equipage, prodevoted to inevitable grievoufly felt. The army feemed deitruction, and and difmay were ftrongly marked in the difappeintment At length, countenance of every man. however, on the I9th ofMay, when nearly loft in defpair, it was announced that expeétation was the Belliqueux and the his Majefty's thips anchor in the harbour Irrefiftible, with the Fly floop, had caft 22d, 23d, and of Cape St. Nicholas, having on board the Brigadier 41ft regiments of infantry, under the command of afforded General Whyte. This event, as may well infinite relief and fatisfaétion beimagined, out troops on thore; and to the haraffed and worntheir animation on this occalion was heightened by the confident hope and Prince would be the of expectation that Port au known that its harbour objeét an immediate attack. It was was crowded with moft of were fuppofed to bc laden with the richeft ihips, which colony; and although the produétions of the ceed fixteen hundred regiments newly arrived did not CXand men in the whole (of whom two hundred fifty were fick and convalefcent) the was no longer the fubject of deâciency of numbers + complaint. Every one anticipated to Prince would be the of expectation that Port au known that its harbour objeét an immediate attack. It was was crowded with moft of were fuppofed to bc laden with the richeft ihips, which colony; and although the produétions of the ceed fixteen hundred regiments newly arrived did not CXand men in the whole (of whom two hundred fifty were fick and convalefcent) the was no longer the fubject of deâciency of numbers + complaint. Every one anticipated to --- Page 194 --- II I S T O RY O F CHAP. to himfelf the poffeflion of great wealth from the capture; and X. juftly concluded that his fhare of thc prize money would augment or diminifh in an inverfe proportion to the number of captors. THE belicf that Port au Prince would be the firft objedt of attack, was well founded; and the road of Arcahaye was fixed on as the place of rendezvous for the men of war and tranfAccordingly, General W hyte, having landed his fick at ports. Cape St. Nicholas, and taken one hundred and fifty ofthe garrifon in their room, proceeded on the 23d to the place appointed, to concert meafures with Commodore Ford, and receive on board fuch of the colonial troops as were to co-operate with the Britifh in this enterprize. On the 3oth the fquadron failed from Arcahaye, and caft anchor off Port au Prince on the evening of the fame day. It was compofed of four fhips of the line, the Europa, the Belliqueux, the Irrefiftible and the Sceptre, three frigates, and four or five fmaller veffels; the whole under the immediate command of Commodore Ford; and the land forces, under the orders of General Whyte, confifted of 1,465 rank and fle fit for duty. THE whole force being thus colledted, and the neceffary preparations made, a flag was fent, early the next morning, to demand the furrender of the place; but the oflicer charged with the difpatch, was informed that no flag would be admitted, and the letter was returned unopened. It was now determined to commence operations by the cannonade of Fort Bizotton, a fortrefs fituated on a commanding eminence, well adapted to guard the approach to the harbour, and defended by five hundred 1,465 rank and fle fit for duty. THE whole force being thus colledted, and the neceffary preparations made, a flag was fent, early the next morning, to demand the furrender of the place; but the oflicer charged with the difpatch, was informed that no flag would be admitted, and the letter was returned unopened. It was now determined to commence operations by the cannonade of Fort Bizotton, a fortrefs fituated on a commanding eminence, well adapted to guard the approach to the harbour, and defended by five hundred --- Page 195 --- S T. DOMING O. dred men, cight pieces ofheavy line of battle thips were ordered cannon, and two mortars. Two CHAP, a frigate was flationed to attack the fea-front, and X. the caftward. From clofe to the fhore, to flank a ravine to was maintained thefe veffels a brifk and for feveral hours; butno well-direôted fire ing to be made, Major greatimpreffion appearand about five hundred Spencer, of with three hundred Britifh, fhore in the evening, within the colonial troops, was put on commence a mile of thc. fort, with an attack on the fide of the land. orders to at a fmall diftance from the fcene of On their arrival at night, a moft tremendous action, about cight o'clock nied with a deluge of rain, of thunder-ftorm arofe, accompafound of their which, as it overpowered the approach, the advanced guard,. Captain Daniel, of the 41ft, determined commanded by Thefe brave men, fixty only in number, to take advantage, ward, and finding a breach in the accordingly rufhed forbayonets, and became walls, entered with fixed fieged inftantly mafters of the every where throwing down their fortrefs; the bemercy. So rapid were the movements arms and calling for fo of this unexpeéted was their fuccefs, that gallant band, and mander, had his fears for the Major Spencer, the comwhofe fituation he fafety of the whole was unapprized for party, of to add, that Captain Daniel, who fo fome hours. I gricve guard on this occafion, received gailantly led the advanced while his brave affociate, a fevere wound in the attack,. mand, was mnoft Captain Wallace, the fecond in com-. unfortunately killed on the glacis. THE poffellion of Fort Bizotton determined capital, which was evacuated by the the fâte of the enemy on the 4th of June; and. --- Page 196 --- HISTORY O F and the Britifh commanders were fo fortunate as to preferve, not CHAP. the but alfo the fhipping in the harbour, from X. only town itfelf, had 1 conflagration, although the republican commiffioners given orders and made preparations for fetting fre to both. The commiffioners themfelves, with many of their adherents, made their efcape to the mountains. the of Port au Prince ; an event THUS was achieved conqueft which has proved not lefs profitable than honourable to fuch of the officers and foldiers by whom it was effeéted, as have the fruits of their victory; for there were caplived to enjoy top-fail veffcls, fully tured in the harbour, two-and-twenty laden with fugar, indigo, and coffee, of which thirteen were from three to five hundred tons burthen, and the remaining from one hundred and fifty to three hundred tons 3 befides nine, of in ballaft; the value of all feven thoufand tons fhipping could not be far Chort of which, at a moderate computation, 4.400,000 fterling. CHAP. fruits of their victory; for there were caplived to enjoy top-fail veffcls, fully tured in the harbour, two-and-twenty laden with fugar, indigo, and coffee, of which thirteen were from three to five hundred tons burthen, and the remaining from one hundred and fifty to three hundred tons 3 befides nine, of in ballaft; the value of all feven thoufand tons fhipping could not be far Chort of which, at a moderate computation, 4.400,000 fterling. CHAP. --- Page 197 --- ST. DOMING 1e O. CH A P. XI. Sicknef: amang tbe Troips, and tbe Catfes tberef-Reinfaroe mont-Dreagfal Martulep-Gomral Wbyte is Reccerded Brigediur Gezera! by Temperary Hornek-Legene taken by the Rebels.- Ssecefis s. Linutenant-Cchond at nite.- -Reualt oftbe Brifane ArtiboMulattses at St. Mare.-Attack ef Fort Bestin-Prguradirr Tiburm-Tbe by Rigand Jor a Jecond Attempt 072 Gallant Pe attacked on Cbrijamas Day, and carried.- Defince and Efiope sf tbe Garrifin, and Fate gf Lientenant Behercille.- -Lintrant-Cabndh melancboly and Markbam Brijbane duci febe War. Eid-Olprationr and Stristures 012 tbe ConFRoN the fucceis which attended the Britifh the conqueft of Port au Prince, it might have arms in CIAP, XI. that we were now to enter on the farvey of been hoped 1 than thofe which have hitherto brighter profpects contemplation ; buta melancholy prefented themfelves to our to await the reverfe of fortune was fcon conquerors 3 for, immediately after was taken of the town, the fame dreadful pofeffion exafperated to contagicn, which had been fo (courge-diteafe, among our troops, in the preceding fatally prevalent tive progrets 3 and, on this occafion, autumn, it is renewed its deftructhe proximate caufes offo terrible not difficult to trace 2 calemity, The fituation of Y the ented themfelves to our to await the reverfe of fortune was fcon conquerors 3 for, immediately after was taken of the town, the fame dreadful pofeffion exafperated to contagicn, which had been fo (courge-diteafe, among our troops, in the preceding fatally prevalent tive progrets 3 and, on this occafion, autumn, it is renewed its deftructhe proximate caufes offo terrible not difficult to trace 2 calemity, The fituation of Y the --- Page 198 --- HIS TO RY OF CHAP. the town of Port au Prince has already been noticed. UnXI. healthy in itfelf, it is furrounded by fortified heights, which command both the lines and the harbour ; and thefe heights are again commanded by others. Here, the enemy, on their retreat from the town, made their ftand, in the well-founded confdence of receiving regular fupplies of men, ammunition, and neceffaries from Aux Cayes, a fea-port on the fouthern coait, diftant only from Port au Prince by a very eafy road, about forty miles (a). No part of St. Domingo poffeffes a more ready communication with the French Ifands to windward, or with the ftates of America, than the port laft mentioned; ; and from both thofc fources, reinforcements were conftantly poured into the enemy's camp. On this account the Britifh commanders found it indifpentibly neceffary to ftrengthen the lincs, and raife additional intrenchments and works on that fide of the town which fronts the mountains. Thus a moft fevere and unufual burthen was impofed on the foldiers. They were compelled, with but little intermiflion, to dig the ground in the day, and to perform military duty in the night; expofed, in the one cafe, to the burning rays of the fun; in tne other, to the noxious dews and heavy rains of the climate. Such extraordinary and. (a) The harbour of Aux Cayes was guarded by two fmall forts, each of which was furnifhed with only fix pieces of cannon, and a fmaller battery, which mounted only five pieces. The number of white inhabitants belonging to the town were computed at eight hundred; but the people of colour had takenpoffeffion of it the latter end of 1792, and Andrew Rigaud, a Mulatto, was made commander in chief and governor-general of the fouth fide of the French part of St. Domingo. His power was abfolute, and his brother, of the fame colour, was appointed next in command. Thefe men were invefted with this authority by the two commiflioners, Polverel and Santbonax. exceflive --- Page 199 --- S T. D OMING O. exceflive labour aétually impofed on men, moft of whom had been confined fix months on thip-board, without freth CHAP. fions or cxercife, provi- XI. produced its natural co-operating with the malignancy of the air, 1 in autumn, untilat confsquences. They dropt like the leaves length the garrifon became fo diminifhed enfecbled, that deficiencies of the and up from convalefcents, who guards were oftentimes made their arms (b). were fearcely able to ftand under Iris true, that a reinforcement Iilands, foon after the furrender came from the Windward ful fatality, this of the town -but, by a mournapparent augmentation of the garrifon, contributed in an eminent ftrength of the and aggravation of its degree to the rapid encreafe flank miferies. On the 8th of June, companies belonging to the 22d, 23d, cight regiments, arrived at Port au Prince, 35th, and 41ft Lieutenant-Colonel under the command of tion, of about Lenox. They confifted, on their embarkafeventy men each, but the when landed, was not quite three hundred. aggregate number, dier companies, in particular, The four grenafrigate in which they were nearly annihilated. The lence. were conveyed, became a borfe Upwards of one hundred of their %f pefiin the deep, in the fhort number were buried pafiage between maica, and one hundred and Guadaloupe and Jaftate at Port Royal. The fifty more were left in a dying wretched remains of the whole de- (b) It was fortunate for the Britith army, that by ficknefs almoft as much as our own : the French troops fuffered been but a fhort time in our poffeffion. Port au Prince would otherwife have Y 2 tachment Upwards of one hundred of their %f pefiin the deep, in the fhort number were buried pafiage between maica, and one hundred and Guadaloupe and Jaftate at Port Royal. The fifty more were left in a dying wretched remains of the whole de- (b) It was fortunate for the Britith army, that by ficknefs almoft as much as our own : the French troops fuffered been but a fhort time in our poffeffion. Port au Prince would otherwife have Y 2 tachment --- Page 200 --- HIS TORY O F CHAP. tachment difcovered, on their landing at Port au Prince, that XI. they came-not to participate in the glories ofconqueft, but-to perich themfelves within the walls of an hofpital! : So rapid was the mortality in the Britilh army, after their arrival, that no lefs than forty officers and upwards of fix hundred rank and file met an untimely death, without a conteft with any cther enemy than ficknefs, in the fhort fpace of-two months after the furrender of the town. GENERAL WHYTE, his health inuch impaired, and hopelefs, it may be prefumed, of further triumphs, with an army thus reduced and debilitated, now folicited and obtained permiffion to return to Europe. He was fuccecded in the chief command by Brigadier- General Horneck, who arrived from Ja3794. maica about the middle of September ; and if the requifite qualificaticns for fuch a flation-firmnefs without arrogance, and conciliating manners without weaknefs, could always enfure fuccefs to the poffeffor, General Horneck would have brought good fortune with him. But the difficulties which the former commander wouldhave had to encounter, had he remained in his ftation, devolved with aggravated weight on his fucceffor. The only reinforcement which followed General Horneck, confifted of fifty men from Jamaica. Whatever troops were promifed or expeéted from Great Britain, none arrived, until the expiration of feven months after General Horneck had taken the command, Inftead, therefore, of attempting new achievements, he was compelled, by irrefiftible neceflity, to act chiefly Oa.1794. on the defenfive. The rebel Mulattoes, under Rigaud, even became mafters of Leogane, and fatiated their vengeance by putting The only reinforcement which followed General Horneck, confifted of fifty men from Jamaica. Whatever troops were promifed or expeéted from Great Britain, none arrived, until the expiration of feven months after General Horneck had taken the command, Inftead, therefore, of attempting new achievements, he was compelled, by irrefiftible neceflity, to act chiefly Oa.1794. on the defenfive. The rebel Mulattoes, under Rigaud, even became mafters of Leogane, and fatiated their vengeance by putting --- Page 201 --- S T. DOMING G O. putting to death all fuch of the French unfortunately fell into their planters, our allies, as CHAP. power. XI. ON the other hand, the ceffes of Licutenant-Colonel judicious exertions and rapid fucnite, had been for fome time Brifbane on the plain of Artibohad given birth the fubjcét of much to great expeétation. The applaufe, and of the town and neighbourhood French inhabitants more heartily ofSt. Marc, had been all difpofed to co-operate with the along any of their countrymen. Mr. Brifbane Englith, than fcore Britifh under his command. had not above fourwas compofed of the The reft of his little Marc's remains of Dillon's army legion, the militia of the regiment, the St. body of about thrae hundred reluétant neighbouring parifhes, and a the whole nct excecding twelve Spaniards from Verette; this force, properly hundred men in arms. With troops and rebel diftributed, he had routed the negroes in every republican the negro chiefs to folicit quarter; and even brought ten thoufand of thefe deluded permifion to capitulate. Eight or wretches, had actually unconditionally, and many returned, of fubmitted the plantations of their mafters. their own accord, to pearances were of fhort continuance. But thefe promifing apwas following up his fucceffes in While Colonel Brifbane the men of colour in the a ditant Part of Artibonite, promifes of the French town of St. Marc, feduced by the itfelf without troops, had commifioners, violated and finding the town lity, and on the 6th of their promifes of neutraparc of the republick; September taken up arms on the their way, whom they putting to death every man that fell in confidered as an eneny to the French commifioners. following up his fucceffes in While Colonel Brifbane the men of colour in the a ditant Part of Artibonite, promifes of the French town of St. Marc, feduced by the itfelf without troops, had commifioners, violated and finding the town lity, and on the 6th of their promifes of neutraparc of the republick; September taken up arms on the their way, whom they putting to death every man that fell in confidered as an eneny to the French commifioners. --- Page 202 --- HISTO RY OF CHAP. counmifioneri-The garrifon, confifting of about forty Britifh XI. convalefcents, threw themfelves into a fmall fort on the feafhore, which they gallantly defended for two days, when a frigate came to their relief from the Mole of Cape St. Nicholas.-The triumph of the Mulattoes, however, was tranfient. Colonel Brifbane attacked them on the fide of the land, and recovered the town; making upwards of three hundred of the infurgents prifoners, and driving the reft over the Artibonite river; but the advantages which he had obtained on the plain, were loft in the interim. The negro chiefs no longer folicited to capitulate, but appeared in greater force than ever. Bcing joined by the fugitive Mulattoes, they foon repaffed the river; 1794. and having, in the beginning of Oétober, obtained poffefion of two out-pofts (St. Michael and St. Raphael) they had procured plenty of arms and ammunition, and now threatened fo formidable an attack on the town of St. Marc, as to excite the moft ferious apprchenfions for its fafety. Such was the fituation of affairs in the weftern parts of St. Domingo about the period of General Horneck's arrival. The northern province (the Mole of St. Nicholas and the town of Fort Dauphin excepted) was entirely in poffeffion of the rebel negroes; and unhappily, in all other parts of the colony, the weaknefs of the Britifh was fo apparent, as not only to invite attacks from the enemy, but alfo to encourage revolt and confpiracy in the pofts in our poffefion (c). Rigaud, who commanded (e) Coloncl Brifbane had fcarccly driven the Mulattoes from St. Marc, and reftored order and tranquillity in the town, before a dark confpiracy was agitated among entirely in poffeffion of the rebel negroes; and unhappily, in all other parts of the colony, the weaknefs of the Britifh was fo apparent, as not only to invite attacks from the enemy, but alfo to encourage revolt and confpiracy in the pofts in our poffefion (c). Rigaud, who commanded (e) Coloncl Brifbane had fcarccly driven the Mulattoes from St. Marc, and reftored order and tranquillity in the town, before a dark confpiracy was agitated among --- Page 203 --- S T. DOMIN G O. manded in the fouth, now for the recovery of Fort determined to make a bold effort CHAP. ceeded, the lofs of the Bizotton, in which, if he had fic- XI. Prince would have been whole of the Britith army at Port au Y early in the morning of the inevitable. The fort was attacked lumns of the sth of December, by three COthoufand enemy, amounting in the whole to about men 3 but they were defeated two on their part, and with little lofs with great flaughter however, and both his on ours. Captain Grant, feverely wounded lieutenants, Clunes and Hamilton, were efforts, and early in the attack ; yet they continued nobly ficceded; and General their teftimony to their good conduét and valour. Williamion bore BAFFLED in this attack, and a more formidable Rigaud refolved to make another, His intentions attempt, for the of were known, and his recovery Tiburon. defeated, if any one Englith projeét might have been fpared to watch his thip of war could have been from whence he motions off the harbour of Aux fions. conveyed his artillery, Cayes, He procecded, however, ammunition, and proviwithout interruption in his among fome ofthe French inhabitants but it was happily difcovered and defeated under the Britifh protellion to cut him off; happened the beginning of January before it broke out into action. This plot was carried on a month afterwards 1795; and a ftill more daring and and put all the Englifh to death. This in Port au Prince, to feize on the dangerous and twenty ofthe confpirators confpiracy alfo was fortunatcly garrifon, pofed of the principal being brought to trial before a council of difcovered, field officers) commanders by fea and land war, comthey were all adjudged to fuffer (among whom were five French cordingly fhot on the 18th of February, death, and fifteen of them were 2Cpreparations ; and a ftill more daring and and put all the Englifh to death. This in Port au Prince, to feize on the dangerous and twenty ofthe confpirators confpiracy alfo was fortunatcly garrifon, pofed of the principal being brought to trial before a council of difcovered, field officers) commanders by fea and land war, comthey were all adjudged to fuffer (among whom were five French cordingly fhot on the 18th of February, death, and fifteen of them were 2Cpreparations --- Page 204 --- H I d0 S T O RY OF CHAP. preparations for the attack; and his armament failed from Aux XI. Cayes on the 23d of December. His naval force confifted of onc brig of fixteen guns, and three fchooners of fourteen guns 1794 each, and he commanded a body of near threc thoufand men, of all colours and defcriptions. The attack commenced on Chriftmas day. The garrifon, confifting of only four handred and cighty men, made a vigorous defence for four days, when, having loft upwards of three hundred of their number, and finding the poft no longer tenable, the furvivors, headed by their gallant commander, Lieutenant Bradford, of the 23d regiment, with unexampled bravery fought their way for five miles through the enemy, and got fafe to Irois. Lieutenant Bafkerville was the only officer who, by fome unfortunate circuftance, was unable to join his companions in their retreat 5 and this high-fpirited young man, with a refolution which, though a Chriftian muft condemn it, a Roman would have approved, to defcat the triumph of his favage enemy, who would probably have made him fuffer a fhameful death, put a period to his own exiftence, as Rigaud entered the fort. WITH this difaftrous occurrence terminated the year 1794(d), and here I fhall clofe my account of the military tranfactions of (d) Major General Williamfon, the latter end ofthe year, was appointed governor-general and commander in chief of his Majefty's poffeffions in St. Domingo; and was foon afterwards honoured with the order of the Bath-a diftination which he had nobly earned. He arrived at Port au Prince, and took upon him the go-" vernment, in May 1795. the , as Rigaud entered the fort. WITH this difaftrous occurrence terminated the year 1794(d), and here I fhall clofe my account of the military tranfactions of (d) Major General Williamfon, the latter end ofthe year, was appointed governor-general and commander in chief of his Majefty's poffeffions in St. Domingo; and was foon afterwards honoured with the order of the Bath-a diftination which he had nobly earned. He arrived at Port au Prince, and took upon him the go-" vernment, in May 1795. the --- Page 205 --- a S T. D OMIN G O. hofitiliticereneftill CHAP. armyin St. Domingo; for, elthough XI. the Britifh ill-fated country, it is, Ithink, fufliciently apcontinued in this of ultimate fuccels are parent, that all hopes and expecations who fall recount the events of vanithed for ever! The hiftorian and untimely deaths will have to lament the mournful in this 1795, brave and excellent young men who perifhed of many the foremoft ofthefs was Lieutenantfruitlefs conteit. Among honourable mention is made Colonel Thomas Brifbanc, of fwhom and good conduct and whole gallantry in the foregoing pages, of univerfal admiration, than his unwere not more the fubject He was killed on a reconnoitimely fate of univerfal regret. his death, his country was deprived, tring party in February. By andintelligent ofan able, indefatigable, at a moft eriticaljunture, the affections of moft ofthe various deofficer, who had gained command by his kindnefs, and the feriptions of people under his The fame fate, a month afconfidence of all by his courage (e). who perithed in terwards, awaited Tnmtpmemt-Cocatydatheme forces which were at that attacking an out-poft of the enemy's The out-poft was carried; time laying fiege to Fort Bizotton. oftheir cannon, werc the colours of the enemy, and five pieccs of their number Mlain on the taken, and upwards of fix hundred obtained by the lofs offo enfpot; but the viétory was dearly Yet it affords fome conterprizing and accomplithed a leader. though cut ofin that thefe brave young men, folation torefleét, of nobly exerting themthe bloom of life, fell in the field glory, and lieutenans colonel of the colo- (e) He was a captain in the 4gth regiment, 112 corps called the St. Marc's Legion, felves Z s of their number Mlain on the taken, and upwards of fix hundred obtained by the lofs offo enfpot; but the viétory was dearly Yet it affords fome conterprizing and accomplithed a leader. though cut ofin that thefe brave young men, folation torefleét, of nobly exerting themthe bloom of life, fell in the field glory, and lieutenans colonel of the colo- (e) He was a captain in the 4gth regiment, 112 corps called the St. Marc's Legion, felves Z --- Page 206 --- H I S TOR Y O F CHAP. felves in the caufe of their country, and amidft the XI, and dying blefings applaufcs of their compatriots. Alas, how many of their youthfui affociates, in this unhappy war, might havc envied them fo glorious an exit! What nunbers have perifhed-not in the field ofhonour-but on thc bed of ficknefs !-not amidit the fhouts of victory-but the groans of defpairl-condenuned to linger in the horrors of pettilence ; to fall without a confliét, and to die without renown ()! THESE rcflections, and the obfervations which I have made in the preceding pages, on the infufliciency of the means to the () The difeafe in which fo many gallant men have perifhed, is commonly known by the name of the yellow fever. Two writers of great ability (Dr. Rufh of Philadelphia, and Dr. Benjamin Mofeley of Pall Mall, London) have treated fully of this dreadful calamity. The picture which the latter has given of an unhappy patient of his in the Welt Indies, a young officer of great merit, in the laft ftage ofthis difeafe, after four days illnefs, is drawn bythe hand of a mafter. < I arrived at thelodgings of this much-efteemed young man (fays the doctor) about four hours! before his death. When I entered the room, he was vomiting a black muddy cruor, and was bleeding atthe nofe. A bloodyi ichor was oozing from the corners of his cyes, and from his mouth and gums. His face was befmeared with blood, and, with the dulnefs of his eyes, it prefented a moft diftreffing contraft to his natural vifage. His abdomen was fwelled, and inflated prodigioully. His body was all over of a deep yellow, interfperfed with livid fpots. His hands and feet were of a livid hue. Every part ofhim was cold excepting about his heart. He had a deep ftrong hiccup, but neither delirium nor coma ; and was, at my firft feeing him, as I thought, in his perfeét fenfes.. He looked at the changed appearance of his fkin, and expreffed, though he could not fpeak, by his fad countenance, that he knew life was foon to yield up her citadel, now abandoning the reft of his body. Exhaufted with vomiting, he at laft was fuffocated with the blood he was endeavouring to bring up, and expired," Mofeley on Tropical Difeafes, 3d edit.p p. 459. objects ft feeing him, as I thought, in his perfeét fenfes.. He looked at the changed appearance of his fkin, and expreffed, though he could not fpeak, by his fad countenance, that he knew life was foon to yield up her citadel, now abandoning the reft of his body. Exhaufted with vomiting, he at laft was fuffocated with the blood he was endeavouring to bring up, and expired," Mofeley on Tropical Difeafes, 3d edit.p p. 459. objects --- Page 207 --- da ST. DOMING O. in view, are not written in the fpirit of accufation againft CHAP. cbjects know myfelf) is there any bias of XI. men in authority 5 nor (ifI Iam far from afferting, that the party zeal on my judgment. afford Situation and refources of Great Britain were fuch as to body of troops for tervice in St. Domingo, at the proa greater than the number that was actually fent thither. pcr moment, into the national councils, and am well I prefume not to intrude of the ftate, apprized that exifting alliances and pre-engagements confideration to his Majefty's miwere objects of important nifters. Neither can I affirm, that the delays and obftructions, the arrivalat the fcene ofadtion of fome of the which prevented until the return of the fickly feafon, were avoiddetachments, thoufand accidents and cafualties continually fubvert able. A ofhuman contrivance. We and overthrow the beft laid fchemes confiderable fleets detained by adverfe winds, in the have feen fucceffive and powerful ports of Great Britain for many months, have been driven back by ftorms and tempefts, after armaments attempts to reach the place of their deftination. many unavailing but, at the fame time, I owe it Thus much I owe to candour; that in cafe no greater force alfo to truth to avow my opinion, could have been ipared for the enterprize againft St. Domingo, the enterprize itfelf ought not to have been undertaken *, The has attended the attack of St. Domingo, a jufti- * If, from the ill fuccefs which i: ought not to be overfication of the original meafure fhall be thought neceffàry, had alfo ftrong reafon to looked, that General Williamfon, among other motives, commiffioners on the bclieve, that attempts were meditated by the republican that the moft certain way of ifland of Jamaica, He thercfore, probably thought, fufficient preventing the fucceis of fuch defigns, was to give the commifioners than employment at home.--I write this note in juitice to a diftinguifhed officer, whom no man living has deferved better of his country. Z 2 object alfo ftrong reafon to looked, that General Williamfon, among other motives, commiffioners on the bclieve, that attempts were meditated by the republican that the moft certain way of ifland of Jamaica, He thercfore, probably thought, fufficient preventing the fucceis of fuch defigns, was to give the commifioners than employment at home.--I write this note in juitice to a diftinguifhed officer, whom no man living has deferved better of his country. Z 2 object --- Page 208 --- II IS TORY OF CHAP. objeét of the Britith minifters was avowedly to obtain poffeffion XI. of the whole of the French part of the country. That they dependence on the co-operation of the French inplaced great habitants, and were grofsly deceived by agents from thence, I believe and admit; but they ought furely to have forefeen, that a very formidable oppofition was to be expeéted from the parItizans and troops of the republican government; and they ought alfo to have known, that no confiderabie body oft the French planters could be expeéted to rifk their lives and fortunes in the common caufe, but in full confidence of protcétion and fupport. In my own judgment, all the force which Great Britain could have fent thither, would not have been fufficient for the complete fubjugation of the colony. It is afferted by competent judges, that not lefs thàn fix thoifand men were necefiary for the fecure maintenance of Port au Prince alone 5 I do not believe that the number of Britifh, in all parts of yet to the month of April St. Domingo, at any one period, previous exceeded two thoufand two hundred, of whom, excapt 1795, the of Port au Prince, not one half were fit for at capture aétive fervice; and during the hot and fickly months of.Auguft, September, and October, not one third/g). PERHAPS .(g) The following returns are authentick. in the fervice of the Britilh government at St. Return of the provincial troops Domingo, ift January 1795. Rank and file fit for duty. : Sick. Total. At Port au Prince 496 1 48 Mole St. Nicholas 209. 1 38 - 247 St. Marc 813 1 321 I134 Retum --- Page 209 --- S T. DOMI N G O. PERHAPS the moft fatal overfight in the conduét of the expedition, was the ftrange and unaccountable whole CHAP, fecuring the town and harbour of Aux negleét of not XI. of Cayes, and the little Jacmel on the fame part of the coaft, port of Port au Prince. With thofe previous to the attack places, on the one fide peninfula, and the poft of Acul in our ofthe all communication poffeffion on the other, between the Southern and the two other provinces would have been cut off; the Windward Iflands to Jamaica would navigation from the poffeliion of the two have been fecure, while the Bight of Capes which fori the entrance into the Leogane (Cape Nicholas and Tiburon) would have proteéted the homeward trade in its courfe ward Paflage. All this through the Windmight have been fecured; and I think itis all that, in found accomplithed and been attempted. As to Port policy, ough: to have au Prince, it would have been for. Return ofthe Britith forces in the ifland ofSt. Dominge, If Janusry 1795Port au Prince Rank and file etledtive. Sick. Total. Mole St. Nicholas Leogane (Cape Nicholas and Tiburon) would have proteéted the homeward trade in its courfe ward Paflage. All this through the Windmight have been fecured; and I think itis all that, in found accomplithed and been attempted. As to Port policy, ough: to have au Prince, it would have been for. Return ofthe Britith forces in the ifland ofSt. Dominge, If Janusry 1795Port au Prince Rank and file etledtive. Sick. Total. Mole St. Nicholas Jeremie 209 - - 166 Tiburon 59 - 154 St. Marc 3+ 18 - 52 48 1 33 The next reinforcement from 738 1490 confifted of about fourteen hundred Europe arrived the latter end of. April 1795, and reinforcement (the 82d regiment) landed men (theSzit and 96th regiments): a further the Jaft efpecially, from.its in Auguf folonsing. All thefe landing at fo unfaveurable a corps, digioufly. The 82d landed ninc hundred and feafon, fuffered proand thurty were buried within ten weeks, In eighty men, of whom fix hundred fle only were able to do duty, one of the companies, three rank and tunate --- Page 210 --- HISTORY 0 F CHAP. tunate if the works had been deitroyed, and the town evacuXI. ated immediately afterits furrender. e THE retention by the enemy of Aux Cayes and Jacmel, :not only enabled them to procure reinforcements and fupplies, but alfo moft amply to revenge our attempts on their coafts, by reprifals on our trade. It is known that upwards of thirty privateers, fome of them of contiderable force, have been fitted out from thofe ports, whofe rapacity and vigilance fcarce a veffel bound from the Windward Iflands to Ja- .maica can efcape. The prizes which they madc, in a few thort nonths, abundantly compenfated for the lofs of their fhips at Port au Prince (b). AFTER (h) The following is a lift of veffels bound to Jamaica, which were taken and carried into Aux Cayes, between June 1794 and Junc 1795, moft of them laden with. dry goods, provifions, and plantation ftores, and many of them of great value. From f13th) June The Edward Wm Marfhall w l 1794, ÉBrillol. Fame Rob' Hall - - July a L. and Cork. Bellona a Tho" White - Liverpool, Hope Wm Swan. Molly Peter Mawdfley 6 sthMar.1795, Africa, 300 negrocs. Hodge a a Geo, Brown 19th Ditto, Liverpool, William - a Tho Calloine 2oth Ditto. Bell - Arch4 Weir Ditto, Greenock. Buftler a a Sewell - a a tranfport. Druid - Wilfon 14th March, Leith, Martha - Wm Reid 3ift March, London. Alexander - Benj" Moor 17th April, Glafgow. Lovely Peggy Peter Murphy. Swallow - - a Lachlan Vals soth May, a Dunmore negrocs. Hodge a a Geo, Brown 19th Ditto, Liverpool, William - a Tho Calloine 2oth Ditto. Bell - Arch4 Weir Ditto, Greenock. Buftler a a Sewell - a a tranfport. Druid - Wilfon 14th March, Leith, Martha - Wm Reid 3ift March, London. Alexander - Benj" Moor 17th April, Glafgow. Lovely Peggy Peter Murphy. Swallow - - a Lachlan Vals soth May, a Dunmore --- Page 211 --- Ca ST. D O M I N G O. Ihave afferted nothing which I do not CHAP. AFTER all, though XI. I will honeftly admit, that many important believe to be true, exifted, unknown to me, very probably faéts and circumftances, neceffary to enable with which is indifpenfably an acquaintance on the meafures which any man to form a corrcét judgment with comon this occafion. To a writer, fitting were purfued of faéts before him, pofure in his clofet, with a partial difplay miftakes in the tafk to point out faults and it is no difficult where miftakes arc difcoconduet of publick affairs; ; and even is very cheaply acquired.. vered, the wifdom of after-knowledge of huthat the beft concerted plans It is the lot of our nature, obferver will are fubjeét to errors which the meaneft man policy writer) that fomctimes deteét. <6 The hand (fays an eminent demolifh a palace." 64 cannot build a hovel, may BUT, a new fcene now. opens for contemplation and reflection, received fince I began my work, that arifing from intelligence ceded to the republick of the Spanifh government has formally Dunmore Stephen Conmick 26th May, London. Wilkinfon Ditto. Maria - Africa, 450. negroes.- Minerva - - Robertfon 4th June, General Mathew Tho Douglas 8th Ditto, London. A fchooner, name 2 Adam Walker 22d Ditto, Glalgow. forget - e - Hambleton Ditto, Ditto. Hope Hunter Ditto, Leith,laflfroml London. Caledonia - 25th - 27th Ditto, Glalgow. Molly - Simpfon Hull. Refolution - Taunton - 2gth Ditto, And feveral veffels belonging to Kingfton, names forgot. France: 4th June, General Mathew Tho Douglas 8th Ditto, London. A fchooner, name 2 Adam Walker 22d Ditto, Glalgow. forget - e - Hambleton Ditto, Ditto. Hope Hunter Ditto, Leith,laflfroml London. Caledonia - 25th - 27th Ditto, Glalgow. Molly - Simpfon Hull. Refolution - Taunton - 2gth Ditto, And feveral veffels belonging to Kingfton, names forgot. France: --- Page 212 --- HISTORY OF CHAP. France the whole of this great and noble ifand in perpetual XI, fovercignty! So extraordinary a circumftance will doubtlefs give birth to much fpeculation and enquiry, as well concerning the value and extent of the territory ceded, as the prefent difpolition and general charaéter of the Spanifh inhabitants. Will they relith this transfer of their allegiance from a monarchical to a republican governient, made, as it confeffedly is, without their previous confent Cr knowledge; or may reafonable expeétations be encouraged, that they will now cordially co-operate with the Englith, in reducing the country to the Britifh dominion ? Will fuch ailiftance effcét the re-efablifhment of fubordination and among the vaft body of revolted negroes ? good government the inveftigation of which will lead Thefe are deep queftions, to enquiries of Atill greater magnitude; for, whether we confider the poffefion, by an aétive and induftrious people, of fo vaft a field for enterprize and improvement on the one hand, of fuccefsful revolt and favage anarchy on the or the triumph other, it appears to me that the future fate and profitable exiftence of the Britifh territories in this part of the world, are involved in the iffue. On all thefe, and various collateral fubjects, I regret that I do not pofefs the means of giving much fatisfaction to the reader. Such information, however, as I have colleéted on fome of the preceding enquirics, and fuch rcfections as occur to me. on others, will be found in the enfuing chapter, which concludes my work. CHAP or the triumph other, it appears to me that the future fate and profitable exiftence of the Britifh territories in this part of the world, are involved in the iffue. On all thefe, and various collateral fubjects, I regret that I do not pofefs the means of giving much fatisfaction to the reader. Such information, however, as I have colleéted on fome of the preceding enquirics, and fuch rcfections as occur to me. on others, will be found in the enfuing chapter, which concludes my work. CHAP --- Page 213 --- A ST." DOMIN N GO. CHA P. XII. Town of St. Domingo Ancient State ef the Spanifo Colony-Tbe by cfablifbed by Bartbolomeo Columbus in 1498-Pillged its and Refeétions concerning Drake in 1586.-Cogjedtures in the inteprefent Condition, and the State ef Agriculture Inbaand Cbaraëter ef the prefent rior Cauntry--Numbers towards tbe French Planters, and bitants.-Tbeir Animofity tbe. future SiHealoufy of tbe Englifs. . -Conjebtures concerning Refeétions. tuation oftbe subole Iand; and Jome concluding in Hifpaniola (the name St. Do- CHAP. - HE Spanith colony to the chief city only) XII. mingo being properly applicable the nations of Europe was the earlieft eftablifhment made by notorious to be in the new world; and, unhappily, it is too and cefounded in rapacity denied, that it was an eftablifhment of the firft Spanith advenmented with blood ! The fole object earth for filver and turers was to ranfack the bowels of the at leaft a million gold; in which frantick purfuit, they murdered the mines became of the peaceful and inoffenfive natives ! As entered on the culexhaufted, a few of the more induftrious of the tivation of cacao, ginger, and fugar ; but the poverty mines of the inhabitants, and the difcovery of new greater part emigration -the experiin Mexico, occafioned a prodigious powerful of difappointments not proving fufliciently ence paft wealth by a fhorter courfe than to cure the rage for acquiring therefore, Hifthat of patient induftry. In leis than a century, a COdeferted, and nothing preferved it as paniola vas nearly lony, A a of the tivation of cacao, ginger, and fugar ; but the poverty mines of the inhabitants, and the difcovery of new greater part emigration -the experiin Mexico, occafioned a prodigious powerful of difappointments not proving fufliciently ence paft wealth by a fhorter courfe than to cure the rage for acquiring therefore, Hifthat of patient induftry. In leis than a century, a COdeferted, and nothing preferved it as paniola vas nearly lony, A a --- Page 214 --- HISTO RY OF CHAP. lony, but the eftablifhment of archiepifcopal government irr XII. its chief city, St. Domingo, and its being for many years the 1 feat of civil and criminal jurifdiction, in cafes of appeal, from all the territories of Spain in this part of the world (a). THE fettlement of the French in the weftern part of the ifland, of the origin of which I have already given an account, though the primary caufe of hereditary and irreconcilable enmity between the two colonies, was however produétive of good even to the Spaniards themfelves. As the French fettlers increafed in number, and their plantations became enlarged, they wanted oxen for their markets, and horfes for their mills. Thefe, their neighbours were able to fupply without much eXertion of labour; and thus an intercourfe was created, which has continued to the prefent day S the Spaniards receiving, through the French, the manufaétures of Europe, in exchange for cattle. The example too, before their eyes, of fuccefsfulinduftry and growing profperity, was not wholly without its effect. The cultivation of fugar, which had diminifhed nearly to nothing, was revived in different parts ofthe Spanifh territory, and plantations were eftablithed ofcacao, indigo, ginger, and tobacco. The quantity of fugar exported in the beginning of thc prefent century, is faid to have amounted yearly to 15,000 chefts each: of7 cwt. THE country itfelf being evidently more mountainous in the central and eaftern than in the weftern parts, it is probable, that the Spanifh territory is, on the whole, naturally leis fcr- (a) The adiminiftration of juftice throughout Spanifh America is at prefent divided into twelve courts of andiencé, one only of which is at St. Domingo. tile ugar exported in the beginning of thc prefent century, is faid to have amounted yearly to 15,000 chefts each: of7 cwt. THE country itfelf being evidently more mountainous in the central and eaftern than in the weftern parts, it is probable, that the Spanifh territory is, on the whole, naturally leis fcr- (a) The adiminiftration of juftice throughout Spanifh America is at prefent divided into twelve courts of andiencé, one only of which is at St. Domingo. tile --- Page 215 --- a 2F O. ST. D OMING of the French ; but much the greater portion of CHAP tile than that under the Spanifh XII. the ifland remained, until the late treaty, continues at this dominion; and of that, by far the major part coaft, the wildernefs. On the northern hour an unproduétive the river Maffacre, and, croffing the line of divifion began at terminated on the fouthern country fomewhat irregularly, called Les Ances à Pitre ; leaving about fide, at a fmall bay ifland in the pofieflion of Spain. Protwo-thirds of the whole fhore from the boundary on the ceeding caftward along the is Monte Chrifti, a town which north, the firft place of note contraband traffick with North formerly grew to importance by miferable village, the abode America, but is now reduced to a exhibits a of a few fifhermen, and the furrounding country The river St. profpedt of negleét and fterility. melancholy into the fea at this place ; on the banks of which, at Jago runs farms of confiderable extent. fome diftance inland, are grafs for the fpace of fifteen leagues, From the mouth of this river, fettlement eftablifhed by Ifabella (the fcite of the firft to Punta ofimprovement, Chriftopher Columbus) the foil, though capable Franof cultivation. From Ifabella to old Cape exhibits no fign of Puerto de Plata) the coaft feems ençois (with the exception the bay of Samana, does a much tirely deferted; nor, after pafing round the caitern extremity, better profpect offer, until coafting called Los Llanos, or we reach a vaft extent of level country the banks of the river the Plains; ; at the weft end of which, on Ozama, ftands the metropolis. the moft confiderable in the new THIS city, which was long Columbus, in the year worid, was founded by Bartholomew in thofe days, St. 1498, and named after a faint of great renown Dominick. A a 2 the caitern extremity, better profpect offer, until coafting called Los Llanos, or we reach a vaft extent of level country the banks of the river the Plains; ; at the weft end of which, on Ozama, ftands the metropolis. the moft confiderable in the new THIS city, which was long Columbus, in the year worid, was founded by Bartholomew in thofe days, St. 1498, and named after a faint of great renown Dominick. A a 2 --- Page 216 --- HISTORY OF CHAP. Dominick. There is preferved in Oviedo, a Spanith XII. who refided here about thirty years after its firft eftablifhment, hiftorian, an account ofits ftate and popalation at that period, which being equally authentick and curious, I Thall prefent to the reader at length, < BuT nowe (fays the Hiftorian) to fpeake fiumwhat of the ec principall and chiefe place of the iflande, whiche is the citie <6 of San Domenico: I faye, that as touchynge the c6 there is no citie in Spaine, fo muche for fo-muche buildynges, < (no not Barfalona, whiche I have oftentymes feene) that is to bee 46 preferred before this generallye. For the houfes of San Ce Do-: menico are for the mofte parte of ftone, as arc they of 66 Barfalona. The fituation is muche better tha that of Bar6 Jalona, by reafon that the ftreates are much larger : and < and without playner, comparyfon more direéte and ftrayght furth. 66 For beinge buylded nowe in our tyme, befyde the conmo66 ditie of the piace of the foundation, the ftreates were alfo <6 direéted with corde compafe and.meafure; werein it excelleth €6 al the cities that I have fene. It hath the fea fo nere, that 66 of one fyde there is no more fpace betwen the fea and the < citie, then the waules. On the other parte, hard by the c6 fyde and at the foote of the houfes, paffeth the ryver Ozama, 66 whiche is a marveylous porte ; wherein laden ihyppes ryfe very nere to the lande, and in manner under the houfe 66 dowes. In the myddeft of the citie is the fortreffe wyn- and 46 caftle 5 the port or haven alfo, is fo fayre and commodious 66 to defraight or unlade thyppes, as the lyke is founde but in 66 fewe places of the worlde. The chymineis thatarein this citie 66 are about fyxe hundreth in nunber, and fuch houfes as I have 4 (poken lande, and in manner under the houfe 66 dowes. In the myddeft of the citie is the fortreffe wyn- and 46 caftle 5 the port or haven alfo, is fo fayre and commodious 66 to defraight or unlade thyppes, as the lyke is founde but in 66 fewe places of the worlde. The chymineis thatarein this citie 66 are about fyxe hundreth in nunber, and fuch houfes as I have 4 (poken --- Page 217 --- S T. DOMINGO 66 fpoken of before ; of the 6c that they maye well which fum are fo fayre and receave and large CHAP manne ofSpayne, with his lodge any lorde or noble XII. 6c that which Don trayne and familie; and efpecially 6e hath in this citie, is Diego fuche Colon, viceroy under your majeftie, 6t hath the that Iknowe no man lyke, by a inSpayne that c; commodities ofthe quarter, in goodneffe, con(rderynge all the 66 beinge above the fame. Lykewyfe the fituation thercof as 66 havynge fayde porte, and altogyther of many faire and ftone, and 66 fpect of the lande and fea large roomes, with 2S goodly a pro66 me fo as may be devyfed, feemeth magnifcal and unto 66 as well lodged therein princelyke, that your majeftie may bee 6 ed houfes of as in any oft the mofe exquifite build66 buylded of Spayne. There is alfo a cathedrall late, where, churche ce aswell the byfhop dygnitie, as alfo the accordyng to his ce is well buylded of fione canones, are wel indued. This church 66 thyppe. There and lyme, and of good are woorkeman- <e the names of further-more three monafteries Scynt Dominike, Saynt bearyng Mary of Frances, and 6e not fo Mercedes 5 the whiche are well buylded, Saynt ic curiouflye as they of Spayne. There although good hofpitail for the is alfo a <6 whiche ayde and fuccour of very was founded pore by Michaell people, your majeftie. To Pafamont, threafurer to66 creafeth in welth and conclude, this citie fro day to day in66 admyralland good order, as wel for that the viceroy, with the lorde layde fayle appoynted there chaunceloure and 66 nuall by your majeftie, have theyr counc6 ilande abydynge here, as alfo that the contirefort hyther, for rycheft men of the 66 and trade of fuch thyre mofte commodious habitation merchaundies as are eyther brought owt of s6 Spayne, day to day in66 admyralland good order, as wel for that the viceroy, with the lorde layde fayle appoynted there chaunceloure and 66 nuall by your majeftie, have theyr counc6 ilande abydynge here, as alfo that the contirefort hyther, for rycheft men of the 66 and trade of fuch thyre mofte commodious habitation merchaundies as are eyther brought owt of s6 Spayne, --- Page 218 --- HISTORY O 2 F OH AP. cc Spayne, or fent thyther from this iland, which nowe fo XII, 65 abundeth in many thynges, that it ferveth Spayne with 66 many commodities, as it were with ufury requityng fuch 66 benefites as it fyrft receaved from thenfe (b). IT is probable that St. Domingo had now attained the fummit of its profperity. About fixty years afterwards (ift January 1586) it was attacked by Sir Francis Drake; a narrative of whofe expedition, by an eye- witnefs, is preferved in Hakluyt's Colleétion; from which it appears, that it was, even then, a city of great extent and magnificence; and it is fhocking to relate, that, after a month's poffeflion, Drake thought himfelf authorized, by the laws of war, to deftroy it by fire. 6C We fpent the early part of the mornings (fays the hiftorian ofthe voyage) in fireing the outmoft houfes; but they being built very magnificently of ftone, with highloftes, gave us no fmall travell to ruin them. And albcit, for divers dayes together, we ordeined ech morning by day-break, until the heat began at nine of the clocke, that two hundred mariners did nought els but labour to fire and burn the faid houfes, whilft the fouldiers, in a like proportion, ftood forth for their guard;" yet did we not, or could not, in this time, confume fo much as one third part of the towne; and fo in the end, wcaried with firing, we were contented to accept of five and twenty thoufand ducats, of five thillings and fixpence the peece, for the ranfome of the reft of the towne (c)." OF (b) From a tranflation by Richard Eden, printed, London 1555, in black letter. (e) The following anecdote, related by the fame author, is too ftriking to be overlooked. I fhall quote his own words : During the ftay of the Englith army in in the end, wcaried with firing, we were contented to accept of five and twenty thoufand ducats, of five thillings and fixpence the peece, for the ranfome of the reft of the towne (c)." OF (b) From a tranflation by Richard Eden, printed, London 1555, in black letter. (e) The following anecdote, related by the fame author, is too ftriking to be overlooked. I fhall quote his own words : During the ftay of the Englith army in --- Page 219 --- O. S T. DOMING condition of this ancient city, the number CHAP. Or the prefent which they fupport, I XII. of its inhabitants, and the commerce That it hath obtain no account on which I can depend. can but that it is wholly been long in its decline, I have no doubt; and in ruins, as Raynal afferts, I do not believe. depopulated buildings are ftill in being, The cathedral and other publick body of clergy the refidence of a confiderable and were lately continued alfo, while under the Spaand lawyers. The city to whom, it the diocefe of an archbithop, nifh government, in Cuba, Venezuela in New is faid, the bi(hops of St. Jago fuffragans. Thefe Spain, and St. John's in Porto Rico, were and excircumftances, added to the fecurity, commodioufiefs, lcfs than containing throughout not tent of the port or harbour, the fent on a meffage to the Spanifh governor, in the city, c it chanced that general truce, 25 is the Spanyards ordinarie a negro boy with a Alag of white, fignifying which boy unhappily was manner to do there, when they approch to fpeaktous; as officers for the king firft met withall by fome of thofc who had been belonging fallen into cur hands, in the Spanifh galley, which, with the towne, was that lateiy ufage wherewith wee who, without ail order or reafon, and contrary to good thorow the body, their meffengers, furicully ftrooke the poor boy had intertained returned to the general, and, after he had declared the with v:hich wound the boy died forthwith in his prefence; wherewith the manner of this wrongfull crueltie, provoft martiall to caufe a couple generall being greatly raliondi.comandd-er be carried to the fame place where the boy was ftrokena offriers, then prifoners, to at the fame inftant, another poor and there prefently to be hanged; di(patching, this execution was donc, and with this further prifoner, with the rezfon wherefore thus murdered the general's meifenger, meffage, that untill the party who had punifhment, there fhould no were delivered into our hands to receive condigne bc hanged, until they were all day pafle wherein there fhould not two prifoners the day following, hee that bad confumed which were in our hands. Whereupon the offender to the towne's end, offering been captaine of the king's galley, brought to be a morc honcurable revenge to delive er him into our hands; but it was thought themfelves, which to make them therc, in our fight, to performe the execution was done accoréingly." three * into our hands to receive condigne bc hanged, until they were all day pafle wherein there fhould not two prifoners the day following, hee that bad confumed which were in our hands. Whereupon the offender to the towne's end, offering been captaine of the king's galley, brought to be a morc honcurable revenge to delive er him into our hands; but it was thought themfelves, which to make them therc, in our fight, to performe the execution was done accoréingly." three * --- Page 220 --- H I S T 2 ORY O F CHAP. three fathoms of water, and proteéted by a bar over which the XII. Jargeft veffels may pafs with fafety, have hitherto faved St. Domingo from entire decay, and may pofibly continue to fave it. With this very defeétive information the reader muft be content. As little feems to be known concerning the ftate of agriculture in the Spanifh poffeflions in this ifland, as of their capital and commerce. A few planters are faid to cultivate cacao, tobacco, and fugar, for theirown expenditure; and, perhaps fome fmall quantities of each are fill exported for confumption in Spain. The chief article of exportation, however, continues to be, what it always has been fince the mines were abandoned, the bides of borned cattle; which have multiplied to fuch a degree, that the proprietors are faid to reckon them by thoufands ; and vaft numbers (as I believe I have elfewhere obferved) are annually flaughtered folely for the ikins-t. IT feems thereforc extremely probable, that the cultivation of the earth is almoft entirely negleéted throughout the whole ofthe Spanifh dominion in this ifland; and that fome of the fineft tracts of land in the world, once the paradife of a fimple and innocent people, are now abandoned to the beafts of the field, and the vultures which hover round them (a). OF this defcription, probably, is the country already mentioned, called Los Llanos, which ftretches eaftward +It is faid that a Company was formedat Barcelona in 1757, with exclufive privileges, for the re-eftablifhment of agriculture and commerce in the Spanifh part of St. Domingo: I know not with what fuccefs. (d) The Gallinazs, or American vulture, a very ravenous and filthy bird that feeds on carrion. Thefe birds abound in St. Domingo, and devour the carcaffes of the cattle as foon as the fkins are ftripped off by the hunters. from ches eaftward +It is faid that a Company was formedat Barcelona in 1757, with exclufive privileges, for the re-eftablifhment of agriculture and commerce in the Spanifh part of St. Domingo: I know not with what fuccefs. (d) The Gallinazs, or American vulture, a very ravenous and filthy bird that feeds on carrion. Thefe birds abound in St. Domingo, and devour the carcaffes of the cattle as foon as the fkins are ftripped off by the hunters. from --- Page 221 --- C S T. D O MIN N G O. of fourfcore Britich miles in length, CHAP. from the capital upwards and which, abound- XII. by twenty or twenty-five in width; adapted for the in rivers throughout, may be fuppofed ing produétion in the greateft perfecgrowth of every tropical artificially flooded in dry tion : It feems capable alfo of being weather. but fuperior, it is believNEXT to Los Llanos in magnitude, valley to the north, called ed, in native fertility, is the noble which flows the river Yuna, Vega Real; through the middle of in Samana bay to for the fpacc of fifty miles, and difembogues to fay, that this the eaft. Perhaps it were no exaggeration of producing more and the former diftricts are alone capable than all the Britifh Weft fugar,and other valuable commodities, Indies put together. though in contiguity the largeft, are THESE plains, however, which nature has beftowed not the only parts of the country on rich, eafy of accefs, extraordinary fertility. Glades abundantly where found even in the and obvious to cultivation, are every themfelves conbofom of the mountains 5 while the mountains thc vallies which they encircle. tribute to fertilize the gifts of a bountiful Creator, thus lying IN beholding and remembering: at what an expence of ufelefs and unimproved, guilt the Spanifh nation human blood, and by what inexpiable from thc rightful pofobtained the poffeffion of thefe countries and fcarce to abftain from very gloomy feffors, it is poffible defponding B b --- Page 222 --- HIST TORY O F CHAP. defponding reflcétions, or to fupprefs the exclamation, Low in. XII. Jerutable are tbe acays ef Divine Providence! - THUS fcanty and unintercfting is the beft account Ihave to give of the territory itfelf; nor is my information much more perfeét concerning the number and condition of the people by whom it is at prefent inhabited. The earlieft detachments from Old Spain were undoubtedly numerous. Herrera, an accurate and well-informed hiftorian, reckons that there were, at one period, no lels than 14,000 Caftillians in Hifpaniola. Such was the renown of its riches, that men of all ranks and conditions reforted thither, in the fond expectation of fharing in the golden harveft. Its mines, indeed, were Robertfon relates, that they continued for very produétive. of 460,000 In conmany years to yield a revenue pefos (e). trafting this fact, with an anecdote which I have elfewhere-t recorded, that the inhabitants, at the time of Drake's invafion, were fo wretchedly poor, as to be compelled to ufc, in barter among themfelves, pieces efleatber as a fubftitute for mowe are furnifhed with a ftriking proof, that the true way to ney, acquire riches, is not by digging into the bowels, but by improving the furface, ofthe earth. Not having any manufactures, nor of to offer in exchange for the nethe produétions agriculture, ceffaries and conveniencies of life, all their gold had foon found its way to Europe ; and when the mines became exhaufted, their (e) Upwards of L. 100,000 fterling. * Hiftory of the Britifh Weft Indies, vol. i. penury a ftriking proof, that the true way to ney, acquire riches, is not by digging into the bowels, but by improving the furface, ofthe earth. Not having any manufactures, nor of to offer in exchange for the nethe produétions agriculture, ceffaries and conveniencies of life, all their gold had foon found its way to Europe ; and when the mines became exhaufted, their (e) Upwards of L. 100,000 fterling. * Hiftory of the Britifh Weft Indies, vol. i. penury --- Page 223 --- a ST. D O M I N G O. and degeneracy, CHAP, was extreme; ; and floth, depopulation, XII. penury were its neceflary confequences (f). into this ifland of negroes from Africa, of THE introduétion the origin and caufe (g), took which I have elfewhere traced greatThis refource did not, however, place at an early period. of thc colony ; for ly contribute to augment the population in fearch of fuch of the whites as removed to the continent, their negrocs richer mines and better fortunc, commonly took deftroyand the fmall pox, a few years afterwards, with them; of others. In 1717, the whole number ed prodigious numbers dominion, of all ages and of inhabitants under the Spanith than 18,410, and conditions, enflaved and free, were no more than they have rather diminifhed fince that time, I conceive, contradiftindion to the people increafed. Of pure whites (in inconfiderable; blood) the number is undoubtedly very of mixed perhaps not 3,000 in the whole. gold and filver as real inftead of artifi- () The grofs ignorance of confidering for the fake of exploring mines, cial wealth, and the folly of negleéting agriculture who comparcs the conduét of the Spahave been well expofed by Abbé Raynal in ; the fablc, dropping the piece of meat niards in this refpeét, to that of the dog fhadow of it in the water. which he had in his mouth, to catch at the circumftance (g) Hif. of the Britilh Weft Indies, Book iv. C. 2. the A traffick curious in negroes, apomitted. When the Portuguefe firft began which his Holinefs was,however, to fandtify the trade by a bull, plication was made to the Pope and authority, a very coniffued accordingly. In confequence of this permifion infomuch, that about the ycar iderable flave-market was eftablifhed at Lifbon, from IO to 12,000 negroes were fold there annually. 1539, THE Bb 2 --- Page 224 --- H I S T O R Y O F animofity between the CHAP. THE hereditary and unextinguithable been noticed. It is proXII. Spanith and French planters has already circumftance created of this a 1 bable, however, that the knowledge with the Brigreater reliance on the co-operation ofthe Spaniards At the earneft tilh army than was juftified by fubfequent Colonel events. Brifbane, in 11794, and repeated folicitations of Lieutenant of St. Domingo orders were indeed tranfmitted from the city Don Francifco de Villa Neuva,. to the Commandant at Verettes, militia of that part of the counto join the Englith with the undertaking to fupply them try ; the Britifh garrifon at St.Marc but thefe orders were ilk with provifions and ammunition : into Not more than three hundred men were brought obeyed. were far from being hearty in the the field, and even thofe appeared in greater common caufe. The French loyalifts St. Marc than in any other numbers in the neighhourhood of French coloniits of all diftrict ; and the Spaniards detefted the that were It was evident, at the fame time, they defcriptions. them try ; the Britifh garrifon at St.Marc but thefe orders were ilk with provifions and ammunition : into Not more than three hundred men were brought obeyed. were far from being hearty in the the field, and even thofe appeared in greater common caufe. The French loyalifts St. Marc than in any other numbers in the neighhourhood of French coloniits of all diftrict ; and the Spaniards detefted the that were It was evident, at the fame time, they defcriptions. of the Englifh; betraying manifeft fympalmoft equallyj jealous them in poffefion of toms of difcontent and envy, at beholding and the fertile plains in its vicinage. They proceedSt. Marc, and harbour of Gonaive; but ed, however, and took the town the bafeft treachery, or the their fubfequent conduét manifefted a cowardice. The town was no fooner attacked by rankeft from the revolted negroes, than the Spaniards fmalldetachment driven out of it, in the moft unacfuffered themfelves to be inhabitants to the fury countable manner 3 leaving the French number (as their of the favages, who maffacred the whole comrades --- Page 225 --- ST. DO M I N G O. and then reduced the CHAP. comrades had done at Fort Dauphin) X1I. town itfelf to afhes (b). there is reafon to fuppofe that a great proOx the whole, in St. Domingo are portion of the prefent Spanith proprietors mixture from Euroa debafed and degenerate race ; a motley obfervation which Indian, and African anceftry ; and the inpean, (i), concerning the Spanifh has been inade in another place of that ifand in 1655, will habitants of Jamaica, at the conqueft of the French colony, the inhabitants of Fort (b) In the northern province borders, having no affiftance from the Dauphin, a town fituated on the Spanifh attack from the rebel negroes, applied for Englith, and being epprchenfive of an The Spanifh and delivered up the town, to the Spanith governent. for perfonal protedlion, the conditions required, which were chicly would commandant, onaccepting that fuch of the French planters as fafety, iffued a proclamation, importing, Seduccd by this proclamation, a confifeek refuge there, fhould nind fecurity. the 7th of July 1794, Yean derable number repaired thither; when, on Monday in entered the town and leader of the revolt 1791, Frangsit, the negro general, He met not the imalleft refiftance, either with fome thoufands ofarmed negroes. by the Spanith troops; the inhaat the advanced pofts, or at the barriers cccupied by the commandant. bitants keeping tbeir houfes, in the hope of being with proteâted the cry of C Long live the In an inftant, every part of the city refounied offer no violence to the Spaniards;," and king of Spain ! Kill all the French; but in which no lefs than 771 of them, ageneral maffacre ofthe French commenced, murdered on the fpot: : the Spanifh foldiers without diftination cf fex or a2e, were Itis thought, however, that if the Spaniards ftanding by, fpoctators cfthe tragedy, Ahared the fate ofthe French. Itis faid that had openly interpofed, they wouli havei moved by compaffion towards Mont-Calvos, commander of the Spanith troops, admitted them into theranks, drefling fome French gentiemen of his acquaintance, others were fecretly conveyed to. them in the Spanith uniform fo: their fecurity; where they got on board an the fert, and fent off in the night to Monte Chrifi, American veffel belonging to Salem. vol. i. (i) Hiftory of the Britifh Wet Indics, equally Itis faid that had openly interpofed, they wouli havei moved by compaffion towards Mont-Calvos, commander of the Spanith troops, admitted them into theranks, drefling fome French gentiemen of his acquaintance, others were fecretly conveyed to. them in the Spanith uniform fo: their fecurity; where they got on board an the fert, and fent off in the night to Monte Chrifi, American veffel belonging to Salem. vol. i. (i) Hiftory of the Britifh Wet Indics, equally --- Page 226 --- HISTORY OF CHAP. equally apply to thefe. They are neither polithed by focial inXII. tercourfe, nor v - improved by education; but pais their days in gloomy languor, enfeebled by floth, and depreffed by poverty. From fuch men, therefore, great as their antipathy is to the French nation, and however averfe they may be to a change oflaws and government, Iam afraid that no cordial co-operation with the Britifh can ever be expeéted. The beft families among them, rather than fubmit to the French dominion, will probably remove to Cuba, or feek out new habitations among their countrymen on the neighbouring continent; while thofe which remain will neceffarily fink into the general mafs of coloured people, French and Englith; ; a clafs that, I think, in procefs of time, will become mafters of the towns and cultivated parts of the ifland on the fea-coaft; leaving the interior country to the revolted negrocs. Such, probably, will be the fate of this once beautiful and princely colony ; and it grieves me to fay, that the prefent exertions of Great Britain on this blood-ftained theatre, can anfwer no other end than to haften the cataftrophe ! I MIGHT here expatiate on the wonderful difpenfations of Divine Providence, in raifing up the enflaved Africans to avenge the wrongs of the injured aborigines : I might alfo indulge the fond but fallacious idea, that as the negroes of St. Domingo have been eye-witneffes to the benefits of civilized life among the whites -have feen in what manner, and to what CXtent, focial order, peaceful induftry, and fubmiffion to laws, contribute to individual and general profperity (advantages which were denied to them in their native country; ;) fome fuperior in raifing up the enflaved Africans to avenge the wrongs of the injured aborigines : I might alfo indulge the fond but fallacious idea, that as the negroes of St. Domingo have been eye-witneffes to the benefits of civilized life among the whites -have feen in what manner, and to what CXtent, focial order, peaceful induftry, and fubmiffion to laws, contribute to individual and general profperity (advantages which were denied to them in their native country; ;) fome fuperior --- Page 227 --- A S T. D O MI N G O. hereafter rife up among them, by whofe en- CHAP, XII. rior fpirits may they may be taught, in due time, to V - couragement and example and purfuits of favage difcard the ferocious and fordid manners on to civitheir vices, and be led progreflively lifc; to corrcét the of truth, and the lization and gentlenefs, to knowledge the of virtue. This picture is fo pleafing to imaginapractice humane and refledting mind muft with it may tion, that every afraid it is the mere creation. of the be realized ; but I am has demonfancy- the fabrick of a vifion !" Experience wild and lawlefs freedom affords no means ftrated, that a moral. The Charaibes ofSt. of improvement, either mental or Vincent, and the Maroon negroes of Jamaica, were originally of enflaved Africans ; and wbat tbey now are, the freed negroes will bereafter be; favages in the midft of focietySt. Domingo agriculture, or property ; ignorant of without peace, fecurity, with all the foft and enthe duties of life, and unacquainted relations which render it defirable; averfe to labour, dearing of want; fufpicious of each other, though frequently perifhing and faithlefs, reand towards the reft of mankind revengeful while morfelefs and bloody-minded: ; pretending to be frec, of their chiefs, and groaning beneath the capricious defpotifin without the benefits of fecling all the miferies of fervitude, fubordination! Ir what I have thus-not haftily, but-deliberately prediéted, the fate of this unfortunate country, thall be verified concerning all other reflections muft yield to the prefling by the event, obviate and defeat the influence confideration how beft to revolt and. triumwhich fo dreadful an example of fuccefsful phant : ; pretending to be frec, of their chiefs, and groaning beneath the capricious defpotifin without the benefits of fecling all the miferies of fervitude, fubordination! Ir what I have thus-not haftily, but-deliberately prediéted, the fate of this unfortunate country, thall be verified concerning all other reflections muft yield to the prefling by the event, obviate and defeat the influence confideration how beft to revolt and. triumwhich fo dreadful an example of fuccefsful phant --- Page 228 --- HIS T O RY OF CHAP. phant anarchy may have in our own iflands. This is a fubjcét XII. which will foon force itfelf on the moft ferious attention of - Government ; and I am of opinion, that nothing lefs than the co-operation of the Britith parliament with the colonial legifatures can meet its emergency. On the other hand, ifit be admitted that the objeét is infinitely too important, and the means and refources of France much too powerful and abundant, to fuffer a doubt to remain concerning the ultimate accomplifhment of her views, in feizing on the whole of this eXtenfive country: if we can fuppofe that (convince at length, by painfiul experience, of the monftrous folly of fuddenly emancipating barbarous men, and placing them at once in all the complicated relations of civil fociety) The will finally fucceed in reducing the vaft body of fugitive negrocs to obedience : and in eftablifhing fecurity, fubordination, and order, under a conftitution of government fuited to the aétual condition of the various claffes oft the inhabitants :-if fuch fhall be her good fortune, it the endowment of prophecy to foretel the rewill not require the moft induffult. The middling, and who are commonly every ifland in the Weft Intrious, clafs of Planters, throughout dies, allured by the cheapnefs oft the land and the fuperior fertility of the foil, will affuredly feek out fettlements in St. Domingo; and a Weft Indian empire will fix itfelf in this noble ifland, to which, in a few fhort years, all the tropical poffeflions of Euwill be found fubordinate and tributary. Placed in the rope of Britith and Spanith America, and fituated to windcentre of either nation which are moft valuward of thofe territories able, while the commerce of both muft exift only by its good pleafure, all the riches of Mexico will be wholly at its difpofal: Then in St. Domingo; and a Weft Indian empire will fix itfelf in this noble ifland, to which, in a few fhort years, all the tropical poffeflions of Euwill be found fubordinate and tributary. Placed in the rope of Britith and Spanith America, and fituated to windcentre of either nation which are moft valuward of thofe territories able, while the commerce of both muft exift only by its good pleafure, all the riches of Mexico will be wholly at its difpofal: Then --- Page 229 --- - a S T. DO MI N G O. humbled Spaniard lament, when it is too late, CHAP. Then will the furrender he has made, and XII. the thoughtlefs and improvident herfelf Great Britain find leifure to reflect how deeply the is concerned in the confequences ofit. The dilemma is awful, and Power, in whofe the final iffue known only to that omnifcient hand is the fate of empires ! But whatever the iffue may be,- in all the varieties of fortune,-in all events and circumftances, infinitely concerns both whether profperous or adverfe,-it inhabitants of the Britifh the people of Great Britain, and the colonies,-I cannot repeat it too often,-to derive admonition from the ftory before us. To Great Britain I would intithat if, difregarding the prefent example, encouragemate, fhall continue to be given to the peftilent doétrines ment fanaticks, and deteftable incendiaries, who, of thofe hot-brained and zeal for the inunder the vile pretence of philanthropy and murder terefts of fuffering humanity, preach up rebellion the contented and orderly negroes in our own territories, to but that the fame dreadful fcenes of what elfe can be expeéted, in St. Doand defolation, which we have contemplated carnage will be renewed among our countrymen and relations in mingo, Britith Weft Indies : May God Almighty, of his infinite the the evil! To the refident Planters I addrefs mymercy, avert folicitude ; and, if it were in my power, felf with Aill greater to rife would exhort them, (6 with more than mortal voice," of local prejudices, and, by a geneabove the foggy atmofphere do that which the Parrous furrender of temporary advantages, of liament of Great Britain, in the pride and plenitude imperial cannot effcct, and ought not to attempt. I call on dominion, and the affeétion of a brother, of themthem, with the fincerity felves Cc avert folicitude ; and, if it were in my power, felf with Aill greater to rife would exhort them, (6 with more than mortal voice," of local prejudices, and, by a geneabove the foggy atmofphere do that which the Parrous furrender of temporary advantages, of liament of Great Britain, in the pride and plenitude imperial cannot effcct, and ought not to attempt. I call on dominion, and the affeétion of a brother, of themthem, with the fincerity felves Cc --- Page 230 --- HISTORYOF ST. DOMINGO, CHAP, felves to reftrain, limit, and finally abolith the further introducXII. tion of enflaved men from Africa ;-not indeed by meafures of fudden violence and injuftice, di.regarding the many weighty and complicated interefts which are involved in the iffue ; but by means which, though flow and gradual in their operation, will be fure and certain in their effeet. The Colonial Legilatures, by their fituation and local knowledge, 2 arealone competent to this great and glorious tafk : and this example ofSt. Domingo, and the dictates of felf-prefervation like the hand-writing againft the wall, warn them nO longer to delay it! Towards the poor negroes over whom the ftatutes of Grcat Britain, the açcidents, of fortune, and the laws ofinheritance, have invefted them with: power, their general conduét for the laft twenty years (notwithfanding the foul calumnies with which they have been loaded), may court enquiry and bid defiance to cenfure. A perfeverance in the fame benevolent fyftem, progrcflively leading the objeéts of it to civilization and mental improvement, preparatory to greater indulgence, is all that humanity can require; for it is all that prudence can dictate. Thus will the Planters prepare a fhicld of defence againft their enemics, and fecure to themfelves that ferenity and elevation of mind,. which arife from an approving confcience; producing affurance in hope, and confolation in adverfity. Their perfecutors and Oanderers in the meantime will be. difregarded or forgotten for calumny, though a great is a temporary evil, but truth and juftice will prove triumphant and. eternal! --- Page 231 --- TABLEAU Du Commerce et des Finances de la partie Françoife de ST. DOMINGUE 1791. Cc2 --- Page 232 --- S The firft Four of the following TA BL ESwere drawn upt by order of the Legifative Affembly of FRANCE, which met the Ift of October 1791, and feem to have been framed in the view of afcertaining the aétual ftate of the Colony, and its Commerce, immediately before the breaking out of the rebellion of the Negroes in the Month of Auguft of that Year. The totals will be found to differ, in fome of the particulars, from the ftatement which has been given in the preceding pages. The difference arifes partly from the aétual change of circumftances, in the courfe of two years which intervened between the periods when each Ratement was made up, and partly, I am afraid, from errors and omiflions of my own. --- Page 233 --- D L à [ 197 I No. I. Françoife de S Dominguede la Partie Général des Cultures et des Manufactures Etat 1791. [Sucreries. CHEFS LIEUX QUARTIERSOUT PAROISSES. OU JURISDICTIOKS. 21,613. 11,122 [Le Cap et dépendances du Nord 43 7 37 1 19.3,6 L1 petice Anceet la plaine Ste Suzanue 52 4 157 5 7 1S,554. L'acul, Limonade et ife de S Dominguede la Partie Général des Cultures et des Manufactures Etat 1791. [Sucreries. CHEFS LIEUX QUARTIERSOUT PAROISSES. OU JURISDICTIOKS. 21,613. 11,122 [Le Cap et dépendances du Nord 43 7 37 1 19.3,6 L1 petice Anceet la plaine Ste Suzanue 52 4 157 5 7 1S,554. L'acul, Limonade et 32 2 17:376 Morin et la Grande Rivière I 2 2 15:978 Le Cap Le Dondon ct M.rmelade 22 3 272 3 5 13,013 ALimbé et Port Siargot Plaifance etle Borgue 10 4 3 8 10,004 Partie 3 9.987 du (Le For Dauphin 2 151 4 I 151470 Nerd. Fort Ouanamintne et Valliere 3 123 Le Dauphin Le "Terrier rouge et le trou 29,540 Port de Pa aix le petit St Louis 6 2 218 9 369 4 :8 SLe Le Port de Paix Jean Rabel et le grosNiorne 3,183 Le Mole - Le Mole et Bombarde 45,3;9 Prince et la Croix des Bo:quets 63 1S,553 10,502 Fort au Prince (Portau L'Arcanaye 14,356 Mirebalais 27 39 55 I 75 5 Léogane Léogane ic 12 67,2:6 Partie S St Marc, la petite Rivière - 22 21 298 de 13 S:Marc L Les Verettes et les Gonaives O:ct. SLe; perit Goave, le grand Goave, c:ie fords 11 16 2 18,8:9 13,229 Le petit Goaze des Négres. trou El 11 Lante a vcau et le petit 20,774. Dame Marie 3 5 :05 30 Jérémie jeremie etle Cap 52 937 80 69 S,1:3 (Les Cayes Les Cayes Tiburon et Torbeck etles Cotcaux Parie Le Cap Tiburon [Le Cap Ciraillon :: Aquin du Leus st Louis, S.d. Tacmiel - Jacmel,les Ca,ei,e.Daymel CI 5,000. Toral 5! Paroiffes --- Page 234 --- TABLEAU durCQMME) R - CE, 8cc. No. II. 23 - Itato :. Rtat des Denrécs de St. Dominguc exportées en France depuis le I 31 Décre inclufivement. Janvier 1791 au Sucre, Cuirs, Départemens. Elanc. Brut, Café, Coton. Indigo. Sirop. Tafa. il cn Poil. Tannés, Livres. Livres, Livres. Livres, Livres. Bancttes. Côtes. Boucan:s, Barique. Partie du Nord. Le Le Cap Fort Dauphin 43.664552 8,609,258 1,517.489 291367,382! 195,099 2,006 6,975 10,65+ Je Port de Paix 473,5001 1,639.900 824.500 2.321,610 1,200 2,00; 1,134 160 2.731 L:Mcle 22,500 105.680 1,829-754 38,752 61,472 120 , Barique. Partie du Nord. Le Le Cap Fort Dauphin 43.664552 8,609,258 1,517.489 291367,382! 195,099 2,006 6,975 10,65+ Je Port de Paix 473,5001 1,639.900 824.500 2.321,610 1,200 2,00; 1,134 160 2.731 L:Mcle 22,500 105.680 1,829-754 38,752 61,472 120 294550 29;236 6,294 Partie de l'Oueft. Le Port au Prince 7:792,210; 53,648,923 141584,023 1,370,c21 1;6,918 1,601 Léogane 1,492,983 7.688.537 1.736434 154.084 752 8,350 Saint Marc 3,244.673 6,993.966 12,520 Lc Petit Goave - 218,866, 855,237 1,395.6gol 51521,237 3,008,163 357:530 Jérémie - 19,804 476,445 4455-3311 189,194 84,86; 1,075 320 IOO Partie du Sud. Les Cayes 4:375.627 18,984425 1,843.403 720.770 Le Cap Tiburon 63,150j 278,500 305.740 34.325 IC5,456 6,958 St Louis 2,0co 9,600! 90,705 42.497 1,954 2,004 Jacmcl 48,255 671910j 4357,270 613.019 7,309 Total 70,227.708 93-177:,12 68,151,180) 6,286,126 930,016 5,186 7,837 29,502 303 Valeur uron 63,150j 278,500 305.740 34.325 IC5,456 6,958 St Louis 2,0co 9,600! 90,705 42.497 1,954 2,004 Jacmcl 48,255 671910j 4357,270 613.019 7,309 Total 70,227.708 93-177:,12 68,151,180) 6,286,126 930,016 5,186 7,837 29,502 303 Valeur --- Page 235 --- E E C de ST. DOMINGUE. No. II continued. et des Droits perçus dans la Colonie Valeur commune des Exportations Denrées. fur toutes les Du ier Janvier 1791 zu srxwede la mémeanné Vendus Indication de Quotité raifon Efimation du prix en France. en la nature en Commun. Valeur Droits dcs Denrécs. nature. Commune. perçus. Livres à 12 67,670781 2.528,197 65,145584 Blanc ou terré - 70,22- .708! Livres àl 6 19:94156- 1,677 195 48,264-372 Sucre Brut 93.177-51: Livres àl 16 51.850.748 1,226.720 50,604028 Café 681 6,286, 51,180 26 Livres à 2 17.542,25: 785,766 16,780,486 Coton 930016Livres à 7 IO 10,875,120 465,008 10.410,112 120,000 Indigo 150.000 Livres àl 16 12c,000 1725.857 Cacao 29,502 Boucauts - à 66 - 1,947,132 221,275 1,821 19,995 Sirop 30 Ba-iques 72 21,816 68,493. Tafia 7,887 Cotés - à 10 78,870 10,377 Cuirs Tannés. 5,186 Banettes - à 18 - 93,348 7,807 85-541 50,000 Cuirs en poil L.vres - à IO 50,000 Caret (tortoife fhell) - 5,000 Livres à Euines 40,000 40,000 Gayac, Acajcu, et Campéche 1,50: Soco 6.924,166 193:3771468 Total de la Valeur commune de toutes les Deurées - 100,301,63+ Obfervation effentielle. Toutes les formes dont il eft quefion dans ce tableau font Argent une livre des Co- dix lonics. Le change y eft à 33 5 et la Livre Tournois comptée pour fous. 1t Exemple. des Exportations s'éleve Argent des Colonies à la Le montant 200,501,634 fomme de Réduite Argent de France à Différence fur cet Aricle de 66.767,211 2me Exemple. La totalité des denrées exportées, et vendues en France mon- 193-3774468 tant eniemble à la fomme de 128,918,512 Reduite en Livres Tournois à Diference fur cet Article de 64459.156 On obtiendra le même rélultat article par article ayant Pattention de réduire. le tiers fur chaque fomme. fomme de Réduite Argent de France à Différence fur cet Aricle de 66.767,211 2me Exemple. La totalité des denrées exportées, et vendues en France mon- 193-3774468 tant eniemble à la fomme de 128,918,512 Reduite en Livres Tournois à Diference fur cet Article de 64459.156 On obtiendra le même rélultat article par article ayant Pattention de réduire. le tiers fur chaque fomme. --- Page 236 --- TABLEAU du COMMER CE, &c. No. III. Apperçu des Richeffes territoriales des habitations en grande Culture de la Partie Françoife de St. Domingue. Efimarion Evaluation des Capitaux, particulière Totalité Indication de la Nature des Capitaux. Nombre. de Objet chaque en En En Négres de la raifon du Bâtimens, Terres, et etanimaux em Générale. Valeur prix moyen. Plantations. ployés à l'exploitation. Sucreries en Blanc - 451à I en Brut 341à 180,000 230.000 103,730,000 103,730,000 Cafeteries 2,810à 20,000 61,380,000 56,20-,000 61,380,000 Cotonneries 705a 30,000 21,150,000 56,200,000 Indigoteries Guildiveries 3,097a 30,000 92,910,000 92,910,000 21,150,000 Cacaotières 173à 5,000 865,000 865,000 T'anneries 693 4,000 275,000 Fours à Chaux, 33 - 16c,0co 480,000 275,000 Briqueries et Poteries - 374à 15,000 5510,000 480,0c0 Nègres anciens ct nouveaux, grands et petits 455.000la 2,500 5-510 000 -Chevaux et Mulets 16,000à 1,137-500,c00 1,137,500,000 Bétes à cornes 12,000là 6,400,0co 6,400,000 1,440,c00 1,440,000 Total des Richeffes employées à la Culture - 342,500,000 1,145/340,000 1,487,840,000 --- Page 237 --- de ST. DOMINGUE No. IV. RECETTES ET DEPENSES, 8cc. R E C E T T E S. DESIGNATION DES OBJETS, Sommes. Caiffe de la Marine. I. Reftant en Caiffe au 31 Décembre 1799 - 935,160 1 2, Droits perçus fur les Denrécs exportées de la ) Colonic en France pendant l'anneé 1789 - 6,924,166 A déduire les appointemens des Réceveurs de l'Odtroi et frais de Bureaux a 34,200 6,889,966 3- Impofition pour la capitation des Efclaves 581,035 A déduire les remifes et modérations en faveur des Contribuables, cy 25,286 555:749 1c,838,348 4. Droits de 2 : pour Ct. fur les loyers des maifons Reçu de divers Débiteurs au Roi - 376,143 : Loyers des Halles et maifons au profit de Sa Majefté 229,403 & Objets vendus dans les magazins dcs divers Départements 139,324 30,453 Reçu de divers pourjournées employées àl PHopital 13,295 9. Rembourfemens des avances faites à divers 10. Dépôt à charge de rembouifemens 149,930 II. Montant des Lettres de change tirées fur les Tréforiers ct Muni- 465,820 tionnaires Généraux - 1,053,100 Caiffe Générale. I. Reftant cn Caiffe au 31 Décem.bre 1790 ements 139,324 30,453 Reçu de divers pourjournées employées àl PHopital 13,295 9. Rembourfemens des avances faites à divers 10. Dépôt à charge de rembouifemens 149,930 II. Montant des Lettres de change tirées fur les Tréforiers ct Muni- 465,820 tionnaires Généraux - 1,053,100 Caiffe Générale. I. Reftant cn Caiffe au 31 Décem.bre 1790 2. Réçu de divers Comptables cn exercife et à valoir iur les débits 159,886 pendant les années 1787, 1;88, et 1789 3- Révenu de la ferme du bac du Cap. 178,756 4. Révenu de la lerme des Poftes 5. Réçu des anciens Comptzbles, Fermiers, &c. 161,847 1,171,200 6. Rembourfement d'un Prét fait à la Caifle Municipale 150,716 : Rembourfement de celui fait à la Caiffe de la Marine 3:,000 Loyerdela Salle de Speétacle au Port au Prince 49,042 2,000 9. Rembourfemens par divers Réceveuts des Droits domanizux IC, Réçu des Curateurs aux Succelions vacantes 30,400 321,143 D d DESIGNATION --- Page 238 --- TABLEAU du COMME RCE, &c. No. IV. continued. DESIGNATION DES OBJETS. Sommes. Caiffe des Libertés. I. Reftant en Caiffe au 31 Décembre 1790 - 51,642 1 2, Il a eté verfé dans cette Caiffe pour l'affranchifement de 297 Ef claves pendant l'année 1 790 a 547.892 3. Rembourfemens de divers Débiteurs a cette Caiffe 33,830 4. A compte fur le produit de la vente de divers Comeftibles 21,542 Caiffe des Droits Domaniaux. 7. Montant des Amandes 143,0r0 2. Négres épaves vendus au profit du Roi 152.634 3- Succeffions à titre d'Aubzines, Bâtardifes, &c. - 318,444 780,300 4. Confifeations - 51,343 5. Droits de 2 pour Ct, fur le montant des ventes judiciaires 114,869 Caiffe de l'Entrepôt. I. Droit d'un pour Ct, impofé fur les marchandifes qui font importées et exportées par le Commerce étranger 112,397 2, Droit de 311 Tournois par quintal fur! le boeuf falé introduit dans 459,078 la Colonie par le Commerce étranger 42,378 3- Droits additionels impofés par arrêt du Confeil de l'année 1786 et 304,303 Caiffe des Confignations. I, Reftant en Caiffe au 31, Décembre 1790 Tréforier des 82,500 2. Configné par divers ; dans la caiffe du principal fureté Colonies pendant le cours de l'année 1789, pour la de 68 Efclaves embarqués pour France 102,000 Invalides et fonds d'Armemens. 1. Recettes faites pendant l'année 1790 au profit des Invalides de la - 153,620 2, Montant Marine des acquis aux équipages dont les bâtimens ont! 584,592 été defarmés EChA la Colonie pendant les 9 derniers muis de 1789, et pendant l'année 1790 - - 430,972 Total de la Recette - 14,0731014 14,073,014 DEPENSES. ,000 Invalides et fonds d'Armemens. 1. Recettes faites pendant l'année 1790 au profit des Invalides de la - 153,620 2, Montant Marine des acquis aux équipages dont les bâtimens ont! 584,592 été defarmés EChA la Colonie pendant les 9 derniers muis de 1789, et pendant l'année 1790 - - 430,972 Total de la Recette - 14,0731014 14,073,014 DEPENSES. --- Page 239 --- de S - T. DOMINGUE. No. IV. continued. D E P E N S E S. DESIGNATION DES OBJETS. Sommes. Caiffe de la Marine. 1. Traitemens et Appointemens des Officiers de l'Etat Major général, ct particuliers des Places 2. Oficiers de l"Adminittration 580,000" 3- Cenfeils et Jurifdictions 670,000 4. Officiers de Santé 710,000 5. Appointemens ct Soldes des Troupes 183-547 6. Subfiftences et Pournitures rélatives aux Troupes 1,206,-03 293,656 & Tournées d'Hôpital Fortifications ct entretiens des Bâtimens publics 606,478 9. Achâts des matériaux néceffiires à la conftruétion des Edifices 917,560 publics - 10. Entretiens des Batimens de Mer fur l'ifle de la Gonave 851,193 11. Aux Entreprencurs des Hopitaux 90, 35 9:448,16S 12. A divers pour fournitures de Riz ct de Bifcuit 196,000 13. Déperfes pour les chemins de communication 120,000 14. A divers Lntrepreneurs de maçonneric, charpente, &c. 586,102 15. Freis dc voyages ct avaries de mer. 235,c61 10. Rembourfemens à la Caifle générale des Invalides 142,064 17. A divers pour loyers dcs maifons, magafins, &c. 511,520 18. Dépenfe faite par les vaiffeaux de S. M. en Station dans la Co- 233,079 lonie 19. Frais de tran/ports,journécs d'Ourriers,8c. 1,204,650 119,720 Caiffe Générale. I. "Fraitemers etg gages affignés fur cette Caile a 2. Auivers Entrepreneurs des Canaux, Fontaincs, &c. 202,775 3. Payeaux Héritiers ct Créanciers des Succellions vacantes 229.403 Payé a la décharge de la Caille des Biens domaniaux 192,794 - 1,131,656 # Incemnités ct gratifications à divers 397,109 109,575 J Caife des Libertés. f. Penfionscux Percs et Mer.sde roà 12 enfans 2. Depenfe pour l'schevementd desremblais du quay du Roi 71,765 1 3- Travaux rélatifs au cherindeJamel 72-731 4. Jardin du Roiau Poitau Prince ct Plantes d'Afic 86,621 5. Fravaux faitsau Cap 59,912 6, Entreri nsetc nitructions des Fontaines publiques 1C1,866 73104 65535: 7: Abrévoirs.ct Lavoirs publics 8. Advers pour traafportedes comefibles 65,058 9- Dous ctgratifications allignés lar cette Caiffe 90,951 40,956 Dd2 amel 72-731 4. Jardin du Roiau Poitau Prince ct Plantes d'Afic 86,621 5. Fravaux faitsau Cap 59,912 6, Entreri nsetc nitructions des Fontaines publiques 1C1,866 73104 65535: 7: Abrévoirs.ct Lavoirs publics 8. Advers pour traafportedes comefibles 65,058 9- Dous ctgratifications allignés lar cette Caiffe 90,951 40,956 Dd2 --- Page 240 --- TABLEAUd COMM E R CE, 8cc. No. IV. continued. DESIGNATION DES OBJETS. Sommes. Caifle des Droits domaniaux. I. Traitemens et des employés, rembourfemens des amandes, 482,550 1 taxations de PRELdars et frais de voyages 2. Réclamation des Epaves verdus au profit du Roi - 46,521 702,38c 3. Frais de juftice applicables au preduit des Succeflions vacantes - 1b0,848 4. Payé aux dénonciateurs, fur le produit des confifcations pour fait de Commercei interlope - 12,461 Caiffe de l'Entrepôt. I. Traitemens des Direéteurs, Receveurs et Employés des Bureaux - 112,397 2 2 Rembs purfemens à divers pour les marchandifes ré. exportées 2,028 459,070 3- Verlé dans la Caifle de la Marine à titre de Dépôt - 344653 J Caiffe des Confignations. I. Rembourfemens à divers confignataires pour le rétour dans Ja Colonie de 53 Efclaves embarqués pour la France 79,500 81,000 2. Frais rélatits à cette comptabilité - 1,500 Invalides et Fonds d'Armemens. I. Montant des remifes à faire à la Caille Générale des Invalides : 153,620 2. Remifes faites dans les differents Ports pour les gages acquis aux 584.592 équipages pour les Défarmemens - - 433972 Montant des Fonds non confommés au 31 Décembre 1791. Par-la Caiffe de la Marine 1,493 674 Par la Caiffe Générale 39,634 1,614,886 Par la Caille des Libertés 3.659 Par la Caitfe des Droits domaniaux 77,919 Somme pareille à la Recette 14,073.014 14,673,014 Rélévé les gages acquis aux 584.592 équipages pour les Défarmemens - - 433972 Montant des Fonds non confommés au 31 Décembre 1791. Par-la Caiffe de la Marine 1,493 674 Par la Caiffe Générale 39,634 1,614,886 Par la Caille des Libertés 3.659 Par la Caitfe des Droits domaniaux 77,919 Somme pareille à la Recette 14,073.014 14,673,014 Rélévé --- Page 241 --- - - VAA de ST. DOMINGUE, No. IV. continued. Rélévé Général des Dettes aétives et paflives de St. Domingue au 31 X 1791. Dettes aétives en faveur des diverfes Caiffes. Montant Recouvremens faits Sommes de la dues Indication de la nature des Créances. Créance en en en publique. 1789. 1790. 1791. I. Sommes dues. à la Caiffe de la Marine par promefles, obligations, &c. 6,576,838 633,221 229403/5-714-214 2. Sommes dues par divers Contribuables 2,514,465 483.701 376,1431.654,621 3- Avances faites par la Colonie en faveur des Troupes et des Efcadres ailiées - 3:385.917 3,182,804 203,113 4, Débits de comptes ou arrerages des Fermes 1,471,511 546,433 103,618 821,460 5- Sommes ducs par divers particuliers - 978,299 101,579 73,999 802,721 Total de la Créance publique de la Colonie 14,927,030 49:7,738 783.1639.195,129 Dettes paffives à la charge de diverfes Caiffes. Montant Payements faits Sommes dela à Indication de la nature des Dettes. De:te en en payer publique. 1789. 1790. en 1791. I. Ileft du à l'Entrepreneur des Travaux du Rcil dans la Partie du Nord 3,141,265 446,814 3340451 1,360,ccc 2. Ilelda àdivers Fournifeurs, Entrepreneurs,Propriétaires et autres, tant pour Soldes d'entreprifes, que pour avances. par eux ta. tes dans la de POueft 1,140,530 1,070,072 70,458 3 II aa du à divers Entreprencuis, Fourniffeurs, Sc. dans la Partie du Sud 543,220 523,889 7:395 1,936 4 Il eft du aux Etats Majers des divers Batimens dul Roi - 117,401 88,341 29,060 Total de la Dette publique de la Colcnie 4:942,416 5139.116 445,364 1,361.936 POueft 1,140,530 1,070,072 70,458 3 II aa du à divers Entreprencuis, Fourniffeurs, Sc. dans la Partie du Sud 543,220 523,889 7:395 1,936 4 Il eft du aux Etats Majers des divers Batimens dul Roi - 117,401 88,341 29,060 Total de la Dette publique de la Colcnie 4:942,416 5139.116 445,364 1,361.936 --- Page 242 --- [ 206 ] ADDITIONAL TABLES, containing Information not comprehended in the preceding 5 colleéted by the Author when at Cape François. No. V. TRADE of the French Part ofSr. DOMINGO with Old France. IMPORTS for the Year 1788. Quantity. Nature of Gcods. Amount in Hifpaniola Currency. 186,759 Barrels of Flour, Liv. 1,366 Quintals of Bifcuit, - 12,271,247 3,309 Ditto - - Cheefe, 38,684 2,044 Ditto - - Wax Candles, 602,010 27,154 Ditto - - Soap, 1,589,985 16,896 Ditto - - Tallow Candles, 1,479,510 20,762 Ditto - - Oil, 1,359 Ditto - - Taliow, - 1,973-750 121,587 Cafks of Wine, 55,770 7,020 Cafes of D, 13,610,960 5,732 Cafks of Beer, - 584,770 6,174 Hampers of Beer, - - 328,175 157,380 10,375 Cafes of Cordials, 6,937 Ankers of Brandy, 340,070 2,284 Ditto of Vinegar, 140,238 19,457 Bafkets of Anifeed Liquor, 23,784 5,999 Quintals ofVegerables, - 254:398 322,130 14,613 Cafes of preferved Fruit, 2,486 Quintals ofCod Filh, 320,477 85,607 1,308 Ditto - - Salt Fih, - 26,700 17,219 Ditto - - Butter, 24,261 Ditto - - Salt Beef, 1,650,150 998,300 Dicto - - Salt Pork, 1,101,395 Ditto - - Ditto, 376,560 1,627 Ditto - - Hamns, 177>340 Dry Goods, viz. Linens, Woollens, Silks, Cottons, and Manufactures of all kinds, 39,008,600 Sundry other Articles, valued at - 8,685,600 Amount of all the Goods imported 86,414:040 Thefe 219 Ditto - - Butter, 24,261 Ditto - - Salt Beef, 1,650,150 998,300 Dicto - - Salt Pork, 1,101,395 Ditto - - Ditto, 376,560 1,627 Ditto - - Hamns, 177>340 Dry Goods, viz. Linens, Woollens, Silks, Cottons, and Manufactures of all kinds, 39,008,600 Sundry other Articles, valued at - 8,685,600 Amount of all the Goods imported 86,414:040 Thefe --- Page 243 --- ADDITIONAL TABLES. - 207 No. V. continued. Thefe Importations were made in 580 Veffels, meafuring together 189,679 Tons, or by Average 325 I Tons each Veffel; viz. 224 from Bourdeaux. 3 from Harfleur. 129 froni Nantes. 2 from Cherbourg. 90 from Marfeilles. 2 from Croific. 80 from Havre de Grace. I from Dieppc. 19 from Dunkirk. I from Rouen. II from St. Malo. I from Granville. IO from Bayonne. E from Cette. 5 from La Rochelle. I from Rhedon. Add to the 580 Veffels from France, from the Coaft of Africa,. and the French Part of Hi'paniola 4R bc found to have employed 678 Veffels bulonging to France in the year 1788. No. VI. Foreign TRADE in 1788 (exclufive of the Spanifh.) Imported by Foreigners (Spaniards excepted) to the Amount of 6,821,707 Livres, Exported by the fame 4:409:922 Difference 2,411,785 N. B. This Trade employed 763 fmall Veffels, meafuring 55:745 Tons. The Average is 73 Tons each. Veffels from North America (American built) are comprehended in it; but there were alfo employed in the North American Trade 45 French Veffels, meafuring 3.475 Tons (the Average 77 Tons each), which exported to North America Cclonial Produérs, Value - 525,571 Livres.. And imported in return Gcods to the Amount of 465,081 Difference 60,490 Spanifh --- Page 244 --- 208-812 ADDITIONAL TABLES. No. VI. continued. Spanifh TRADE in 1788. 259 Spanifh Veffels, meafuring 15.417 Tons, or 59 Tons each, imported to the Amount of (chiefly Bullion) - 9:717,113 And exported Negro Slaves, and Goods, chiefly European Manufaétures, to the Amount of - 5,587,515 Difference 4129,598 N. B. This is exclulive of the inland Trade with the Spaniards, of which there is no. Account. No. VII. AFRICAN TRADE. NEGROES imported into the French Part of HISPANIOLA, in 178S. Ports of Men. Wcmen. Boys. Girls. Amount. Num. Veffels. of Importation. Port au Prince 4,732 2,256 764 541 8,293 24 8 St. Marc - 1,665 645 230 60 2,600 Léogane - 1,652 798 469 327 3,246 Jérémie - - I Cayes - 1,624 872 1,245 849 4,590 19 Cape François 5,913 2,394 1,514 752 10,573 37 15,674 7,040 4,245 2,547 29,506 98 In 1787, 30,839 Negroes were imported into the French Part of St. Domingo. The 29,506 Negroes imported in 1788, were fold for 61,936,190 Livres (Hilpaniola Currency) which on an average is 2,099 liv. 2S. each, being about 6. 60. fterling. ADDITIONAL 913 2,394 1,514 752 10,573 37 15,674 7,040 4,245 2,547 29,506 98 In 1787, 30,839 Negroes were imported into the French Part of St. Domingo. The 29,506 Negroes imported in 1788, were fold for 61,936,190 Livres (Hilpaniola Currency) which on an average is 2,099 liv. 2S. each, being about 6. 60. fterling. ADDITIONAL --- Page 245 --- V NOTES ADDITIONAL A N D ILLUSTRATIO N S. CHAP. I. P. II. equally to all the European Colonies in. America, CHAP.I. applies tbe actual condition ef tbe Negroes in all p.II. 1 accordingly I believe, nearly Tus colonies, to wbatever nation tbey belong, is, sbofe the fame, B3c. however, rather as a general obfervation, than THIS is meant, to all cafes. Habit and accurate ftatement applicable a precife influence in national manners, as on fome alone has fo great an diétates offelf-intereft. The occafions to counteraét the plaineft babitually a cruel and Dutch, for inftance, are, as I have heard, therefore, in Surinam, unfeeling people. The ftate of flavery, the famc condition of differs probably, in many refpects, from Indies. Among the life both in the Britifh and Spanith Weft of the Romifh Church Spaniards the fuperftitious obfervances of the white inhabico-operate with the flothful difpofition On the other tants, to produce a great relaxation of difcipline. and abhor idlehand, the Dutch difregard all religious feftivals, nefs. Thefe cafes, however, are the oppofite extremes. CHAP. E e --- Page 246 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHAP.II, p. 16. CHAP. II. P. 16. The Society in France called Amis des originally formed on the model Noirs, was, I believe, dan, Gc. of a fimilar Afbciation int LonSINCE the foregoing fheets were printed, I have work publifhed this prefent met with a year (1796) at Paris, Refexions fur la Colonie de St. entitled, from which is Domingue ; the following given, as a ftriking illuftration of the paffage obfervation : fpeaking of the difcuffions which foregoing Britith Parliament about the arofe in the Trade, the author continues year 1789, concerning the Slave thus: Les idées un brandon lancé au milieu de matiéres Anglaifes furent furent accueillies en France combuftibles, et elles mettait avec autant de fureur qu'on en fes précédemment à adopter fes ridicules et la forme de vêtemens. Toute raifon de convenance et fut foulée aux pieds; on fe dans d'intérêt national à l'ignorance et à la précipita le piége groffier tendu prefomption, et l'on ne parut quc par la crainte d'être précédé fes plus animé champ de gloire, Soit par rivaux dans CC nouveau que les imaginations malades ou ment ébranlées, fe repaifent plus volontiérs de forterealité, foit que des agens fecrets fuffent chiméres que de diredtion a l'amour violent de la chargés de donner une fecs &c infenfibles nouveauté, les coeurs refterent au fpeétacle de Ia mifère dont les journellement yeux etoient frappés, pour ne s'occuper exclufivement que de maux inations malades ou ment ébranlées, fe repaifent plus volontiérs de forterealité, foit que des agens fecrets fuffent chiméres que de diredtion a l'amour violent de la chargés de donner une fecs &c infenfibles nouveauté, les coeurs refterent au fpeétacle de Ia mifère dont les journellement yeux etoient frappés, pour ne s'occuper exclufivement que de maux --- Page 247 --- - NF AND ILLUSTRATIONS on n'avoit que des CHAP. II. mauxi imaginaires ou eloignés, et fur lefquels furent l'ouvrage P 16. idées vagues. Tous les maux de T'humanité hommes mille fois plus funeftes a là fociété des intrigans, de ces que les brigands le plus feroces, &cc. Reflexisns Jur la Colonie de St. Domingue, tom. i. p.72. CHAP.IIL CHAP. III. p. 31. p.31. in extenuation, Jeems to be tbat the cirAll tbat can be urged and tbe Members eftbe Colonial cumfances ftbe cafe were novel, e8c. Afembly unexperienced in the bufinefs ef legifation, able and elaborate defence of the Colonial Affembly A MOST its Members (Mr. de Pons) and pubwas drawn up by one of wherein (as far as general lifhed at Paris in November 1790, ftood to the rules will admit) the relation in which the Colony Mother Country, and the rights that diftinétly appertained to confiftently with that due fubordination which was each party, was clearly, and (with one due from the child to the parent, defined. I Thall or two exceptions) I think very accurately not the reader with an extract from this performance, prefent the cafe of St. Domingo, but as furnithing only as illuftrating and colonies of Great Brifome hints which the government difputes fhall tain may not find unworthy attention, if unhappily hereafter arife between them, concerning the extents ofjurifdicand the obligation to obedience on the tion on the one hand, other. Un was clearly, and (with one due from the child to the parent, defined. I Thall or two exceptions) I think very accurately not the reader with an extract from this performance, prefent the cafe of St. Domingo, but as furnithing only as illuftrating and colonies of Great Brifome hints which the government difputes fhall tain may not find unworthy attention, if unhappily hereafter arife between them, concerning the extents ofjurifdicand the obligation to obedience on the tion on the one hand, other. Un --- Page 248 --- z16 ADDITIONAL NOTES CHAP.IIL. Un principe d'oùt font émanés tous les travaux de l'Aflemblée p.31. dela Colonie, fut généralement adopté par tous fcs Membres, - - c'eft que les Colonies ne doivent intéreffer la Métropole, qu'en proportion des avantages qu'elles lui procurent. Cette confidération dût acquérir, dans l'efprit de tous les Colons, un Çaraétère de légalité à tous les moyens qui pouvoient affurer la profpérité de la Colonic, &c augmenter fes rapports avec la mèrepatric. Ilauroit été fans doute à fouhaiter, & il le feroit bien plus même Loi pût convenir à tous les climats, à encore, qu'une toute efpèce de mceurs, à toutes les populations ; mais malheureufement les hommes ne font pas les mêmes par-tout; telle Loi qui convient dans un endroit, feroit nuilible dans un autre. L'Afemblée générale envifagea donc la Conftitution de Saint-Domingue fous trois rapports, toujours dirigés d'après fon intérêt de refter unie à la Métropole, & d'après la révolution de lempire. 1". Comme faifant partie intégrante de l'empire François. 2". Comme obligée de concourir par fes productions à la profpérité de T'Etat. 3". Comme affujettie par la diffemblance de fon climat, de fes moeurs & de fa population, à des befoins particuliers &c différens de ceux de la Métropole. DIVISION --- Page 249 --- F AND ILLUSTRATIONS CHAP. II. DE SAIXT-DOsiNGus. p-31. DIVISION DE LA CONSTITUTION firent divifer la Conftitution convenable CES divers rapports à Saint-Domingue, En Loix générales ; En Loix communes, Et en Loix particulières. Loix GENERALES del'empirc, celles qui intéreffent tous les LES Loix générales coin de la terre qu'ils foient placés, fuFrançois, dans quelque les Colonies, fans rent confidérées comme obligatoires pour aucun examen, fans aucune reftriction. la forme du Gouvernment, le fort de la Ces Loix font: Monarque, les Déclarations de Couronne, la réconnoiffance du générale de la Police guerre, les Traités de paix, T'organifation Colonies fe trouvant à &c de la Juftice, &cc. &cc. L'intérêt des l'Affemblée confondu avec celui de toute la Nation, cet égard feule le droit de décréter ces Loix. Nationale a Loix COMMUNES. Loix communes font celles qui ont rapport aux rélàtions LES avec les Colonies; c'eft un contrat par lequel de la Métropole & défendre les Colonies contre la France s'oblige de protéger defquelles elles devienétrangères, dc T'ambition les puiflances ne devant ni ne pouvant être droient l'objet. Cette proteétion gratuite, F f le droit de décréter ces Loix. Nationale a Loix COMMUNES. Loix communes font celles qui ont rapport aux rélàtions LES avec les Colonies; c'eft un contrat par lequel de la Métropole & défendre les Colonies contre la France s'oblige de protéger defquelles elles devienétrangères, dc T'ambition les puiflances ne devant ni ne pouvant être droient l'objet. Cette proteétion gratuite, F f --- Page 250 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHAP. III. gratuite, les Colonies doivent en dédommager l'Etat par les A3t avantages du Commerce. Délà, le régime prohibitif dans les fers duquel la deftinée les a condamnés à refter toujours; & quel que foit le degré de liberté dont jouifle la Nation, lcs Colonies feront toujours efclaves du Commerce. C'eft une pofition politique abfolument inhèrente à leur pofition phyfique, elles n'en laiffent pas échapper le moindre inurmure ; elles favent bien que leur qualité de François ne leur donne pas de: droit fur les déniers de l'Etat; elles confentent donc à ne récévoir que de la France tous les objets de confommation que fes Manufadtures &c fon fol peuvent fournir ; elles foufcrivent encore à l'obligation de n'envoyer leurs denrées qu'en France. Ce qu'clles demandent, ce qu'on ne peut leur réfufer, c'eft qu'en confacrant ces conventions fondamentales, les abus que le régime prohibitif entraîne àprès lui foient détruits. Loix PARTICULIERES OU REGIME INTERIEUR. LES Loix particulières font celles qui n'intéreffent que les Colonies. De grands motifs ont porté la Colonie de SaintDomingue à s'en réferver la formation: : I". ileft bien reconnu que les Loix de Saint-Domingue ne peuvent être faites ailleurs que dans fon fein; cette vérité fondamentale a échappé à fon. ennemi le plus cruel. M. la Luzerne, dans fon mémoire préfenté à l'Afemblée Nationale, le 27 Octobre 1789, (N. 2.) difoit que les Colonies n'ont jamais pu être régies par les mêmes Loix que le Royaume, & qu'ila fallu toujours conférer le pouvoirà deux Adminiftrateurs de faire les Loix locales, parce qu'il + eft illeurs que dans fon fein; cette vérité fondamentale a échappé à fon. ennemi le plus cruel. M. la Luzerne, dans fon mémoire préfenté à l'Afemblée Nationale, le 27 Octobre 1789, (N. 2.) difoit que les Colonies n'ont jamais pu être régies par les mêmes Loix que le Royaume, & qu'ila fallu toujours conférer le pouvoirà deux Adminiftrateurs de faire les Loix locales, parce qu'il + eft --- Page 251 --- a S AND ILLUSTR ATIONS. infinité de convenances qu'on ne peut connoitre que fur CHAP.III. eft une p.31. les lieux.. l'Affembiée générale s'eft réfervée n'eft donc que la Ce que légiflatif qui réfidoit, contre le droit des portion du pouvoir la Colonie n'inhommes, dans les mains de deux fatrapes, que les richefies qu'ils en retirent pendant leur téreffe que par triennat. conflitutionnels, que celui 2'. Il eft contraire aux principes qui fait la Loi n'y foit point affujetti. Tous les hommes ont le droit de concourir à la formation de la Loi à laquelle ils font affujettis; mais nul ne peut concourir à la formation de celle qui ne T'affujettit pas. feul égide de la liberté individuclle, feul garant Ce principe, n'a aux Colons de Saintde la bienfaifance de la Loi, pas permis Domingue de douter que l'Affemblée Nationale, difpenfatrice afn'approuvàt cette difpofition qui des bienfaits régénérateurs, fure la profpérité de Saint-Dominguc. en être des Loix locales des Sections En effet, il ne peut pas Loix qui n'intéreffent que la éloignécs de l'Empire, comme des France. décrétée le Royaume eft la même pour tous les La Loi pour de l'Affembléc Nationale Cantons. Luniverfalité des Députés eft intéreffée à en examiner fcrupuleufement tous les rapports, confidérer tous les avantages &c tous les inconvéniens. De à en ont à ce la Loi, du vice de laforte que lintérêt que tous que quelle F f 2 cs de l'Empire, comme des France. décrétée le Royaume eft la même pour tous les La Loi pour de l'Affembléc Nationale Cantons. Luniverfalité des Députés eft intéreffée à en examiner fcrupuleufement tous les rapports, confidérer tous les avantages &c tous les inconvéniens. De à en ont à ce la Loi, du vice de laforte que lintérêt que tous que quelle F f 2 --- Page 252 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHAP.III. quelle ils feroient eux-mêmés les victimes, ne foit que le fruit p.31. d'une longuc méditation, &c de réfexions longuement &c foigneufement difcutées, en affure la fageffe. Les Loix particulières de Saint-Domingue n'affujettidant les habitans quiy réfident ou qui y ont leurs fortunes, n'inté- que reffent dans l'Affemblée Nationale que les douze Députés des Colonies. 3". Une des conditions effentielles, à la bonté de la Loi,eft que celui qui la fait, connoiffe parfaitement les rapports qui doivent la conftituer. Or, nul ne peut connoître lcs particularités locales que celui qui eft fur Ics lieux, parce que ces mêmes ticularités changent & varient; & il faut quc la Loi foit faite, pard'après ces changemens, d'après ces variations. 4". Il eft bien conftant que Ies liens de la Société font les pouvoirs établis. pour en faire éxécuter les conditions. Le bonheur de toute. conftitution dépend abfolument d'une action égale dans ces différens pouvoirs; c'eft cette égalité feule qui en maintient l'équilibre. Il faut néceflairement qu'ilexifte à voir Saint-Dominque un pouéxécutif; car le malheur des Sociétés veut que la raifon n'aille jamais en politique qu'à côté de la force. Si Ce pouvoir n'eft balancé par aucun autre, il finira par tout' envahir, 8c fubftituer l'oppreffion aux bienfaits de la régénération à par la révolution aétuelle donne à tous les François le droit laquelle de tendre. Il ne peut donc être contenu dans fes bornes préque par une -Dominque un pouéxécutif; car le malheur des Sociétés veut que la raifon n'aille jamais en politique qu'à côté de la force. Si Ce pouvoir n'eft balancé par aucun autre, il finira par tout' envahir, 8c fubftituer l'oppreffion aux bienfaits de la régénération à par la révolution aétuelle donne à tous les François le droit laquelle de tendre. Il ne peut donc être contenu dans fes bornes préque par une --- Page 253 --- F - ILLUSTRATIO NS. AND de pouvoir légiflatif, dont il ait à re- CHAP.III. une maffe proportionnée p.3t. douter la furveillance. Nationale s'oppofent à ce 5"- LES principes de l'Affemblée de Saint-Domingue. qu'elle décrète la Conftitution particulière cclle dc Celle de la France a pour bafe la liberté, l'égalité; & une malheureufement fur la fervitude, Saint-Demingue repofe la confervation de cette fudiftinétion de claffes, d'oà dépend échoueront. Colonie. Tous les raifonnemens poffibles perbe contre cette vérité. obfervations, bien analyfées dans T'Afemblée Ces différentes fur la crainte qu'elle avoit de ne point fe générale, la raffurèrent de l'Afemblée Nationale, trouver d'accord avec les principes fes intentions. &c de prèter à la calomnic le prétexte d'inculper différens Membres de T'Afemblée générale étoient bien Les l'heureufe révolution qui a porté la joie éloignés de prévoir que de tous les François, finiroit &c l'enthoufiafme dans les coeurs Qu'imle deuil & la défolation. par porter à Saint-Domingue foit notre régime domeftique, pourvu porte à la France, quelque de la Colonie? pourvu qu'il tende à augmenter les produétions de l'Empire ? affujettis aux Loix générales que nous foyons les rapports commerciaux ? pourvu pourvu que nous' refpeétions la fujétion de ne traiter qu'avec la France, que nous regardions de la protection &c des fecours comme un jufte dédommagement éxécutions les Décrets qu'elle nous accorde? pourvu que nous n'eft contraire aux de l'Affemblée Nationale, en tout ce qui point localités. Il de l'Empire ? affujettis aux Loix générales que nous foyons les rapports commerciaux ? pourvu pourvu que nous' refpeétions la fujétion de ne traiter qu'avec la France, que nous regardions de la protection &c des fecours comme un jufte dédommagement éxécutions les Décrets qu'elle nous accorde? pourvu que nous n'eft contraire aux de l'Affemblée Nationale, en tout ce qui point localités. Il --- Page 254 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHAP.III. Il importe à la France que nous foyons heureux, que nous P.31. confommions les denrées Sc les marchandifes qu'elle peut nous fournir, &c que nous lui envoyions en échange beaucoup de fucre, de cafc, d'indigo, de coton, de cacao, 8cc. Enfin, il lui importe que la Confitution de Saint-Domingue foit telle, qu'elle unife pour jamais cette Colonie à la Métropole, & qu'elle concoure, par fes richcfles, à la profpérité de l'Etat. D'après ces réflexions, fimples &c vraies, l'Affemblée géndrale de Saint-Domingue pofa fcs bafes conflitutionnelles dans fon Décret du 28 Mai (N. 3-) CHAP.IV. CHAP. IV. P. 49. p.49. 1 Supprefed it certairly was, and tbe miferable Oge burried to immediate execution, as ifto prevent the furtber communication and full dijfclofiure efja awveigbty a Jecret. TIIIS is a very remarkable fact, and leads to moft ferious refleétions concerning the conduct of the French loyalifts in St. Domingo ; I fhall therefore prefent the reader with Ogé's dying declaration at length, as copied verbatim from the public records, when the difclofure was made nine months afterwards to the Colonial Affembly. TESTAMENT , and tbe miferable Oge burried to immediate execution, as ifto prevent the furtber communication and full dijfclofiure efja awveigbty a Jecret. TIIIS is a very remarkable fact, and leads to moft ferious refleétions concerning the conduct of the French loyalifts in St. Domingo ; I fhall therefore prefent the reader with Ogé's dying declaration at length, as copied verbatim from the public records, when the difclofure was made nine months afterwards to the Colonial Affembly. TESTAMENT --- Page 255 --- a AND ILLUSTRATIONS, CHAP.IV. TESTAMENT DE MORT D'OGÉ. P.49. n EXTRAIT des minutes du Confeil Supérieur da Cap, l'an mil fept cent quatre-vingt-onze et le neuf mars, nous AntoineEtienne Ruotte, confeiller du roi, doyen au Confeil Supérieur du Cap, ct Maric-François Pourchereffe de Vertieres, aufii confeiiler du roi au Confeil Supérieur du Cap, commiffaires nommés par la cour, àl'cffet dc faire exécuterl'arrêt de ladite cour,du 5 dupréfent mois, portant condamnation de mort contre le nommé Jacques Ogé, dit Jacquot, quarteron libre ; lequel, étant en la chambre. criminelle, et après leéture faite dudit arrêt, en ce qui le concerne, a dit et déclaré, pour la décharge dc fa confcience, fer-. ment préalablement par lui prêté, la main levée devant nous; de dire vérité. Que dans le commencement du mois de février dernier, fi les rivières n'avoient pas été débordées, il devoitfe faire un attroupement de gens de couleur, qui devoient entraîner avec eux les àtéliers, et devoient venir fondre fur la ville du Capen nombre trer-confidérable; qu'ils étoient même déjà réunis au nombre de onze mille hommes; que lc débordement des rivières cft le feul obftacle qui les a empéchés de fe réunir; cette quantité d'hommes de couleur étant compofée de ceux du Mirebalais, de TArtibonite, du Limbe, d'Ouanaminthe, de la Grande-Rivière, et généralement de toute la Colonie. Qu'à cette époque, il était forti du Cap centhommes de couleur pour fe joindre à cette troupe. Que l'accufé eft affuré que les auteurs de cette révolte font les Declains, négres libres de la Grande-Riviére, accufés au d'hommes de couleur étant compofée de ceux du Mirebalais, de TArtibonite, du Limbe, d'Ouanaminthe, de la Grande-Rivière, et généralement de toute la Colonie. Qu'à cette époque, il était forti du Cap centhommes de couleur pour fe joindre à cette troupe. Que l'accufé eft affuré que les auteurs de cette révolte font les Declains, négres libres de la Grande-Riviére, accufés au --- Page 256 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHAP.IY. au procès; Dumas, n.1.; Y'von, n. 1.; m. 1. P.49. Pierre Godard et Bitozin, efpagnol; Jean-Baptifte, fon frère, n.1. de la GrandeRivière; Legrand Mazeau et Touffaint Mazeau, n.1.; Pierre Mauzi, m.. 1.; Ginga Lapaire, Charles Lamadieu, les Sabourins, Jean Pierre Goudy, Jofeph Lucas, mulâtres libres; Maurice, n.1.; tous accufés au procès. Que les grands moteurs, au bas de la côte, font les nommés Daguin, accufé au procès; Rebel, demeurant au Mirebalais; Pinchinat, accufé au procès; Labaftille, également accufé procès; et que l'accufé, ici préfent, croit devoir nous déclarer ati être un des plus ardens partifans de la révolte, a grande partie celle qui a éclaté dans les environs de qui mu en et qui cherche à en éxciter une nouvelle; Saint-Marc, qu'ily a dans ce moment plufieurs gens de couleur, dans différens quartiers, bien réfolus à tenir à leurs projets, malgré que ceux qui dans la révolte perdroient la vie; que l'accufé, ici trempéroient peut pas fe reffouvenir du nom de tous; mais qu'il préfent, ne le fils de Laplace, .1.; dont lui accufé ferappelle que a vu la foeur dans les prifons, a quitté le Limbé pour aller faire des récrues dans le quartier d'Ouanaminthe; et que ces récrues et Ces foulevemens dc gens de couleur font foutenus ici par la préfence des nommés Fleury et I'Hirondelle Viard, députés des gens de couleur de l'affemblée nationale; que lui accufé, ici préfent, auprès les députés fe tiennent chez ignore f eux; qu'il croit que le nommé Fleury fc tient au Mircbalais, et le nommé l'Hirondelle Viard dans le quartier de la Grande-Rivière. Que levemens dc gens de couleur font foutenus ici par la préfence des nommés Fleury et I'Hirondelle Viard, députés des gens de couleur de l'affemblée nationale; que lui accufé, ici préfent, auprès les députés fe tiennent chez ignore f eux; qu'il croit que le nommé Fleury fc tient au Mircbalais, et le nommé l'Hirondelle Viard dans le quartier de la Grande-Rivière. Que --- Page 257 --- AND ILLUSTRATIONS, Que lui accufé, ici préfent, déclare que l'infurredtion des re- CHAP.IV. voltés exifte dans les fouterrains qui fe trouvent entre la Crêtc p.49. à Marcan et le Canton du Giromon, parcilie de la GrandeRivière; qu'en conféquence, fi lui accufé pouvoit être conduit fur les lieux, il fe feroit fort dc prendre les chefs des révoltés; que l'agitatien dans laquelle il fe trouve, rélativement à fa pofition adtuelle, ne lui permet pas dc nous donner des détails plus circonflanciés; qu'il nous les dennera par la fuite, lorfqu'il fera un peu plus tranquil; qu'il lui vient en ce moment à l'efprit que le nommé Caftaing, mulâtre libre de cette dépendance; ne fe trouve compris en aucune manière dans l'affaire actuelle; mais que lui accufé, nous affure que fi fon frère Ogé eût fuivi l'impulfion dudit Caftaing, il fe fcroit porté à de bien plus grandes extrémités; qui eft tout CC qu'il nous a dit pouvoir nous déclarer dans ce moment, dont lui avons donné acte, qu'ila figné avec nous et le gréfficr. Signé à la minute J. OGE,RUOTTE, POURCHERESSE DE VERTIERES, ct LANDAIS, gréffier, EXTRAIT des minutes du grefte du Confeil Supérieur du Cap, l'an mil fept cent quatre-vingt-onze, le dix mars, trois heures de rélévée, en la chambre criminelle, nous Antoine-Etienne Ruotte, confeiller du roi, doyen du Confeil Supérieur du Cap, et Nlarik-Frmnçoh-Jofph de Vertieres, auffi confeiller du roi audit Confeil Supérieur du Cap, commiffaires nommés par la cour, fuivant arrêt de ce jour, rendu fur les conclufions du procureur général du roi de ladite cour, à l'cffet de procéder au recolement de la déclaration faite par le nommé Jacques Oge, q.1.; G g lequel, Ruotte, confeiller du roi, doyen du Confeil Supérieur du Cap, et Nlarik-Frmnçoh-Jofph de Vertieres, auffi confeiller du roi audit Confeil Supérieur du Cap, commiffaires nommés par la cour, fuivant arrêt de ce jour, rendu fur les conclufions du procureur général du roi de ladite cour, à l'cffet de procéder au recolement de la déclaration faite par le nommé Jacques Oge, q.1.; G g lequel, --- Page 258 --- A DDITIONAL NOTES CHAP.IV. lequel, après ferment par lui fait, la main levée devant nous de dire la vérité, et après lui avoir fait leéture, par le gréffier, de la P.49. 1 déclaration du jour d'hier, l'avons interpellé de nous déclarer fi ladite déclaration contient vérité, s'il veut n'y rien ajouter, n'y diminuer, et s'ily y perfifte. A répondu que ladite déclaration du jour d'hier contient vérité, qu'il y perfifte, et qu'il y ajoute que lcs deux Didiers frères, dont l'un plus grand que l'autre, mulâtres ou quarterons libres, ne les ayant vu que cette fois; Jean-Pierre Gerard, m. 1. du Cap, et Caton, m. 1. aufli du Cap, font employés à gagner les ateliers de la Grande-Rivière, qu'ils font enfemble de jour, et que de nuit ils font difperfés. Ajoute encore que lors de fa confrontation avec Jacques Lucas, il a été dit par ce dernier, que lui accufé, ici préfent, T'avoit menacé de le faire pendre; à quoi, lui accufe, a répondu audit Jacques Lucas, qu'il devoit favoir pourquoi que ledit Jacques Lucas n'ayant pas infifté, lui accufé n'a pas déclaré le motif de cette menace, pour nc pas perdre ledit Jacques Lucas ; qu'il nous déclare les chofes comme elles fe font paffées ; que ledit Lucas lui ayant dit qu'il avoit foulevé les atéliers de M. Bonamy et de divers autres habitans de la Grande-Rivière, pour aller égorger l'armée chez M. Cardineau; qu'au prémier coup de corne, il étoit fur que ces atéliers s'attrouperoient et fe joindroientà la troupe des gens de couleur; alors lui accufé, tenant aux blancs, fut révolté de cette barbarie, et dit au nommé JacLucas, d'un parcil projet méritoit d'être pendu; ; ques quel'auteur qu'il cût à l'inftant à faire rentrer les négres qu'il avoit appofté dans ée chez M. Cardineau; qu'au prémier coup de corne, il étoit fur que ces atéliers s'attrouperoient et fe joindroientà la troupe des gens de couleur; alors lui accufé, tenant aux blancs, fut révolté de cette barbarie, et dit au nommé JacLucas, d'un parcil projet méritoit d'être pendu; ; ques quel'auteur qu'il cût à l'inftant à faire rentrer les négres qu'il avoit appofté dans --- Page 259 --- : F M AND ILLUSTRATIONS lui accufé,ici préfent, CHAP.IV. dans différens coins avec des cornes ; que de tafia, p.49. déclare donné audit Lucas trois pomponelles nous qu'ila ignoroit l'ufage que trois bouteilles de vin et du pain; qu'il ledit Lucas en la troifème fois que ledit Lucas en faifoit; que luiayant demandé ce qu'il vint chercher; lui accufé, ici préfent, c'étoit boiffons et vivres; ledit Lucas répondit que faifoit de ces difperté de côté et d'autre; que CC pour les nègres qu'il avoit le de fouléver les nègres qui prouve quc ledit Lucas avoit projèt derniers les cfclaves contre les blancs, et de faire égorger ces frère par de fit à Vincent Ogé, prémiers ; c'eft la propofition qu'il de lui Lucas, pour lui accufé, de venir fur T'habitation Jacques débauché; de fe joindre aux nègres qu'il avoit être plus a portée faits à fa confrontation avec que fi lui accufé n'a pas révélé CCS n'étoient pas Lucas, c'eft qu'il s'eft apperçu qu'ils ledit Jacques voulu le perdre; qu'ila du moinsla fatisconnus, et qu'iln'a pas horrible et cannibale; qu'il faétion d'avoir détourné ce crime réfervé de révéler en juftice, lors de fon élargiffement; s'étoit Lucas eft celui qui a voulu couper la tête a deux que ce même au fieur Belifle, pour lui avoir blancs prifonniers, ct notàmment Roubert ôta le fabre des mains enlevé une femme ; que Pierre frère de lui accufé, de Jacques Lucas, et appella Vincent Ogé, qui ft des rémontrances audit Lucas ; que cependant ici préfent, c'étoit lui accufé qui ont déclarés en juftice que ces prifoaniers même à la confrontation ils le lui ont avoit eu ce deffein; que de nuit, lefdits prifonniers foutenu ; mais que le fait s'étant paffé lui accufé n'a lui accufé, pour ledit Lucas, tandis que ont pris, confrontation, lui accufé ceffé de les combler d'honnêtetés ; qu'àla et d'affirétoit fufifant de dire que ce n'étoit pas lui, a cru qu'il connu cette femme; mais qu'aujourdmer qu'il n'avoit jamais hui G g 2 lefdits prifonniers foutenu ; mais que le fait s'étant paffé lui accufé n'a lui accufé, pour ledit Lucas, tandis que ont pris, confrontation, lui accufé ceffé de les combler d'honnêtetés ; qu'àla et d'affirétoit fufifant de dire que ce n'étoit pas lui, a cru qu'il connu cette femme; mais qu'aujourdmer qu'il n'avoit jamais hui G g 2 --- Page 260 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHAP.IV. hui ilife croyoit oblige, pour la décharge dc fa confcience, de P.49. nous rendre les faits tels qu'ils font, et d'infifter à jurer qu'il ne l'a jamais connue. Ajoute l'accufé que le nommé Fleury et Periffe; le premier, l'un des députés des gens de couleur près de l'affemblée nationale, font arrivés en cette Colonie par un bâtiment Bordelais avec le nommé I'Hirondelle Viard; ; que le capitaine a mis les deux prémiers à Acquin, chez un nommé Dupont, homme de couleur; et le nommé l'Hirondelle Viard, également député des gens de couleur, au Cap. Ajoute encore l'acculé, qu'il nous avoit déclaré, le jour d'hier, que le nomméLaplace, dont le pèrc efici dans les prifons, faifant des récrues à Ouanaminthe, eft du nombre de ceux qui ont marché du Limbé contre le Cap; que pour éloigner les foupçons, il eft allé au Port-Margot, otils'eit tenu caché plufieurs jours, feignant d'avoir une fluxion; que ledit Laplace pèrc a dit, à lui accufé, qu'il étoit fir que fon voifin, qui eft un blanc, ne dépofera pas contre lui, malgré qu'il fache toutes fcs démarches; qu'il étoit affuré que le nommé Girardeau, détenu en prifon, ne déclareroit rien, parce qu'il étoit trop fon ami pour le découvrir; qu'enfuite, s'il le dénonçoit, i! feroit forcé d'en dénoncer beaucoup d'autres, tant du Limbé que des autres quartiers. Obferve l'accufé que lorfqu'il nous a parlé des moyens employés par Jacques Lucas pour foulever lcs nègres efclaves, il a omis de nous dire que Pierre Maury avait envoyé une trentaine. d'efclaves chez Lucas ; quelui accufé, avec l'agrément d'Ogé le eune, fon frère,les renvoya, ce qui occafionna une plainte générale, les gens de couleur difant que c'étoit du renfort; que lui accuié iers. Obferve l'accufé que lorfqu'il nous a parlé des moyens employés par Jacques Lucas pour foulever lcs nègres efclaves, il a omis de nous dire que Pierre Maury avait envoyé une trentaine. d'efclaves chez Lucas ; quelui accufé, avec l'agrément d'Ogé le eune, fon frère,les renvoya, ce qui occafionna une plainte générale, les gens de couleur difant que c'étoit du renfort; que lui accuié --- Page 261 --- AND ILLUSTRATIONS. accufé cut même à cette occafion une rixe avec le plus grand CHAP.IV. des Didiers, avec lequel il manqua de fe battre aut piftolet, pour p.49. vouloir lui foutenir qu'étant libre et cherchant à être aflimilé 1 aux blancs, il n'étoit pas fait pour être affinilé aux nègres efclaves; que d'ailleurs foulevant les efclaves, c'étoit détruire lcs propriétés des blancs, et qu'en les détruifant, ils détruifoient les leurs propres. 5 que dépuis que lui accufé étoit dans lcs' prifons, il a vu un petit billet écrit par ledit Picrre Maury à Jean-François Teffier, par lequel il lui marque qu'il continue à ramaffer, et que le nègre nommé Coquin, à la dame veuve Caftaing ainée, armé d'une paire de piftolet garni en argent et d'une manchette que ledit Maury lui a donné, veille à tout ce qui fe pafe, ct rend compte tous lcs foirs audit Maury; qui eft tout ce que l'accufé, ici prefent, nous déclare, en ncus coujurant d'être perftadés que, s'ii lui étoit poflible d'obtenir miféricorde, il s'expoferoit volontièrs à tousles dangers pour faire arrêter les chefs de ces révoités; et que dans toutes les circonitances, il prouvera fon zèle et fon refpedt pour les blancs, LECTURE à lui faite de f déclaration, dans laquelle il perfifte pour contenir vérité, lui en donnons ade, qu'il a figné avec nous et le gréffier. Signé à la minute J. OGE', RUOTTE, POUCHERESSES DE VERTIERES, et LANDAIS, gréfier. Pour expsdition collationée, Ggné LANDAIS, gréficr. A COPY of the preceding document, the exiftence of which I had often heard of, but very much doubted, was tranfmitted to f déclaration, dans laquelle il perfifte pour contenir vérité, lui en donnons ade, qu'il a figné avec nous et le gréffier. Signé à la minute J. OGE', RUOTTE, POUCHERESSES DE VERTIERES, et LANDAIS, gréfier. Pour expsdition collationée, Ggné LANDAIS, gréficr. A COPY of the preceding document, the exiftence of which I had often heard of, but very much doubted, was tranfmitted to --- Page 262 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHAP.IV. to me from St. Domingo in the month of July 1795, inclofed P.49. in a letter from a gentleman of that ifland, whofe attachment to the Britith cannot be fufpcéted, and whofe means of information were equal to any: This Letter is too remarkable to be omitted, and I hope, as I conceal his name, that the writer will pardon its publication: It here follows. Je vous envoye ci joint, le teftament de Jaques Ogé executé au Cap le 9 Mars 1791. Voici mes réflexions fur les dates et lcs faits: I". Jaques Ogé depofc le projet connu dépuis long tems par les Briffotins dont il étoit un des Agents. Il nomme les chefs des Mulâtres, qui dans toutes les parties de la Colonie devoient éxécuter un plan digne des Suppôts de l'enfer. 2" Il depofe que l'abondance des pluies et les cruès des rivières avoient empèché l'éxécution du projet au mois de fèvrier. 3". Il déclare que f on veut lui accorder miféricorde, il s'expofera aux dangers de faire arrêter les chefs. Ogé eft éxécuté, avec vingt de fes complices, le 9 Mars 1791. Son teftament eft gardé fecret jufqu'a la fin de 1791 (après l'incendie générale de la partie du Nord) qu'un arrèté de TAL femblée Coloniale oblige impèricufement le Gréffier du Confeil du Capà en délivrer des copies. Que conclure? Hélas, que les coupables font auffi nombreux qu'atroces et cruels! 1", Coupables : vingt de fes complices, le 9 Mars 1791. Son teftament eft gardé fecret jufqu'a la fin de 1791 (après l'incendie générale de la partie du Nord) qu'un arrèté de TAL femblée Coloniale oblige impèricufement le Gréffier du Confeil du Capà en délivrer des copies. Que conclure? Hélas, que les coupables font auffi nombreux qu'atroces et cruels! 1", Coupables : --- Page 263 --- a - AND ILLUSTRATIONS de couleur nommés par la dé- CHAP.IV. :". Coupables: Les hommes p.49. pofition d'Ogé. Le Confeil du Cap, autant s'ils ne font plus) 2. (et au moins le fecret fur fes dea ofé faire éxécuter Ogé, et qui a gardé qui politions fi interreffantes. les chefs militaires qui Le Général Blanchelande et tous de Couleur 3. fait arrêter fur le champ toutes les perfonnes non pas les ont confrontes avec leur accufatcur. nommes par Ogé et ne l'éxécution du malheureux Ogé; on Mais non: on a precipité fauvoit la Colonie. On a a gardé un fecret dont la publicité révoltés; on les a laiffé pour laiffé libres tous les chefs des fuivre leurs projets deftructifs. militaires, le confeil, les magiftrats civils, avoient Si les Chefs les mulâtres Pinchinat, fait arrêter au mois de Mars 1791, ils n'auroient pas pu conCaftaing, Viard, et tous les autres, Les Régimens de Norfomer leur crime le 25 Août fuivant. arriver de France, etoient mandic et d'Artois qui venoient d' de couleur coupables, et affés forts pour arrêter tous les gens fut le motif, qui eut ems'ils ne l'avoient pas été, et que ce Blanchelande envoya til, pèché Blanchelande d'agir, pourquoi lui envoyoit de de Mai 1791, des troupes de lignes que au mois la Martinique, M. de Behague? évidement la coalition des La férie de tous ces faits prouve dont ils ont étéla dupe, contre révolutionaires avec les Mulâtres, Polverel et Sanet la viétime après l'arrivée des Commiffaires thonax. CHAP- 'ils ne l'avoient pas été, et que ce Blanchelande envoya til, pèché Blanchelande d'agir, pourquoi lui envoyoit de de Mai 1791, des troupes de lignes que au mois la Martinique, M. de Behague? évidement la coalition des La férie de tous ces faits prouve dont ils ont étéla dupe, contre révolutionaires avec les Mulâtres, Polverel et Sanet la viétime après l'arrivée des Commiffaires thonax. CHAP- --- Page 264 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHAP. V. pS6. CHAP. V. p. 56. Mauduit Rarted back, B3c.--obile not a fingle band was lifted 118 in bis defence. In this laft particular I was milinformed, and rejoice that I have an opportunity of corredting my miftake. The following detail of that bloody tranfaétion has been tranimitted to me. from St. Domingo fince the firft fheets were printed: <6 Les grenadiers du regiment de Mauduit, et d'autres voix partics de la foule, demandent que le Colonel faffe reparation à la garde nationale. On éxige qu'il fafie des excufes pour l'infulte' qu'il lui a fait. Il prononce les excufes qu'on lui demande; fes grénadiers ne font points fatisfaits, ils veulent qu'il les faffe à genoux. Une rumeur terrible fe fait entendre: ce fut alors que plufieurs citoyens, même de ceux que Mauduit avoit le plus vexé, fendent la foule, et cherchent à le fouftraire au mouvement qui fe préparoit. On a vu dans ce moment le bràve Beaufoleil, àprès avoir étéatteint d'un coup de feu a l'affaire du 29 au 30 Juillet, en défendant le comité (Jee page 34) recèvoir un coup de sàbre en protégeant les jours de Mauduit. On peut rendre juftice auffi à deux officiers de Mauduit: Galefeau et Germain n'ayant pas abandonné leur Colonel jufqu'au dernicr moment; mais l'indignation des foldats étoit à fon comble, et il n'etoit plus temps. MAUDUIT preffé par fes grénadiers, dc s'agénouiller pour demander pardon à la garde nationale, et refufant conftamment de bre en protégeant les jours de Mauduit. On peut rendre juftice auffi à deux officiers de Mauduit: Galefeau et Germain n'ayant pas abandonné leur Colonel jufqu'au dernicr moment; mais l'indignation des foldats étoit à fon comble, et il n'etoit plus temps. MAUDUIT preffé par fes grénadiers, dc s'agénouiller pour demander pardon à la garde nationale, et refufant conftamment de --- Page 265 --- - AND ILLUSTRATIONS de sàbre à la figure, qui le CHAP. V. de s'y foumettre, reçut un coup à l'inftant la tête, quifiut p.56. terraffa; un autre grénadier lui coupa des foldats bout d'une bayonnette. Alors le reffentiment portée au n'eut plus de bornes: ils fe et des matelots livrés à eux memes, trainèrent fon corps, tout y tranfporterent chez Mauduit, où ils même la maifon, meubles ôcc. on. décarela fut brifé, rompu, 8cc. &c. CHAP.VI, CHAP. VI.. P. 77. p-77. itbin two montbs efter tbe revolt began, I: was. computedtbat bad been mafacred, E5c. upwards of 2,000 abite perfons of OStober 1791 the Colonial Affembly of IN the month (Mefs. Raboteau and LeSt. Domingo fent two Commiffioners in the Ifland of Jamaica, moine) to negociate a loan of money and duties. As an the of their internal taxes port on fecurity to give effect to the meafure, it Aét of Affembly was neceffary the author of this work, to advance was propofed in the houfe, by but the mothis occafion 6.1 100,000 of the publick money, on The houfe however ortion was over-ruled by a majority. the French Commifioners dered the Receiver General to advance the Colonial Sterling on the fecurity of bills drawn by f.10,000 of France; but this offer was deGovernment on the treafury In the courfe of this bufinefs clined by the Colonial Affembly. examined at the bar, and from the French Commiffioners were I have fcleéted fome the examination of one of thofe gentlemen of H h money, on The houfe however ortion was over-ruled by a majority. the French Commifioners dered the Receiver General to advance the Colonial Sterling on the fecurity of bills drawn by f.10,000 of France; but this offer was deGovernment on the treafury In the courfe of this bufinefs clined by the Colonial Affembly. examined at the bar, and from the French Commiffioners were I have fcleéted fome the examination of one of thofe gentlemen of H h --- Page 266 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHAP.VI. of the particulars given in the text. It tis a curious and imporp.77. tant document; and conceiving that fome m of iy readers will not be difpleafed to have an opportunity of perufing the whole, I have fubjoined it, as follows: 6 ON the 16th ofOctober laft (1791) when Il left Cape François, 182 fugar plantations, and 950 coffee, cotton, and indigo fettlements had been plundered and deftroyed, and the buildings thereof burnt down; one hundred thoufand flaves, as far as can bc computed, were in rebellion, and the men of Colour in a ftate of infurrection in every part of the Colony except round the Cape. All the whitcs that fell into their hands were indifcriminately murdered, and about 1,200 families reduced to fuch a dreadful ftate of mifery, that they were forced to receive their clothing and fufiftance either from public or private charity. c The lois in this year's crop was eftimated at 66,000,000 * St. Domingo livres, which, are nearly equal to 6.2,650,000 of the currency of Jamaica. The value of the capital could not then be afcertained, but it muft amount to an immenfe fun, confidering the lofs of ftock, flaves, and buildings. 64 Since I left the town of the Cape, the rebellion has extended itfelf to the eaftern parts of the plain, and 246 coffec fettletlements and a few fugar plantations have been deftroyed; this will add about K.3 300,000 + Jamaica currency to the lofs of-this year's crop. * Ncarly 6.1,900,000 ftorling. t 6.210,000 fterling. 66 The enfe fun, confidering the lofs of ftock, flaves, and buildings. 64 Since I left the town of the Cape, the rebellion has extended itfelf to the eaftern parts of the plain, and 246 coffec fettletlements and a few fugar plantations have been deftroyed; this will add about K.3 300,000 + Jamaica currency to the lofs of-this year's crop. * Ncarly 6.1,900,000 ftorling. t 6.210,000 fterling. 66 The --- Page 267 --- a AND ILLUSTRATIONS reccived from St. Domingo inform CHAP. VI. 46 The laft accounts I have have fucceeded in P-77. that detachments of regulars and militia me, feveral negro encampments, in confurprifing and difperfing of flaves have returned to their fequence of which a few gangs occafioned extreme mafters' eftates; but thefe advantages have they have not been able to reduce fatigue to our troops, though even the fixth part ofthe rebels. and Grande Rivicre are occupied 66 The quarters of Doudon of of rebels, that without a larger body by fuch a number to attack than we are poffeiled of, wc cannot attempt troops them with any hope of fuccefs. to remain fhut up as it were within the 66 We are reduced difficulty that we can town of the Cape, and it is with great the rebels man the line of pofts which are neceffary to prevent the ifland. the weflern and fouthern parts of from attacking ofour troops, a body of the rebels Notwithflanding the activity their ravages found means to pafs thofe pofts, in order to fpread called Les Cabos; the inhain the mountains of L'artibonite, and whereof have united their forces to repulfe ftop bitants the reft efcaped into the woods, them, but after killing a few, that the rebellion may foon and there is reafon to apprehend which would in a few extend itfelf to that part of the ifland, days become a prey to a general conflagration. we received a of the decree of the cs At this junêture copy laft, whereby our national affembly of the 24th of September but we fear tco late. We have only rights are acknowledged; a copy H h 2 --- Page 268 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHAP.VI, a copy of the decree, it has not been received officially, no troops are yet arrived to enforce the execution of it; and that P:77decree may, in our critical circumftances, add to our calamities, inafmuch as the free people of colour, knowing the enormity of their crimes, declare that they will fooner perifh than fubmit to this laft decree ; they are again forming a camp in the parifh of La Croix des Bouquets, near Port au Prince, and every hour I dread to hear of their having commenced hoftilities againft the white inhabitants; if fo, our ruin is inevitable. 6 If this fhould unfortunately be the cafe, your Ifland, Gentlewould of courfe bc expofed to fimilar deftruction, as the men, fuccefs of our flaves would induce your own to rebel againft you. 66 Negroes have not fufficient refolution to encounter the whites in the field of battle; but no men bear with greater fortitude hunger, pain, and fatigue, when once their imagination is heated, and their refolution fettled; we have amongft us men, who, pretending to be philanthropifts, have preached freedom even to our flaves; thefe men are conneéted withmen of weight and fortune in Old France, by whom they are greatly encouraged, and who are alfo conneéted with the philanthropifts in Great Britain, from aubole condust, indeed, the firf example was taken; and I moft fincerely pray, that this ifland may not be expofed to the fame evils as have refulted amongft us from fuch an enormous mifinterpretation and mifapplication of philanthropical principles. 66 The s, have preached freedom even to our flaves; thefe men are conneéted withmen of weight and fortune in Old France, by whom they are greatly encouraged, and who are alfo conneéted with the philanthropifts in Great Britain, from aubole condust, indeed, the firf example was taken; and I moft fincerely pray, that this ifland may not be expofed to the fame evils as have refulted amongft us from fuch an enormous mifinterpretation and mifapplication of philanthropical principles. 66 The --- Page 269 --- A a AND TELUSTRATIONS but few and feeble, CHAP. VI. c The means left us for our defence are been able to refift our P.77and it is indeed furprifing that we have much to the power of opienemies for fo long a time; we owe have been accuftomed nion, and to the fuperiority the negroes have to defend every part to the whites. The forces we of to yield of about 1000 men of the regiments of the colony; confifts of the Cape, inArtois and Normandy ; 700 of the regiment ftipendiary the fick, who are in great number; 1200 which cluding ourfelves; ; and 6000 or 7000 militia, troops, paid by or order ever fince our have been without the leaft difcipline force confifts in one divifions. Our maritime fatal political and two floops of war. thip of74 guns, two frigates, feeble means that we are to face the free ce It is with fuch We haveapplied of colour, and the flaves in rebellion. but it has people and allies, the Spaniards; for relief to our neighbours with inhumanity and been refufed by the Spanifh government, fome of the commanding infult; private men among them, and to bave. econdofficers on the lines between us and them,appear and by delivertbem with ammunition, ed tbe rebels, by Jupplying awuretched inbabitants, aubo badfed ing into tbeir bands fome ef tbe to tbem.for refuge. is not only free of debt, but there is 4 Our publick treafury empty; 5 it being imdue to it, yet it is abfolutely even money colleét the taxes, or otherwife to provide poflible at prefent to the war, and the neceflity of for the vaft expence occafioned by families in want. giving relief to unfortunate 4e The uretched inbabitants, aubo badfed ing into tbeir bands fome ef tbe to tbem.for refuge. is not only free of debt, but there is 4 Our publick treafury empty; 5 it being imdue to it, yet it is abfolutely even money colleét the taxes, or otherwife to provide poflible at prefent to the war, and the neceflity of for the vaft expence occafioned by families in want. giving relief to unfortunate 4e The --- Page 270 --- 238. ADDITIO NAL NOTES, CHAP.VI. ec, The ftate of our monthly expences is nearly as follows : P77-1 / 3000 regular troops, at 3 livres a-day,is 9000 livrés: aiday, equal per month to - 270,000 4000 men, women, and children at public allowance, at 2 livres a-day; is per month 240,000 Expences of officers, clothing, arms, ammuni- 'tion, &c. 410,000 Total'Livres, - 920,000 of St. Domingo currency, or about 6-34.166.. Jamaica currency per month, without including feveral other extraordinary expences, fuch as that of adminiftration, rewards, maritimc eXpeditions, écc. < Were we-deprived of the neceffary funds to pay our and to fupply them with provifions, they foon' would join troops, the mulattoes, and we fhould be ruined withont any refource. The forces which are expeéted from Europc would arrive too latc; and they could then only revenge, and not defend us. 66 RABOTEAU." CHAP. CHAP. VII. P. VII. Ss. P. 85. Thefocity of Amis des Noirs reforted witbout - Fures wbich tbeir fellono labourers in London feruple to thofe meaAill hefitated to H adopt. JE répéterai éternellement que: c'eft à vous, zélatcurs- de philantropie! qu'appartient l'honneur de ces bouleverfements: * 6.24500 fterling. c'eft --- Page 271 --- A AND ILLUSTRATIONS, c'eftà vous feuls que l'on doit le dépériffement des reffources CHAP. nationales: Si vous n'aviez pas fappé jufqu'aux fondemens la VII. brilliante colonie de l'univers, 8cc. &cc.. P. 85. plus Refexisns-fr la Colonie de St. Domingue, tom. 2. P. 66. CHAP. Ie X. P. 142, CHAP. X. p.142. They declared by proclamation all manner ef favery abolifbed, - &cc.--This proceeding was ratified in February, followed by the National Convention in a Decree,. of which follows a Copy. DECRET de la Convention Nationale, du 16 Jour de Plu- 51 Feb. de la Republique Françaife, une et indivi- 1794viôle; an fecond : fible. dr C LA Convention Nationale déclare que l'efclavage des Négres dans toutes les Colonies eft aboli; en conféquence elle decrète tous le hommes, fans diftinction- de couleur, domiciliés dans que les Colonies, font citoyens Français, et jouiront de tous les droits affurés par la conftitution. ELLE renvoie au comité de falut public, pour lui faire inceffament un rapport fur les mefures à prendre pour affurer l'éxécution du préfent décret. Vifé par les infpecteurs. Signé Auger, Cordier, S. E. Monnel, Collationné équence elle decrète tous le hommes, fans diftinction- de couleur, domiciliés dans que les Colonies, font citoyens Français, et jouiront de tous les droits affurés par la conftitution. ELLE renvoie au comité de falut public, pour lui faire inceffament un rapport fur les mefures à prendre pour affurer l'éxécution du préfent décret. Vifé par les infpecteurs. Signé Auger, Cordier, S. E. Monnel, Collationné --- Page 272 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CH AP. Collationné à l'original, par nous préfident et fécrètaires X. la Convention Nationale, à Paris le 22 de p. 142. de la Germinal, an fecond République Françaife une et indivifible. Signé, Amar, Préfident. A. M. Baudot. Monnot. Ch. Pottier, et Peyfard, Sécrétaires. As moft of the French iflands fell into poffeffion ofthe Englith foon after that this extraordinary decree was promulgated, the only place where it was attempted to be enforced, was in the fouthern province of: St. Domingo, and the mode of enforcing it, as I have heard, was as fingular as the decree itfelf. The negroes of the feveral plantations were called together, and informed that tbey were all a free people, and at liberty to quit the fervice of their mafters whenever they thought proper. -They were told however, at the fame time, that as the Rcpublick wanted foldiers, and the ftate allowed no man to be idle, fuch of them a.s left their mafters, would be compelled to enlift in one or other of the black regiments then forming. At firft many of the negroes accepted the alternative, and enlifted accordingly; but the reports they foon gave of the rigid difcipline and hard fare to which they were fubject, operated in a furprifing manner on the reft, in keeping them more than ufually quiet and induftrious;'and they requefted that no change might be made in their condition. CHAP. --- Page 273 --- - AND OBSERVATIONS. CHAP. X, CHAP. X. P. 143. P.143. L Oftbe revolted negroes in tbe Nortbern province, many bad perifed of difcafe andfamine, E3c. FROM the vaft number of negroes that had fallen in battle, and the ftill greater number that perifhed from the caufes above mentioned, it was computed in the ycar 1793 that this clafs of pcople at that period had fuftained a diminution of more than one hundred thoufand. Reflexions fiur la Colonie, 63c. tom. 2. p. 217-) Since that time the mortality has bcen ftill more rapid, and, including thc lofs of whites, by ficknefs and cmigration, I do not believe that St. Domingo at this juncture (June 1796) contains more than two fifths of the wholc number of inhabitants (white and black) which it poffeffed in the beginning of 1791.-According to this calculation upwards of 300,000 human bcings have miferably perifhed in this devoted country within the laft fixy years! CHAP. X. P.-147. CHAP. X. P-147. Tbe propofitions, or terms gf capitulation, bad been precioufy yad. 1 - - juped betrzeen tbe people efferemie, by tbeir Agent, Mr. Charmilly, amd General Williamfon, 83c. As I conceive that thefe articles werc drawn up in England, and adjufted with the King's minifters previous to Mr. CharI i milly's perifhed in this devoted country within the laft fixy years! CHAP. X. P.-147. CHAP. X. P-147. Tbe propofitions, or terms gf capitulation, bad been precioufy yad. 1 - - juped betrzeen tbe people efferemie, by tbeir Agent, Mr. Charmilly, amd General Williamfon, 83c. As I conceive that thefe articles werc drawn up in England, and adjufted with the King's minifters previous to Mr. CharI i milly's --- Page 274 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHAP. X. milly's return from thence, I Thall prefent them to the reader. p.147. The paflages which.Ihave printed in italick are remarkable. TERMS OF CAPITULATION propofed by the Inbabitants of La Grande Anfe (including tbe Qyarter at HYeremie) reprefented by Mon/. de Cbarmilly, palfeled of. full powvers by a Commifion from tbe Councit-ef Public Safety eftbe aforefaid Place, datedtbe 18z6 fAuguf 1793, and prefented to bis Excellency Major General Williamfom, bis Majefy's Lieutenant Governor ef famaica, for bis Acceptance. Article I. That the proprietors of St. Domingo, deprived of all recourfe to their lawful Sovereign to deliver' them from the tyranny under which they now groan, implore the protection of his Britannick Majefty, and take the oath of fidelity and allegiance to him; and fupplicate him to take their colony. under his protcétion, and to treat them as good and faithful fubjects till a general peace; at which period they Thall be finally fubjected to the terms then agreed upon between his Britannick Majefty, tbe Government ef France, and the Allied Powers, with refpect to the Sovereignty of St. Domingo.-Anfiver. Granted. Art. II. That till order and tranquillity are reftored at St. Domingo, the Governor appointed by his Britannick Majefty hall have full power to regulate and direét whatever meafures of Safety and Police he Thall judge proper.-Anf, Granted. Art. III. That no one Thall bc molefted on account of any anterior difturbances, except thofe who are legally accufed, in fome , and the Allied Powers, with refpect to the Sovereignty of St. Domingo.-Anfiver. Granted. Art. II. That till order and tranquillity are reftored at St. Domingo, the Governor appointed by his Britannick Majefty hall have full power to regulate and direét whatever meafures of Safety and Police he Thall judge proper.-Anf, Granted. Art. III. That no one Thall bc molefted on account of any anterior difturbances, except thofe who are legally accufed, in fome --- Page 275 --- AND ILLUSTRATIONS. fome Court of Juftice, of having committed murder, or of CHAP. X. having deftroyed property by firc, or ofhaving inftigated others p.147. to commit thofe crimes.-Anf. Granted. Art. IV. That the Mulattoes Thall have all the privileges enjoyed by that clafs of inhabitants in the Briti(h iflands.-- Anf. Granted. Art. V. That if, at the conclufion of the war, the colony remains under the Sovereignty of his Britannick Majefty, and order is eftablifhed therein; in fuch cafe, the laws refpecting property and all civil rigbts, wbich were in force in tbe Jaid colony before tbe Revolution in France, fali be preferved: neverthelefs, until a Colonial Affembly can be formed, his Britannick Majefty fhall have the right of determining provifionally upon any meafures which the general good and the tranquillity of the colony may require ; but that no Afembly fhall be called till order is eftablifhed in every part of the colony; ; and, till that period, his Britannick Majefty's Governor Thall be affifted in-all the details of Adminiftration and Police by a Committee of Six Perfons, which he Chall have the power of choofing from among the proprietors of the three Provinces of which the colony confifts.- Anf. Granted. Art. VI. That, in confequence ofthe devaftations which have taken place in the colony by infurredlions, fire, and pillage, the Governor appointed by his Majefty, on taking poffelion of the colony, to fatisfy the demand of the Inhabitants in this refpeét, Jhall be autborized to grant,for the payment of debts, affpenfion ef tenyears, wwbich Mall be computedfrom the date eftbefarrender; and Ii 2 the Anf. Granted. Art. VI. That, in confequence ofthe devaftations which have taken place in the colony by infurredlions, fire, and pillage, the Governor appointed by his Majefty, on taking poffelion of the colony, to fatisfy the demand of the Inhabitants in this refpeét, Jhall be autborized to grant,for the payment of debts, affpenfion ef tenyears, wwbich Mall be computedfrom the date eftbefarrender; and Ii 2 the --- Page 276 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHAP. X. tbe fulpenfion of all interef upon the fame pallbeginfrom the P.147- ef tbe iftof. Augufa 1791, and terminate at tbe expiration peried eftbe ten years above mentioned granted for the payment efdebts; but all fums due to minors by their guardians, or to abfent planters by thofe who have the management of their property, or from onc planter to another, for the transfer of property, are not to be included in the above fufpenfion.-Anf. Granted. Art. VII. That the duties of importation and exportation upon all European commoditics hall be the fame as in the Englith colonics.-Anf Granted. In confequence, the tariff fliall be made public and affixed, that every one may be acquainted therewith. Art. VIII. That the manufacturers of white fugars Thall preferve the right of exporting their clayed fugars, fubject to fuch regulations as it may be neceffary to make with refpeét to them.-Anf. Granted. In confequence, the duties upon white fugars fhall be the fame as were taken in the colony of St. Domingo in 1789. Art. IX. That the Catholic Religion (hall be preferved and maintained, but that no other mode of Evangelic worfhip Thall be excluded.-Anf, Granted. On condition that fuch priefts as have taken the Oath prefcribed by the perfons exercifing the powers of Government in France Thall be fent away, and replaced by others. Art. X. The local taxes deftincd to acquit the expences of garrifons, and of the Adminiftration of the colony Chall be affeffed in the fame manner as in 1789, except the alleviations and --- Page 277 --- AND OBSERVATIONS. and remittances which Thall be granted to the inhabitants whofe CHAP. X. property has fuffered by firc, till their poffeflions are repaired. p.147. An account thail be kept by the colony of all the fums advanced on the part of Great Britain for fupplying the deficiency of the faid taxes; which deficiency, as well as all the public expences of the Colony (except thofc of his Majefty's naval forces, deftined for its proteétion) Chall always be defrayed by the faid colony.-Anf. Granted. Art. XI. His Britannic Majefty's Governor of St. Domingo fhall apply to the Spanifh Government, to obtain reftitution of the negroes and cattle fold upon the Spanifh territory by the revolted flaves.-Anf Granted. Art. X1I. The importation, in American bottoms, of provifions, cattle, grain, and wood of every kind from the United States of America, Thall be allowed at St. Demingo.-Anf. Granted. On condition that the American (hips, which Chall be employed in this trade, thall have only one deck; and this importation Thall be allowed only as long as it Thall appear neceflary for the re-eftablifhment or fubfiftence of the Colony, or until meafures have heen taken for putting it in this refpect upon the fame footing as other Englith Colonies ; and an exact account Thall be kept of the faid veffels, with the defcription of their cargoes, and Thall be tranfmitted every three months to the Right Honourable the Lords Commiflioners of his Majefty's Treafury, as well as to one ofthe principal Secretaries of State; 5 and on no account whatever Thall any of the faid vcffels be allowed to take in return any production of the Colony, except molaffes and rum. Art. XIII. pect upon the fame footing as other Englith Colonies ; and an exact account Thall be kept of the faid veffels, with the defcription of their cargoes, and Thall be tranfmitted every three months to the Right Honourable the Lords Commiflioners of his Majefty's Treafury, as well as to one ofthe principal Secretaries of State; 5 and on no account whatever Thall any of the faid vcffels be allowed to take in return any production of the Colony, except molaffes and rum. Art. XIII. --- Page 278 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHAP. X. Art, XIII. No partoftbe aforefaid conditions Aallbe p.147. asa refriction to tbe confdered - 1 power of tbe Parliament of Great Britain, tor regulate and determine tbe Political Government oftbe Anf Granted. Colony.- CHAP. XI. CHAP. XI. P. 169. p. 169. The fame fate awaited Lieutenant Colonel Markbam, 83c. I CANNOT deny myfelf the melancholy fatisfaction of ferving in this work the following honourable tribute preto the memory of this amiable officer, which was given out neral orders after his death, by the Commander in Chief. in.geHead Quarters, 28 March 1795Brigadier General Horneck begs the officers, non-commiflioned officers, and privates of the detachment, which, on the 26th Inft. procecded under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Markham, on a party of obfervation, to receive his very fincere thanks for their gallant behaviour, at the attack of the enemy's advanced poft; taking their colours and cannon, and their ftores. deftroying At the fame time he cannot fufficiently expreis his feclings on the late afflicting lofs, that has been fuftainedi in Lieutenant Colonel Markham ; who, equally excellent and meritorious as an officer and a man, lived univerfally refpeéted and beloved, and died --- Page 279 --- AND ILLUSTRATIONS, dicd leaving a bright example of military, focial, and private CHAP.XI. virtue. p.16g. - The Brigadier General likewife requefts Captains Martin and Wilkinfon, of the Royal Navy, to receive his acknowledgments and thanks, for the important affiftance they have afforded; not only on this occafion alonc, but on every other, wherein his Majefty's fervice has required their co-operation. He alo begs Captain Martin to do him the favour, to impart the like acknowledgments to the officers of the Royal Navy, and to the refpective fhips companies under his command, for the zeal and good conduct they have thewn whenever cmploycd. --- Page 280 --- 60-173 --- Page 281 --- --- Page 282 --- --- Page 283 --- --- Page 284 --- 164-173 --- Page 285 --- D7 C --- Page 286 ---