--- Page 1 --- --- Page 2 --- 3lalmt Uutrr firolmn Lihrtng firom linwositg --- Page 3 --- --- Page 4 --- --- Page 5 --- --- Page 6 --- --- Page 7 --- --- Page 8 --- --- Page 9 --- --- Page 10 --- - BRYAN EDWARDS ESQ" cenetoumb Tlon Stuchedoke Tiondib --- Page 11 --- AN HISTORICAL SURVEY OF THE ISLAND OF SAINT DOMINGO, TOGETHER WITH AN ACCOUNT OF THE MAROON NEGROES IN THE 3slano of Jamaica: AND A HISTORY OF THE WAR IN THE WEST INDIES, In 1793, and 1794; BY BRYAN EDWARDS, ESQ. ALSO, A TOUR THROUGH THE SEVERAL ISLANDS OF BARBADOES, Sr. VINCENT, ANTIGUA, TOBAGO, AND GRENADA, In the Years 1791 and 1792. BY SIR WILLIAM YOUNG, BART. Slustrateb hity dspper plates. LONDON : PRINTED FOR JOHN STOCKDALE, PICCADILLY. 1S01. --- Page 12 --- VB - --- Page 13 --- [ v ] PREFATORY ADVERTIS E M E NT*, this new and additional Volume of the T9 Hiftory of the Weft Indies, it was the intention of the Author to prefix a Preface, touching every fource of additional intelligence, every reétification of error, and the general completion of his views, in furnifhing every document of commerce, of policy, and of natural hiftory, as conneéted with the countries and the people he defcribes, He had carefully revifed and corrcéted the text of his Book, preparatory to fuch effay, developing the fcheme of its conftrudion, and the philofophy of its contents. But death interrupted the defign'sand cre the-laft fhect was revifed from the prefs, -BRYAN EDWARDS was no more! He had long fuffered from the diforder which brought him to the grave, # By Sir IVilliam Tngy Bart. --- Page 14 --- vi PREFATORY ADYERTISEMENT grave, : and feemed to forefée the hour of diffolution haftening on 5 as the Sketch of his Life, written by himfelf, clearly denotes. Rendered by weaknefs and difeafe, of incapable defign of a Prefatory completing his greater anxiety for honeft Difcourfe, yet, with a fond fame, he roufed the embers of his genius,-to claim a fair reputation with pofterity for induftry, integrity, and candid expofition of the talents and acquirements which introduced him publick notice. The firmnefs of his mind, and the to cheerfulnefs of his temper, which throughout a long and-cheequered life, gave confidence to his friendfhips, and delight in his fociety, forfook him as he apprehended its laft fhort hour before not, -This he clearly fhows, when him : awful confideration turning from the his of futurity, to look back on paft life, himfelf brings the view; and defcribes the fcene retrofpeé to our lively colours, with in fo pure and no gloom from and no fhade from remorfe, that difcontent, the nature of the light which fo we readily infer his laft work, and to his laft beamed on this hour;-and nounce its emanation to be from the proicience of a benevolent and pure con6 upright man.' Under fuch his of futurity, to look back on paft life, himfelf brings the view; and defcribes the fcene retrofpeé to our lively colours, with in fo pure and no gloom from and no fhade from remorfe, that difcontent, the nature of the light which fo we readily infer his laft work, and to his laft beamed on this hour;-and nounce its emanation to be from the proicience of a benevolent and pure con6 upright man.' Under fuch --- Page 15 --- PREFATORY ADVERTISEMENT vii fuch imprcfion, the Editor has peculiar fatisfaétion in fulfilling the injunétion of his departed friend, and prefixing to this Edition C6 THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR, WRITTEN BY HiIMSELF."- Thetimeatwluchit was compofed, and the compofition itfelf, imprefs the Editor with every feeling of dear regard and of duty ; and, (as a part of that duty) with the propriety of fubmitting fome further remark on this laft literary effort of his excellent Fricnd. Thofe who knew and werc intimate with Mr. BRYAN EDWARDS, will recognize, in this fhort account of himfelf, the energy of mind, the induftry, and the truth, which charaéterized his converfations and his life; but all muft. allow, and fome muft objcét, that much therein is omitted, which has ufual and proper place in bicgraphy, and which the Editor might be prefumed, or be called upon, to fupply. Some account might be required, ofhis literary effays and legiflative acts, fo efficient in the caufe of humanity towards the negroes, whilft a member of the affembly in Jamaica : --Some account might be demanded, of this good and independent man, whilft a member of the Britifh parliament; and, efpecially in. the pofthumous life of a literary --- Page 16 --- viii PREFATORY ADVERTISENENT literary man, fome accurate detail of his fuits and writings might be expeded literary purEDWARDS,-of his ;--Of BRYAN and of his conduét Correfpondence,-of in the his Efays, judicious and clegant recital of the Travels of compilation -and fpecially, of the Mungoe Park, origin and progrefs of the great Work herewith fubmitted to the Publick.- to thefe, and other points, the recolleéion of the reader is thus awakened. The Editor further. He cannot venture prefumes no the facred to. alter, Or add to, depofit committed to his now gives it to the charge,--and willed Publick, as its Author left, and it, to be given. --- Page 17 --- ix 1 SK ETC H OF THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR, WRITTEN BY HIMSELF A SHORT TIME BEFORE HIS DEATH. I WAS born the 21ft of May 1743, in the decaycd town of Weftbury, in the county of Wilts. My father inherited a fimnall paternal eftate in the neighbourhood, of about 6.100 per annum; which proving but a icanty maintenance for a large family, he undertook, without any knowledge of the bufinefs, as I have been informed, to deal in corn and malt, but with very little fuccefs. He dicd in 1756, leaving my excellent mother, and fix children, in diftrefied cincumdanca-Luckily for my mother, fhe had two opulent brothers in the Weft Indies, one of them a wife and worthy man, of a libcral mind, and princely fortune. This was Zackary Bayly, of the Ifland of Jamaica, who, on thc death Vor. III. b of of the bufinefs, as I have been informed, to deal in corn and malt, but with very little fuccefs. He dicd in 1756, leaving my excellent mother, and fix children, in diftrefied cincumdanca-Luckily for my mother, fhe had two opulent brothers in the Weft Indies, one of them a wife and worthy man, of a libcral mind, and princely fortune. This was Zackary Bayly, of the Ifland of Jamaica, who, on thc death Vor. III. b of --- Page 18 --- V L I F E OF ofr my father, took my mother and her his proteétion, and as I was the eldeft family under that I fhould be well educated. fon, direéed by I had been my father at the fchool of a placed in Briftol, whofe diflenting minifter I'remember name was William Foot, of whom: learned and cnough, to believe that he was both a he good man, but by a was forbidden to teach ftrange abfurdity, direéted to confine me Latin and Greek, and tick, and the my ftudies to writing, arithmehave had little Englifh grammar. I fhould therefore to do, but that the an excellent method of fchoolmafter had letters to him making the boys write on different fubjeas, fuch as, the beauty and dignity of truth, the religious life, the benefits of obligation of a mifchicf of idlenefs, good education, the &cc. 8cc. them the chief previoully ftating to. arguments to be urged; and on correétnefs in infifing this orthography and grammar. In employment, I had fometimes the to excel. the other boys; and when good fortune my maftcr never failed to this happened, beforeit them all; and he would praife me very, liberally my letters to my father and frequently tranfmit in my mind a of mother.-This excited U fpirit emulation, and, I believe, gave --- Page 19 --- THE AUTHOR xi gave me the firft tafle for correét and elegant compolition. I acquired, howerer, all this timc, but very little learning ; and when my uncle (on my father's death): took me under his proteétion, his agent in Briftol confidered me as negledted by Mr: Foot, and immediately removed me to a French boarding fchool in the fame city, where I foon obtained the French language, and having accefs to a circulating library, I acquired a paflion for books, which has fince become the folace of my life. In1759,ayounger and the only brotherofmy great and good uncle, came to England, and fettling in London, took me to refide with him, in a high and elegant ftyle of life. He was a reprefentative in Parliament for Abingdon, and afterwards for his native town.-Furthor, I cannot fpcak of him fo favourably as I could with, for I remember that at the period I allude to, his conduét towards me was fuch as not to infpire me, with much refpedt: he perceived it, and foon after, in the latter end of the fame year fent me to Jamaica. - This proved a happy and fortunate change in my life, for I found my eldeft uncle the reverfe, in every poflible circumftance, of his brother. To themoft b 2 enlarged , I cannot fpcak of him fo favourably as I could with, for I remember that at the period I allude to, his conduét towards me was fuch as not to infpire me, with much refpedt: he perceived it, and foon after, in the latter end of the fame year fent me to Jamaica. - This proved a happy and fortunate change in my life, for I found my eldeft uncle the reverfe, in every poflible circumftance, of his brother. To themoft b 2 enlarged --- Page 20 --- xii LIFE OF enlarged and enlightened mind, headded the temper; and the moft fweeteft tendernefs towards generous difpofition. His him with me was exceflive, and I more than filial regarded Obferving affeétion and veneration. my paflion for books, and ably of my capacity, he thinking favourloved and ever to be lamented engaged a clergyman (my. refide in his family, friend Haac Teale) ta tions chicfly to fapply by his. inftrucmy deficiency in the learned Teale had béen mafter of a free languages. Mr. befides being a moft grammar fchool, and accomplifhed an exquifite tafte for fcholar, poffeffed will be convinced poetry, of which the readcr by referring to the Magazine, for Auguft 1771, the beautiful Gentleman's verfes, there firft publifhed, called copy of of the Day, 29 being of his *The Compliment fay, however, that I made compofition.-I dare not languages under his tuition any great progrefs in the C Latin, and lefs 5 I acquired < /nal! cult to read the Greek;" even now, I find it diffiThe cafe Roman poets in their own was, that not having been language. Latin grammar at an carlier grounded in. the the ftudy of it period of lifc, I found infapportably had acquired a tafte for the difgufting, after that I beauties of fine writing. Postry --- Page 21 --- T HE A U THOR. Xili Poetry was our chief amufement; for my friend, as well as myfelf, preferred the charms of Dryden and Pope, to the dull drudgery of poring over fyntax and profody*. We preferred Belles Lettres.- Wel laughed away many a happyhour over the plays ofMolière, and wrote verfes Onl local and temporary fubjedts, which we fometimes publifhed in the Colonial newfpapers. Yet the Latin clafficks were not altogether negledted; my friend delighted to point out to me the beauties of Horace, and would frequently impofe Oll me the tafk of tranflating an ode into, Englifh verfe, which, with his afliftance in conftruing the words, I fomctimes accomplifhed. Having made myfelf known to the publick by my writings, it is probable that after I am in the grave, that fome colleétor of anecdotes,. or biographical compiler, may pretend to furnifh fome particulars concerning my life and manners. It is not pleafant to think that mifreprefentation or malice may faften on my memory; and I have therefore made it the amufement of an idle hour, to compile a fhort account of myfclf. My perfonal hiftory, however, is of little importance to the world. It will furnifh Vide Armftrong. no that after I am in the grave, that fome colleétor of anecdotes,. or biographical compiler, may pretend to furnifh fome particulars concerning my life and manners. It is not pleafant to think that mifreprefentation or malice may faften on my memory; and I have therefore made it the amufement of an idle hour, to compile a fhort account of myfclf. My perfonal hiftory, however, is of little importance to the world. It will furnifh Vide Armftrong. no --- Page 22 --- xiv LIFE OF THE AUTHOR no diverfified fcenes of cumftances of fortune, nor relate many cirmyfelf, worth feel the fond remembering, Yet I ambition of an Author, ard am to hope, that thofc who have read willing approbation, will be my Book with glad to know fomething further concerning me; For who, to dumb forgetfulnef a prey, &cc. For the fatisfaétion then of fuch kind fuch there arc) and the information readers (if I have drawn up this of my pofterity, Bookfeller paper, which I defire to' prefix to the next Edition of my Hiftory of the Weft Indics. my B.E. --- Page 23 --- XV CONTENTS TO VOL. III. E Page Prefatory Advertifement, by Sir WILLIAM YOUNG, Bart. - V Sketch efthe Life of the AUTHOR, written by HIMSELF a fhort Time before his Death ix: HISTORICAL SURVEY OF SAINT DOMINGO. Preface t0 the Firf Edition (1796) Advertifement (1800) CHAP f: Political State SAINT DOMINGO previous to the Year 1789 a C HAP H. From the Revolution 0f1789, to the Meeting of the Firf Genera! Colonial Allembly CHAP III. Proceedings of the General Colonial Alembly, antil its fna! Diffolution, and Embarkation %f the Members for France, Auguf CHAP, --- Page 24 --- xvi CONTENTS CHA P. IV.. Rebellion and Defeat 9F Tames Ogé, afree Man f-Colonr - 64 C H. A, P.: V. Prececdingt in Deningé-and Erance-Mafaere fatal Decree of Colonel Mauduit in St. 15tl May 1791of the National Alembly e the CHA P. VI. Confequences Rebellion in' St. Domingo of the Decree efthe ef the Negroes in the 15th gMSy mities committed by then-Revolt Northern Province, and Enor- -Concordater Truce betaveen the ofthe Mulattoes at Mirebalais axdthe Men %f Colour ofthe 11th inhabitants Port-ar-Printe by the National Alembly e the 201h dspuninetisimnine gf September - CHA P. VII. Of the Motives which induced the wolted Negres-Condudt eFihe People fColeur 1o join the relition efshe Slave Trade, and of Britih the Afeciationfer the AboAmis des Noirs--Letter Society in Paris called Les of Cohur-Repal of the from Decree Ablé Gregcire 10 the People Efeasefthat of the 15th May 1791- -Port-aw-Prince Moube-Chulreraus the Mulattoes renexved both defroyed by Eive-Crachicr Pariu-Arrival at Cape exercijfed by mificners Trangois of the.Cioil :Com107 CHAP VIII. Reception and Precedings ef the Civil Return 20 Franct-National Commiffereri, and their Appointment ef a new Governor Derecefthe 4thef April 1792- (Monf: Delparbes) and threeotlier 1791- -Port-aw-Prince Moube-Chulreraus the Mulattoes renexved both defroyed by Eive-Crachicr Pariu-Arrival at Cape exercijfed by mificners Trangois of the.Cioil :Com107 CHAP VIII. Reception and Precedings ef the Civil Return 20 Franct-National Commiffereri, and their Appointment ef a new Governor Derecefthe 4thef April 1792- (Monf: Delparbes) and threeotlier --- Page 25 --- CONTENTS xvii other Commifioners (Santhonax, Polverel, and Ailhaud)- Their Embarkation and Arrival, with a feleêt Body ef7rpopsTheir rviolent Prwoniagi-Apssesy by the Executive Council, of M. Galbaud as Chief Governor, in the roonl of De/parbes-His Arrival, and Difputes wviththe CommifionersBoth Parties proceed to hofilities-The revolted Negroes calea in to the Alifance ofthe Commiffeners-A. general Maljacre of the White Inhabitants, and Conflagration efthe Town efCepe François - Notes fur IEvenement du Cap C H A P. IX. Situation, Extent, and General Defcription 9 St. DomingoOrigin efthe French Colony, and Topographical Defeription of the feveral Provinces into auhich the French Pofefions zvere divided-Their Population, and Produce-Slipping and Exports --Compared with the Returns ffamaica CH A P. X. Bbeigrution-0-artere 10 the Britifh Government acceptedSittation and Strengtl of the Republican Party in St. Domingo, and Difpofition ef the Iahabitanti-Nagro Slavery abolifhed by the French Comajfouri-Armomet allotted.for the Invafion efthe country-Surrender of Feremie and the Mole at Cape St. Naiolat-Lngfacedhfad Attempt on Cape Tiburon-Eurther Proceedings of the Britifk Army until the Arrival of General Wlyte-Capture fPort atl Prince CH A P. XI. Sicknels among the Troops, and the Catfes theref-Reinforcement-Dreagful Mortality- /- - General Tfhyte is fucceeded by Brigadier General Hernecs-Leogane taken by the RebelsTemporary Succelfes of Lieutexant-Colouel Bri/bane at ArtiboVor. III. C nite ole at Cape St. Naiolat-Lngfacedhfad Attempt on Cape Tiburon-Eurther Proceedings of the Britifk Army until the Arrival of General Wlyte-Capture fPort atl Prince CH A P. XI. Sicknels among the Troops, and the Catfes theref-Reinforcement-Dreagful Mortality- /- - General Tfhyte is fucceeded by Brigadier General Hernecs-Leogane taken by the RebelsTemporary Succelfes of Lieutexant-Colouel Bri/bane at ArtiboVor. III. C nite --- Page 26 --- xvii CONTENT S. vile-Revolt gf thhe Mulattoes at St. Marc-Attack Bisaas-Pirgpuratinr by Rigaud for another ef Fort Tiburon-The Pef attached on Attempt on Gallant Defence and Chrijfmas Day, and carriedFate of Lieutenant Efpape of the Garrifon, and melancholy and Markham Baferville- Lionterant-Calonels Brifbane Conduël eftle War. Ailai-oypreatiau and Stridtures on tlie Ancient State CHA P. XII. efablifhed by of the Spamife Colony-The Zoun 9f. St. Drake in Bartholomew Columbus in Demingo 1586-Catindure and 1495-Pillged by fent Condition, and the State of Refections concerning its preCoustry-Nunbers and Character Agriculture in the interior Their Animefity towards the French ofthe prefent Iwhabitantsthe Daelif-Cagjpdure Planters, and Tealonfsy of the wuhole Hand; axdfome concerning the Future Situation gf concluding Refeations Hilafrations, and Additional Notes HllaArutions, B3c. to Chop. IV, from 229 io 234 Ditto - 1o Chap. VI. - Ditto : a to Chap. /, - 244 Ditto to Chap. X. Ditto a to Chap. XI. 255. 257 A Tour CHA P. XIII. through the feveral Mands of Barbadoes, St. Antigua, Tobago, and Grenada, inthe Tears Vincent, By Sir William Toung, Bart, M. P. F.R. S. 1791and 8c. 1792: 8c. Offervations On the Difpofition, CharaSier, efLife, ofthe Maroon Manmers, and Habits a Detail ofthe Origin, Negroes ef the Hande/Jamaica; and War between thofe Progref, and Termination e.the late People and the White Inhabitants HISTORY adoes, St. Antigua, Tobago, and Grenada, inthe Tears Vincent, By Sir William Toung, Bart, M. P. F.R. S. 1791and 8c. 1792: 8c. Offervations On the Difpofition, CharaSier, efLife, ofthe Maroon Manmers, and Habits a Detail ofthe Origin, Negroes ef the Hande/Jamaica; and War between thofe Progref, and Termination e.the late People and the White Inhabitants HISTORY --- Page 27 --- CONTENTS xix HISTORY of the WAR in tbe Wek Indies: CHAP. I. Preliminary Offroatianu.-Commucncmont oftbe War-Capture efsolago.- Fruitlefs Attempt againf Martinics. Determinalion gf tbe Briti/b Miniftry tbereon, and confequent Preparations fora large Armunouttsbefeut: tto the Weft Indies.-Sir CHARLES GREY appointed to the Comnand of tbe Land Forces, and Sir JOHN JERVIS to tbe Comnmand eftbe Flec:.-New Arrangement - 1 HAI P. II. Sir Cbarles Grey arrives at Barbadoes, andfailsfor tbe Attack of Martinico. --Proceedings eftbe Army and Nacy, until tbe Surrender of tbat Hhand CHA P. III. Conquef ef St. Lucit-Defcripto fGuadaloupe. Proceedings againf tbat Hand.-Iis Surrender completes tbe Conguef eftbe French Wef India Colonict.-Caufe ef tbe fubfequent Reverfes. --Mortality. among tbe Brip-Arrisalsfa Frencb Squadron wvith Troops at Guadaloupe. -Tbeir Succefes: followed by the Reduétion ef the wbole Mfand.-Ixbuman Barbarity of Viclor Hugues to tbe Royabfis.-Sir C. Grey and Sir Y. Ffervis, Juccecded by Sir y. Vaugban and Admiral Caldwell CI A P. IV. Sasage Indignities g Vitlor Hugues to tbe remains of General Dundas.-Ilis unprecedented Cruelty to bis Britifs Prifmers.- Meditates Hejlilities againf the other Hands --- Page 28 --- LIST OF PLATES TO VOLUA M E III, PORTRAIT of the Author Chatoyer and his five Wives toface the Title. Map of St. Domingo page 179 Map ofTobago Pacification with the Maroons, by General lawney TreView of' Trelawney Town, Mode of fighting thewing the Maroon --- Page 29 --- AN HISTORICAL SURVEY Or THE FRENCH COLONT INTEE ISLAND OF ST. DOMINGO: OOMPREHENDING AN ACCOUNT OF TIIE REVOLT OF THE NEGROES IN TIIE YEAR 1791, AND A DETAIL OF THE MILITARY TRANSACTIONS OF THE BRITISII ARMY IN THAT ISLAND, IN THE YEARS 1793 & 1794VoL. III. B lawney TreView of' Trelawney Town, Mode of fighting thewing the Maroon --- Page 29 --- AN HISTORICAL SURVEY Or THE FRENCH COLONT INTEE ISLAND OF ST. DOMINGO: OOMPREHENDING AN ACCOUNT OF TIIE REVOLT OF THE NEGROES IN TIIE YEAR 1791, AND A DETAIL OF THE MILITARY TRANSACTIONS OF THE BRITISII ARMY IN THAT ISLAND, IN THE YEARS 1793 & 1794VoL. III. B --- Page 30 --- --- Page 31 --- PREFACE TO THE FIRST.EDITION OF THE. HISTORICAL SURYET OF ST. DOMINGO. (1796.) after I had publifhed the Hiftory of the Britifh PREFACE Colonies in the Weft Indies, tothe Soox. I conccived the dcfign of Firil Edition. compiling a general account of the fettlements made by all the 1 nations of Europe in that part of the New Iemifpherc, but more particularly the French, whofe poffefions were undoubtedly the moft valuable and produétive oft the whole Archipelago. This idea fuggefted itfelf to me On furveying the matcrials I had colleéted with regard to their principal colony in St. Domingo ; not doubting, as the fortune of war had placed under thc 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 Ine to complete my defign, with crcdit to myfelf, and latisfaction to thc Publick. Iam forry to obierve, that in this expectation I have hitherto found myfelf difappointed, Thc prefent publiB 2. cation, --- Page 32 --- + HISTORICAL SURVEY OF PREFACE cation, therefore, is confined to to the wholly St. Domingo ; concernFirlt Edition. ing which, having perfonally vifited that - unhappy country foon Y - afterthe revolt ofthe negroes in 1791, and formed connexions there, which have fupplied me with regular communications ever fince, I poffefs a mais 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 flatter myfelf that a fhort account of thofe particulars, while it confers fome degree of authenticity on my labours, will not be thought an improper Introduction to my Book. Ix the month of September 1791, when I was at Spanith Town in Jamaica, two French Gentlemen were introduced to mc, 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 1OC,000 and upwards, had revolted, and were fpreading death and defolation over the whole of the northern province, They reported that the governor-general, confidering the fituation of the colony as a common caufe among the white inhabitants of all nations in the Weft Indies, had difpatched commiffioners to the neighbouring iflands, as well as to the States of North America, to requeft immediate affiftance of troops, arms, ammunition, and provifions ; and that themfelves were deputed on thc fame errand to the Government at Jamaica : I was accordingly defired to prefent them to the Earl of Effingham, thc commander in chief. Although the ditpatches with which thetc idering the fituation of the colony as a common caufe among the white inhabitants of all nations in the Weft Indies, had difpatched commiffioners to the neighbouring iflands, as well as to the States of North America, to requeft immediate affiftance of troops, arms, ammunition, and provifions ; and that themfelves were deputed on thc fame errand to the Government at Jamaica : I was accordingly defired to prefent them to the Earl of Effingham, thc commander in chief. Although the ditpatches with which thetc --- Page 33 --- S AINT D O MINGO thefe gentlemen were furnithed, werc certainly a very fuficient PRETACE introduction to his lordfhip, I did not hefitate to comply with Firf to Edition, the their requeft ; and it is fearccly neccilary to obferve, that the 1Y libcral 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, hc felt, as a man and a chriftian ought to feel, for the calainities of fellor men ; and he faw, in its full cxtent, the danger to which every ifland in the Weft Indics would be expofed from fuch au example, if the triumph of favage anarchy over ail order and government fhould be complctc. Hc therefore, without hefitation, affurcd the commiffioners that they might depend on receiving from the government of Jamaica, every afliftance and fuccour which it was in his powcr to give. Troops he could not offer, for he had thcm not ; but he faid he would furnifh arms, ammunition, and provifions, and he promifed to confult with thc diftinguithed Officer commanding in the naval department, concerning the propricty of fending up onc or more of his Majefty's thips; the commiffioners 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, whilc thc neccffary defences and intrenchments werc making, to preferve the city of Cape François from an attack. ADMIRAL AFFLECK (as from his known worth, and general charaéter might have been expeéted) very cheerfully co-opcrated on this occafion with Lord Efingham; and immediately iffued orders to thc captains of the Blonde and Daphnc frigatesto proceed, in company with a floop of war, forthwith to Cape François. The Centurion was foon afterwards ordercd to Portau- c neccffary defences and intrenchments werc making, to preferve the city of Cape François from an attack. ADMIRAL AFFLECK (as from his known worth, and general charaéter might have been expeéted) very cheerfully co-opcrated on this occafion with Lord Efingham; and immediately iffued orders to thc captains of the Blonde and Daphnc frigatesto proceed, in company with a floop of war, forthwith to Cape François. The Centurion was foon afterwards ordercd to Portau- --- Page 34 --- TISTORICAL SURVEY OF PREFACE au-Prince. The Elonde tothe being commanded by my Firlt Ldition. and lamented friend, Captain William amiable dertook Affleck, who kindly unlto convey the French commillioners back to St. Domingo, I was calily perfuaded to accompany them and fome other gentlemen of Jamaica joined the thither; WE arrived in the harbour of Cape François in the party. the 26th of September, and the firft object which evening cf attention as we approached, was a dreadful fcene of arrefted devaftation our by fire. The noble plain adjoining the Cape was covered with afhes, and the furrounding hills, as far as the 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 can cafily conceive.--The inhabitants of a icene, the town affembled on the beach, direéted all their attention being and we landed amidft a crowd of fpectators towards us, who, with hands and frcaming uplifted eyes, gave welcome to their deliverers fuch they confidered us) and acclamations of vivant les (for refounded from every quarter. Anglois THE governor of St. Domingo, at that time, was the unfortunate General Blanchelande; a marechal de camp in the French fervice, who has fince perifhed 011 the fcaffold. He did us the honour to receive US on the quay. A committee of the colonial affembly, accompanied by the governor's only fon, an amiable and * accomplifhed youth 2 had beforeattended us on board the Blonde, and we were immediatcly conduéted to the * This young gen:leman likewife perifhed by the guillotine under the of Robefpierre, He was maffacred at Paris on the 2oth July 1794, in the twentieth tyranny year ofhis age, place 011 the fcaffold. He did us the honour to receive US on the quay. A committee of the colonial affembly, accompanied by the governor's only fon, an amiable and * accomplifhed youth 2 had beforeattended us on board the Blonde, and we were immediatcly conduéted to the * This young gen:leman likewife perifhed by the guillotine under the of Robefpierre, He was maffacred at Paris on the 2oth July 1794, in the twentieth tyranny year ofhis age, place --- Page 35 --- SAINT DOMINGO. place of their mecting. T'he fcenc was ftriking and folemn. PREFACE The hall was fplendidly illuminated, and all thc members Firft. tothe Edition. eppeared in mourning. Chairs werc placed for us within the ( bar, and the Governor having taken his feat on the right hand of the Prefident, thc latter addreffed us in - an cloquent and affeéting oration, of which the following is as literal a tranflation as the idiom of the two languages will admit : 66 We werc not miftaken, Gentlemen, when we placed our 66 confidence in your generolity; but we could hardly entertain 66 the hope, that, befides fending us fuccours, you ivould come 66 in perfon to give us confolation. You have quitted, without 66 reluétance, the peaceful cnjoyment of happinefs at home, to <6 come and participate in the misfortunes of ftrangers, and 66 blend your tears with our's. Sccnes of mifery (the contem66 plation of which, to thofe who arc unaccuftomed to misfor66 tune, is commonly difgufting) have not fuppreffed your 66 feclings. You have been willing to afcertain thc full extent 66 of our diftreffes, and to pour into our wounds the falutary 66 balm of your fenfibility and compaffion. 66 TIE picture which has been drawn of our calamities, you 66 will find has fallen fhort of the reality, That verdure with 66 which our fields were lately arrayed, is no longer vifible; 66 difcoloured by thc flames, and laid wafte by thc devaftations 66 of war, our coafts exhibit no profpeét but that of defolation. 46 The emblems which we wear on our perfons, are the tokens 46 cf our grief for the lofs of our brethren, who werc furprifed, 4 and cruelly affaffinated, by the revolters. 66 Ir is by the glare of thc conflagrations that every way 66 furround 66 which our fields were lately arrayed, is no longer vifible; 66 difcoloured by thc flames, and laid wafte by thc devaftations 66 of war, our coafts exhibit no profpeét but that of defolation. 46 The emblems which we wear on our perfons, are the tokens 46 cf our grief for the lofs of our brethren, who werc furprifed, 4 and cruelly affaffinated, by the revolters. 66 Ir is by the glare of thc conflagrations that every way 66 furround --- Page 36 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY PREFACE 66 OF to the furround us, that we now Firt Edition. 66 fit armed and watchful deliberate: : we are 1 66 from through the to compelled to our fanétuary, For a night, keep the 66 been depreffed by forrow; long time paft our bofoms enemy have 6 firft time, thc fiveet ; they experience this day, for the emotions of in amongf us. pleafure, beholding you GENEROUS iflanders ! 66 on your hearts; ;-you humanity has opcrated 66 generofity, in have yielded to the firft powerfully the of emotion hopes fmatching us ofyour already too late to fave us from death; for it is 46 between your from mifery, What a contraft < avail ourlelves conduét, and that of other nations of your ! We will 66 ferve to us, will not be benevolence ; but the days you pre6 our children fhall it fufficient to manifeft our : keep in remembrance. gratitude: REGENERATED cs might befal us, has France, unapprized that fuch 66 their effeês: taken no meafures to calamities with what proteét us c without admiration will fhe againft your affiftance, we fhould no learn, that, dency to any nation. longer exift as a 66 THE depenCommiffioners 66 maica, have deputed by us to the ifland 66 ceive the informed us of your exertions to ferve of Jaaffurance of our us.-Re- < THE attachment and fenfibility. 66 feltly accord Governor-general oft this ifland, whofe with our own, fentiments perwe feel at your participates equally in the €6 ance you have prefence, and in our gratitude for the afift- joy brought us." Ar this junéture, the French ever they might have been colonifts in St. Domingo, how3 divided in political fentiments on former 66 ceive the informed us of your exertions to ferve of Jaaffurance of our us.-Re- < THE attachment and fenfibility. 66 feltly accord Governor-general oft this ifland, whofe with our own, fentiments perwe feel at your participates equally in the €6 ance you have prefence, and in our gratitude for the afift- joy brought us." Ar this junéture, the French ever they might have been colonifts in St. Domingo, how3 divided in political fentiments on former --- Page 37 --- SAINT DOMINGO, former occafions, feemed to be foftened, by the fenfe of com- PREFACE mon fuffering, into perfeét unanimity. All defcriptions of per- to the Firft Edition. fonsjoined in one general outcry againft the National Affembly, 1 to whofc proceedings werc imputed all their difafters. This opinion was indeed fo widely diffeminated, and fo deeply rooted, as to crcate a very ftrong difpofition in the white inbabitants of Cape François, to renounce thcir allegiance to the mother country. The black cockade was univerfally fubitituted in placc ofthe tri-coloured one, andverycarmefhwifhes were avowed in all companies, without feruple or reftraint, that the Britifh adminiftration would fend an armament to conquer the ifland, or rather to receive its voluntary furrender from the inhabitants. What they wifhed might happen, they perfuaded themfelvcs to believe was aétually in contemplation ; and this idea foon became fo prevalent, as to place the author of this work in an awkward fituation. The fanguine difpofition obfervablc in the French charaéter, has been noticed by all who have vifited them; but in this cafe thcir credulity grew to a height that was extravagant and even ridiculous. By the kindnefs of thc Earl of Effingham, I was favoured with a letter of introduction 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 fuggeftions ofindividuals to this purpofe, became perplexing and troublefome. Affitrances on my part, that 1 had no views beyond the gratification of curiolity, had no other effect than to call forth commendations on my prudence. It was fettled, that I was an agent of the Englith miniftry, fent purVoL. III, C polely 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 fuggeftions ofindividuals to this purpofe, became perplexing and troublefome. Affitrances on my part, that 1 had no views beyond the gratification of curiolity, had no other effect than to call forth commendations on my prudence. It was fettled, that I was an agent of the Englith miniftry, fent purVoL. III, C polely --- Page 38 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF PREFACE poiely to found the to the inclinations of the Colonifts towards the Firft Edition. Government of Great Britain, the preparatory to an invafion of country by a Britifh armament; and their wifhes and inclinations co-operating with this idea, gave rife to ftrange applications which were made to me ; fome of many of fo ludicrous a nature, as no them withftand. powers of face could cafily THIS circumftance is not recorded from the vain ambition of thewing my own importance, The reader of the pages will difeoverits application following him to make fome ; and, perhaps, it mayinduce allowance for that confident fure and fpecdy fuccefs, which afterwards led expeétation of Britifh arms, againft this ill-fated to attempts, by the otherwife have been country, with means that muft thought at the time,-asin the have unhappily fequel they view. proved,-altogether inadequate to the objeét in THE ravages of the rebellion, during the time that I mained at Cape François, extended in all direétions. The rewhole of the plain ofthe Cape, with the of tation which adjoined the exception one planthe town, was in ruins; as were likewifc parifh of Limonade, and moft of the fettlements in the mountains adjacent. The parith of Limbé was Onl fire ; and before my departure, the rebels had every where feffion ofthe bay and forts at obtained pof Fort l'Acul, as well as the diftriéts of Dauphin, Dondon, and La Grande Riviere. DESTRUCTION every where marked their progrefs, and refiftance feemed to be confidered by the whites, ing in the prefent not only as unavailfill conjunéture, but as hopelefs in future. To up the meafure of their calamities, their Spanifh neighbours in ; and before my departure, the rebels had every where feffion ofthe bay and forts at obtained pof Fort l'Acul, as well as the diftriéts of Dauphin, Dondon, and La Grande Riviere. DESTRUCTION every where marked their progrefs, and refiftance feemed to be confidered by the whites, ing in the prefent not only as unavailfill conjunéture, but as hopelefs in future. To up the meafure of their calamities, their Spanifh neighbours in --- Page 39 --- SAINT D - OMING O. II in the fame ifland, with a fpirit of bigotry and hatred which is, PREFACE I believe, without an example in the world, refufed to lend any tot the FirfEdition. affiftance towards fupprefling a revolt, in the iffuc of which common reafon fhould have informed them, that their own prefervation wasimplicated equally with thatofthe French. They were even accufed not only of fupplying the rebels with arms and provifions ; but alio of delivering up to them to be murdered, many unhappy French planters who had fled for refuge to thc Spanifh territorics, and receiving money from the rebels as the price of their blood. Of thefe latter charges, however, no proof was, I belicve, ever produced ; and, for the honour of human naturc, I am unwilling to believe that they are true. To myfelf, the cafe appeared altogether defperate from the beginning; and many of thc moftrefpeétable and beftinformed perions in Cape François (lome of them in high ftations) affured me, in confidence, that they concurred in this opinion. The mechantsandimporters of Europcan manufadtures, apprehending every hour the deftruétion ofthe town, as much from incendiaries within, as from the rebels without, offered their gocds for rcady monev at half the ufual prices ; and applications were made to Captain Affleck, by perfons of all deferiptions, for permiffion to cmbark in the Blonde for Jamaica. The interpolition of the colonial government obliged him to reject their folicitations; ; but means were contrived to fend on board confignments of money to a great amount ; and I know that other conveyances werc found, by which cffects to a coniiderable value were exported both to Jamaica, and the ftatcs of North America. C 2 UNDER for rcady monev at half the ufual prices ; and applications were made to Captain Affleck, by perfons of all deferiptions, for permiffion to cmbark in the Blonde for Jamaica. The interpolition of the colonial government obliged him to reject their folicitations; ; but means were contrived to fend on board confignments of money to a great amount ; and I know that other conveyances werc found, by which cffects to a coniiderable value were exported both to Jamaica, and the ftatcs of North America. C 2 UNDER --- Page 40 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF FREFACE UNDER thefe to the cireumftances, itvery naturally Firt Edition. to direét my enquiries towards the ftateof cccurred to me to the revolt, and colleét authentick the colony previous concerning the information on the fpot, primary caufe, and fubfequent of the widely extended ruin before me. progrefs, gloomy idea, that the only Strongly impreffed with the memorial of this once colony would foon bc found in the records of flourifhing firous that my own country and hiftory, I was deits cataftrophe, fellow-colonifts, in lamenting might at the fame time profit by fo terrible an example. My means of information were too negleéted, and I determined to avail valuable to be myfelf of them. The governor-general furnifhed me with copies of all the and details of office that I with papers mented the favour. folicited, a politenefs that augThe fate of this unhappy gentleman, two years afterwards, gave me infinite concern. Like his mafter, be was royal abilities unfortunately called to a ftation to which his were not competent; and in times when abilities would have availed him. perhaps no THE Prefident of the colonial affembly, at the time of arrival, was M. de Caducfh, who fome time afterwards my his refidence, and held an important took up office, in was a man of very diftinguifhed Jamaica. He talents, and withal ftrongly and fincerely attached to the Britith government, of were proper, I could furnifh which, if it gentleman drew unqueftionable proof *. This up, at my requeft, a fhort account of the and progrefs of the rebellion ; and after origin my return to England, * He afterwards accompanied General Williamfon back to St. killed (or, as I have heard, bafely murdered) in a duel at Port Domingo, and was his countrymen, au Prince, by one of favoured withal ftrongly and fincerely attached to the Britith government, of were proper, I could furnifh which, if it gentleman drew unqueftionable proof *. This up, at my requeft, a fhort account of the and progrefs of the rebellion ; and after origin my return to England, * He afterwards accompanied General Williamfon back to St. killed (or, as I have heard, bafely murdered) in a duel at Port Domingo, and was his countrymen, au Prince, by one of favoured --- Page 41 --- SAINT T DOMIN N G O. favoured me with his correfpondence. Many important facts, PREFACE tothe which are given in this work, are given on his authority. Firft Edition. To M. Delaire, a very confiderable and refpeétable merchant 1 1 in the town of the Cape, who has fince removed to the ftate of South Carolina, I was indebted for a fimilar narrative, drawn by himfelfin the Englith language, of which he is a very up mafter. It is brief, but much to the purpofe ; difcompetent ofthe concerns- of the colony, and plays an intimatek knowledge traces, with great acutenefs, its difafters to their fource. BuT the friend from whofe fuperior knowledge I have derived my chief information in all refpeéts, is the gentleman alluded to in the note (d) Chap. VIII. of the following fheets : and I fincerely regret, that ill fortune has fo purfied him as to render it improper in this work to exprefs to him, by name, the obligations I owe to his kindnefs. After a narrow efcape from the vengeance of thofe mercilefs men, Santhonax and Polverel, he was induced to return to St. Domingo, to look after his property ; and, I grieve 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 many valuable papers ; and, among others, a copy of that moit 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 that folproper lowed) although I had frequently heard, I had long doubted the exiftence. Its fuppreffion by the perfons to whom it was delivered by the wretched fufferer, appeared to be an act of fuch that moit 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 that folproper lowed) although I had frequently heard, I had long doubted the exiftence. Its fuppreffion by the perfons to whom it was delivered by the wretched fufferer, appeared to be an act of fuch --- Page 42 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF PREFACE fuch monftrous and tothe the unexampled wickednefs, Firft Edition, paper itfelf, I could not credit the that, until I fàw - 1 Blanchelande was a charge. Whether M. party concerned in this ing, as my friend afferts, I know not. atrocious proceedjuftly paid the forfeit of his Ifhe was guilty, he has him crime; and although, innocent, I mourned over his untimely believing to avow my opinion, that if he had fate, I feruple not the lois of them all had not been poffeffed a thoufand lives, a fufficient enormous a cafe, to violated atonement, in fo juftice ! SUcH were the motives that induced Hiftorical Survey of the French me to undertake this are the authorities from part of St. Domingo, and fuch tion whence I have derived my informaconcerning thofe calamitous events which to ruin. Yet I will frankly have brought it with the confefs, that, if I have credit publick as an author, I am not fure this any to my reputation. work will add Every writer muft rifc or degree, with the nature of his fink, in fome the pidure which I Thall fubjeét ; and on this occafion, the exhibit, has nothing in it to fancy, or to gladden the heart. The delight are all dark and difmal. Here is profpeôls before us beauties of unfullied no room for tracing the nature. Thofe groves of dure; thofe magnificent and romantick perennial vertropical regions, landfcapes, which, in detain every where invite the eye, and it, until wonder is exalted to oftentimcs place to the miferies of devotion, muft now give fcenes of war, and the horrors of peftilence ; to anarchy, defolation, and carnage, We have to template the human mind in its utmoft confavage man, let loofe from deformity; to behold of which the bare reftraint, exercifing cruelties, un recital makes the heart recoil, and committing detain every where invite the eye, and it, until wonder is exalted to oftentimcs place to the miferies of devotion, muft now give fcenes of war, and the horrors of peftilence ; to anarchy, defolation, and carnage, We have to template the human mind in its utmoft confavage man, let loofe from deformity; to behold of which the bare reftraint, exercifing cruelties, un recital makes the heart recoil, and committing --- Page 43 --- SAINT DOMINGO I5 committing crimes which arc hitherto unheard of in hiftory; PREFACE tothe teeming Firt Edition. all monftrous, all prodigious things, Abominable, unutterable, and worfe Than fables yet have feign'd, or fear conceiv'dE MILTON. ALL therefore that I can hope and expeôt is, that my narrative, ifit cannot delight, may at lcaft inftruêt. On the fober and confiderate, Oll thofe who are open to conviction, this affemblage ofhorrors will have its crfcét. It will expoic the lamentable ignorance of fome, and the monftrous wickednefs of others, among the reformers of the prefent day, who, urging onwards fchemes of perfection, and projeês of amendment in the condition of human life, fafter than nature allows, are lighting up a confuming firc between the different clafics of mankind, which nothing but human blood can extinguifh. To tell fuch men that great and beneficial modifications in the eftablithed orders of fociety, can only bc effeéted by a progreffive improvement in the fituation of the lower ranks of the people, is to preach to the winds. In their hands reformation, with a feythe more deftructive than that of time, mows down cvery thing, and plants nothing. Moderation and caution they confider as rank cowardice. Forcc and violence are the ready, and, in their opinion, the only proper application for the cure of early and habitual prejudice. Their practice, like that of other mountebanks, is bold and compendious ; their motto 1S, cure or kill. THESE reflections naturallyarife from thc circumfancewhich is incontrovertibly proved in the following pages, namely, that the reformation, with a feythe more deftructive than that of time, mows down cvery thing, and plants nothing. Moderation and caution they confider as rank cowardice. Forcc and violence are the ready, and, in their opinion, the only proper application for the cure of early and habitual prejudice. Their practice, like that of other mountebanks, is bold and compendious ; their motto 1S, cure or kill. THESE reflections naturallyarife from thc circumfancewhich is incontrovertibly proved in the following pages, namely, that the --- Page 44 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF PREFACE the rebellion of the to the tion of the negroes in St. Domingo, and the infurrecFirfEdition. mulattoes, to whom was 1 - had one and the fame Ogè fent as ambaffador, fiftible origin, It was not the ftrong and irreimpulfe of human nature, under that excited either of thofe claffes groaning oppreffion, the bofoms of to plunge their daggers into unoffending women and helplefs were driven into thofe infants. They machinations of exeffs-reludantly. driven-by the vile men calling themfelves felytes and imitators in France, of the Old philofophers (the proLondon) whofe Jewry affociates in pretences to philanthropy were as grofs a mockery ofhuman reafon, as their conduét was an all the feelings of our nature, and the ties which hold outrage on together ! focicty IT is indeed true, that in this and other iflands negro-rebellions have heretofore arifen of thc Weft Indies, to which no fuch exciting caufcs contributed :-but it is equally thofc rebellions always certain, that originated among the newly-imported negroes only; many of whom had probably lived in a ftate freedom in Africa, and had been of into flavery by their chiefs. fraudulently, or forcibly, fold times That cafes of this kind do fomeoccur in the flave trade, I dare not that revolt and infurrcélion difpute, and I admit are their natural Bur, in St. Domingo, a confequences. very confiderable part of the infurgents were-not Africans, the leaders but-Creoles, or natives. Some of were favoured domefticks among the white inhabitants, born and brought up in their families. A few of had even received thofe them under their advantages, the perverfion of which, philofophical preceptors, ferved only to render them pre-eminent in mifchief; for having been taught to read, they were , and I admit are their natural Bur, in St. Domingo, a confequences. very confiderable part of the infurgents were-not Africans, the leaders but-Creoles, or natives. Some of were favoured domefticks among the white inhabitants, born and brought up in their families. A few of had even received thofe them under their advantages, the perverfion of which, philofophical preceptors, ferved only to render them pre-eminent in mifchief; for having been taught to read, they were --- Page 45 --- SAINT D OMIN G O. were led to imbibe, and enabled to promulgatc, thofe principles PREFACE to the and doétrines which led, and always will lead, to the fubverfion Firt Editions of all government and order. LET me not be underftood, however, as affirming that nothing is to be attributed on this occalion to the flavc-trade. I fcorn to have recourfe to concealment or falfhood. Unquef tionably, 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 of the two claffes being as fixtecn to one. Of this circumftance the leaders of the rebels could not bc unobfervant, and they doubtlefs derived encouragement and confidence from it. Here too, 1 admit, is a warning and an admonition to ourfelves. The inference has not efcaped me :-it conftitutes my parting words with the rcader, and I hope they are not urged in vain. HAVING thus pointed out the motives which induced me to write the following Narrative; the fources from whence my matcrials are derived, and the purpofes which I hopc will be anfwvered by the publication ; nothing farther remains but to fubmit the work itfelf to thc judgment of my readers, which I do with a refpeétful folicitude. Vor. III. D --- Page 46 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF ADVERTISENENT (1800.) Advertifement. (1800.) TNprefmting the prefent edition ofthe Hiftorical Domingo 1o the Publick, it is Survey of St. that the many important corrections incumbent 012 mie to ackuoculedge, ceived in Lhofe chapters and improvements it has rCRate efthe French wohichrelate to the confitution and political rivedfrom the colony, under the ancient Jfem, are chiefy devery intelligent andiuterefing entitled, The Coffec Planter of St. Domingo. ssrkg/M.LABOBIE, On this occafion alfo I hope I may be allorced, a5 1o myfelf, asfrom afenfe ef gratitude and, refpeet torvards scellinjiefice the mory %f my lamented friend, SIR ADAM methat Thadthe honour anda advantage WILLIAMSON, to bonf my work auhich details the ehis afpance in that part of army in this illfisted proceedings and uperations efihe Britibe by country; mefefile feets hurving been him, a5 thgy camefrom the prefi, and correÉted his revifed in many places. Motives ef prudence and by oton pen longer exip) inducedme to Jupprefs this delicacy (achich no acknescledgement in the lifetime anda advantage WILLIAMSON, to bonf my work auhich details the ehis afpance in that part of army in this illfisted proceedings and uperations efihe Britibe by country; mefefile feets hurving been him, a5 thgy camefrom the prefi, and correÉted his revifed in many places. Motives ef prudence and by oton pen longer exip) inducedme to Jupprefs this delicacy (achich no acknescledgement in the lifetime --- Page 47 --- SAINT D OMING O. Vifetine ef my friend. Some Crrors and omifions aehich (perhaps Advertifemnr. (1Sco) unavcidably) efcaped his noticc, havefnce been correÉled andfnpplied by a Britif officer ef noble birtlt, and confiderable rank in the army, auho ferved 0n2 the Jpot; andrulnfe name, iflcere permitted to difclofe it, wid Ramp indifputable autlority Gn the conzmunications ho has Aindlyfiurmiped. That many mipakes and ouerAights however Pill remain, I am too confeious efmy GTUn infeficiency tG doubt; nor in truth could the grealef precaution 0il my part have enabled me, at all times, to guard ugainf mifreprefzntationfiom fome ofthe various perfons suhom tle necelity efthe cafe compelled m11e 16 confielt. Thus, int giving an account ofthe Frencls colonifs :--their difpafition toxcards the Englijf, and their ccnduct torvards each olher:-to aohom could I look.for authentick information, but tofime efthemfelves ? Eaperience lowever has convinced ine, that no greal dependence can be placed 011 the charges and accufations sohich inien raife agairf their fellow citizens in times g civil commotion, and amidf the tumult of confitling palfions. A remarkabie inftance ofthe truth of this abferection occurs in the cafe ofavery re/peEtable Geutlonmu.furmeriy a1l inhaditantefCape François. : I mean M. AUGUSTUS DE GRASSE, (fon ofthe late gallant Admiral CoUNT DE GRASSE) to whom I not think myRlf bound in honour to male CL preblick reparation. In a paper formerty tranfnittedts: mefrom St. Doningo, and annexedto thc Sth chapter ofmy scork, entitled, Notes fur IEvenement du Cap, this gentlentan was wxjnfaly chargedavith having been prefent al the deAruêlien ofthat town by the rebel negroes, aiding, abetling, and cooperating soith their chidfs. Iam not convinced that this atrocious charge is altogethier groundlefs, and I cannot fieficiently exprefs D 2. the paration. In a paper formerty tranfnittedts: mefrom St. Doningo, and annexedto thc Sth chapter ofmy scork, entitled, Notes fur IEvenement du Cap, this gentlentan was wxjnfaly chargedavith having been prefent al the deAruêlien ofthat town by the rebel negroes, aiding, abetling, and cooperating soith their chidfs. Iam not convinced that this atrocious charge is altogethier groundlefs, and I cannot fieficiently exprefs D 2. the --- Page 48 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF Advertifement, (1800.) thie concern Lfeel On refecting, that I wvas made 1 ment ef conveying it 10 the the infruedition, not only reprinted the prefi.-1 have therefore, in this I infert in this place, wwith lieet, and omitted the calumny, but tificate, auhich M. DE GRASSE great Jatisfaëtion, the follzuing Cerwery polite letter,from Soutli has tran/initted to me, in a 1799. Carolina, dated the 22def Odlober 66 NOUS fouflignés, habitans de la ville du pendences, préfent au Cap et de fes décette ville, les pillage, au maffacre ct à l'incendié de 19, 20, 21 Juin 1793, et et atteftons, four la foy du jours fuivants, certifons verité, Que M. Alexandre ferment, et pour rendre homage à la François tant de Ia dépendance du Port de Augufte De Graffe, habiSt. Domingue, fils du feu Comte Paix, département du Cap, ifle la ville du de Graffe, &cc. &c. etoit dans Cap avant et pendant le le l'incendië de cette pillage, maffacre et ville, en qualité l'armée des blancs en aétivité contre les d'adjudant général de CC funefte evénément il fut noirs infurgés; qu'aprés civiles, et mis par leurs ordrcs perfécuté par les commiffaires la garde des aux arrêts, au haut du Cap, fous negres armés, comme éux avec le Général Galbaud, foupçouné d'avoir agi contre fut réintegré dans fès mais, qu'après s'étre juftific, il commandement fonétions, et chargé immédiatement du blanches, des cafernes; où il a protégé avec les qui y étaicnt fous fes ordres, les hommes, troupes enfans, échappés au fer et aux flâmes, qui femmes et Et qu' enfin, forcé, s'y étaient réfugiés, dangers comme une partie des fouffignés, a fuir les qui ménaçaient encore les triftes débris de la blanche, ils'eft embarqué avec fa population so femme, un enfant et quelques uns nes; où il a protégé avec les qui y étaicnt fous fes ordres, les hommes, troupes enfans, échappés au fer et aux flâmes, qui femmes et Et qu' enfin, forcé, s'y étaient réfugiés, dangers comme une partie des fouffignés, a fuir les qui ménaçaient encore les triftes débris de la blanche, ils'eft embarqué avec fa population so femme, un enfant et quelques uns --- Page 49 --- SAINT DOMIN G O, uns des fouffignés, le 28 Juillet 1793, fur le brig le Thomas de Advertifement. Bofton, deftiné pour Charlefton, Caroline du Sud, où il eft (1800.) 7 arrivé et réfide depuis lc 14 Aout 1793, après avoir été, ainfi qu' cnviron 150 malheureux fugitifs, barbarement pillés par le corfaire Anglais La Sufanna de Naffau, Cap. Tucker, (qui n'auroit pas dû les confiderer ni les traiter comme des enncmis, étans d'ailleurs fur un batiment neutre, qui ne contenoit uniquement que des paffagers et leurs effets,) non feulement des negres domeftiques qui les avaient volontairement fuivis, mais cncore du peu d'argent, de bijoux et de vefelle d'argent qu'ils avaient fauvés du pillage par lc fecours de CCS mêmes domeftiques, (ce fecond pillage eut tien à la Grande Inague des Ifles Caiques, oà lc corfaire Anglais retint notre vaiffcau deux jours, pour completter cct exploit). Certifions ct atteftons parcillement, que M. De Graffe arrivé à St. Domingue avant la révolution,n'aj jamais ceffé, du moment que fes effets fe font manifeftés dans cette infortuneé colonnie jufqu à celui de fon départ, d'étre uni authentiquement avec les habitans blancs et en qualité de chef, élû par eux mêmes, foit au Port de Paix foit au Cap, pour repouffer les dangers aux qucls leurs vies et lcurs propriétés étoient journellement expofés par lesfnoirs infurgés, et enfin, qu'aucunes circonftances, pendant le cours des funeftes evéndmens de St. Domingue, n'ont jamais donné licu à former contre lui la moindre fufpiçion contraire aux interets et à la furetéindividuclle de la population blanche de St. Dominguc. En foy de quoi nous avons fignés, a Charlefton, Caroline du Sud, le 25 Oétobre.1799. (Signed by tw renty refpcétable perfons.) Having és, et enfin, qu'aucunes circonftances, pendant le cours des funeftes evéndmens de St. Domingue, n'ont jamais donné licu à former contre lui la moindre fufpiçion contraire aux interets et à la furetéindividuclle de la population blanche de St. Dominguc. En foy de quoi nous avons fignés, a Charlefton, Caroline du Sud, le 25 Oétobre.1799. (Signed by tw renty refpcétable perfons.) Having --- Page 50 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF Advertifement, (1S00.) Having thius made all the reparation int my power to this injured gentleman, I havefarther 10 remark, in jufice 10 myfelf, that my obJervatinns concerning the indifpofition of the Planters efSt.. Domingo towards the Englif, 012 the arrivalef the frfa armiament, appear, fiom a converfation 1 have had avith Jome ef them, to have becn greatly mifiunderfoad. Surely it refeéis no difozonr 072 fitch of thofe gentlemen as had 110 concern in, or knoruledge ef, the invitation made to General Hilliamfin, i0 fay that they wvere nol, im the Frfe infance, very cordially difpofed towards their insaders-fpecialy 100, as thofe invaders came roith a force by no means fuficient t0 give them certain and permanent proteÉtion. Whatever might have been the fentiments efcertain individuals among them on this occafion, and hozu Arongly Joever the inhabitants of Cape François had, twvo years before, 112 a moment 9f irritation, exprefed a xoif for a Britifa inronfiont, it feems to me thai the chief planters thronghout the colony wvere altogether unacquainted with the Englift, and enterlain 110 very favourable opinion of their larus, government or manners. What then wvas their ftuation Oit the Frf arrival e the Britifh troups P afailed Oil the one hand, by a defperate and unprincipled faction efrepublicans and anarchifs, seheleprinciples they ablorred, and, 011 the other, called upon to co-operate zvith an infignifcent foreign armament, which caie, 01 the invitation of a fesv olfeure Frenchien, not to reflore the country to the loyal inhabitants, but difinely and avorvedly 10 conguer and annex itto the Britih dominioi. ! In this dilentmia, the majority efthe planters adledas confeicnlious misi might be cxpelled to ast. A greal many ofthem left tho country, and. reent into honourable foverty and exile in a difant lend. Others, aeho tvere unable 10 follow their example, remained inflent obfeurity, in diferent parts of the ifland, scraitingpatienily (and --- Page 51 --- SAINT DOMIT NGO. (and T grieve 1ofay, without elect) for better times. Ifallthis be Advertifement. (1800.) duly confidered, I truf Tall be no longer told, that I have calumniated the French Planters, merely becaufe, as an impartial hif torian, I have reprefented them to have atied as any other body of met, attached to their country, andfaithful to their allegiance, avould probably have atted, in fimilar circumfiances. Landon, 1800. A B. E. . (and T grieve 1ofay, without elect) for better times. Ifallthis be Advertifement. (1800.) duly confidered, I truf Tall be no longer told, that I have calumniated the French Planters, merely becaufe, as an impartial hif torian, I have reprefented them to have atied as any other body of met, attached to their country, andfaithful to their allegiance, avould probably have atted, in fimilar circumfiances. Landon, 1800. A B. E. --- Page 52 --- --- Page 53 --- 25 ] A N HISTORICAL SURVEY OF SAINT DOMINGO, &c. C H A P. I. Political State g SAINT DOMINGO previouts to the Tear 1789. Inhabitants of the French part of St. Domingo, as of C H A P. THE I. all the Weft Indian Iflands, were compofed of three great claffes: rft, purc whites. 2d, people of colour, and blacks of Inhabitants, free condition. 3d, negroes and mulattoes in a ftatc offlavery. The readeris apprifed that the clafs which, bya ftrange abufe of language, is called people 9f colour, originatcs from an intermixture of the whites and thc blacks. The genuine offspring of a pure whitewith a negroe is called a mulatto; but there arc variouscafts, produced by fubfequent connections, 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./ang-melées, or gens de couleur (in familiar converfation they are colleétively called mulattoes) and it muft bc attributed, I prefume, to the greater difcountenance which the marricd flate receives from the national manners, that Vor. III. E in --- Page 54 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP I. in all the French iflands thefe people abound in far portion to the whites than in thofe ofGreat greater prothe whites out-number Britain. In Jamaica, St. the people of colour as three to one. In Domingo, the whites were eflimated at at 24,000; of whom 30,000, the mulattoes and 4,700 were men capable of bearing arms, accordingly, as a diftinét people, aétuated corp:, they were very formidable. by an elprit de thought neceffary in St. Ofthe policy which it was fortunate Domingo to maintain towards this unrace, I fhall prefently treat; but it the firft place,to give fome account ofthe feems proper, in before the revolution of fubordination in which, hold the 1789, the parent ftate thought fit to colouy at large. THE laws of the mother cable, (as well the country, as far as they werc appligeneral laws ofthe unwritten law, or cufoms of Paris, as the king), were laws of St. had been introduced without formal Domingo. Thefe pofed to attach to all the fubjects of promulgation, being fupat home; and the king France, whether abroad or which iffued, from time to time, colonial were received with entire fubmiffion. ediéts, letters written by the minifter, in the Even mandatory fidered and obeyed as laws in the king's name, were concolony. Government, THE government was exercifed by a Governor an officer called Intendant, both of whom General, and the crown, on the recommendation were nominated by rine, and of the minifter of the magenerally confidered as eftablifhed in their. offices for three years. Their powers, in fome refpedtive miniftered jointly; in others, cafes, were adthey poffeffed and diftinét feparate authority, ed and obeyed as laws in the king's name, were concolony. Government, THE government was exercifed by a Governor an officer called Intendant, both of whom General, and the crown, on the recommendation were nominated by rine, and of the minifter of the magenerally confidered as eftablifhed in their. offices for three years. Their powers, in fome refpedtive miniftered jointly; in others, cafes, were adthey poffeffed and diftinét feparate authority, --- Page 55 --- SAINT D O M IN G O. authority, which each of them exercifed without the concur- C H A P. rence or participation of the other. I, IN their joint adminiftration they were empowered to enaét fuch regulations as the exifting exigencics of the country required; and their provifional decrces had the force of laws, until revoked by the king. The grants of unclaimed lands and rivers; the erection of publick works and buildings; the opening publick roads and repairing bridges; the regulation and police of the feveral ports of thipping; the provifional appointment of the members of the fuperior councils or courts ofjuftice in cafes of vacancy, and the abfolute nomination of the fubordinate officers of thofe courts, were concerns of joint authority. With the confent ofthe king's attorney, the governor and intendant had power to ftay execution in cafcs of capital conviction, until the king's pleafure fhould be known; and they were commiffioned to try and condemn to capital punifhment defrauders of the publick revenue, calling to their affiftance five judges ofthe fuperior councils. The government of the clergy, the regulation of church eftablifhments, and the ercétion of parifhes, fell likewife under their joint cognizance; and they were empowered, in times of publick neceffity (ofwhich they were the judges) to fulpend, in certain refpeêts, the laws of navigation, by admitting importations of flour and bread, and allowing the CXportation of colonial produce in foreign veffels. Againft abufes in the exercifc of thefe various powers. the people had no certain protection. Fortunately, it was rare that the governor and intendant agreed in opinion Onl the exercife of their joint authority, which therefore became neceffarily relaxed; and the inhabitants E 2 derived were empowered, in times of publick neceffity (ofwhich they were the judges) to fulpend, in certain refpeêts, the laws of navigation, by admitting importations of flour and bread, and allowing the CXportation of colonial produce in foreign veffels. Againft abufes in the exercifc of thefe various powers. the people had no certain protection. Fortunately, it was rare that the governor and intendant agreed in opinion Onl the exercife of their joint authority, which therefore became neceffarily relaxed; and the inhabitants E 2 derived --- Page 56 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP, I: derived fome degree of fecurity from the 1 of the contending difputes and diffenfions parties. In all fuch cafes, the greateft weight of authority and right of however, the governor. He was, in deciding devolved on will, truth, an abfolutc prince, whofe generally fpeaking, conftituted law: He was to imprifon any perfon in the colony, for caufes authorized alone was and of which he command thejudge; having at the fame time the of both the naval and fupreme means of military force, he had the exercifing this power whenever he On the other hand, no arreft, by other thought proper. without the governor's any authority, was valid ftop the courfe of approbation. Thus he had power to juftice, and to hold the courts of civil criminal jurifdliétion in a flavith and dependance on himfelf. THE peculiar province of the intendant, befides that of gulating the publick revenues or finances of the readminiftration colony, was the ofjuftice. His powers and functions were preffed in his title, Intendant efjufice, eXnavy. The colleétors and receivers police, finance, war, and of all duties and taxes fubject to his infpecction and controul. He were their accounts, and made them fuch paffed or rejeéted thought proper. The allowanccs as he alone application of all the publick monies in expenditures of all kinds for the army, the and publick holpitals, refted navy, fortifications, entirely with the vince which created fuch intendant:-a procould temptation to himfelf as no virtue refift, and furnifhed fuch means of came all oppofition from others. corruption, as overTHE taxes and duties were laid and modified, as occafion required, by a court compofed of the governor-general, the intendant, application of all the publick monies in expenditures of all kinds for the army, the and publick holpitals, refted navy, fortifications, entirely with the vince which created fuch intendant:-a procould temptation to himfelf as no virtue refift, and furnifhed fuch means of came all oppofition from others. corruption, as overTHE taxes and duties were laid and modified, as occafion required, by a court compofed of the governor-general, the intendant, --- Page 57 --- SAINT DOMIT N G O. the prefidents of the provincial councils, the attorney- C H AP. tendant, I. general, the commiffioner of the navy (ordonnateur) and the feveral commandants of the militia. This court was dignified by the title of the Colonial Alembly, although the colonifts had not a fingle delegate in it. It ought not however to be fappreffed that the taxes, were on the whole, very moderate. The total expenditure, comprehending all the contigencies of the colonial government, feldom exceeded 6.50,000 fterling per annum (a). For the better adminiftration of juftice, and the eafier colleétion,of the revenues, the colony was divided into three provinces (which werc diftinguithed, from their relative fituation, by the names of the Northern, the Weftern, and Southern), and fubdivided into ten diftriéts. In each ofthofe provinces refided a deputy-governor, or commander en fecond, and in each diftriét was eftablifhed a fubordinate court ofjuftice, for the trial of (a) The colonial taxes were called Oâtroi, and confifted principally of duties on the exportation of the chief: articles of produce. The lateft affeffiment previous to the revolution was made in 1776. There was, befides thofe duties, a diredt tax of 21 cent. on the rents of houfes in the towns, and a poll-tax of three dollars on Aave per fervants or artificers belonging to eftates or manufaétures, the produéts of which were not exportable, as provifion plantations, lime andl brick kilns, &:c. This fyftem oftaxing their exported produce is juftified by Monf. Laborie on the foliowing ground: < The difference of foil in St. Domingo" (he obferves) < is fuch, that a plantation of double 45 the extent of land, and with twice the number of negroes and cattle, and managed < with equal (kill,fhall often yield much lefs than another with halfthe fame advantages: ca tax therefore on the produce, is more equal and proportionate than cither a landct tax or a poll-tax upon the negroes." Exterior expences, fuch as the navy, and extraordinarics of all kinds, were paid by the crown out of the duties which were levied on the produce of the colony imported into the mother country. erves) < is fuch, that a plantation of double 45 the extent of land, and with twice the number of negroes and cattle, and managed < with equal (kill,fhall often yield much lefs than another with halfthe fame advantages: ca tax therefore on the produce, is more equal and proportionate than cither a landct tax or a poll-tax upon the negroes." Exterior expences, fuch as the navy, and extraordinarics of all kinds, were paid by the crown out of the duties which were levied on the produce of the colony imported into the mother country. --- Page 58 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. of caufes both I. civil and criminal. Appeals lowed to thc fuperior councils; however were alCape François for the Northern ofwhich there were two; one at Prince for the Weftern province, the other at Porl-auand Southern. of the They were compofed the governor-general, the intendant, the king's lieutenants (b), a deputy-governors, four prefident, and twelve afefeurs, or affiftant judges, counfellors, general and together with the regifter, In thefc attorneycouncils, or courts of jurifdiétion, as in the fupreme and thofe of the parliaments of France, the king's ediéts, governor and intendant, were members conftituted a but regiftered. Seven in the laft réfort. quorum, an appcal lay to the king In moft of the towns was a municipal officers ofthe police; confifting cftablithment, called and ferjeants. ofinfpeétors, exempts, brigadiers, They werc authorized to proceed quelling of riots; to arreft perfons fummarily in and thicves taken with guilty of affault and battery, courts ofjuftice, and mainour. They were appointed by the were diflinguifhed by. a badge. ANOTHER corps of nearly the fame extenfive ufe, and of a more defcription, but of more military charaéter, was called the martchaufie. (8) Thefc king's lieutenants were military officers commonly with the rank of coloncl. There refiding in the feveral towns, major. All thefe officers were wholly were alfo in each town majors and aidesfuperior but the governor general, who independent could of the civil power, and owned no proper to obferve too, that the counfellors held difmifs their them at pleafure. It may be One of the governors (the Princc de feats by a very uncertain tenure, to France. They were feized Rohan) fent the whole number flate irons, and in that condition on their feats ofjuftice, and put on board a prifoners fhip in Baftile, without trial or hearing. conveyed to Paris, and fhut up for a long time in the who independent could of the civil power, and owned no proper to obferve too, that the counfellors held difmifs their them at pleafure. It may be One of the governors (the Princc de feats by a very uncertain tenure, to France. They were feized Rohan) fent the whole number flate irons, and in that condition on their feats ofjuftice, and put on board a prifoners fhip in Baftile, without trial or hearing. conveyed to Paris, and fhut up for a long time in the --- Page 59 --- SAINT DOMIN G O. maréchaufie. It was partly compofed of cavalry; and its func- C HAP tions were to watch over the general tranquillity; to protect I. travellers on the publick highways; to arreft negroes wandering without paflports, and malefaétors ofall defcriptions; to enforce the prompt execution of civil and criminal procefs, and, laftly, to affift in the collection of the publick taxes. THE number of the king's troops On the colonial cftablifhment was commonly from 2 to 3,000 men, compofing two regiments of foot, and a brigade of artillery recruited from France; and cach ofthe 51 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 whole number was reckoned betwecn feven and eight thoufand. The officers, both of the regular troops and the militia, were commififioned provifionally by the governor-general, fubject to the king's approbation; but the militia received no pay of any kind. FROM this recapitulation, it is evident that the peace and happinefs of the people of St. Domingo depended very much on the perfonal qualities and native difpofition of thc general, who was commonly feleéted from the governorAt the fame time it muft be honeftly navy or army. 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 ment in the French colonies. It muft be allowed alfo, govern- that the manifeft importance to which, as mankind become divefted of ancient prejudices, the commercial part of the community, even c general, who was commonly feleéted from the governorAt the fame time it muft be honeftly navy or army. 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 ment in the French colonies. It muft be allowed alfo, govern- that the manifeft importance to which, as mankind become divefted of ancient prejudices, the commercial part of the community, even --- Page 60 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP even I. among the French, has the wealthy and opulent imperceptibly rifen, infured to fons in planters a degrec of refpect from power, which, in former times, attached perbirth and powerful connedtions; only to noble the whites derived the while thc lower orders among diftinétion fame advantage from that which nature herfelf has unconquerable white and black inhabitants; legibly drawn between the in a country and from their vifible where, from the importance, blacks, the common difproportion of the whites to the fafety of the former clafs ther on their united exertions. depends altogeTo contend, as fome philofophers have no natural idly contended, that tuperiority can juftly belong to any one race over another, to of pcople ference of colour, Europeans is over Africans, merely from a difto wafte words to no bat with air. Among the inhabitants purpofe, and to comWeft Indies, it is the of every ifland in the colour, with fome few cxceptions, that diftinguithes freedom from flavery: fo long therefore fhall be enjoyed as freedom exclufively by one race of be the condition of another, people, and flavery tach to the colour which contempt and degradation will atby that condition is nized, and follow it, in fome degree, generally recogaffinitics. We through its varieties and may trace a fimilar prejudice liberal and enlightened nations of among the moft farely Europe. Although ought to refleét grcater luftre on any man, than nothing the circumftance ofhis having rifen, by induftry and difadvantages of mean birth and virtue, above the neverthelefs, but few indigent parentage, therc arc, perfons in the world who reminded of this fpecies of merit. There delight to be is a confcioufhets of fomething varieties and may trace a fimilar prejudice liberal and enlightened nations of among the moft farely Europe. Although ought to refleét grcater luftre on any man, than nothing the circumftance ofhis having rifen, by induftry and difadvantages of mean birth and virtue, above the neverthelefs, but few indigent parentage, therc arc, perfons in the world who reminded of this fpecies of merit. There delight to be is a confcioufhets of fomething --- Page 61 --- SAINT DOMING O. fomething difgraceful in the recolleétion; and it feems there- C H A P. fore reafonable to conclude, that if naturc had made thc fame I. difinétion in this cafe as in the other, and flamped, by an indelible mark, the condition and parentage on the forchead, the fame, or nearly the fame, eileét would have refulted from it, as refults from the difference ofcolour in the Weft Indies. Imean however only to account for, in fome degrec, not to defend altogether, the conduét of the whites of St. Domingo towards the coloured pcople; whofe condition was in truth much worfe than that of thc fame clafs in the Britifh colonies, and not to be juftified on any principle of example or reafon. IN many refpeêts their fituation was even more degrading Free Mulatand wretched than that of the enflaved negrocs in any part of toes. the Weft Indics; ail of whem have mafters that are interciled in their preiervation, and many of whom find in thofe mafters powerful fricnds and vigilant protcétors. Although releafed from the dominion ofindividuals, yet the free men ofcolourin all the French iflands were Atill confidered as the property of the publick, and as publick property they were obnoxious to the caprice and tyranny of all thofe whom the accident of birth had placed above them. By the colonial governments they werc treated as flavesin the ftriéteft fenfe; they were liable, on attaining the age of manhood, to ferve three years in the military cftablifhment called the maréchaalfee, and on the expiration of that term they were compelled to ferve in thc militia of the parifh or quarter to which they belonged, without pay or allowance ofany kind, and in the horfe or foot, at the pleafure of the commanding officer; and obliged alifo to fupply themVoL. III. F felves, werc treated as flavesin the ftriéteft fenfe; they were liable, on attaining the age of manhood, to ferve three years in the military cftablifhment called the maréchaalfee, and on the expiration of that term they were compelled to ferve in thc militia of the parifh or quarter to which they belonged, without pay or allowance ofany kind, and in the horfe or foot, at the pleafure of the commanding officer; and obliged alifo to fupply themVoL. III. F felves, --- Page 62 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA P. felves, at their own expence, with I. arms, ammunition, and accoutrements. The rigour with which the king's lieutenants, majors, and aidles-major, enforced their authority over thefe pcople, 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 profeffions, 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 exclulively by the whites. A mulatto could not be a prieft, nor a lawyer, nor a phyfician, nor a furgeon, nor an apothecary, nor a fchoolmafter. He could not even affume the firname of the white man to whom he owed his being. Neither did the diftinétion of colour terminate, as in the Britifh Weft Indies, with the third generation. The privileges of a white perion were not allowed to any defcendant from an African, however remote the origin. The taintin the blood 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 ftep would immediately have terminated in his difgrace and ruin. UNDER the preflure 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 jurifdiétion adopting the popular prejudices againft them, gave effect and permanency to the fyftem. A man of colour being profecutor --- Page 63 --- SAINT DOMINGO. profecutor (a circumftance in truth which feldom occurred) C H A P. I. muft have made out a ftrong cafe indced, if at any time he obtained the conviction of a white perfon. On the other hand, thc whites never failed to procure prompt and fpeedy juftice againft the mulattoes. To mark more ftrongly the diftinétion between the two claffes, the law declarcd 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 O1l a free mulatto, was difiniffed on the payment of an infignificant fine. Ix extcnuation of this horriblc detail, it may be faid with truth that the manners of the white inhabitants foftened, in fome mcafure, the feverity of their laws: thus, in the cafe laft mentioned, thc univerfal abherrence which would have attended an enforcement of the penalty, madc the law a dead letter. It was the fame with the Roman law of the Twelve Tables, by which a father was allowed to infliét the punifhment of death on his oWn child:-manners, not law, prevented the exertion of a power fo unnatural and odious. Bur thc circumftance which contributed moit to afford the coloured people of St. Domingo proteétion, was the privilege they poffeffed of acquiring and holding property tc any amount. Several of them were the owners of confiderable cftates; and having happily the mcans ofg gratifying the venality of thcir fuperiors, thefe were fecure enough in thcir perfons; although the fame circumftance made them more pointedly the objeéis ofl hatred and envy to the lower orders ofthe whites. F 2 THE ious. Bur thc circumftance which contributed moit to afford the coloured people of St. Domingo proteétion, was the privilege they poffeffed of acquiring and holding property tc any amount. Several of them were the owners of confiderable cftates; and having happily the mcans ofg gratifying the venality of thcir fuperiors, thefe were fecure enough in thcir perfons; although the fame circumftance made them more pointedly the objeéis ofl hatred and envy to the lower orders ofthe whites. F 2 THE --- Page 64 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF C H A P. THE next and loweft clafs of I. people in the French iflands were the negroes in a ftate of flavery; of whom, in the Enflavedne- grocs, 1789, St Domingo contained no lels than 480,000. It was ycar in favour ofthis clais that Louis XIV. in the year 1685, publifhed the celebrated ediét, or code of regulations, which is well known to the world under the title of the Code Noir; and it muft bc allowed, that many ofits provifions breathe a fpirit of tendernefs and philanthropy which refleéts honour on the memory of its author;-but there is this misfortune attending this, and muft attend all other fyftems of the fame nature, that moft ofits regulations are inapplicable to the condition and fituation ofthe colonics in America. In countries where flavery is eftablifhed, the leading principle on which government is fapported, is fear; or a fenfe of that abfolute coercive neceffity, which, leaving no choice of aclion, fuperfedes all queftion of righit. It is in vain to deny that fuch aétually is, and neceffarily muft be, the cafe in all countries where flavery is allowed. Every endeavour therefore to extend poltive rights to men in this ftate, as between onc clafs of people and the other, is an attempt to reconcileinherent contradi@lions,aud to blend principles together which admit not of combination. The great and, I am afraid, the only certain and permanent fecurity ofthe enflaved negroes, is the frong circumfance that the intercit of the mafter is blended with, and, in truth, altogether depends on, the prefervation, and even on the health, ftrength, and aétivity of the flave. This applies equally to all the European colonies in America; and accordingly thc aétual condition of the negroes in all thofe colonics, to whatever nation they belong, is I believe nearly the fame, Ofthat condition I have given an ac5 "count , the only certain and permanent fecurity ofthe enflaved negroes, is the frong circumfance that the intercit of the mafter is blended with, and, in truth, altogether depends on, the prefervation, and even on the health, ftrength, and aétivity of the flave. This applies equally to all the European colonies in America; and accordingly thc aétual condition of the negroes in all thofe colonics, to whatever nation they belong, is I believe nearly the fame, Ofthat condition I have given an ac5 "count --- Page 65 --- SAINT DOMINGO count in another place (c): Ihave thercfore only to obferve in C HA P, this, that in all the French iflands the gencral treatment ofthe I. flaves is neither much bettcr nor much worfe, as far as I could mnee obferve, than in thofe ofGreat Britain. Ifa 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 their negroes with greater humanity and tendernefs than the Britifh, I know to be groundlefs; yet no candid perion, who has had an opportunity of fecing the negroes in the French iflands, and of contrafting their condition with that of the peafantry in many parts of Europe, will think them, by any means, the moft wretched of mankind, Ox the whole, ifh human life, in its beft ftate, is a combination of happincfs and mifery, and we are to confider that condition of political fociety as relatively good, in which, notwithftanding many difadvantages, thc lower claffes are cafily fopplied with the means of hcalthy fubfiftence; and a general air of cheerful contentednefs, animates all ranks of people,- where WC behold opulent towns, plentifal markets, extenfive commerce, and increafing cultivation-it muft be pronoanced that the government of the French part of St. Domingo (to whatever latent caufes it might be owing) was not altogether fo practically bad, as fome ofthe circumfances that have been ftated might give room to imagine. With all the abufes arifing from the licentioufncs of power, the corruption of manners, and the fyftem of flavery, the fcale cvidently preponderated on. the (6) Vol. II. Book 4. C.2. --- Page 66 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA P. the favourable fidc; and, in of I. fpite political evils and private 2 grievances, the figns of publick profperity were every where vifible. Sucn were the condition and fituation of the French colony in St. Domingo in the year 1788-an eventful period; for the feeds of liberty which, ever fince the war between Great Britain and her tranfatlantick poffeffions, had taken root in the kingdom ofFrance, now began to fpring up with a rank Juxuriancy in all parts ofher extenfive dominions; and a thoufand circumflances demonfirated that great and important changes and convultions were impending. The neceffity of a fober and welldigeflelarangement for correéting inveterate abufes, both in the mother country and the colonies, was indeed apparent; but, unhappily, a fpirit of fubverfion and innovation, founded on vifionary fjftems inapplicable to real life, had taken poffefiion of the publick mind. Its effcôts in 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 oppofing interefts and palfions, produced a tempeft that fivept every thing before it. was indeed apparent; but, unhappily, a fpirit of fubverfion and innovation, founded on vifionary fjftems inapplicable to real life, had taken poffefiion of the publick mind. Its effcôts in 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 oppofing interefts and palfions, produced a tempeft that fivept every thing before it. --- Page 67 --- SAINT DOMINGO, CHAP. II. From the Revolution 41789, to the Meeting efihe Firf General Colonial Afembly. ( N the 27th of December 1788, the court of France came CHAP. to the mcmorable determination to fummon the States II. General of the kingdom; and refolved that thc reprefentation / of the tiers état (or commons) fhould be equal to the fum of the repreientation of thc other two orders. THIS meafure, as might have been forefecn, proved the bafis of the great national revolution that followed; and it operated with immediate and decifive effcét in all the French colonies. The governor of the French part of St. Domingo, at that period, was Monf. Duchilleau, who was foppofed fecretly to favour the popular preteniions. He was allowed therefore to continue unmolefied in the feat of goverument; but the king's feeptre dropped from his hand; for when he attempted to prevent the parochial and provincial meetings, which wcre every whcre fummoned, from affembling, his proclamations were treated with indignity and contempt: the mectings were held in fpite of the governor, and refolutions pafed declaratory of the right of the colonifts to fend deputies to the States General. Deputies were accordingly cleéted for that purpofe, to the number of cighteen (fix for each province) who forthwith, without any authority either from the French miniftry or the colonial --- Page 68 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF C HA P. colonial government, embarked for II. France, as the legal repre. fentatives ofa great and integral part of the French cmpire. 5789. THEY arrived at Verfaillcs the latter end of June, about a 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 cightcen deputies from one colony was thought exceflive; 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 timc throughout the cities of France, a very ftrong and marked prejudice againft the inhabitants of the Sugar Iflands, Oll account of the flavery of their negroes. It was not indeed fuppoled, nor even pretended, that the condition ofthefe peoplc was worfe at this junélure than in any former period: the contrary was known to be the truth. But declamations in fupport of perfonal freedom, and invedtives againft defpotifmn 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 of the Weft Indies, as one ofthe means of exciting commotions and infurrections in different parts of the French dominions. This fpirit of hoftility againft the inhabitants of the French colonics, was induftrioufly fomented and aggravated by the meafures of a fociety, who called themfelves Amis des Noirs (Friends of the Blacks); and it muft be acknowledged, that the fplendid appearance, and thoughtlefs extravagance, of many of k indignation was now artfully raifed againft the planters of the Weft Indies, as one ofthe means of exciting commotions and infurrections in different parts of the French dominions. This fpirit of hoftility againft the inhabitants of the French colonics, was induftrioufly fomented and aggravated by the meafures of a fociety, who called themfelves Amis des Noirs (Friends of the Blacks); and it muft be acknowledged, that the fplendid appearance, and thoughtlefs extravagance, of many of --- Page 69 --- SAINT DOMINGO of thc French planters refident in the mother country, CI II A P. contributed by no mcans to divert the malice of their adIl. verfaries, or to foften the prejudices of the publick towards 1789. them. THE fociety in France called Amis des Noirs, was I believc originally formed on the model of a fimilaraffociation in London, but the views and purpofes of the two bodies had taken a diffcrent direétion. The focicty in London profelfed to have nothing more in vicw than to obtain an act ofthe legiflature for prohibiting the further introduction of African flavcs into the Britith colonies. They difclaimed all intention of interfering with the government and condition of thc negrocs already in the plantations; publickly declaring their opinion to be, that a general emancipation of thofe peoplc, in their prefent ftate of ignorance and barbarity, inflcad of a bleffing, would prove to them a fource of misfortunc and mifery. On the other hand, the focicty of Amis des Noirs, having fecretly in view to fubvert the ancient defpotifin of the French government, loudly clamoured for a general and immediate abolition, not only ofthe flave trade, but alfo of the flavery which it fupported. Proceeding on abitract rcafoning, rather than on the aétual condition ofhuman nature, they diftinguithed 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 negrocs: it is to bc lamented that a principle fo plaufible in sppearance, fhould, in its application to this cafe, bc vifionary and impraéticable, VoL. III, G Ar --- Page 70 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF C H A P. Ar this junéure, a confiderable body of the mulattoes II. from St. Domingo and the other French iflands, were refident in the 1789. French capital, Some of thefe were young people fent thither for cducation: others were men of confiderable property, and many of them, without doubt, perfons of-intelligence and amiable manners. Wich thefe people the fociety of Amis des Noirs formed an intimate connedtion; pointed out to them the wretchednefs of their condition; filled the nation with remonftrances and appeals on their behalf; and poured out fuch invectives againft the white planters, as bore away reafon and moderation in the torrent. Unheppily, there was too much to offer on the part of the mulattoes. Their perfonal appearance too, excited pity, and, co-operating with the temper of the times, and the credulity of the French nation, raifed fuch an indignant fpirit in all ranks of people againft the white colonifts, as threatened their total annihilation and ruin. IN this difpofition of the people of France towards the inhabitants of their colonies in the Weft Indies, the national affembly, on the 2oth day of, Auguft, voted the cclebrated declaration efrights; 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 procceded no farther! Happy for themfelves, if they had then knownwhat painful experience has fince taught them-that the worft of all governments is preferable to the miferies of anarchy! PERHAPS the cclebrated declaration efrights; 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 procceded no farther! Happy for themfelves, if they had then knownwhat painful experience has fince taught them-that the worft of all governments is preferable to the miferies of anarchy! PERHAPS --- Page 71 --- SAI NT DOMING O. PERITAPS a diligent obferver might lave difcovered, evenin C HAP. II. the firft proccedings of this celebrated affembly, the latent feeds of that violencc, injuflice, and confufion which have fince pro- 178g. duced fuch a harveft of crimes and calamities. Many of the doctrines contained in thc declaration of rights feem to have been introduced for no other purpofe than to awaken a mifchievous fpirit of contention and cavil, and to deftroy all fubordination in the lower ranks of the people. Such, for inftance, was the polition, that c6 all men arc born, and continuc, 46 free and equal as to their rights;" açcording to which, there ought to be no diftinations in fociety, nor (if the poffeffion of preperty is a right) can any man have a right to poffels or acquire any thing to the exclufion of others; a pofition not only falfe, but pernicious, and unfit for cvery condition of civilized life. To promulgate fach leffons in the colonies, as the dcclared fenfe of the fipreme government, was to fubvert the whole fyftem of their eftablifhments. 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 fociety of. Amis des Noirs to emancipate the negroes,--and the conduét of the mulattoes,-had becn reprefented to them through the medium of party, and perhaps with a thoufund circumfances of cxaggeration and infult, long before tlie declaration of rights was rcceived in the colony; and this meafure crowned the whole. They maintained thatit was calculated to convert thcir peaceful and contented negroes into implacable enemics, and render the whole country a theatrc of commotion and bloodihed. G2 IN Noirs to emancipate the negroes,--and the conduét of the mulattoes,-had becn reprefented to them through the medium of party, and perhaps with a thoufund circumfances of cxaggeration and infult, long before tlie declaration of rights was rcceived in the colony; and this meafure crowned the whole. They maintained thatit was calculated to convert thcir peaceful and contented negroes into implacable enemics, and render the whole country a theatrc of commotion and bloodihed. G2 IN --- Page 72 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA II. P. In the meanwhile, the French that diforders of a very alarming nature government, arife apprehentive 1789. nies from the might in the coloproceedings in France, had iffued orders to the governor general of St. Domingo, to convoke the for the purpole of forming a legiflative affembly for inhabitants, interior gulation. Thefe orders, however, being unaccountably reed, the people had anticipated the meafure. The inhabitants delayof the Northern diftriét had already conftituted fembly, which met at a provincial afCape François, and their examplc was followed in November in the Weftern and Southern the Weftern affembly met at Port au Prince, the Southern provinces; Les Cayes, Parochial committces at were, at the fame time, every where eftablifhed, for the fake ofa more immediate communication betwcen the people and their reprefentatives. A RECITAL of the conduét and proceedings of thefe cial affemblies, would lead me too much into detail. provindiffered greatly on many important queftions; but all of They them concurred in opinion concerning the neceffity ofa full and fpeedy colonial reprefentation; and they unanimoufly voted, that ifinftruétions from the king for calling fuch an affembly fhould not be received within three months thenceforward, the fhould take on itfelf to adopt and enforce the colony immediate fafety and prefervation being, meafurey-their tion they faid, an obligaparamount to all others, DURING this period ofanxicty and alarm, the mulattoes were not inaétive. Inftruéted by their brethren in the mctropolis cerning the nature and extent ofthcir rights, and apprized of con- the favourable difpofition of the French nation towards them, they became, forward, the fhould take on itfelf to adopt and enforce the colony immediate fafety and prefervation being, meafurey-their tion they faid, an obligaparamount to all others, DURING this period ofanxicty and alarm, the mulattoes were not inaétive. Inftruéted by their brethren in the mctropolis cerning the nature and extent ofthcir rights, and apprized of con- the favourable difpofition of the French nation towards them, they became, --- Page 73 --- SAIN T DOMING O. became, throughout the colony, aétuated by a fpirit ofturbu- CI H A P. II. lence and fedition; and difregarding all confiderations of prudence, with regard to time and feafons, determined to claim, 1789without dclay, the full benefit cf all the privileges enjoyed by the whitcs. Accordingly large bodies of them appeared in arms in different parts ofthe country; but aéting without fufficicnt concert, or due preparation, they were eafily overpowered. It is faid, that the temper of the provincial affemblies at this juncture,--how much foever inflamed againft the inftigators and abettors of thefe people in the mother country,- -was not averfe to moderation and conceflion towards the mulattocs themfelves. Thus, when the party which had taken arms at Jacmel was defeated, and their chicfs imprifoned, the affembly of the Weft interpofed with effcét in favour of the whole number; and at Artibonite, where the revolt Was much more extenfive and alarming, a free and unconditional pardon was alfo cheerfully granted on thc fubmiffion of the infurgents. AGAINST fuch of the rvhites as had taken any part in thefe difturbances, in favour of the people of colour, the rage of the. populace knew no limits. Monf Dubois, deputy procureur general, had not only declared himfelf an advocate for the mulattoes, but, with a degree of imprudence which indicated infanity, fought occafions to declaim publickly againft the flavery ofthe negroes. The Northern affembly arreftedhis perfon, and very probably intended to proceed to greater extremities; but the governor interpofed in his behalf, obtained his releafe, and fent him from the country. MoNs, people of colour, the rage of the. populace knew no limits. Monf Dubois, deputy procureur general, had not only declared himfelf an advocate for the mulattoes, but, with a degree of imprudence which indicated infanity, fought occafions to declaim publickly againft the flavery ofthe negroes. The Northern affembly arreftedhis perfon, and very probably intended to proceed to greater extremities; but the governor interpofed in his behalf, obtained his releafe, and fent him from the country. MoNs, --- Page 74 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF C H A P. MoNs. de II. Ferrand Beandierre, who had giftrate at Petit Goave, was not fo formerly been a ma1;8g. was unhappily fortunate. This enamoured ofa woman of gentleman the polfelfed a valuable colour, to whom, as plantation, he had offered being a man of a warm marriage, and undertook to combat imagination, with little judgment, he whole clais. the prejudices of the whites Hc drew up, in the name and againft the latto people, a memorial to the behalf ofthe muamong other things, thcy parochial committec, wherein, the full benefit of the were made to claim, in exprefs words, could be mnoreill-timed national declaration of rights. Nothing ori injudicious than this evident, that fuch a claim led to proceeding:it was mulattoes themfelves confequences of which the wifh to enfranchife the (who certainly at this junéture had no morial therefore flaves) were not apprized. This mefor was confidered as a fummons a general revolt. The to the negroes author, and committed him parochial committee feized the him from thence to prifon; but the populace took by force, and in fpite ofthe municipality, who exerted themfelves magiftrates and him to death. to ftop their fury, put THE king's order for January, was received in St. convoking a general colonial affembly 1790. 1790. It Domingo early in the month of appointed the town of January province, for the place of Lcogane, in the Weftern nied the order, meeting; and inftruélions concerning the mode of accompaThefe inftructions, however, cleéting the members. being confidered the affemblies as inapplicable to the by provincial were difapproved; and circumfiances of the colony, another plan, better fuited, as they conceived, 1790. 1790. It Domingo early in the month of appointed the town of January province, for the place of Lcogane, in the Weftern nied the order, meeting; and inftruélions concerning the mode of accompaThefe inftructions, however, cleéting the members. being confidered the affemblies as inapplicable to the by provincial were difapproved; and circumfiances of the colony, another plan, better fuited, as they conceived, --- Page 75 --- SAINT DOMING O. conceived, to the wealth, territory, and popalation of the in- CHAP. II. habitants, was adopted. They rcfolved alfo to hold the affem- - - bly at the town of St. Marc inftcad of Leogane, and the 2sth 1790. of March was fixed for the timc ofits meeting. It was afterwards prorogued to the 16th of April. IN the meanwhile intelligence was reccived in France ofthc temper of St. Domingo towards the mother country. The inhabitants werc very generally reprefented as mauifefting a difpofition either to renounce their dependency, or to throw themfclves under the proteétion ofa forcign power; and the planters of Martinico were faid to bc equally difcontented and difaffeéled. Thc trading and manufasturing towns took the alarm; and petitions and remonftrances were prefented from various quarters, imploring the national affembly to adopt mcafures for compofing the minds of thc colonifts, and preferving to the French empirc its moft valuable dependencies. Ox the Sth of March 1790, the national affembly entered into the coniideration of the fubjeét, with a ferioufhefs and folemnity fuited to its importance; and, aftcr full difcufion, a very large majerity voted, 66 That it never was the intention of 66 the affembly to comprelend the intcrior government of thc 46 colonies in thc conftitution which they had framed for the 46 mother country, or to fubjeét them to laws which were in66 compatible with their local eflablifhments; they thcrefore 66 authorife the inhabitants of each colony to fignify to the na66 tional affembly their fentiments and wifhes concerning that 66 plan of interior legiflation and commercial arrangement, 66 which very large majerity voted, 66 That it never was the intention of 66 the affembly to comprelend the intcrior government of thc 46 colonies in thc conftitution which they had framed for the 46 mother country, or to fubjeét them to laws which were in66 compatible with their local eflablifhments; they thcrefore 66 authorife the inhabitants of each colony to fignify to the na66 tional affembly their fentiments and wifhes concerning that 66 plan of interior legiflation and commercial arrangement, 66 which --- Page 76 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP P. 66 which would II. be moft conducive to their required, however, that thc profperity." It was 1790. formable to the plan to be offered fhould be conwith the principles which had conne@ted the metropolis, and be calculated colonics their reciprecal interefts.-To for the prefervation of this claration, 66 That the national decree was annexed a de6 innovation to be made, direêtly affembly would not caufe any 46 commerce in which the or indireétly, in any fyftem of colonies were alrcady concerned." NOTHING cculd equal the clamour which fioned among the people of colour this decree Occatry, and the philanthropick refident in the mother coundeclaration fociety of Amis des Noirs. The fanétion for concerning the commerce was interpreted into a tacit contended, that continuance of the flave trade; and it was the national affembly, even ment of the colonial by leaving the adjufthad conflitutions to the colonifts difcharged them from their themfelves, they were no longer allegiance. It was faid that bers of fubjeét to the French an independent ftate. empirc, but memNEVERTHELESS, ift the circumflances of the difpofition of the French colonifts times, and the into the account, candour muft at this junéture, be taken crec not only acknowledge that it was a dejuftifiable on the motives of but was founded alfo Onl the prudence and policy, The ftrong bafis of moral arguments that were urged againft it fcem neceflity. the bencfits of the French revolution to imply that the people refiding in the were intended only for realm, in exclufion of their fubjects in the plantations. After that fellow great event, to fuppofe that --- Page 77 --- SAINT DOMINGO. that the inhabitants of thofe colonies (with the fuccefsful ex- CHAP, II. ample too oft the Englith Americans recent in their memories) would have fubmitted to bc governed and dircéted in their local 1790. concerns by a legiflature at the diftance of 3,000 miles from them, is to manifeft a very flender acquaintance with human nature. How little inclined the colonial affembly was to fuch fubmiflion, their proceedings, from the firft day of their meeting, to their final diffolution, will demonftrate.-Of thofe proceedings I Thall endeavour to furnith a brief account in the next Chapter. VoL, III, II mitted to bc governed and dircéted in their local 1790. concerns by a legiflature at the diftance of 3,000 miles from them, is to manifeft a very flender acquaintance with human nature. How little inclined the colonial affembly was to fuch fubmiflion, their proceedings, from the firft day of their meeting, to their final diffolution, will demonftrate.-Of thofe proceedings I Thall endeavour to furnith a brief account in the next Chapter. VoL, III, II --- Page 78 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP 1I1. Proceedings ef the General Colonial Difolution, and Embarkation Alembly until its fnal Auguf of the Members for France, 1790. CHAI P. General III. THE Affembly of St. of April, at the town of St. Domingo met on the 16th 1790. 213 members, of whom the Marc. It was compofed of four, Port au Prince fixteen, cityofCape François cleéted twentyother parifhes returned and Lcs Cayes cight. Moft ofthe two lowed that, on the whole, the reprefentatives each ; and it is alrefpectably colony was fairly, fully, and moft reprefented. The provincial continued in the exercife of their affemblies, however, committees to act during their funétions as before, or appointed intermiffion. THE feflion was wherein, after opened by a difcourfe from the prefident, recounting various abufes in the conftitution adminiftration of the former colonial and out fome of the many great objeôts that government, hc pointed mediate attention : feemed to require imthe mulattoes, and among others, he recommended the cafe of bly concurred a mclioration of the flave laws. The in fentiment with the orator; affemmeafures was to relieve the ; and one of their firft to which people of colour from the they were fubjeét under the hard(hips was decreed, that in future no military jurifiliftion. It of them in the militia than greater duty thould be required from the whites; and the harth authority, --- Page 79 --- SAINT DOMING O. thority, in particular, which the king's licutenants, majors, and C H A P. aides-major, commanding in the towns, exercifed over thofe III. people, was declared oppreffive and illegal. Thefe acts ofin- 1790. dulgence werc certainly meant as the carneft of grcater favours, and anl opening to conciliation and concellion towards the whole clafs of the coloured pcople. THE general affembly procceded, in the next place, to reétity fomc grofs abufes which had long prevailed in thc courts of judicature, confining themfelves however to fuch only as called for immediate redrefs, their attention being chiefly direéted to the great and interefting objeet of preparing the plan for a new conftitution, or fyftem of colonial government; a bufinefs which employed their deliberations until the 28th of May. M. PEYNIER was now governor-general, from whom thepartizans and adherents of the ancient defpotifin fecretly derived encouragement and fupport. The whole body of tax-gatherers, and officers under the fifcal adminiftration, were of this number. Thefe thercfore began to rccover from the panick into which fo great and fudden a revolution had thrown them, and to rally their united ftrength. Nothing could be more oppofite to their withes, than the fuccefs of the general affembly in the eftablifhment of order and good government throughout the colony. Nor werethefc the only mcn who bcheld the proceedings of this body with an evil cyc. All thc perfons belonging to the courts of civil and criminal jurifdiction (and their numbers were confiderable) who were interefted in the maintenance ofthofeabufes" which the affembly had corrected, were fillcd with indignation Hz aud ngth. Nothing could be more oppofite to their withes, than the fuccefs of the general affembly in the eftablifhment of order and good government throughout the colony. Nor werethefc the only mcn who bcheld the proceedings of this body with an evil cyc. All thc perfons belonging to the courts of civil and criminal jurifdiction (and their numbers were confiderable) who were interefted in the maintenance ofthofeabufes" which the affembly had corrected, were fillcd with indignation Hz aud --- Page 80 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY C HA P. and OF III. envy. Tothefe were added moft of the ( a - military commifions under the men who had held 1790. the exercife of command, king's authority, Habituated to of all that accuflomed they indignantlyLeheld the fubverfion had been obedience and fuberdination which taught to confider as cflential to the of they ment, and offered themfelves the fupport governvernor-general in willing inftruments of the gofubverting the new frftem. SucH were the perfons that oppofed themfelves order ofthings in the colony, when the to the new lonel of the regiment of Port Chevalier Mauduit, COmingo. He had not come au Prince, arrived at St. Doby way of direétly from France, but Italy; $ and at Turin had taken leave of circuitoufly d'Artois, to whofe fortunes he was the Count man oftalents ; brave, adtive, and frongly attached. He was a party,and full enterprizing ; zealous forhis and he By LrmMeaeneerntact addrefs, foon acquired an hisdexterity narrow genius of Peynier, and afeendancy over the feeblc and His penetration eafily madehim governed the colony in his name. difcovert to difturb the new that, in order cffeaually fettlement, it was abfolutely vent a coalition of interefts between the neceflary to prethe free people of colour. Hc therefore colonial affembly, and the patron and proteétor of the mulattoes, and proclaimed himfelf all occafions, with fuch affiduity and courted them on whole body, ficcefs, as gained over the Ir fcems however extremely probable that country would have been preferved, the peace of the nations of Peynier and if notwithflanding the machiMauduit, the planters, true to their own vent a coalition of interefts between the neceflary to prethe free people of colour. Hc therefore colonial affembly, and the patron and proteétor of the mulattoes, and proclaimed himfelf all occafions, with fuch affiduity and courted them on whole body, ficcefs, as gained over the Ir fcems however extremely probable that country would have been preferved, the peace of the nations of Peynier and if notwithflanding the machiMauduit, the planters, true to their own --- Page 81 --- S AINT DOMING O. own caufe, bad remained united among themfeives. But, un- CHA P. fortunately, thc provincial affenbly ofthe North was induced, -e III. through mifieprefentation or envy, to counteract, by all potible 1790. means, the procecdings of the general affembly at St. Marc. Thus, difcord and diffention every where prevailed; and appearances feemed to indicate an approaching civil war, even before the plan for the new conftitution was publifhed. This was contained in the famous decree of the general colonial af fembly of the 28th of May; a decree, which having been the fubject of much animadvertion, and made the oftenfible motive, Oil the part of the executive power, for commencing hoflilities, it is proper to itate it at large. Ir confifted of ten fundamental pofitions, which are preceded May. byan introductory difcourfe or preamble (as ufual in the French dccrees) wherein, among other confiderations, it is ftated, as an acknowledged principle in the French conftitution, that the right in the crown to confirm the acts of the legiflature, is a prerogative, inherent and incommunicalle: : of courfe that it cannot be delegated to a colonial governor, whofe authority is precarious and fubordinate. The articles arc then fubjoined, in the order and words following: 66 I. The legiflative authority, in every thing which relates to the internal concerns of the colony (regime interieur), is vefted in the affembly of its reprefentatives, which fhall be called the General Alembly 9 the French Part ef St. Domingo. 56 2. Noaet of the legiflative body, in what relates to the internal concerns of the colony, fhall bc confidered as a law définitive and fubordinate. The articles arc then fubjoined, in the order and words following: 66 I. The legiflative authority, in every thing which relates to the internal concerns of the colony (regime interieur), is vefted in the affembly of its reprefentatives, which fhall be called the General Alembly 9 the French Part ef St. Domingo. 56 2. Noaet of the legiflative body, in what relates to the internal concerns of the colony, fhall bc confidered as a law définitive --- Page 82 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA III. P. Anitive, unlefs it be made by the part of St. Domingo, reprefentatives of the French 1790. by the king. freely. and legally chofen, and confirmed 46 3. In cafes of urgent neral affembly, in what neceffity, a legiflative decree relates to the internal ofthegecolony, thall be confidered as a law concerns of the cafes, the decree fhall be notified provifional. In all fuch ncral, who, within ten forthivith to the it days after fuch governor-getobepublifhed and notification, thall caufe bly his obfervations enforced, or tranfmit to the general affemthercon. ce 4. The neceffity of the cafe on which the provifional decree is to depend, fhall be exçcution of fuch be carried in the affirmative a feparate queftion, and general affembly; the by a majority of two-thirds of the (Prijfes names and numbers being taken par tappalwoninal.) down. 66 5- Ifthe governor-general fhall fend on any fuch decree, the fame Thall down his obfervations of the general be entered in the journals affembly, who thall then decrce, and confider the obfervations proceed to revife the tings. The votes for thereon in thrce feveral fitbe given in the words les confirming or annulling the decree fhall ings fhall be figued or No, and a minute ofthe by the members proceedenumerated the votes on each fide of prefent, in which fhall be appears a majority of two-thirds the queftion ; and if there fhall be immediatcly enforced for confirming the decree, it by the governor-general. 66 6, As crce, and confider the obfervations proceed to revife the tings. The votes for thereon in thrce feveral fitbe given in the words les confirming or annulling the decree fhall ings fhall be figued or No, and a minute ofthe by the members proceedenumerated the votes on each fide of prefent, in which fhall be appears a majority of two-thirds the queftion ; and if there fhall be immediatcly enforced for confirming the decree, it by the governor-general. 66 6, As --- Page 83 --- SAIN NT DOMI N G O. < 6. Asevery law ought to bc founded O11 the confent of thofe C H A P. who arc to be bound by it, the French part of St. Domingo III. thall be allowed to propofe regulations concerning commercial 1790. arrangements, and thc fyftem of mutual conneétion (rapports compuerciautz, et autres rapports communs), and the decrecs which the national affembly Ohall make in all fuch cafes fuall not be enforced in the colony, untilthe general afembly Jeall have confènted thereto. <6 7. In cafes of prcffing neceffity, the importation of articles for thc fipport of the inhabitants fhall not be confidered as any brcach in the fiftcm of commercial regulations between St. Domingo and France ; provided that the decrees to be made in fuch cafes by the gencral affembly, fhall be fabmitted to thc revifion of the governor-general, under thc fame conditions and modifications as are preferibed in articlcs 3 and 5. 66 8. Provided alfo, that every legiflative act of the general alfembly, executed provifionally, in cafes of urgent neceffity, fhall bc tranfimnitted forthwith for the royal fanétion. And if the king Thall refufe his confent to any fuch act, its execution fhall be fulpended, as foon as the king's rcfufal Thall be legallynotified to the general affembly. 66 9. A new general affembly Thall be chofen every two ycars, and nonc of the members who have ferved in the former affembly thall be cligible in the new onc. 66 IO. The general affemblyd decree that thc preceding articles, as forming part of thc confitution of the French colony in St. Domingo, ufe his confent to any fuch act, its execution fhall be fulpended, as foon as the king's rcfufal Thall be legallynotified to the general affembly. 66 9. A new general affembly Thall be chofen every two ycars, and nonc of the members who have ferved in the former affembly thall be cligible in the new onc. 66 IO. The general affemblyd decree that thc preceding articles, as forming part of thc confitution of the French colony in St. Domingo, --- Page 84 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA III. P. Domingo, fhall be immediately tranfinitted acceptance of the national to France for the affembly, and the 1790. likewife be king. They Thall tranfmitted to all the parifhes and diftriets of the colony, and be notified to the governor-general." THAT a decree of fuch comprehenfivenefs fhould have excited and magnitude have very general difquifition in the colony, and produced mifreprefentation and of very oppofite fentiments and clamour, even among men It muf be allowed, that fome tempers, is no way furprifing. of the articles are to every juft principle of colonial fubordination. irreconcileable to allow a negative voice to the The refufing reprefentative of the is repugnant to all the notions which an king, entertain ofa monarchical Englifhman is taught to the declaration that government, however limited: and no decree of the national affembly ing the colony, in cafes of exterior concernforce until confirmed regulation, fhould be in by the colonial affembly, was fuch ail extravagant affumption of imperial authority, in a fabordinate of the French empire, as I believe is without part a precedent. ALL that can be urged in extenuation, feems circumftances oft the cafe to be that the were novel, and the members colonial affembly unexperienced of the in the bufinefs of That they had any ferious intention of legiflation. independent ftate, in imitation of the declaring the colony an vinces, it is impoflible to believe. Englifh American proNeverthelefs, the was no fooner promulgated, than this notion decree was induftrioufly propagated by their enemies from one end of the colony to the cther; --- Page 85 --- SAINT DOMINGO other; and when this report failed to gain belief, it was pre- CI HAP tended that the colony was fold to the Englith, and that the III. members of the gencral affembly had received and divided 1790. among themfelves 40 millions of livres as the purchafe mency. IF reccnt cvcnts had not demonftrated the extreme credulity and jealous temper of the French character, it would be diffcult to believe that charges, thus wild and unfupported, could have made an imprefion on the minds of any confiderable number of the people. So grcat however was the effeet produced by them, as to occafion fome ofthe Weftern parifhes to recal their deputies; while thc inhabitants of Cape François took meafures ftill more decitive: thcy renounced obedience to the general affembly, and prefented a memorialto the governor, requefting him to diffolve it forthwith; declaring that they confidered the colony as loft, unlefs he procceded with the utmoft vigour and promptitude in depriving that body of all manner of authority. M. PEYNIER received this addrefs with fecret fatisfaction. It feemed indced to be the policy of both parties to reject all thoughts of compromife by negociation; and therc occurred at this junéture a circumftance which would probably have rendercd all negociation abortive, had it bcen attempted. In the harbour of Port au Prince lay a thip of the line, called the Leopard, commanded by M. Galifoniere. This officer, COoperating in the vicws of Peynier and Mauduit, made a fumptuous entertainment for the partizans of thofe gentlemen; and Vor. III. L by be the policy of both parties to reject all thoughts of compromife by negociation; and therc occurred at this junéture a circumftance which would probably have rendercd all negociation abortive, had it bcen attempted. In the harbour of Port au Prince lay a thip of the line, called the Leopard, commanded by M. Galifoniere. This officer, COoperating in the vicws of Peynier and Mauduit, made a fumptuous entertainment for the partizans of thofe gentlemen; and Vor. III. L by --- Page 86 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CH III. A P. by this, or fome other of failors. Whether thefe parts his condud, gave offence to his men had felt 1790. (as afferted by one theinfluence of corruption party) or were actuated thote unaccountable freaks to which folely by one of fubject, the faét certainly is, that feamen are particularly from their they withdrew their obedience proper officer, and declared interefis of the colonial themfelves to be in the length fo turbulent and affembly! Their conduét became at to quit the Ahip; feditious, as to induce M. Galifoniere whereupon the crew the one of the licutenants. The gave command to 27th July. tages to be derived from this affembly, perceiving the advanevent, vote ofthanks to the feamen for their immediately tranfinitted a required them, in the name of the law patriotick and condudt, and the thip in the road, and await the king, to detain failors, gratified with this their further orders. The acknowledgment, ence, and affixed the vote of thanks promifed obedithip. Some On the mainmaft of the partizans of the affembly, about took poffeffion of a powder the fame time, magazine at Leogane. A CIVIL war feemed now to be inevitable, the vote of thanks had been tranfinitted Two days after crew ofthe Leopard, M. Peynier from St. Marc's to the folve the general affembly. Hc iffued a proclamation to dif tertaining projects charged the members with enl-. treacheroufly poffeffed ofindependieney, and afferted that they had themfelves ofone of the corrupting the crew. Hc king's fhips by their adherents, traitors pronounced the members, and all nation and the to their country, and enemies to the king: declaring that it was his intention to employ Leopard, M. Peynier from St. Marc's to the folve the general affembly. Hc iffued a proclamation to dif tertaining projects charged the members with enl-. treacheroufly poffeffed ofindependieney, and afferted that they had themfelves ofone of the corrupting the crew. Hc king's fhips by their adherents, traitors pronounced the members, and all nation and the to their country, and enemies to the king: declaring that it was his intention to employ --- Page 87 --- SAINT DOMINGO ploy all the force he cculd colledl to defcat their projedts, and CHAP bring them to condign punifhment; and he called on alloflicers, III. civil and military, for thoir co-opcration and fupport. 1790. Hrs firft proceedings were dircéted againit the committec of thc Weftern provincial affembly-This body held its meetings at Port au Prince, and in the excrcifc of its fubordinate fanctions, during thc intermiftion of that affembly, had manifefted fuch zcalous attachment to the general affembly at St. Marc, as expofed its members to the reientment of the governor and his party. It was determined therefore, at a council held the famc day, to arreft their perfons the following night, and M. Mauduit undertook to conduct the enterprize. Ilaving becn informed that this committee held confultations at midnight, he felectcd about olle hundred of his foldiers, and formed a fcheme to feize the members at their place of meeting. On arriving however at the houfe, he found it protected by four hundred of the naticnal guards (g). A fkirmith enfued; but thc circumftances attending it are fo varioufly related, that no precife account can be given of the particulars; nor is it afcertained which party gave the firft fire. Nothing further is certainly known, than that two men were killed on thc part of the affembly,-that feveral were wounded on both 1ides, and that M. Mauduit returned without effedting any parpote but that of feizing, and bearing away in triumph, the national (3) The troops in St. Domingo, called the Nationa! Guardi, were originilly nothing more than the colonial Miilitia. They were new organizedin 1739, onthe model of the national guards in the mother-country, and bore the fame colours, and affumed the fame name. Iz uclours: c part of the affembly,-that feveral were wounded on both 1ides, and that M. Mauduit returned without effedting any parpote but that of feizing, and bearing away in triumph, the national (3) The troops in St. Domingo, called the Nationa! Guardi, were originilly nothing more than the colonial Miilitia. They were new organizedin 1739, onthe model of the national guards in the mother-country, and bore the fame colours, and affumed the fame name. Iz uclours: --- Page 88 --- 60. HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP, III. colours;--a circumftance which afterwards 1 the fequel) coft him his life. (as will be feen in 1790. THE general affembly, on recciving tack, and of the formidable intelligence of this atdirecting hoftilities preparations that were making for from all parts of the againft themfelves, fummoned the people, tect their colony, to haften, properly armed, to proneighbouring reprefentatives; and moft of the inhabitants of the parifhes obeyed the fummons. was brought from Port au Prince The fhip Leopard purpofe. On the other to St. Marc's for the fàme hand, the Northern joined the party of the provincial affembly detachment from the governor, and fent to his aflifance a regular troops in that quarter, joined by a body of two hundred which was greater force was colleéted people of colour. A much vince at the famc time in the by M. Mauduit, and the Weftern prothreatened an obftinate and preparations On both fides thofe wonderful eccentricitios bloody confliét; when, by one of fcldom difplayed in the human mind which are except in times of was put to the immediate publick. commotion, a fop unexpedted determination fhedding of blood, by the fidden and of the general a voyage to France, and jufify their affembly to undertake the national affembly in conduét to the. king and the more perfon. Their motives were laudable, as great part.of the Weftern and thought provinces gave a decided Southern armed in a very fhort time approbation.of: two their condué, and which were in full march for Port thoufand men in their defence; however was fixed, and au Prince. Their refolution accordingly, of about one members, to which the colonial hundred affembly was reduced by ficknefs embly to undertake the national affembly in conduét to the. king and the more perfon. Their motives were laudable, as great part.of the Weftern and thought provinces gave a decided Southern armed in a very fhort time approbation.of: two their condué, and which were in full march for Port thoufand men in their defence; however was fixed, and au Prince. Their refolution accordingly, of about one members, to which the colonial hundred affembly was reduced by ficknefs --- Page 89 --- SAINT D OMINGO. neis and defertion, no leis than eighty-five (of whom fixty-four C. H. III. AP. were fathers of families) aétually embarked on board the Leopard, and on the 8th of Auguft, took their departure for Eu- 1790. rope:-a proceeding which created as much furprize in the governor and his party, as admiration and applaufe among the people at large. Perfons of ail ranks accompanied the members to the place of embarkation, pouring forth prayers for their fucceis, and fhedding tears of fenfibility and affeétion for a collduét which was very generally confidered as noble a proof of felfdenial, and 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 difpofed to fubmit their differences to the wifdom and juftice of the king and the national affembly, and M. Peynier refumed, though with a trembling hand, the reins of government. SUcH was the iffue of the firft attempt to eftablith a free conftitution in the French part of St. Domingo, on the fyftem ofa limited monarchy; and it affords occafion for fome important reflections. That the general colonial affembly, in their decree ofthe 28th of May, exceeded the proper boundary of their conftitutional funétions, has been frankly admitted. This irregularity, however, might have been corrected without bloodihed or violence; but there is this misfortune attending every deviation from the rule of right, that, in the confliét of contending factions, the exceffes of one party are cver confidered as the fulleft juftification for the outrages of the other. For fome parts of their conduét an apology may be offcred. The meafure ree ofthe 28th of May, exceeded the proper boundary of their conftitutional funétions, has been frankly admitted. This irregularity, however, might have been corrected without bloodihed or violence; but there is this misfortune attending every deviation from the rule of right, that, in the confliét of contending factions, the exceffes of one party are cver confidered as the fulleft juftification for the outrages of the other. For fome parts of their conduét an apology may be offcred. The meafure --- Page 90 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP, III. meafure of fecuring to their interefs and the feizure ofthe the crew oft the Leopard, 1790. on the plea of felf-defence. magazine at Leogane, may be vindicated Peynier had long meditated It cannot be doubted that M. delpotick frftem, and how beft to reftore the ancient he had made that, jointly with M. Mauduit and others, M. preparations for that purpofe. He had Luzerne, the minifter in France, that written to fuffer the colonial he never intended to place, in affembly to meet; and let it be told in juftice to the French this he received contained miniftry, that the anfiver which M. Luzerne a tacit difapprobation of his meafures; for The recommended moderate and conciliatory councils, governor procceded and diftruftful notwithflanding in the fame perhaps of the fidelity ofthe career, mnade application (as appeared French foldiers, he Havannah for a reinforcement afterward) to the governor of the Itis evident therefore that of Spanifh troops from Cuba. Mauduit for he concurred entirely in the plans of effeétuating a reafonable to conclude, that counter-revolution; the and hence it is vailed among the difcord and diftruft which prethat alienated the inhabitants; and above all, the fatal difentions neral provincial affembly ofthe North, from affembly at St. Marc's, were the geencouraged by M. Peynier and bis induftriouly fomented and members of the colonial adherents. Concerning the affembly, their and determination to repair to France, and prompt decifive to the fapreme government, furrender their perfons, loyalty. Their obviates all impeachment of their attachment to the fecured by too many ties of intereft mother-country was indeed doubted. and falf-prefervation to be Or --- Page 91 --- SAINT D O MINGO Or their reception by the national affembly, and the pro- C HAF P. ceedings adopted in confequence of their arrival in Europe, I III. fhall hereafter have occafion to fpeak. A paufe in this place 1790. feems requifite ;-for I have now to introduce to the reader the mournful hiftory of an unfortunate individual, over whofe fad fate (bowever we may condemn his rafh and ill-concerted enterprize) < One human tear may drop, and be forgiven P O MINGO Or their reception by the national affembly, and the pro- C HAF P. ceedings adopted in confequence of their arrival in Europe, I III. fhall hereafter have occafion to fpeak. A paufe in this place 1790. feems requifite ;-for I have now to introduce to the reader the mournful hiftory of an unfortunate individual, over whofe fad fate (bowever we may condemn his rafh and ill-concerted enterprize) < One human tear may drop, and be forgiven P --- Page 92 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. IV. Rebellion and Defeat gf fames Ogé, afree Man ef Colour. CHA P. the firft IV. FROM meeting of the general affembly of St. Domingo, to its diffolution and 1790. preceding difperfion, as related in the chapters, the coloured people refident within the lony remained on the whole more COmight have been expedted. peaceable and orderly than fition manifefted The temperate and lenient by the affembly towards them, difponeficial and decifive effeêt in the produced a bevinces, and Weftern and Southern proalthough 300 of them from thefe been perfuaded by M. Mauduit to provinces, had mand, they -very foon became join the force under his comftead of fenfible of their error, and, inmarching towards St. Marc, as Mauduit demanded and obtained their propofed, they their refpedtive habitations. difmiffion, and returned quietly to Such of the mulatto eyer as refided at that in people howtinued in a far more hoftile junéture the mother-country, coicouraged in their diipofition; and they were enanimofity towards the white partics of very different colonifts by the 28th of May, deferiptions. The colonial decree of than it 1790, was no fooner made knownin excited univerfal clamour. France, curred in nothing elfe, united their Many perfons who conconduét of the voices in reprobating the inhabitants of St. The the ancient government Domingo, adherents of were joined On this occafion by the partizans ipofition; and they were enanimofity towards the white partics of very different colonifts by the 28th of May, deferiptions. The colonial decree of than it 1790, was no fooner made knownin excited univerfal clamour. France, curred in nothing elfe, united their Many perfons who conconduét of the voices in reprobating the inhabitants of St. The the ancient government Domingo, adherents of were joined On this occafion by the partizans --- Page 93 --- SAINT DOM I N C O. partizans of democracy and republicanifimn. To the latter, the CHA P, conftitution of 1789 was cven more odious than the old tyranny; IV. and thefe men, with the deepeit and darkeft defigns, poffeffed 1790. all that union, firmnefs, and perieverance, which were neceffary to their purpofes; and which, as the world has behcld, have fince rendered them irrcfiftible. Thefe two factious hoped to obtain very diffcrent ends, by the iame means; and there was another party who exerted themfelves with equal affiduity in promoting publick confuflon: thcfe were the difcordant clats of fpeculative reformers, whom it was impoffible to reconcile to the ncw government, becaufe every man among them had probably formed a favourite fyftem in his own imagination which he was eager to recommend to others. I do not confider the philanthropick fociety, called Amis des Noirs, as another diftinét body, becaufe it appears to me that they were pretty cqually divided between the democratick party, and the clais laft mentioned. Strengthened by fuch auxiliarics, it is not farprizing that the efforts oft this focicty fhould have operated powerfully on1 tbe minds of thofe who were taught to confider their perfonal wrongs as thc caufc of the nation, and have driven fome of theminto the wildeft exceffes of fanaticifin and fury. AMONG fuch of thefe unfortunate people refident in France as were thus inflamed into madnefs, was a young man under thirty years of age, named Tames Ogé: he was born in St. Domingo, of a mulatto woman who ftill poffeffed a coffee plantation in the Northern province, about thirty miles from Cape François, whereon the lived very creditably, and found mcans out ofits profits to cducate her fon at Paris, and even to VoL. IIl. K fipport in and fury. AMONG fuch of thefe unfortunate people refident in France as were thus inflamed into madnefs, was a young man under thirty years of age, named Tames Ogé: he was born in St. Domingo, of a mulatto woman who ftill poffeffed a coffee plantation in the Northern province, about thirty miles from Cape François, whereon the lived very creditably, and found mcans out ofits profits to cducate her fon at Paris, and even to VoL. IIl. K fipport --- Page 94 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF C HAP, IV. fupport him there in fome degree of tained the age of manhood. affluence, after be had ob1790. ter of fome His reputed father, a white planaccount, had been dead feveral years. OGÉ had been introduced to the meétings of the Amis Noirs, under the patronage of Gregoire, Briffot des ette, and Robefpierre (i), the (h), La Fayand was by them initiated leading members of that fociety; and the rights into the popular doétrine of eguality, feries efman. Here it was that hc firft learnt of his condition; the crucl the miwhich he and all his mulatto wrongs and contumelies to Indies, and the monftrous brethren were expofed in the Weft injuftice and judice, 66 which, (faid abfurdity of that pre6 the colour of his Gregoire) eftimating a man's merit by 66 each otherthe fkin, has placed at an immenfe diftance from 66 ftiflcs the voice children ofthe fame parent; a prejudice which 66 afunder." of nature, and breaks the bands of fraternity THAT thefe are great evils muft be frankly would have been fortunate if fuch admitted, and it inftead of men as Briffot and Gregoire, bewailing their exiftence and their tent, had applied their talents in magnifying excable means of confidering of the beft praétiredrefling them. Bur thefe perfons had other objeéts in view:-theira I have fhewn, was not to reform, but aim, as convulfions in to deftroy; to excite every part of the French empire; and the ill- (b) Guillotined 31 OEtober, 1793fated (i) Guillotined 28 July, 1794. --- Page 95 --- SAINT DOMINGO, fatcd Ogé became the tool, and was afterwards the victim, of C H. A P. IV. their guilty ambition. 1790, Hr had been led to believe, that the whole body of coloured pcoplc in the French iflands were prepared to rife up as one man againft their opprefTors; that nothing but a difercct leader was wanting, to fet them into action; and, fondly conceiving that he poffeffed in his own perfon all the qualities of an able general, he determined to procced to St. Domingo by the firft opportunity. To cherifh the conccit of bis own importance, and animate his exertions, the fociety procured him the rank of licutenant-colonel in the army of onc of the German eleétors. As it was found difficult to export a fufficient quantity of arms and ammunition from France, without attrafting thc notice of the government, and awakening fuipicion among the planters refident in the mother-country, the focicty refolved to procure thofe articles in North America, and it was recommended to Ogé to make a circuitous voyage for that purpofe. Accordingly, being furnifhed with money and letters of credit, he embarked for New England in thc month of july 1790. BuT, notivithftanding the caution that was obferved in this inftance, the whole project was pablickly known at Paris prcvious to Ogé's embarkation; and notice of thc fcheme, and cvcn a portrait of Ogé himfelf, were tranfmitted to St. Domingo, long beforc his arrival in that ifland. He fecretly landed there, from an American floop, on the Izth of OctoK2 ber , he embarked for New England in thc month of july 1790. BuT, notivithftanding the caution that was obferved in this inftance, the whole project was pablickly known at Paris prcvious to Ogé's embarkation; and notice of thc fcheme, and cvcn a portrait of Ogé himfelf, were tranfmitted to St. Domingo, long beforc his arrival in that ifland. He fecretly landed there, from an American floop, on the Izth of OctoK2 ber --- Page 96 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF C HA P. ber 1790, and found means to IV. convey undifcovered the arms and ammunition which he had purchafed, to the place which 1790. bis brother had prepared for their reception. THE firft notice which the white inhabitants received of Ogé'sarrival, was from himfelf. He difpatched a letter to the governor (Peynier) wherein, after reproaching the governor and his predeceffors with the non-cxecution of the Code Noir, he demands, in very imperious terms, that the provifions of that celebrated flatute fhould be enforced throughout the colony; be requires that the privileges enjoyed by one clafs ofinhabitants (the whites) fhould be extended to all perfons without diftinction: declares himfelfthe protector of the mulattoes, and announces his intention of taking up arms in their behalf, unlefs their wrongs fhould be redrefled. Apour fix weeks had intervened between the landing of Ogé, and the publication of this mandatc; in all which time hc and his two brothers had exerted themfelves to the utmoft in fpreading difaffeétion, and exciting revolt among the mulattocs. Affurances were held forth, that all the inhabitants of the mother-country were difpofed to affift them in the recovery of their rights, and it was added, that the king himfelf was favourably inclined to their caufe. Promifes were diftributed to fome, and money to others. But, notwith(tanding all thefe efforts, and that the temper ofthe times was favourable tol his views, Ogé was not able to allure to his ftandard above 200 followers; and ofthefe, the major part were raw andi ignorantyouths, unufed to difcipline, and averfe to all manner of fubordination and order. HE affift them in the recovery of their rights, and it was added, that the king himfelf was favourably inclined to their caufe. Promifes were diftributed to fome, and money to others. But, notwith(tanding all thefe efforts, and that the temper ofthe times was favourable tol his views, Ogé was not able to allure to his ftandard above 200 followers; and ofthefe, the major part were raw andi ignorantyouths, unufed to difcipline, and averfe to all manner of fubordination and order. HE --- Page 97 --- SAINT DOMING O. IIE eftablifhed his camp at a place called Grande Riviere, C H A P. IV. about fifteen milcs from Cape François, and appointed his two a brothers, together with onc Mark Chavane, his lieutenants. 1790. Chavane was fierce, intrepid, active, and enterprizing; prone to mifchief, and thirfty for vengeance. Ogé himfelf, with all his enthufiafm, was naturally mild and humanc: he cautioned his followers againft the thedding innocent blood; but little regard was paid to his wifhcs in tbis refpest: the firft white man that fell in their way they murdered on the fpot: a fecond, of the name of Sicard, met the fame fate; and it is related, that their cruclty towards fuch perfons of their cwn complexion as refufed to join in the revolt was extrcme. A mulatto man of fome property being urged to follow them, pointed to his wifc and fix children, affigning the largenefs ofhis family as a motive for wifhing to remain quiet. This conduét was confidered as contumacious, and it is afferted, that not only the man himfelf, but thc whole of his family, were maffacred without mercy. INTELLIGENCE was no fooner received at the town ofCape François of thefc cnormities, than, the inhabitants procceded, with the utmoft vigour and unanimity, to adopt meafures for fappreffing the revolt. A body of regular troops, and the Cape regiment of militia, werc forthwith difpatched for that purpofe. They foon invefted the camp of the revolters, who made lets refiftance than might have been expeétéd from men in their defperate circumftances. The rout became general; many of them wcrc killed, and about fixty made prifoners; thc reft difperfed themfelves in the mountains. Ogé himfelf, one of his brothers, and Chavane his aflociate, took refuge in the regular troops, and the Cape regiment of militia, werc forthwith difpatched for that purpofe. They foon invefted the camp of the revolters, who made lets refiftance than might have been expeétéd from men in their defperate circumftances. The rout became general; many of them wcrc killed, and about fixty made prifoners; thc reft difperfed themfelves in the mountains. Ogé himfelf, one of his brothers, and Chavane his aflociate, took refuge in the --- Page 98 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF C HA P. the Spanifh territories. IV. OfOgé's other was ever afterwards obtained. brother no intelligence 1790. AFTER this unfuccefsful attempt of juftice, the difpofition of the white Ogé, and his efcape from wards the mulattoes, was inhabitants in general tolower claffes in particular, fharpened into great animofity. The call les petits blanes) breathed (thofe whom the coloured people them; and very ferious nothing but vengeance againft parts ofthe colony, of a apprehenfions were entertained, in all body, profeription and maffacre ofthe whole ALARMED by reports of this kind, and which threatened them from all the appearances arms in many placcs. They quarters, the mullatoes flew to Petit Goaves, Jeremic, and Les formed camps at Artibonite, moft formidable body affembled Cayes. But the largeft and The white inhabitants near the little town of Veretle, force in the colleéled themfelves in confiderable neighbourlcod, and Colonel corps oftwo hundred men from the Mauduir, with a haftened to their regiment ofPort au Prince, aétual hoftility, M. afiflance; Mauduit but neither party proceeded to port ofSt. Marc, thirty-fix even left his detachment at the lingly and unattended to miles from Verette, and ference the camp of the proceeding with their leaders. What mulattoes, had a connever publickly divulged. It is paffed on that occafion was tired to their habitations in certain, that the mulattoes reand fecrecy of M. confequence of it; but the filence occafion Mauduit, and bis influcnce to very unfavourable fufpicions, over them, gave by no mcans tending to conciliate and unattended to miles from Verette, and ference the camp of the proceeding with their leaders. What mulattoes, had a connever publickly divulged. It is paffed on that occafion was tired to their habitations in certain, that the mulattoes reand fecrecy of M. confequence of it; but the filence occafion Mauduit, and bis influcnce to very unfavourable fufpicions, over them, gave by no mcans tending to conciliate --- Page 99 --- SAINT DOMING O. conciliate the different claffes of the inhabitants to each other. CHAP IV. He was charged with having traiteroufly perfisaded them not to defift from their purpote, but only to poftpone their vengeance 1790. to a more favourable opportunity; affuring them, with the utmoft folemnity and apparent fincerity, that the king himfelf, and all the friends ofthe ancient gov ernment, were fecretly attacled to their caufc, and would avow and fupport it whenever they could do it with advantage; and that the time was not far diftant, Scc. He is faid to have purfued the fame line of conduét at Jeremie, Les Cayes, and all the places which he vifited. Every where he held fecret confultations with the chiefs ofthe mulattoes, and thofe people every where immediately difperfed. At Les Cayes, a fkirmifh had happened before his arrival there, in which about fifty perfons on both fides had loft their lives, and preparations were making to renew hoftilities. The perfuafions of M. Mauduit effeéted a truce; but Rigaud, the leader oftbe mulattoes in that quarter, openly declared that it was a tranfient and deceitful calm, and that no peace would be permanent, until one clais of peoplc had exterminated the other. Ix November 1790, M. Peynier refigned the government to the lieutenant-general, and embarked for Europe;-a circumftance which proved highly plealing to the major part ofthe planters:-and the firft meafure ofM. Blanchelande (R), the new commander in chief, was confidered as the earneft of a decifive and vigorous adminiftration. Ile made a peremptorydemand of Ogé and his affociates from the Spaniards; and the manner in wbich it was enforced, induced an immediate compliance (4) Guillotined at Paris, 1793- igned the government to the lieutenant-general, and embarked for Europe;-a circumftance which proved highly plealing to the major part ofthe planters:-and the firft meafure ofM. Blanchelande (R), the new commander in chief, was confidered as the earneft of a decifive and vigorous adminiftration. Ile made a peremptorydemand of Ogé and his affociates from the Spaniards; and the manner in wbich it was enforced, induced an immediate compliance (4) Guillotined at Paris, 1793- --- Page 100 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA 1V. P. pliance therewith. The mifery, were delivered wretched Ogé and his companions in 1790. detachment over, the latter end of ofFrench troops, and fafely December, to a Cape François, with the prifoners lodged in the jail of miflion was foon afterwards iffaed formerly taken: and a comto bring them to trial, 1791. THEIR examinations ginning of March were long and frequent; and in the be1791, fentence was ofOgé's deluded followers, pronounced. Twenty condemned to be among them his own brother, were hanged. To Ogé himfelf, and Chavane, a more terrible his lieutenant punifhment was adjudged to be broken alive, and left to allotted:-they were fituation, on the wheel. perifh in that dreadful THE bold and hardened Chavane firmnefs, and fuffered not met his fate with unufual extremity of his torture: but a groan to efcape him during the the fortitude altogether. When fentence was ofOgé deferted him with many tears, and an abject pronounced, he implored mercy great dilcoveries ifhis life fpirit. He promifed to make important fecret to was fpared, declaring that he had an hours was accordingly communicate. A refpite of twenty-four the granted; but it was not made publick, at that time, that he known to portance. His fecret, if any he divulged any thing of imwith him, had, was believed to have died Ir was difcovered, however, about nine that this moft unfortunate months afterward, confeffion of the faéts that I young man bad not only made a full have related, but alfo difclofed the dreadful to was fpared, declaring that he had an hours was accordingly communicate. A refpite of twenty-four the granted; but it was not made publick, at that time, that he known to portance. His fecret, if any he divulged any thing of imwith him, had, was believed to have died Ir was difcovered, however, about nine that this moft unfortunate months afterward, confeffion of the faéts that I young man bad not only made a full have related, but alfo difclofed the dreadful --- Page 101 --- SAINT DOMINGO dreadful plot in agitatien, and the miteries at that moment im- CHAP iv. pending over the colony. His laft folemn dcclaratiens and dying confeilion, fwvorn to and figned by himfelfthe day before 1791. his cxecution, were aétually produced; whercin he details at Jarge the meafures which the coloured pcople had fallen upon to excite the negro flaves to rife into rebellion. Hc points out the chiefs by name, and relates that, notwithfanding his oWn defeat, a general revolt would aétually have taken place in the month of February preceding, if an extraordinary flood of rein, and coniequent inundation from the rivers, had not prevented it. He declares that the ringleaders flill maintained the fame atrocious projodt, and hcld their meetings in certain fubterranean paflages, or caves, in the parifh of La Grande Riviere, to which he offers, ifl his life might be ipared, to conduét a body of troops, fo that the conipirators might be fecured. THE perfons bcforc whom this confeffion and narrative were made, were the commiffioners appointed for the purpofe of taking Ogd's cxamination, by the fuperior council of the Northern province, of which body they were alio members (1). Whcther this court (all the members of which were devotedly attached to the ancient fvftem) determined of itelfto fappreis evidence offuch grcat concern to the colony, or was directed on this occafion by the fuperior officers in the adiminiftration of the government, has never been clearly made known. Suppreffed it certainly was, and the miterable Ogé hurried io (4) Their names were Antoinc Etienne Ruct:c, ani François Tofeph de Vertierres. VoL, III. L imuiediate court (all the members of which were devotedly attached to the ancient fvftem) determined of itelfto fappreis evidence offuch grcat concern to the colony, or was directed on this occafion by the fuperior officers in the adiminiftration of the government, has never been clearly made known. Suppreffed it certainly was, and the miterable Ogé hurried io (4) Their names were Antoinc Etienne Ruct:c, ani François Tofeph de Vertierres. VoL, III. L imuiediate --- Page 102 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA P. immediate exccution; IV. feemingly to prevent the further communication, and full difclofure of fo weighty a fecret! 1791. CHRISTIAN charity might lead us to fuppofe that the miflioners by whom Oge's cxamination was comand negleéted (rather than fuppreffed) his taken, difregarded fidering it merely as the thailow artifice of a information; miferable conobtain a mitigation of the dreadful man to him, and utterly punifhment which awaited unworthy of credit. It does not liowever, that the commiffioners made this excufe for appear, felves; and the caution, themmarked their circum/pcction, and fecrecy which conduct, leave no room for fuch a The planters at large fcrupled not to declare,. that the fuppofition, in the colony, and thc philanthropick and royalifts the republican party in mother-country, were equally criminal; and themfelves made viétims to the blind purpofes, and unwarrantable oftwo defperate and malignant factions. paflions, OF men who openly and avowedly aimed at the fubverfioa of all good order and worft; but it will be fubordination, we may eafily credit the difficult to point out of rational policy by which the any principle fluenced royalifts could have been ine to concur in the ruin of fo noble and beautiful of the French empire. Their conduét a part wholly therefore remains inexplicable, or we muft admit they were a (pirit ofMachiavelian guided by which policy-a principle of refined cunning, always defeats its own purpofe. They muft have encouraged the vain and fallacious idea that fcenes of devaflation, and ruin, in diferent parts of the French bloodfhed, dominions, --- Page 103 --- SAI NT DOMINGO minions, would induce the great body of the people to look C IAP. back with regret to their former government, and lead them 1 IV. by degrecs to co-operate in the fcheme of effecting a counter- 1791. revolution; regarding the evils of anarchy, as lefs tolerable than the dead repofe of defpotifm. If fuch were their motives, we can only afcribe them to that infatuation with which Providence (as wife mcn have obferved, and hiftory evinces) ilinds a people devoted to defruclion. L 2 the great body of the people to look C IAP. back with regret to their former government, and lead them 1 IV. by degrecs to co-operate in the fcheme of effecting a counter- 1791. revolution; regarding the evils of anarchy, as lefs tolerable than the dead repofe of defpotifm. If fuch were their motives, we can only afcribe them to that infatuation with which Providence (as wife mcn have obferved, and hiftory evinces) ilinds a people devoted to defruclion. L 2 --- Page 104 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP V. Proccedings in France-Mafacre ef Colonel Mauduit in St. Dawing-aul.fatad Decree ef the National Alembly ofthe 1glb May 1791. CHA P. IN detailing the tragical ftory of the miferable Ogé, V. Ihave chofen to continue my narrative unbroken: but it is now 1791. time to call the reader homewards, and direét his attention to: the meafures adopted by the national affembly, in confequence ofadvices 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 emba:kation for France has already been noticed, arrived at Breft on the 13th ofSeptember 1790. They were received On landing by all ranks of people, and even by men in authority, with congratulation and fhouts of applaufe. The fame honours were fhewn to them as would have been paid to the national affembly. Their expences were defrayed, and fums of money raited for their future OCcafions by a voluntary and very general fubfeription; but thefe teftimonies of refpeét and kindnefs ferved only to encreafe the difeppointment which they foon afterwards experienced in the capical; where a very different reception awaited them. They had the mortification to difeover that their enemies had been beforehand with them. Deputies were aiready arrived from the --- Page 105 --- SA I NT DOMINGO, the provincial affembly of the North, who joining'with the C HA P. V. agents of Peynier and Mauduit, had fo effectually prevailed with M. Barnave (m), the prefident of the committee for the 1791colonics, that theyfound theireanfeprejodged, and their conduct condemned, without ahearing. The national affembly had iffued a peremptory order, O1l the z1ft of September, direéting them to attend at Paris, and wait there for further direétions. Their prompt obedience to this order procured them no favour. T'hey were allowed a fingle audience only, and then indignantly difmiffed from the bar. They folicited a fecond, and an opportunity of being confronted with their adverfaries: the national affembly refufed their requeft, and direéted the colonial committee to haften its report concerning their conduét. On the IIth of Oétober, this report was prefented by M. Barnave. It comprehended a detail of all the proceedings of the colonial affembly, from its firft meeting at St, Marc's, and cenfured their general conduét in terms of great aiperity; reprefenting it as flowing from motives of difaffeétion towards the njothercountry, and an impatience of fibordination to conftitutional authority and good government. The report concluded by recommeading, 4: that all the pretended decrees and aéts ofthe 44 faid colonial affembly, fhould be reverfed, and pronounced 44 utterly null and of no effect; that the faid affembly thould be 66 declared diffolved, and its members rendered ineligible and 66 incapable of being delegated in future to the colonial aflemc61 bly ofSt. Domingo; that teitimonies of approbation fhould 46 be tranfmitted to the Northern provincial affembly, to €s Colonel Mauduit and the regiment of Port au Prince, for. 64 refiling (rs) GatbyinsiDecunberi, 1793- colonial affembly, fhould be reverfed, and pronounced 44 utterly null and of no effect; that the faid affembly thould be 66 declared diffolved, and its members rendered ineligible and 66 incapable of being delegated in future to the colonial aflemc61 bly ofSt. Domingo; that teitimonies of approbation fhould 46 be tranfmitted to the Northern provincial affembly, to €s Colonel Mauduit and the regiment of Port au Prince, for. 64 refiling (rs) GatbyinsiDecunberi, 1793- --- Page 106 --- ;8 HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA P. <6 the V. refifting proceedings at St. 46 be requefted to Marc's; that the king fhould 1791, <6 give orders for the forming a new colonial affembly on the principles ofthe 66 March 1790, and inftruétions national decree of the Sth of 66 finally, that the ci-devant ofthe 28th ofthe fame month; 66 continue in a ftate members, then in France, fhould <6 find time ofarreft, until the national to fignify its further affembly might A decrec to this effcét pleafure concerning them. 99 was accordingly voted OIl the 12th Oétober, by a very large majority; and the of at the fame time, to fend out an king was requefted, naval and military, for the better augmentation of force, both rity in St. Domingo, fapporting the regal authoIr is not eaiy to defcribe the furprife and the news of this decree excited in St. indignation which the partizans of the former Domingo, except among garded as the firft ftep towards government. the By them it was reby moft other perfons it was confidered revivaloftheancient fyftem; national affembly of all as a dereliétion by the new colonial principle; and the orders for a affembly were fo little regarded, that cleéting parithes pofitively refufed to choofc other many oft the of their former deputics until the fate decided; members, at that time in France, fhould be declaring, that they ftill confidered thofe the legal reprefentatives of the colony. Onc perfons as apparent effeét of this decree immediate and popular refentment was, to heighten and inflame the againft Mauduit and his reader has already been made regiment. The acquainted with fome concerning this officer; and to what has been faid ofhis particulars chara@ter, and his intemperate zeal for the general re-eftablifhment of the be declaring, that they ftill confidered thofe the legal reprefentatives of the colony. Onc perfons as apparent effeét of this decree immediate and popular refentment was, to heighten and inflame the againft Mauduit and his reader has already been made regiment. The acquainted with fome concerning this officer; and to what has been faid ofhis particulars chara@ter, and his intemperate zeal for the general re-eftablifhment of the --- Page 107 --- SAINT DOMINGO, the regal authority in its fulleft extent, it may be added, that C HA P. V. hc was thc more dangerous, becaufe he was generous in his difpofition, and evcn profufe in his bounty, towards his 1791. foldiers. In return, the attachment of his regiment towards his perfon appeared to exceed the ufual limits of obedience and duty (n). THE maffacre of this man by thofc very troops, a fhort time after the notification of the aforcfaid decree, affords fo ftriking an inftance of that cruel and ungovernable difpofition, equally impetuous and inconftant, which prevailed, and I am afraid ftill continues to prevail, amongft the lower claffes of the people throughout all the French dominions, that I conccive a brief recital of the circumftances attending. his murder will not be thought an unneceffary digreffion. IHAVE, in a former place (0), given fome account of thc proceedings of M. Peynier, the late governor, againft certain perfons who compofed what was called the committee of the Weftern provincial affembly, and ofthe attcmpt by M. Mauduit to feize by force the individuals who compofed that committee. This happened on tle 29th of July 1790; and I obferved that the circumfance of M. Mauduit's carrying off the colours from a detachment of the national guards on that Occafion, ultimately terminated in his deftruction. THE () After his example they had rejedted the national cock: idc, and wore a white feather in their hats, the fymbol, or avowed fignal, of the royal party, (s) Chep. III, M. Mauduit to feize by force the individuals who compofed that committee. This happened on tle 29th of July 1790; and I obferved that the circumfance of M. Mauduit's carrying off the colours from a detachment of the national guards on that Occafion, ultimately terminated in his deftruction. THE () After his example they had rejedted the national cock: idc, and wore a white feather in their hats, the fymbol, or avowed fignal, of the royal party, (s) Chep. III, --- Page 108 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CIAP. THE cafe V. was, that not only the their detachment from enfign was taken, but the whole whom 1791. of the national throughout the colony, confidered this act guards and unpardonable infult that as the moft outrageous of men, who had fworn could poflibly be offered to a body fidelity to the new nothing but the dread of the fuperior conflitution; and compofing the Port au Prince difeipline of the veterans manded) prevented them from regiment (which Mauduit comon the author of their exercifing exemplary vengeance difgrace. This regiment, being implicated in the crime of their therefore, was regarded by the other troops with hatred commanding officer, and deteftation. ON the 3d of March 1791, two fhips ofthe line Le and Le Borée, arrived from France, with Fougueux regiments of Artois and two battalions ofthe thefe Normandy;' and when it is known troops had been vifited by the crew of the that will not appear Leopard, it Prince, they fhould furprifing have that, on their landing at Port au towards manifefted the fàme hoftile Mauduit's difpofition regiment, as was fhewn by the guards. They refufed all manner of communication national courfe with them, and even declined or interplaces of refort. to enter into any oftheir They confidered, or affeéted to as encmies to the colony, and traitors confider, them, conduét in the to their country. This new-comers towards the ill-fated made a wonderful regiment, foon imprefion on the minds of both officers and privates ofthe regiment itfelf; and mutual fation pread through the whole reproach and accuwas corps. The white feather indignantly torn from their hats, and dark and fullen towards their once-loved commander, looks indicated not only that he ted to as encmies to the colony, and traitors confider, them, conduét in the to their country. This new-comers towards the ill-fated made a wonderful regiment, foon imprefion on the minds of both officers and privates ofthe regiment itfelf; and mutual fation pread through the whole reproach and accuwas corps. The white feather indignantly torn from their hats, and dark and fullen towards their once-loved commander, looks indicated not only that he --- Page 109 --- SAINT DOMINGO. 8t he had loft their confidence, but alfo that he was the object of C H A P. V. meditated mifchicf. Mauduit foon perceived the full extent of L his danger, and fearing to involve the governor (M. Blanche- 1791. lande) and his family, in the ruin which awaited himfelf, he advifed them to make the beft of their way to Cape François, while they could do it with fafcty; and Blanchelande, for which hc was afterwards much cenfured, followed this advice. Mauduit then harangued his grenadiers, to whom he had always fhewn great kindnefs, and told them that he was willing, for the fake of peace, to reftore to the national troops the colours which he had formerly taken from them; and even to carry them, with his own hands, at the head of his regiment, and depofit them in the church in which they had been ufually lodged: but he added, that he depended on their affeétion and duty to proteét him from perfonal infult, while making this ample apology. The faithlefs grenadiers declared that they would proteét him with their lives. THE next day the ceremony took place, and Mauduit reftored the colours, as he had promifed, before a vaft croud of fpeétators. At that moment, one of his own foldiers cried aloud, that he muf afk pardon of the national troops 012 his knees; and the whole regiment applauded the propofal. Mauduit ftarted back with indignation, and offered his bofom to their fivords:-it was pierced with a hundred wounds, all of them infiiétcd by his owI men, while not a fingle hand was lifted up in his defence. The fpectators ftood motionlefs, cither through hatred to the man, or furprife at the treachery and cowardice of the foldiers. Such indeed was the bafenefs of thefe wretches, VoL. III. M that applauded the propofal. Mauduit ftarted back with indignation, and offered his bofom to their fivords:-it was pierced with a hundred wounds, all of them infiiétcd by his owI men, while not a fingle hand was lifted up in his defence. The fpectators ftood motionlefs, cither through hatred to the man, or furprife at the treachery and cowardice of the foldiers. Such indeed was the bafenefs of thefe wretches, VoL. III. M that --- Page 110 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA V. P. that no modern language can deferibe, but in / would not be endured, the horrible terms which 1;91, tifed on the dead body of their enormities that were pracreferved for the wretched commander, It was prefent day to behold, for the firft lized nation exceeding in feats of cruelty time, a civiof North America. I and revenge the favages inftances grieve to add, that many other dreadful might be recited in confirmation of this remark (P). WHILE thefe fhameful enormitics mingo, the fociety of Amis des were palling in St. DoNoirs in the were but too fuccefsfully employed in mother-country gave birth to deeds. of Aill devifing projeêts which that transformed the greater horror, and produced fcenes field of defolation moft beautiful colony in the world into 3 and carnage. ALTHOUGH it muft have occurred to mind, from the circumftances that have every unprejudiced ing the behaviour ofthe been related concernmulattoes refident in the colony, that the (P) The following anccdote, though fhocking to humanity, Ihave extraordinary to omit, It was communicated to me a thought too2t St. Domingo at the time, and knew the fact; but by French gentleman who was iti in a learned language. MAUDUITO vix decency has induced me to veil calidum, et cruore adhuc Puente madidum, in mortus, unus de militibus, dum cadaver ficam digringens, genitalia coram ;avinentum scclehe-epifiepalis jacuit, ponens adfaminam noiilem, populo abfcidit, et membra truncata in cifam comtulit. It may afford the reader quam. fome amicam CC nfolation Mauduito Ratit, ut Iigatum de mortuo atmanding officer by his own regiment, excited in to all find that the murder oft their comments than thofe ofindignation againft his the other troops no other fentidown their arms, and were fent murderers. They were compelled to lay. punifhment due to their crimes. prifoners to France; but I fear they efcaped the idit, et membra truncata in cifam comtulit. It may afford the reader quam. fome amicam CC nfolation Mauduito Ratit, ut Iigatum de mortuo atmanding officer by his own regiment, excited in to all find that the murder oft their comments than thofe ofindignation againft his the other troops no other fentidown their arms, and were fent murderers. They were compelled to lay. punifhment due to their crimes. prifoners to France; but I fear they efcaped the --- Page 111 --- SAINT DOMING O. the general body ofthofe peopl wcre by no means averfe to con- CBAP V, ciliation with the whites, yet it wasfound impoffible to perfuado their pretended friends in Europe to leave the affairs of St Do- 1791. mingo to their natural courfe. Barnave alone (hitherto the moft formidable opponent of the prejudices and pretenfions of the colonifts) avowed his conviétion that any further interferammdiemader-cemtpgiats queftionbetween the whitesand the coloured people, would be produétive of fatal confequences. Such an opinion was entitled to greater refpect, as coming from a man who, as prefident of the colonial committee, muft be fuppofed to have acquired an intimateknowledge of the fubjeét; but he was heard without conviction. There arc enthufiafts in politicks as well as in religion, and it commonly happens with fanaticks in each, that the recantation of a few of their number ferves only to ftrengthen the errors, and animate the purpofes of the reft. It was now refolved by Gregoire, La Fayette, Briffot, and fome other peftilent reformers, to call in the fupreme legiflative authority of the French government to give cficet to their projeêts; and that the reader may clearly underftand the nature and complexion of the mifchief that was meditated, and of thofe meafures to which the ruin of the French part of St Domingo is immediately to be attributed, itis neceffary, in the firft place, to recal his attention to the national decree of the 8th of March 1790, of which an account was given in the fecond chapter. Bx that decrec, as the reader muft have remembered, the national affembly, among other things, difelaimed all right of finterferencein the localand interior conccrus ofthe colonics;end M 2 it , and of thofe meafures to which the ruin of the French part of St Domingo is immediately to be attributed, itis neceffary, in the firft place, to recal his attention to the national decree of the 8th of March 1790, of which an account was given in the fecond chapter. Bx that decrec, as the reader muft have remembered, the national affembly, among other things, difelaimed all right of finterferencein the localand interior conccrus ofthe colonics;end M 2 it --- Page 112 --- 2+ HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA P. it cannct be V. doubted, that if this declaration had been 1791. interpreted and aéted upon, it would have faithfully eminent degree, to the reftoration of contributed, in a very St. Domingo. To render it peace and tranquillity in pofible, and to add fuel tothe therefore of as little efieét as wife have become fire which. perhaps would otherin the national extinguifhed, it had been infidioufly propofed the 8th of March affembly, within a few days after the decree of St. had paffed, to tranfmit with it to the of Domingo, a code, or chapter, of governor and punétual obfervance and inftructions, for its due 28th of the fame month, inftruélions exccution. Accordingly, on the culated for that which were faid to be calconfifted of purpofe, were prefented and decreed, They cighteen articles, and contained, things, a diredtion 66 that among other 56 five and upwards, every perfon of the age of twenty66 years in the poffelling property, or having refided two $6 colony, and paid taxes, fhould be vote in the formation of the colonial permitted to affembly." THE friends of the colonifts national affembly, having at that time feats in the its oppofed the meafure chiefly on the repugnancy to the decree of the Sth; it ground of, urged, an interferencei in the local being evidently, they gulations of the colonial arrangements and interior regovernment. It does not withflanding what has fince bcen afferted appear (notthey entertained an idea that the to the contrary) that indiredtly concerned. The mulatto people were direétly or fure pretended that it framers and fupporters of the meavilege of went only to the modification of the voting in the parochial mectings, which priknown, under the old it was well government, had been confituted of white , they gulations of the colonial arrangements and interior regovernment. It does not withflanding what has fince bcen afferted appear (notthey entertained an idea that the to the contrary) that indiredtly concerned. The mulatto people were direétly or fure pretended that it framers and fupporters of the meavilege of went only to the modification of the voting in the parochial mectings, which priknown, under the old it was well government, had been confituted of white --- Page 113 --- SAINT DOMIN G O. white perfons only. The colourcd peoplc had in no inftance CH A P. V. attended thoie meetings, nor fet up a claim, or even expreffed a defire, to take any part in the bufinets tranfacted thereat. But 1791. thefe inftruétions were no fooner adopted by the national affembly, and converted into a decree, than its framers and fupporters threw off the mafk, and thc mulattoes refident in the mother-country, as well as the fociety of Amis des Noirs, failed not to apprize thcir friends and agents in St. Domingo, that the pcople of colour, not being excepted, were virtually comprized in it. Thefe, however, not thinking themfelves fufficiently powerful to cnforce the claim, or, perhaps, doubting the real meaning ofthe decrec, fent deputies to France to demand an explanation ofit from the national affembly. Ix the beginning of May 1791, thc confideration of this fubjeét was brought forward by Abbé Gregoirc, and the claim of the free mulattocs to the full benefit of the inftructions of the 28th ofMarch 1790,and to all thc rights and privileges enjoyed by the white inhabitants, citizens of the French colonics, was fupported with all that warmth and eloquence for which he was diftinguifhed. Unfortunately, at this junéture, the news of the miferable death of Ogé arrived at Paris, and raited a ftorm of indignation in the minds of all ranks of pcoplc, which the planters refident in France were unable to refift. Nothing was heard in all companies but declamations againft their oppreflion and cruelty. To fupport and animate the popular outcry againft them, a tragedy or pantomime, formed on thc ftory of Ogé, was reprefented on the publick theatres. By thefe, and other mcans, the planters were become fo generally odious, that for arrived at Paris, and raited a ftorm of indignation in the minds of all ranks of pcoplc, which the planters refident in France were unable to refift. Nothing was heard in all companies but declamations againft their oppreflion and cruelty. To fupport and animate the popular outcry againft them, a tragedy or pantomime, formed on thc ftory of Ogé, was reprefented on the publick theatres. By thefe, and other mcans, the planters were become fo generally odious, that for --- Page 114 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA P. for a time V. Thefc they dared not to appear in the ftrects of were thearts by which Gregoire, Paris, 1791. Briffot, and Robefpierre Condorcet, La Fayette, for a new and difpofed the publick mind to clamour coloured explanatory decree, in wbich the rights of the people fhould be placed beyond all future difputc. The friends and advocates of the doubts and powered and confounded. planters were overdeftruétion of the In vain did they prediét the utter colonies if fuch a law. 66 Perifh the propofal fhould pafs into a 66 facrifice colonies," faid Robefpierre, 66 one iota of our principles." The rather than the fentiment, and the famous decree majority reiterated was pronounced amidft the ofthe Isth of May 1791 multitude, acclamation and applaufe of the Br this decree it was declared and enaéted, 66 of colour refident in the French that the people were entitled colonies, born of free to, as of right, and fhould be allowed parents, ment of, all the privileges of French the enjoyothers, to thofe of having votes in the citizens, and among and of being choice ofi cligible t0 feats both in the reprefentatives, afemblies." Thus did the parochial and colonial moment all the laws, national affembly fiveep away in a ing thefe people, which ufages, had prejudices, and opinions concerntheir earlieft exifted in the French colonics from ciple iettlement, and tear up by the roots thc firft ofa free confitution :-a principle founded prindiétates of reafon and juftice, and on the clcareft habitants of the French Weft exprefsly confirmed to the inthe 8th of March Indies by the national decree of 1790; I mean, the Jole and palling laws for their local and interior exclufice right of regulation and gocermment. The their earlieft exifted in the French colonics from ciple iettlement, and tear up by the roots thc firft ofa free confitution :-a principle founded prindiétates of reafon and juftice, and on the clcareft habitants of the French Weft exprefsly confirmed to the inthe 8th of March Indies by the national decree of 1790; I mean, the Jole and palling laws for their local and interior exclufice right of regulation and gocermment. The --- Page 115 --- SAINT DOMIN G O. The colonial committee, of which M. Barnave was prefident, C HAP. V. failed not to apprize the national affembly of the fatal confequences of this meafure, and immediately fufpended the exer- 1791. cife of its funétions. At the fame time, the deputies from the colonies fignified their purpofe to decline any further attendance. The only effeét produced by thefe meafures however, On1 the national affembly, was an order that the three civil commiffioners, who had been appointed in February preceding for regulating the affairs of thc colonies OIl the fpot, fhould immediately repair thither, and fee the national decrees duly enforced. The confequences in St. Domingo will be related in a the following chapter (9). (a) It has been.confidently: afferted, that La Fayette,in order to fecure a majority on this qucftion, introduced into the national affembly no lefs than eighty perfons who were not members, but who fat and voted as fuch. This man had formerly been poffeffed of a plantation at Cayenne, with feventy negro flaves thereon, which he had fold, without any fcruple or fipulation concerning the fituation of the negroes, the latter end of 1789 and from that time enrolled himfelf among the friends of the blacks. The mere Englith reader, who may be perfonally unacquainted with the Weft Indies, will probably confider the clamour which was raifed on this occafion by the French planters as equally illiberal and unjuft. The planters in the Britith Weft: Indies will perhaps bring the cafe home to themlelves; and I have no hefitation in faying, that, fuppofing the Englith parliament fhould pafs a law declaring, for inftance, the free mulattocs of Jamaica to be cligible into the affembly of that ifland, fuch a meafure would prove there, as it proved in St. Domingo, the declaration of oivil war. On mere abftract reafoning this may appear ftrange and unjuftifiable 5 but we muft take mankind as we find them, and few inftances occur in which the prejudices of habit, education, and opinion, have been correêted by force. the Englith parliament fhould pafs a law declaring, for inftance, the free mulattocs of Jamaica to be cligible into the affembly of that ifland, fuch a meafure would prove there, as it proved in St. Domingo, the declaration of oivil war. On mere abftract reafoning this may appear ftrange and unjuftifiable 5 but we muft take mankind as we find them, and few inftances occur in which the prejudices of habit, education, and opinion, have been correêted by force. --- Page 116 --- SS HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CIAP, VI. Confequencer in St. Domingo ef the Decree f the I sth Rebellion ef the Negroes in the Northern Maymities committed by them-Revolt Province, and Enor- -Concordat or Truce betzveen the ofthe Mulattoes at Mirebalais andthe Men %f Colour ef the IIIA otebews/hora-tine of by the National Alembly ofthe 201h Sproba-Predhanatin of September. CHAP. VI. now to enter on the retrofpeét of fcenes, the which horrors INM imagination cannot of 1791. defcribe. The difputes and contefts adequately conceive nor pcn of French citizens, and the violences between different claffes towards each of malignant faétions other, no longer claim attention. Such ofhuman mifery:-fuch a fcene of a piéure other country, no former has woe, prefents itfelf, as no hundred thoufànd favage age exhibited. Upwards of one of Africa, avail themfelves people, of habituated to the barbarities night, and fall on the the filence and obfcurity of the peaceful and unfufpicious many famifhed tygers thirlling for liuman planters, like fo Aagration, and maffacre, blood. Revolt, conand death, in all its every where mark their progrefs; ; to which immediate horrors, or cruelties and outrages, death is mercy, await like the old compared young, the matron, the virgin, and the helplefs and the dition, age, or fex is fpared. All the infant. No conenormities, with which the fierce thocking and fhameful favage man have ever conduéed and unbridied paffions of a war, prevail uncontrouled. The and maffacre, blood. Revolt, conand death, in all its every where mark their progrefs; ; to which immediate horrors, or cruelties and outrages, death is mercy, await like the old compared young, the matron, the virgin, and the helplefs and the dition, age, or fex is fpared. All the infant. No conenormities, with which the fierce thocking and fhameful favage man have ever conduéed and unbridied paffions of a war, prevail uncontrouled. The --- Page 117 --- SAINT DOMIN G O. The rage of firc confumes what the fword is unable to deftroy, C H VI. A P. and, in a few difmal hours, the moft fertile and beautiful plains in the world are converted into one vaft field of carnage;-a 1791. wildernefs of defolation ! THERE is indeed too much reaion to believe, that thefe miferies would have occurred in St. Domingo, in a great degrec, even if the proccedings of the National Affembly, as related in the latter part of the preceding chapter, had been more temperate, and ifthe decree of the I sth of May had never paffed into a law. The declarations of the dying Ogé fufficiently point out the mifchief that was meditated, long before that obnoxious decree was promulgated. But it may be affirmed, with truth and certainty, that this fatal meafure gave life and aétivity to the poifon. It was the brand by which the flames were lighted, and the combuftibles that were prepared fet int) aétion. Intelligence having becn received of it at Cape François on the 3oth of June, no words can defcribe the rage and indignation which immediately fpread throughout the COlony; and in no place did the inhabitants breathe greater refentment than in the town of the Cape, which had hitherto been foremoft in profcflions of attachment to the mother-country, and in promoting the fpirit of difunion and oppofition in the colonial affembly. They now unanimoufly determined to rejeét the civick oath, although great preparations had been made for a general federation Oll the 14th of July. The news of this decree feemed to unite the moft difcordant interefts. In the firft tranfports of indignation it was propofed to feize all the fhips, and confifcate the effeêts of the French merchants then VoL, III. N in and in promoting the fpirit of difunion and oppofition in the colonial affembly. They now unanimoufly determined to rejeét the civick oath, although great preparations had been made for a general federation Oll the 14th of July. The news of this decree feemed to unite the moft difcordant interefts. In the firft tranfports of indignation it was propofed to feize all the fhips, and confifcate the effeêts of the French merchants then VoL, III. N in --- Page 118 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY.OF CHA P. in the harbour. An VI. embargo was aétually laid, and a was even made in the provincial motion 1791. tional colours, and hoift the affembly to pull down the naBritifh ftandard in their The national cockade was every where trodden under room. the governor-general, who continued foot, and a forrowful and ipedtator of thefe exceffes, found his filent of the parent country, authority, as reprefentative ordination together with every idea of colonial fubin the people, annihilated in a moment. THE fears and apprchenfions which the occafion have been well defcribed governor felt on this by that officer memorial which he afterwards himfelf, in a publifhed miniftration. 66 concerning his adAcquainted (he 66 and temper of the white obferves) with the genius 66 years in the Windward colonifts, by a refidence of feven <6 Iflands, and well informed of the grounds and motives of their and :6 cerning the people of colour, prejudices I opinions con66 difturbances and immediately forefaw the dangers which the of 46 meafure would news this ill-advifed inevitably producc ; and not having it in power to fupprefs the communication of my 66 apprizing the it, I loft no time in king's minifters of the 46 violent fermentation general difcontent and which it excited in the I6 own obfervations, I added thofe of colony. To my 66 and difpafionate many refpeétable, fober, men, whom I it 66 in fo thought my duty to confult critical a conjunêture;: and I concluded my letter by expreffing my fears that this decree 6 warrant of would prove the deathmany thoufands of the $6 has inhabitants. The event mournfully verified my predictions P ON violent fermentation general difcontent and which it excited in the I6 own obfervations, I added thofe of colony. To my 66 and difpafionate many refpeétable, fober, men, whom I it 66 in fo thought my duty to confult critical a conjunêture;: and I concluded my letter by expreffing my fears that this decree 6 warrant of would prove the deathmany thoufands of the $6 has inhabitants. The event mournfully verified my predictions P ON --- Page 119 --- SAINT D O M I N G O. ON the recommendation of the provincial affembly of the C H A P. VI. Northern department, the feveral parifhesthroughout the colony - now proceeded, without further hefitation, to the eleétion of de- 1791. puties for a new general colonial affembly. Thefe deputies, to the number ofone hundred and feventy-fix, met at Leogane, and on thc 9th of Auguft declared themfelvesthe general affembly of the French part of St. Domingo. They tranfaéted however but little bufinefs, but manifefted great unanimity and temper in their proceedings, and refolved to hold their meetings at Cape François, whither they adjourned for that purpofe, appointing the 25th of the famc month for opening the feffion. Ix the mean-whilc, fo great was the agitation of the publick mind, M. Blanchelande found it neccflary not only to tranfmit to the provincial aflembly of the North, a copy of the letter which hc mcntions to have written to the king's minifters, but alfo to accompany it with a folemn affurance, pledging himfelf to/ Aefpend the execution ofthe obnoxious decree, suhenever it fhould come out to him properly authenticated; a meafure which too plainly demonftrated that his authority in the colony was at an end. JUSTLY alarmed at all thefe' proceedings, fo hoftile towards them, and probably apprehenfive of a general profcription, the mulattoes throughout the colony began to colleét in different places in armed bodies; and the whites, by a mournful fatality, fuffered them to affemble without moleftation. In truth, cvery man's thoughts were direéted towards the meeting of the new Nz colonial out to him properly authenticated; a meafure which too plainly demonftrated that his authority in the colony was at an end. JUSTLY alarmed at all thefe' proceedings, fo hoftile towards them, and probably apprehenfive of a general profcription, the mulattoes throughout the colony began to colleét in different places in armed bodies; and the whites, by a mournful fatality, fuffered them to affemble without moleftation. In truth, cvery man's thoughts were direéted towards the meeting of the new Nz colonial --- Page 120 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF C HA VI. P. colonial affembly, from whofe deliberations extinétion of party, and the full and and proceedings the 1791. exifting grievances, immediate redrefs of all himfelf wereconfidently. expedted. M. Blanchelande declares, that he cherifhed the fame fallacious hopes. 66 After a flattering and <6 I fondly expeéted long fucceffion of violent forms, (he writes) the 66 morning. The return ofa calm and ferene 66 new affembly, temperate and conciliating conduét of the during their fhort 66 charaéters of moft of the fitting at Leogane, the 66 ceflity, 1o individual members, and the neapparent toall, of mutual 66 on this great led conccffion and unanimity occafion, me to think that the at length fee the termination of its colony would 66 ftorm was ready to burft, which has miferies; when, alas, the 66 common deftruétion !" fince involved us in one IT was on the morning of the 23d of day, that a general alarm and Auguft, juft before the town of the confternation fpread throughout their beds Capc. The inhabitants were called from by perfons who reported that all the the feveral negro flaves in neighbouring parifhes had revolted, and were at moment carrying death and defolation that and beautiful over the adjoining plain to the North-eaft. The large of the military officers on duty, affembled governor, and moft ports were fo confufed and together; but the recontradiétory, as to gain but little credit; when, as day-light began to break, the fudden and ceffive arrival, with ghaftly countenances, of fucwith difficulty efcaped the perfons who had for protcétion, maffacre, and flown to the town brought a dreadful confirmation of the fatal tidings. THE plain to the North-eaft. The large of the military officers on duty, affembled governor, and moft ports were fo confufed and together; but the recontradiétory, as to gain but little credit; when, as day-light began to break, the fudden and ceffive arrival, with ghaftly countenances, of fucwith difficulty efcaped the perfons who had for protcétion, maffacre, and flown to the town brought a dreadful confirmation of the fatal tidings. THE --- Page 121 --- SAINT DOMIN N G O. THE rebellion firft broke out on a plantation called Not, in C HAP. VI the parifh of Acul, nine miles only from the city. Twelve or fourteen of the ring-leaders, about the middle ofthe night,pro- 1791. ceeded to the refinery, or fugar-houfe, and fcized on a young the refiner's apprentice, dragged him to the front of the man, and there hewed him into picces with their dwelling-houfe, cutlaffes : his fcreams brought out the overfeer, whom they inftantly fhot. The rebels now found their way to the apartment of the refiner, and maflacred him in his bed. A young man lying fick in a neighbouring chamber, was left apparently dead of thc wounds infliéted by their cutlaffes: he had ftrength cnough however to crawl to the next plantation, and relate the horrors he had witneffed. He reported, that all the whites of the eftate which he had left were murdered, except only the furgeon, whom the rebels had compelled to accompany them, on the idea that they might ftand in necd of his profeffional affiftance. Alarmed by this intelligence, the perfons to whom their fafety in flight. it was communicated immediately fought What became of the poor youth I have never been informed. THE revolters (confifting now of all the flaves belonging to that plantation) proceeded to the houfe of a Mr. Clement, by whofe negroes alfo they were immediatelyj joined, and both he and his refiner were maffacred. The murderer of Mr. Clement was his own poftillion, a man to whom he had always fhewn kindnefs. The other white peoplc on this eftate congreat trived to make their efcape. Ar this junéture, the negroes on the plantation of M. Flaville, a few miles diftant, likewife rofe and murdered five white plantation) proceeded to the houfe of a Mr. Clement, by whofe negroes alfo they were immediatelyj joined, and both he and his refiner were maffacred. The murderer of Mr. Clement was his own poftillion, a man to whom he had always fhewn kindnefs. The other white peoplc on this eftate congreat trived to make their efcape. Ar this junéture, the negroes on the plantation of M. Flaville, a few miles diftant, likewife rofe and murdered five white --- Page 122 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA P. white perfons, one ofwhom VI. (the procureur or for eftate) had a wife and threc attorney the 1791. daughters. Thefe women, whileimploring for mercy ofthe unfortunate behcld their hufband and father favages on theirknees, For themfelves, murdered before their faces. they were devoted to a more were carried away horrid fate, and captives by the affaffins. THE approaçh of day-light ferved horror. It was only to difcover fights of now apparent that the eftates in the plain aéted in negroes on all the the whites teok concert, and a general maffacre of indeed the lives place in every quarter. On fome few eftates of the women were fpared, but ferved only to gratify the brutal they were reit is fhocking to appetites of the ruffians; and relate, that many of them fuffered the dead bodies of their hufbands and violation on fathers ! IN the town itfelf, the general belief for fome time the revolt was by no means an was, that tial infutrreétion extenfive, but a fidden and paronly. The largeft was that of Monf. fugarplantation on the plain Gallifet, fituated about eight miles from the town, the negroes belonging to which had always been with fuch kindnefs and treated vantages, that it liberality, and poffeffed fo many adbecamc a proverbial expreffion lower white pcople, in fpeaking of among the fay il ef heureux any man's good fortune, to comme 1n2 negre de Gallifet is as one of Callifet's negrocs). M. (hc happy as for this Odeluc, the attorney, or agent, plantation, was a member of the general affembly, and being fully perfiraded that the negroes main firm in their belonging to it would reobedience, determined to repair thither to encourage them in oppofing the to which ople, in fpeaking of among the fay il ef heureux any man's good fortune, to comme 1n2 negre de Gallifet is as one of Callifet's negrocs). M. (hc happy as for this Odeluc, the attorney, or agent, plantation, was a member of the general affembly, and being fully perfiraded that the negroes main firm in their belonging to it would reobedience, determined to repair thither to encourage them in oppofing the to which infurgents; end, he defired --- Page 123 --- SAINT DOMIN G O. defired the affiftance of a few foldiers from the town guard, C H A P. him. He accordingly, but on VI. which was granted proceeded approaching the cftate, to his furprife and griefhe found all the 1791. negroes in arms on the fide of the rebels, and (horrid to tell !) their Bandard was the body %f a awhite infant, ruhich they had recently impaled on a Rake! M. Odeluc had advanced too far to retrcat undifcovered, and both he, and a friend that accompanied him, with moft of the foldiers, were killed without mercy. Two or three only of the patrole, efcaped by flight ; and conveyed the dreadful tidings to the inhabitants of the town. By this time, all or moft of the white perfons that had been found on the feveral plantations, being maffacred or forced to feek their fafcty in flight, the ruffians exchanged the fword for the torch. Thc buildings and cane-fields were every where fet on fire; and the conflagrations, which were vifible from the town, in a thoufand different quarters, furnifhed a profpeét more fhocking, and refleétions more difinal, than fancy can paint, or the powers of man defcribe. CONSTERNATION and terror now took poffeffion of every mind: and the fereams of the women and children, running from door to door, heightened the horrors of the fcenc. All thecitizens took up arms, and the general affembly vefted the governor with the command of the national guards, requefting him tog give fuch orders as the urgency of the cafe fcemed to demand. ONE of the firft meafures was to fend the white women and children on board the fhips in the harbour; and very ferious apprehenfions ERNATION and terror now took poffeffion of every mind: and the fereams of the women and children, running from door to door, heightened the horrors of the fcenc. All thecitizens took up arms, and the general affembly vefted the governor with the command of the national guards, requefting him tog give fuch orders as the urgency of the cafe fcemed to demand. ONE of the firft meafures was to fend the white women and children on board the fhips in the harbour; and very ferious apprehenfions --- Page 124 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA P. VI. apprehenfions being entertained concerning the domeftick grocs within the town, a great 1le1791, among them proportion of the ableft men were likewifc fent on thipboard and guarded, clofely THERE ftill remained in the city a' confiderable mulattoes, who had not body of free taken, or affeéted not to part ili the diiputes between their brethren of take, any white inhabitants. Their colour and the the lower clafs of fituation was extremely critical; for mediate authors whites, confidering the mulattoes as the imof the rebellion, marked them for and the whole number in the town would deftruétion; been murdered without undoubtedly have feruple, ifthc governor. and the colonial affembly had not vigoroufly interpofed, and taken them their immediate under proteétion. Grateful for this their favour interpofition in (perhaps not thinking their lives otheriife all the able men among them offered to march fecure) againft the rebels, and to leave their wives and immediately hofages for their fidelity. Their offer children as was were enrolled in different accepted, and they companies of thc militia. TIE affembly continued their deliberations night, amidft the glare of the throughout the the inhabitants, farrounding conflagrations; and being ftrengthened by a number of from the fhips, and brought into fome of feamen litary degree order and mifubordination, were now defirous that a detachment be fent to attack the fhould ftrongeft body of the revolters. were given accordingly; and M. de Orders had Touzard, an officer who diffinguithed himfelf in the fervice ofthe North Americans, took the glare of the throughout the the inhabitants, farrounding conflagrations; and being ftrengthened by a number of from the fhips, and brought into fome of feamen litary degree order and mifubordination, were now defirous that a detachment be fent to attack the fhould ftrongeft body of the revolters. were given accordingly; and M. de Orders had Touzard, an officer who diffinguithed himfelf in the fervice ofthe North Americans, took --- Page 125 --- SAINT DOMINGO. took the command of a party of militia and troops of the line. CHAP. VI. With thefe, he marched to the plantation ofa M, Latour, and attacked a body of about four thoufand of the rebel negroes. 1791. Many were deftroyed, but to little purpofe; for Touzard, finding the number of revolters to encreafe in more than a centuple proportion to their loffes, was at length obliged to retreat; and it cannot be doubted, that if the rebels had forthwith proceeded to thc town, defencclefs as it then wast towards the plain, they might have fired it vithout difficulty, and deftroyed all its inhabitants, or compelled them to fly to the thipping for refuge. SENSIBLE of this, the governor, by the advice ofthe affembly, determined to act for fome time folely on the defenfive; and as it was every moment to be apprehended that the revolters would pour down upon the towil, the firft meafure reforted to was to fortify the roads and paffes leading into it. At the caftern eXtremity, the main road from the plain is interfeéted by a river, which luckily had no bridge over it, and was croffed in ferry boats. For the defence ofthis paffage, a battery of cannon was raifed on boats lafhed together; while two finall camps were formed at proper diftances Onl the banks. The other principal entrance into the town, and contiguous to it towards the fouth, was through a mountainous diftriét, called le Haut du Cap. Poffeflion was immediately taken of thefe hcights, and confiderable bodies of troops, with fuch artillery as could be fpared, were ftationed thereon. But thefe precautions not being thought fufficient, it was alfo determined to furround the whole ofthe town, except the fide next the fea, with a frong palilade VoL. HII. O and l the banks. The other principal entrance into the town, and contiguous to it towards the fouth, was through a mountainous diftriét, called le Haut du Cap. Poffeflion was immediately taken of thefe hcights, and confiderable bodies of troops, with fuch artillery as could be fpared, were ftationed thereon. But thefe precautions not being thought fufficient, it was alfo determined to furround the whole ofthe town, except the fide next the fea, with a frong palilade VoL. HII. O and --- Page 126 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY CHAP and chevaux OF Vi. defrices in the ercéting and all the inhabitants laboured completing of which, 1791. At the fame without diftinétion or time, an embargo was laid intermifion. the harbour; a meafure on all the thipping in well to obtain the affiftance ofindifpenfable ofthc neceffity, calculated as for the inhabitants in the laft feamen, as to fecure a retreat extremity. To fuch of the diflant tion either by land or parifhes as were open to communicamitted by fea, notice ofthe revolt had been within a few hours after advice of it tranf Cape; and thc white was received at the therefore found time inhabitants of many of thofe parifhes had pofts, which for to eftablifh camps, and form a chain a fhort time feemed to of fpreading beyond the Northern prevent the rebellion camps however, one at Grande province Ta). Two of thofe were attacked by the Riviere, the other at Dondon, the negroes (who were here openly mnulattocs) and forced with joined by the whites maintained the great flaughter. At Dondon, overpowered by the infinitc conteft for feven hours; but were pelled to give way, with the difparity lofs of numbers, and comof their body. The furvivors of upwards of onc hundred territory, took refuge in the Spanifh THESE two diftriets extenfive plain of the thereforc; the whole of the rich and. Cape, together with the contiguous (a) It is believed that a general the colony on the 25th of Auguft (St. infurreâlion Louis's was to have taken place throughout petuolity of fome negrocs on thc plain, induced day); but that the impatience and imtwo days before the time, them to commence their operations sn mountains, --- Page 127 --- SAINT DOMINGO, mountains, werc now wholly abandoned to the ravages of the CHAP. enemy, and the crueltics which they exercifed, uncontrouled, VI. on fuch ofthe miferable whites as fell into their hands, cannot 1791, bc remembered without horror, nor reported in terms ftrong enough to convey a proper idea of their atrocity. THEY feized Mr. Blen, an officer of the police, and having nailed him alive to one of the gates of his plantation, chopped off his limbs, onc by onc with an axe. A POOR man named Robert, a carpenter by trade, endeavouring to conceal himfelf from the notice of the rebels, was difcovered in his hiding-place ; and the favages declared that he fould die in the wvay ef his occupation : accordingly they bound him between two boards, and deliberately fawed him afunder. M. CARDINEAU, a planter of Grande Riiere, had two natural fons by a black woman. Hc had manumitted them in their infancy, and bred them up with great tendernefs. They both joined in the revolt; and when their father endeavoured to divert them from thcir purpofe, by foothing language and pecuniary offers, they took his money, and then ftabbed him to the heart. ALL the white, and even the mulatto children whofe fathers had not joined in the revolt, were murdered without exception, frequently bcfore thc eyes, or clinging to the bofoms, oftheir mothers. Young women of all ranks were firit violated by,a wholc troop of barbarians, and then generally put to death. O 2 Some revolt; and when their father endeavoured to divert them from thcir purpofe, by foothing language and pecuniary offers, they took his money, and then ftabbed him to the heart. ALL the white, and even the mulatto children whofe fathers had not joined in the revolt, were murdered without exception, frequently bcfore thc eyes, or clinging to the bofoms, oftheir mothers. Young women of all ranks were firit violated by,a wholc troop of barbarians, and then generally put to death. O 2 Some --- Page 128 --- IOO HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. VI. Some of them were indeed referved for the ioft the luft ofthe favages, and others further gratification 1793. with a knife. had their eyes fcooped aut Ix the parifh ofLimbe, at a place called the Great venerable planter, the father of two beautiful Ravine, a was tied down by a favage of young ladies, the eldeft ringleader a band, who ravifhed daughter in his prefence, and youngeft to one of his followers: their delivered over the they flaughtered both the father and the paffion being fatisfied, daughters. AMIDST thefe fcenes of fuch fidelity and ofhorror, one inflance however occurs expeéted and attachment in a negro, as is equally unaffedting. Monf and Madame daughterand fon-in-law, and two white Baillon, their mountain plantation about thirty miles fervants, reliding On1 a were apprized ofthe revolt from Cape François, himfelf in the by one of their own flaves, who was lives of his mafter confpiracy, but promifed, if pofible, to fave the and his family. means of providing for their Having no immediate adjacent wood; after which efcape, he conduéted them into an The following he went and joined the night, he found an opportunity of revolters. provifions from the rebel camp. The fecond bringing them again, with a further fupply of night he returned would be out of his provifions; but declared that it After this, power to give them any further they fàw nothing of the affiftance. at the end of that time he negro for three days; but how to make their came again; and direéted the way to a river which led to Port family affuring them they would find a canoc on a Margot, part of the river which olters. provifions from the rebel camp. The fecond bringing them again, with a further fupply of night he returned would be out of his provifions; but declared that it After this, power to give them any further they fàw nothing of the affiftance. at the end of that time he negro for three days; but how to make their came again; and direéted the way to a river which led to Port family affuring them they would find a canoc on a Margot, part of the river which --- Page 129 --- SAINT DOMIN G O. IOI wbich he defcribed. They followed his directions, found the CHAP, VI. canoc, and got fafely into it; but were"overfet by the rapidity - of the current, and after a narrow efcape, thought it beft to 1791. return to their retreat inathe.mountains. The negro, anxious for their fafety, again found them out, and direéted them to a broader part of the river, where he affured them he had provided a boat; but faid it was the laft effort he could make to fave them. They went accordingly, but not finding the boat, themfelves up for loft, when the faithful negro again apgave He with him peared like their guardian angel. brought pigeons, poultry, and bread; and conduéted the family, by flow marches in the night, along the banks ofthe river, until they were within fight of the wharf at Port Margot; when telling them they were entirely out of danger, he took his leave for ever, and went to join the rebels., The family were in the woods nineteen nights * . LET us now turn our attention back to the town of the Cape; where, the inhabitants being at length placed, or fuppofed to be placed, in fome fort of fecurity, it was thought neceffary by the governor and affembly, that offenfive operations againft the rebels fhould be renewed, and a fmall armys under the command of M. Rouvray, marched to the eaftern part of the plain, and encamped ât a place called Roucrou. A very confiderable body of the rebel negroes took poffeffion, This account was communicated by Madame Baillon herfelf to a friend of the author, who was with him at St. Domingo, and who fpoke French like a native: from that friend the author received it the fame daya and immediately committed the particulars to writing, about ft the rebels fhould be renewed, and a fmall armys under the command of M. Rouvray, marched to the eaftern part of the plain, and encamped ât a place called Roucrou. A very confiderable body of the rebel negroes took poffeffion, This account was communicated by Madame Baillon herfelf to a friend of the author, who was with him at St. Domingo, and who fpoke French like a native: from that friend the author received it the fame daya and immediately committed the particulars to writing, about --- Page 130 --- 1O2 HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP, VI. about the fame time, ofthe large M. Gallifet, and mounted fome buildings on the plantation of 1791, walls, They had heavy picces of artillery On the procured the cannon at different places and harbours along the coaft, where thipping in time of war by the it had been placed government, and proteéted; but it was a matter ofs imprudently left unthey obtained ammunition great furprize by what means fent out foraging (b). From this plantation parties, with which the whites they fkirmifhes. In thefe had frequent their ground than engagements, the negroes feldom ftood but longer to receive and return a they appcared again the next day; and fingle volley, at length driven out of their though they were entrenchments with flaughter, yet their numbers feemed not infinite as one body was cut off, another to diminifh:-as foon ceeded in thre objcét of appeared, and thus they ficharaffing and deftroying the perpetual fatigue, and reducing the whites by country to a defert, To detail the various conflias, fcenes of-flaughter, which this fkirmifhes, maflacres, and were to offer a difgufting and exterminating war produced, ofhorrors; frightful pidture;-a combination wherein we fhould behold crueltics unexampled in (à) It was difeovered afterwards, that great folen by the negroes in the town of Cape François quantities of powder and ball were fecretly conveyed to the rebels, Moft of the from the king's arlenal, and were fuppofed to have been part of Ogé's fire-arms at firft in their pofleffion that the rebels were afterwards abundantly importation, But it grieves me to add, America; the mafters of which felt no fupplicd, by fmall veflels from North rum, from eftates of which the owners had feruple been to receive in payment fugar and they trafficked, murdered by the men with whom the ly conveyed to the rebels, Moft of the from the king's arlenal, and were fuppofed to have been part of Ogé's fire-arms at firft in their pofleffion that the rebels were afterwards abundantly importation, But it grieves me to add, America; the mafters of which felt no fupplicd, by fmall veflels from North rum, from eftates of which the owners had feruple been to receive in payment fugar and they trafficked, murdered by the men with whom the --- Page 131 --- SAINT DOMINGO: the annals of mankind; human blood poured forth in torrents; CHAP. VI. the earth blackened with afhes, and the air tainted with peftilence. It was computed that, within two months after the 1791. revolt frft began, upwards of two thoufand white perfons, of all conditions and ages, had been mallacred;-that one hundred and cighty fugar plantations, and about nine hundred coffee, cotton, and indigo fettlements had been deftroyed (the buildings thereon being confumed by firc), and one thoufand two hundred chriftian families reduccd from opulence, to fuch a ftate of mifery as to depend altogether for their clothing and fuftenance on publick and private charity. Of the infurgents, it was reckoned that upwards often thoufand had perithed by the fword or by famine; and fome hundreds by the hands of the executionery--many of them, 1 am forry to fay, under the torture of the wheel;-a fyftem of revenge and retaliation, which no enormities of favage life could juftify or cxcufe (c). HITHERTO, (e) Two of thefe unhappy men fuffered in this manner under the window of the author's lodgings, and in his prefence, at Cape François, on Thurfday the 28th of September 1791. They were broken on two pieces of timber placed crofswife. One of them expired on recciving the third ftroke on his ftomach, each of his legs and arms having been firft broken in two places; the firit three blows he bore without a groan. The other had a harder fate. When the executioner, after breaking his legs and arms, lifted up the inftrument to give the finihing ftroke on the breaft, and which (by putting the criminal out of his pain) is called le coup ds grace, the mob, with the ferocioufnefs of cannibals, called out arretez! (ftop) and compelled him to leave his work unfinifhed. In that condition, the miferable wretch, with his broken limbs doubled up, was put on a cart-wheel, which was placed horizontally, one end of the axle-tree being driven into the carth. He femed inftrument to give the finihing ftroke on the breaft, and which (by putting the criminal out of his pain) is called le coup ds grace, the mob, with the ferocioufnefs of cannibals, called out arretez! (ftop) and compelled him to leave his work unfinifhed. In that condition, the miferable wretch, with his broken limbs doubled up, was put on a cart-wheel, which was placed horizontally, one end of the axle-tree being driven into the carth. He femed --- Page 132 --- 1O4 HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP, VI. HITHERTO, my. narrative has applied in the Northern chiefly to tranfastions 1791, rebellion province; I grieve to relate, that the foon began to break forth alfo in the flames of Here, however, the Weftern divifion. whom infurgents were chiefly men of upwards of two thoufand colour, of of Mirebalais. appeared in arms in the parifh Being joined by about fix hundred of the flaves, they began their operations by negro tations in the mountains burning the coffee planSome detachments adjacent to the plain of Cul-de-Sac. of the military which were from Port au Prince were fenta againft them tinued to repulfed; and the infurgents conravage and burn the country thirty miles, the through an extent of barities practifing fame exceffes and ferocious towards fuch of the whites as fell into their barwere difplayed by the rebels in the North. hands, as andacity at length to approach Port They had the au as it was believed, to fet it Prince, with intention, ftate of that devoted on fire; and fo defencelefs was the able. town, that its deftruétion feemed inevitMany of the mulatto chiefs, however, attempts to gain over the flaves finding that their in this part of the negro on the fugar plantations which country, were not attended with that fuccefs they expedted, expreffed an this extremity; unwillingnes to proceed to declaring that they took late the colony, but up arms not to defothe of mercly to fupport the national decree of 1sth May, and that they were not averfe ciliation. Thefe fentiments to a reconde coming to the knowledge of M. Tumecourt, a planter of eminence, he undertook the office fome feemed perfedtly fenfible, but uttered not a groan. At the end of Englifh fcamen, who were pectators of the tragedy, forty minutes, mercy, frangled him in of but up arms not to defothe of mercly to fupport the national decree of 1sth May, and that they were not averfe ciliation. Thefe fentiments to a reconde coming to the knowledge of M. Tumecourt, a planter of eminence, he undertook the office fome feemed perfedtly fenfible, but uttered not a groan. At the end of Englifh fcamen, who were pectators of the tragedy, forty minutes, mercy, frangled him in of --- Page 133 --- SAINT D OMINGO. IOS of mediator, and througl: his well-timed and powerful inter- C HAP VI. polition, a truce or convention, called the concordat, was - agreed upon the IIth of September, betwecn the free pcople 1791, of colour, and the whitc inhabitants of Port au Prince, of which the chief provifions were an oblivion of the paft, and an engagement on the part of the whites, to admit in full force the national decree of the Isth of May, fo often mentionedy-certainly the oftentible, though perhaps not thc fole and original caufe oft the rebcllion*, INSTRUCTED by this example, and foftened, it may be prefumed, by the loyal and temperate conduét of the free mulattoes in the town of Cape François, as beforc related, the general affembly, by a proclamation of the 2oth of September, declared that they would no longer oppofe the operation of the fame decree. They even went further, and annouaced an intention to grant contiderable indulgences towards fuch free pcople of colour as wcre not comprehended in it, meaning thofe who were born of enflaved parents. They voted at the fame time thc formation of certain free companies of mulattoes, whercin the men of colour of all deferiptions, pofleffed of certain qualifications, fhould be allowed to ferve as commiffioned officers. It fhould alfo have been obferved, that the condemnation and execution of Ogé is pronounced, in this concordat, < infamous, and to be held in everlafting c execration." Thefe expreflions were literally copied from a letter of Abbé Gregoire. Iamobliged to the author of the hiftory of Europe in the Annual Regifter for 1792 (Rivington's edit.) for reminding me of this circumftance. VoL. III. P THESE --- Page 134 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. THESE conceffions, at an earlier period, would have operVI. ated with powerful eilect in the falvation ofthe colony; but they 1791, now came too late, and produced only a partial truce, a temporary and fallacious ceffation of mifcries. The wounds that had been infliéted werc yet grcen and bleeding; and the dark and fullen paffions of difappointed pride, anger, malice, hatred and revenge, were fecretly burning in the gloomy minds of all parties. Thc flames were finothered, not extinguifhed; foon to brcak out again, with aggravated violence and greater fary than ever, colony; but they 1791, now came too late, and produced only a partial truce, a temporary and fallacious ceffation of mifcries. The wounds that had been infliéted werc yet grcen and bleeding; and the dark and fullen paffions of difappointed pride, anger, malice, hatred and revenge, were fecretly burning in the gloomy minds of all parties. Thc flames were finothered, not extinguifhed; foon to brcak out again, with aggravated violence and greater fary than ever, --- Page 135 --- SAINT DOMINGO, ro7 CHAP VII. Ofthe Motives which inducedthe People ofColour to join the revolted Nugrees-Conds of the Britifh Affociation for the Abolition ofthe Slave Trade, and of the Society in Paris called Les Amis des Noirs-Letter from Abbe Gregoire to the Peopie Culow-Repeal ofthe Decree efthe 15th May 1791 -Ffeits %f that Meafure-Gieil War avith the Muiattoes remexced-Port all Prince defroyed by Fire-Cruelties exerciled by both Parties-drrizal at Cape François ef the Cisil Commifioners. BEFORE I proceed to a renewalof thofe difgufting icenes of CHAP. devaftation, flaughter, and ruin, which my duty, as a VII. faithful hiftorian, calls upon me to decribc (happy if they ferve 1791. as an impreflive leflon to other nations !) it feems neceffary to remove fome difficultics which may poffibly have arifen in the maind of the reader, concerning the originat and primary caule oft thejunétion and co-operation offo large a number of the negro flaves, in this rebellion, with the men of colour. That the whole body of the lattcr in St. Domingo had folid ground of complaint and diffatisfaction, cannot be denied. There is a point at which oppreffion fometimes arrives, when forbearance under it ceafcs to be a virtue; and I fhould readily have admitted that the aétual fituation and condition of the mulattoes in the French iflands would have made refiftance a duty, if it did not appcar, from what I have alrcady related, that the reP 2 drcfs the men of colour. That the whole body of the lattcr in St. Domingo had folid ground of complaint and diffatisfaction, cannot be denied. There is a point at which oppreffion fometimes arrives, when forbearance under it ceafcs to be a virtue; and I fhould readily have admitted that the aétual fituation and condition of the mulattoes in the French iflands would have made refiftance a duty, if it did not appcar, from what I have alrcady related, that the reP 2 drcfs --- Page 136 --- ro8 HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP, dreis oftheir gricvances VII. the firft occupied the very firft deliberations of general aflembly of reprefentatives that 1791. St. Domingo. Certainly, ever met inl for thofe peftilent then, no juftification can be offered reformers, who could perfiade thefe nate people to feek that unfortureliefby rebellion and was offered to them by the mafficre, which fpontaneous and fitpreme power of the country, as a voluntary conceffion ;-the homage of enlightened reaton on the altar ofhumanity. flaved negroes, however, it docs Concerning the enthe whites towards them not appear that the conduét of was in general reprehenfible. I believe, on the whole, it was as lenient and fiftent with their own fafety. It indulgent as was confelves who was the mulatto people themwere the hard-hearted The fame indignities which tafk-mafters to the negrocs. direéted they received from the whites, without feruple towards the blacks; they the latter every fpecies of that exercifing over juftly oppreflion which they loudly and complained of, when exercifed on themfelves ;-and this isa true piéure of human nature. By what will be afked, were the means, then, it negroes induced to forget their refentments, and join with thofe who were the conilant of their envy and hatred? objeôts both IN order to replytot this queftion, with as much precifion as the fubjeét wiil admit, itis neceffary accuracyand prcceedings of tle two affociations, to recur to the made in the Second of which mention was Chapter of this Britifh affociation for the abolition Hifory; namely, the held its of the flave trade, which mectings in the Old Jewry in London ; and the 10cicty called Les Amis des Noirs in Paris. A 2. fhort review of the this queftion, with as much precifion as the fubjeét wiil admit, itis neceffary accuracyand prcceedings of tle two affociations, to recur to the made in the Second of which mention was Chapter of this Britifh affociation for the abolition Hifory; namely, the held its of the flave trade, which mectings in the Old Jewry in London ; and the 10cicty called Les Amis des Noirs in Paris. A 2. fhort review of the --- Page 137 --- SAINT DONINGO, the conduét of thefe focictics will ferve not onlytoleffen the far- CHAP. VII. prize which may be felt at the revolt of the negroes of St. Domingo, but alio raiie a confiderable degree of aftonifhment that 1791. the enflaved regrocs in the Britifh iflands had not given them the example. I IIAVE obferved, that the fociety in London profeled to have nothing more in view than to obtain an act of the legiflature for probibiting the fortherintroduélion of African flaves into the Britifh colonics. Ihave faid, that 66 they difclaimed 66 all intention of interfering with the government and condi66 tion ofthe negroes already in thc plantations ; publickly dc66 claring their opinion to be, that a general emancipation of 66 thoie peoplc, in their preient ftate of ignorance and barbacc rity, inftead of a blefling, would prove to them the fource of 66 misfortune and mifery." But although fuch Were their oftenfible declarations as a publick body, the leading members of the fociety, in the famc moment, held a very different language; and even thc fociety itfelf (aéting as fuch)) purfucd a line of condué direétly and immediately repugnant to their own profeffions. Beiides ufing every pofible endeavour to inflame the, publick of Great Britain againft the planters, they diftributed at a prodigious expence throughout the colonics, tracts and pamphlets without number, the direét tendency of which was to render the white inhabitants odious and contemptible in the eyes of their oWn flaves, and excite in the latter fuch ideas of their natural rights and equality of condition, as fhould Jead them to a general ftruggle for frecdom through rebellion and bloodihed. In many of thote writings, arguments are expretsly ible endeavour to inflame the, publick of Great Britain againft the planters, they diftributed at a prodigious expence throughout the colonics, tracts and pamphlets without number, the direét tendency of which was to render the white inhabitants odious and contemptible in the eyes of their oWn flaves, and excite in the latter fuch ideas of their natural rights and equality of condition, as fhould Jead them to a general ftruggle for frecdom through rebellion and bloodihed. In many of thote writings, arguments are expretsly --- Page 138 --- IIO HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. VII, prefsly adduced, in language which cannot be urge the negroes to rife up and murder their mifunderftood, to 1791. mercy.- Refiflance," mafters without 66 force fày they, <6 is always is the fubftitute juftifiable where 66 crime ofright : nor is the commifion of a ciril pofrible in a Hate Havery." Thefe peated in a thoufand different fentiments are reforms; and in order that might not lofe their effeét by abftraét they vine of the church of reafening, a reverend dichairman England, in a pamphlet addrefied to the or prefident of the fociety, pours forth the moft earneft prayers, in the moft undifguifed expreffions, that the woulddeftroy all the white people, negroes in the Weft Indies : 6 Should men, women, and children, 66 their conduét in their we not, (he exclaims) approve <6 eulogium, if violence : Should we not crown it with they exterminate their 66 fiwvord! Should they tyrants with fire and even 46 tortures deliberately inpict the 07 thofe tyrants, zcould mo eaqujfte 46 moral they not be excufable in the judgment of thofe who 66 mable properly value thofe ineftibleffings rational and religious liberty (a)?" BESIDES diftributing pamphlets of this at the doors of all the churches and complexion gratis, kingdom, and places of worfhip in the throughout the colonies, the their name, caufed a medal to be fociety, or perfons in ftruck, containing the figure (a) This is a fair extraét from a letter addrefled to inan of the fociety in the Old Jury, by the Reverend Granville Sharp, Efg; chairOf fuch writers the planters may well < Percival Stockdale, A. M. cc they do!" The fame ejaculation exclaim, I Forgive themn, they know n:t zebat Johnfon, who poffeffed a applied to the learned and pious Samuel a toa, < Alpedy rebellion negro fibe fervant, and before whom he frequently gave as negroes in Tamaica, andfuccdfi to them P of inan of the fociety in the Old Jury, by the Reverend Granville Sharp, Efg; chairOf fuch writers the planters may well < Percival Stockdale, A. M. cc they do!" The fame ejaculation exclaim, I Forgive themn, they know n:t zebat Johnfon, who poffeffed a applied to the learned and pious Samuel a toa, < Alpedy rebellion negro fibe fervant, and before whom he frequently gave as negroes in Tamaica, andfuccdfi to them P of --- Page 139 --- SAINT DOMIN G O. IIF of a naked negro, loaded with chains, and in the attitude ofim- CHAP. VIL. ploring mercy ; thoufands of which alio were difperfed among the negrocs 1n each of the fugar iflands, for the inftruction, I 1791. prefume, of fuch of them as could not read ; but, unhappily, this inftance of provident caution was not requifite; for fo many domefticks return annually from Europe to the Weft negro Indies, as conftantly furnifh a fufficient number of living inftruétors; and certain it is (I pronounce it from my own knowledge refpecting Jamaica) that the labours of the focicty on their behalf, as well as many of thc moft violent fpeeches in the Britifh parliament, wherein the whole body of planters were painted as a herd of blood-thirfty and remorfelefs tyrants, were explained to the negro flaves, in terms well adapted to their capacities, and fuited, as might have been fuppofed, to their feelings. It will be difficult to fay what other meafures the Old Jewry affociates could have taken to excite a rebellion, except that of furnifhing the objeéts of their folicitude with fire arms and ammunition. HITHERTO, this fociety had ferved as a model and exemplar to that ofParis; but a difpofition to ftop at half mcafures conftitutes no part of the French character; and the fociety of Amis des Noirs reforted, without feruple, to thofe meafures which their fellow labourers in London ftill hefitated to adopt : beginning with the clais of free mulattoes, becaute they found many of them in France, who became the willing inftruments oftheir purpofes; and who undertook to interpret to the negroes in the French colonies the wifhes and good intentions towards them of their friends in the mother-country. Thus at half mcafures conftitutes no part of the French character; and the fociety of Amis des Noirs reforted, without feruple, to thofe meafures which their fellow labourers in London ftill hefitated to adopt : beginning with the clais of free mulattoes, becaute they found many of them in France, who became the willing inftruments oftheir purpofes; and who undertook to interpret to the negroes in the French colonies the wifhes and good intentions towards them of their friends in the mother-country. Thus --- Page 140 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. Thus an opening was made towards conciliation and union beVII. tween the two claffes. The negroes, believing that it was only 1791. through the agency of the mulattoes, and the connedtions of thofe people in France, they could obtain a regular fupply of arms and ammunition, forgot or fulpended their ancient animofities; and the men of colour, fenfible that nothing but the COoperation 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 apprehenfions enltertained by the leading men among the Amis des Noirs, that the decree of the national affembly of the 1sth 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 frce 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 O1l this account, as well as to keep the mulattoes firm to their purpofe, the Abbé Gregoire wrote and publifhed his celebrated circular letter ;-a performance which, if theintentions ofthe writer had been as pure as his expreffions are eloquent, would have refleéted luftre on his abilitics (b). What effect this diftinguifhed piecc of oratory may have had on the rugged and unenlightened minds of fàvage people, I pretend (b) The reader will find a tranflation of this letter at the end of the prefent Chapter. not firm to their purpofe, the Abbé Gregoire wrote and publifhed his celebrated circular letter ;-a performance which, if theintentions ofthe writer had been as pure as his expreffions are eloquent, would have refleéted luftre on his abilitics (b). What effect this diftinguifhed piecc of oratory may have had on the rugged and unenlightened minds of fàvage people, I pretend (b) The reader will find a tranflation of this letter at the end of the prefent Chapter. not --- Page 141 --- SAINT DOMIN G O. It3 not to afcertain. It is certain, that the Abbé Gregoire was con- CIA P. VII. fidered by the negroes in St. Domingo as their great advocate L and patron ; a iort of guardian angel or tutelary deity; of the 1791, good effects of whote benevolent interpofition and friendly offices their mafters unjuftly deprived them, and oll whofe fupport and afiftance they might confidently rely, in the attempt, through rebellion and murder, to obtain juftice for themfelves. BoTH claffes of people being thus inftruéted and prepared, the decree of the 1sth of May was the fignal of revolt, the warhoop of maffacre. From the clamour which it excited amongft all orders of the whites in St. Domingo (the lower clafles eipecially) the people of colour, as I have fhewn, had rcafon to apprehend that mifchiefsofan extenfive and alarming nature were meditated againft them. They werc thus furnifhed with a plaufible, and, had they meant to have afted folely O11 the defenfive, a juftifiable caufe for reforting to arms ; but, unhappily, the ftrong tide of popular prejudice which prevailed in thc mother-country againft the planters, and the great majority which voted for the fatal decrcc in the national affembly, were circumftances that infpired them with fo dangerous a confidence in their oWII refources, as overpowered all confiderations of prudence, policy, and humanity. IT muft be confidered, at the fame time, that the enflaved negroes (iguorant and depreffed as We fuppofe them to be) could not poffibly be unobfervant of thefe combined and concurring circumfances. They beheld the coloured pcople in open hoftility againft the whites. They were affured, that the former had the fulleft fupport and encouragement from the 1uVoL, III. Q preme overpowered all confiderations of prudence, policy, and humanity. IT muft be confidered, at the fame time, that the enflaved negroes (iguorant and depreffed as We fuppofe them to be) could not poffibly be unobfervant of thefe combined and concurring circumfances. They beheld the coloured pcople in open hoftility againft the whites. They were affured, that the former had the fulleft fupport and encouragement from the 1uVoL, III. Q preme --- Page 142 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF C H A P. preme legiflature of the VII. mother-country. They were taught to believe, that themfelves alfo were become the objeéts of the 1791. paternal folicitude of the king and the national affembly, who wifhed to refcuc them from the dominion of their mafters, and inveft them with their eftates. It appeared from indifputable evidence, that affurances of this nature were held out to the enflaved negroes; -affurances which could not but excite their attention, awaken their faculties, and roufe them to aétion. Whoever Thall calmly deliberate on thefe, and the other facts that have been ftated, will find no difficulty in accounting for the dreadful extent of this infurrection; or in affigning it to its proper caufc, and tracing to the fountain-head thofe rivers of blood which ftill continuc to flow in this unfortunate and devoted colony (c)! Bur it is now time to advert to the proceedings which OCcurred in France, where we left Gregoire, La Fayetle, RobeJpierre, (c)In September 1791, when the Author was at Cape François, he dined with a large company on board the frigate la Prudente, commanded by Monf, Toyeufe (at prefent a diflinguifhed admiral in the fervice of the new republick, by the name of T'illaret) when, in the midft of the entertainment, a loud exclamation from the crew announced that the gunner was returned. This man, who had been mifing fome weeks, was immediately brought forward, and gave the following account of thc caufe of his abfence. He faid that, having gone on fhore, to colleét green meat for the pigs, he was furrounded by the rebel negrocs, who were about putting him to death, when Jean François, the chief, finding that he was an officer in the king's fervice, ordered that bis life fhould be fpared, alledging tbat tbe king was their They detained him however as a prifoner, and compelled him to load and point friend. their artillery in the attack at M, Gallifet's plantation before-mentioned. On the deteat of the rebels in that engagement, he fortunately made his cfeape from them. Some ofthe fhocking enormities and cruclties inflieted by the rebcls on their white prifoners, as related in the preceding pages, were committed in this man's prefence. 's fervice, ordered that bis life fhould be fpared, alledging tbat tbe king was their They detained him however as a prifoner, and compelled him to load and point friend. their artillery in the attack at M, Gallifet's plantation before-mentioned. On the deteat of the rebels in that engagement, he fortunately made his cfeape from them. Some ofthe fhocking enormities and cruclties inflieted by the rebcls on their white prifoners, as related in the preceding pages, were committed in this man's prefence. --- Page 143 --- SAINT DOMINGO i15 /pierre, and the reft of the fociety of Amis des Noirs, exulting C H A P. VII. in the triumpl they had obtained on the Isth of May ; and L perhaps waiting, in the ardent hopc and expcétation, that their 1791. obnoxious decree of that date, would produce thofe very evils which actually rcfulted from it. It was not until the beginning of September that information arrived at Paris concerning the, reception which the account of this decree had met with in St. Domingo. The tumults, diforders, and confufions that it produced therc, were now reprefented in the ftrongeft colouring, and thc lofs of the colony to France was univerfally apprehended. At this time, however, no fuipicion was entertained concerning the enflaved negroes ; but a civil war, betwcen the - whites and the mulattoes, was believed to bc inevitable. The commercial and manufacturing towns, prediéting the ruin of their trade and fhipping, and the lofs of thcir capitals from exifting dangers, prefented remonitrances and petitions to the national aflembly, urging the neceffity of an immediate repcal ofall the decrees by which the rights of the planters were invaded; that of thc 1sth of May efpecially. The conftituent national affembly was now Onl the point of diffolution, and perhaps wifhed to leave every thing in peace. At the famc time the tide of popular prejudice, which had hitherto ran with fuch violence againft the colonifts, was beginning to turn. Moft of thofe members whofe opinions in colonial concerns, a few months beforc, had guided the deliberations of the national affembly, were now eithcr filently difregarded, or trcated with outrage ;-a ftrong and ftriking proof of the lightnefs and verfatility of the French charaéter. At length, a motion was madc to annul the obnoxious decrce, and (fhrange to tell !) on Q2 the violence againft the colonifts, was beginning to turn. Moft of thofe members whofe opinions in colonial concerns, a few months beforc, had guided the deliberations of the national affembly, were now eithcr filently difregarded, or trcated with outrage ;-a ftrong and ftriking proof of the lightnefs and verfatility of the French charaéter. At length, a motion was madc to annul the obnoxious decrce, and (fhrange to tell !) on Q2 the --- Page 144 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA VII. P. the 24th of September its majority !-At this repeal was aétually voted by a 1791. remarkable change of fentiment in the large preme legiflature, it is neceffary to paufe, and remind fuof what was doing at the fame timc in St. the reader we have feen, on the IIth of that Domingo; where as truce, took place between the very month, the concordat, Ol inhabitants of Port people of colour and the white au Prince; and Onl the 2oth, the colonial affembly at Cape François publifhed the tioued in the latter part of the proclamation menalmoft in the very moment when thc preceding Chapter. Thus, decree were juftice and neceffity ofthe acknowledged, and its faithful by the colonial affembly, its obfervance promifed, tional legiflature in the repeal was pronounced by the namother-country! ! To fuch repugnancy and abfardity muft be driven that attempts to regulate and direét erery government cerns of a country three thoufand miles the local conmeafures that have been diftant. Of the two produced the mentioned, it is difficult to fay which May in the firft greateft calamities; the decree of the Isth of inflance; ; or its unexpeéted and in the manner related ! Doubts repeal, at the time minds of the mulattocs had already arifen in the of the white concerning the fincerity and good faith people, with refpeét to the concordat, Their picions and apprehenfions had indeed fufas to induce them to infift grown to fuch a height, on a renewal and confirmation provilions; which were accordingly ofits frument, or treaty, of the iith of granted them, by a newi intary agrecment of the 2oth ofthe Oétober, and a fapplemenwas authentick information fame month : but no fooner received of the proceedings in France, and good faith people, with refpeét to the concordat, Their picions and apprehenfions had indeed fufas to induce them to infift grown to fuch a height, on a renewal and confirmation provilions; which were accordingly ofits frument, or treaty, of the iith of granted them, by a newi intary agrecment of the 2oth ofthe Oétober, and a fapplemenwas authentick information fame month : but no fooner received of the proceedings in France, --- Page 145 --- SAINT DOMIN G O. II7 France, in the repeal of the decree, than all truft and confidence, C H. A P. and every hope of reconciliation and amity between the two L VII. claffes, vanifhed for ever. It was not poffible to perfuadc the 1791. mulattocs that the planters in the colony were innocent, and ignorant of the tranfaction. They accufed the whites of the moft horrid duplicity, faithlefsncfs and treachery ; and publickly declared that one party or the other, themfelves or the whites, muft be utterly deftroyed and exterminated:-There was no longer, they faid, an alternative. Ix this difpofition, exafperated to frenzy, the coloured people throughout the Weftern and Southern provinces flew to arms. In the Southern province, a body of them became mafters of Port St. Louis ; but the inhabitants of Port-au-Prince having been reinforced, a fhort time before, by the arrival of fome troops from Europe, were better prepared, and drove the revolters from the city with great flaughter. They took poft in the parich of Croix des Bouguets ; but found mcans, however, before their retreat, to fet fire to the city, and a dreadful conflagration enfued, in which more than cne-third of the buildings were confumed. OPEN war, and war in all its horrors, was now renewed. All the foft workings of humanity-what our great dramatick poet calls the compunctious cifitings ef Halare-were now abforbed in the raging and infatiable thirit of revenge, which inflamed each clafs alike. It was no longer a contelt for mere viétory, but a diabolical emulation which party could infliét the moftabominable cruelties on the other. The enflaved negroes in --- Page 146 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF C HA P. inthe diftriet called Cul-de-Sac having the VII. joined mulattoes, a bloody engagement took place, in which the negroes, being 1791. ranged in front, and aéting without any kind of difcipline, left two thoufand of their 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 toimprove it by a purfuit, and contented themfelves with fatiating their revenge on their captives. Every refinement in cruelty that the moft depraved imagination could fuggeft, was practifed on the perfons of thofe wretched men. One of the mulatto leaders was unhappily among the number : him the victors placed on an elevated feat in a cart, and fecured him in itl by driving large fpiked nails through his feet into the boards. In this condition hc was led a miferable fpeétacle 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 fhameful to humanity. In the neighbourhood of Fereme a body of them attacked the houfe of MI. Sejourné, and fecured the perions both of him and his wife, This unfortunate woman (my hand trembles while I write !) was far advanced in her pregnancy. The monfters, whofe priloner the was, having firft murdered her hufband in her prefence, ripped her up alive, and threw the infant to the hogs.-They then (how Thall I relate it!) fewed up the head of the murdered hufband in- Such are thy triumphs, philanthropy. WITH body of them attacked the houfe of MI. Sejourné, and fecured the perions both of him and his wife, This unfortunate woman (my hand trembles while I write !) was far advanced in her pregnancy. The monfters, whofe priloner the was, having firft murdered her hufband in her prefence, ripped her up alive, and threw the infant to the hogs.-They then (how Thall I relate it!) fewed up the head of the murdered hufband in- Such are thy triumphs, philanthropy. WITH --- Page 147 --- SAINT D OMINGO, WITH thefe enormitics terminated the difaftrous ycar 1791. C H A P. Juft before Chriftmas the thrce civil commiffioners nominated VII. by the national affembly for St. Domingo, arrived at Cape 1791. / François. Much was expeéted from their appointment by the fricnds of peace and good ordcr ; but the fequel will fhew that they effeéted very little towards reftoring the peace of the country. Tranfation ofthe Letter ABBE GREGOIRE, Bifhop of the Department ef Loire and Cher, Deputy efthe National Altemblys to the Citizens ef Colour in the French Iefl Indies, concerning the Decree of the I sth fMay 1791. 66 FRIENDS! 46 You were MEN;-you are now CITIZENS. Reinftated in the fulnefs of your rights, you will, in futurc, participate of the fovereignty of the people. The decree which the national affembly has juft publifhed refpedting you, is not a favour; for a favour is a pricilege : and a privilege to one clafs of pcople is an injury to all the reft.-They are words which will no Jonger difgrace the laws of the French. 66 IN fecuring to you the exercife of your political rights, we have acquitted ourfelves of a debt:-not to have paid it, would have been a crime on our part, and a difgrace to the conflitution. The --- Page 148 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF C H A P. The legiflators of a free nation certainly could not do lefs for VII. B e you than our ancient defpots have done. 1791. 66 Irisnow above a century ago that Louis XIV folemnly acknowledged and proclaimed your rights; but of this facred inheritance you have been defrauded by pride and avarice, which have gradually increafed your burthens, and embittered your exiftence. 66 THE regencration ofthe French empire opened your hearts to hopc, whofe cheering influence has alleviated the weight of your miferies : miferics of which the people of Europe had no idea. While the white planters refident among us were lcud in their complaints againft miniferial tyranny, they took efpecial care to bc filent as to their otUh. Not a hint was fuggefted concerning the complaints of the unhappy people of mixed blood : who, notwithflanding, are their own children. It is aUe, who, at the diftance oftwot thoufand leagues from you, have been conftrained to proteét thofe children againft the negledt, the contempt, the unnatural cruelty of their fathers! 64 Bur it is in vain that they have endeavoured to fupprefs the juftice of your claims. Your groans, notwithitanding the extent of the ocean which feparates us, have reached the hearts ofthe European Frenchmen;-for they have hearts. 66 GoD Almighty comprehends all mcn in the circle of his mercy. His love makes no diftinétion between them, but what arifes from the different degrees oftheir virtues. Can laws then, which ought to be an emanation of eternal juftice, encourage fo culpable a partiality ? Can that government, whofe duty it is to protcét alike all the members of the famc great family, withitanding the extent of the ocean which feparates us, have reached the hearts ofthe European Frenchmen;-for they have hearts. 66 GoD Almighty comprehends all mcn in the circle of his mercy. His love makes no diftinétion between them, but what arifes from the different degrees oftheir virtues. Can laws then, which ought to be an emanation of eternal juftice, encourage fo culpable a partiality ? Can that government, whofe duty it is to protcét alike all the members of the famc great family, --- Page 149 --- SAIN T DO MI N G O. 12I family, be the niother of onc branch, and the ftep-mother only C II A P. of thc others? Vil. 66 No, gentlemen :-you could not cfeape the folicitude of 1 thc national affembly. In unfolding to the eyes of the univerfe the great charter of naturc, your titles wcrc traced. An attempt had indced been madc to expunge them ; but happily they arc written in charaéters as indelible as thc facred image of the Deity, which is graven 011 your countenances. 66 ALREADY had the national affembly, in the inftructions which it prepared for thc government of the colonies, on the 28th of March 1790, comprized both the whites and pcople of colour under one common denomination. Your enemies, in afferting the contrary, have publifhed a falfehood. Itis inconteftibly true, that when I demanded you fhould be exprefsly named, a great number ofmembers, among whom were feveral planters, eagerly exclaimed, that you were already comprehended under the general words contained in thofe inftructions. M. Barnave himfelf, upon my repeated appeals to him o1l that head, has at length acknowledged, before the whole affembly, that this was the faét. It now appears how much reafon I had to appreherid that a falfe conftruction would be put upon our decree ! 66 NEW opprcffions on the part ofyour mafters,and new miferies On yours, until at length thc cup of affliétion is filled even to the brim, have but too wellj juftificd my apprehenfions. The letters which I have received from you upon this head, have forced tcars from my eyes. Pofterity will learn, withaftonifhment and indignation, that a caufe like yours, the juftice of which is fo evident, was made the fubject of debate for no lefs than five days fucceflively. Alas ! when humanity is obliged to Aruggle VoL. III. R fo of affliétion is filled even to the brim, have but too wellj juftificd my apprehenfions. The letters which I have received from you upon this head, have forced tcars from my eyes. Pofterity will learn, withaftonifhment and indignation, that a caufe like yours, the juftice of which is fo evident, was made the fubject of debate for no lefs than five days fucceflively. Alas ! when humanity is obliged to Aruggle VoL. III. R fo --- Page 150 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA P. fo long againft vanity and VII. obtained! prejudice, its triumph is dearly 66 Ir is a long time that the fociety of Amis des Noirs employed themfelves in have finding out the means to foften lot as well as that of the flaves. It is your fible-to do good with entire difficult-perhaps impof ofthis focicty has drawn impunity. The meritorious zeal upon them much ble writers have lanced their obloquy. Defpicapudent libeis have poifonous fhafts at them, and imnever ceafed to repeat objcétions and calumnies, which have been a hundred times anfivered How often have we been accufed of and refuted. and being fold to the Englifh, ofbeing paid by them for fending and arms ? You know, youinflammatory writings nefs of thefe my fricnds, the weaknefs and wickedcharges. We have inceffantly recommended you attachment to your country, refignation and to waiting the return of juftice ! patience, while our Nothing has beeu able to cool zeal, or that of your brethren of mixed blood who Paris. M. Raimond, in particular, has devoted are at heroically to your defence. With what himfelf moft have feen this tranfport would you diflinguithed citizen, at the bar of the national affembly (of which he ought to be a member) the affeding piéture of laying before it your miferies, and frenuoufly your rights ! If that affembly had facrificed claiming tarnifhed its It them, it would have glory. was its duty to decree with plain itfelf clcarly, and caufe its laws juftice, to eXfirmnefs: it has done to be executed with fo; and if (which God forbid !) fome eveht, hidden in the womb of fhould from us, would it not be better futurity, to have tear our colonies a lofs to deplore, than an injuftice to reproach ourfelves with i 66 CITIZENS! ifhed its It them, it would have glory. was its duty to decree with plain itfelf clcarly, and caufe its laws juftice, to eXfirmnefs: it has done to be executed with fo; and if (which God forbid !) fome eveht, hidden in the womb of fhould from us, would it not be better futurity, to have tear our colonies a lofs to deplore, than an injuftice to reproach ourfelves with i 66 CITIZENS! --- Page 151 --- SAINT DOMIN N G O. < CITIZENS! raife once more your humiliated countenances, C IAP. and to the dignity of men, affociate the courage and noblenes VII. are of a free people. The Isth of May, the day in which you rccovcred your rights, ought to be for ever memorable to you and to your children. This epoch will periodically awaken in you fentiments of gratitude towards the Supreme Being; and may your accents afcend to thc vault of heaven, towards which your grateful bands willbc extended ! At length you havc a country. Hereafter you will fee nothing above you but the law ; while the opportunity of concurring in the framing ir, will affure to you that indefeatible right of all mankind, the right of obeying yourfelves only. c You have a country : and it will no longer be a land of exile, whcre you meet none but tyrants on the one hand, and companions in misfortunc on the other; the former diftributing, and the latter receiving, contempt and outrage. The groans of your afflictions were punifhed as the clamours of rebellion ; and fituated betwcen the uplifted poinard, and certain death, thofe unhappy countries were often moillened with your tears, and fometimes ftained with your blood. 66 You have a country: : and happinefs will fhinc on the feat of your nativity. You will now enjoy in pcace the fruits of the fieldswhich you have cultivated without compulfion. Then will be filled up that interval, which, placing at an immenfe diftance from cach other, the children of thc fame father, bas fuppreffed the voice ofnature, and brokc the bands of fraternity afunder. Then will the chafte enjoyments of conjugal union take place ofthofe vile fallies of debauchery, by which thc majefty of moral fentiment has been infultcd. By what. ftrange R 2 perverfion the fieldswhich you have cultivated without compulfion. Then will be filled up that interval, which, placing at an immenfe diftance from cach other, the children of thc fame father, bas fuppreffed the voice ofnature, and brokc the bands of fraternity afunder. Then will the chafte enjoyments of conjugal union take place ofthofe vile fallies of debauchery, by which thc majefty of moral fentiment has been infultcd. By what. ftrange R 2 perverfion --- Page 152 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF C H A P. pervertion of reafon can it be deemed VII. difgraceful in a white man to marry a black or mulatto woman, when it is not thought difhonourable in him to be connedled with her in the moft licentious familiarity! 46 THE lefs real worth a man poffeffes, the more he feeks to avail himfelfofthe. appearances of virtuc. What can be more abfurd than to make the merit of a perfon to confift in different fhades of the fkin, or in a complexion more or lefs fallow ? The man who thinks at all muft fometimes blufh at being a man, when he fees his fellow-creatures blinded by fuch ridiculous prejudices ; but as, unfortunately, pride is one of thofe failings we moft unwillingly part with, the empire of; prejudice is the moft difficult to fubvert: man appears to be unable to arrive at truth, until he has exhaufted his ftrength in travelling through the different paths of error. 66 THIS prejudice againft the mulattoes and negrocs has however no exiftence in our Eaftern colonies. Nothing can be more affeéting than the eulogium made on the people of colour by the inhabitants of that part of the world, in the inftruétions given by them, to thofe they have appointed their deputies to the national affembly. The members of the academy of fciences pride themfelves in reckoning a mulatto of the Ifle of France in the number of their correipondents. Among ourfelves, a worthy negro is a fuperior officer of the diftriét of St. Hypolite, in the department of Gard. We do not conceive that a difference of colour can be the foundation of different rights among members of the fame political fociety. It is therefore we find no fuch defpicable pride among our brave national guards, who offer themfelves to embark for the Weft Indies The members of the academy of fciences pride themfelves in reckoning a mulatto of the Ifle of France in the number of their correipondents. Among ourfelves, a worthy negro is a fuperior officer of the diftriét of St. Hypolite, in the department of Gard. We do not conceive that a difference of colour can be the foundation of different rights among members of the fame political fociety. It is therefore we find no fuch defpicable pride among our brave national guards, who offer themfelves to embark for the Weft Indies --- Page 153 --- SAINT DOMINGO Indics to infure the execution of our decrees. Perfeétly con- CHA P. Vil. curring in the laudable lentiments manifefted bv theinhabitants of Bourdeaux, they acknowledge with them, that the decree refpedting the people of colour, framed under the aufpiccs of prudence and wifdom, is an homage rendered to reaton and juitice. While the deputies from the colonies havc cndeavoured to calumniate your intentions, and thofe of the mercantile part of the nation, thc conduct of thofe deputies is perfecily contradictorv. Ardently foliciting their own admiffion among us at Verfailles; ; fivearing with us in the Tennis Court not to feparate from us, until the conftitution fhould be eftablifhed, and then declaring, when the decree ofthe I;th of May was paffed, that they could no longer continue to fit with us ! This dcfertion is a defertion of their principles, and a breach of their folemn oaths. 46 ALL thofe white inhabitants of the colonies who are worthy the name of Frenchmen, hav'c haftened to abjure fuch ridiculous prejudices, and have promifed to regard you in future as brothers and friends. With what delightful fenfations do we cite the words of the citizens of Jacmel : 4 We fwear to 6 obey, without referve, the decrccs of the national affembly 6 refpedting our prefent and future conftitution, and even fuch € of them as may fubftantially change it! The citizens of Port au Prince tell the national aflembly thc fame thing, in different words: € Condefcend, gentlemen,' fay they, 6 to reccive the oath which the municipality has taken to you, in the name of the commons of Port au Prince, punétually to obey and execute all your decrees,and never to fwverve from them - in any refpeét whatfoever.' < THUS. refpedting our prefent and future conftitution, and even fuch € of them as may fubftantially change it! The citizens of Port au Prince tell the national aflembly thc fame thing, in different words: € Condefcend, gentlemen,' fay they, 6 to reccive the oath which the municipality has taken to you, in the name of the commons of Port au Prince, punétually to obey and execute all your decrees,and never to fwverve from them - in any refpeét whatfoever.' < THUS. --- Page 154 --- T26 HISTORICAL SURVEY OF C H A P. <6 THUS has philofophy its horizon VII. enlarged in the new world, and foon will abfurd prejudiçes have no other fapporters than a few inferior tyrants, who with to perpetuate in America, the reign of that defpotifm which has been abolifhed in France. 66 WHAT would thefe men have faid, ifthe people of colour had endeavoured to deprive the whites of their political advantages? With what energy would they not have exclaimed at fuch an opprefiion ! Inflamed into madnefs at finding that your rights have been pointed out to you, their irritated pride may perhaps lcad them to make cvery effort to render our decrees ineffeétual. They will probably endeavour to raife fuch dif turbances, as, by wrefting the colonies from the mother-country, will enable them to defraud their creditors of their juft debts. They have inceffantly alarmed us with threats that St. Domingo will be loft, if juftice be rendered to you. In this affertion we bave found nothing but falfehood : we pleafe ourfelves in the belief, that cur decree will draw the bands ftill clofer which unite you to the mother country. Your patriotifm, your intereft, and yourafeétions, will concur in inducing you to confine your commercial connections to France only ; and the reciprocal tributes of induftry will eftablifh between hcr and her colonies a conftant interchange of riches and good offices. If you act unfaithfully towards France, you willbe the bafeft and moft abandoned ofthe human race. But no ! generous citizens, you will not become traitors to your country: you fhudder at thc idea. Rallied, with all other good Frenchmen, around the ftandard of liberty,lyou will defend our glorious conftitution. The day fhall arrive, when the reprefentatives of the people of utes of induftry will eftablifh between hcr and her colonies a conftant interchange of riches and good offices. If you act unfaithfully towards France, you willbe the bafeft and moft abandoned ofthe human race. But no ! generous citizens, you will not become traitors to your country: you fhudder at thc idea. Rallied, with all other good Frenchmen, around the ftandard of liberty,lyou will defend our glorious conftitution. The day fhall arrive, when the reprefentatives of the people of --- Page 155 --- SAINT DOMINGO of colour will crofs the ccean to take their feats with us, and C HA P. fwear to live and die under our laws. The day Thall arrive VII. among you when the fin will fhine on none but freemen; when the ravs of light fhall no longer fall on the fetters of flavery, It is true, the national affembly has not yct raifed the condition of the enflaved negroes to a level with your fituation; becaute fuddenly granting the rights, to thofe who arc ignorant of the duties of citizens, might perhaps have been a fatal prefent to them: but forget not, that they, like yourielves, are born to freedom and perfcét cquality. It is in the irrefiftible courie of things that all nations, whofe liberty has been invaded, fhall recover that precious portion of their indefeafible inheritance ! 66 You are accuied of treating you flaves much worfe than the whites: but, alas ! fo various have been the detractions with which you have been alperfed, that it would be weaknefs in us to credit the charge. If, however, therc be any foundation for what has been advanced on this head, 1o conduct yourfelves in future as to prove it will be a fhameful calumny hereafter. (6 YoUR oppreffors have heretofore endeavoured to hide from their flavcs the light of chriftianity, becaufe the religion of mildnefs, equality, and liberty, fuits not with fuch bloodthirty men. May your conduét be the reverfe of theirs, Univerfal love is the language of the gofpel ; your paftors will make it heard among you. Open your hearts to receive this divine fftem of morality. We havc mitigated your misfortunes : alleviate, on your part, thofe of the unhappy viétims of avarice, who moiften your fields with their fweat, and often chriftianity, becaufe the religion of mildnefs, equality, and liberty, fuits not with fuch bloodthirty men. May your conduét be the reverfe of theirs, Univerfal love is the language of the gofpel ; your paftors will make it heard among you. Open your hearts to receive this divine fftem of morality. We havc mitigated your misfortunes : alleviate, on your part, thofe of the unhappy viétims of avarice, who moiften your fields with their fweat, and often --- Page 156 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP VII. oiten with their tears. Let the no longer their torment; but exiftence of your flaves be expiate the crimes of by your kind treatment of them, 46 By Europe ! leading them on a duty : you will progreffively to liberty, you will fulGl prepare for yourfelves the moft comfortable refedions: you will do honour to profperity of the colonies. humanity, and infure the wards your Such will be your conduét totowards brethren, the negroes ; but wbat ought it to bc your fathers, the whites? Doubtlefs permitted to fhed tears over the afhes of you will be and the unfortunate Ferrand de Baudiere, and Ogé, aflaffinated under the forms dying on the wheel for having withed of law, may he among you perith, who Thall to be free ! But idea of revenge againft dare to entertain an delivered over to the your perfccutors ! They are already covered with ftings of their own cternal infamy. The confeiences, and are held by the abhorrence in which they prefent race of minkind, only exccration of pofterity. Bury then in eternal precedes the fentiment of hatred, and taite the delicious oblivion every ferring benefits On your oppreffors. pleafure of conexpreffions of your joy, which, in Reprefs even too marked their own injuftice towards caufing them to refleét on you, will make their more pungent. remorfe ftill 66 STRICTLY obedient to the laws, teach fpect them. By a careful your children to reduties of education, inftruet them in all the morality; ; fo fhall you prepare for the neration, virtuous citizens, honourable fucceeding geand defenders of their country ! men, enlightened patriots, 66 How will their hearts be affeéted when, condudting them. to --- Page 157 --- SAINT DOMIN G O: to your fhores, you dire&t their looks towards France, telling C II VII. A P. them, C beyond thofc fcas is your parent country; it is from 6 thence we have received juftice, protedtion, happinels, and 6 liberty. There dwell our fellow citizens, our brethren, and our friends : to them we have fworn an cternal friendihip. 6 Heirs of our fentiments, and of our affections, may your € hearts and your lips repcat our oaths ! Live to love them ; and, ifi neceffary, die to defend them!" 66 Signed, GREGOIRE" & Paris, 8th June, 1791." Vor ILL, ; it is from 6 thence we have received juftice, protedtion, happinels, and 6 liberty. There dwell our fellow citizens, our brethren, and our friends : to them we have fworn an cternal friendihip. 6 Heirs of our fentiments, and of our affections, may your € hearts and your lips repcat our oaths ! Live to love them ; and, ifi neceffary, die to defend them!" 66 Signed, GREGOIRE" & Paris, 8th June, 1791." Vor ILL, --- Page 158 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. VIII. Reception and Proccedings of the Civil Commifioners, and their Return 10 France-National Decree ofthe 4th of April1792Appointment of a new Governor (Monf: Delparbes) and three other Conmilfioners (Santhonax, Polverel, and Ailland)- Their Embarkation and Arrival, wvith afeledt Body fTropsTheir violent Proceedings- T- - Appointment, by the Exccutive Council, ef. M. Galbaud as Chief Governor, in the room of Departes-His Arrival, and Difputes wvith the CommifenersBoth Parties proceed t0 hoftilities-The revolted Negroes called into the Allfance of the Coumifeners-A general Malfacre of the TPhite Inhabitants, and Confagration ef the Torun ef Cape Frangois. CHA P. civil commiflioners who werc to reftore peace and fubVIII. THE ordination in St. Domingo, and whofe arrival there was January noticed in the laft Chapter, were named Mirbeck, Roome, and 1792. St. Leger. Mirbeck and Roome had formerly been known as advocates in the parliaments of Paris; and St. Leger, who was a native of Ireland, had praétifed many years in France as a furgeon. Although the confufion of the times had elevated thefe men to power, not one ofthem was diflinguifhed for CXtraordinary abilities, and their rank in life was not fuch as to command any great degrec of confideration from the planters. They were reccived however, from refpeét to their appointL ment, --- Page 159 --- SAINT D O MIN G O. with and fubmiffion, both by the governor and C H A P. ment, politenefs VIII. the inhabitants. Military honours were thewn them, and they à to the cathedral, where the blef 1792. were led in publick proceffion fing of the Almighty was devoutly implored for fuccefs to their miffion. THEIR firft proceeding, after announcing the new conftitution and form of government for the mother country, as confirmed by the king, was to publith the decrec of the 24th of September 1791, by which the fatal decree of the 1sth of May was annulled. So far all was well: but a few days afterwards they took upon them to proclaim a general amnefty and pardon to fuch people, of all defcriptions, as fhould lay down their arms, and come in, within a certain preferibed time, and take the oathis required by the new conftitution. This meafure loft them the confidence of all the white inhabitants: a general amnefty to the men of colour and revolted flaves, was COIlfidcred as a juftification of the moft horrible enormities, and as holding out a dangerous example to fuch of the negroes as preferved their fidelity; and it loft its effeét on the mulattoes, by being accompanied with a repeal of their favourite decree. With what contempt and indignity it was received by the latter, the following circumftance will demonftrate, At Petit Goave, the mulattoes were mafters, and held in clofe confinement thirty-four white perfons, whom they referved for vengeance. On the publication of this amnefty, they led them to exccution: but inftead of putting them to immediate death, they caufed each of them to be broken alive; and in the midit of their tortures, read to them, in a ftrain of diabolical mockS 2 ery, what contempt and indignity it was received by the latter, the following circumftance will demonftrate, At Petit Goave, the mulattoes were mafters, and held in clofe confinement thirty-four white perfons, whom they referved for vengeance. On the publication of this amnefty, they led them to exccution: but inftead of putting them to immediate death, they caufed each of them to be broken alive; and in the midit of their tortures, read to them, in a ftrain of diabolical mockS 2 ery, --- Page 160 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CH VIII. A P. ery, the proclamation aloud; affedting to confider it as a pardon for the cruelties they had juft committed. 1792. THE unlimited and indefinite authority which the commiffioners feemed to claim, alarmed the colonial affembly, who defired to be informed of the nature and extent of their powers. To this requeft no fatisfaétory anfiver being given, the commiffioners loft ground in the publick opinion daily; and their perfonal conduét, as individuals, contributed by no means to acquire them refpeét. Mirbeck fpent the greateft part ofhis time in the praétice of low debauchery, giving indulgence to his vicious propenfities without reftraint or decency. St. Leger confidered his appointment as an authority to exaet money, in which he was little ferupulous, and laid the few mulatto people who remained faithful, under a moft unmerciful contribution. Roome alone conducted himfelf without reproach: he was a well-meaning inoffenfive man, and attempted, though without cffeét, to act the part of a mediator between the different factions which defolated the country. This praife at leaft was given him-that ifhe did no good, he did no harm. AFTER a fhort ftay at Cape François, the commifioners vifited other parts of the colony; but finding themfelves every where very lightly regarded, and having no troops to fupport their authority, they returned feparately to France in the months of March and April. TROOPS however, as I have obferved, had arrived from Franccto the number in the whole of about four thoufand; but, in factions which defolated the country. This praife at leaft was given him-that ifhe did no good, he did no harm. AFTER a fhort ftay at Cape François, the commifioners vifited other parts of the colony; but finding themfelves every where very lightly regarded, and having no troops to fupport their authority, they returned feparately to France in the months of March and April. TROOPS however, as I have obferved, had arrived from Franccto the number in the whole of about four thoufand; but, in --- Page 161 --- SAINT D o 1 MI N G O. in the fpirit of the times, they manifefted very little obedience C H VIII. A P. either to the civil commiffioners, or the governor,o ofthe colony; - yet they ferved as a chcck to the revolters, who would other- 1792. wife, in all probability, beforc this time, have become mafters both of Cape Irançois and Port au Prince. In the Northern province, the rebel negroes indleed were fuppofed to be confiderably reduced by difeaic and famine. Having deftroyed all the provifion grounds, and devoured thc cattle of all kinds on the plain of the Capc, they had now taken poffeffion of the furrounding mountainous diftriéts, and were compelled by their chicfleader, Fean Frangois, a negro of great fagacity, to plant provifions for their future fubfiftence; a meafure which has kept the flamcs of rcbellion alive to the prefent hour. IN thc mean time, the ftate of publick alfairs in the mother country was tending to a great and ominous change. Ever fince the flight and feizure oftheirunhappy king, in the month of June 1791, the faétion was hourly increafing in numbers which was foon to lay the kingdom in ruins, and bring the monarch himfelf to the feafiold. The Jacobin party, héaded by a blood-thirfty triumvirate (a), werc beconring all-powerful; and the fociety of Anis des Noirs had once more acquired a fatal afcendancy in the legiflative body, On thc 29th of February, one of them, named Garan de Coulon, after a long and inflammatory harangue againft the planters in general, propofed the form of a decree for abrogating that of the 24th of September, declaring a general amnefty throughout all the French colonies; and enacting, that new coionial affemblies fhould (a) Danton, R.cbefpierre, and Marat Anis des Noirs had once more acquired a fatal afcendancy in the legiflative body, On thc 29th of February, one of them, named Garan de Coulon, after a long and inflammatory harangue againft the planters in general, propofed the form of a decree for abrogating that of the 24th of September, declaring a general amnefty throughout all the French colonies; and enacting, that new coionial affemblies fhould (a) Danton, R.cbefpierre, and Marat --- Page 162 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF, CHAP VIII. thould be formed, which fhould tranfinit their fentiments not only on the fubjeet of the internal government of the 1792. but alfa 072 the bef method gf efecting the abolition colonies, IN mgroflacery TOTO, FRANTICK as the new legiflature (b) had fhewn itfelf on many occafions fince its firft mecting, a majority could not at this time be found to vote for fo fenfelefs and extravagant a propofition; but in about two months afterwards, this affembly paffed the famous dccree of the 4th of April 1792, of which it is neceffary the reader fhould be furnifhed with a at and it is conceived in the words following: copy large; 6 Trs national affembly acknowledges and declares, that the people of colour and free negroes in the colonies ought to enjoy an equality of political rights with the whites; in confequence of which it decrecs as follows: ARTICLE Ift. Immediately after the publication ofthe fent decree, the inhabitants of each of the French colonies pre- in the Windward and Leeward Iflands, thall procced to the reeleétion of colonial and parochial affemblies, after the mode prefcribed by the decree of the 8th of March 1790, and the inftructions of the national affembly of the 28th of the fàme month. (8) The former affembly is generally known by the name of the Confiturnt Afiembly, The new one met the ift of OStober 1791, and called itfelf the Firft Legifatice Affembly, 2d, Tre --- Page 163 --- SAINT DOMINCO, 2d. THE pcoplc of colour and free negroes thall be admitted C H A P. to votc in all the primary and electoral affemblics, and fhall bc VIII. cligible to the legiflature and all placcs of truft, provided they 1792. poffe(s thc qualifications preferibed by thc 4th article of the aforefaid inftructions. 3d. THREE civil commiffioners Thall be named for the colony of St. Domingo, and four for the iflands of Martinico, Guadaloupe, St. Lucia, and Tobago, to fec this decree enforced. 4th. THE faid commiffioners fhall be authorized to diffolve the prefent colonial affemblies; to take every meafure neceffary for accelerating the convocation of the primary. and eleétoral affemblies, and therein to eftablifh union, order, and peace: as well as to determinc provifionally (referving the powerofappeal to the national affembly) upon evcry queftion which may arife concerning the regularity of convocations, the holding of affemblies, the fori of cleétions, and the eligibility of citizens. sth. THEY are alfo authorized to procure every information poffible, in order to difcover the authors of the troubles in St, Domingo, and the continuance thereof, if they ftill continue; to fecure the perfons of the guilty, and to fend them over to France, thcre to bc put in a ftate of acculation, Scc. 6th. THE faid civil commiffioners Thall be dircéted for this purpofe to tranfnit to the national affembly minutes of their proceedings, and of the cvidence they may have collcéted concerning the perfons accufed as aforcfaid. ;th, THE of the troubles in St, Domingo, and the continuance thereof, if they ftill continue; to fecure the perfons of the guilty, and to fend them over to France, thcre to bc put in a ftate of acculation, Scc. 6th. THE faid civil commiffioners Thall be dircéted for this purpofe to tranfnit to the national affembly minutes of their proceedings, and of the cvidence they may have collcéted concerning the perfons accufed as aforcfaid. ;th, THE --- Page 164 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF C H A P. 7th. THE national affembly authorizes the civil commiffioners VIII. to call forth the publick force whenever they may think it nle1792. ceffary, either for their own proteétion, or for the exccution of fuch orders as they may iffuc by virtue of the preceding articlcs. Sth. TIE executive power is direéted to fcnd a fufficient force to the colonies, to be compofed chiefly of national guards. gth. THE colonial affemblics, immediately after their formation, Thall fignify, in the name of cach colony refpeétively, their fentiments refpeéting that conftitution, thofe law's, and the adminiftration of them, which will beft promotc the profperity and happinefs of the people; couforming themfelves, neverthelefs, to thofe general principles by which the colonies and mother country arc conneéted together, and by which their relpedtive interefts are beft fccured, agrecably to the decrce of the Sth of March 1790, and inftructions of the 28th of the fame month. zoth. THE colonial affemblies are authorized to fcnd home ciclegates for the purpofes mentioned in the preceding article, in numbers proportionate to the population of each colony; which proportion Thall be forthwith determined by the national affembly, according to the report which its colonial committee is dircêted to make. rith. FORMER decrecs refpcéting the colonics Thall bc in force in every thing not contrary to the prefent decrcc.' 99 Ir --- Page 165 --- SAINT DOMING O. IT be that the men who (rejeéting all preten- C H A P. may fuppofed VIIL. fions to confiftency, and defpifing the leffons of experience) firft propofed this decree, and finally prevailed in carrying it through 1792. the legiflative affembly, had duly confidered of the means for enfuring its execution in the colonies, and were provided with fit infruments for that purpofe. The new commiffioners n1ominated for St. Domingo were Meffrs. Santhonax, Polverel, and Ailhaud, all of them among the moft violent of the Jacobin faétion; and it was refolved to furnifh them with fuch a force as (if properly employed) would, it was alledged, not only eftablifh their authority, but put a fpeedy end to all the difturbances which had fo long affliéted and defolated the COlony. Six thoufand men, felcéted with great circumipection, from the national guards, with officers whofe principles were well-known to their employers, were accordingly ordered to embark forthwith for St. Domingo. M. Blanchelande, the governor-gencral, was recalled, and a new commiffion of commander in chief given to a Monf. Defparbes. TaUS appointed and provided, the civil commiffioners and the new governor, accompanied by a fleet of thirty tranfports, took their departure from France in the month of July, probably in much the fame difpolition of mind towards the colonifts, as was manifefted by the Duke D'Alva and his Spanifh and Italian troops in 1568, towards the inhabitants of the Low Countries. Inflamed like them with a fpirit of avarice, fanaticifm, and revenge, they meditated on nothing but on the benefits to arife from feizure and confication; on fchemes of mifchief and projeéts of vengeance. VoL. 1I1. T THEY from France in the month of July, probably in much the fame difpolition of mind towards the colonifts, as was manifefted by the Duke D'Alva and his Spanifh and Italian troops in 1568, towards the inhabitants of the Low Countries. Inflamed like them with a fpirit of avarice, fanaticifm, and revenge, they meditated on nothing but on the benefits to arife from feizure and confication; on fchemes of mifchief and projeéts of vengeance. VoL. 1I1. T THEY --- Page 166 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF C H A P. THEY landed at VIIL. Cape François on the I3th of September, and finding M. Blanchelande at great variance with the colonial 1792. affembly, the commiffioners took the fhorteft courfe terminate the difpute, by forthwith diffolving the poffible to affembly and fending the unfortunate Blanchelande a ftate prifoner to France, where, as to be accufed was to be condemned, he foon afterwards perifhed by the guillotine (c). DISMAY and terror now prevailed throughout the colony. Delegates were fent to the civil commiflioners from all quarters, to demand an expofure and explanation of their views and intentions. Sufpicions were already gone forth concerning the projeét, which the commiffioners afterwards avowed, of declaring a general emancipation ofthe negro flaves; and all parties, as well among the republicans as the royalifts, concurred on this occafion in reprobating the folly and iniquity of the meafure. So general was thc clamour on this account, that if a firm and extenfive coalition of interefts among the planters could at this time have been effeéted, it is probable the commiflioners might have found that all the force they had brought with them would have proved infufficient for the purpofes which they meditated. Diffimulation therefore was thought neceffary for the prefent. They declared (and confirmed the declaration with the folemnity ofan oath) that they had no with nor intention to make any change in the fyftem of colonial government concerning the flaves; avowing the fulleft conviétion that the cmancipation of thofe people, under the then exifting circumftances, was impradicable-Their views, they faid, extended () 7th April 1793. proved infufficient for the purpofes which they meditated. Diffimulation therefore was thought neceffary for the prefent. They declared (and confirmed the declaration with the folemnity ofan oath) that they had no with nor intention to make any change in the fyftem of colonial government concerning the flaves; avowing the fulleft conviétion that the cmancipation of thofe people, under the then exifting circumftances, was impradicable-Their views, they faid, extended () 7th April 1793. --- Page 167 --- SAINT DOMINGO, extended no farther than to fee the decree of the 4th of C H. Vill. A P. April, in favour of thc free people of colour, properly enforced; U to reduce the flaves in rebellion to obedience, and to fettle the 1792. future government and tranquility ofthc colony on a folid and permanent foundation. THESE, and fimilar, declarations filenced, though they did not fatisfy, the white inhabitants; who foon perceived, with unavailing indignation, that the commiffioners held fecret communications with the chiefs of the mulattoes in all parts of the colony. By the co-operation of thofe people, the commiffioners foon found their ftrength fufficient to avow themfelves openly the patrons and protectors of the whole body of the frce negroes and mulattocs: and they now made no fcruple of fciziug the perfons and effeêts of all fuch of the whites as oppofed their projeêts; fending great numbers of them in a ftate of arreft to Europe, to anfwer before the national affembly to the accufations which they pretended to tranfmit againft them. Among the perfons thus imprifoned and tranfported to France, were comprehended the colonel, licutenant-colonel, and many other officers of the Cape regiment. THE white inhabitants now called aloud for the eleétion of a new colonial aflembly, and hoped that the neceffity ofl levying taxes would induce the commiffioners to iffue orders for that purpofe; but inftead of complying with the publick requeft, they fubftituted what was called une conmilfion intermediaire, by nominating twelve perfons, ix of whom had been members of the laft affembly, to act as a fort oflegiflative council: the other T 2 fix now called aloud for the eleétion of a new colonial aflembly, and hoped that the neceffity ofl levying taxes would induce the commiffioners to iffue orders for that purpofe; but inftead of complying with the publick requeft, they fubftituted what was called une conmilfion intermediaire, by nominating twelve perfons, ix of whom had been members of the laft affembly, to act as a fort oflegiflative council: the other T 2 fix --- Page 168 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF C H A P. fix were mulattoes. To this motley board, the VIII, commiffioners delegated authority to raife money from the inhabitants; referv1792. ing to themfelves, however, the right of appropriating and expending it, as they alone fhould think proper. IN the meanwhile, the new governor (Defparbes) began to manifeft fome figns of diffatisfaction and impatience. Hc complained that he was confidered as a mere cypher in the government, or rather as an inftrument in the commiffioners' hands. His complaints were anfivered by a refolution to arreft his perfon; and he avoided the fate ofhis predeceffor, Monf Blanchelande, only by a fpeedy fight from the colony, Two members out of the fix whites that compofed a moicty of the commifton intermediaire, met with fimilar treatment. They ventured to offer their opinion On a meafure of finance, in oppofition to that of M. Santhonax. The commiffioners commended their franknefs, and M.Santhonax invited them to a fapper. The invitation was accepted; but at the hour appointed, they found themfelves furrounded by a detachment of the military, which conveyed them to very forry entertainment in the hold of a fhip, and there left them as ftate prifoners (d). THE commifioners, in the next place, fell out among themfelves; and Santhonax and Polverel determined to get quit of (d) To one ofthefe gentlemen I am indebted for more valuable and extenfiveinformation than I have been able to colleét through any other channel. In his to Europe, the thipin which he was confined was (fortunately for him) captured voyage by an Englifh frigate, which brought him to England, where I had the happinefs to render him fome acceptable fervice. their ftate prifoners (d). THE commifioners, in the next place, fell out among themfelves; and Santhonax and Polverel determined to get quit of (d) To one ofthefe gentlemen I am indebted for more valuable and extenfiveinformation than I have been able to colleét through any other channel. In his to Europe, the thipin which he was confined was (fortunately for him) captured voyage by an Englifh frigate, which brought him to England, where I had the happinefs to render him fome acceptable fervice. their --- Page 169 --- SAINT DOMING O. their affociate Ailhaud. Prudently judging, however, that the C H A P. publick degradation of one of their own body would refleét fome VIII. degree ofignominy on them all, they perfiaded him to be con- 1793. tent with a proportion of the common plunder, and filently quit the country. Ailhaud fubmitted with a good grace to what he could not avoid. By thefc, and other means, above all by the praétice ofbeftowing largeffes on the troops, and the acquifition ofa defperate band of auxiliaries, compofed of fome ofthe revolted flaves, and vagabonds of all colours and defcriptions, moftly colleéted from the jails, Santhonax and Polverel, in the beginning of the year 1793, found themfelves abfolute mafters of the colony. The lives and properties of all the white inhabitants lay at their mercy, and the dreadful fcenes which were at that time paffing in the mother country, enabled thefe men to profecute their purpofes, and gratify their vindictive and avaricious paffions, without notice or controul from any fuperior. Bur the tragedy which was aéting in France, was no fooner brought to its cataftrophe, by the foul murder of their amiable and unoffending fovereign, and war declared againft Grcat Britain and Holland, than the perfens who compofed what was called the executive council, thought it neceflary to pay fome little attention to the fafety of St. Domingo. Not having however leifure or inclination to enter into a full inveitigation of the complaints received from thence, they declined to revoke the powers exercifed by the civil commifioners, and contented themfelves with appointing a new governor, in the room of M. Def- and unoffending fovereign, and war declared againft Grcat Britain and Holland, than the perfens who compofed what was called the executive council, thought it neceflary to pay fome little attention to the fafety of St. Domingo. Not having however leifure or inclination to enter into a full inveitigation of the complaints received from thence, they declined to revoke the powers exercifed by the civil commifioners, and contented themfelves with appointing a new governor, in the room of M. Def- --- Page 170 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA VIII. P. M. Defparbes. Their choice fell on Monf. Galbaud, an officer à of artillery, and a man of fair charaéter, whom direéted 1793. to embark for his new government without they in delay, one of the national frigates, and put the colonv into the beft ftate of defence againft a foreign enemy. GALBAUD, with his fuite of attendants, landed at Cape François on the;th of May, 1793, to the greatjoy ofthe white inhabitants. At that period, the civil commiffioners; with moft of their troops, were employed in thc Weftern province, endeavouring to quell an infurreétion there which their had created; fo that Galbaud was received with acclamations tyranny and fubmiflion by the municipality of the town of the Cape; to whofe place of mecting he repaired with his attendants, took the neceffary oaths, and entered on his government without oppofition. He declared, at the fame time, that hc was not dependent on the civil commiffioners, nor bound to execute, at all events, their proclamations. A VERY quick interchange of letters took place between the new governor and the commiffioners. He defired them to re-; pair immediately to the Cape, that he might communicate the inftruétions he had received from the executive council, They anfwvered that hc was an entire franger to them; that they had feen no decree of the national convention by which they themfelves were fuperfeded, and that being vefted with authority to fupend or appoint a governor, as they alone might think proper, hc could only be confidered as an agent fubordinate to themfelves:-They added, that they were then affembling an army --- Page 171 --- SAIN T DOMINGO. army to fupprcfs a rebellion in the town and neighbourhood of C H A P. VIII. Port au Prince; but as foon as that bufinefs was at an end, they would repair to the Cape, and examine into the validity ofhis 1793pretenfions. ON the Ioth of June the civil commifioners, having reduccd Port au Prince and Jacmel, arrived at the Cape. The ftreets were lined with troops, and they were received by Galbaud with attention and refpeét. A very ferious altercation however immediately took place betwecn them, highly difadvantageous to the governor. There exifted, it feems, a decree of the ancient government, unrepealed by the national affembly, enaéting that no proprietor of an cftate in the Weft Indies fhould hold the government of a colony wherein his eftate was fituated, and M. Galbaud was poffeffed of a coffee-plantation in St. Domingo. When therefore he was afked why he had not acquainted the executive council with this circumftance, hc was utterly difconcerted and had no reply to make. ON the 13th, the commiffioners ordered M. Galbaud to embark forthwith on board the floop of war La Normande, and return to France. At the fame time they fent inftructions to Monf. de la Salle, whom they had left commandant at Port au Prince, to repair to the Cape and receive from them, in the name of the French republick, the command of the colony. THE feven following days werc fpent on both fides in intrigues, and preparations for hoftilities. Galbaud's brother, a man of fpirit and enterprize, had colleéted from among the inhabitants, board the floop of war La Normande, and return to France. At the fame time they fent inftructions to Monf. de la Salle, whom they had left commandant at Port au Prince, to repair to the Cape and receive from them, in the name of the French republick, the command of the colony. THE feven following days werc fpent on both fides in intrigues, and preparations for hoftilities. Galbaud's brother, a man of fpirit and enterprize, had colleéted from among the inhabitants, --- Page 172 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF C H A P. inhabitants, the Cape militia, and the feamen VIII. in the harbour, a frong party to fupport the governor's authority. On the 1793. 2oth, the two brothers landed at the head of one thoufand two hundred failors, and being joined by a confiderable body of volunteers, immediately marched in array towards the government houfe, in which the commiffioners were ftationed. Thc latter were defended by the people of colour, a body of regulars, and one piece of cannon. The confliét was fierce and bloody. The volunteers manifefted great firmnefs, but the feamen getting poffeffion of a wine cellar, foon became intoxicated and ungovernable; and the column was obliged to rctire to the royal arfenal, where they remained the enfuing night unmolefted. THE next morning many fkirmifhes took place in the ftreets, with various fuccefs, in one of which Galbaud's brother was taken prifoner by the commifioners' troops; and in another, the feamen that were fighting on the part of Galbaud made captive Polverel's fon; andnow an extraordinary circumftance occurred. The governor fent a flag propofing that his brother might be cxchanged for the commifioner's fon; but Polverel rejeéled the propofal with indignation; declaring in anfiver, that his fon knew his duty, 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 bcen related of faétious anarchy, and favage cruclty, in this unfortunate colony. On the firit approach of Galbaud with fo large a body of feamen, the commiffioners difpatched agents to call in to their affiftance the the propofal with indignation; declaring in anfiver, that his fon knew his duty, 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 bcen related of faétious anarchy, and favage cruclty, in this unfortunate colony. On the firit approach of Galbaud with fo large a body of feamen, the commiffioners difpatched agents to call in to their affiftance the --- Page 173 --- SAINT DOMIN G O. the revolted negrocs; offering them an unconditional pardon C IA P. for pait offences, perfeét freedom in future, and the plunder of VIII. the city, The rebel generals, Fean François and Bielont, rc- 1793jeéted their offers; but Oll the 21f, about noon (juft after that Galbaud and moft ofhis adherents, finding their caufe hopelcfs, had retired to the fhips) a negro chicf called Maceya, with upwards of threc thoufand of the revolted flaves, entered the town, and began ai univerfal and indiferiminate flaughter of men, women, and children. The white inhabitants fed from all quarters to the ica-fide, in hopes of finding Thelter with the governor on board the fhips in the harbour; but a body of the mulattoes cut off their retreat. and a horrid butchery eniued, which continued witb uaremitting fury from the 21ft, to the evening of the 2gd; when tac favages, having murdered allthe white inhabitants that fell in their wav, fet fire to the buildings; and more than halfthe city was eonfumed by the fiames. The commiffioners themi lves, either terrified at beholding the lamentalle and exteniive mitchief which they had occafioned, or afraid to truft their perfons with their rebel allies, tought protcétion under cover ofa th'p ofthc line. The proclamations which they publifhed from time to time in palliation of their cenduét, manifeft a confcioufheS of guilt which could not be feppreffed, and form a record of their villanies, for which the day of retribution awaits, but fill lingers to evertake them! () () Wher this was written, the author did nct know tha: Santhonax alone furvives. Polvere! died in 1794. Santhonax has lately appcared before the national efembly, and been proncunced guiltkfs! Vor. III. U Suci their cenduét, manifeft a confcioufheS of guilt which could not be feppreffed, and form a record of their villanies, for which the day of retribution awaits, but fill lingers to evertake them! () () Wher this was written, the author did nct know tha: Santhonax alone furvives. Polvere! died in 1794. Santhonax has lately appcared before the national efembly, and been proncunced guiltkfs! Vor. III. U Suci --- Page 174 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CIAP. Suci was the fate of the oncc flourifhing and beautiful caVIll. pital of St. Domingo!-a city which, for trade, opulence, and J:93. magniticence, was undoubtedly among the firft in the Weft Indics-perhaps in the new world: and here I Thall clofe for the preient, the difgufting detail of confpiracies, rebellions, crimes, crucities, and conflagrations (a uniformity of horrors !) through which the nature of my work has compelled me to travely-rejoicing that T have at latt Efcap'd the Stygian poo', tho'long detain'd In that obfcure fojourn j MILTON. And have the pleafing tafk to perform of rendering due homage to the gallant and enterprizing fpirit of my countrymen in their noble-but alas! hitherto unatailing-endcavours to reitore peace, fubordination, and good government on this thcatre of. anarchy and bloodfhed. Previous to which, however,it will be a relief and fatisfaction to the reader to be prefented with a pidture or ftate oft the colony, as it exiftedin the days ofits profperity;- its culture, population, and produce ;-its growing importance and commercial value. Hitherto, we have contemplated 10thing but icenes of defolation.-We fhall now behold a pleafing contraft in the bleffings of regular government : due fubordination, focial order, extenfive commerce, peaceful induftry, increafing cultivation, fmiling plenty, and general happinefs : The conclufions to be drawn from the contemplation of fcenes S different in their nature, are ofi importance to all mankind. --- Page 175 --- SAINT DOMING O. T'he Account given above of the Defrusion efthe City ef Cape François, was drawn up with as much Caution as the Cafe femed to requiresfrom Information tranfnitted 1o the Authorby Perfors in Tamaica and St. Domingo, forne efcubom diferedis many efential Circumfances from others. He had aftersvards an Opportunity of comverfing perfonally Gn the Subjeêt woith a Gentleman of St. Domingo, 01 zahofe Veracity and Honour he could. place thefullef Dependance, by zuhoin he Su25 favored oitht the, folloxing Notes or Memoranda in Iriting, wuhich he thinks bef to lay before his Readers verbatim. NOTES. SUR T'EYENEMENT DU CAr.. LEGeneral Galbaud. avoit mandé au Cap les commif CHAP faires Santhonax et Polverel, de la maniere la plus imperieufe; VIII. lcs commiffaires fe font déterminés a s'y rendre par terre de S. Marc, d'oû ils font partis le 8 Juin, accompagnés de 400 mulâtres et 200 blancs, ct compris leurs coupc tête les dragons d'Orleans. Ils ont fait leur entrée au Cap d'une maniere afléz audacicufe pour en impofer. GALBAUD avait deja indifpofé les habitans du Cap par une addreffe, ou proclamation, qui ordonnait une contribution de 450 mille livres, dont la perception a été faite de la façon la plus viclente, et qui tenait plus du pillage que d'une contribution.. LE General Galbaud n'avait fait aucunc difpofitions pour fe preferver des relolutions et des entreprifes des commiffaircs, qui entrerent cependant d'une maniere menaçante. U2 ALA ofer. GALBAUD avait deja indifpofé les habitans du Cap par une addreffe, ou proclamation, qui ordonnait une contribution de 450 mille livres, dont la perception a été faite de la façon la plus viclente, et qui tenait plus du pillage que d'une contribution.. LE General Galbaud n'avait fait aucunc difpofitions pour fe preferver des relolutions et des entreprifes des commiffaircs, qui entrerent cependant d'une maniere menaçante. U2 ALA --- Page 176 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CH A F. A LA premicre entreviie des General VIII. Galbaud et des commiffaires, en la maifon dela commiflion (le gouvernement) Ies premiers compliments, il y eut explication fur les pouvoirs apres du general; les commiffaires lui opoferent un decret qui deffendait qu'aucun proprietaire dans la colonie pûty commander niyavoir d'autorité; et accuferent M. Galbaud d'avoir dilimulé au confeil executif qu'il avait des proprictés. PENDANT ce demélé, qui dura près de deux jours, les agents des commiffaires préparaient les efprits a les laiffer faire, et a ne point fe méler de la difeution, dans laquelle Santhonax nait cependant une grande preponderance. preGALBAUD, voyant que perfonne ne s'empreffait a le foutenir, et prevoyant fans doute une chute humiliante, demanda aux commiflaires de s'en retourner en France, préférant la retraite, a des pouvoirs conteftés; ce qui lui fut accordé fur le champ, et il s'embarqua le 14. LE 17 Galbaud réiinit tous les matelots de la rade et ceux des vaiffeaux de guerre, et projette de defcendre a la ville du Cap; il fait fon débarquement lc 18, et marche au gouvernement, où logeaient les commiffaires, qui inftruits des mouvemens de Galbaud, rétinirent les troupes qui leurs etaient devouées, ct particulierement les mulâtres, et les embufquerent derriere les murs du gouvernement, dans toutes les ifsiies, fur les terraffes, &c. Auffitôt que lcs matelots furent a portée de piftolet, on fit des décharges, qui en tuerent ct blefferent un grand nombre, néanmoins les mulâtres furent ebranlés deux fois; mais le défordre dans les matelots determina le General Galbaud a faire fa retraite a l'arfenal; là, il fit une proclamation pour inviter les bons citoyens a fe réiinir a lui, pour chaffer les commiffaires, qui es, &c. Auffitôt que lcs matelots furent a portée de piftolet, on fit des décharges, qui en tuerent ct blefferent un grand nombre, néanmoins les mulâtres furent ebranlés deux fois; mais le défordre dans les matelots determina le General Galbaud a faire fa retraite a l'arfenal; là, il fit une proclamation pour inviter les bons citoyens a fe réiinir a lui, pour chaffer les commiffaires, qui --- Page 177 --- SAINT DOMINGO qui voulaient ufurper le gouvernement. Dès-lors lcs com- CHIA P. miffaires rétinirent aux mulâtres tous les négres de la ville, qui VIII. avaicnt deja pris parti dans l'aétion en affaffinant dans la ville; toutesles troupes quileurs avaientfervis a Jeur expedition, et les placerent par pelotons a chaque coin des ries,et dès qu'un blanc voulait fortir de chéz lui, ou paraiffait aux fenctres, il etait fufillé. PENDANT ce tems, et dès que les commiffaires eurent appris les mouvemens de Calbaud, ils-avaient depeché des exprès aux chefs des brigands, pour les engager a venir a leur fecours, et leurs offraient le pillage de la ville. LE 19 Galbaud capitule à l'arfenal, et 1e rend abord : ilyen mis en ctate d'arreflation, ainfi que PAmiral Cambis, etle ContreAmiral Sercey, qui font dépouilles de leur commandement. UNE proclamation des commiffaires avait precedamment a cet' évenement, misa contribution 37 negociants, ou riches particuliers, pour une fomme de 675 mille livres, qui parrait avoir été exigée et payée far l'heure. Le 19, au foir, le 20, le 21, les brigands entrent de toutes parts dans la ville du Cap, ayant a leur tête leurs chefs. Lepillage, les maffacrés, les flammes deviennent eifrovables; les hommes, les femmes, les enfans fout affaffinés, maffacrés, et éprouvent toutes les horreurs imaginables. LES malheureux de tout fexc, de tout àge, qui cherchaient a fe fauver en gagnant des embarcations, où a la nage, etaient fufillés même dans l'eau. IL parrait que dans le maffacrelesi négres ont frapésindiltinétement tous les partis, blancs, mulâtres, et que les blancs fe font deffendus contre tous avec un grand acharnement; néanmoins il maffacrés, et éprouvent toutes les horreurs imaginables. LES malheureux de tout fexc, de tout àge, qui cherchaient a fe fauver en gagnant des embarcations, où a la nage, etaient fufillés même dans l'eau. IL parrait que dans le maffacrelesi négres ont frapésindiltinétement tous les partis, blancs, mulâtres, et que les blancs fe font deffendus contre tous avec un grand acharnement; néanmoins il --- Page 178 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF C H A P. il parrait certain, que la population blanche a été entierement VIII. détruite, et qu'iln'a pas refté un feul blanc au Cap; O1l cftime, quc, s'ils'eft fauvé 12 a I5cO perfonnes abord, c'eft plus qu'on n'ofe l'efperer. LE convoi eft fortie du Cap le 23 pour l'Amerique, la majeure partie ayant très peu dc vivres, très peu d'eau, et plufieurs fans être préparés a ce voyage, fans mats ni voilles, & ceux qui ont reçu les malheureux qui fe font fauvés abord, n'y auront trouvé aucune fubfiftance. LA ville incendiée, détruite, fes habitans maffacrés, on affure qu'il ne refte que le gouvernement, une partie des cafernes, l'arfenal, et les maifons du Petit Carenager-léglifé et les fontaines détruites. LES commiffaires ont refté fpeétateurs tranquilles pendant le carnage et le maffacre ; dans leur maifon on a vu. Santhonax ferrer et preffer dans fes bras les chefs des. brigands, les appeller fes fauveurs, et leur témoigner leur reconnaiflance. LE 23 proclamation des commiflaires, qui invite et appelle tous les bons citoyens à fe rénir autour d'cux, et de laiffer partir les feélerats, qui vont aller fubir le jufte chatiment de leurs crimes; le convoi en parti le jour méme, &c la ville fumait encore. --- Page 179 --- SAINT DOMING G. CHAP. IX. Situation, Extent, andGenera! Defeription ofSt. Deminge-Origis ef the French Colony, and Topographical Defeription efthe Jeveral Procinces into which the French Pofel/Fons wvere divided Their Populations and Produce-Shipping and ExportsCompared ceith the Returns e3 Famaica. Ifiand of St. Domingo is fituated in the Atlantick CHAP. IX. THE Ocean, about three thoufand five hundred miles from the / Land's End of England S the eaftern point lying in north latitude 18 20,and in longitude 68° 40' W. from Greenwich. The ifland extends about one hundred and forty miles in the broadeft from north to fouth, and three hundred and ninety from part, eaft to weft. In a country of fuch magnitude, diverfified with plains of vaft extent, and mountains of prodigious height, is probably to be found every ipecies of foil which nature has affigned to all the tropical parts of the earth. In general, it is fertile in the higheft degree ; every where well watered, and producing almoft every variety of vegetable nature, for ufe and beauty, for food and luxury, which the lavifh hand of a bountiful Providence has beftowed on the richeft portion of the globe ; and the liberality of nature was laudably feconded by the induftry of the inhabitants. Until thofe ravages and devaftations which I have had the painful taik of reccrding, deformed and deftroyed, with undiftinguifhing barbarity, both the well watered, and producing almoft every variety of vegetable nature, for ufe and beauty, for food and luxury, which the lavifh hand of a bountiful Providence has beftowed on the richeft portion of the globe ; and the liberality of nature was laudably feconded by the induftry of the inhabitants. Until thofe ravages and devaftations which I have had the painful taik of reccrding, deformed and deftroyed, with undiftinguifhing barbarity, both the --- Page 180 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP, IX. the bountics of nature, and the labours of art; the pofleffions 1 of France in this noble ifland were confidered as the garden of the Weft Indies ; and for beautiful feenery, richnefs of foil, falubrity and variety of climate, might juftly be deemed the Paradife the New World. OF the territories which remained exclufively in poffeffion of the original conquerors, the Spaniards, my information is imperfect. I fhall hereafter give the befta account I have been very able to colleét concerning them. On the fouthern coaft, more cfpecially in the neighbourhood of the ancient city, from which the ifland derives its prefent name, the lands are faid to be among the beft, and without doubt a very large proportion of the remainder requires only the hand of the cultivator to become very produétive. The interior country contains extenfive favannahs, or plains, many of them occupied only by wild fwinc, horfes, and horned cattle ; for the Spaniards having exterminated the fimple and uhoffending natives, fupplied their place with herds of domeftick animals, which running wild, foon multiplied beyond computation. Thus does the tyranny ofman convert the fruitful habitations of his fellow-creatures into a wildernefs for beafts! In the prefent cafc, however, the crime brought down its own punifhment ;-a punifhment which almoft revenged the wrongs of the helplefs Americans; ;-and who does not with that avarice, ambition, and cruelty, may be thus always entangled in their own projeéts ? THE reader is doubtlefs apprized that I hcre allude to the eftablifhment in St. Domingo, of that daring and defperate band creatures into a wildernefs for beafts! In the prefent cafc, however, the crime brought down its own punifhment ;-a punifhment which almoft revenged the wrongs of the helplefs Americans; ;-and who does not with that avarice, ambition, and cruelty, may be thus always entangled in their own projeéts ? THE reader is doubtlefs apprized that I hcre allude to the eftablifhment in St. Domingo, of that daring and defperate band --- Page 181 --- SAINT DOMINGO, band of adventurers, the Bucaxiers:-an affociation conftituted CHAP. of men of all countries and deferiptions, but of whom it may IX. 1 truly be faid, that if felf-prefervation be a law of nature, the hoftilities which they maintained for upwards of fifty vears againft their oppreffors, were more juftifiable and legitimate in their origin, than all the wars which the pride and ambition of kings and nations have occafioned, from the beginning of the world to the prefent hour. As the cruelty of the Spaniards firft compelled thefe men, from a fenfe of common danger, to unite their ftrength, fo the blind policy of ftocking with cattle a country of fuch extent, became their fupport; for the ficfh of thofe animals fupplied them with food, and they purchafed arms, ammunition, and clothing with thefkins. Or the rife of thefe peoplc, and the primary caufe of their combining together to make reprifals O11 the Spanifh fettlements, a fhort account may be neceffary : I have eliewhere treated the fubjedt more at large (a).-They confifted originally of a body of French and Englith planters, whom, in the year 1629, a Spanith armament had expelled from the ifland of St. Chriftopher, with circumfances of outrageous barbarity. Driven from thence, by a force which they could not refift, as the only alternative of cicaping from flaughter or flavery, they fled in open boats with their families, and poffeffed themfelves cf the fmall unoccupied ifland of Toringa, fituated within a few miles of the northern coaft of St. Domingo. Here they were joined by a confiderable number of Dutch emigrants from (a) Vol. I. Booki ii. C.2. VoL. III. X Santa ances of outrageous barbarity. Driven from thence, by a force which they could not refift, as the only alternative of cicaping from flaughter or flavery, they fled in open boats with their families, and poffeffed themfelves cf the fmall unoccupied ifland of Toringa, fituated within a few miles of the northern coaft of St. Domingo. Here they were joined by a confiderable number of Dutch emigrants from (a) Vol. I. Booki ii. C.2. VoL. III. X Santa --- Page 182 --- 154HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP, Santa Crus, whom the avarice and IX. cruelty of the Spaniards had 1 compelled, in like manner, to roam over the ocean for fhelter, after having witnefled the maffacre of many of their number, even to the women and children. Companions in adverfity, thefe poor exiles learnt mutual forbearance from their common fufferings; for, although they were compofed of three different nations, they appear to have lived for fome years in perfect harmony with each other. Their modc of life contributed to produce the fame beneficial effect: finding a country of immeafurable extent in their neighbourhood abounding in cattle, their time was chiefly occupied in hunting ; an employment which left 110 leifure for diffenfion, and afforded them both exercife and food. The plains of St. Domingo were confidered, however, merely as their hunting grounds: Tortuga continued their home, and place of retreat. Here their women and young people cultivated fimall plantations of tobacco (an herb, of which, in hot and moift climates, the practice of inhaling the fmoke, feems to be pointed out by nature); ; and as the coaft was rugged, and of difficult approach, they fondly hoped that their obfcurity would proteét them from further perfecution. IF the government of Spain had been aétuated at this time by motives of wiftom, it would indeed have left thefe poor people to range over the wildernefs unmolefted. It ought to have known, that the occupation of hunting diverted them from projeéts of vengeance, and deeds of greater enterprize ; but tyranny is without forefight, and the reftlefs and remorfèlefs bigotry of the Spanifh nation allowed the fugitives no # refpite. An --- Page 183 --- SAINT DOMINGO An armament was colleéted, and preparations made to effeét CHAP. their utter extermination; the commanders of which, taking IX. occafion 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. Ir docs not appcar that the miferable peoplc who were thus purfued to deftruétion, Jike beafts of prey, had been guilty of any outrages or depredations On the fhips or fubjeéts of Spain, which called for fuch exemplary vengeance. Neither was it imputed to them as a crime that they had poffeffed themfelves of Tortuga, or that they roamed about the defarts of St. Domingo in purfuit of cattie which had no owners. Their guilt contifted in the circumfance of being born out of the Sparifh territories, and prefuming neverthelets to venture into any part ofthe 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 as, in their judgment, conftituted a portion of the newlv-difcovered hemifpherc ; and ftrict orders were iffued to all their commanders, by fea and land, to feize the thips and fubjeéts of all other people that fhould be found within the boundaries which they had preferibed, and to punifh the intruders with flavery or death.-We have feen in what manner thofe orders were executed. X2 Ir ive right of failing on any fuch part of the main ocean as, in their judgment, conftituted a portion of the newlv-difcovered hemifpherc ; and ftrict orders were iffued to all their commanders, by fea and land, to feize the thips and fubjeéts of all other people that fhould be found within the boundaries which they had preferibed, and to punifh the intruders with flavery or death.-We have feen in what manner thofe orders were executed. X2 Ir --- Page 184 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. IX. Ir is evident, therefore, that no alternative remained to the occupiers of Tortuga, but to turn on their purfuers, and wage offenfive war on thofe who would allow of no peace with them. Ifthe juftice of their caufe be fill a queftion, let the records of time be confulted ; let an appeal be made to that rule of conduét, which (to ufe an eloquent expreffion of Lord Coke) is written by the finger gf God 012 the heart of man ; and let hiftory and reafon determine, whether any inftance of hoftility, in the annals of mankind, can be defended on better grounds. To fuch men, in fuch a caufe, no dangers were too formidablc, no obftacles too grcat. Inured by their mode of life, to the viciffitudes of the climate, united among themfclves, and animated by all the motives and paflions which can inflame the human mind to great exertion, they became the moft formidable antagonifts which the Spaniards had ever encountered, and difplayed fuch deeds of valour and fuccefsful enterprize, as (all circumftances confidered) have never bcen equalled before or fince. FROM a party of thefe adventurers (chicfly natives of Normandy) the French colony in St. Domingo derived its origin. By what means they were induced to feparate from their affociates in danger, to relinquifh the gratification of revenge and avarice, and exchange the tumults of war for the temperate occupations of hufbandry, it is neither within my province nor ability to explain. Many of them, without doubt, were men who had been driven from Europe by indigent circumftances and defperate fortunes ; fome, by the cruelty of creditors; and others, perhaps, by the confcioufhefs of their crimes, colony in St. Domingo derived its origin. By what means they were induced to feparate from their affociates in danger, to relinquifh the gratification of revenge and avarice, and exchange the tumults of war for the temperate occupations of hufbandry, it is neither within my province nor ability to explain. Many of them, without doubt, were men who had been driven from Europe by indigent circumftances and defperate fortunes ; fome, by the cruelty of creditors; and others, perhaps, by the confcioufhefs of their crimes, --- Page 185 --- SAINT DOMING O. crimes. Captivated by the renown, and allured by the CHAP. IX. wealth of the Bucaniers, they joined in their expeditions againft the Spaniards from no better motives than thofe of. plunder and rapine ; and to fuch men muft bc imputed thofe outrages and exceffes which have ftamped the proceedings of the whole aflociation with infamy (b). But therc is a time for (b) I conceive, however, that thefc havc been wonderfully magnifed and exaggerated. The rarrative calied The Hijlory efthe Bisaniers, publifhed towards the latter end of the laft century, which has been queted by writers of all defcriptions ever fince as of unqueftionable authority, was criginally written in Dutch, by one John Elquemeling, who confefles that he had been one of the Bucaniers, and was expelled from their fociety. The reports of fuch a writer ought to have been reccived with great caution ; but there is a ftill ftronger circumftance to excite fulpicion 3 and it is this : The Englith wo:k is not taken from the Dutch original, but from a Spani/h tranfation; and to fuppole that a Spaniard would (peak favourably of the Bucaniers, is the very excefs ofhuman credulity, Not having the original book to refer to, I cannot pronounce with certainty; but I am of opinion, that many of the tragical flories concerning the torture of the Spanifh prifoners, and the violation of the women, are interpolatiens of the Spanifh tranflator. I form this conclufion from the malignity difplayed towards the charaSter of the famous Sir Henry Mergan. If we may belicve the account given of this gallant commander, he was the moft inhuman monfer that ever exifted. Yet this very man (who by the way aéted under a regular commifion and letters of repriza! from g.vernment) after he had quitted the fe3, w2s recommended by the earl of Carlifle to be his fucceffor in the government cf Jamaica, and was accordingly appointed licutenant-governor in the earl's abfence, He afterwards received the honour of knighthocd frcm King Charlcs II. and paffed the remainder of his life on his plantation in Jamaica. By the kindnefs of a friend in that ifland, I have had an opportunity of perufing fome of Sir Henry Morgan's original privare leiters; and this I will fay, that they manifeft fuch a (pirit of humanity, juftice, liberality: and piety, as prove that he has either been grofsly traduced, or that he was the greatef hypocrite living j-a charaéter ill-fuited to the frank and fearlefs temper ci the man, all of his life on his plantation in Jamaica. By the kindnefs of a friend in that ifland, I have had an opportunity of perufing fome of Sir Henry Morgan's original privare leiters; and this I will fay, that they manifeft fuch a (pirit of humanity, juftice, liberality: and piety, as prove that he has either been grofsly traduced, or that he was the greatef hypocrite living j-a charaéter ill-fuited to the frank and fearlefs temper ci the man, all --- Page 186 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. all things; ; and thc change of life in thefe men confirms the IX. obs fervation of an elegant writer, that 66 as there is no foil which 66 will not fhew itfelf grateful to culture, fo there is n0 difpo46 fition, 110 charaéter of mankind, which may not, by dexterous 66 management, be turned to the publick advantage (c)." It was a happy circumflance in the infancy'of their eftablifhment, that while thcy were too obicure for the notice of the government, they had no check given to their indufry by the chill influence of poverty. Toa fortunate exemption from the hand of power, and the facility with which they were fupplied with the common neceffaries of life, they were indebted for their prefervation and profperity. A mediocrity of condition, and equal freedom, cxcited the fpirit of emulation among them; but oppreffion would have produced difcouragement: ; and floth, not induftry, is the oifspring of wwretchednefs. OF the progreftive purfuits of thefe people in extending the footing which they had obtained, until the .French government accepted their fubmifion, acknowledged them as faithful fubjecls, and availed itfelfof their labours,--and the final ceffion to France of the weftern part of St. Domingo, by the peace of Ryfwvick, the reader will find an ample account in the hiftory of this ifland by Perc Charlevoix. Itis therefore unneceffary for me to detail what an author fo well informed in the ancient tranfactions of the colony, has written. All that my Englifh reader will expcct, is an account of the political and topographical ftate of the colony ; its population, produce, and ex- (e) Europcan Settiements, Vol, II. p. 109. ports of St. Domingo, by the peace of Ryfwvick, the reader will find an ample account in the hiftory of this ifland by Perc Charlevoix. Itis therefore unneceffary for me to detail what an author fo well informed in the ancient tranfactions of the colony, has written. All that my Englifh reader will expcct, is an account of the political and topographical ftate of the colony ; its population, produce, and ex- (e) Europcan Settiements, Vol, II. p. 109. ports --- Page 187 --- SAINT DOMI N G O. ports at the time my Hiftory commences; and thefe particulars C. HAF P. will be found in what remains of the prefent Chapter. IX. TIE poffeffions of the French in St. Domingo, as I have elfewhere obferved, were divided into three gieat departments, called thc 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-lix parithes. Its population, in the beginning of 1790, confifted of 11,996 white inhabitants 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 mnfcovado, or raw fugar. It reckoned 2,009 plantations of coifee, 66 of cotton, 443 ofindigo, and 215 fmaller eflablithments, fuch as provifion-grounds, cacao-groves, tan-pits, potteries, brick-kilns, &c. OF the towns and harbours in the Northern Province, the chief were thofc of Cape François, Fort Dauphin, Port De Paix, and Cape St. Nicholas. I fhall treat only ofthe firft and.. the laft. THE town of Cape François (which in time ofwar was the 1cat ofthe French government) would have ranked, for beauty and regularity, among the citics of the fecond clafs in any part of Europe. It confifted of between eight and nine hundred houfes of ftonc and brick, many of themi handfome and conmodious, befides fhops and warchoufes; and it contained twQ magnificent De Paix, and Cape St. Nicholas. I fhall treat only ofthe firft and.. the laft. THE town of Cape François (which in time ofwar was the 1cat ofthe French government) would have ranked, for beauty and regularity, among the citics of the fecond clafs in any part of Europe. It confifted of between eight and nine hundred houfes of ftonc and brick, many of themi handfome and conmodious, befides fhops and warchoufes; and it contained twQ magnificent --- Page 188 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA P. magnificent fquares, ornamented each with a publick fountain. iX. The chicf " publick buildings were the church; the governmenthoufe (formerly a convent belonging to the Jefuits); a fuperb barrack fortroops; a royal arfenal; a prifon; a play-houfe; and two hofpitals. The number of free inhabitants of all colours, was eftimated at eight thoufand, exclufive of the king's troops and ica-faring people. The domeftick flaves were faid to be about twelve thoufand. The fituation of the town, however, was not to be commended. It was built at the foot of a very high mountain, called Le Morn du Cap, which abounds indeed with fprings ofexcellent water, and furnithed a great fupply of garden vegetables, but it intercepted the land-wind, and reverberated the rays of the fun. The town arofe to opulence chiefly from the commodioufhefs of its harbour, and the extremne fertility of the plain adjoining it to the eaft, a- diftriét fifty miles in length, and twelve in breadth, appropriated folely tothe cultivation of fingar (the plantations of which were divided from each other only by hedges of citrons and limes) and yielding greater returns than perhaps any other fpot of the fame extent in the habitable globe. THE town of Capc St. Nicholas confifts ofabout 250 houfes, which are chiefly built of American wood. It is fheltered by a high bluff, called the Mole; and having been a free-port, was a place of confiderable trade, and particularly reforted to by the fhips of America. It is chiefly known, however, for the fafety and extent of its harbour, which is juftly called the key oftl.c Windward paffage; and thc fortifications towards the fca are reckoned among the ftrongeft in the Wcft Indies. On the fide of houfes, which are chiefly built of American wood. It is fheltered by a high bluff, called the Mole; and having been a free-port, was a place of confiderable trade, and particularly reforted to by the fhips of America. It is chiefly known, however, for the fafety and extent of its harbour, which is juftly called the key oftl.c Windward paffage; and thc fortifications towards the fca are reckoned among the ftrongeft in the Wcft Indies. On the fide of --- Page 189 --- S A IN T D O MIN GO. the heights, and C H A P. of the Jand they are overlooked by furrounding IX. bence it is concluded, that although it might be difficult to take à armament, it would be Atill more diffithe place by an invading obtained alfo of cult to retain it afterwards, unlefs poffeffion was the interior country. THE Weftern province began at Cape St. Nicholas, and exalong the line of coaft which forms the bight of Leotending terminated at Cape gane, for upwards of one hundred leagues, Tiburon, It contained fixteen parifhes, and four chief towns, namely, Port au Prince, St. Marc, Leogane, and Petit Goave; 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 ofPort 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 ofthe colony. In 1790 it confifted confidered as the metropolis ofa about 600 houfes, and contained 2,754 white inhabitants (d). The fituation is low and marfhy, and the climate, in confeunhealthy. It is furrounded moreover by hills, quence, very both the town and the harbour; but both the which command (a) The free people of colour were eftimated at 4,000, and the enflaved negroes but in the general return for the whole diftrié, at about 8,000: being comprehended they are no where afcertained with precifion. hills VOL. III. Y --- Page 190 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA IX. P. hills and the vallies are abundantly fertile. To the eaft is fituated the noble plain of Cul de Sac, extending from thirty to forty miles in length by nine in breadth, and it contained one hundred and fifty fugar-plantations, moft of which were capable of being watered in times of drought, by canals admirably contrived and dilpofed for that purpote. The circumjacent mountains were at the fame time clothed with plantations of coffee, which extended quite to the Spanith fettlements. THE population and ftate of agriculture in the Weftern Province were as follow: white inhabitants of all ages 12,798; negrocs in a ftate of flavery 192,901; plantations of clayed fugar 135, of mufcovado 222. Plantations of coffee 894, of cotton 489, ofindigo 1,952, befides 343 fmaller fettlements. THE Southern Province, extending upwards of fixty leagues from Cape Tiburon, along the fouthern coaft of the ifland to L'Ance a Pitre, contained twelve par:fhes, and three chief towns, Les Cayes, Jeremie, and Jacmcl; places of which I thall hereafter have occafion to fpeak. It poffeffes no fafe harbours, and its roads are dangerous. The fhipping that load at Les Cayes take refuge, during the hurricane feafon, at La Baye des Flamands. THE population in this department was compofed of 6,037 whites, and 76,812 negro flaves. Its cftablifhments confifted of58 plantations of white figar, and IIO of mulcovado; 214 coffee- Jacmcl; places of which I thall hereafter have occafion to fpeak. It poffeffes no fafe harbours, and its roads are dangerous. The fhipping that load at Les Cayes take refuge, during the hurricane feafon, at La Baye des Flamands. THE population in this department was compofed of 6,037 whites, and 76,812 negro flaves. Its cftablifhments confifted of58 plantations of white figar, and IIO of mulcovado; 214 coffee- --- Page 191 --- SAINT DOMINGO :63 coflee-plantations, 234 of cotton, 765 of indigo, and I19 CHAP IX. imaller fettlements. as THE quantity ofland in cultivation throughout allthe parifhes 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 Thall fubjcin a fummary of the preceding accounts, from whence it wvill appear that the French colony contained, the beginning cf 1790, 431 plantations of clayed fugar, - - of mufcovado, Total - 793 plantations of fugar, 3,117 of coffee, - of cotton, 3,160 - ofindigo, 5+ of cacao, or chocolate, 623 fmaller fettlements, chiefly for raifing grain, yams, and other vegetable food. Making 8.536 eftablithments of all kinds throughout the colony. THE (e) The carreau cfland in St. Domingo is IOO paccs fquare, of31 French feet cach; the fuperfices 122,500 feet. The Paris foot is divided intotwclveinches, and cachintotwelve lines; wherefore, if we fuppofe each line tol be dividedinto 310 parts, Y 2 the --- Page 192 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA P. THE population in 1790, on a like fummary, to IX. appears have been 30,831 whites of both fexes and all ages (exclufive of European troops and fea-faring people), and +34,429 negro flaves. In this account, however, the domeftick flaves, and negro mechanicks employed in the feveral towns, are not comprehended. They amounted to about 46,000, which made the number of negro flaves throughout the colony 480,000. OF the free people of colour, no very accurate account was obtained. Monf. Marbois, the intendant, reported them in 1787 at about 20,000. In 1790, the general opinion fixed them at 24,000. THE exterior appearance ofthe colony, as I have obferved in another place, every where demonftrated great and increafing profperity. Cultivation was making rapid advances over the country. The towns abounded in warchoufes, which were filled with the richeft commodities and produétions of Europe, and the harbours were crouded with thipping. There were freighted in 1787, for Europe alone, 470 thips, containing 112,253 tons, and navigated by 11,220 feamen. Many of them were veffels of very large burthen; and the following 1S an accurate account, from the intendant's return, of the general CXports, on an average of the years 1787, 1788, and 1789; viz. AVERAGE the Paris foot will be 1,440 parts, the London 1,350. Thefe proportions were fettled by the Royal Academy of Sciences. The Jamaica acre contains 43,5b0 Englifh feet fuperficial meafure; which being multiplied by 1,350, and the total divided by 1,440, gives 40,8371, or about one-third part of the carreau of St. Domingo. , of the general CXports, on an average of the years 1787, 1788, and 1789; viz. AVERAGE the Paris foot will be 1,440 parts, the London 1,350. Thefe proportions were fettled by the Royal Academy of Sciences. The Jamaica acre contains 43,5b0 Englifh feet fuperficial meafure; which being multiplied by 1,350, and the total divided by 1,440, gives 40,8371, or about one-third part of the carreau of St. Domingo. --- Page 193 --- SAINT DOMING O. AVERAGE EXPORTS FROM THE FRENCH PART OF ST. CHAP. IX. DOMINGO, BEFORE THE REVOLUTION. Livres. Clayed fugar - lbs. 58,642,214 - 41,049,549 Mufcovado fugar - - lbs. 86,549,829 - 34,619,931 Coffee - lbs. 71,663,187 - 71,663,187 Cotton - lbs. 6,698,8;8 - 12,397-716 Indigo - Hhds. - 951,607 - 8,564,463 Molaffes - - - Hhds. - 23,061 - 2,767,320 An inferior fort of rum,? Hhds. - 2,600 - - 312,000 called taffia - - - 1 Raw hides - - No 6,500 - - 52,000 Tann'd ditto a - N 7,900 - - 118,500 The total value at the ports of thipping, in of St. Domingo, was - - - - ahmppnones being cqual to 6-4956,780 fterling money of Great Britain; and if all the fmuggled articles were added, together with the value of mahogany and other woods, the whole amount would probably cxceed five millions of pounds fterling *, IF this ftatement be compared by the rule of proportion with the exports from Jamaica, the refult will be confiderably in favour ofSt. Domingo; i. e. it will be found that the planters of Jamaica receive fmaller returns from the labours of théir negrocs, in proportion to their numbers, than thc planters of St. * Vide Appendix, Table N2, from whence it will appear that the exports for 1791 greatly exceeded the average above given, both in quantities and value. Domingo probably cxceed five millions of pounds fterling *, IF this ftatement be compared by the rule of proportion with the exports from Jamaica, the refult will be confiderably in favour ofSt. Domingo; i. e. it will be found that the planters of Jamaica receive fmaller returns from the labours of théir negrocs, in proportion to their numbers, than thc planters of St. * Vide Appendix, Table N2, from whence it will appear that the exports for 1791 greatly exceeded the average above given, both in quantities and value. Domingo --- Page 194 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. IX. Domingohave received from theirs. For this difference various / - caufès have been affigned, and advantages allowed, and qualities afcribed to the French planters, which I venture to pronounce, on full enquiry, had no exiftence. The true caufe arofe, undoubtcdlv, from the fuperior fertility of the foil, and the' prodigious benefit which refulted to the French planters from the fiftem of watering their fugar-lands in extreme dry weather. This is an advantage which nature has denied to the lands in Jamaica, except in a very few places; but has freely beftowed Gn many parts of St. Domingo; and the planters there availed themfelves ofit with the happieft fuccefs (f). AND $f) Having made diligent enquiryinto the average produce of the French fugarlands in St. Domingo while on the fpot, I venture to give the following eftimate, 2S nearly founded in truth as the fubjeét will admit. In the North, the diftriets of Ouanaminthe, Maribaroux, and Quartier Dauphin, generalyieldel.from fix to feven thoufand pounds weight of mufcovado fugar for each carreau in canes; the average is 6,500 Jaquizi 7,000 Limonade 9,000 Qyarticr Morin 6,c00 Ilain da Nord, Limbé, Petite_Anfe 5,cco 33,500 The average of the wholc is 6,70olbs. each carreau.-Tbis part of St. Domingo was not watered. In the Wef-St. Marc, L'Artibonite, and Gonaives, cach Carreau yiclded 8,500 Vazes, Archaye, Loucaffin 10,000 Culde Sac 9,000 Lcogane 6,500 35CCo Theaverage is S,5c0lbs. the carreau.-All thefe diftriets werc watered, S In --- Page 195 --- SAINT' DOMINGO. AND fuch, in the days of its profperity, was the French C H A P. colony in the ifland of St. Domingo. I have now prefented to IX. my readers both fides of the medal. To GREAT BRITAIN, above all other nations of the earth, the facts which I havc rcIated may furnifh an important leffon; and it is fuch a one as requires no comment! In the South-the diftriets of GrandGoave, Les-Cayes, Plaine du Fond, L'Illet, Sc. which likewife were watered, yielded The general average, cn the whole, is 7, 500 lbs. from each carrcau in canes; to which add 8E per cent. for the difference between the Englifh and French weights, the total is 8,137lbs. for every threc acres Englifh, or 2,712 Jbs. per acre; ; being nearly two-thirds more than the generalyiclding of all the land in canes throughout Jamaica. es, Plaine du Fond, L'Illet, Sc. which likewife were watered, yielded The general average, cn the whole, is 7, 500 lbs. from each carrcau in canes; to which add 8E per cent. for the difference between the Englifh and French weights, the total is 8,137lbs. for every threc acres Englifh, or 2,712 Jbs. per acre; ; being nearly two-thirds more than the generalyiclding of all the land in canes throughout Jamaica. --- Page 196 --- DISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP X. Eanijgnatiou-0-stare to the Bririfh Government acceptedSituation and Strength ofthe Repablican Party in St. Domingo, and Difpofition of the Tahabiltautt-Ngre Slavery abolifed by the French Comifauri-Ahamwoal allottedfor the Invafion of the coury-Surreudor of feremie and the Mole at Cape St. Nicholas-Unfucefful Attempt 012 Cape Tiburon-Turther Proceedings eFihe Britifh Army antil the Arrival of General Tlyte-Copture f Port (1l4 Prince. CHAP. deftruction of the beautiful city of Capc François, X. TIE: the maffacre of moft oft the white inhabitants, were the fad events which terminated ourhiftorical detail at the clofe of the cighth Chapter. It was obferved, however, that M. Calbaud and his partizans, among whom wcre comprehended many refpcétable families, had fortunately embarked on the fhips in thc harbour, juft before thc revolted negroes entercd the town. Ilappy to fly from a country devoted to ruin, they direéted their courfc to the United Statcs of North America; and to the honour of the human charaéter (debafed as we have behcld itin other fituations) thcy found there, what great numle S of their unhappy fellow-citizens had found before them, a refuge from the reach of perfecution, and an afylum from the preffiure of poverty. EMIGRATIONS --- Page 197 --- SAINT DOMING O. EMIGRATIONS from all parts of St. Domingo I1oW prevailed C HA P. to a great extent. Many ofthe planters removed with their X. familics to thc neighbouring iflands; tome ofthem took refuge 1793in Jamaica; and feveral thoufands traniported themfelves to dinercnt parts cf the continent of North America. Moft of thefe were perfons of peaceable tempers, who fought only to procure the mere neceffarics ofl life in fafety and quiet. A few ofthe planters, having other objeétsin view, repaired to Great Britain. It is a circumftance within my own kuowledge, that fo carly as the latter end of 1791, application had been made by fome of them to the King's minifters, requefting that an armament might be fent to take poffefion ofthe country for the King of Great Britain, and receive the allegiance of the inhabitants. They afferted (-I am afraid with much greater confidence than truth-) that all clafles of the whites wifhed to place themfelves under the Englith dominion, and that, on the firft appearance of a Britifh iquadron, the colony would furrender without a ftruggle. Tothefe overtures no attention was at that time given; but in the beginning of 1793, fach reprefentations were laid before the Governor of Jamaica, by certain partizans from St. Domingo, as perhaps few men in General Williamfon's ftuatio:, zealous for the honour of his country, and emulous to diftinguith hinifelfin fome military enterprize, could eatily have withftood. He was affured by thote perfons (without any authority, as it arpeared afterwards, from the relident loyalifts) not only that the whole body ofthe French planters, throughout the colony, were impatient to furrender the country to the Britifh flag; but that eycn the future fafery of Jamaica depended VoL, III, Z very 's ftuatio:, zealous for the honour of his country, and emulous to diftinguith hinifelfin fome military enterprize, could eatily have withftood. He was affured by thote perfons (without any authority, as it arpeared afterwards, from the relident loyalifts) not only that the whole body ofthe French planters, throughout the colony, were impatient to furrender the country to the Britifh flag; but that eycn the future fafery of Jamaica depended VoL, III, Z very --- Page 198 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF C HA P. very much on the conqueft of St. X. Domingo. Reafons, not devoid of plaufibility, were urged in fupport of this laft affertion; 1793. and thus was this brave and excellent man induced to recommend this great enterprize to his Majefty's miniflers, and even to folicit permiffion to undertakeit witha fmoall part ofthe force under his command in Jamaica; no manner of apprehenfion being entertained by him of any formidable retiftancc. Treprojeathus recommendedandenforcedwas unfortunately approved and adopted: For, in the month of July following, his Majetty's pleafure was fignified to General Williamfon, that hc thould accept terms of capitulation from fuch diftriets ofSt. Domingo as folicited the proteétion of the Britifh Government; and he was authorifed to employ part of the force under his command, on fecuring the poffeffion of the places that might thus furrender. Ar this junéture, however, the only place in St. Domingo, the inhabitants of which had manifefted a decided wilh to transfer their allegiance to the King of Great Britain, was the little town of Jeremic, fituated at a fmall fea-port within the Bight of Leogane, in the difriét of Grand-Ance. Thefe people, byt the perfuafions and influence, it is faid, ofM. de Caducfh, had employed an agent in Jamaica to negotiate terms with the Governor for that purpofe. With this perfon therefore General Williamfon now concluded a treaty; and an exprefs was forth-. with difpatched to Jeremie to prepare the loyalinhabitants for a vifit from their new allies and protectors. K BUT,. fmall fea-port within the Bight of Leogane, in the difriét of Grand-Ance. Thefe people, byt the perfuafions and influence, it is faid, ofM. de Caducfh, had employed an agent in Jamaica to negotiate terms with the Governor for that purpofe. With this perfon therefore General Williamfon now concluded a treaty; and an exprefs was forth-. with difpatched to Jeremie to prepare the loyalinhabitants for a vifit from their new allies and protectors. K BUT,. --- Page 199 --- SAINT DO MINGO Bur, before I proceed to detail the'operations which followed C HA P. this outfct, it feems neceffary, as well for the fatisfaction ofthe X. reader, as in juftice to the gallantry and good conduet of the 1795officers and men who were afterwards fent to St. Domingo, that fome account fhould be given ofthe difficulties which were to arile, and the force that tyas tobe encountered in this attempt to annex fo great and valuable a colony to the Britifh dominion. Ia am well apprized that I am here treading on tendcr ground; but ifit Thall appear, as unhappily it will, that the perfons at whofe inftance and entreaty the fcheme was adopted, either mcant to deceive, or were themfelves grofsly deceived, in the reprefentations which they had made on this occalion, it is my province and my duty to place the failure which enfued to its proper account. The hiftorian who, in fitch cafes, from fear, favour, or affection, fuppreffes the communication of facts, is hardly lefs culpable than the faétious or venal writer, who facrificcs the interefts oftruth and the dignity of hiftory, to the prejudices of parts. THE republican commilioners, as the reeder has been informed, had brought with them from France fix thoufand chofen troops; which, added to the national forcc alreadv in the colony, and the militia of the country, conftituted a body of fourteen or fifteen thoufand cffcétive men; to whom were joined a motlcy but defpcrate band ofall complexions and defcriptions, chiefly flaves which had deferted from their owners, and negroes colleéed from the jails. All thefe, amounting in the whole to about twenty-two thoufand cffoétives, wcre brought into fome degree of order and difcipline; were well armed, and, what is of infnite importance, were, in a CO!lZ2 iderable ituted a body of fourteen or fifteen thoufand cffcétive men; to whom were joined a motlcy but defpcrate band ofall complexions and defcriptions, chiefly flaves which had deferted from their owners, and negroes colleéed from the jails. All thefe, amounting in the whole to about twenty-two thoufand cffoétives, wcre brought into fome degree of order and difcipline; were well armed, and, what is of infnite importance, were, in a CO!lZ2 iderable --- Page 200 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. fiderable degree, inured to the climate 2. *, Being neceffarily difperfed, however, in detachments throughout the different 1793. provinces, they were become on that account lefs formidable to an invading enemy. Aware of this circumiance, the comm.ffioners, o1l the frft intimation of an-attack from the Englifh, re. ted to the moft defperate expedient to ftrengthen their party, that imagination can conceive. They declared by clamation all manner of flavery abolifhed, and pronounced pro- the negro flaves to- be from thenceforward a free peopic, on condition of reforting to their flandard. From this mnoment it might have been forefeen that the colony was loft to Europe; for though but few ofthe negroes, in proportion to the whole, joined the commiflioners, many thoufands choofing to continue flaves as they were, and participate in the fortunes of their mafters, yet vaft numbers in' all parts of the colony (apprehenfive probably that this offer of liberty was too great a favour to be permanent) availed themfelves ofit to fecure a retreat to the mountains, and poffeis themfelves ofthe natural faftneffes which the interior country affords. Succeflive bodies have fince joined them, and have eftablifhed themfelves, in thofe receffes, into The following detail is authentick : a fort Treeps in St. Domingo on the arrival of Santbonax and Polverel; viz. Troops of the line which arrived with the commiffioners The regiment of Cape François 6,000 The regiments of Artois and Normandy Stipendary troops enlifted and paid for by the colony 1,000 The colonial militia, including free people of colour a 1,200 7,000 Black companies raifed by the authority of the commiffioners - 15,900 6,000 Total 21,900 ick : a fort Treeps in St. Domingo on the arrival of Santbonax and Polverel; viz. Troops of the line which arrived with the commiffioners The regiment of Cape François 6,000 The regiments of Artois and Normandy Stipendary troops enlifted and paid for by the colony 1,000 The colonial militia, including free people of colour a 1,200 7,000 Black companies raifed by the authority of the commiffioners - 15,900 6,000 Total 21,900 --- Page 201 --- SAIN T DOMINGO. 3 fort of favage republick, like that of the black Charaibes of C HAP. X. St. Vincent, where they fublif in a great meafure on the fpontaneous fruits of the earth, and the wild cattle which they pro- 1793; eure by hunting; prudently declining offenfive war, and trufting their fafety to the rocky fortreffes which nature has raifed around them, and from which, in my opinion, it will be no cafy undertaking to diflodge them (b). OF the revolted negrocs in the Northern province, many had perifhed of difeafe and famine; but a defperate band, amounting as it was fappofed to upwards of 40,000, inured to war, and praétifed in devaftation and murder, ftill continued in arms. Thefe were ready to pour down, as occafion might offer, on all nations alike; and.inftead ofjoining the Englith on their landing, (6) The proclamation alluded to, was iflued atl Port au Prince, was figned by Polverel alone, Santhonax being at that time in the Northern province. It begins by declaring, that neither himfelf nor Santhonax are recalled or difgraced. That, in order to encourage the negro flaves to aift in oppofing the medirated invafion ofthe Englith, all manner offlavery is abolithed; and the negroes are thenceforward to confider themfelves as free citizens. Itt then expatiates upon the necefity of labour, and tells the negroes that they muit engage to work 2S ufual, from year to year; but that they arc at liberty to makc choice of their refpeétive mafters. That one-third of the crop fhall be appropriated annualiy to the purchafe of clothing and provifions for their maintenance; and that in the month of September in each year they are at liberty to make a new choice, or to confirm that of the preceding year. Such, to the beft of my remembrance (for I fpeak from memory) are the chief provifions of this celebrated proclamation, which I think extended only to the Weftern and Southern provinces; Santhonax being empowered to make what other regulations he might think proper for the Northern province. The whole appears to have been a matchlefs piece of abfurdity; betraying a lamentable degree of ignorance concerning the manners and difpolitions cf the negroes, and totally imprasticable in itelf, to make a new choice, or to confirm that of the preceding year. Such, to the beft of my remembrance (for I fpeak from memory) are the chief provifions of this celebrated proclamation, which I think extended only to the Weftern and Southern provinces; Santhonax being empowered to make what other regulations he might think proper for the Northern province. The whole appears to have been a matchlefs piece of abfurdity; betraying a lamentable degree of ignorance concerning the manners and difpolitions cf the negroes, and totally imprasticable in itelf, --- Page 202 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. X, ing, would rejoice to facrifice both the viétorsa and the vanquithed, the invaders and the invaded, in one common deftruétion. 1793. CONCERNING the white proprietors, Oil whom alone our dependance was placed, a. large proportion, as we have feen, perhaps more than nine-tenths of the whole, had quitted the country. Of thofe that remained, Jore there were, undoubtedly, who fincerely wifhed for the reftoration of order, and the bleffings of regular government; but the greater part were perfons of a different charaéter: they were defperate adventurers who had nothing to lofe, and every thing to gain, by confufion and anarchy: not a few of them had obtained poffeffion ofthe effeêts and eftates of abfent proprietors. From people of this flamp, the moft determined oppofition was neceffarily to be expeéted; and unfortunately, among thofe ofbetter principle, I am afraid but a very fimall number were cordially attached to the 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 lower order ofmoblefe, and being tenacious oftitles and honours, in proportion as their pretenfions to real diftinétion were difputable; they dreaded the introduétion of a fyftem of laws and government, which would reduce them to the generallevel ofthe community, Thus, as their motives werc felfith, and their attachment fccble, their exertions in the common caufe were not likely to be very ftrenuous or efficacious. Ido not find that the number of French in arms, who joined us at any one period (I mean of white inhabitants) ever exceeded two thoufand. It were unjuft, however, not to obferve, that among them were fome able; they dreaded the introduétion of a fyftem of laws and government, which would reduce them to the generallevel ofthe community, Thus, as their motives werc felfith, and their attachment fccble, their exertions in the common caufe were not likely to be very ftrenuous or efficacious. Ido not find that the number of French in arms, who joined us at any one period (I mean of white inhabitants) ever exceeded two thoufand. It were unjuft, however, not to obferve, that among them were fome --- Page 203 --- SAINT DOMIN G O. fome diftinguihedindivedals, whofe fidelity was above fuipicion, C H A P. and whofe fervices were highly important (s). X. 1793FROM this recapitulation it is evident, that the invafion of St. Domingo was an enterprize of greater magnitude and difficulty than the Britifh government feem to have imagincd. Confidering the cxtent and natural ftrength of the country, it may well be doubted, whether all the force which Great Britain could have fpared, would have been fufficient to reduce it to fubjection, and reftore it at the fame time to fuch a degree of order and fubordination, as to make it a colony worth holding. The truth undoubtedly was, that General Williamfon, to whom tbe direétion and diftribution of the armament was entrufted, was deceived, equally with the King's minifters, by the favourable accounts and exaggerated repreientations of fanguine and interefted individuals, concerning the dilpolition of their countrymen, the white planters reminingin St. Domingo. Inftead of the few hundreds ofthem which afterwards reibrted to the Britifh fandard, the Governer had reafon to expect the fapport and (c) A few men of colouralio dilinguifhad themfelves in the common caufe; viz. Mlonfieur Le Pzint, Lieutenant-coloael ofthe St. Marc's legion, who, with about 300 Mulattoes under his command, kept the parifh of L'Archaye in complete fubjeétion for a confiderable time. 2. Beueget, Major of the Miilice Rejals of Verettes, a perfon much attached to the Englith. 3. Charles Savari, who commanded a very important poft in the plain of Art.bonite, upon the river D'Efterre. Great confidence was placedin this manby Colonel Brifbane, andit was never abuled, Ail thcfe men were well educated, and nourihed deep refentment againft the French planters, on account of the indignities which the clafs ofcoloured had received from them. At Cape Tiburon, three or four hundred blacks pcople were embodied very early, under a bleck general.named Iean Kina, who ferved viell and faithfully. commanded a very important poft in the plain of Art.bonite, upon the river D'Efterre. Great confidence was placedin this manby Colonel Brifbane, andit was never abuled, Ail thcfe men were well educated, and nourihed deep refentment againft the French planters, on account of the indignities which the clafs ofcoloured had received from them. At Cape Tiburon, three or four hundred blacks pcople were embodied very early, under a bleck general.named Iean Kina, who ferved viell and faithfully. --- Page 204 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY FOF CHA X. P. and co-operation of at leaft as many thoufands. In this fatal confidence, the armament allotted for this important 1793. was compofed of only the I3th regiment of feven expedition foot, companies ofthe 49th, and a detachment of artillery, altogether amounting to about cight hundred and feventy, rank and filc, 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 Arength . infinitely fuperior, to-Great Britain itfelf! Speedy and effeétual reinforcements from England were, however, promifed, as well to replace the troops which were removed from Jamaica, as to aid the opcrations in St. Doningo. IN the meantime, the firft divifion, confifting of fix hundred and feventy-feven rank and filc, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Whitelocke, failed from Port-Royal the 9th of September, and arrived at Jeremie on the 19th of the fame month. They were efcorted by Commodore Ford, in the Europa, accompanied by four or five frigates. As the propofitions, or terms of capitulation, had been previoufly adjufted between the people of Jeremic, by their agent, and General Williamfon, it only remained forthe Britifh forces to takc poffeffion of the town and harbour. Accordingly, the troops difembarked early the next morning; the Britifh colours were hoifted at both the forts, with royal falutes from each, which were anfwered by the Commodoreand his fquadron, and the oaths of fidelity and allegiance were taken by the refident ihabitants, with an appearance of great zcaland alacrity. Ar --- Page 205 --- SAINT DOMIN G O. Ar the fame time information was received, that the gar- C H A P. X. rifon at the Mole of Capc St. Nicholas, were inclined to furrender that important fortreis in like manner. As this was a N793circumftance not to be negledted, the Commodore immediately dircéted his courfe thither, and, 011 the 22d, took poffeffion of the fortrefs and harbour, and received the allegiance of the officers and privates. The grenadier company of the 13th regiment, was forthwith difpatched from Jeremie to take the command of the garrifon; which was foon afterwards ftrengthcned by the arrival of the fecond divifion of the armament Ordered from Jamaica, confifting of five companies of forty men each. THE voluntary furrender of thefe places raifed expectations in the people of England, that the whole of the French colony in St. Domingo would fubmit without oppofition; but the advantages hitherto obtained, feem to have been greatly overvalued. The town of Jeremie is a place of no importance.- It contains about one hundred very mean houfes, and the ccuntry 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 produétive than in the neighbourhood of Jeremie; but the harbour is one ofthe fineft in the new world, and the fortifications vie with the ftrongeft in the Weft Indies. U'nfortunately, from the elevation of the fitrrounding heights, the place is not tenable againft a powerful 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 itfelf, was. in the higheft VoL. III. A: a degree Jeremie; but the harbour is one ofthe fineft in the new world, and the fortifications vie with the ftrongeft in the Weft Indies. U'nfortunately, from the elevation of the fitrrounding heights, the place is not tenable againft a powerful 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 itfelf, was. in the higheft VoL. III. A: a degree --- Page 206 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP. degree hoftile: moft of the inhabitants, capable of bearing arms, X. left the place on the arrival of the Englith, and joined the re1:93- publican army. ZEALOUS, however, to promote the glory of the Britifh 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 utmolt importance towards the fecurity of Grand-Ance, and a M. Duval pledging himfelf to raife five hundred men to co-operate in its reduction, an expedition was undertaken for that purpofe, and Colonel Whitelocke, with moft ofthe Britith force from Jeremie, arrived in Tiburon Bay on the 1793- 4th of Oétober. Bur, on this occafion, as on almoft every other, the Englith had a melancholy proofhow little dependance can be placed On French declarations and affurances. Duval never made his appcarance, for he was not able to colleét more than fifty whites; the enemy's force was found to be far more formidable than had been reprefented, and the gallantry of our troops proved unavailing againft fuperiority of numbers. They were compelled to retreat, with the lofs of about twenty men killed and wounded *, THE defeat and difcouragement fuftained in this attack were the more grievoufly felt, as ficknefs foon afterwards began to * This Duval being afterwards fufpedted of correfponding with 'the enemy, was ordered to quit the ifland, and he went to America. prevail the enemy's force was found to be far more formidable than had been reprefented, and the gallantry of our troops proved unavailing againft fuperiority of numbers. They were compelled to retreat, with the lofs of about twenty men killed and wounded *, THE defeat and difcouragement fuftained in this attack were the more grievoufly felt, as ficknefs foon afterwards began to * This Duval being afterwards fufpedted of correfponding with 'the enemy, was ordered to quit the ifland, and he went to America. prevail --- Page 207 --- --- Page 208 --- - - M 1 wafn: CHATOYERI the CHIEF of the BLACK CArmnp Aron he lfi SI CHARACBESIS ly VINCENT 11 ithi bis Pommgns 1700 fivelIYES, he Ihthijbid. Harob :R, 12061 fr Lsnobinte Amelr --- Page 209 --- SAINT DONINGO prevail to a great extent in the army. The feafon ofthe year C I A P. X. was unfavourable in thc higheft degree for military operations NT climate. The rains were inceffaut ; and the 1793iu a tropical conftant and unufual fatigue, and extraordinary duty to which the foldiers, from the fmallnefs of their number, were ncceffarily fubjcet, co-operating with the ftate of the weather, produced the moft fatal confequences. That never-failing attendant on military expeditions in the Weft Indies, the yellow with dreadful virulence, and fo many, or peftilential fever, raged both ofthe feamen and the foldiers, perifhed daily, that the furvivors were ftricken with aftonifhment and horror at beholding the havock made among their comrades! GENERAL WILLIANSON, with his ufual humanity, exerted himtelf to give them all the relief in his power. Ushappily he had no alternative but either to withdraw the troops altogether from St. Domingo, leaving our allies and new fubjeôts, the French planters who had fivorn allegiance to our government, to the mercy of their enemies, or to fend, from an already exhaufted army, a fmall reinforcement of men, to perith probably in the fame manner as thofe had done whofe numbers they were fcarcely fufficient to replace. THE latter mcafure 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 thercfore difpatched with all pofible expedition ; and the fafety of Jamaica was at length entrufted to lefs than four hundred regular troops. Aa 2 THR perith probably in the fame manner as thofe had done whofe numbers they were fcarcely fufficient to replace. THE latter mcafure 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 thercfore difpatched with all pofible expedition ; and the fafety of Jamaica was at length entrufted to lefs than four hundred regular troops. Aa 2 THR --- Page 210 --- 18c HISTORICAL SURVEY OF C H A P. THE fudden appearance in St. X. Domingo of a reinforcement, though fmall in itfelf, produced however a confiderable effeét 1793- among the French planters, by inducing a beliefthat the Britifh government was now ferioufly refolved to follow up the blow. In the beginning of December, the parithes of Jean Rabel, St. Marc, Arcahaye, and Boucaffin, firrendered on the fame conditions as had been granted to Jeremic ; and their cxample was foon afterwards followed by the inhabitants of Leogane. All the former parifhes are fituated on the north fide of the Bight : Leogane on the fouth. THE Britifh commanders now direéted their views once more towards the capture of Tiburon. The defeat which our troops had fuftained in the late attack of that important poft, ferved only to animate them to greater exertions; but a confiderable time uuavoidably clapfed before the expedition took place; the interval being employed in fecuring the places 1794. which had furrendered. On the 2rft of January, however, the Commodore touched at Jeremie with the fquadron, and received the troops On board; and the whole arrived off Cape Tiburon on the evening of the firft of February. THE enemy appeared in confiderable force, and feemed to wait the arrival of the Britifh with great refolution ; but a few broadfides from the fhips foon cleared the beach. They came forward however again, as the flank companies approached the fhore, and direéted a general difcharge of muf quetry at the boats ; but our troops landed aud formed in an inftant, routed their line with great flaughter, and immediately took the troops On board; and the whole arrived off Cape Tiburon on the evening of the firft of February. THE enemy appeared in confiderable force, and feemed to wait the arrival of the Britifh with great refolution ; but a few broadfides from the fhips foon cleared the beach. They came forward however again, as the flank companies approached the fhore, and direéted a general difcharge of muf quetry at the boats ; but our troops landed aud formed in an inftant, routed their line with great flaughter, and immediately took --- Page 211 --- SAINT DOMIN G O. took poffeffion of the poft. Fhe gallantry of Major Spencer C H A P. X. who commanded, and of the officers and men who compofed, the flank companies, was particularly confpicuous. It feems, 179+. indeed, to have been a fpirited and well conduéted enterprize throughout ; and it was happily effected with the lofs of only three of the Englith killed, and feven wounded. Oft the enemy, one hundred and fifty furrendered prifoners of war;, and their magazines were found replete with ammunition: * By the poffeffion of this poft on the fouth, and that of the Mole at Cape St. Nicholas on. the north-weftern part of the ifland, the Britifh fquadron commanded. the navigation of the * I have fince been informed by an offcer of rank, who took a diftinguifhed part in this enterprize, that the real number of Britifh killed and wounded was twenty-five, This gentleman was himfelf among the wounded. The generous gallantry of a common failor, named Allen, belonging to the Penelope, deferves to be recorded in this place. Inflead of returning to his fhip with the boats, acccrding to orders, after the troops were landed, the failor jumped on thore, and feizing the firelock of a wounded foldier, fivore that he to0 would bave a dafb at the Brigands. But it was neceffary the troops fhould follow up their fuccefs, and it being found' impofible to take all the wounded men along with them, many of thole would have been left on the beach, in.a dark night, liable to be maflacred by a. favage enemy; which honeft Jack perceiving, he declared it was a more pleafing tafk to fave the lives of thefe poor fuffering men, than to kill half a fcore rebels. He therefore plunged into the water, the boats having pufhed off, and by hard fwimming reached' the Hound Sloop, laying near a mile from the fhore, and from her was fent to his own thip. Captain Rowley being by this means informed of the fituation of the wounded men, manned. his barge, and brought them all off himfelf;. and. with a very commendable attention towards fuch of them as died in the removal, ordered the Jieutenant to read the funeral fervice over them, by the light of a lanthorn, bcfore their bodies were committed to thc decp. Allen, the failor, was reprimanded for his breach of difcipline, but rewarded with. five pounds for his humanity. windiard to his own thip. Captain Rowley being by this means informed of the fituation of the wounded men, manned. his barge, and brought them all off himfelf;. and. with a very commendable attention towards fuch of them as died in the removal, ordered the Jieutenant to read the funeral fervice over them, by the light of a lanthorn, bcfore their bodies were committed to thc decp. Allen, the failor, was reprimanded for his breach of difcipline, but rewarded with. five pounds for his humanity. windiard --- Page 212 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA P. windward paffage, and the whole of that extenfive X. bay which forms the Bight of Leogane, and the capture of the forts, 1794. fhipping, and town of Port au Prince (the metropolis of the French colony) feemed more than probable, on the arrival ofa" Jarge armamentnow daily expedted, with much anxiety, from England. 1794. IN the meanwhile, it was determined (now that the feafon. was favourable) in order that the troops might not continue inaétive, as well as to facilitate the meditated reduétion of Port au Prince, to attack L'Acul, an important fortrets in the vicinity of Leogane. Accordingly, on the Igth of February, the flank companies, a detachment of the royal artillery, and of the 13th regiment, with fome colonial troops, having two five half-inch howitzers and two four-pounders, marched from thence under the command of Colonel Whitclocke, at four in the morning. Baron de Montalembert, with about two hundred colonial troops, and la few ofthe Britifh artillery, wereprevioufly embarked on tranfports, and ordered to land and attack the fort at an hour appointed. Captain Vincent, with the light infantry of the 49th, and about cighty of the colonial troops, took a mountain road, while Colonel Whitelocke moved forward O1l the great road, and took poft juft out of cannon fhot, waiting the united attacks of the Baron and Captain Vincent's detachments. The enemy began to cannonade about feven o'clcck, and continued it with intervals till eleven, when Colonel Whitelocke ordered Captain Smith, with the howitzers and cannon, to advance and fire upon the fort, fupported by the Jight infantry of the royals and i3th regiments, under the command --- Page 213 --- SAINT DOMINGO. command of Major Spencer, in order to give time for the C HA X. P. Baron's people to land. Unfortunately, from the mifinanagement of one of the tranfports, the troops under the orders of 1794. the Baron de Montalembert could not be landed. Colonel Whitelocke, therefore, finding he had nothing to expeét from them, the day being confiderably advanccd, now came to the determination of attacking the fort by ftorm ; and detached Major Spencer, with the grenadiers of the 49th regiment, and the light infantry of the I3th, to join Captain Vincent, and approach the fort by the mountain road, while he himfelf marched by the great road for the fame purpofe. At five o'clock, the two columns moved forward, and the moment the enemy difcovered the march of Colonel Whitelocke's divifion, they commenced a very heavy fire of cannon and mufquetry. Orders were immediately given for the column to advance and gain the fort, which orders were gallantly and rapidly executed. At this inftant, Lieutenant M-Kerras of the engineers, and Captain Hutchinfon of the royals, were both wounded ; but they continued their exertions, notwithftanding, till the fort was in quiet pofleftion of the viétors. Our lois was not great ; but Captain Morfhead (who had before rcceived a fhot in the body, when gallantly mounting the hill) with Lieutenant Tinlin of the 2oth grenadiers, Lieutenant Caulfield of the 62d regiment, and tome privates, were unfortunately blown up by an explofion after the fort was taken; for the officer who commanded, finding he could no longer defend it, placed a quantity of powder and other combuftibles in one of the buildings, which was fred by an unfortunate brigand, who perithed in the explofion. Captain Mlorthead died Morfhead (who had before rcceived a fhot in the body, when gallantly mounting the hill) with Lieutenant Tinlin of the 2oth grenadiers, Lieutenant Caulfield of the 62d regiment, and tome privates, were unfortunately blown up by an explofion after the fort was taken; for the officer who commanded, finding he could no longer defend it, placed a quantity of powder and other combuftibles in one of the buildings, which was fred by an unfortunate brigand, who perithed in the explofion. Captain Mlorthead died --- Page 214 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA P. died the next day, and was interred with X. military honours, attended by the Britifh garrifon ; Licutenant Caulfield lingered 1794. fome time longer, and then followed him to the grave ; but Lieutenant Tinlin.recovered *, Tre next enterprize of our gallant little army had a lefs favourable termination, It was directed againft a ftroug poft and fettlement at a place called Bombarde, about cight miles from Cape St. Nicholas, where a hardy race of people, chiefly a colony of Germans, had eftablifhed themfelves, and lived in unambitious poverty, A detachment of two hundred men, from the different corps, were ordered O1l this fervice, in two divifions, otle of which was commanded by Major Spencer, the brave and aétive officer already mentioned, the other by Lientenant-Colenel Markham. Of their proceedings during the attack, and their retreat afterwards, I have not been furnifhed with the particulars. All that is known to the publick with certainty is, that our troops were repulfed by fuperior numbers, with the lofs of forty men, but without any diminution ofthe national charaéter. It was allowed, cven by the enemy, that they fought bravely. They were defeated, not ditmayed, by circumfances which probablythey did not forefce, and againft which human prudence could not provide. T. am indebted to the gentleman who favoured me with the information conveyedin the note to p. 181. for the following corredtions and oblervations on the account, which I have given above, of the attack of Acul. K Our that 4 (the 19th February) was thirty-four killed and wounded, whom lofs, day 46 Englith officers, and ten Frenchmen. Lieutenant Lord amongi were fix 46 in the thihg, while advancing in Mzjor Spencer's divifion Aylme to the ter attack." was wounded Tiis . T. am indebted to the gentleman who favoured me with the information conveyedin the note to p. 181. for the following corredtions and oblervations on the account, which I have given above, of the attack of Acul. K Our that 4 (the 19th February) was thirty-four killed and wounded, whom lofs, day 46 Englith officers, and ten Frenchmen. Lieutenant Lord amongi were fix 46 in the thihg, while advancing in Mzjor Spencer's divifion Aylme to the ter attack." was wounded Tiis --- Page 215 --- SAINT DOMINGO THIS afliéing lofs was but ill compentated, by the vory. CIA P. difinguifhed honour which was foon afterwards acquired by X. the feiv Britifh troops that had been left in poffefion of Cape Tiburon, under the command of Captain Hardyman, of the igthr regiment, aud a body of French colonifts under the command of the Chevalier de Sevre, who wcre attacked on the 16th of April by an army of brigands, amounting to upwards of two thoufand. The enemy's force was led on by Andrew Rigaud, a man of colour, wlo commanded at Les Caves, and was compofed of revolted negroes, and defperadces ofail defcriptions, rapacious after plander, and thirfting for biood. This favage horde furrounded the fort about three o'clock in the morning. It was defended with much fpirit until a quarter before nine, when the befieged, quitting the fort, aflailed the afiailants, and routed the beliegers with great flaughter, onc hundred and feventy of their number being left dead O11 the feld; ; but when it was difcovered that no lefs than twentycight of our gallant foldicrs, and thirty of the French had loft their lives, and that one hundred and nine others were feverelv wounded in this bloody conteft, the fhouts of triumph were feppreffed by gloomy reflections on the forlorn condition ofthe army, it being mournfully evident that a few more fachviétorics would annihilate the viétors! THE defence of Fort L'Acul, carly iu the fame month, is alfo deferving particular noticc. Captain Napier had the command ; and hc was ably fupported by Lieutenant Bambridge, of the artillery, and Lieutenant M*Kellan, of the royals. The latter Was fationed in the adjoining block-houfe. VoL.IIL. Bb Tan were feppreffed by gloomy reflections on the forlorn condition ofthe army, it being mournfully evident that a few more fachviétorics would annihilate the viétors! THE defence of Fort L'Acul, carly iu the fame month, is alfo deferving particular noticc. Captain Napier had the command ; and hc was ably fupported by Lieutenant Bambridge, of the artillery, and Lieutenant M*Kellan, of the royals. The latter Was fationed in the adjoining block-houfe. VoL.IIL. Bb Tan --- Page 216 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF C HA P. THE enemy, on this occafion, conduéted their X. operations with fuch fecrecy and concert, that it was fuppofed they muft havc lain concealed, a coufiderable part of the night, in the ditch; as the firlt notice the garrifon had of their approach, was from a loud yell which they uttered in endeavouring to enter the embrafures.. THE fring of our morning gun was their fignal of attack Sbut they feem not to have becn apprized that previous thereto, by a full hour, it was the conftant praétice of the Britith officers. to have their men at the out-pofts under arms. BEING twice repulfed from the fort and block-houfe, the: enerny rallied, and made a third attempt ; an inftance of per-- fevering bravery unobierved until that time in their warfare.. They were, however, finally driven off; and were afterwards purfued with great flaughter by a party of French royalifts, under the command of the Baron de Montalembert, who had. juft arrived from Leogane.. THE whole of the Britifh force at this time in all parts ofSt.- Domingo, did not, I believe, amount to nine hundred effeétive: men, a number by no means fufficient to garrifon the places inour pofleffion ; and the rapid diminution which prevailed among thcm, could not fail to attract obfervation among all claffes ofthe French inhabitants: ; to difpirit our allies, and en-- courage our enemies. Such of the planters as had hitherto ftood aloof, now. began to declare themfelves hoftile; and defertions were frequent from moft of the parifhes that had furrendered. amount to nine hundred effeétive: men, a number by no means fufficient to garrifon the places inour pofleffion ; and the rapid diminution which prevailed among thcm, could not fail to attract obfervation among all claffes ofthe French inhabitants: ; to difpirit our allies, and en-- courage our enemies. Such of the planters as had hitherto ftood aloof, now. began to declare themfelves hoftile; and defertions were frequent from moft of the parifhes that had furrendered. --- Page 217 --- SAINT DOMING O. a few months be- - CHAP rendered. At Jean Rabell, a place which, X. fore, had voluntarily declared for the Britifh government, the garrifon, confifting cf two hundred and fifty of our fuppofed allies, rofe on their officers, and compelled them to deliver up the poft to Lavaux, the French general, and it was greatly apreinforcement fhould prehended that, unlefs a very powerful fpeedily arrive to ftrengthen the Britifh army, many other places would follow their example. EIGHT months had now elapfed fince the furrender of Jeremie, and in all that interval, not a foldier had arrived from Great Britain ; and the want of camp cquipage, provifions, and neceffaries, was grievoufly felt. The army feemed devoted to inevitable deftruétion, and difappointment and difimay were ftrongly marked in the countenance of every man. At length, however, on the Igth of May, when expeétation was May 1794. nearly loft in defpair, it was announced that his Majefly's fhips the Belliqueux and the Irrefiftible, with the Fly floop, had caft anchor in the harbour of- Cape St. Nicholas, having a fleet of tranfports under their convoy, with the battalion companies on board ofthe 22d, 23d,and 41ft regiments of infantry, under the command of Brigadier General Whyte. This event, as may well be imagined, afforded infinite relief and fatisfaétion to the haraffed and worn-out troops on fhore; and their animation on this occafion was heightened by the confident hope and expeétation that Port au Prince would be thc objeét of an immediate attack. It was known that its harbour was crowded with fhips, moft of which were fuppofed to be laden with the richeft produétions of the colony.; and although the Bb 2 regiments Brigadier General Whyte. This event, as may well be imagined, afforded infinite relief and fatisfaétion to the haraffed and worn-out troops on fhore; and their animation on this occafion was heightened by the confident hope and expeétation that Port au Prince would be thc objeét of an immediate attack. It was known that its harbour was crowded with fhips, moft of which were fuppofed to be laden with the richeft produétions of the colony.; and although the Bb 2 regiments --- Page 218 --- HI 2e STORICAL SURVEY OF C HA P. regiments newly arrived did not exceed fixtcen X. in the whole (of whom two hundred and hundred men fifty were fick and. convalefeent) the deficiency of numbers was no longer the fubjeét of complaint. Every one anticipated to himfelf the poffeffion of great wealth from the capture; and juftly Collcluded that his fhare of the prize money would augment or diminifh in an inverfe proportion to the number of captors. THE belief that Port au Prince would be the firft objeét of attack, was well founded; and the road of Arcahaye was fixed Oil as a place of rendezvous for the men of war and tranfports. Accordingly, General Whyte, having landed his fick at Cape St. Nicholas, and taken one hundred and fifty of the garrifon. in their room, proceeded on the 23d to the place appointed, tc concert mcafures with Commodore Ford, and receive O11 board fuch of the colonial troops as were to co-operate with the Britifh in this enterprize. On the 3oth the iquadron failed from Arcahaye, and caft anchor off Port au Prince on the evening of the fame day. It was compofed of four thips 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, confftedof1,465 rank and file fit for duty. THE whole force being thus colleéted, and the neceffary preparations made, a flag was fent, carly the next morning, to demand the furrender of the place; but the officer charged with the difpatch, was informed that n10 flag would be admitted,and a the 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, confftedof1,465 rank and file fit for duty. THE whole force being thus colleéted, and the neceffary preparations made, a flag was fent, carly the next morning, to demand the furrender of the place; but the officer charged with the difpatch, was informed that n10 flag would be admitted,and a the --- Page 219 --- SAINT DOMINGO thc letter was returned unopened. It was n1CW determined to C H A P. commence opcrations by the cannonade of Fort Bizotton, a X. fortrefs fituated Oll a commanding eminence, well adapted to guard the approach to the harbour, and defended by five hundred men, cight pieccs of heavy cannon, and two mortars. Two line of battle fhips were ordered to attack the fea-front, and a frigate was fationed clofe to the fhore, to Aank a ravine to the eaftward. From thefe veffels a brifk and well-direéled fire was maintained for feveral hours; but no great impreffion appearing to be made, Major Spencer, with three hundred Britifh, and about five hundred of the colonial troops, was put on fhore in the evening, within a mile of the fort, with orders to commence an attack onl the fide towards the land. On their arrival at a fimall diftance from the feenc of adtion, about eight o'clock at night, a mofttremendous thunder-form arole, accompanied with a deluge of rain, of which, as it overpowered the found of their approach, the advanced guard, commanded by Captain Danicl, of the 41ft, determined to take advantage. Thete brave men, fixty only in number, accordingly rufhed forward, and finding a breach in the walls, entered with fixed bayonets, and became inflantly mafters of thic fortreis; the befieged every where throwiug down their arms, and calling for mercy. So rapid were the movements of this gallant band, and fo unexpeéted was their fuccels, that Major Spencer, the commander, had his fears for the fafety of the wholc party, of whofc fituation he was unapprized for fome hours. I gricve to add, that Captain Danicl, who fo gallantly led the advanced guard on this occafion, received a fevere wound in the attack, while his brave affociate, Captain Wallace, the fecond in command, was moft unfortunately killed on the glacis. THE were the movements of this gallant band, and fo unexpeéted was their fuccels, that Major Spencer, the commander, had his fears for the fafety of the wholc party, of whofc fituation he was unapprized for fome hours. I gricve to add, that Captain Danicl, who fo gallantly led the advanced guard on this occafion, received a fevere wound in the attack, while his brave affociate, Captain Wallace, the fecond in command, was moft unfortunately killed on the glacis. THE --- Page 220 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAF P. THE poffeffion.of Fort Bizotton determined the fate X. ofthe capital, which was evacuated by the enemy on the 4th of June; ; and the Britith commanders were fo fortunate as to preferve, not only the town itfelf, but alfo the thipping in the harbour, from couflagration, although the republican commiffioners had given orders and made preparations for fetting fire to both. The commiffioners themfelves, with many of their adherents, among whom was the Mulatto Montbrun, commandant of their trcops, made their efcapc over the mountains to Jacmel, carrying with them, it is faid, money and effeêts to a great amount. Trus was achieved the conqueft of Port au-Prince ; an event which has proved not lefs profitable than honourable to fuch ofthe officers and foldiers by whom it was effeêted, as have lived to enjoy the fruits of their viétory; for there were cap. tured in the harbour, two-and-twenty top-fail veflels, fully laden with fugar, indigo, and coffee, of which thirteen were from three to fivehundred tons burthen, and the remaining nine, from one hundred and fifty to three hundred tons, ; befides feven thoufand tons of fhipping in ballaft; the value of all which, at a moderate computation, could not be far fhort of 6.400,000 fterling * * Three days after the furrender of Port au Prince, the enemy made a fecond attempt on the Britith poft at Tiburon ; at that time under the command of Captain (now Lieutenant Colonel) Bradfhaw. This attack took place on the 7th of June 5 but the affailants were prevented bringing their artillery to bear on the fort, by a heavy and well-dircâted firc from the Succels frigate, (Captain Roberts,) ftationed off the point, clofe to which the cannon muft have been conveyed ; about midnight, therefore, the enemy, from the covert of an adjoining wood, began a gencral difcharge of --- Page 221 --- SAIN T DOMINGO. of fmalt arms, and continued to fire very vigoroufly for feveral hours, but with little C H A P. execution 5 the fort having been made proof againft mufquetry. During this X. attack, as the great guns of the fort could not be pointed towards the enemy with certainty of effedt, Captain Bradfhaw direéted his men to remain quict. By any this judicious conduét the enemy were completely deceived; for interpreting the flence and inaétivity of the garrifon to proceed from the effeêts of terror and the lofs of men, they were encouraged, about fix in the morning, to attempt, in full force, to ftorm. The confequences were fatal to them : Captain Bradfhaw allowed them to approach within a finall diftance ofthe walls, when he opened fo tremendous a fire, both from artillery and fmall arms, as inftantly laid nearly one half of their number breathlefs, and compelled the remainder to retreat in the utmoft ccnfufion. A fortie being, at the fame time, made from the garrifon, a great many were killed in the purfuit, and their difcomfiture was decifive. 03 The circumftances here related were unfortunately omitted in the firft edition of the Hiftorical Survey ofSt. Domingo. a finall diftance ofthe walls, when he opened fo tremendous a fire, both from artillery and fmall arms, as inftantly laid nearly one half of their number breathlefs, and compelled the remainder to retreat in the utmoft ccnfufion. A fortie being, at the fame time, made from the garrifon, a great many were killed in the purfuit, and their difcomfiture was decifive. 03 The circumftances here related were unfortunately omitted in the firft edition of the Hiftorical Survey ofSt. Domingo. --- Page 222 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA P. XI. Sickne/s among the Troops, and the Caufes sharef-Reinforcement.-Dreagfadl Martality-Geutral Whyte is Jitccceded by Brigadier General Horneck-Leogone taken by the RebelsTemporary Succelfes e Lioutonant-Colonel Brijbane at Artibonite-Revalt %f the Mulattoes at St. Marc-Attack of Fort Biaton-Pripuratiau by Rigaud for another Altempt 0n2 Tiburon-The Pofe attacked Oil Chrifmas Day, and carried.- Gallant Defence and Tefeape gf the Garrifin, and melancholy Fate gf Lieutenant Dehersilk-Lianutoa-.Cshwdh Brijbane and Markham Aild-Olfarcations and Stridlures 011 the Conduet g the War. CHAP, the fuccefs which attended the Britifh arms in the XI. FROM conqueft of Port au Prince, it might have been hoped that we wcre now to enter o11 the farvey of brighter profpeéts than thofe which have hitherto prefented themfelves to our contemplation; but a melancholy reverfe of fortune was foon to await the conquerors; for, immediately after poffeffion was taken of the town, the fame dreadful fcourge-difeafe, exalperated to contagion, which had been fo fatally prevalent among our troops, in the preceding autumn, renewed its deftruétive progrefs; and, on this occafion, it is not difficult to trace the proximate caufes of fo terrible a cakamity. The fituation of the town of Port au Prince has already bcen noticed. Unhealthy in itfelf, it is furrounded by fortified heights, which command the conquerors; for, immediately after poffeffion was taken of the town, the fame dreadful fcourge-difeafe, exalperated to contagion, which had been fo fatally prevalent among our troops, in the preceding autumn, renewed its deftruétive progrefs; and, on this occafion, it is not difficult to trace the proximate caufes of fo terrible a cakamity. The fituation of the town of Port au Prince has already bcen noticed. Unhealthy in itfelf, it is furrounded by fortified heights, which command --- Page 223 --- SAINT DOMINGO, command both thic lines and the harbour; and thefe heights C H A P. arc again commanded by others. Ilere, the enemy, on their XI. rctreat from the town, made their fand, in the well-founded 179t confidence of recciving regular fipplies of men, ammunition, and necefftries from Jaemel and Les Cayes (a) two finail feaports On the Southern Cnaft, the fartheft of what is diftant only from Port au P'rince, Lr a mountainous road, about forty railes. No part of St. Doningo poffeffes a morc ready communication with the French Iflands to windward or with the flates cf America, than the ports laft mentioncd; ; and from both thofe places, reinforcements wcre conftantly poured into the enemy's camp. On this account the Britith commanders found it indifpenfably neceffary to ftrengthen the lines,and raife additional intrenchments and works on that fide of the town which fronts the mountains. Thus a moft feverc and unufual burthen was impofed on the foldiers. They were compelled, with but littlc intermilfion, to dig the ground in thc day, and to perform military duty in the night ; expofed, in the one cafe, to the burning rays of the fun; ; in the other, to the noxious dews and heavy rains of thc climate. Such extraordinary and cxceffive labour impofed on men, moft of whom had been actually confined fix months O1l fhipboard, without frefh pro- (a) There is another place called Les Cayes, the capital of the Scuth Weftern part of the Mland near L'lflc a Vache, of which the people of colour had taken poffefion in 1792. It was the refidence of Andrew Rigaud, a Mulatto, who was made commander in chief and governor-general of thc fouth fide of the French part of St. Domingo. His power was abfolute, and his brother, of the fame caft, was appointed next in command. Thcfe men were invefted with this authority by the two commifioners, Polyerel and Sahthonax, VoL, III. Cc vifions flc a Vache, of which the people of colour had taken poffefion in 1792. It was the refidence of Andrew Rigaud, a Mulatto, who was made commander in chief and governor-general of thc fouth fide of the French part of St. Domingo. His power was abfolute, and his brother, of the fame caft, was appointed next in command. Thcfe men were invefted with this authority by the two commifioners, Polyerel and Sahthonax, VoL, III. Cc vifions --- Page 224 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA P. vifions or exercife, co-operating with the of XI. malignancy the air, produced its natural confequences. They dropt like the 1794. leaves in autumn, until at length the garrifon became fo diminifhed and enfeebled, that deficiencies of the guards were cftentimes made up from convalefeents, who were icarcely able to: ftand under their arms (b). IT is true, that a reinforcement came from the Windward: Hlands, foon after the farrender of the town ;-but, by a mournful fatality, this apparent augmentation of the ftrength hof thc garrifon, contributed in an eminent degree to the rapid encreafe and aggravation ofits miferies. On the Sth of June, eight flank companies belonging to the 22d, 23d, 35th, andi 41ft regiments, arrived at Port au Prince, under the command of Licutenaut-Colonel Lenox. They confifted, on their cmbarkation, of about feventy men cach, but the aggregate number, when landed, was not quite three hundred. The four grenadier companies, in particular, were nearly annihilated.. The frigate in which they were conveyed, became a hou/e of peftilence. Upwards of one hundred of their number were buried in the deep, in the fhort paffage between Guadaloupe and Jamaica, and one hundred and fifty more were left in a dying ftate at Port Royal. The wretched remains of the whole detachment difcovered, O1l their landing at Port au Prince, that they came-not to participate in the glories of conqueft, but-to perifh themielves within the walls of an (b) It was fortunate for the Britifh army, that the French republican troops fuffered by ficknefs aimolt as much as our own: Portau Prince would otherwife have been but a fhort time in our pofleffion. hofpital! and fifty more were left in a dying ftate at Port Royal. The wretched remains of the whole detachment difcovered, O1l their landing at Port au Prince, that they came-not to participate in the glories of conqueft, but-to perifh themielves within the walls of an (b) It was fortunate for the Britifh army, that the French republican troops fuffered by ficknefs aimolt as much as our own: Portau Prince would otherwife have been but a fhort time in our pofleffion. hofpital! --- Page 225 --- SAINT DOMINGO hofpital! So rapid was the mortality in the Britifh army, after CHAP. their arrival, that no leis than forty officers and upwards of fix XI. hundred rank and file met an untimely death, without a conteft 1794with any other enemy than fickncfs, in the fhort fpace of two months after thc furrender of thetown ! GENERAL WHYTE, his hcalth much impaired, and hopclefs, it may be prefiumed, of further triumphs with an army thus reduced and debilitated, now folicited and obtained permiffion to return to Europe. He was fucceeded in the chief commahd by Brigadier-General Horneck, who arrived from Jamaica about the middle of September; and ift the requifite qualifications for fuch a flation-firmnefs without arrogance, and conciliating manners without weaknets, could always enfitre fucceis to the poffeffor, General Iorneck would have brought good fortune with him. But the difficulties which the former commander would have had to encounter, had he remained in his fiation, 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 Gencral Horneck had taken the command. Inftead, therefore, of attempting new nchievements, he was compelled, by irrefiftible neceffity, to act chiefly onl the defenfivc. The rebel Mulattoes, under Rigaud, even became mafters of Leogane, and fatiated their vengeance by putting to death all fuch of the French planters, our allies, as unfortunately feilinto their power. Cc2 Ox or expeéted from Great Britain, none arrived, until the expiration of feven months after Gencral Horneck had taken the command. Inftead, therefore, of attempting new nchievements, he was compelled, by irrefiftible neceffity, to act chiefly onl the defenfivc. The rebel Mulattoes, under Rigaud, even became mafters of Leogane, and fatiated their vengeance by putting to death all fuch of the French planters, our allies, as unfortunately feilinto their power. Cc2 Ox --- Page 226 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAF P. ON the other hand, the"judicious exertions and rapid fucXI. ceffes of Lieutenant-Colonel Brifbane on the plain of ArtiOa. 1794. bonite, had been for fome time the fubjedt of much applaufe, and had given birth to great expeétation. The French inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood of St. Marc, had been all alongmore heartily difpofed to co-operate with the Englifh, than any of their countrymen. Colonel Brifbane had not above fourfcore Britifh under his command. The reft of his little army was compofed of the remains of Dillou's regiment, the St. Marc's legion, the militia of the neighbouring parifhes, and a body of about three hundred reluétant Spaniards from Verette; the whole not exceeding twelve hundred men in arms.. With this force, properly diftributed, he had routed the republican troops and rebel negrces in every quarter; and even brought the negro chiefs to folicit permiffion to capitulate. Eight or ten thoufand of thefe deluded wretches, had aétually fubmitted unconditionally, and many returned, of their own accord, to the plantations of their mafters. But thefe promiing appearances were of fhort continuance. While Coloncl Brifbane was following up his fucceffes in a diftant part of Artibonite, the men of colour in the town of St. Marc, finding the town itfelf without troops, had violated their promifes of neutrality, and on the 6th of September, taken up arms on the part of the republick ; putting to death every man that fell in their way, whom they confidered as an enemy to the French commiffioners.- -The garrifon, confifting of about forty Britith convaJefcents, threw themfelves into a fmall fort OII the fea-fhore, which they gallantly defended for two days, when a frigate came to their relieffrom the Mole of Cape St. Nicholas, and took , had violated their promifes of neutrality, and on the 6th of September, taken up arms on the part of the republick ; putting to death every man that fell in their way, whom they confidered as an enemy to the French commiffioners.- -The garrifon, confifting of about forty Britith convaJefcents, threw themfelves into a fmall fort OII the fea-fhore, which they gallantly defended for two days, when a frigate came to their relieffrom the Mole of Cape St. Nicholas, and took --- Page 227 --- SAINT D OMIN NGO took them off-The triumph of the Mulattoes, however, was CHAP. tranfient. Colonel Britbane returning in forcc, attacked them XI. on the fide of the land, and recovered the town ; making up- 1794. wards of threc hundred ofthe infiurgents 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 offered to capitulatc, but appeared in greater force than evcr. Being joined by the fugitive Mulattoes, they foon repaffed the river; and having procured in the mcan time, plenty of arms and ammunition, they threat-- ened fo formidable an attack on the town of St. Marc, early in October, as to excite the moft ferious apprehentions for itsfafety. 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 St. Nicholas and the town of Fort Dauphin excepted) was entirely in poffeffion of therebel negroes; and unhappily, in all other parts oft the colony, the weakneis of the Britith was fo apparent, as not only to: invite attacks from the cnemy, but alfo to encourage revolt and. confpiracy in the pofts in our poffeflion (c). Rigaud, whocommanded (c) Colonel Brifbane had fcarcely driven the Mulattoes from St. Marc, and reftored order and tranquillity in the town, before a dark confpiracy was agitated" among fome of the French inhabitants, under the Britifh protealion, to cut him. off; but it was happily difcovered and dcfeated beforc it broke out into action.. This happened the beginning of January 17955 and a ftill more daring and dangerous plot was carried cn, a month afterwards, in Port au Prince, to feize on thegarrifon, and put all the Englifh to death, This confpiracy alfo was fortunately. difcovered, Marc, and reftored order and tranquillity in the town, before a dark confpiracy was agitated" among fome of the French inhabitants, under the Britifh protealion, to cut him. off; but it was happily difcovered and dcfeated beforc it broke out into action.. This happened the beginning of January 17955 and a ftill more daring and dangerous plot was carried cn, a month afterwards, in Port au Prince, to feize on thegarrifon, and put all the Englifh to death, This confpiracy alfo was fortunately. difcovered, --- Page 228 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY oF CHAF. XI. commanded in the fouth, now determined to make a bold effort for the recovery of Fort Bizotton. The fort was at1794. tacked early in the morning of the sth of December, bythrec columns of the enemy, amounting in the whole to about two thoufand men ; but they were defeated. with great flaughter onl their part, and with little lois on ours. Captain Grant, however, and both his licutenants, Clunes and Hamilton, were feverely wounded early in the attack; yet they continued their cfforts, and nobly fucceeded; and General Williamfon bore teflimony to their good conduét and valour. BAFFLED in this attack, Rigaud refolved to make another, and a more formidable attempt, for the recovery of Tiburon. His intentions were known and his projeét might have bcen defeated, if any one Englith thip of war could have bcen ipared to watch his motions off the harbour ofLes Cayes where Rigaud commanded, and from whence hc conveyed his artillery, ammunition, and provifions. He proceeded, however, without interruption, in his preparations for the attack ; and his armament failed from Les Cayes O11 the 23d of Deccmber. His naval force confifted of one brig of fixteen guns, and three fchooners of fourteen guns cach, and he had colleéted a body of three thoufand men, of all colours and defcriptions, eight hundred of which were troops of the line. The attack commenced on Chriftmas-day, The harbour was defended with difcovered, and twenty of the confpirators beingbrought to trial before a council of war, compofed of the principal commanders by fea and land (among whom wcre five French field officers) they were all adjudged to fuffer death, and fifteen of them were accordingly fhot on the 18th of February. infinite fourteen guns cach, and he had colleéted a body of three thoufand men, of all colours and defcriptions, eight hundred of which were troops of the line. The attack commenced on Chriftmas-day, The harbour was defended with difcovered, and twenty of the confpirators beingbrought to trial before a council of war, compofed of the principal commanders by fea and land (among whom wcre five French field officers) they were all adjudged to fuffer death, and fifteen of them were accordingly fhot on the 18th of February. infinite --- Page 229 --- SAINT DOMIN G O. infnite fpirit, byt thc floop King Gray, until a rcd hot fhot from CHAP. the enemy took her magazine, and caufed her to blow up. XI. The garrifon, confifting of only four hundred and fifty men, 1794. madc a vigorous defence for four days, when, having loft upwards of three hundred of their number, and finding thc poft no. longer tenable, the furvivors, with unexampled bravery, fought their way for five miles through the enemy, and got fafe to Irois. On this occafion, thc Britifh acknowledged themfelvcs much indebted to thc gallantry and good conduét of Monfieur de Serré, commandant of the French troups. M. du Pleffis, the Lieutenant Colonel, and two other officers of the fouth legion Werc kiiled in the fort. The lofs of du Plefis was greatly felt and lamented. Lieutenant Bafkerville was the only Britifh officer who, by fome unfortunate circumftance, was unable to join his companions in their retreat ; and this high-ipirited young man, with a refolution which, though a Chriftian muft condemn it, a Roman would have approved, to defeat the triumph of his favage enemy, who would probably havc made him fuffer a fhameful death, put a period to his own exiftence, as Rigaud entercd the fort.. WITt this difaftrous occurrence terminated the vear 179+, (d) and here I Thall clofe my account of the military tranfactions of the Britith army in St. Domingo; ; for, although hoftilities are ftill continued in this ill-fated country, it is, I think, fufficiently apparent, that all hopes and expeétations of (d) Major General Williamfon, the latter end of the year, was appointed Governor General of St.. Domingo. He arrived at Port au Prince in May 3795. ultimate .. WITt this difaftrous occurrence terminated the vear 179+, (d) and here I Thall clofe my account of the military tranfactions of the Britith army in St. Domingo; ; for, although hoftilities are ftill continued in this ill-fated country, it is, I think, fufficiently apparent, that all hopes and expeétations of (d) Major General Williamfon, the latter end of the year, was appointed Governor General of St.. Domingo. He arrived at Port au Prince in May 3795. ultimate --- Page 230 --- HISTORICAL'SURVEY OF CHAP. ultimate fuccefs are vanifhed for ever! The hiftoriau XI. who Thall recount the events of 1795, will have to lament the 1794. mournful and untimely deaths of many brave and excellent voung men who perithed in this fruitlefs conteft. Among the foremoft ofthele was Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Brifbane, of whom honourable notice is taken in the foregoing pages, and whoie gallantry and good conduct were not more the fubject of univerfàl admiration, than his untimely fate of univerfal regret. He was killed on a reconnoitring party in February. By his death, his country ias deprived, at a moft critical junêture, of an able, indefatigable, and intelligent officer, who had gained the afieétions of moft of the various defcriptions of people under his command by his kindnefs, and the confidence 26 March, of all by his courage (e). The fame fate, a month afterwards, 1795- awaited Lieutenant-Colonel Markham, who perifhed in attacking an out-poft of the enemy's forces which were, at that time, laying fiege to Fort Bizotton. Hc fell as the detachment was rapidly advancing to the charge. His furvivor in command (the hon. Captain Colville) proceeded however with equal animation : the out-poft was carried ; the colours of the enemy, and five pieces of their cannon, were taken, and fome hundreds of their number flain on the fpot ; but the viétory was dearly obtained by the lofs of fo enterprizing and accomplifhed a leader. Yetit affords fome confolation to reflect, that thefe brave young men, though cut offin the bloom of life, fell in the fieldof glory, nobly exerting themielves in the caufe of their (e) He was a captain in the 49th regiment, and lieutenant-colonel of the colonial corps called the St. Marc's Legion, country, and fome hundreds of their number flain on the fpot ; but the viétory was dearly obtained by the lofs of fo enterprizing and accomplifhed a leader. Yetit affords fome confolation to reflect, that thefe brave young men, though cut offin the bloom of life, fell in the fieldof glory, nobly exerting themielves in the caufe of their (e) He was a captain in the 49th regiment, and lieutenant-colonel of the colonial corps called the St. Marc's Legion, country, --- Page 231 --- SAINT D OMINGO country, and dying amidft the bleffings and applaufès of their C HA P. compatriots. Alas, how many of their youthful affociates, in XI. this unhappy war, might have envied them fo glorious an exit! 1795. What numbers have perifhed-not in the ficld of honour-but on the bed of ficknef!--not amidit the fhouts of viétory-but the groans of defpairl--condemned to linger in the horrors of peftilence; to fall without a conflict, and to die without renown! () THESE reflections, and the obfervations which I have made in the preceding pages, on the infufficiency of the means tothe objeêts in view, are not written in the fpirit of accufation S) The difcafe ofwhich 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 ofthis dreadful calamity. The picture which the latter has given of an unhappy patient of his in the Weft Indics, a young officer of great merit, in the laft ftage of tlis difeafc, after four days illnefs, is drawn by the hand of a mafter. <I arrived at the lodgings 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 iuddy cruor, and was bleeding at the nofe. A bloody ichor was oozing from the corners of his eyes, and from his mouth and gums. His face was befmeared with blood, and, with the dulnefs ofhis eyes, it prefented a moft diftrefling contraft to his natural vifage, His abdomen was fwelled, and inflated prodigioully. His body was all over ofa deep yellow, interfperfed with livid fpots. His hands and feet were ofalived hue. Every part of him 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 perfect 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 hc was endeavouring to bring up, and expired." Moleley on Tropical Difeafcs, 3d edit. p.459VoL. III. D d againft him, as I thought, in his perfect 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 hc was endeavouring to bring up, and expired." Moleley on Tropical Difeafcs, 3d edit. p.459VoL. III. D d againft --- Page 232 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA XI. P. againft men in authority; nor (ifI know myfelf) is there any bias of party zeal on my judgment. I am far from afferting, 1795. that the fituation and refources of Great Britain were fuch as to afford a greater body of troops for fervice in St. Domingo, at. the proper moment, than the number that was aétually fent thither. I prefume not tô intrude into the national councils, and am well apprized that exifting alliances and pre-engagements of the ftate, were objeéts of important confideration to his Majefty's minifters. Neither can I affirm, that the dclays and obftructions, which prevented the arrival at the fcene of action of fome ofthe detachments, until the return ofthe fickly feafon, were avoidable. A thoufand accidents and cafualities continually fubvert and overthrow the beft laid fchemes of human contrivance. We have feen confiderable fleets detained by adverfe winds, in the ports ofGreat Britain for many fucceffive months, and powerful armaments have bcen driven back by ftorms and tempeits, after many unavailing attempts to reach the place of their deftination. Thus much I owe to candour; but, at the fame time, I owe it alfo to truth, to avow my opinion, that in cafe no greater force could have been fpared for the enterprize againft St. Domingo, the enterprize itfelf ought not to have been undertaken. The objedt of the Britifh minifters was avowedly to obtain poflefion of the whole of the French part ofthe country. That they placed great dependance on the co-operation of the French inhabitants, and were groisly deceived in this expectation, I believe and admit; but they ought farely to have forefeen, that a very formidable oppofition was to be expected from the partizans and troops ofthe republican government; and they ought alfo to have known, that 110 confiderable --- Page 233 --- SAINT DOMINGO conliderable body of the French planters could be expeéted to C II AI P. rifk their lives and fortuncs in the common caufe, but in full XI. confidence ofprotedtion and fupport. In: my ownjudgment, all 1795the force which Great Britain could have fent thither, would not havc bcen fufficient for thc complete fubjugation of the colony. It is afferted by compatent judges, that no lefs than fix thoufand men were neceffary for the fecure maintenance of Port au Prince alone; yet I do not believe that the number of Britifh, in all parts ofSt. Domingo, at any one period previous to the month of April 1795, excceded two thoufand two hundred, of whom, except at the capture of Port au Prince, not one half were ft for aétivc fervice; and during the hot and fickly months of Auguft, September, and October, not one third (g). PERHAPS (s) The following returns are authentick: Return of the provincial troops in the fervice of the Britifh gorernment at St, Domingo, 31ft Decembe: 1794. Rankandfile f: for duty. Sick. To:ai. At Port at Prince eded two thoufand two hundred, of whom, except at the capture of Port au Prince, not one half were ft for aétivc fervice; and during the hot and fickly months of Auguft, September, and October, not one third (g). PERHAPS (s) The following returns are authentick: Return of the provincial troops in the fervice of the Britifh gorernment at St, Domingo, 31ft Decembe: 1794. Rankandfile f: for duty. Sick. To:ai. At Port at Prince 5++ Mole St. Nicholas St. Marc a I134 15:8 Return of the Britith forces in the ifand cf St. Domingo, 31f December 1794. Rank 2nd file efestive. Sick. Total. Port au Prince Mole St. Nicholas Jeremie 95 - 59 Tiburon 34 - 18 - St. Marc 33 - a 81 140G Dda --- Page 234 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA P. PERHAPS the mofl in the conduét XI. fataloverfight ofthe whole / expedition, was the ftrange and unaccountable negleét of not 1795. fecuring the little port of Jacmel On the fouth fide of the Ifland, previous to thc attack of Port au Prince. With that poft on the one fide ofthe peninfula, and the poft of Acul in our poffeffion on the other, all communication bctwcen the fouthern and the two other provinces would have been cut off; the navigation from the Windward Ilands to Jamaica would have been made fecure, while the poffeflion of the two Capes which form the entrance into the Bight of Leogane (St. Nicholas and Tiburon) would have proteéted the homeward trade in its courfe through the Windward Paffage. All this might have been accomplifhed; and I think it is all that, in found policy, ought to have been attempted. As to Port au Prince, it would have been fortunate if the works had been deftroyed, and the town evacuated immediately after its furrender. THE retention by the enemy of Jacmel and Les Cayes, not only enabled them to procure reinforcements and fupplies, but alfo moft amply to revenge our attempts onl their coafts, by reprifals OIl our trade. It is known, that upwards of thirty privateers, fome ofthem of confiderable force, have been fitted out from thofe ports, whofe rapacity and vigilance fcarce a veffel bound from the Windward Hlands to Jamaica could efcapc. The prizes which they made, in a few fhort months, abundantly compenfated for the lois of their fhips at Port au Prince (h). AFTER (b) The following is a lift of veffels bound to Jamaica, which were taken and cariied into Les Cayes, between June 1794, and June 1795, moft of them laden with force, have been fitted out from thofe ports, whofe rapacity and vigilance fcarce a veffel bound from the Windward Hlands to Jamaica could efcapc. The prizes which they made, in a few fhort months, abundantly compenfated for the lois of their fhips at Port au Prince (h). AFTER (b) The following is a lift of veffels bound to Jamaica, which were taken and cariied into Les Cayes, between June 1794, and June 1795, moft of them laden with --- Page 235 --- SAINT D OMIN G O. AFTER all, though I have afferted nothing which I do not C H X1. A P. believe to be true, I will honeftly admit, that many important facts and circumftances, unknown to me, very probably exifted, 1795. an acquaintance with which is indifpenfably neceffary to enable any man to form a correct judgment ofthe meafures which were purfued on this occafion. To a writer, fitting with compofure in with dry goods, provifions, and plantation ftorcs, and many of them of great value. From The Edward, Wm Marfhall, 13th June 1794 a Briftol. Fame, Rob: Hall, July. I. and Cork. Bellona, Tho* Wite, Liverpool, Hope, Wm Swan, Molly, Peter Mawdfley, Sth Mar. 1795, Africa, 300 negroes. Hodge, Geo. Brown, 19th Ditto Liverpool: William, Tho* Calloine, 2oth Ditto Bell, Arch4 Weir, Ditto, Greenock. Buftler,- -Sewell, a tranfport. Druid, Willon, Iath March, Leith. Martha, Wm Reid, 31ft March, - London. Alexander, Benj* Moor, 17th April, A Ln Glalgow. Lovely Peggy, Peter Murphy. Swallow, Lachlan Vafs, Icth May. Dunmore, Stephen Conmick, 26th May, London. Maria, Wilkinfon Ditto. Minerva, Robertfon, 4th June, Africa, 450 negroes, General Mathew, Tho: Douglas, 8th Ditto, London. A fchooner, name forgot, Adam Walker, 22d Ditto Glafgow. Hope, Hambleton, 22d Ditto, Ditto. Caledonia, Hunter, 25th Ditto, Leith, laft from London. Molly, Simplon, 27th Ditto, Glafgow. Refolution, Taunton, 2gth Ditto, Hull, And feveral veflels belonging to Kingiton, names forgot, , 450 negroes, General Mathew, Tho: Douglas, 8th Ditto, London. A fchooner, name forgot, Adam Walker, 22d Ditto Glafgow. Hope, Hambleton, 22d Ditto, Ditto. Caledonia, Hunter, 25th Ditto, Leith, laft from London. Molly, Simplon, 27th Ditto, Glafgow. Refolution, Taunton, 2gth Ditto, Hull, And feveral veflels belonging to Kingiton, names forgot, --- Page 236 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP XI. in bis cloiet, with a partial difplay of facts before him, it is no difficult taik to point out faults and miftakes in the conduét of 1795. publick affairs; and cven where miftakes are difcovered, the wifdom of after-knowledge is very cheaply acquired. It is the lot of our nature, that the beft concerted plans of human policy are fubject to errors which the meaneft obferver will fometimes deteét. 46 The hand (fays an eminent writer) that cannot build 46 a hovel, may demolifh a palace." Bur a new fcene now opens for contemplation and reflcétion, arifing from intelligence received fince I began my work, that the Spanifh government has formally ceded to the Republick of France the whole of this great and noble ifland in perpetual fovereignty! So cxtraordinary 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 difpofition and general charaéter of the Spanifh inhabitants. Will they relith this transfcr of their allegiance from a monarchical to a iepublican government, made, as it confeffedly is, without their previous confent or knowledge; or may reafonable expectations be encouraged, that they will now cordially co-operate with the Englifh, in reducing the country to the Britifh dominion? Will fuch afliftance effeét the re-cflablifhment of fiubordination and good government among the vaft body of revolted negrocs? Thefe are deep queftions, the inveftigation of which willlead to enquiries of ftill 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, or the triumph off fuccefsful revolt and favage anarchy on the other, it I appears --- Page 237 --- SAINT DOMI N G O. appears to me that thc future fate and profitable exiftence of thc C H A P. Britifh territories in this part of the world, are involved in the XI. iffue. On all thefe, and various collateral fubjcéts, I regret that 1795. Ido not poffefs the means of giving much fatisfaétion to the reader. Such information, however as I have colleéted Oll fome of the preceding enquirics, and fuch reflections as occur to me on others, will bc found in the enfuing chapter, which COllcludes my work. future fate and profitable exiftence of thc C H A P. Britifh territories in this part of the world, are involved in the XI. iffue. On all thefe, and various collateral fubjcéts, I regret that 1795. Ido not poffefs the means of giving much fatisfaétion to the reader. Such information, however as I have colleéted Oll fome of the preceding enquirics, and fuch reflections as occur to me on others, will bc found in the enfuing chapter, which COllcludes my work. --- Page 238 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP XII. Ancient State ef the Spanif Colony.-The Toron ofSt. Domingo cfablifed by Bartholomew Columbus in 1493.-Pillaged by Drake in 1386.-Catjedluresr and Refeclions concerning its preJent Condition, and the State ef Agriculture in the inierior Cauutry-Nunbers and Charaëler ef the prefent Inhabitants. Their Animofity lowards the French Planters, and Yealofy efthe Exglh.-Corjadares concerning the future Situation of the auhole Ifand; andfime concluding RefeÉtions. CHAI XII. P. THE Spanifh colony in Hifpaniola (the name St. Domingo being properly applicable to the chicf city only) was the 1795. earlieft eftablifhment made by the nations of Europe in the New World; and unhappily, it is too notorious to be denied, that it was an eftablifhment founded in rapacity and cemented with human blood! The fole objeét of the firft Spanith adventurers was to ranfack the bowels of the earth for filver and gold; in which frantick purfuit, they murdered at leaft a million of the peaceful and inoffenfive natives! As the mines became exhaufted, a few ofthe more induftrious ofthe Spaniards entered on the cultivation of cacao, ginger, and fugar; but the povcrty of the greater part of the inhabitants, and the difcovery ofi new mines in Mexico, occafioned a prodigious emigration;-the experience of paftdifappointments not proving fufficiently powerful to cure the rage for acquiring wealth by a fhorter courfe than that of patient induftry. In lefs than a century, therefore, Hifpaniola --- Page 239 --- SAINT DOMINGO Hifpaniola was nearly deferted, and nothing preferved it as a C H A P. XII. colony, but the eftablifhment of archiepifcopal gove vernment in its chief city, St. Domingo; and its being for many years the 1795. icat of civil and criminal jurifdidtion, in cafes of appeal, from all the territories of Spain in this part of the world (a). TnE fettlement of the French in the weftern part of the ifland, ofthe origin of which I have already given an account, though the primary caufe ofhereditary andirreconcilable enmity between the two colonies, was however productive of gocd even to the Spaniards themfelves. Asthe 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 excrtion oflabour; and thus an intercourfe was created, which has continued to the prefent day; the Spaniards receiving, through the French, the manufaétures ofEurope, in exchange for cattle. The example too, before their eyes, of fuccefsful induftry and growing profperity, was not wholly without its effect. The cultivation of jugar, which had diminifhed nearly to nothing, was revived in different parts of the Spanith territory, and plantations were cftablifhed of cacao, indigo, ginger, and tobacco. The quantity of fugar exported in the beginning of the prefent century, is faid to have amounted yearly to 15,000 chefts, each of7 cwt. (a) The adminiftration of juftice throughout Spanifh America is at prefent divided into twelve courts of ataiency one only of which is at St. Domingo, VoL. III. E e THE had diminifhed nearly to nothing, was revived in different parts of the Spanith territory, and plantations were cftablifhed of cacao, indigo, ginger, and tobacco. The quantity of fugar exported in the beginning of the prefent century, is faid to have amounted yearly to 15,000 chefts, each of7 cwt. (a) The adminiftration of juftice throughout Spanifh America is at prefent divided into twelve courts of ataiency one only of which is at St. Domingo, VoL. III. E e THE --- Page 240 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF C HA P. TIE country itfelfbeing evidently more mountainous XII. in the & central and eaftern than in the weftern parts, it is probable, 1795- that the Spanifh territory is, on the whole, naturally lefs fertilc than that of the French; but much the greater portion of the ifland remained, until the late treaty, under the Spanifh dominion; and ofthat, by far the major part continues at this hour an unproduétive wilderneis. On the northern coaft, the line of divifion began at the river Maffacre, and, crofing the country fomewhat irregularly, terminated on the fouthern fide, at a fmall bay called Les Ances à Pitre; leaving nearly twothirds of the whole ifland in the poffeffion of Spain. Procceding eaftward along the fhore from the boundary on the north, the firft place of note is Monte Chrifti, a town which formerly grew to importance by contraband traffick with North America, but is now reduced to a miferable village, the abode of a few fifhermen; and the furrounding country exhibits a melancholy profpect of neglect and ferility. The river St. Jago runs into the fea at this place; on the banks of which, at fome diftance inland, are grazing farms of confiderable extent. From the mouth of this river, for the fpace of fifteen leagues, to Punta Ifabella (the fcite ofthe firft fettlement eflablifhedby Chrifopher Columbus) the foil, though capable of improvement, exhibits 110 lign of cultivation. From Ifabella to old Cape François (with the exception of Puerto de Plata) the coaft feems entircly deferted; nor, after paffing the bay of Samana, does a much better proipeét offer, until coafting round the eaftern extremity, we reach a vaft extent oflevel country called Llos Llanos, or the Plains; at the weft end of which, on the banks of the river Ozama, flands the metropolis. THIS the foil, though capable of improvement, exhibits 110 lign of cultivation. From Ifabella to old Cape François (with the exception of Puerto de Plata) the coaft feems entircly deferted; nor, after paffing the bay of Samana, does a much better proipeét offer, until coafting round the eaftern extremity, we reach a vaft extent oflevel country called Llos Llanos, or the Plains; at the weft end of which, on the banks of the river Ozama, flands the metropolis. THIS --- Page 241 --- SAINT DOMINGO Tuts city, which was long the moft confiderable in the new CHA XIL P. worid, was founded by Bartholomew Columbus, in the year 1498, and named, after a faint of great renown in thofe days, 1795 St. Dominick. There is preferved ip Oviedo, a Spanith hiftorian, who refided here about thirty vears afterits firft eftablifhment, an account of its ftate and population 2t that period, which being equally authentick and curious, I thall preient to the reader at length. <: Bur nowe (fays the hiftorian) to fpeake fumwhat ofthe 66 principall and chiefe place of the iflande, whiche is the citie 46 of San Domenico: I faye, that as touchynge the buildynges, 46 there is no citie in Spaine, fo much for fo-muche (no not 6 Barfalonas whiche I have oftentymes feene) that is to bee s: preferred before this generallyc. For the houfes of San Do6 menico are for the moite parte of ftone, as are they of Barfa2 lona. The fituation is muche better tha that of Barfalona, 6i by reafon that the ftreates are much larger and playner, and 6 without comparyfon more diredte and ftrayght furth. For 66 beinge buylded nowe in our tyme, befyde the commoditie of 4s the place of the foundation, the ftreatcs were alfo direéted 6: with corde, compafe and meafure; werein it excelleth al the 64 cities that I have fene. It hath the fea 1o nere, that of one 46 frde there is no more fpace betwen the fea and the citic, then 46 the waules. On the other parte, hard by the fyde and atthe 66 foote of the houfes, paffeth the ryver Ozama, whiche isa 66 marveylous porte; wherein laden fhyppes ryfe very nere to 4: the lande, and in manner under the houfe wyndowes. In 4 the myddeft ofthe citie is the fortrefle and caitle; the port or Ec2 64 haven there is no more fpace betwen the fea and the citic, then 46 the waules. On the other parte, hard by the fyde and atthe 66 foote of the houfes, paffeth the ryver Ozama, whiche isa 66 marveylous porte; wherein laden fhyppes ryfe very nere to 4: the lande, and in manner under the houfe wyndowes. In 4 the myddeft ofthe citie is the fortrefle and caitle; the port or Ec2 64 haven --- Page 242 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF C HA P. 46 haven alto, is fo fayre and commodious to XII. 66 defraight or unlade thyppes, as the lyke is founde but in fewe 1795. 66 worldc. The chymineis that places of the are in this citie are about 46 hundredth in number, and fuch houfes as I have fyxe <6 before; ofthe which fum are fo fayre and that fpoken of c6 maye well reccave and large they lodge any lorde or noble manne < Spayne, with his trayne and familie; and of <4 which Don Diego Colon, viceroy under e'pecially that 66 this citie, is fuche that I your majeftic, hath in knowe no man in that 46 the Spayne hath lyke, by a quarter, in goodneffe, all 64 commodities of the fame. Lykewyfe the confiderynge the fituation thereof as beinge above the fayde portc, and altogyther of s6 havynge many faire and large with ftone, and <6 peêt of the lande and fea roomes, as goodly a profas may be devyfed, feemeth unto me 6 fo magnifical and princelyke, that your bee 66 well therein majeftie may as lodged as in any of the mofte 46 houfes ofSpayne. There is alfo acathedrall exquifite builded churche buylded oflate, wherc, as well the byfhop accordyng to his <6 as alfo the canones, are wel indued. This church dygnitie, is 66 buylded of ftone and lync, and of good well # workemanfhyppe. There are further-more three monafteries the 4i bearyng names ofSaynt Dominike, Saynt Frances, and Saynt Mary of Merccdes; the whiche are well buylded, not fo < although curiouflve as they ofSpayne. There is alfo a very, good 65 ayde and fuccour of holpitall for the pore people, whichc was founded by * To this cathedral were cenveyed, from the Carthufian Monaftery in the remains of Chriftopher Columbus, who expired at Valladolid on the Seville, 2cth of May 15c6, Itjwas his dying requeft, that his body Chould be interred in St. Domingo, 6 Michacll fo < although curiouflve as they ofSpayne. There is alfo a very, good 65 ayde and fuccour of holpitall for the pore people, whichc was founded by * To this cathedral were cenveyed, from the Carthufian Monaftery in the remains of Chriftopher Columbus, who expired at Valladolid on the Seville, 2cth of May 15c6, Itjwas his dying requeft, that his body Chould be interred in St. Domingo, 6 Michacll --- Page 243 --- SAINT DOMINGO e Michaell Paffamont, threafurer to your majeftie. To con- CHAP. XII. 4c clucie, this citie fro day to day increafeth in welth and good <6 order, as wel for tbat the fayde admyrall and viceroy, with 1795. : thelorde chaunecloure and countayle appornted there by your : majeftie, have theyr continuall abydynage herc, as alfo that 6t the rycheft men of the ilande reiort hyther, for thyre mole c: commodious habitation and trade of fuch merchaundies as 6 are erther brought owt of Spayne, or fent thyther from this c iland, which nowe fo abundeth in many thynges, that it c ferveth Spayne with many commodities, as it were with < ufiry requityng fuch bencfites as it fyrft receaved from 65 thenfe (b)." Ir is probable that St. Domingo had now attained the fummit ofits profperity. About fixty years afterwards (:ftJanuary 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 cityofgreat extent and magnificence; and it isfhocking torelatc, that, after a month's poffeflion, Drake thought himfelf authorized, by the laws of war, to deftroy it by fire. < We fpent the early part ofthe mornings (fays the hiftorian ofthe voyage) in fireing the outmoit houfes; butthey being beiltvery magnificently of ftone, with high loftes, garc us no fimall travell to ruin them. And albeit, for divers dayes together, we ordeined ech morning by day-break, until the heat began at nine ofthe clocke, that two hundred mariners did nought els butlabour to fre and burn the faid houfes, whilft the fouldiers in a like proportion, (B) From a tranflation by Richard Eden, printed, London 1555: in black letter moit houfes; butthey being beiltvery magnificently of ftone, with high loftes, garc us no fimall travell to ruin them. And albeit, for divers dayes together, we ordeined ech morning by day-break, until the heat began at nine ofthe clocke, that two hundred mariners did nought els butlabour to fre and burn the faid houfes, whilft the fouldiers in a like proportion, (B) From a tranflation by Richard Eden, printed, London 1555: in black letter --- Page 244 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF C HA P. portion, food forth for their did XII. guard; yet we not, or could not, in this time, confume fo much as one third part of the 1795. towne; and f in the end, wearied with we firing, were colltented to accept of five and twenty thoufand ducats, of five thillings and fixpence the peece, for the ranfomc of the reft of the towne (c)." OF the prefent condition of this ancient city, the number of its inhabitants, and the commerce which I they fupport, can obtain nlo account on which I can depend. That it hath been (e) The following anecdote, related by the fame author, is too friking to be overlooked. I fhall quote his own words: During the ftay of the Englith in the city, 6 it chanced that the general fent on a meflage to the Spanith army negro boy with a flag of white, fignifying truce, as is the ordinarie governor, a Spanyards manner to do there, when they approach to fpeak to us; which boy unhappily was firft mct withall by fome of thofe who had been belonging as officers for the king in the Spanifh galley, which, with the towne, was lately fallen into our hands, who, without all order or reafon, and contraryto that good ufage wherewith wee had intertained their mellengers, furioufly ftrooke the poor boy thorow the body, with which wound the boy returned to the general, and, after he had declared the manner of this full crucltie, died forthwith in his prefence; wherewith the generall being wrongpaflion'd, commanded-the provoft martiall to caufe a couple of friers, then greatly ers, to be carried to the fame place where the boy was ftroken, and there prifonto be hanged; dilpatching, at the fame inftant, another poor prifoner, with prefently the reafon wher refore this execution was done, and with this further meflage, that untill the party who had thus murdered the general's meffenger, were delivered into our hands to receive condigne punifament, there fhould no day paffe wherein there fhould not two prifoners bc hanged, until they were all confuined which were in our hands. Whereupon the day following, hee that had been captaine of the king's brouglit the offender to the towne's end, offering to deliver him into our hands; galley, but it was thought to be a more honourable revenge to make them there, in our fight, to performe the execution themfelves, which was done accordingly." Jong were delivered into our hands to receive condigne punifament, there fhould no day paffe wherein there fhould not two prifoners bc hanged, until they were all confuined which were in our hands. Whereupon the day following, hee that had been captaine of the king's brouglit the offender to the towne's end, offering to deliver him into our hands; galley, but it was thought to be a more honourable revenge to make them there, in our fight, to performe the execution themfelves, which was done accordingly." Jong --- Page 245 --- SAINT DOMIN N G O. longin its decline, I have no doubt ; but that it is wholly depopu- C HA XI. P. lated and in ruins, as Raynal afferts, I do not believe. The cathedral and other publick buildings are ftill in being, and were 1795latelyt the refidence of a confiderable body of clergy andlawyers. The city continued alfo, while under the Spanifh government, the diocefe of an archbifhop, to whom, it is faid, the bithops of St. Jago in Cuba, Venezuela in New Spain, and St. John's in Porto Rico, were fuffragans. Thefe circumftances, have hitherto faved St. Domingo from entire decay, and may poftibly continue to fave it. With this very defeétive information the reader muft be content. As little ieems 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 their own expenditure ; and perhaps fome fimall quantities ofeach are Atill exported for confumption in Spain. The chiefarticle of exportation, however, continues to be, what it always has been fincc the mines were abandoned, the hides efhormed cattle; which have multiplied to fuch a degree, that the proprictors are faid to reckon them by thoufands; and vaft numbers (as I believe Ihave elfewhere obferved) are annually flaughtered folely for the fkins *, IT feems therefore extremely probable, that the cultivation of the earth is almoft entirely negleêted throughout the whole of the Spanith dominion in this ifland ; and that fome of the * Icisfaidthat a Company was fermed at 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. fineft Ihave elfewhere obferved) are annually flaughtered folely for the fkins *, IT feems therefore extremely probable, that the cultivation of the earth is almoft entirely negleêted throughout the whole of the Spanith dominion in this ifland ; and that fome of the * Icisfaidthat a Company was fermed at 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. fineft --- Page 246 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CILA P. fineft traéts of land in the world, once the paradife of a XII. fimpie and innocent people, are now abandoned to the beafts cf the 1795. ficld, and the vultures which hover round them (d). Or this defeription, probably, is the country already mentioned, called Llos Llanos, which flretches caftward from the capital upwards of fourfcore Britifh miles in length, by twenty or twenty-five in width ; and which, abounding in rivers throughout, may be fuppofed adapted for the growth of every tropical produétion. It feems capable alfo of being artificially flooded in dry weather. NEXT to Llos Llanos in magnitude, but fuperior, it is believed, in native fertility, is the noble valley to the north, called Vega Real; ; through the middle of which flows the river Yuna, for the fpace of fifty miles, and difembogues in Samana bay to the eaft. Perhaps it were no exaggeration to fay, that this and the former diftriets are alouc capable of producing more fugar,and other valuable commodities, than all the Britifh Weft Indies put together. THESE plains, however, though in contiguity the largeft, are not the only parts of the country Oil which nature has beflowed extraordinary fertility. Glades abundantly rich, cafy of acceis, and obvious to cultivation, are evcry where found even in the bofom of the mountains; while the moun- (a) The Gallivast, 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 Rripped off by the hunters. tains iguity the largeft, are not the only parts of the country Oil which nature has beflowed extraordinary fertility. Glades abundantly rich, cafy of acceis, and obvious to cultivation, are evcry where found even in the bofom of the mountains; while the moun- (a) The Gallivast, 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 Rripped off by the hunters. tains --- Page 247 --- SAINT DOMING o. tains themfelves contribute encircle, to fertilize the vallies which they C H A P. XII. PROCEEDING weflward along the fouthern capital to the river Nieva, the coaft, from the exccflive country is faid to be fubjeét to droughts ; but hcre too, the has provided a remedy for this beneficence of nature beautiful rivulets, which, inconvenience, in a thoufand tains, interfect the low lands defcending from the diftant mounnever-failing in various directions. Of this refource, even the we fuppofe them to have aboriginal natives, ignorant as by flooding their lands been, knew how to avail themfelves itis probable that fome therefrom in the dry feafon * -and lowed their of the earlicft of the Spanifh fettlers folexample; ; for it is evident that great tract were many fpots in this formerly covered with fugar and indigo ; their fcites plantations both of ancient buildings, which being marked out by the ruins of' manufaéture ofthoic could have been erected only for the and weeds, which articles. Amidf the wildernefs difcovered now deform and encumber the ofthickets fuch many valuable growths in a ftate of ground, are as the castus of feveral varieties, wildluxuriance, of cotton of which the wool the indigo plant,-af ipecies pointing out to the prefent is reddifh, and fome others; : tivation which would flothful pofleffors, that line of culto which water could tura to profitable account, eyen in not cafily be conduéted. fpots auxiliary there is no reafon to doubt With this the tropicks might be raifed that every production of moft plenty and perfedtion, throughout this diftriet, in the utVOL.III. *Vide vol,i i, Ff By ,-af ipecies pointing out to the prefent is reddifh, and fome others; : tivation which would flothful pofleffors, that line of culto which water could tura to profitable account, eyen in not cafily be conduéted. fpots auxiliary there is no reafon to doubt With this the tropicks might be raifed that every production of moft plenty and perfedtion, throughout this diftriet, in the utVOL.III. *Vide vol,i i, Ff By --- Page 248 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHA P. By much the greateft part of this extenfive range, howeter, XII. remains as Nature originally created it; covered withr woods of immenfe growth and luxuriant foliage, with very little underwood. The mahogany, the cedar, thc guaiacum, the bitter-afh, the fuftick, and a thoufand others, here flourith, and die unmolefted. In fome places are vaft groves of the latanier or thatch-palm, the fight of which always gives pleafure to the: beholder, not more from the fingular conformation and beauty ofthe tree itfelf, thau from the circumftance that it indicates, with unersing certainty, a rich and deep foil-underneath. THE great obftacle to the re-cflablifhment of towns and fettlements on the fouthern coaft, arifes from the infufficiency ofits ports and harbours : many of the thipping places being nothing more than open bays, which, in the autumnal months, lie expofed to the fury of ftorms and hurricanes.. The harbour of St. Domingo, which was formerly fappofed to be commodious and fecure, has become, in the courfe of years, too fhallow to admit fhips of large burthen';-but its lofs might be happily fupplied, at the diftance of fourteen leagues to the weftward,in the bay of Ocoa ; a capacious inlet, comprehending two moft fafe and commodious ports, named Caldira and' Puerto Riejo. The very advantageous pofition of this great bay, in the centre of the fouthern part of the iffand;--in the track, and almoft in fight, of fhips bound to Jamaica, and the Mexican Gulph:-the fafety and fecurity which it offers at all' feafons of the year, in the two fubordinate ports beforc mentioned ;--all thefe are circumftances of importance ; and they will, without doubt, attraét the notice of the French Go6 veroment, dira and' Puerto Riejo. The very advantageous pofition of this great bay, in the centre of the fouthern part of the iffand;--in the track, and almoft in fight, of fhips bound to Jamaica, and the Mexican Gulph:-the fafety and fecurity which it offers at all' feafons of the year, in the two fubordinate ports beforc mentioned ;--all thefe are circumftances of importance ; and they will, without doubt, attraét the notice of the French Go6 veroment, --- Page 249 --- SAINT DOMINGO whenever it Thall hereafter attempt to form any CHAP. vernment, of this XII. confiderable cftablifhment in the late Spanifh part great country *, THUS fcanty.and uninterefting is the bcft account I have 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, 110 lefs 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 expeétation of Tharing in the golden harveft. Its mines, indeed, were very produétive. Robertfon relates, that they continued for many years to yield a revenue of 460,000 pefos (e). In contrafting this fact, with an anecdote which I have elfewhere + recorded, that the inhabitants, at the time of Drake's invation, were fo wretchedly Moft of what is given in the above and the preceding page, is added fince the former edition. The author derived his information from a letter to the French Dircétory, written in 1798, by certain commiffioners employed to examine the eaftern part of St. Domingo, and report. to the Direétory concerning its agriculture and production. This letter, which is one only of a large feries, having been fent by a veffel that was captured by a Britifh cruifer, was put into the hands of the author, and, as far as it goes, is very intelligent and fatisfactory. Itis to be hoped the remainder of the correfpondence will fome time or other be made publick, as the writers appear to be men of fcience and obfervation. (e) Upwards of 6. 100,000 ferlingt Vol. i, Book 2d, Ff 2 poor, one only of a large feries, having been fent by a veffel that was captured by a Britifh cruifer, was put into the hands of the author, and, as far as it goes, is very intelligent and fatisfactory. Itis to be hoped the remainder of the correfpondence will fome time or other be made publick, as the writers appear to be men of fcience and obfervation. (e) Upwards of 6. 100,000 ferlingt Vol. i, Book 2d, Ff 2 poor, --- Page 250 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAP, XII. poor, as to be compelled to ufc, in barter among themfelves, pieces ofleather as a fubftitute for moncy, weare furnifhed with a ftriking proof, that the true way to acquire riches, is not by digging into the bowels, but by improving the furface, of the earth. Not having any manufagtures, nor the produétions of agriculture, to offer in exchange for the neceffaries and conveniencies of lifc, all their gold had foon found its way to Europc; and when the mines became exhaufted, their penury was extreme ; and floth, depopulation, and were degeneracy, its neceffary confequences (J). THE introduction into this ifland of negroes from Africa, of which I have elfewherc traced the origin and caufe (g), took placc at an early period. This refource did not, however, greatly contribute to augment the population of the colony ; for fuch of the whites as removed to the continent, in fearch of richer mines and better fortune, commonly took their negroes with them : and the fmall pox, a few years afterwards, deftroyed prodigious numbers of others. In 1717, the whole () The grofs ignorance of confidering gold and filver as real inftead of artificial wealth, and the folly of negledting agriculture for the fake of exploring mines, have becn well expofed by Abbé Raynal; who compares the conduét of the Spaniards in this refpeét, to that of the dog in the fable, dropping the piece of meat which he had in his mouth, to catch at the fhadow of it in the water. (g) Book iv. c. 2. A curious circumftance was, however, omitted. When the Portuguefe firft began the traffick in negroes, application was made to the Pope to fandify the trade by a bull, which his Holinefs iflued accordingly. In confequence of this permifion and authority, a very confiderable flave-market was eftablifhed at Lifbon, infomuch, that about thc year 1539, from 10 to 12,000 negrocs were fold there annually. numbes ) Book iv. c. 2. A curious circumftance was, however, omitted. When the Portuguefe firft began the traffick in negroes, application was made to the Pope to fandify the trade by a bull, which his Holinefs iflued accordingly. In confequence of this permifion and authority, a very confiderable flave-market was eftablifhed at Lifbon, infomuch, that about thc year 1539, from 10 to 12,000 negrocs were fold there annually. numbes --- Page 251 --- SAINT D OMIN G O. under the Spanith dominion, of all ages C 1 HA P. number ofinhabitants XII. and conditions, enflaved and free, were no more than 18,410, ad and fince that time, I conceive, they have rather diminifhed than increafed. Of pure whites (in contradiflinétion to the people of mixed blood) the number is undoubtedly veryinconfiderable ; perhaps not 3,000 in the whole. THE hereditary and unextinguifhable animofity between the Spanifh and French planters on this ifland, has already been 10ticed. It is probable, however, that the knowledge of this circumftance created greater reliance O1l the co-operation of the Spaniards with the Britith army, than was juftified by fubfeevents. At the earneft and repeated folicitations of quent Lieutenant Colonel Brifbane, in 179+, orders were indeed tranfmitted from the city of St. Domingo to the Commandant Don Francifco de Villa Neuva, to join the Englith at Verettes, of the the Britifh with the militia of that part country; garrifon at St. Marc undertaking to fupply them with provifions and ammunition : but thefe orders were ill obeyed. Not than three hundred men were brought into the field, and more thofe were far from being hearty in the common caufe. even in numbers in the neighThe French loyalifts appeared greater bourhood of St. Marc than in any other diftriet; and the detefted the French colonifts of all defcriptions. It Spaniards at the fame time, that they were almoft equally was evident, jealous ofthe Englifh;b betraying manifef-fmptoms ofdifcontent and envy, at beholding them in poffeffion of St. Marc, and the however, and fertile plains in its vicinage. They proceeded, took the town and harbour of Gonaive; but their fubfequent conduét bourhood of St. Marc than in any other diftriet; and the detefted the French colonifts of all defcriptions. It Spaniards at the fame time, that they were almoft equally was evident, jealous ofthe Englifh;b betraying manifef-fmptoms ofdifcontent and envy, at beholding them in poffeffion of St. Marc, and the however, and fertile plains in its vicinage. They proceeded, took the town and harbour of Gonaive; but their fubfequent conduét --- Page 252 --- HISTORICALISURVEY OF CHAP, . condust.manifeled the bafeft treachery, or the rankeft XII, cowardice. The town was n0. fooner attacked by a fmall detachment from the revolted negrocs, than the Spaniards fuffered themfclves to be driven out.of it, in the moft unaccountable manner; leaving theFrench inhabitantsto thefury ofthefavages, who maffacred the. whole number (as their comrades had done at Fort Dauphin) and then reduced thetown itfelfto afhes (h). ON the whole, there is reafon to fuppole that a great proportion-of the prefent Spanifh proprictors in St. Domingo are a (h) Inthe northern province of the French colony, the inhabitants of Fort Dauphin, a town fituated on the Spanifh borders, having no affiftance from the Englith, and being apprehenfive of an attack from the rebel negroes, applied for proteétiot, and delivered up the town, to the Spanifh government. The Spanich commandant, on accepting the conditions required, which were chiefly for perfonal fafety, iffued a proclamation, importing, that fuch of the French planters as would feck. refuge there, fhould find fecurity. Seduced,by this proclamation, a confiderable number repaired thither; when, on Monday the 7th of July 1794, Jean Frangois, the negro general, and leader of the revolt in 1791, entered the town. with fome thoufands of armed negroes. He met-not the fmalleft refiftance, either. .at the advanced pofts, or at the barriers cccupied bythe Spanifh troops ; the inhabitants keeping their houfes, in the hope of being proteéted by the commandant. In an inftant, every part of the city refounded with the cryo of < Long live the King of Spain ! Kill: all the French; but offer no violence to the Spaniards;". and a generai maffacre of the French commenced, in which no dlefs than 771 of them, without diftinétion of fex or age, were murdered on the fpot : the Spanifh foldiers ftanding by, fpectators of the tragedy. It is thought, however, that if the Spaniards bad openly interpofed, they would have fhared the fate of the French. It is faid that Mont-Calvos, commander of the Spanith troops, moved by compafion towards fome French gentlemen of his acquaintance, admitted them into the ranks, drefing them in the Spanifh uniform for their fecurity; : others were fecretly conveyed. to the fort, and fent off in the night to Monte Chrifti,. where they got on board an American veffel belonging to Salem. debafed tragedy. It is thought, however, that if the Spaniards bad openly interpofed, they would have fhared the fate of the French. It is faid that Mont-Calvos, commander of the Spanith troops, moved by compafion towards fome French gentlemen of his acquaintance, admitted them into the ranks, drefing them in the Spanifh uniform for their fecurity; : others were fecretly conveyed. to the fort, and fent off in the night to Monte Chrifti,. where they got on board an American veffel belonging to Salem. debafed --- Page 253 --- SAINT DOMIN G O. debafed and degenerate race ; a motly mixture from European, C H XII. A P. Indian, and African anceftry; and the obfervation which has been made in another place (i), concerning the Spanifh inhabitants of Jamaica, at the conqueft of that ifland in 1655, will equally apply to thefe. They are neither polithed by focial ineducation; but pafs their days ia tercourfe, nor improved by gloomy languor, enfecbled by floth, and depreffed by poverty. From fuch men, therefore, great as their antipathy is to the French nation, and however averie they may be to a change of Taws and government, I am afraid that no cordial co-operatiou with thc Britifh can ever be cxpeéted. The beft families them, rather than fubmit to the French dominion, will among 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 COToured people, French and Spanith ; a clafs-that, Ithink, in proeefs of time, will become mafters of the towns and cultivated the interior parts of the ifland on the fea-coaft; leaving country to the revolted negroes. Such, probably, will be the fate of this once beautiful and princely. colony; ; and it grieves that the exertions of Great Britain o1l this mc to fay, prefent haftea. blood-ftained theatre, can anfver no other end than to the cataftrophe! IMIGHT here expatiate on the wonderful difpenfations of Divine Providence, in raifing up the enflaved Africans to the wrongs of the injured aborigines : I might alfo inavenge dulge the fond but fallacious idca, that as the negroes of St. (i) Vol.i. Book 2d. Domingo rieves that the exertions of Great Britain o1l this mc to fay, prefent haftea. blood-ftained theatre, can anfver no other end than to the cataftrophe! IMIGHT here expatiate on the wonderful difpenfations of Divine Providence, in raifing up the enflaved Africans to the wrongs of the injured aborigines : I might alfo inavenge dulge the fond but fallacious idca, that as the negroes of St. (i) Vol.i. Book 2d. Domingo --- Page 254 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CH A P. Domingo have been eye-witneffes to the benefits of civilized XII. life among the whites;-have feen in what manner,and to what extent, 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 fpirits may hereafter rife up among thcm, by whofe encouragement and example they may be taught, in due time, to difcard the ferocious and fordid manners and purfuits of favage life ; to correct their viccs, and be led progreffively on to civilization and gentlenels, to the knowledge of truth, and the praétice of virtuc. This piéture is fo pleafing to the imagination, that every humane and refleéting mind muft wifh it may bc realized ; but I am afraid it is the mere creation of the fancy- the fabrick of a vifion !" Experience has demonftrated, that a wild and lawlefs freedom affords no means of improvement, either mental or moral. The Charaibes of St. Vincent, and the Maroon negroes of Jamaica, were originally enflaved Africans; and what they now are, the freed negroes of St. Domingo wvill hereafter de-favages in the midft of fociety ; without peace, fecurity, agriculture, or property: ; ignorant of the duties of life, and unacquainted with all the foft and endearing relations which render it defirable; averfe to labour, though frequently perifhing of want; fufpicious of each other, and towards the reft of mankind revengeful and faithlefs, remorfelefs and bloody minded; pretending to be frec, while groaning beneath the capricious defpotifin of their chiefs, and feeling all the miferies of fervitude, without the benefits of fubordination ! IF , fecurity, agriculture, or property: ; ignorant of the duties of life, and unacquainted with all the foft and endearing relations which render it defirable; averfe to labour, though frequently perifhing of want; fufpicious of each other, and towards the reft of mankind revengeful and faithlefs, remorfelefs and bloody minded; pretending to be frec, while groaning beneath the capricious defpotifin of their chiefs, and feeling all the miferies of fervitude, without the benefits of fubordination ! IF --- Page 255 --- 2: OF S: DOMINGO. A MAP OF THE ISLAND Scale tish Stat Longnitu ude West fron SGRFENWICH. --- Page 256 --- --- Page 257 --- SAINT DOMIN G O. IF what I have thus-not haftily, but-deliberately predifted, CHAP. concerning the fatc ofthis unfortunate country, fhall be verified XII. by the event, all other refledtions muft yield to the preffing confideration howbeft toobviate and defeat the influence which fo dreadful an example of fuccefsful revolt and triumphant anarchy may have in our OWII iflands. This is a fubjeét which will foon force itfelf on the moft ferious attention of Government; and I am of opinion, that nothing lefs than the co-opcration of the Britifh parliament with the colonial legiflatures can meet its emergency. On the other hand, if it be admitted that thc objeét is infinitely too in.portant, and the means and refources of France much too powerful and abundant, to fuffer a doubt to remain concerning the ultimate accomplithment of her views, in feizing on the whole of this extenfive country: if we can fuppofe that (convinced at length, by painful experience, of the monftrous folly of fuddenly emancipating barbarous men, and placing them at once in all the complicated relations of civil fociety) fhe will finally fuccced in reducing the vaft body of fugitive negrocs to obedience ; and in cflablifhing fecurity, fubordination, and order, under 2 conftitution of government fuited to the aélual condition of the varions claffes ofthe inhabitants:-if fuch Thali be her good fortune, it will not require the endowment of prophecy to foretel the refult. The middling, and who are commonly the moft induftrious clais of Planters, throughout every ifland in the Weft Indics, allured by the cheapnefs of the land and the faperior fertility of the foil, will affuredly feek out fettlements in St. Domingo; and a WeftIndian empire will fix itfelfin this noble ifland, to which, VoL.IfI. Gg in :-if fuch Thali be her good fortune, it will not require the endowment of prophecy to foretel the refult. The middling, and who are commonly the moft induftrious clais of Planters, throughout every ifland in the Weft Indics, allured by the cheapnefs of the land and the faperior fertility of the foil, will affuredly feek out fettlements in St. Domingo; and a WeftIndian empire will fix itfelfin this noble ifland, to which, VoL.IfI. Gg in --- Page 258 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF CHAI P. in a few fhort years, all the tropical poffeffions of Europe will XII. be found fubordinate and tributary. Placed in the centre of Britith and Spanith America, and fituated to windward. ofthofe territories of either nation which are moft valuable, while the commerce of both muft exift only by its good pleafure, all the riches of Mexico will be wholly at its difpofal. Then will the vaffal Spaniard lament, when it is too late, the thoughtlets and improvident furrender hc has made, and Great Britain find Jeifureto reflcét how deepiy the is herfelf concerned in the confequences of it. The dilemma is awful, and the final iffue known only to that omnifcient Power, in whofc hand is the fatc of empires ! But whatever the iffue may be,-in all the varieties of fortunc,-in all events and circumftances, whether proiperous or adverfe,--it infinitely concerns both the peoplcof Great Britain, and thc inhabitants of the Britifh colonies,-I cannot repeat it too often,-to derivc admonition from the ftory beforc uS. To great Britain I would intimate, that if, difregarding the prefent examplc, encouragement Thall continue to be given to the peftilent doStrines of thofe hot-brained fanaticks, and deteftablc incendiaries, who, under the vile pretence of philanthropy and zeal for the interefts of fuffering humanity, preach up rebellion and murder to the contented and orderly negroes in our owI territories, what elfe can be expeéted, but that thc fame dreadful fcencs of carnage and defolation, which WC have contemplated in St. Domingo, will be renewed among our countrymen and relations in the Britifh Weft Indies? May God Almighty, of lis infinite mercy, avert the evil! To the refident Planters i addreis myfelf pretence of philanthropy and zeal for the interefts of fuffering humanity, preach up rebellion and murder to the contented and orderly negroes in our owI territories, what elfe can be expeéted, but that thc fame dreadful fcencs of carnage and defolation, which WC have contemplated in St. Domingo, will be renewed among our countrymen and relations in the Britifh Weft Indies? May God Almighty, of lis infinite mercy, avert the evil! To the refident Planters i addreis myfelf --- Page 259 --- SAINT DO MIN G O. myfelf with Atill greater folicitude ; and, if it were in my C HA P. Xil. power, would exhort them, 66 with more than mortal voice," to rife above the foggy atmofphere of local prejudices, and, by a generous furrender of temporary advantages, do that, which thc Parliament of Great Britain, in thc pridc and plenitude of imperial dominion, cannot effeét, and ought not to attempt. I call on them, with the fincerity and the affeétion of a brother, of themfelves to reftrain, limit and finally abolifh the farther introduction of enflaved men from Africa ;-not indeed by meafures of fudden violence and injuftice, difregarding the many weighty and complicated interefts which are involved in the iffue ; but by means which, though flow and gradual in their opcration, will be fure and certain in their effect. The Colonial Legiflatures, by their fituation and local knowledge, are alone competent to this great and glorious tafk : and this example of St. Domingo, and the diétates of felf-prefervation, like the handwriting againft the wall, warn them no longer to delay it! Towards the poor negrocs over whom the ftatutes of Grcat Britain, the accidents of fortune, and the laws of inheritance, have invefted them with power, their general conduct for thc laft twenty years (notwithftanding the foul calumnies with which they have been loaded) may court enquiry, and bid defiance to cenfure. A perfeverance in the fame benevolent frftem, progrefively leading the objects of itt to civilization and mental improvement, preparatory to greater indulgence, is all that humanity can requirc; for it is all that prudence can diétate. Thus will the Planters prepare a fhield Gg 2 of --- Page 260 --- HISTORICAL SURVEY, &c. CHA P. of defence againft their enemies, and fecure to themfelves that XII. ferenity and elevation of mind, which arife from an approving confcieuce ; producing affurance in hopc, and confolation in adverfity. Their perfecutors and flanderers in the mean time will be difregarded or forgotten; for calumny, though a great, is a temporary cvil, but truth andjuftice will prove triumphant and eterual ! --- Page 261 --- 229 ] ILLUSTRATIONS, AND ADDITIONAL N O T E S, TO THE HISTORICAL SURVEY OF ST. DOMINGO. The following T. A B] LES were drawn up by order of the L.egiflative Affembly of which met the if of October 1791, and feem to have been framed in the view of FRANCE, thc astual fate ofthe Colony, and its Commerce, immadiately before the afeertaining rebcllion ufthe Negroes in the month of Auguft of tnat year. The totals breaking will be out found ofthe differ, in fomc of the particulers, from the fatemcnt which aas been given in the to pages. The difference arifespartly: from the actual of preceding two years which interveneibeteeen change circumfi.nces, in the courfe of I am the periai- waen each ftatement was made up, and afraid, from crrors 2nd omifions oi my CWIl, partiry Negroes in the month of Auguft of tnat year. The totals breaking will be out found ofthe differ, in fomc of the particulers, from the fatemcnt which aas been given in the to pages. The difference arifespartly: from the actual of preceding two years which interveneibeteeen change circumfi.nces, in the courfe of I am the periai- waen each ftatement was made up, and afraid, from crrors 2nd omifions oi my CWIl, partiry --- Page 262 --- TABLEAU DE COMMERCE, Szc. DE ST. DOMINGUE. No. I. Etat Général des CULTURES et des MANUFACTURES de la Partie Françoife de St DOMINGUE, 1791. Sucreii CHEFS LIEUX ou QUARTIERS ou PAROISES. JURISDICTIONS: E Partie du Nord, Le Cap et dépendances - 21,6 Lap petite.Anceerlar p'zineduNord 43 7 37 11,12 22 L'acul, Limonade et S C Suzanne 52 4 157 3 19,876 Lc Cap Morien et la Grande Rivière 35 7 - 18,554 Le Dondon et Marmelade - - 32 2 17-376 A Limbé et Port Mago: 22 3 272 5 I 2 2 15.978 Plaifance et le Borgne - - - 324 2 4 3 5 15,018 Le Fort Dauphin 29! 7 71 2 10 4: 3 8 10,004 Le Fort Dauphin; Ouanaminthe et Valliere 25 2 151 3 9,987 Le Terricr rouge et le trcu - 56 4 I 15.476 Lc Port d: Paix Lel Port dePaixle; petitS:Lcuis 2 6 2 218 9 4 18 26 4 Jean Rabeletleg gros Morne - J 369; 29,540 Le Mole Le Mole ct Bombarde 31 14 15 - - 3,183 Partie de l'Oueft. Port au Prince et laCroix des 7 65 151 22 I 20 I Bouquets - J 15 291 48,848 Port au Prince L'Arcahaye 11 36 6z 24; 48 14 23 5 18,553 Mirebelais 31 - 27 19 322 - 2 5 10,902 Léogane - - Léogane - 27 39 58 18] 78 25 14 I 14,896 St Marc S' Marc, la pe:ite Rivière 7 22 21 298 1,184 - 10 I 71 12 67,216 Les Verettes et les Gonaives 3 Le petiz Goave, le grand Goave, Le petit Goave etle fonds des Négres I1 16; 25 31 11 2 9 18,829 L'Anfe à Veau et le petit trou 6 11 # 7 185 9 2 13,229 Jérémie - Jérémie et le Cap Dame Maric 3 5 105 30 44 6j 25 14 20,774 4 Partic du Sud. Les Cayes - - Les Cayes et Torbeck - 24 86 69 76 175 IS 321 8 30,937 Lc Cap Tiburon Le Cap liburon et les Coteaux I 24 121 169 4 / I 8,153 St Louis Se Louis, Cavaillon et Aquin 9 23 39 28 157 8 2 18 1S,78; Jacmel - Jacmel, les Cayes, c: Baynel 57 89! 129 31 7 21,151 Total - 51 Paroiffes - 451 341 2,810' 70; 3,097 173: 6; 331 611155,000 Tiburon Le Cap liburon et les Coteaux I 24 121 169 4 / I 8,153 St Louis Se Louis, Cavaillon et Aquin 9 23 39 28 157 8 2 18 1S,78; Jacmel - Jacmel, les Cayes, c: Baynel 57 89! 129 31 7 21,151 Total - 51 Paroiffes - 451 341 2,810' 70; 3,097 173: 6; 331 611155,000 --- Page 263 --- TABLEAU DE COMMERCE, &zc. DE ST. No. It, EtrdeDExeEn dest DOMINGUE, Doming: FtgpmnénmPaedira? terer Janvier 1791 an31 Sucre. Désembreindufvcacnt Départemens, Bla C. Brut. Café. Coton, Indigo. Cuirs, Lirres. Livres, en Poil. Tannés. Sirop. Tafia. Livres. Livres. Livres. Banettes Côtes. PARTIE DU Noxp. Le Cap Boucauts Barique Le Furt Dauphin 41,564.552 8,609.258 1.517.499 29,367. 332 Le Port de Paix 473.800 1,639.903 2,321.610 1,200 195.099 2,006 6,97; Le Mole - 22,500 824,500 105,080 1,829.754 38,752 2,005 1,134 160 10,654 2,731 294.550 29,236 61.472 6,29+ 12c 272 25 PasTissst'Overr Le Port au Prince Léogane - 7-792,219 492.933 53,6,8.923 141584,023 1,370,021 Saint Mare 7,688,537 1.786,484 154084 176,918 1,601 Le Petic Goave3.244673 213,865 6.993-556 5-521,237 3.003.16;! 12,520 112 752 8,350 36 Jérémie - 19,804 855.23- 476,445 1.395.699 84,865 357,530 320 55 73 49 45 4x453-531 189,191 370,021 Saint Mare 7,688,537 1.786,484 154084 176,918 1,601 Le Petic Goave3.244673 213,865 6.993-556 5-521,237 3.003.16;! 12,520 112 752 8,350 36 Jérémie - 19,804 855.23- 476,445 1.395.699 84,865 357,530 320 55 73 49 45 4x453-531 189,191 PARTIE DU Sup. 1,075 ICO Le Les Cap Cayes Tiburon 4375,627 18.084-43 843-403 St Louis - 63,150 2,000 278.500 305.740 720,770 34:325 105.456 67 6,938 Jacmel 48,266 67,910 9,600 90,705 42. 497 2,004 1,954 99 136 Total 4:357.270 613,019 7,309 15 70,227.708 93.177 512 68,151,180 6,286.126,9 Valeur commune des 930,016 5.186 7,887 29,502 303 Exportatiuns et des Droits perç as dans la Colo.ie fur Indication de la Nature Quotité toutes 1. s Denrées, des Denrées, en EAimation en raifon du Du Ier Janvier 1: 1791 au 31 nature. prix Commun, Xh.ede mêm: année. Vendus en France. Blanc ou terré - 70,227,708 ValeerCommuneyDieine çus SanelBune Livres a Café - 91.177.512 Livres 67,6;0.781 2,528,197 Coton : 68,151,180 6,286,126 livres à 16 o +9.941.567 1,677,195 5,142.584 4372 Indigo Livres 51,850.745 1,226,720 So Cacao - 930,016 Livree à 7 IC 17. 572,252 783-766 654,028. Sirop - 150,000 Livres a 1C,875.120 465cc3 16,786,486 Taia - 29.502 Boucauts. a 66 120.000 10,410.112 Cuirs Tannés 303 Bariques. à 72 1947,132 120,0co Cuirs en Poil 7,d87 Coés 21,816 221,275 1,821 1,725.857 Care: (tortoife fhell) 5,186 Banettes a 18 78,87 10,377 19.095 5,0co Livres - a IO 93.348 7.807 63.493 Gayzc, Acajo:, et Campéche 50,c00 1.500,ccol Livres - à Elimés 50,c00 Total de la Valear commune dc 40,000 toutes les Denrées 40,000 200-301.534 font Teutes les fommes dont il eft OBSERVATION 6,934.166 193-3774468 Argent des Coloniss. Le queftion dancerableau ESSENTIELLE Livre Teurnois comprée pour une change livre y dix età fous, 331, etli FXENPLE, Le I"t Lancpulhéduiderdoce mon:ant des Exporrations Exeuret s'éleve enfrancemontss nfen es,ervendoes gent des Colonies à la fomme de ArRéduite en Livre, Tournois blealafommede à 1953-7,168 Réduite, Argent de Franceà 205g01.634 28,9 i 3,312 133:534123 Diférence fur cet Articlede - Différence fur cet Article de - On 61459:56 66767.311 obtiendra le môm: F'asension de réduire le ihararioenmantees tiers far chaque ayent ionm:. gent des Colonies à la fomme de ArRéduite en Livre, Tournois blealafommede à 1953-7,168 Réduite, Argent de Franceà 205g01.634 28,9 i 3,312 133:534123 Diférence fur cet Articlede - Différence fur cet Article de - On 61459:56 66767.311 obtiendra le môm: F'asension de réduire le ihararioenmantees tiers far chaque ayent ionm:. --- Page 264 --- TABLEAU DE COMMERCE 8cc. DE ST. DOMINGUE. No. III. Apperçu des RICHESSES territoriales des habitations cn grande CULTURE de la Partie Françoife cc St, Domingue. Evaluation des Capiteux. Efimation partic u ière de Totalité de] la Indication de la Nature Nombrc. chaque Objet Valeur Gédes Capitaux. cn raiiordu En Ter:es, En Négreset nérale. prix moyen. Bàtirrens, animaaxemerPlan:a- ployés àl'ext.ons. ploitacien. (en Blanc 451 à 230,0co IC3,730.ccO 103,730,0c0 Sucrerics Len Brut 341 à 180,0co 61,3S0,cco 61,350.0co Cafeteries 2,810 à 20,000 56.200,000 56,200,000 Cotonneries 705 à 30,000 21,15c,c00 - 21,150,000 Indigoteries - 3,097 à 30,000 92.910,000 - 92,910,C00 Guildiveries - 173 à 5 000 865,c00 S6;.000 Cacaotières - 69 à 4,0co 275,cO0 - 275 Oco Tanneries 3 à 160,0c0 480,000 - 480,000 Fours à Chaux,BriquericsetPoterics 37+ à 15,0co 5,510,000 5 510,0cO Négresanciens et nouveaux, grands 7 455.0co à et pecits - 2,5co 1,137.5cc,cco 1,157, 500,0co Chevaux et Mulets 16,0cc à 6,400,0c0 6,400,000 Bêtes à cornes 12,000 à 1440,000 1,440,c00 Total des Ric'teffes employées à la Culture 342,500,000 1,145.34c,c0o 48;,810,000 gresanciens et nouveaux, grands 7 455.0co à et pecits - 2,5co 1,137.5cc,cco 1,157, 500,0co Chevaux et Mulets 16,0cc à 6,400,0c0 6,400,000 Bêtes à cornes 12,000 à 1440,000 1,440,c00 Total des Ric'teffes employées à la Culture 342,500,000 1,145.34c,c0o 48;,810,000 --- Page 265 --- [ 233 ] ADDITIONAL TABLES, Containing Information not comprehended in,t thc preceding; Collested by the Author achen at Cape Frangois, No. IV. TRADE of the French Part of Sr. DOMINGO with old France. IMPORTS for the Year 1788. Quantity. Nature of Goods. Amount in Hifpaniola Currency. Liv. 186,759 Barrels of Flocr : 12,271,247 1,366 Quintals of Bifcuit - 38,68+ 3.309 Ditto - - Cheefe - 217,450 2,044 Ditto - - Wax Candles 602,010 27,154 Ditto - - Soap 1,589.98; 16,896 Ditto - - Tallow Candles 1,479,510 20,762 Ditto - - Oil1,973.750 1,359 Dittc - - Tallow55.770 121,587 Caiks ofWine - 13.610,960 7,020 Cafes of Do - 584.770 5-752 Cafs of Beer 328,175 6,17+ Hampers of Beer 157,380 10.375 Cafcs of Cordials - 340,070 6,937 Ankers of Brandy - 140,238 2,284 Ditto of Vinegar - 23,734 19457 Bafkets of Anifeed Liquor 254,398 5,999 Qointals of Vegetables - 322,130 14,613 Cafes ofpreferved Fruit 320,477 2,486 Quintals ofCod Fih - 85,607 1,308 Ditto - - Salt Fifh - 26,700 17,219 Ditto - Butter 1,650,150 24,261 Di:to - - Salt Beef 958 300 14,732 Ditto - - Sal: Po:k - 1,101,395 4,351 Ditto - - Ditto - 376,560 1,527 Ditto - - Hlams : 177,340 Dry Goods, wiz. Linens, Woollens, Silks, Cottons, and ManufaSures ofail kinds 39.008,Co0 Surdry otherArticles, valuedat 8,685,600 Amount cfallthe Goodsimported - 86,414.040 Thefe Importations were made in 585 Veffels, meafuring together 189.679 Tons, or by Average 3254 Tons each Veffel; viz. 224 from Bourdeaux. IO from Bayonne, I frcm Disppe. 129 from Nantes, 5 from La Rochclle. fiom Rouen. from Marfeilles. 3 from Harfleur. from Granville. 8 from Havre de Grace. 2 from Cherbourg, from Cette, 19 from Dunkirk. 2 from Croific. from Rhedon, I1 from St. Malo. Addt tot the 580 Veffels from France, 93 frcm the Coaft of Africa, and the French Part of Hifpaniola will be found to have employed578 VeJels belonging to France in the year 1788. VoL, III. H h antes, 5 from La Rochclle. fiom Rouen. from Marfeilles. 3 from Harfleur. from Granville. 8 from Havre de Grace. 2 from Cherbourg, from Cette, 19 from Dunkirk. 2 from Croific. from Rhedon, I1 from St. Malo. Addt tot the 580 Veffels from France, 93 frcm the Coaft of Africa, and the French Part of Hifpaniola will be found to have employed578 VeJels belonging to France in the year 1788. VoL, III. H h --- Page 266 --- TABLEAU DE COMMERCE, &c. DE ST. DOMINGUE, No. V. Foreign TRADE in 1788 (exclufive of the Spanimh.) Imported by Foreigners (Spaniards excepted) to the Amount of - 6,821,707 Livres. Exported by the fame - 41409,922 Difference - - 2,411,785 N. B. This Trade employed 763 fmall Veffels, meafuring 55,745 Tons. The Average but is there 73 5 Tons each. Veffels from North A:erica (American built) are comprehended in it; I'ons were alfo employedin the North American Trade 45 French Vellels,, meafuring Colonial 3-475 (the Average 77 T'ons each), which exported to North America Produdts, Value - 525,571 Livres. And imported in return Goods to the Amount of 465,081 Difference 60,490 Spanifh TRADE in 1788. Spanith Veffels, meafuring 15,417 Tons, or 59 Tons each, imported to the Amount of 259 (chielly Bullion) 9,717,113 And exported Negro Slaves, andGoods, chiefly European Manufaétures, to the Amount of - 5.587-515 Difference 4,129.598 N. B. This is exclulive of the Inland T'rade with the Spaniards, of which there: is no Account. No. VI. AFRICAN TRADE. NEGROES imported into the French Part OfHISPANIOLA, in 1788. Number Ports of Men. Women. Boys. Girls. Amount. lof Vefiels. Importation. Port-au-Prince 4,732 2,256 541 60 2,600 8,293 24 8 St. Marc e 1,665 1,652 3,246 Léogane I Jerémie 1,624 1,245 41590 19 Cayes 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 importedi in 1788, were fold for 61.936,190 Livres (Hifpaniola Currency) which on an average is 2,099 liv. 23. each, being about 6.60 Iterling. --- Page 267 --- 235 ] ILLUSTRATIONS, 8rc. CHAP. IV. P. 72. It was difcovered, howvever, about nine months afleraards, that CHA P. this mof unfortunate young man (Ogé) had made a full confefrion. IV. His laf folemn declaration, fivorn to andfigned by himfef the day before his cxecution, zeas adlually produced, &c. The following is a copy of this important document. TESTAMENT DE MORT D'OGÉ. EXTRAIT des minutes du Confeil Supérieur du Cap, l'an mil fept cent quatre-vings-onze et le neuf mars, nous AntoineEtienne Ruotte, confeiller du roi, doyen au Confeil Supérieur du Cap, et Maric-François Pourchereffe de Vertieres, auffi confeiller du roi au Confeil Supérieur du Cap, commiffaires nommés par' la cour, à l'effet de faire exécuter l'arrét de la dite cour, du 5 du préfent mois, portant condamnation de mort contre le nommé Jacques Ogé, dit Jacquot, quarteron. Hh 2 libre; Ruotte, confeiller du roi, doyen au Confeil Supérieur du Cap, et Maric-François Pourchereffe de Vertieres, auffi confeiller du roi au Confeil Supérieur du Cap, commiffaires nommés par' la cour, à l'effet de faire exécuter l'arrét de la dite cour, du 5 du préfent mois, portant condamnation de mort contre le nommé Jacques Ogé, dit Jacquot, quarteron. Hh 2 libre; --- Page 268 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHA P. libre; lequel, étant en la chambre criminelle, ct après lcéture IV. faite du dit arrêt, en ce quile concerne, a dit et déclaré, pour p.72. / la décharge de fa confcience, ferment préalablement par lui prêté, la main lcvée devant nous, dc dirc vérité. QUE dans le commencement du mois de février dernier, fi les rivières n'avoient pas dté débordécs, il devoit fc faire un attroupcment de gens de couleur, qui devoient cntrainer avcc eux les àtéliers, et dcvoicnt venir fondre fur la ville du Cap eul nombre très confidérable; qu'ils étoient même déjà réunis au nombre de onzc mille hommes; que lc débordement des rivières cit le feul obftacle qui les a empêchés de fe réunir; cette quantité d'hommcsde couleur étant compofée de ceux du Mirebalais, de l'Artibonitc, du Limbe, d'Ouanaminthe, de la Grande Rivière, ct généralement de toute la Colonic. Qu'à cettc époque, il étoit forti du Cap cent hommes de coulcur pour fc joindre à cette troupc. Que l'accufé cft affuré que les auteurs de cette révolte font les Declains, négres libresde la Grande-Rivière, accufés au procès; Dumas, n. 1.; Yvon, n. 1.; Bitozin, m. 1. cfpagnol; Pierrc Godard et Jeanc-Baptifte, fon frère, n. 1. de la CrandeRivière; Legrand Mazeau ct Touffaint Mazeau, 11. L; Pierre Mlauzi, m. 1.; Ginga Lapaire, Charles Lamadieu, les Sabourins, Jcan Pierre Goudy, Jofeph Lucas, mulatres libres; Mauricc, n. 1.; tous accufés au procès. Que les grands moteurs, au bas de Ia côte, font les nommés Daguin, accufé au procès; Rebcl, demeurant aul Mircbalais; Pinchinat, accufé au procès; Labaftille, également accufé au procès; et quc P'accufé, ici préfent, croit devoir nous déclarer êzre un des plus ardens partifans de la révolte, qui a mu CIl grande . 1.; tous accufés au procès. Que les grands moteurs, au bas de Ia côte, font les nommés Daguin, accufé au procès; Rebcl, demeurant aul Mircbalais; Pinchinat, accufé au procès; Labaftille, également accufé au procès; et quc P'accufé, ici préfent, croit devoir nous déclarer êzre un des plus ardens partifans de la révolte, qui a mu CIl grande --- Page 269 --- A ND ILLUSTRATIONS grande partie celle qui a éclaté dans les environs de Saint-Marc, C H A.P. IV. et qui cherche à en éxciter une nouvelle; qu'ily a dans ce mo- p.72. ment plulieurs gens de couleur, dans différens quartiers, bien réfolus à tenir à leurs projets, malgré que ceux qui trempéroient dans la révolte perdroient la vie; que l'accuié, ici préfent, ne fc reffouvenir du nom de tous; mais qu'il fe rappelle: peut le pas fils de Laplace, 9- 1.; dont lui accufé a vu la foeur dans les que prifons, a quitté le Limbé pour aller faire des récrues dans le quàrtier d' Ouanaminthe; et que ces récrues ct ces foulévemens de gens de couleur font foutenus ici par la préfence des mommés Fleury et T'Hirondelle Viard, députés des gens de couleur auprès de l'affemblée nationale; que-lui accufé, ici préfent, ignore fi lés députés fe tiennent chez eux; qu'il croit que le nommé Fleury fe tient au Mirebalais, et le nommé I'Hirondelle Viard dans lé quartier de la Grande-Rivière: Que lui accufé, ici préfent, déclare que l'infurreétion des revoltés exifte dans les fouterrains qui fe trouvent entre la Crête à Marcan et le Canton du Giromon, paroiffe de la Grande-Rivière; qu'en conféquence, fi lui accufé pouvoit être conduit fur les lieux, il fe feroit fort de prendre les chefs des révoltés; que' l'agitation dans laquelle il fe trouve, relativement à fa pofitioir aétuelle, ne lui permet pas dc nous donner des détails plus circonftanciés; qu'il nous les donnera par la fuite, lorfqu'il fera ur plus tranquil; qu'illui vient en ce moment à l'efprit que le' peu nommé Caftaing, mulâtre libre de cette dépendance; ne fc: trouve compris en aucune manière dans l'affaire aétuelle; mais: que lui accufe, nous affure que G fon frère Ogé eût fuivi,l'im-- pulfion du dit Caftaing, il fe feroit porté à de bien plus grandesextrémités; qu'il nous les donnera par la fuite, lorfqu'il fera ur plus tranquil; qu'illui vient en ce moment à l'efprit que le' peu nommé Caftaing, mulâtre libre de cette dépendance; ne fc: trouve compris en aucune manière dans l'affaire aétuelle; mais: que lui accufe, nous affure que G fon frère Ogé eût fuivi,l'im-- pulfion du dit Caftaing, il fe feroit porté à de bien plus grandesextrémités; --- Page 270 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHA IV. A P. extrémités; qui cft tout ce qu'il nous a dit pouvoir nous déclarer p.72. dans ce moment, dont Jui avons donné acte, qu'il a figné avec nous et le gréffier. Signé à la minute J. OGE', RUOTTE, POURCHERESSE DE VERTIERES, et LANDAIS, gréffier. EXTRAIT des minutcs du grèffe du Confeil Supérieur du Cap, l'an mil fept cent quatre-vingt-onze, le dix mars, trois heures de rélévée, en Ia chambre criminelle, nous Antoine-Etienne Ruotte, confeiller du roi, doyen du Confeil Supérieur du et Marie-Frangoli-Joeph de Vertieres, auffi confeiller du roi Cap, au dit Confeil Supérieur du Cap, commifaires nommés par la cour, fuivant l'arrêt de ce jour, rendu fur les conclufions du général du roi de la dite cour, à l'éffet de procéder au recolement procureur de la déclaration faite par le nommé Jacques Ogé, 9. 1.; lequel, après ferment par lui fait, la main levée devant nous de dire la vérité, et après lui avoir fait leéture, par lc gréffier, de la déclaration du jour d'hier, l'avons interpellé de nous déclarer fi la dite déclaration contient vérité, s'il veut n'y rien ajouter, n'y diminuer, ct s'il y perfifte. A répondu que la dite déclaration du jour d'hier contient vérité, qu'il y perfifte, et qu'il y ajoute que les deux Didiers frères, dont l'un plus grand que l'autre, mulâtres ou quarterons libres, ne les ayant vu quc cette fois; Jean-Pierre Gerard, m. 1. du Cap, et Caton, m. 1. auffi du Cap, font employés à gagner les atéliers de la Grande-Rivière, qu'ils font enfemble de jour, et que de nuit ils font difperfés. Ajoute du jour d'hier contient vérité, qu'il y perfifte, et qu'il y ajoute que les deux Didiers frères, dont l'un plus grand que l'autre, mulâtres ou quarterons libres, ne les ayant vu quc cette fois; Jean-Pierre Gerard, m. 1. du Cap, et Caton, m. 1. auffi du Cap, font employés à gagner les atéliers de la Grande-Rivière, qu'ils font enfemble de jour, et que de nuit ils font difperfés. Ajoute --- Page 271 --- AND ILLUSTRATIONS. Ajoute encore quelors de fa confrontation avec Jacques Lucas, C HA IV. P. il a été dit par ce dernier, que lui accufé, ici préfent, l'avoit p.72. menacé de le faire pendre; à quoi, lui accufé, a répondu au dit 1 Jacques Lucas, qu'il devoit favoir pourquoi que le dit Jacques Lucas, n'ayant pas infifté, lui accufé n'a pas déclaréle motifde cette menace, pour ne pas perdre le dit Jacques Lucas; qu'it nous déclare les chofes comme elles fe font paffées; que le dit Lucas lui ayant dit qu'il avoit foulevé les atéliers de M. Bonamy et de divers autres habitans de la Grande-Rivière, pour aller ègorger l'armée chez M. Cardineau; qu'au prémier coup de, corne,ile étoit fir que Ces atéliers s'attrouperoient et fe joindroient à la troupe des gens de couleur; alors lui accufé, tenant aux blancs, fut révolté de cette barbarie, et dit au nommé Jacques Lucas, que l'auteur d'un pareil projet méritoit d'être pendu; qu'il eût à l'inftant à faire rentrer les négres qu'ilavoit appofté dans différens coins avec des cornes; que lui accufé, ici préfent, nous déclare qu'il a donné au dit Lucas trois pomponelles de tafia, trois bouteilles de vin et du pain; qu'il ignoroit l'ufage que le dit Lucas en faifoit; que la troifième fois que le dit Lucas en vint chercher; lui accufé, ici préfent, lui ayant dcmandé ce qu'il faifoit de ces boiffons et vivres; le dit Lucas répondit que c'étoit pour les négres qu'il avoit difperfé de côté et d'autre; le dit Lucas avoit le de fouléver que CC qui prouve que projèt les nègres efclaves contre les blancs, et de faire égorger ces derniers par les prémiers; c'eft la propolition qu'il fit à Vincent Ogé, frère de lui accufe, de venir far l'habitation de lui Jacques Lucas, pour être plus a portéc de fe joindre aux nègres qu'il avoit débauché; que fi lui accufé n'a pas révélé ces faits à fa confrontation avec le dit Jacques Lucas, c'eft qu'il s'eft apperçu les nègres efclaves contre les blancs, et de faire égorger ces derniers par les prémiers; c'eft la propolition qu'il fit à Vincent Ogé, frère de lui accufe, de venir far l'habitation de lui Jacques Lucas, pour être plus a portéc de fe joindre aux nègres qu'il avoit débauché; que fi lui accufé n'a pas révélé ces faits à fa confrontation avec le dit Jacques Lucas, c'eft qu'il s'eft apperçu --- Page 272 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHA IV. P. perçu qu'ils n'étoient pas connus, et qu'iln'a pas voulu le P. 72. dre; qu'il a du moins la fatisfaétion d'avoir détourné perhorrible et cannibale; qu'il s'étoit rélervé de révéler ce crime lors de fon en juftice, élargiffement; que ce même Lucas eft celui qui a voulu couper la tête a deux blancs prifonnicrs, et notàmment au fieur Belifle, pour lui avoir enlevé une femme; que Pierre Roubert ôta le fabre des mains de Jacques Lucas, et appella Vincent Ogé, frère de lui accufé, ici préfent, qui fit des rémontrances audit Lucas; que cependant ces prifonniers ont déclarés en juftice que c'étoit lui accufé qui,avoit eu ce deffein; que même à la confrontation ils le lui ont foutenu; mais le fait s'étant paffé de nuit, les dits prifonniers font lui que pris, accufe, pour le dit Lucas, tandis que lui accufé n'a ceffé de les combler d'honnêtetés; qu'a la confrontation, lui accufé a cru gu'il étoit fuffifant de dire que ce n'étoit pas lui, et d'affirmer qu'il n'avoit jamais connu cette femme; mais qu'aujourd'hui il fe croyoit obligé, pour la décharge de fa confcience, de 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'aflemblée 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 I'Hirondelle Viard, également député des gens de couleur, au Cap. Ajoute encore l'accufé, qu'il nous avoit déclaré, le jour d'hier, que le nommé Laplace, dont le père eft ici dans les prifons, faifant des récrues à Ouanaminthe, eft du nombre dc ceux qui ont marché du Limbé contre le capitaine a mis les deux prémiers à Acquin, chez un nommé Dupont, homme de couleur; et le nommé I'Hirondelle Viard, également député des gens de couleur, au Cap. Ajoute encore l'accufé, qu'il nous avoit déclaré, le jour d'hier, que le nommé Laplace, dont le père eft ici dans les prifons, faifant des récrues à Ouanaminthe, eft du nombre dc ceux qui ont marché du Limbé contre --- Page 273 --- AND TELUSTRATIONX tre le Cap; que pour éloigner les - 241 Margot, cè il s'eft tenu caché foupçons, il eft allé au Port- C HA f, une Auxion; que le dit plufieurs jours, feignant d'avoir IV. étoit fir que fon voifin, Laplace père a dit, à Jui accufé, qu'il 1 P-72. tre lui, malgré qui eft un blanc, ne dépofera pas conqu'il fachc toutes fcs affuré que le nommé démarches; qu'il étoit rien, Girardeau, détenu en prifon, ne parce qu'il étoit trop fon ami pour 1e déclareroit fuite, s'il le dénonçoit, il feroit forcé découvrir; qu'end'en d'autres, tant du Limbé que des autres dénoncer beaucoup Obferve l'accufé quartiers. ployés que lorfqu'il nous a parlé des moyens empar Jacques Lucas pour foulever les omis de nous dire que Pierre Maury avoit nègres efclaves, ila d'efclaves chez Lucas; quel envoyé'une trentaine jeune, fon frère, les luiaccufé, avec l'agrément d'Ogéle nérale, les renvoya, Cc qui occafionna une gens de couleur difant p'ainte gé. lui accufé eut même à cette occaffon que c'étoit du renfort; que -des Didiers, avec lequel il une rixe avec le plus grand vouloir Jui foutenir manqua de fe battre au piftolet, pour qu'étant libre et cherchant aux blancs, il n'étoit à être aflimilé -efclaves; pas fait pour être affimilé aux que d'ailleurs foulevant les nègres Jes propriétés des blancs, et qu'en les efclaves, c'étoit détruire les leurs, propres; que-dépuis détruifant, ils détruifoient fons, il a vu un petit billet écrit que lui accufé étoit dans les priFrançois Teffier, par ledit Pierre Maury à par lequel lui marque qu'il continue Jeanmaffer, et que le nègre nommé alla à raCaftaing ainéc, armé d'une Coquin, à la dame veuve et d'une manchette paire de piftolets garnis en que le dit Maury lui a argent "Ce qui fc paffe, et rend donnée, veille à tout eft tout ce compte tous lcs foirs audit Maury; que l'accufé, ici prefent, nous qui Vor. III. déclare, en nous conIi jurant , et que le nègre nommé alla à raCaftaing ainéc, armé d'une Coquin, à la dame veuve et d'une manchette paire de piftolets garnis en que le dit Maury lui a argent "Ce qui fc paffe, et rend donnée, veille à tout eft tout ce compte tous lcs foirs audit Maury; que l'accufé, ici prefent, nous qui Vor. III. déclare, en nous conIi jurant --- Page 274 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHA P. jurant d'étre perfuadés que, s'il lui étoit poffible d'obtenir mi-. IV. iéricorde, ils s'expoferoit volontièrs à tous les faire P. 72. dangers pour arrêter les chefs de CCS révoltés; ct que dans toutes les circonftanccs, il prouvera fon zèle et fon relpect pour les blancs. LECTURE à lui faite de fa déclaration, dans laquelle il pcrfifte pour contenir vérité, lui en donions actc, qu'il a figné avec nous et le gréfficr. Signé à la minute J- OGE', RUOTTE, POUCHERESSES DE VERTIERES, et LANDAIS, gréfher. Pour expedition collationée, figné, LANDAIS, gréffier. A Copy of the preceding document, the exiftence of which I had often heard of, but very much doubted, was tranimittc:l to me from St. Domingo in the month of July 1795, inclofed in a letter from a gentleman of that ifland, whoie attachment to the Britifh cannot be fufpected, and whofe means for information wcre cqual to any: This Lettcr is too remarkable to be omitted, and I hope, as I conceal his name, that the writer will pardon its publication: It hcrc follows. Jc vous envoye cijoint, le teftament de Jaques Ogé executé au Cap le 9 Mars 1791. Voici mes réflexions fur les dates et les faits: I". Jaques Ogé depofe lc prejet connu dépuis long tems par les Briffotins dont il étoit un des Agents. Il nomme les chefs dcs Mulâtres, qui dans toutes les partics de la Colonie devoient éxécuter un plan digne dcs Suppôts de l'enfer. 2°. Il e cijoint, le teftament de Jaques Ogé executé au Cap le 9 Mars 1791. Voici mes réflexions fur les dates et les faits: I". Jaques Ogé depofe lc prejet connu dépuis long tems par les Briffotins dont il étoit un des Agents. Il nomme les chefs dcs Mulâtres, qui dans toutes les partics de la Colonie devoient éxécuter un plan digne dcs Suppôts de l'enfer. 2°. Il --- Page 275 --- AND ILLUSTRATIONS. 243. 2". Il depofe que l'abondance des pluies et les crués des CHA P. rivieres avoient empèché l'éxécution du projet au mois de IV. p.72. Fèvrier. 3". Il déclare que fi 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'à la fin de 1791 (après l'incendie générale de la partie du Nord) qu'un arrèté de l'Affembléc Coloniale oblige impèrieufement le Gréffier du Confeil du Cap à en délivrer des copies. Que conclure? Hélas, que les coupables font auffi nombreux qu'atroces et cruels! I8", Coupables: Les hommes de couleur nommés par la dépofition d' Ogé. 2. (et au moins autant s'ils ne font plus.) Le Confeil du Cap, qui a ofé faire éxécuter Ogé, et qui a gardé le fecret fur fes dépofitions fi interreffantes. 3. Le Général Blanchelande et tous les chefs militaires qui n'ont pas fait arrêter fur le champ toutes les perfonnes de Couleur nommées par Ogé et ne les ont pas confrontées avec leur accufateur. Mais non: on a precipité l'éxécution du malheureux Ogé; OD a gardé un fecret dont la publicité fauveroit la Colonie. On a laiffé libres tous les chefs des révoltés; on les a laiffé pour fuivre Jeurs projets deftruétifs. Siles Chefs militaires, le confeil, les magiftrats civils, avoient fait arrêter au mois de Mars 1791, les Mulâtres Pinchinat, Caftaing, Viard, et tous les autres, ils n'auroient pas pu confommer leur crime le 25 Août fuivant. Les Régimens de NorIi2 mandie la Colonie. On a laiffé libres tous les chefs des révoltés; on les a laiffé pour fuivre Jeurs projets deftruétifs. Siles Chefs militaires, le confeil, les magiftrats civils, avoient fait arrêter au mois de Mars 1791, les Mulâtres Pinchinat, Caftaing, Viard, et tous les autres, ils n'auroient pas pu confommer leur crime le 25 Août fuivant. Les Régimens de NorIi2 mandie --- Page 276 --- 244: ADDITIONAL NOTES CHA P. mandie et d'Artois qui venoient d'arriver de France, etoient IV. p.72. afféz forts pour arrêter tous les gens de couleur coupables, et s'ils ne l'avoient pas été, et que çe fut le motif, qui eut empèché Blanchelande d'agir, pourquoi Blanchelande envoyat il, au mois de Mai 1791, des troupes de lignc que lui envoyoit de la Martinique, M. de Bchague?: La-férie de tous ces faits prouve évidemment la coalition dcs: contre révolutionaires avcc les Mulâtres, dont ils ont été la. dupe,. et. la viétime après l'arrivée dcs Commiffaires Polverel: et Santhonax.. CHA P. CHAP. VI. p. IO5: VI. P. 105. Airuce or convention, called the CONCORDAT, was agreed upor the 111h of September, between the free people of colour, and thse. wohite inhabitants of Port-au-Prince, 8t. The following is a true copy of this curious and important document: CONCORDAT de MM..les citoyens blancs du Port-au-Princeavec MM. les citoyens de couleur.. L'AN mil fept cent quatre-vingt-onze, & le onze du mois de Septembre. Les commiffaires dc la garde nationale des citoyens blancs du Port-au-Princc, d'une part; Et les commiflaires de la garde nationale des citoyens de couleur, d'autre part: et ceux fondés de pouvoir par arrêté, de ce jour, &c du neuf Septembre préfent mois. Affemblés blancs du Port-au-Princeavec MM. les citoyens de couleur.. L'AN mil fept cent quatre-vingt-onze, & le onze du mois de Septembre. Les commiffaires dc la garde nationale des citoyens blancs du Port-au-Princc, d'une part; Et les commiflaires de la garde nationale des citoyens de couleur, d'autre part: et ceux fondés de pouvoir par arrêté, de ce jour, &c du neuf Septembre préfent mois. Affemblés --- Page 277 --- A ND ILLUSTRATIONE Affemblés fur la place d'armes du quets, à l'effet de délibérer fur bourg de la Croix-des-Boud'opérer la réunion des les moyens les plus capables CHAP, VI. les progrès & les fuites citoyens de toutes les claffes, & d'arrêter d'une infurreétion toutes les parties de la colonic. qui menace également L'affemblée ainfi compofée s'étant paroiffale du dit bourg de la tranfportée dans l'églife l'ardeur du foleil, il a été Croise-des-Bouquets, pour éviter nomination d'un procédé de fuite, des deux côtés, à la préfident & d'un fecrétaire. Les commiffaires de la garde nationale du ont nommé pour leur préfident M. Gamot, Port-au-Prince taire M. Hacquet; & les commiffaires & pour leur fecrécitoyens de coulcur ont nommé de la garde nationale des & fecrétaire M. pour leur préfident M. Pinchinat, Daguin fils. Lefquels préfidens & fecrétaires ont les dites charges, & ont promis de bien refpedtivement accepté acquitter.. & fidellement s'en Après quoi il a été dit de la part des que la loi faite en leur faveur citoyens de cocleur, violée par les en 1685, avoit été méprifée & abufif progrés d'un préjugé & et le defpotifme minifiéricl de ridicule, par l'ufage jamais joui que l'âncien régime, ils n'ônt Qu'au tràs-imparfaitement du bénéfice de cette loi. la moment où ils ont vu l'affemblée des nation fe former, ils- ont preffenti repréfentans de diélé la loi conftitutionnelle que les principes qui ont ment la de l'état, entraîneroit néceffaireréconnoiflance de leurs droits temps méconnus, n'en étoient qui, pour avoir été longQue cette pas moins facrés. ftruétions des réconnoiffance 8 & 28 a été confacrée par. les décrets & inMars 1790, & par plufieurs autres rendus fe former, ils- ont preffenti repréfentans de diélé la loi conftitutionnelle que les principes qui ont ment la de l'état, entraîneroit néceffaireréconnoiflance de leurs droits temps méconnus, n'en étoient qui, pour avoir été longQue cette pas moins facrés. ftruétions des réconnoiffance 8 & 28 a été confacrée par. les décrets & inMars 1790, & par plufieurs autres rendus --- Page 278 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHAP. dus depuis; mais qu'ils ont vu avec la plus vive douleur que lcs VI. citoyens blancs des colonies leur refufoient avec obftination p. 1O5. l'exécution dc CCS décrets, pour ce qui les y concerne, par l'interprétation injufte qu'ils en ont faite. Qu'outre la privaticn du bénéfice des dits décrets, lorfqu'ils ont voulu lcs réclamer, on les a facrifiés à l'idole du préjugé, en exerçant contre eux un abus incroyable des lois & dc l'autorité du gouvernement, au point de les forcer d'abandonner leurs foyers. Qu'enfin, ne pouvant plus fupporter leur exiftence malheureufc, &: étant réfolus dc l'expofer à tous les événemens, pour fe procurer l'exercice des droits qu'ils tiennent de la nature &: qui font confacrés par les lois civiles & politiques, ils fe font réunis fur la montagne dc la Charbonnière, où ils ont pris les armes, lc 31 Août dernicr, pour fe mettre dans le cas d'une jufte défenfe. Que l'envie d'opérer la réunion des tous lcs citoyens indif tinélement leur fait accueillir favorablement la députation de MM. les commiffaires blancs de la garde nationale du d'ort-auPrince; qu'ils voyent avec une fatisfaction difficile à exprimer le retour des citoyens blancs aux vrais principes de la raifon, de la juftice, de l'humanité & dc la faine politique, qu'ayant tout lieu de croire â la fincérité de ce retour ils fe réuniront de coeur, d'efprit & d'intention aux citoyens blancs, pourvu que la précieufe & fainte égalité foit la bafe & le réfultat de toutcs opérations, qu'il n'y ait entrc-eux & les citoyens blancs, d'autre différencc que celle qu'entrainent nécefTairement le mérite & la vertu, & que la fraternité, la fincérité, l'harmonie & la CO1lcorde, cimentent à jamais les liens qui doivent Ics attacher réciproqu ment: citoyens blancs, pourvu que la précieufe & fainte égalité foit la bafe & le réfultat de toutcs opérations, qu'il n'y ait entrc-eux & les citoyens blancs, d'autre différencc que celle qu'entrainent nécefTairement le mérite & la vertu, & que la fraternité, la fincérité, l'harmonie & la CO1lcorde, cimentent à jamais les liens qui doivent Ics attacher réciproqu ment: --- Page 279 --- AND ILLUSTRATIONS ciproquement: en conféquence, ils ont demandél'exécution des CHAP. VI. articles fuivans, auxquels les fus dits commiflaires blancs ont ré- p. IOS. pondu, ainfi qu'il eft mentionné en la colonne parrallcle à celle des demandes. Demandes des commifaires de la garde nationale des citoyens de couleur. Article Premier. Les citoyens blancs feront caufe commune avec les citoyens de couleur, & contribueront de toutes leurs forces & de tous leurs moyens à l'exécution littérale de tous les points & articles des décrets & inftructions de laffemblée nationale, fanétionnés par le roi, & ce, fans reftriction & fans fc permettre aucune interprétation, conformément à cC qui eft prefcrit par l'affemblée nationale qui défend d'interprêter fès décrets. -Accepté. II. Les citoyens blans promettent & s'obligent de ne jamais s'oppofer direêtement ni indireêtement à l'exécution du décret du 15 Mai dernier, qui dit-on n'eft pas encore parvenu officiellement dans cette colonie; de protefter même contre toutes proteftations & réclamations contraires aux difpofitions du fus dit décret, ainfi que contre toutes addreffes à l'affemblée nationale, au roi, aux quatre-vingt-trois départemens & aux différentes chambres de commerce de France, pour obtenir la révocation de ce décret bienfaifant. -Accepté. III. Ont demandé les fus dits citoyens de couleur, la convocation prochaine & l'ouverture des affemblées primaires & coloniales, par tous les citoyens actifs, aux termes de l'article IV. des ofitions du fus dit décret, ainfi que contre toutes addreffes à l'affemblée nationale, au roi, aux quatre-vingt-trois départemens & aux différentes chambres de commerce de France, pour obtenir la révocation de ce décret bienfaifant. -Accepté. III. Ont demandé les fus dits citoyens de couleur, la convocation prochaine & l'ouverture des affemblées primaires & coloniales, par tous les citoyens actifs, aux termes de l'article IV. des --- Page 280 --- ADDISIONAL NOTES CHAI P. desi inftruétions de l'affemblée nationale, du 28 VI. Mars 1790.- - P. 105. Accepté, IV. De députer direétement à l'affembléc coloniale, &c de nommer des députés choifis parmi les citoyens de couleur, qui auront, comme ceux:des citoyens blancs, voix confultative &: délibérative.- -Accepté. V. Déclarent les fus dits citoyens blancs &c de couleur protefter contre toute municipalité provifoire ou non, de même contre toutes affemblées provinciales & coloniales; les dites municipalités affemblées provincialcs & coloniales n'étant point formées fur le mode prefcrit par les décrets & inftructions des 8 &: 28 Mars 1790.- Accepté. VI. Demandent les citoyens de couleur qu'il foit reconnu par lcs citoyens blancs, quc leur organifation préfente, leurs opérations récentes & leur prife d'armes, n'ont eu pour but & pour motif, que leur fireté individuelle, l'exécution des décrets de l'affemblée nationale, la réclamation de leurs droits méconnus & violés & le defir de parvenir par ce moyen à la tranquillité publique, qu'en conféquence ils foient déclarés inculpables pour les événémens qui ont réfulté de cette prife d'armes & qu'on ne puiffe dans aucun cas exercer contre-eux colleétivement ou individuellement, aucune aétion direéte ou indireéte pour raifon de ces mêmes événemens, qu'il foit en-outre reconnu que leur prife d'armes tiendra jufqu'au moment ou les décrets de l'affemblée nationale feront pouétuellement & formellement exécutés; qu'cn confequence, les armes, canons & munitions de guerre enlevés pendant les combats qui ont eu lieu, refteront en la poffeffion de ceux qui ont eu le bonheur d'être vainqueurs; que cependant les prifonniers [fi toute-fois il en eft] foient remis en liberté de part & d'autre.- -Accepté. VII. Demandent au moment ou les décrets de l'affemblée nationale feront pouétuellement & formellement exécutés; qu'cn confequence, les armes, canons & munitions de guerre enlevés pendant les combats qui ont eu lieu, refteront en la poffeffion de ceux qui ont eu le bonheur d'être vainqueurs; que cependant les prifonniers [fi toute-fois il en eft] foient remis en liberté de part & d'autre.- -Accepté. VII. Demandent --- Page 281 --- AND ILLUSTRATIONS VII. Demandent les dits citoyens de couleur, que confor- CHAP mément à la loi du II Février dernier & pour ne laiffer aucun VI. doutc fur la fincérité de la réunion prête à s'opérer, toutes p.IC5. - proferiptions ceffent & foient révoquées dès cC moment, que toutes les perfonnes proicrites, décrétécs, Sc contre lefquelles il feroit intervenu des jugemens ou condamnations quelconques pour raifon des troubles furvenus dans la colonie depuis le commencement de la révolution, foient de fuite rapclés & mis fousla protection facrée & immédiate de tous lcs citoyens, que réparation folemnelle & authentique foit faite à, leur honneur, qu'il foit pourvu par des moyens convenables, aux indemnités que néceffitent leur cxil, leurs profcriptions & les décrets décernés contrecux; que toutes confifeations de leurs biens foient levées & que reftitution leur foit faite de tous les objets qui leur ont été enlevés, foit en exécution des jugemens prononcés contre-eux, foit à main armée. Demandant que le préfent article foit ftriétement & religieufement obfervé par tous les citoyens du reffort du confeil fupérieur de Saint-Domingue, & fur-tout à l'égard des fieurs Poiffon, Defmares, les frères Regnauld & autres compris au mâmejugement que ceux-ci, tous ics habitans de la paroiffe de la Croix-des-Bouquets, de même qu'à l'égard du feur Jean-Baptifte la Pointe habitant de l'Arcahaye, contre lequcl il n'eft intervenu un jugement fevère que par une fuite de perfécutions excrcées contre les citoyens de couleur, &: qui proicrit par les citoyens dc Saint-Marc & de l'Arcahaye n'a pu fe difpenfer d'employer une jufte défenfe contre quelqu'un qui vouloit l'affaffincr & qui l'affaffinoit en cffet; fe réfervant les citoyens de couleur de faire dans un autre moment & envers qui il apparticndra, toutes proteftations & réclamations relatives VoL. III. K k aux écutions excrcées contre les citoyens de couleur, &: qui proicrit par les citoyens dc Saint-Marc & de l'Arcahaye n'a pu fe difpenfer d'employer une jufte défenfe contre quelqu'un qui vouloit l'affaffincr & qui l'affaffinoit en cffet; fe réfervant les citoyens de couleur de faire dans un autre moment & envers qui il apparticndra, toutes proteftations & réclamations relatives VoL. III. K k aux --- Page 282 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES C HA P. aux jugemens prononcés contre les fieurs Oger, Chavannes & VI. autres compris dans les dits jugemens, regardant dès à préfent : P- 105. les arrêts prononcès contre lcs fos dits ficurs, par le confeil fupérieur du Cap, comme infâmes, dignes d'êtrc voués à l'cxécration contemporaine & future, & commc la caufe fatale de tous les malheurs qui affigent la province du nord.-ccepté, en CC qui nous concerne. VIII. Que le fccret des lettres & correfpondance foit facré & inviolable, conformément aux décrcts nationaux.-- -Accepté. IX. Liberté de la preffe, fauf la refponfabilitié dans les cas déterminés par la loi.- -Accepté. X. Demandent en-outre les citoyens de couleur, qu'en attendant l'exécution ponétuclle & littéralc des décrcts de l'aflemblée nationale, & jufqu'au moment où ils pourront fc retirer dans leurs foyers, Meffieurs lcs citoyens blancs de la garde nationale du Port-au-Prince s'obligent de contribuer à l'approvifionnement de l'armée dcs citoyens de couleur pendant tout le tems que durera fon aétivité contre les ennemis communs &c du bicn public, & de faciliter la libre circulation des vivres dans les différens quartiers de la partic de l'oueft.- -Accepté. XI. Obfervent en-outre les fus dits citoyens de coulcur, que la fiucérité dont les citoyens blancs viennent de leur donner une preuve authentique, ne leur permet pas de garder le filence fur les craintes dont ils font agités; en conféquence ils dèclarent qu'ils ne perdront jamais de vue la reconnoiffarice de tous droits & de ceux dc leurs frères dcs autres quartiers ; qu'ils verroient avec beaucoup dc peine & de douleur la réunion prête à s'opérer au Port-au-Prince & autres lieux de la dépendance fouffrir des difficultés ens blancs viennent de leur donner une preuve authentique, ne leur permet pas de garder le filence fur les craintes dont ils font agités; en conféquence ils dèclarent qu'ils ne perdront jamais de vue la reconnoiffarice de tous droits & de ceux dc leurs frères dcs autres quartiers ; qu'ils verroient avec beaucoup dc peine & de douleur la réunion prête à s'opérer au Port-au-Prince & autres lieux de la dépendance fouffrir des difficultés --- Page 283 --- AND ILLUSTRATIONS difficultés dans lcs autres endroits de la colonie, auquel cas' ils C H A P. déclarent rien au monde ne fauroit les empêcher de fe VI. que une fuite dcs anciens abus du Sr réunir à ceux des leurs qui par régime colonial, éprouveroient des obftacles à la reconnoiffance de leurs droits & par confèquent à leur félicité. - - - -Acceptd. Après quoi l'aflemblée revenue à la place d'armes, la matière mife en délibération, mûrement examinée & difcutée, l'affemblée confidérant qu'il eft d'une néceffité indifpenfable de mettre en ufage tous les moyens qui peuvent contribuer au bonheur de tous les citoyens qui font égaux en droits. Que la réunion des citoyens de toutes les claffes peut feule ramener le calme & la tranquillité fi néceffaires à la profpérité de cette colonic qui fe trouve aujourd'hui menacée des plus grands malheurs. Que l'exécution ponétuelle & littérale de tous lcs articles des décrets & inftructions de laffemblée nationale fanétionnés par le roi, peut feule opérer cette réunion défirable fous quelque point de vue qu'on l'envifage. Ila été arrêté, favoir: de la part des citoyens blancs, qu'ils acceptent tous les articles inférés au préfent concordat. Et de la part des citoyens de couleur, quc, vu l'acceptation de tous les articles fans reftriétion inférés au préfent concordat, ils fe réuniront & fe réuniffent en effet de coeur, d'efprit & d'intention aux citoyens blancs, pour ramener le calme & la tranquillité, pour travailler de concert à l'exécution ponétuelle des décrets de l'affemblée nationale fanétionnés par le roi, & pour employer toutes leurs forces & tous leurs moyens contre l'ennemi commun. A été arrêté par Meffieurs les citoyens blancs 8 Meflieurs K k 2 les ils fe réuniront & fe réuniffent en effet de coeur, d'efprit & d'intention aux citoyens blancs, pour ramener le calme & la tranquillité, pour travailler de concert à l'exécution ponétuelle des décrets de l'affemblée nationale fanétionnés par le roi, & pour employer toutes leurs forces & tous leurs moyens contre l'ennemi commun. A été arrêté par Meffieurs les citoyens blancs 8 Meflieurs K k 2 les --- Page 284 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHA P: les citoyens de couleur, ce devoit VI. que jour éteindrc toute cipéce ). 105. dc haine & de divifion entre lcs citovens de la colonie en général, les citoyens de couleur du Port-au-Prince qui, par une fauffe pufillanimité, ne fe font pas réunis à leurs frèrcs de armes, feront compris dans l'amnifie générale; que jamais aucun reproche ne leur fera fait dc leur conduite; cntendant qu'ils participent également aux avantages que promet notre heurcufe réunion entre toutes lcs perfonnes & tous les citoyens. indiftin@tement. De plus, que protection égale devoit êtrc accordéc au fexe en général, les femmes & filles de coulcur en jouiront de même que les femmes & filles blanches, & que mêmes précautions. & foins feront pris pour leur fûreté refpedtive, Arrêté que le préfent concordat fera figné par l'état major de la garde nationale du Port-au-Prince. Il a été arrêté que le préfent concordat fera rendu public par la voie de l'impreflion, que copics collationées d'y celui feront envoyées à l'affemblée nationale, au roi, aux quatrevingt-trois départemens, à toutes les chambrcs de commerce de France, à Monfieur le licutenant-général au gouvernement, Se à tous autres qu'il appartiendra. Arrêté que mercredi prochain quatorze du préfent mois MM. les citoyeus blancs du Port-au-Prince fe réumirontàl'armée de MM. les citoyens dc coulcur en la paroiffe de la Croixdes-Bouquets, qu'il fera chanté dans l'églife de cette paroiffe à dix hcures du matin un Te Deum en aétion de grace dc notre heureufe réunion : que MM. des bataillons dc Normandie & d'Artois, & des corps d'Artillerie, de la marine royale & marchande, feront invités à 6'y ratre repiefenter par des députations particuliéres, . les citoyens dc coulcur en la paroiffe de la Croixdes-Bouquets, qu'il fera chanté dans l'églife de cette paroiffe à dix hcures du matin un Te Deum en aétion de grace dc notre heureufe réunion : que MM. des bataillons dc Normandie & d'Artois, & des corps d'Artillerie, de la marine royale & marchande, feront invités à 6'y ratre repiefenter par des députations particuliéres, --- Page 285 --- AND ILLUSTRATIONS particulières, que dc même les citoyens en général de la Croix- CI HA P. des-Bouquets, du Mircbalais & autres endroits circonvoifins VI. feront invités à s'y rendre, afin d'unir leurs voeux aux nôtres p.10S. pour le bonhcur comraun. Arrêté en outre que le préfent concordat fera paffé en triple minute dont la premiére fera dépofée aux archives de la municipalité future, la feconde entre les mains des chefs de l'armée des citoyens de couleur, & la troifième dans les archives de la garde nationale du Port-au-Prince. Faite triplc entre nous &. dc bonne foi, lc jour, mois & an que deffus. Signé, 88c. Difcours de M. Gamot, préfident des commifaires repréfentans les citoyens blancs da Port-au-Prince, à MM. les commiflaires repréfentans l'armée des citoyens de couleur. MESSIEURS, Nous vous apportons enfn des paroles de paix. Nous ne venons plus traiter avec vous ; nous ne venons plus vous accorder des demandes, nous venons, animés de l'etprit dc juftice, reconnoître authentiquement VOS droits, vous cngager à ne plus voir dans les citoyens blancs que des amis, dcs frères, auxquels la patrie cn danger vous invite, vous follicite de vous réunir pour lui porter un prompt fecours. Nous acceptons entièrement & fans aucune réferve, le concordat quc vous nous propofez. Des circonftanccs mal-hcureufes que vous connoiffez fans doute, nous ont fait héfiter un inflant ; mnais notre courage a franchi tous les obftacles; nous avons ager à ne plus voir dans les citoyens blancs que des amis, dcs frères, auxquels la patrie cn danger vous invite, vous follicite de vous réunir pour lui porter un prompt fecours. Nous acceptons entièrement & fans aucune réferve, le concordat quc vous nous propofez. Des circonftanccs mal-hcureufes que vous connoiffez fans doute, nous ont fait héfiter un inflant ; mnais notre courage a franchi tous les obftacles; nous avons --- Page 286 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES C H A P. avons impofé filcnce aux petits préjugés, au petit elprit de VI. domination. P. 1O5. Que le jour où le flambeau de la raifon nous éclaire tous, foit à jamais mémorable ! qu'il foit un jour d'oubli pour toutes les erreurs, de pardon pour toutes les injures, & ne difputons déformais que d'amour & de zelc pour lc bien de la chofc publique. CHAP. CHAP. V. p. 81. V. p.8r. - Mauduit Barted back, 8c.-while not. a fingle hand tvas lifted up in his defence. In this laft particular I was mifinformed, and rejoice that I have an opportunity of correéting my miftakc. The folJowing detail oft that bloody tranfaétion has been tranfmitted to me from St. Domingo fince the firft fheets wcre printed: : 66 Les grenadiers du regiment de Mauduit, ct d'autres voix parties de la foule, demandent que le Coionel fafle reparation à la garde nationale. On éxige qu'il faffe des cxcufes pour linfulte qu'il lui a faite. Il prononce les excufes qu'on lci demande; fes grénadiers ne font points fatisfaits, ils veulent qu'illes faffe à genoux. Une rumcur terrible fe fait entendre: ce fut alors que pluficurs citoyens, méme de ceux que Mauduit avoit le plus vexd, fendent la foulc, ct cherchent à le fouftraire au mouvement qui fc préparoit. On a vu dans ce moment le bràve Beaufoleil, après avoir été atteint d'un coup de feu â l'affaire du 29 au 30 Juillet, et défendant le comité (fce faits, ils veulent qu'illes faffe à genoux. Une rumcur terrible fe fait entendre: ce fut alors que pluficurs citoyens, méme de ceux que Mauduit avoit le plus vexd, fendent la foulc, ct cherchent à le fouftraire au mouvement qui fc préparoit. On a vu dans ce moment le bràve Beaufoleil, après avoir été atteint d'un coup de feu â l'affaire du 29 au 30 Juillet, et défendant le comité (fce --- Page 287 --- AND ILLUSTRATIONS (fce Page 59-) recèvoir un coup de sàbre en protégeant les CH HAP. V. jours de Mauduit. On peut rendre juftice auffi à deux officiers P. 8r. de Mauduit: : Galefeau et Germain n'ayant pas abandonné leur - Colonel jufqu'au dernier moment; mais l'indignation des foldats étoit à fon comble, et il n'étoit plus temps. MAUDUIT preffé par fes grénadiers, de s'agénouille- pour demander pardon à la garde nationalc, et refufant conftamment des s'y foumettre, reçut un coup de fabre à la figure, qui le terraffa; un autre grénadier lui coupa à l'inftant la tête, quifut portee all bout d'une bayonette. Alors le reffentiment des foldats et des matelots livrés à eux mêmes, n'eut plus de bornes: ils fc tranfporterent chez Mauduit, oà ils trainairent fon corps, tout y fut brifé, rompu, meubles &:c. on décarela même la maifon, &c. &c. CHAP X. P. 172. CI HAP. X. P. 172: They declared by proclamation all manner gf. Aavery abolifled, / &c.-This proceeding was ratified in February, followed by the National Convention in a Decrec, of which follows a Copy. DECRET de la Convention Nationalc, du 16 Jour de Plu- 5Feb, 1794. viôfe; an fecond de la Republique Françoife, une et indivifible. LA Convention Nationale déclare que l'efclavage des Nègres dans toutes les Colonies eft aboli; en confequence elle decrète que tous les hommcs, fans diftinétion de couleur, domiciliés dans proceeding was ratified in February, followed by the National Convention in a Decrec, of which follows a Copy. DECRET de la Convention Nationalc, du 16 Jour de Plu- 5Feb, 1794. viôfe; an fecond de la Republique Françoife, une et indivifible. LA Convention Nationale déclare que l'efclavage des Nègres dans toutes les Colonies eft aboli; en confequence elle decrète que tous les hommcs, fans diftinétion de couleur, domiciliés dans --- Page 288 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES CHA P. dans les Colonics, font citoyens François, et de X. jouiront tous P. 172. les droits affurés par la conftitution. ELLE renvoic au comité de falut public, pour lui faire inccffament un rapport fur les mefures à prendre pour affurer l'éxécution du préfent décret. Vifé par lcs infpecteurs. Signé, Auger, Cordier, S. E Monnel. Collationne: à l'original, par nous préfident et fécrétaires de la Convention Nationale, à Paris le 22 Germinal, an fecond de la République Françoife unc et indivifible. Signe, Amar Prefident. A. M. Baudot. Monnot. Ch. Pottier, et Peyffard, Sécrétaires. As moft of the French iflands fcll into poffeffion ofthe Englith foon after this extraordinary decree was promulgatéd, 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 decrec itfelf. The negrocs of the feveral plantations were called togethers and informed that they suere all a free people, and at liberty to quit the fervice of their mafters whenever they thought proper. They were told however, at the famc time, that as the Republick wanted foldiers, and the ftate allowed no man to be idle, fuch of them as lcft their mafters would be compelled to enlift in one or other of the black regiments then forming. At firft many of the negrocs acceptcd the alternative, and enlifted accordingly; but the reports they foon gave of the rigid difcipline and hard fare --- Page 289 --- AND ILLUSTRATIONS, fare to which they were fubject, operated in a furprifing man- CHAP. X. ner on the reft, in keeping them more than ufually quiet and p.172, induftrious, and they requefted that no change might be made in their condition. CHAP. X. P. 173. C HA P. X. Of the revolted negroes in the Northern prorince, many had p-173- / perijted ef difeafe andfamine, S3c. FROM the vaft number of negroes that had fallen in battle, and the Aill greater number that perithed from the caufes above mentioned, it was computed in thc year 1793 that this clafs of peoplc at that period had fuftained a diminution of more than one hundred thoufand. (Reflesions fiuo la Colonie, 8c. tom. 2. P. 217-) Since that time the mortality has been ftill more rapid, and, including the lofs of whites, by ficknefs and emigration, I do not believe that St. Domingo at this juncture (June 1796) contains more than two fifths of the whole number of inhabitants (white and black) which it poffeffed in the beginning of 1791.-According to this calculation upwards of 300,000 humân beings have miferably perifhed in this devoted country within the laft fix years! C HA P. XI. P. 200. CHA XI. P. p.200. The fame fate awaited Lieutenant Colonel Markham, E3c. ICANNOT deny myfelfthe melancholy fatisfaction of prcferving in this work the following honourable tribute to the VoL. III. LI memory fifths of the whole number of inhabitants (white and black) which it poffeffed in the beginning of 1791.-According to this calculation upwards of 300,000 humân beings have miferably perifhed in this devoted country within the laft fix years! C HA P. XI. P. 200. CHA XI. P. p.200. The fame fate awaited Lieutenant Colonel Markham, E3c. ICANNOT deny myfelfthe melancholy fatisfaction of prcferving in this work the following honourable tribute to the VoL. III. LI memory --- Page 290 --- ADDITIONAL NOTES, &c. C HA P. memory ofthis amiable officer, which was given out in general p. XI. 200. orders after his death by thc Commander in Chief. Head Quarters, 28 March 1795Brigadicr General Horncck begs thc officers, non-commif fioned officers, and privates of the detachment, which on the 26th inft. proceeded under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Markham on a party of oblervation, to receive his very fincere thanks for their gallant behaviour at the attack of the enemy's advanccd poit, taking their colours and cannon, and deftroying their ftores. At the fame time hc cannot fufficiently exprefs his feelings on the late afflicting lofs that has been fuftained in Lieutenant Colonel Markham, who, equally excellent and meritorious as an officer and a man, lived univerfally refpeéted and beloved, and died leaving a bright example of military, focial, and private virtue. The Brigadier General likewife requefts Captains Martin and Wilkinfon, of the Royal Navy, to receive his acknowledgmeuts and thanks for the important afliftancc they have afforded; not only on this occalion alonc, but on every other, wherein his Majefty's fervice has required their co-operation. Healfo 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 undcr his command, for thc zeal and good conduét they have fhewn whenever employed. --- Page 291 --- HISTORY OF THE WEST INDIES, Ec. A T U R THROUGH THE SEVERAL ISLANDS OF BARBADOES, SLVINCENT, ANTIGUA, TOBAGO, and GRENADA, IN TIE YEARS 1791, AND 1792: "By SIR WILLIAM YOUNG, BART, M.P. F.R.S. &c, &c, L12 --- Page 292 --- --- Page 293 --- [ 261 ] A TOUR; E3c. ESc. CHA P. XIIL. NS Sunday Oftober3o, 1791, Sir William Young embarked C H. A P. XIII. in the fhip Delaford at Spithead, which failed the fame - evening, and, after a pleafant voyage of thirty-eight days, came in fight of the Ifland of Barbadoes. Here then the Tour may be faid to commence ; and the following extraéts are, by favour of Sir William Young, tranfcribed literally from a rough journal, in which he entered fuch obfervations as occurred to him from the impreffions of the moment. They may be confidered therefore as a picture drawn from the life; and the reader muft be a bad judge of human nature, and have a very indifferent tafte, who does not perceive that it is faithfully drawn, and by the hand of a mafter.-For the few notes at foot I am accountable. B. E. TUESDAY, December 6.-Early in the morning Barbadoes Barbadoe:, appeared in fight, bearing On the ftarboard bow W.N. W. At 1791. two o'clock P. M. the paffengers landed in the fix-oared pinnaçe. We went to a noted tavern, formerly Rachel's, now kept of human nature, and have a very indifferent tafte, who does not perceive that it is faithfully drawn, and by the hand of a mafter.-For the few notes at foot I am accountable. B. E. TUESDAY, December 6.-Early in the morning Barbadoes Barbadoe:, appeared in fight, bearing On the ftarboard bow W.N. W. At 1791. two o'clock P. M. the paffengers landed in the fix-oared pinnaçe. We went to a noted tavern, formerly Rachel's, now kept --- Page 294 --- TOUR THROUGH THE C H A P. kept by Nancy Clark, a mulatto I XIII. woman, where firft tafted avocado-pear, a mawkifh fruit *, Walking about the ftreets Barbadoes. of Bridge-Town, my imprefions gave me far from a difagreeable fenfation as to the negroes. The town is extenfive, and feems crowded with people, moftly negroes; but the negroes, with few exceptions, feemed dreffed in a ftile much above even our common artizans, the'women cfpecially, and there was fuch a fwagger of importance in the gait of thofe (and many there were) who had gold ear-rings and necklaces, that I told my friend Mr. O. on his preffing me for my opinion of what ftruck me On firft landing in the Weft Indics, That the negro women Jeemed 10 me the proudef mortals I had ever Jeen. A Guinea thip was then in the harbour, and had lain there fome time ; but none of the difgufting figbts of ulcerated and deferted feamen appeared in the ftrects. Nor did I fee any tbing relative to the conduét of the flaves that implicd the fituation of abjedt acquicicence, and dread of cruel fuperiority, attributed to them in Grcat Britain. Many preffed their fervices on our firft landing; and fome firft begged, and then joked with us, in the ftile of a Davus of Terence, with great freedom of fpecch, and fome humour. Ihad a higher opinion of their minds, and a better opinion of their mafters and government, than before I fet my foot on thore.-Such are my firft impreffions, written this evening on returning aboard : furthermore, the fquares or broader ftreets are crowded with negroes ; their wrangles * There is no difputing about taftes. In Jamaica this fruit is very higbly cfleemed by all claffes of people. It is ufually eaten with pepper and falt, and has fomething of the flavour of the Jerufalem artichoke, but is richer and more delicate: It is fometimes called wegetable marrow, and it is remarkable that animals both granivorous and carnivorous, eat it with relifh. written this evening on returning aboard : furthermore, the fquares or broader ftreets are crowded with negroes ; their wrangles * There is no difputing about taftes. In Jamaica this fruit is very higbly cfleemed by all claffes of people. It is ufually eaten with pepper and falt, and has fomething of the flavour of the Jerufalem artichoke, but is richer and more delicate: It is fometimes called wegetable marrow, and it is remarkable that animals both granivorous and carnivorous, eat it with relifh. --- Page 295 --- ISLANDS. WINDWARD forcibly ftruck mc, as analogous to C M XIII. A P. wrangles and converfation looked for from the flaves in the Forum - what might have been of to a barbadoes. of Rome. Said a negro boy about twelve years age older and mulatto; Tou damn m) Joul ? I xvif you wvere young I avould make you clange fome blows with me.-Upon my biggers, old bet you a joe, (johannes) anhosowr! faid an negro.-JH trowfers on. I fvered another, who had nothing but canvais him no credit for poffeffing a fix-and-thirty fhilling piece, gave him full credit for a language which charaéterizes a but I gave Perhaps, however, liberty of prefumption of felf-importance. where licence can moft promptly fpeech is more freely allowed, Roman as we find be fippreffed. The liberti of the Emperors, as and the domeftick flaves of the Roman pcople, in Tacitus, fcenes of Plautus and Tetence, fometimes we deduce from with their lords and maftalked a language, and took liberties, would not have been which in free fervants and citizens ters, Liberty of the prefs is a proof of political freedom, allowed. of is rather a proof of individual flavery. but liberty tongue Saturnalia allowed to flaves freedom of ipeech The feaft of the In eftimate of human nafor the day, without controul. my could not be ufed but moture, I fhould fay that fuch freedom that ifhe abufcd lis power derately indeed; for the flave knew, on the the mafter might abufc his power on the Thurfday, when every word Friday. His beft fecurity was Oli thofe days, be forbe forbidden, and therefore every word might might In of all inference from my gotten or forgiven. qualification that they were toiun nefirft view of negroes I fhould obferve, and many, or moft groes, many of them probably, free negroes, One fmall of them, if not all, domefick or houfe negroes. country ave knew, on the the mafter might abufc his power on the Thurfday, when every word Friday. His beft fecurity was Oli thofe days, be forbe forbidden, and therefore every word might might In of all inference from my gotten or forgiven. qualification that they were toiun nefirft view of negroes I fhould obferve, and many, or moft groes, many of them probably, free negroes, One fmall of them, if not all, domefick or houfe negroes. country --- Page 296 --- TOUR THROUGH THE C H A P. country cart, drawn by twelve oxen, and with three XIII. carters, gave me no favourable idea of the owner's feeding, of either Barbadoes. bcafts or men. But accounts of diftrefs, and objects of diftrefs in the ftrects, are exaggerations. I faw as little of either, as in any market town in England. Arfx in the evening we returned on board; Captain and Mrs. W. of the 6oth regiment, and their little girl, joining us On1 the paffage to St. Vincent's, for which ifland we immediately bore away. BARBADOES is anl ifland riling with gentle afcent to the interior parts, called the Highlands of Scotland. As we failed along the coaft from Eaft to Weft, it appeared wonderfully inhabited ; dotted with houfes as thick as On1 the declivities in the neighbourhood of London or Briftol, but with n0 woods, and with very few trees, even on the fummits of the hills;-two or three ftraggling cocoas near cach dwelling-houfe were all the trees to be feen. St. Vincent. WEDNESDAY, December 7, at day-break, St. Vincent's in 1791. fight. At 3 P. M. the thip came to an anchor in Nanton's Harbour, off Calliaqua. Mr. H. came immediately on board, and in halfan-hour we went on fhore in the pinnace ; horfes were ready to carry us up to the villa, or manfion-houfe of my eftate, diftant about half a mile: A number of my negroes met me on the road, and ftopped my horfe, and I had to thake hands with every individual of them. Their joy was expreffed in 3 P. M. the thip came to an anchor in Nanton's Harbour, off Calliaqua. Mr. H. came immediately on board, and in halfan-hour we went on fhore in the pinnace ; horfes were ready to carry us up to the villa, or manfion-houfe of my eftate, diftant about half a mile: A number of my negroes met me on the road, and ftopped my horfe, and I had to thake hands with every individual of them. Their joy was expreffed in --- Page 297 --- WINDWARD ISLANDS in the moft lively manner, and there was an cafe and familia- C HA P. rity in thoir addrefs, which implied no habits of apprchdn- XIII. fion or reftraint: the circumftance does the higheft honour to St. Vincent. my brother-in-law, Mr. H. who has the management of them. On arriving at my houfe, I had a fecccflion of vifitors. The old negro nurfe brought the grafs gang, of twenty or thirty children, from five to ten ycars old, looking as well and lively as poffible. The old people came onc by one to have fome chat with Maffa (Mafter,) and among the reft 46 Granny * Sarab," who is a curiofity. She was born in Africa, and had a child before fhe was carried from thence to Antigua. Whilit in Antigua fhc remembers perfeétly well the rejoicing on the Bacra's (white men's) being let out of gaol, who had killed GovernorPark. Nowibisbappenodonthe death ofQuecnAnne, in 1713-4; which gives, to Chriftmas 1791-2, - Years 78 Add two years in Antigua, for paffage, &c. Suppofe her to have had a child at fourteen,? and to have been fold the year after -S Theleaftp probable age ofGrannySarahis - and the is the heartieft old woman I ever faw. Shc danced at a Ncgro-ball laft Chriftmas ; and I am to be her partner, and dance with her, next Chriftmas.-She has a garden, or provifion-ground, to herfelf, in which, with a great-grand child, about fix ycars old, fhe works fome hours cvery day, and is thereby rich. Shc hath been exempted from all labour, except on her own account, for many years. Grandmother. VoL, III, M m THE the is the heartieft old woman I ever faw. Shc danced at a Ncgro-ball laft Chriftmas ; and I am to be her partner, and dance with her, next Chriftmas.-She has a garden, or provifion-ground, to herfelf, in which, with a great-grand child, about fix ycars old, fhe works fome hours cvery day, and is thereby rich. Shc hath been exempted from all labour, except on her own account, for many years. Grandmother. VoL, III, M m THE --- Page 298 --- TOUR THROUGH THE C H. A P. THE villa at Calliaqua is an cxcellent houfe for the climate: : XIII. it hath ten and it accommodated all our - - large bed-chambers, St. Vincent. party from the fhip, with great cafc. THURSDAY, December 8. This morning I rode over the eftate, which feems in the moft flourifhing condition : the negroes feem under a moft mild difcipline, and arc a very cheerful pcople. This day again I had repeated vifits from my black friends : Granny Sarah was with mc at leaft half a dozen times, telling me, 66 Mefte yotl, Malla : notv me go die * !" (I bchold you, my Mafter; now let mc die !) FRIDAY, Deccmber 9. We mounted our horfes at onc o'clock to ride to Kingfton, wherc a negro boy had carried our cloaths to drefs: the diftance is about three miles of very hilly road. I particularly noticed cvery negro whom I met or overtook on the road: : of thefe I countcd eleven, who were dreffed as field negroes, with only trowfers on; : and adverting to the evidence O11 the Slave Trade, I particularly remarked that not one ofthe eleven had a fingle mark or fcar of the whip. Wc met or overtook a great many other negroes, but they This is a ftroke of nature. The fight of her mafter was a bleffing to old Sarah, beyond all expeétation; and not having any thing further to hope for in life, the defires to bc releafed from the burthen of exiftence. A fimilar circumftance occurred to myfeif in Jamaica; but human nature is the fame in all countries and ages.- And Jofeph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Ifrael his father, < to Gofhen; and prefented himfelf unto him : and he fell on his neck, and wept 6 on his neck a good while.-And Ifrael faid unto Jo:eph, Now let mhe die, fince I < baue feen tyface?" &c. Genefis, chap. xlvi. V. 29, 30, circumftance occurred to myfeif in Jamaica; but human nature is the fame in all countries and ages.- And Jofeph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Ifrael his father, < to Gofhen; and prefented himfelf unto him : and he fell on his neck, and wept 6 on his neck a good while.-And Ifrael faid unto Jo:eph, Now let mhe die, fince I < baue feen tyface?" &c. Genefis, chap. xlvi. V. 29, 30, --- Page 299 --- z67 WINDWARD ISLANDS. Greatheed's large C H. A P. were dreffed. Pafling through Mr. XIII. they woman, eftate, I obferved in the gang one weil-looking negro fcemed St. Vincent. who had two Gr three wheals on her fhoulders, which the effect of an old punithment *. named Burton, came this day to A FREE mulatto woman, a lad of about before Mr. H. of her negro flavc, complain and feemed in truth a feventeen. The boy was confronted, threc laft days. The bad fubjeét, having abfented himfelf the that fhe would only threat the woman ufed to her flave, was Mr. H. advifed her to do it ; and it ended in orderfell him. wwho wwould puerchafe ing the boy to look out himfelffor a mafer, him. and fcattered, but very neat and wellKINGSTON is a fmall and proceeded at three built town. Wedreffed ourfelves there, It isa houfe, about a mile up the country. to the government eftate. The governor good houfe, hired from the Alexander homc, I had the me a moft polite reception. Riding gave of Mr. L. fpeaker of the affembly, company and converfation and under who told me that a new flave act was prepared, himfelf had drawn which he confideration of the legiflature, frame fuch claufes and proabove all, had ftudied to up ; and, of whipping is commonly inflisted, not on * In the Weft Indies the punifhment in the difcipline of the Britifh foldiers) but the backs of the negroes, (as pra@tifed It is therefore no humanely, and with much lefs danger, on partes pofteriores. more whom Sir William Young infpeôted had efcaped Aagellation, proofthat the negrocs of the whip, This acknontedgmenti becaufe their fhoulders bore no imprelfion owe to truth and candour. vifions M m 2 * In the Weft Indies the punifhment in the difcipline of the Britifh foldiers) but the backs of the negroes, (as pra@tifed It is therefore no humanely, and with much lefs danger, on partes pofteriores. more whom Sir William Young infpeôted had efcaped Aagellation, proofthat the negrocs of the whip, This acknontedgmenti becaufe their fhoulders bore no imprelfion owe to truth and candour. vifions M m 2 --- Page 300 --- Ju TOUR THROUCH TIIE CH A P. vifions as might cnfure the execution and full effeet of the law XiII. L L in favour of the negroes.-Neus cerrons.-We had likewife St. Vincent. fome talk on thc fubject of building a church at Kingfton: he faid, if moved in the affembly he had not a doubt ofunanimity. I premifed, in addition to my quota of tax for fuch purpofe, to fubfcribe f.200 towards ornamental architedture or additional expence, which the confervators ofthe publick purfe might not think themfelves warranted to admit in their plan and eftimate; he promifed to fet the bufinefs 011 foot. SATURDAY, December Io.-T'his day (as ufual) a half-holiday from twelve o'clock, for the negroes. FRIDAY, December 16.-Three Guinea thips being in the harbour, full of flaves fiom Africa, I tcftified a with to vifit the fhips previous to the fale. I would have vifited them privately and unexpectedly, but it was not praéticable. Every thing was prepared for our vifit, as the leaft obferving eyc might have difcovered: In particular I was difgufted with a general jumping or dancing of the negrocs on the deck, which fome, and perhaps many of them, did voluntarily, but fome under forcc or controul; for I faw a failor, more than oncc, catch thofe rudely by the arm who had ceafed dancing, and by gefture menace them to repeat their motion, to clap their hands, and fhout their fong of Yah! Tah! which I underftood to mean 66 Friends."- --Independent of this, and when I infifted on the dance being ftopped, I muft fay that the people, with exception to one fingle woman (perhaps ill) fcemed under no apprchenfions, and wcre even cheerful for the moft part, and all anxious than oncc, catch thofe rudely by the arm who had ceafed dancing, and by gefture menace them to repeat their motion, to clap their hands, and fhout their fong of Yah! Tah! which I underftood to mean 66 Friends."- --Independent of this, and when I infifted on the dance being ftopped, I muft fay that the people, with exception to one fingle woman (perhaps ill) fcemed under no apprchenfions, and wcre even cheerful for the moft part, and all anxious --- Page 301 --- W IN D W ARD ISLANDS. anxious to go afhore, being fully apprifed ofwhat would be their CHAP. fituation and employment, when landed, by fome of their XII. countrymen, who were permitted to vifit them from the planta- St. vincent. tions for that purpofe. NEVER were there fhips or cargnes better fuitedforthe ground of general obfervation; for the fhips came from Aitant diftrias, and with people of different nations Oil board: The Pligrim of Briftol, with 370 Eboes from Bonny. The EolusofLiver-pool, with 300 Windward negroes from Baff. The Annc ofLiverpool, with 210 Gold Coaft negroes from Whydah. THE Pilgrim (Taylor, commander) wasin the beft poffitle order; the was fix feet in height between decks, without thelves or double tier in the men's apartments, and as clean as a Dutch cabinet. We vifited every part ofthe fhip; inthehofpital there was not one fick, and the flaves muftered on the deck, were to all appearance, and uniformly, not only with clean ikins, but with their eyes bright, and every mark ofhealth. This Captain Taylor muft be among the beft fort of men in fach an employment; having in three voyages, and with full cargoes, loft on the whole but cight flaves, and not one feaman. In general, I fhould give a favourable account too of the Eolus, but the Pilgrim had not a fcent that would offend, and was indeed fiveeter than I fhould have fuppofed pofiible, in a crowd of any people of the 1ame number, in any climate. One circumftance in all the three was particularly ftriking, in relation to the cvidence on the Slave Trade: A full halfof either cargo collfifted of children (and generally as fine children as I ever faw) from , and not one feaman. In general, I fhould give a favourable account too of the Eolus, but the Pilgrim had not a fcent that would offend, and was indeed fiveeter than I fhould have fuppofed pofiible, in a crowd of any people of the 1ame number, in any climate. One circumftance in all the three was particularly ftriking, in relation to the cvidence on the Slave Trade: A full halfof either cargo collfifted of children (and generally as fine children as I ever faw) from --- Page 302 --- TOUR. THROUGH THE CH A P. from fix to fourteen years ofagc; and, on enquiry, I found but XIII. very few indeed of thefe were L conneéted with the grown people St. Vincent. on board. I could not but fuppofe, then, that thefel little folks were ftolen from their parents, and perhaps (in fome inftances) fold by their parents *, I again remark, that thefe flaves were from Bonny and from Baffa. THE Anne was from the Gold Coaft, a fmall veffel, fearcely clean, difagreeably offenfive in fmell, with only three fcet fix inches between the main decks, yet apparently with no fick on board. Thefe Gold Coaft negroes were in themfelves a worfe looking people, but they bore too a fickly complexion, and heavineis of mien and mind which the others did not; and it was remarkable in the contraft of the cargoes, that among the laft there was not even a common proportion of children or young people: I fhould fuppofe not above 20 in the 210, Mr. B. of the Cuftom Houfe, told me that at St. Vincent's more certificates for bounties were given than at all the other iflands, and that the reafon was, becaufe it was fituated next to Barbadoes, * Nothing is more common in all parts of Africa, than the circumftance of rents of frec condition felling their children in times of fearcity, which frequently pahappen, for a fupply of food. Mr. Park has recorded many inftances ofi it the Mandingoes, (vide his Travels, p. 248, and again, p. 295-) < among philofophick and refleéting mind (obferves Mr. Park) death itfelf would Perhaps by a confidered as a greater calamity than flavery: but the poor when fearcely be with hunger, exclaims, like Efau of old, Bebold I am at the peint negro, to die, and fainting wbat profit Jbail tbis birthright do to me? Thefe are dreadful evils; ; ordained, without doubt, for wife and guod purpofes, but, concerning the caufes of them, human wifdom is doomed to filence." (obferves Mr. Park) death itfelf would Perhaps by a confidered as a greater calamity than flavery: but the poor when fearcely be with hunger, exclaims, like Efau of old, Bebold I am at the peint negro, to die, and fainting wbat profit Jbail tbis birthright do to me? Thefe are dreadful evils; ; ordained, without doubt, for wife and guod purpofes, but, concerning the caufes of them, human wifdom is doomed to filence." --- Page 303 --- WINDWARD ISLANDS. Barbadoes, the moft windward of the iflands, and the Guinea C H A P. fhips arriving thus far in health, the mafters, to avail them- L XIII. felves of the parliamentary bounty, took up their certificates St. Vincent: before proceeding on to Jamaica or elfewhere, inafmnuch as every day, at the clofe of a long voyagc, might be marked by difeafe or dcath, and thus eventually precludc them from the benefit of the law. This fhould be reétified. MR. B. allowed, in converfation with me, that the regulations of tonnage proportioned to numbers, on which fuch outcry. had been raifed, had ultimately proved advantageous to the of the trader, as well as to the poor flave. The prefervation flaves had well and fully repaid for the diminution in freight. SATURDAY, December 17. At ten this morning all my negroes were muftered at the works, and had ten barrels of herrings diftributed among them: afterwards, fuch of the wOmen as had reared children, came to the villa, and each reccived, as a prefent, five yards of fine cotton, at 25. 6d. per yard, of the gayeft pattern, to make a petticoat. SUNDAY, 18. Mr. H. read prayers to a congregation of my negrocs. TUESDAY. 20. Went to Kingfton to attend the fale of the Eboe, Windward, and Gold Coaft flaves, in all 880. The divided flaves were feated on the floor in two large galleries, into lots of ten each. Thofe purchaters who, by previous application, had gained a title of pre-cmption, (for there was a demand the gayeft pattern, to make a petticoat. SUNDAY, 18. Mr. H. read prayers to a congregation of my negrocs. TUESDAY. 20. Went to Kingfton to attend the fale of the Eboe, Windward, and Gold Coaft flaves, in all 880. The divided flaves were feated on the floor in two large galleries, into lots of ten each. Thofe purchaters who, by previous application, had gained a title of pre-cmption, (for there was a demand --- Page 304 --- TOUR THROUGH THE CI HAP. demand for three tines the number imported) drew for the lots XIII. ( 2 in fucceliion, until cach had his number agrecd for. In lotting St. Vincent. the flaves, fome broken numbers occurred, and a little lot of four (two girls and two boys) of about twelve years old, were purchafed for me. The flaves did not feem under any apprehenfion, nor did they exprefs any uncafincfs, with exception to the Gold Coaft negroes, who gave many a look of fullen difpleafure. Returning home in the evening, I found my four little folks in old Mrs. H- 's room, wherc they cat a hearty fupper, had fome of their country folks got round them, and went to flcep as much at their eafe as if born in the country. Thefe children were unconneéted with any On board the thip. The girls were remarkably ftrait, and with finer features than negrocs ordinarily have. They had each a bead necklace, and fmall cotton petticoat oftheir country make, and muft I think have been kidnapped or ftolen from their parents. I cannot think that any parents would havc fold fuch children. FRIDAY, 23. This morning I paffed an hour or more, obferving the procefs of fugar making in the boiling houfc. Of the beft cane juice, a gallon of liquor gives one lb. of fugar; of the middling-rich, 20 gallons give 16 lbs.; of the watery canes, 24 gallons give 16 lbs. THIS afternoon ANSELM, chicf of the Charaibes in the quarter of Morne-Young, and BRUNAU, chief of Grand Sable, at thc hcad of about twenty, came into the parlour after dinner, and laid a don d'amitié at my feet of Charaibe bafkets, and of fowls and pinc apples. We treated them with wine, and afterwards lb. of fugar; of the middling-rich, 20 gallons give 16 lbs.; of the watery canes, 24 gallons give 16 lbs. THIS afternoon ANSELM, chicf of the Charaibes in the quarter of Morne-Young, and BRUNAU, chief of Grand Sable, at thc hcad of about twenty, came into the parlour after dinner, and laid a don d'amitié at my feet of Charaibe bafkets, and of fowls and pinc apples. We treated them with wine, and afterwards --- Page 305 --- WINDW A RI D ISLANDS dozen of their ladies were introduced, who C H A P. afterwards about a converfation with An- XIII. preferred rum. I had much courteous St. Vincent. a bafket, and a couple of pines, and bought felm, accepted other Charaibes. They were ail invited to fome baikets of the ordered in return for fleep on the eftate, and a keg of rum was Anfelm's prefent, and for Brunau's, &zc, of the chiefs who had figned the treaty in LA LIME, one had before vifited me at different 1773, and a dozen others, of and all in times, but this was a formal addrefs ceremony, beft attire, that is, the men, and perhaps the women too, their they had no cloaths, faving a petticoat refembling for though handkerchiefs fewed at the corners, and two children's pocket they had their faces hanging one before and one behind, yet and through their under lips, and bracelets; painted red, pins and beads. about their ancles ftrings of leather About ten in the forenoon the negroes of DECEMBER 25exceedingly well dreffed, my eftate, both men and women, foon after came two necamc to with us a merry Chriftmas: when we had an hour's dancing, gro fidlers and a tamborine, minuet, Jack, with Phillis, danced an excellent and carpenter them a dance not unlike a Scotch reel. and then four of began Chriftmas boxes, to After diftributing among them different number of about fifty, we attended prayers in a large room; the of the fervice, and Mr. H- clofed myfelf read feleêt parts ferattendance with a chapter from our Saviour's our church cf chriftianity on mon on the mount, and a dialogue praétical men. the heads of refignation towards God, and peace towards This VoL. III. N n enter them a dance not unlike a Scotch reel. and then four of began Chriftmas boxes, to After diftributing among them different number of about fifty, we attended prayers in a large room; the of the fervice, and Mr. H- clofed myfelf read feleêt parts ferattendance with a chapter from our Saviour's our church cf chriftianity on mon on the mount, and a dialogue praétical men. the heads of refignation towards God, and peace towards This VoL. III. N n --- Page 306 --- TOUR TIROUCH THE CHAP. This day, and almoft every day, I had many Charaibe vifitors. XTII. tendering prefents. I laid down a rule to receive no profents St.Vincent but from the chiefs, for the perfon prefenting expeôts double the value in return, and the Charaibcs are too numerous for a general dealing on fuch terms either with views to privacy or ceconomy. I fhould not omit that yefterday morning the chiefs, Anfelm and Brunau, who had vifited me the evening beforc, came to fce mc, and politely having obferved that they would not intermingle, in their firft vifit of congratulation, on my coming to St. Vincent's, any matter of another nature, proceeded to demand quelles notrvelles de la France, and then quelles nouvelles de /" Angleterre; and thus proceeded gradually to open the tendency of the queftion, as relating to the defigns of government touching themfelves. It fecms that fome perfons of this colony, travelling into their country, and looking over the delightful plains of Grand Sable from Mornc Young, had exclaimed, 66 ahat a pity this country yet belongs 10 the Javage Charaibes!" and this kind of language repeated among them, had awakened jealoufics and apprehenfions, and fome French difcontented fugitives from Martinico and elfewhere had (as had. been heard from the Charaibes at Kingfton) given a rumour that I was come out with fomc projeét for difpoffeffing them by the Englith government. To remove thefe jealoufies, I told them, That private a man as I was, and come mercly to look at my eftate, and icttle my private affairs, I would venture, on perfonal kuowledge of the minifter, and charaéter of our com-. mon king, and unalterable principles of our government, toaflure them, that whilft they continued their allegiance, and. adhered to the terms of the treaty of 1773, no onc dare touch I their the Englith government. To remove thefe jealoufies, I told them, That private a man as I was, and come mercly to look at my eftate, and icttle my private affairs, I would venture, on perfonal kuowledge of the minifter, and charaéter of our com-. mon king, and unalterable principles of our government, toaflure them, that whilft they continued their allegiance, and. adhered to the terms of the treaty of 1773, no onc dare touch I their --- Page 307 --- WIZ N DWARI D ISLANDS *75 their lands, and that Grand Sable was as fafe to them as ivas CH A P. XIII. Calliaqua to me: it was treafon to fuppofe that the king would L not keep his word, accordig to the conditions of that treaty; St. Vincent. and if any fubjcôts ventured to trefpafs on them, they would, on proper reprefentations. be punifhed. Formyfclf, L: affumed a mien of anger, that they fhould forget their national principle in exception of me. If friendihips and enmities defcended from father to fon, they muft know me for their fteadieft friend, and incapable of any injuftice towards them.' They feemed very much pleafed with this fort of language, and affured me oftheir ftrongeft regard and confidence, and would hear no more lies or tales to the prejudice of myfelf, or of the defigns of government. They invited me to comeand tafte their hofpitality, and I promifed to do fo, and we parted as I could with-the beft friends in the world. DECEMBER 26. This was a day of Chriftmas gambols. In the morning we rode out, and in thc town of Calliaqua faw many negroes attending high mafs at the popith chapel. The town was like a very gay fair, with booths, furnifhed with every thing good to eat and fine to wear. The negroes (with a very few exceptions) were all dreffed in pattern cottons and muflins, and the young girls with petticoat On petticoat; and all had handkerchicfs, put on with fancy and tafte, about their heads. Returning to the villa, we were greeted by a party which frightened the boys. It was the Moco yumbo and his fuite *, The Fumbo was on ftilts, with a head, mounted on * Without doubt the Mumbo Fumba of the Mandengoes. Vide Park's Travels, C. 3-p.39. the Nnz ed in pattern cottons and muflins, and the young girls with petticoat On petticoat; and all had handkerchicfs, put on with fancy and tafte, about their heads. Returning to the villa, we were greeted by a party which frightened the boys. It was the Moco yumbo and his fuite *, The Fumbo was on ftilts, with a head, mounted on * Without doubt the Mumbo Fumba of the Mandengoes. Vide Park's Travels, C. 3-p.39. the Nnz --- Page 308 --- TOUR THROUGH THE C H. A P. thc aétor's head, which was concealed: the mufic was from XIII. two baikets, like ftrawberry bafkets, with little bells within, St. Vincunt. fhook in time. The fwordfinan danced with an air of menace, thc mufician was comical, and Jumbo affumed the 46 antic ter66 rible," and was very active on his ftilts. We had a large company to dinner; and in the evening I opened the ball in the great court,. with a minuet with black Phillis, Granny Sarah being indifpofed: our mufic confifted of two excellent fiddles, Yohnny and Fifer, from my Pembroke eftate, and Grandifon, tamborin of the villa: there ftood up about cighteen couplc; the men negroes were dreffed in the higheft beauifin, with muflin frills, high capcs, and white hats; and one beau had a large fan. The negro girls were all dreffed gay and finc, with handkerchiefs folded taftefully about their heads, and gold ear-rings and necklaces: the girls were nearly all field negroes; there are but four female flaves as domefticks in the villa. In England, no idea of 66 jolly Chriftmas" can be imagined, in comparifon with the three days of Chriftmas in St. Vincent's. In every placc is feen a gaiety of colours and drefs, and a cor-. refponding gaiety of mind and pirits; fun and finery are general. This moment a new party of muficians are arrived. with an African Balafo, an inftrument compofed of pieces of hard wood of different diamcters, laid on a row over a fort of box: they beat on one or the other fo as to ftrike out a good. mufical tune. They played two or three African tunes; and. about a dozen girls, hearing the found, came from the huts. to the great court, and began a curious and moft lafcivious. dance, with much grace as well as action; of the laft plenty in truth.. SUNDAY, icians are arrived. with an African Balafo, an inftrument compofed of pieces of hard wood of different diamcters, laid on a row over a fort of box: they beat on one or the other fo as to ftrike out a good. mufical tune. They played two or three African tunes; and. about a dozen girls, hearing the found, came from the huts. to the great court, and began a curious and moft lafcivious. dance, with much grace as well as action; of the laft plenty in truth.. SUNDAY, --- Page 309 --- WINI D W ARD ISLANDS Rode over to my Pembroke C H A P. SUNDAY, January I, 1792. fix miles diftant, to XIII. eftate in the valley of Buccament, about moft St. Vincent. leeward of Kingfton. The road is over the rugged 1792. the of rock of a redand towering hills, with occafional precipices bufhes and fome dith dark hue, and for the reft covered with In the vales, between the ridges, and on every fine trees. cultivated and the whole is a pradticable afcent, are grounds, The road winds much, mixture of the rich and the romantick. ravines and gullies. The flight of a bird canto avoid the deep from to Buccament. not be more than three miles Kingfton called' KeilWe entered the valley of Buccament by a ravine, lan's land, belonging to me. Buccament brings to mind the happy and fcTHE vale of The valley, concluded valley of Raffelas, prince of Abyfinia. about acres, is hemmed on each fide by towering taining 3,005 afcents have in parts peeled off or fplit in the hills, whofe ftecp beftorm, and now are left precipices of bare rock, appearing ftreaks of the higheft verdure, from which occafionally tween In the center of the valley fhoots the mountain cadbage-trec*, through an interfands an infulated mountain, whofe height, of the vale, looks down on the garftice in the rugged boundary Berkfhire hill is 627 fcet above therifon of Berkfhire hill, and command fea. The hills cr rocks that fhut in the valley, again Down the vale runs a fine and rapid" the hill in the çenter. mullet and other fith; its bed river, abounding with the fineft obftructed with fragments of rocks from the fkirting mounis fill the vale. It winds round the center tains. lts murmurs 4 C-lled alfo the Palmao-R-yal See it defcribed at large, vol.i. hill,, 627 fcet above therifon of Berkfhire hill, and command fea. The hills cr rocks that fhut in the valley, again Down the vale runs a fine and rapid" the hill in the çenter. mullet and other fith; its bed river, abounding with the fineft obftructed with fragments of rocks from the fkirting mounis fill the vale. It winds round the center tains. lts murmurs 4 C-lled alfo the Palmao-R-yal See it defcribed at large, vol.i. hill,, --- Page 310 --- TOUR THROUGH TIIE CHAP. bill, and then pours ftraight into thc fea. The valley, as it XIII, coails L the fea, is abcut onle mile over. It ftrctches inland about St. Vincent. five miles; its greateft breadth, half-way from the fea, is two miles. From the mount, in the center, it forms a moft luxuriant piéture of cultivation, contrafted with romantic views, and feens wholly fecluded from all the world. My Pembroke eftatc takes in the hill in the center, and thence runs along the river lide, comprehending all the valley on one fide, to within a quarter of a mile of the fca. A NEGRO gave fignal of my approach to the houfe, and all thc negroes came forth to greet me, and with a welcome as warm as that at Calliaqua. Tlicy caught hold of my bridlc, my fcct, and my coat; every one anxious for a fharc in leading me up to the houfe; and indced they attempted to take me off my horfe and carry me, but I begged them to defift. FRIDAY, January 6. Ivifited Berkfhirel hill, and went over the fortifications. The hill itfelfis a rock, and, from its precipices, is fcarcely affailable; where it is fo, parts have been cut away, and, take art and nature together, the placc maybc dccmed impregnable. The point above hath been flatted off, fo as to admit room Onl its furface for moft commodious barracks for a complete regiment, ftores, refervoirs, &c. all bomb-proof. In my different excurfions, I continucd to infpcét the perfons of the negroes, and I can affert, that not one in fifty of thofe I have ieen has been marked with the whip, with exception to the gang employed at the public works on Berkfhire hill. This gang may be fuppofed to confift for the molt part of reprobate and fo as to admit room Onl its furface for moft commodious barracks for a complete regiment, ftores, refervoirs, &c. all bomb-proof. In my different excurfions, I continucd to infpcét the perfons of the negroes, and I can affert, that not one in fifty of thofe I have ieen has been marked with the whip, with exception to the gang employed at the public works on Berkfhire hill. This gang may be fuppofed to confift for the molt part of reprobate and --- Page 311 --- WINDWARD ISLANDS. and bad negroes, who hare been fold from eftates for riddance C II A P. of thcir praétices and examples. They chiefly belong, as an XIII. entire gang, to the overfecr of the works, who may bc fup- St. Vincent, pofed to pick them up cheap, being bad charaéters, though competent to their-b bufinefs, under the controul of the military. The inhabitants, not willing to feud their able men to the publick works, for fcar of cvil communication, commute their quota oflabourers, by paying the ovcrfeer a certain fum to find others in their room. FRIDAY, January 13, 1792. The Charaibe chief of all, Chatoyer, with his brother du Vallee, and fix of their fons, came to pay me a vifit, and brought their prefents; a ftool of Charaibe workmanfhip, and a very large cock turkcy ofthe wild breed, which with a hcn I mean for England. Chatoyer and du Vallee were well dreffed; as a mark of refpcét, they came without arms. We had much converfation with them, and I gave in return a filver mounted hanger to Chatoyer, and a powder horn to du Vallee. The latter is poffeffed of nine negro flaves, and has a cotton plantation. He is the moft enlightened of the Charaibes, and may be termed the founder of civilization among them. Chatoyer and his fons dined at thc villa, and drank each a bottle of clarct. In the evening they departed in high glee, with many exprefions of friendfhip. JANUARY 17. Ivifited the king's botanic garden, Dr. Anderfon went round the garden with me. It confifts of about thirty acres, ofwhich fixteen are in high garden cultivations The varicty, beauty, growth, and health of the plants, from. all , and may be termed the founder of civilization among them. Chatoyer and his fons dined at thc villa, and drank each a bottle of clarct. In the evening they departed in high glee, with many exprefions of friendfhip. JANUARY 17. Ivifited the king's botanic garden, Dr. Anderfon went round the garden with me. It confifts of about thirty acres, ofwhich fixteen are in high garden cultivations The varicty, beauty, growth, and health of the plants, from. all --- Page 312 --- TOUR THROUGH THE CHAP. all quarters of the globe, is moit ftriking. It is a fcene for a XIII. as well as a botanift. The of is - painter quicknefs vegetation St. Vincent. aftonifhing: fome Englith oak of three years growth are above feven fect high. The Indian teak wood, full eighteen feet high, and fix inches diameter, of only four ycars growth. This being a remarkable hard and durable wood, lcads me to note the general remark of Dr. Anderfon, 66 that in this coun66 try, where vegetation never ftops or is checked, the hardeft 46 woods arc of growth as quick as the moft pulpous or foft tex66 ture." Dr. Anderfon is multiplying to a great extent all the ufeful trecs; the Chincfe tallow trec, the gum arabic, the Pcruvian bark, the balfam of Capiri, the cinnamon, &cc. &c. IN. B. I name them from their produce. JANUARY 23. Never paffing a flave without obferving his back, either in the field or on the road, or wenches wafhingin the rivers, I have feen not onc back markcd, befides that of the woman obferved before on Mr. Greathead's eftatc (in whom I may be miftaken as to the caufe) and one new negro unfold at Kingiton, who found mcans to explain to me that he was fumfumm'd (fogged) by the furgeon ofthe fhip; and he fcemed to have had two or thrcc ftrokes with a cat. Inote it in the language of one accuftomed to attend military punifhments.-At my cftate, and I believe on moft others, confinement is the ufual punithment. Three have been punifhed at Calliaqua, fince my arrival; Sampfon has received ten lathes, and two men were put into the ftocks, of whom Indian Will was onc, for getting drunk and cutting a negro lad'shead open in his paffion; he was releafed the next mornng. The other was a watchman at a cat. Inote it in the language of one accuftomed to attend military punifhments.-At my cftate, and I believe on moft others, confinement is the ufual punithment. Three have been punifhed at Calliaqua, fince my arrival; Sampfon has received ten lathes, and two men were put into the ftocks, of whom Indian Will was onc, for getting drunk and cutting a negro lad'shead open in his paffion; he was releafed the next mornng. The other was a watchman at --- Page 313 --- ISLANDS. WINDWARD which the fails had been ftolen; he was con- CHA XIII. P. at the mill, from and then, no difcovery being ) fined for two nights in terrorem, St. Vihncene, made of the theft, he was rcleafed. Sailed from Nanton's harbour in the Maria JANUARY 26. at ten in the forenoon, fchooner of 28 tons, took our departure and came off St. Lucia in the evening. coafted to leeward, Off Dominica in the morning, becalmed. FRIDAY, 27. In the evening a breeze fprung up; and, Came:at day-break off Baffeterre, in GuaSATURDAY, 28. and fome fifh; the people daloupe; hailed a fifhing boat bought faid all was quiet; tout va bien a la Guadaloupe. whale fpouting and playing clofe SAW a very large fpermaceti and Antigua. a-head in the channel between Guadaloupe Antigua, anchor at P. M. in Old Road bay, Antigua. Came to aul 5 coach road halfa mile, to the old- 1792. Walked up an excellent Jevel before, gave nohoufe. A mulatto boy getting road plantation the Every hoe was now thrown tice of Mafa being on way. creolcs, huzza followed; and my good down, and a general with fuch ecftacy of woman, and child, ran to meet me man, knees, catching my hands, cloaths, welcome, embracing my have reached the houfe. &c. &c. that I thought I fhould never for flags, I At length, in joyous proceffion, with handkerchiefs to the old manfion of my anceftors, and gave my was conveyed of and all was dance and fong. good people a treat rum, SUNDAY, Voi. III. Oo and a general with fuch ecftacy of woman, and child, ran to meet me man, knees, catching my hands, cloaths, welcome, embracing my have reached the houfe. &c. &c. that I thought I fhould never for flags, I At length, in joyous proceffion, with handkerchiefs to the old manfion of my anceftors, and gave my was conveyed of and all was dance and fong. good people a treat rum, SUNDAY, Voi. III. Oo --- Page 314 --- TOUR THROUGH THE CHAP, SUNDAY, 29. Enquiring into the condition of the eftate XIII. and fituation ofthe. negrocs, I found the lattcr gencrally diffaAntigua. tisfied with their manager, Mr. R Their complaints were direSted chiefly to his curtailing the allowance of the old people, and fuch others as were incapable of labour ; and his frequency and feverity of punifhments. The firft complaint I removed inftantly, by ordcring the full allowance ofi induftrious youth to meritorious age. For the fecond (on examining into the grounds of allegation, and finding thcm juft). I immediatcly difcharged Mr. R. and appointed Mr. H- who had been two ycars on the eftate, and much liked by thc negrocs to be their manager. Their. fatisfaétion on both accounts fecmcd complete and gencral. MONDAY, 30. Went to St. John's, a large, and in many parts a well built town, and the church an cxcellent building, as is likewife the town or court houfe; but the town itfelf has thc appearance of ruined trade and deferted habitancy. The country for twelve miles, from the old road plantation to St. John's, is open, with very few trccs or even fhrubs, but beautiful in its fwells of ground, fcarcely to be called hills, fpotted with buildings, and varied with inlets of the fea opening in different points of view; high but infructuous cultivation cover every acrc. The roads excellent, and cvery thing peaking the civilization, art, and toil of man ; but nature anfivers not. Under the drought all fails : heat, with little or no moiflure, generates nothing. Partial rains have this year, as often beforc, given hopes to the planter for his canes, and to the negro. for his provifions 5 but the fcafon has again failed, and their so hopes with inlets of the fea opening in different points of view; high but infructuous cultivation cover every acrc. The roads excellent, and cvery thing peaking the civilization, art, and toil of man ; but nature anfivers not. Under the drought all fails : heat, with little or no moiflure, generates nothing. Partial rains have this year, as often beforc, given hopes to the planter for his canes, and to the negro. for his provifions 5 but the fcafon has again failed, and their so hopes --- Page 315 --- ISLANDS. WINDWARD of CHAI P. The whole is a piéture difappointment, XIII. hopes are blafted. The houfes are excellent, and in land, beaft, and man. negro the face of Antiguz. of them of ftone ; but no in-doors can give threfhold. many if allis wanting beyond the comfort and contentment, from their grounds, The negrocs having little or no provifions themfelves in fed allowance from the planters, many are by On eftates in good condiftrels, which fcants that allowance. three pounds dition, it is twelve quarts of corn, with two or of falt provifion per week. February 2. Being a day which I had allotted THURSDAY, we went early to the valley of the for a holiday to the negroes, diftributed ten barrels of herrings old road. In the morning I we had a very fmart amongf the negroes, and in the evening old manfion. Mr. well-dreffed Negro ball in the hall of my allowed the negroes, young Land myfelfboth impartially and correétnefs and to dance better in ftep, in grace, men girls, or indeed any couples at any of figure, than our fafhionable, ball there is no one ball in England ; taking that generally, dance with old Hannah, negro dances ill. I danced a country remains at and a minuet with long Nanny. Not a complaint the old road. Returning from old road to Dr. FairFRIDAY, February 3miffionary, bairn's, I there faw Mr. Hoffman the Moravian The Moravian auhofe btamelefs life Aill anfsvers 10 his fong. as the higheft charaéter for moral example, miffionaries are of preach thc doêtrines of well as gentle mauners ; and they They peace and good avill to all men, and to all governments. affimilate Oo 2 the old road. Returning from old road to Dr. FairFRIDAY, February 3miffionary, bairn's, I there faw Mr. Hoffman the Moravian The Moravian auhofe btamelefs life Aill anfsvers 10 his fong. as the higheft charaéter for moral example, miffionaries are of preach thc doêtrines of well as gentle mauners ; and they They peace and good avill to all men, and to all governments. affimilate Oo 2 --- Page 316 --- TOUR THROUGH THE CH H A P. affimilate in fimplicity beft with the minds of the negroes, and XIII. in their affiduity and goodneis, have, I fear, but few equals Antiguz. amongf the regular clergy in the Weft Indies. It was with difficulty I prevailed O1l the good, mild, and di@interefted Mr. Hofman, to reccive annually for his domeftick ufe a fmall barrel of fugar, and a quarter cafk of rum, as a token of my regard for his attention to my negroes on the old road cftate. SUNDAY, February 5. In the evening embarked for Martinique. MONDAY, 6. Becalmed off Guadaloupc. Martinicue, TUESDAY, 7. At fcven in the cvening cameinto: St. Pierre's 1792. bay, and pafling under thc ftern of an 18 gun floop of war, fhe hailed us to come on board. I went on board with the captain of our fchooner. The French officer commanding the floop, on my ftating that our veffel was not commercial, but mercly having on board Englifhmen, paffengers, told me that the fchooner muft immediatcly come to an anchor under his ftern, but that myfelf and other gentlemen might go on fhore. Returning to the fchooner, a ferjeant of thc national guards followed us in a fhallop, and faid he was comc by orders to conduét us on fhore; we went with him. On landing, he told us we muft proceed to the hotel de l'intendant, Monfieur le Chevalier de Menerad. He marched us above a mile to the hotcl, and paffing within the centinel at entrance of the court, afked for the governor, who was out, and only a black boy in the houfc, who knew not wherc the governor was to be found. The national guards followed us in a fhallop, and faid he was comc by orders to conduét us on fhore; we went with him. On landing, he told us we muft proceed to the hotel de l'intendant, Monfieur le Chevalier de Menerad. He marched us above a mile to the hotcl, and paffing within the centinel at entrance of the court, afked for the governor, who was out, and only a black boy in the houfc, who knew not wherc the governor was to be found. The --- Page 317 --- ISLANDS WINDWARD of brutal command, C H A P. Thenational ferjeant talked in a high tonc XIII. all in the open air, or until the goand faid we muft ftay night but all in Martinique.. vernor was found. I ufed every kind of language, effential told that I had omitted the vain. I was afterwards 6 a About with thefe liberty-corps, to wit, johannes. argument Monfeur De la Cour, lieutenant of police, arrived, ten o'clock a him my name and fituaapparently on other bufinefs. Itold he fhould tion. He behaved moft politely, and told the ferjeant hotel des Americains, the beft tavern in St. Pierre, take us to the next morning. himfelf fecurity for our forthcoming giving Whilft the receipt for our bodies was writing, the governor,. Chevalier de Menerad, arrived: on my name being mentioned,. and: he bebaved moft politely, afked my whole party to fupper, complained of the ferjeant's co1l-. offered me a bed. Having him to leave the room, and made a duêt, he immediately told to underftand that there general apology, giving me plainly authothc of law, government, or any was fearcely appcarance rity at Martiniquc. national regiments had arrived a year before. The THE ofa different party. The old corps on duty. inhabitants were charaéter, and the conftitu-. there of an uncertain or undecided and no perfons in tion of the mother country being unfettled, all, knowing who were finally to be uppermoft, Martinique were afraid to affume a refponfibility. I THANKED the governor for his polite invitation, but dewhat the ftate of his houie, and having no clined accepting domefticks,. --- Page 318 --- TOUR THROUCI THE CI II A P. domefticks, proved to be a mere invitation of compliment. XIII. His wife and family were at Guadaloupc. Martinique, MONSIEUR DE LA CoUR conduéted us, at near eleven at night, to the American hotel, where, finding an excellent houfe and a truly Parifian cook, we laughed over our difficulties. MONSIEUR DE LA CoUR and Monfieur Penan, our banker, next morning confirmed the ftate ofgovernment in Martinique, as before mentioned : all was a calm, but it was fuch a calm as generally precedes a hurricane. With refpeét to the flaves, they arc perfeétly quiet. For the free mulattoes and gens de couleur (who arc twice as numerous as the white inhabitants) they too arc waiting the refult of afcendant parties in old France. For thc whites, they are generally, as far as I can find, friends to thc old government, and they dcclare themfelves moft openly; S hence the new aêts of the national aflembly are yet unexecuted. The church remains on its ancicnt footing, and the convents are filled with the fame people, Capuchins and Urfulines, but the Capuchins appcar not in the open ftrects. IN this ftate of political diffidence, commerce has loft 'its activity, and credit is gone ; yet money 1eers to be plenty; but there is little or no trade in this great' and once commercial town. Inftead of fifty or more large fugar thips, which thould at this feafon be feen in the bay, therc are only nine; and even thefe feem in general to be fmall. Amcrican veffels , Capuchins and Urfulines, but the Capuchins appcar not in the open ftrects. IN this ftate of political diffidence, commerce has loft 'its activity, and credit is gone ; yet money 1eers to be plenty; but there is little or no trade in this great' and once commercial town. Inftead of fifty or more large fugar thips, which thould at this feafon be feen in the bay, therc are only nine; and even thefe feem in general to be fmall. Amcrican veffels --- Page 319 --- ISLANDS: : WINDWARD there may C H A P. fels (fchooners and floops) are numerous; perhaps XIII. ) be forty. Martinique,. February 8. We amufed ourfelves in walkWEDNESDAY, the town and purchafing prefents for our friendss. ing about embroiderie of Madame Nodau, bijouterie of Madame Gentier, and liqueurs of Grandmaifon. of St. Pierre extends along on the beach. It is. THE towil and in breadth about half a mile. above two miles in length, The fhops are The buildings are of ftone, and handfome. of them well decorated. The jeweller and filverfmith'smany is as brilliant as any in London or Paris. fhop (Goutier's) in the harbour, the embers of: Trade being nearly extinguifhed what it has been glimmer in the fhops. In the evening we embarked for THURSDAY, February 9. St. Vincent's. this morning were in fight St. Vincents FRIDAY, February IO. Early of St. Lucie, and there 1792. of St. Vincent's, offthe Sugar Loaves up, we run clofe in with the land. A fine breeze fpringing and then the channel of ieven leagues in three hours, over of St. Vincent's, a beautiful and. coafted down to windward of the Charaibes. At four rich country, moftly in poffefion Bay, landed, and in the afternoon we anchored in Young's manfion of Calfound ourfelves in the comfortable once more has me in full poffelion liaqua. My voyage to Autigua put the negroes, concerning the beft mode of feeding of the queftion I an. the channel of ieven leagues in three hours, over of St. Vincent's, a beautiful and. coafted down to windward of the Charaibes. At four rich country, moftly in poffefion Bay, landed, and in the afternoon we anchored in Young's manfion of Calfound ourfelves in the comfortable once more has me in full poffelion liaqua. My voyage to Autigua put the negroes, concerning the beft mode of feeding of the queftion I an. --- Page 320 --- TOUR THROUGH THE CHAP. I am fpeaking of the difference in their fituation in regard to XIII. and comfort, when fed allowance from the U plenty by mafter, St. Viacent as in Antigua; or when fupported by provifion grounds of their own, as in St. Vincent's. In the firft cafe, oppreffion may, and certainly in fome inftances, and in different degrees, doth, actually exift, either as to quantity or quality of food ; befides the circumftance of food for himfclf, the negro fuffers too in his poultry and little ftock, which are his wealth. The maintenance of his pigs, turkies, or chickcns, muft often fubtraét from his own dinner, and that perhaps a fcanty onc, or he cannot keep fock at all; and a negro without ftock, and means to purchafe tobacco and other littlc conveniences, and fome finery too for his wife, is miferable. IN the fecond cafe, of the negro feeding himfelf with his own provifions, affifted only with falt provifions from his maftcr (three pounds of falt fifh, or an adequate quantity of herrings, per week, as in St. Vincent's) the fituation of the negro is in proportion to his induftry; but generally fpeaking it affords him a plenty that amounts to comparative wcalth, viewing any peafantry in Europe. On my eftatc at Calliaqua, fortyfix acres of the richeft ground are fet apart fer the negrogardens, where they work voluntarily in the two hours they have evcry noon to themfelves, on the half holiday in the week, and Sundays ; and their returns are fuch that in my negro village, containing eighty-five huts, there is fcarcely one but has a goat and kids, two or three pigs, and fome poultry runmng about it. All this ftock is plentifully fed from the negroc's garden, and how plentifully thc garden fupplies him will of the richeft ground are fet apart fer the negrogardens, where they work voluntarily in the two hours they have evcry noon to themfelves, on the half holiday in the week, and Sundays ; and their returns are fuch that in my negro village, containing eighty-five huts, there is fcarcely one but has a goat and kids, two or three pigs, and fome poultry runmng about it. All this ftock is plentifully fed from the negroc's garden, and how plentifully thc garden fupplies him will --- Page 321 --- WINDWARD ISLANDS. faét. From the late Guinea C H A P. will appcar from the following from XIII. altogether twenty boys and girls, L fales, I have purchafed them St. Vincent, old. It is the praétice, OnF bringing ten to thirteen years them in the huts of Creole negroes, to the eftate, to diftribute who are to' feed them, trainunder their direétion and care, For this them to work, and teach them their new language. and up the young African, the Creole care of feeding bringing whatever. He rereceives no allowance of provifions negro a calabafh to eat from, and an iron boiling, ceives only a knife, ofthis it looks like oppreffion, and, pot for each.. On firft view the who rethe burthen of fupporting another on negro putting but the reverfe is the fact. When the new negroes ceives him; the manager would have been arrived on the eftate, I thought the number and earneftnefs of the applicants torn to pieces by them. The competition was to have an inmate from among The fact is, that violent, and troublefome in the extreme. in his garden, and at his leifure hours, earning every negro is neceflary to feed him,. thefe young inmuch more than what who entertains them, and for mates are the wealth of the negro for the little houfwhom they work; their work finding plenty his ftock. and a furplus for fale at market, and for feeding hold, from the folicitations of the Creole This fact was in proof to me families oftheir own) to negroes in general (and who had large and with a take another inmate, on conditions of feeding him, benefit of his worke, As foon: as the young negro. right to the and' is fit for work in the ficld, he has paffed his apprenticefhip, this with what is faid on the fame fubject, vol. ii. P. 149, ift edit. Compare that twoperfons, writing in different iflands; and 154 2nd edit. It was impofible their obfervations were founded in truth. could agree fo veryprecifely, unlefs bas Voi. III. Pp of feeding him, benefit of his worke, As foon: as the young negro. right to the and' is fit for work in the ficld, he has paffed his apprenticefhip, this with what is faid on the fame fubject, vol. ii. P. 149, ift edit. Compare that twoperfons, writing in different iflands; and 154 2nd edit. It was impofible their obfervations were founded in truth. could agree fo veryprecifely, unlefs bas Voi. III. Pp --- Page 322 --- TOUR THROUGH THE C H. A P. has a hut ofhis own, and works a garden on his own account. L XIIL. Ofthe falt provifions given out to the negroes, the fineft fortare - St. Vincent. the mackarel falted from America, and the negrocs arc TCmarkably fond ofthem. My brother H- 1 (who is a manager at once preperly fhrict, and moft kind, and who is both feared and beloved by all the negrocs) indulges them by ftudying to give a variety in their provifions; pork, becf, and fifh of dif: ferent forts. A negro prefers pork to beef; one pound of pork will go as far as two pounds of beef in his mefs-pot. This little attention of Mr. H- to the negrocs' wifhes, fhews how much of their comfort muft even depend o1 the mafter'sregard to them. WEDNESDAY, February 22. The 66th regimcut reviewed by General Cuyler. The men well-looking, the manual in proper time and exact, the firing cloic, and thc level good. The review in a: word fhewed this regiment to be well difciplined, and nothing hurt by refideuce ofncar feven ycars in the Weft Indies. MONDAY, March 5- Embarked in the Fairy fioop of war for Tobago. Got under way at twelve. TUESDAY, March 6. At four P. M. Tobago in fight, our courfe clofe to the wind, making for the body of the ifland. WEDNESDAY, March 7. Clofc in with thc land, and moft of the day beating to windward with a ftrong lee current. In the afternoon were offMan o'rvar bay. THURSDAY, --- Page 323 --- --- Page 324 --- ( E 3 N a - S. a - d# a E in de a : AU E S I pas y J à grin s A 5 - A s A ja A Srattn - Ealt Wett Deruxel - Le Vinsborough ' y an F K 2 3 : - Res a d A I ae Res " a : - atA : e s - a : Z U0 A SOI E ( E 3 N a - S. a - d# a E in de a : AU E S I pas y J à grin s A 5 - A s A ja A Srattn - Ealt Wett Deruxel - Le Vinsborough ' y an F K 2 3 : - Res a d A I ae Res " a : - atA : e s - a : Z U0 A SOI E --- Page 325 --- ISLANDS WINDWARD 8. The wind E. S. E. and a ftronglee C H A P. THURSDAY, March we found XIII. againft us the whole night. At day-break, - current the fun-iet. In the St. Vincentnearly where the was preceding our fhip St. Giles's rocks and little Tobago on the erening we weathered ifand. Lay too during the night. N.E. end ofthe March At fun-rife, were off Queen's bay, on FRIDAY, 9. with both wind and the leeward coaft, whence we ran down, about and anchored in Rockly-bay current in our favour, twelve o'clock. Went to Rife-land, or Sandy Tobage, SATURDAY, March IO. almoft flat, 1792. Point, in the S. W. part of the ifland, a country and various fpotted with mountain cabbages, but beautifully miles diftance, appearing plain trees. - Trinidada, at eightcen ta the eyc. This morning early, I rode five miles SUxDAY, March II, Adventure eftate, in acrofs the ifland from Rife-land to and on my Courland bay-divition. In travering the country, from the Flat at I was much ftruck with its beauty, return, into hills, till ultimately at the Sandy Point gently breaking of mountains and woods. IparN,E. end it becomes a fcene and the noticed the great extent of provifion grounds, ticularly in general, arifing from the fine healthy looks of the negroes of the whip on their around them. I faw no marks plenty atleaft not here nor at St. Vincent's.. The punifhments backs, or fo little fevere, as toleave no traces are either fo unfrequent for any length of time. SyNDAY, Pp2. ultimately at the Sandy Point gently breaking of mountains and woods. IparN,E. end it becomes a fcene and the noticed the great extent of provifion grounds, ticularly in general, arifing from the fine healthy looks of the negroes of the whip on their around them. I faw no marks plenty atleaft not here nor at St. Vincent's.. The punifhments backs, or fo little fevere, as toleave no traces are either fo unfrequent for any length of time. SyNDAY, Pp2. --- Page 326 --- TOUR THROUGH THE x HA P. SUNDAY, March 15. Earlv in the morning fet out, and in XlL. the afternoon reached the Louis d'oreftate. Twenty-two miles i'ubago, from Port Louis, from the very point of the Town of Port Louis, the country becomes hilly; and as you further advance, the hills rife into mountains not broken and rugged, as the COI1vulfed country of St. Vincent's, but regular though fteep, and on a large fcalc of regular afcent and defcent. The fcene of nature is on an extenfive fcale, and gives the idea of a continent rather tlian an iflandl. it is not alone its vicinity to the Spanifh main that fuggefts this idca. The appearance of the ifland fully warrantsthe: affumption, and the contiguity ofS South America, oniy more fully marks its being torn therefrom, and ofits being, in old times, the fouthern point Gr bold promontory of the vaft bay of Mexico. FRIDAY, March 16. This day I rode over my eftate; but previous to any remarks thereon, I muft notice the radical words and language of the Indian red Charaibe (Louis), There are three familics of red Charaibes, fettled in a corner of my) Louis d'or cftate, and their hiftory is bricfly this.-Louis was five years old when his father and family flcd (about fifty years paft) from the periccutions of the Africans Or black Charaibes ofSt. Vincent's. The family has Once divided into threc diftinét ones, by increafe of numbers. Louis the chicf, is a very fenfible man, and in his traffick for fith and other articles, has obtained iome knowledge of the French language, THE following words I took from found, and with accuracy; for on reading over the Charaibe words to Louis, he repeated them back in French to me. * God years old when his father and family flcd (about fifty years paft) from the periccutions of the Africans Or black Charaibes ofSt. Vincent's. The family has Once divided into threc diftinét ones, by increafe of numbers. Louis the chicf, is a very fenfible man, and in his traffick for fith and other articles, has obtained iome knowledge of the French language, THE following words I took from found, and with accuracy; for on reading over the Charaibe words to Louis, he repeated them back in French to me. * God --- Page 327 --- ISLANDS. WINDWARD Wind-cazabal Father-baba. C H AP. God-naketi, i, e. Grandmerz XIIl. Rain-conob - Mother-behee. The Sun-véhu - Thunder-warawi arow Son-wica. Tobago. Moon-moné - Mountain-weib - Daughter-hania. Earth-hoang - Tree-wewee - Life-nee. Sea-bilané Bird-fuls - Death-hela 'hal. Fire-wat-ho' Fifh-oto" - Devil-qualeva. Water-tona - Louis as to religion: hc is now a catholic, II INTERROGATED always in a future ftate.-Forbut fays the Charaibe belief wasa with his bow, merly, they ufed to bury the defunêt fitting + 66 we bury atl long ef arrows, &c. 66 But now," fays Louis, 66 which is better; for when fitting, the body got re4 droit," and could not eafily ftart up and 66 treci(this was his expreffion) and it can fly up buried Arait, 64 fly to heaven, but being long called." This argument was pofibly fuggefted 66 direêtly when make the Charaibes leave by the catholic miffionaries, to poor ftate is however the old praélice. Louis's belief in a future afcertained. on the eftate. On the beach at BUT now to remarks not unlike the Queen's-bay, are brick and flone pillars, great whence the eye is direéted up an avegatc of an Englith park, thence, in the fame ftrait line, nue-of cocoa-nut trees, and from broad and ftrect of negro houfes, at a mile through a regular the avenue, and from the gate, to the works, which terminates the ef the word naketi. * I queftioned particularly on fignification This is a curious and remarkable illuftration ofwhat is related in the appendix to + book i. vol. i. P. 116, Ift edit. and p. 119, 2nd edit, have park, thence, in the fame ftrait line, nue-of cocoa-nut trees, and from broad and ftrect of negro houfes, at a mile through a regular the avenue, and from the gate, to the works, which terminates the ef the word naketi. * I queftioned particularly on fignification This is a curious and remarkable illuftration ofwhat is related in the appendix to + book i. vol. i. P. 116, Ift edit. and p. 119, 2nd edit, have --- Page 328 --- TOUR THROUGH TIE CHAP. havc the appearance cfa church built in form of the letter T;. XIIL. with a tower raifed on the center. Over the works rifes a preTobago. cipice, on which ftands the manfion-houfe, nobly commanding the whole valc. A fine river winds from tbc back mountains. under the point of the great ridge on which the houfe ftands, and then pours in a direét line, nearly by thc caft of the negro village, into the fca. In its courfe it fapplies a canal for turning the water-mill. TIE negroes on this citate are a moft quict and contented people; fomc afkcd me for little trifles of money for different purpofes, which I gave them; but there was not onc complaint, for old Caftalio came to me as a kind of deputation from the reft, to tell me that 66 maffa Hamilton was good manager, and 66 good mafla." Indeed the negroes are generaily treated as favourite children, by thcir mafters in Tobago. THE neceffities of the ifland have demanded the refidence of. the planter, and the critical fatc of French government, and the wild notions and conduét of the French people in the colonics, have brought the old Englith fettlersin Tobago, and their negrocs, to a fyftem of reciprocal regardand mutual determination to refift particular wrongs or a general attack. The plant-. ers here talk of the negrocs as their refort, to be depended on againft either a licentious garrifon, an arbitrary governor, ot. the mad democracy ofFrench huckfters. THE negro houfes throughout Tobago are much fuperior to thofe in St. Vincent's, "or even in Antigua, Mr, Franklyn, + junior, old Englith fettlersin Tobago, and their negrocs, to a fyftem of reciprocal regardand mutual determination to refift particular wrongs or a general attack. The plant-. ers here talk of the negrocs as their refort, to be depended on againft either a licentious garrifon, an arbitrary governor, ot. the mad democracy ofFrench huckfters. THE negro houfes throughout Tobago are much fuperior to thofe in St. Vincent's, "or even in Antigua, Mr, Franklyn, + junior, --- Page 329 --- WINDWARD ISLANDS junior, informs me that each of his negro's houfes has coft him C de H A P. XIII. 23.johannes, or above forty pounds fterling, including the negro's labour. Thefe houfes are built of boards, uniform Tobago. throughout the eftate, are about 26 feet long by 14 wide, confifting each of two apartments, befides a portico or covered walk with a feat in front, of which a clofet at the end is taken from the portico to form a fmall kitchen or ftore-room. The roof is of thingles. In St. Vincent's the negrohoufss are ofno fixed dimenfions; fome are very Jarge and fome very fmall, according to the fancy or ability of the negroes, who are however generally affifted by their mafters with pofts and main timbers, and occafionally fupplied with boards. Thus the village is irregular, fome houfes boarded, fome of them ftone and part boards, and moft of them wattled or thatched. Within, the houfes are as comfortable as thofe at Tobago, but not fo durabie; and the portico of the Tobago houfe is a fuperior comfort. SATURDAY, March 17. Ipaffed the morning in feeing vafious of my negroes, particularly thc women and their Creole children. This laft year I have had an increafe of thirteen -children, of whom only one has died. I ordered, as at St. Vincent's, five yards of fine-printed cotton to every woman who had reared a child, and gave ten barrels of pork among the negroes in general. Riding out, I paid a vifit of fome length to the red Charaibe families, of whom Louis is the head; two of the young women were really handfome. The old Indian drefs is loft, and they wore handkerchiefs, cotton petticoats, and jackets like the negroes. The huts were fearcely weather one has died. I ordered, as at St. Vincent's, five yards of fine-printed cotton to every woman who had reared a child, and gave ten barrels of pork among the negroes in general. Riding out, I paid a vifit of fome length to the red Charaibe families, of whom Louis is the head; two of the young women were really handfome. The old Indian drefs is loft, and they wore handkerchiefs, cotton petticoats, and jackets like the negroes. The huts were fearcely weather --- Page 330 --- TOUR THROUGH THZ C H A P. weather tight, being wattled and thatched, crowded with XIII. alf their filth and all their wealth.. The latter confifting of greas Tobago, variety of nets. for fifhing, hammocks for fleeping in, and different forts of provifion, ftores,, &c. &ec. Beafts, ftores,. andpcople all in one. room.. Ar two o'clock we fét out for Mr. Clarke's, five miles from Louis d'or, OIl the road to Port Louis.. Mr. Clarke's houfe is an excellent building, framed in- England, and placed on the very pinnacle of the higheft mountain in Tobago, with garden and: fhrubberies, abounding with birds of moft fplendid plumage. The variety, beauty,. and number of the feathered. tribes in Tobago, are indeed at once delightful and aftonifhing. I muft obferve further, on the country of Tobago, that although it is. not a twentieth part cultivated, yet it is all, or fon the moft part, improveable. Mr.. Hamilton, who has paffed many fucceffive nights in the woods, and in traverfing the country, affures me there is no where a rock, or fcarcely a large ftone, to be found, except upon the coafts and. beach.. Though the feafon is now dry, I obferved in many parts large ;pots or fields ofGuinea. grafs, which would. fatten cattle of the. largeft breed. As a timber and a victualling country, it feems valuable in an imperial, as well as commercial point ofview; a refource to armies and fleets, as well as. to the merchant and. planter.. WEDNESDAY, March 21. At 6in the evening I embarked: in the Lively fchooner for Grenada. THURSDAY, . beach.. Though the feafon is now dry, I obferved in many parts large ;pots or fields ofGuinea. grafs, which would. fatten cattle of the. largeft breed. As a timber and a victualling country, it feems valuable in an imperial, as well as commercial point ofview; a refource to armies and fleets, as well as. to the merchant and. planter.. WEDNESDAY, March 21. At 6in the evening I embarked: in the Lively fchooner for Grenada. THURSDAY, --- Page 331 --- WINDWARD ISLANDS. 22d. At 6 in the evening we anchored in the CHAP. XIII. THURSDAY, of St. George's town, Grenada, and immediately careenage Grenada, landed. 1792. In the forenoon we went to church, the goSUNDAY, 25. officers, &c.attending, with a vernor, fpeaker ofthe affembly, of all colours. In the galrefpeétable congregation of pcople mulatto fchoolof girls and boys under a Jery was an affemblage well to the accompaniment of an mafter, who fing pfalms very Mr. Dent, read prayers, excellent organ. The clergyman, with devotion. The fervice was in every and preached great The church is plain, refpeét moft creditable to the ifland. fteeple, and a clock given by the prefent gowith a handfome vernor Matthews. town, built chicfly of brick, and Sr. George's is a handfome which, of houfes. It is divided by a ridge, confifts many good fide the carcenage, and o1l running into the fea, forms on one where there is the otherthe bay. Thus there is the bay town, fquare and market place, and the careenage town, a handfome mercantile houfes are fituated, the fhips lying where the chief water clofe to the wharf. On the land-locked, and in deep between the towns, the road of communication ridge, juftabove the or bluff head of the ftands the church; and on promontory when in ridge, ftands a large old fort, built by the Spaniards fubitanof Crenada. It is built of free-ftone, is very poffelfion conftruéted, and contains the cntire tially, if not fcientifically is quartered in the new 45th regiment. The 67th regiment barracks, VoL. IlI. Qg in deep between the towns, the road of communication ridge, juftabove the or bluff head of the ftands the church; and on promontory when in ridge, ftands a large old fort, built by the Spaniards fubitanof Crenada. It is built of free-ftone, is very poffelfion conftruéted, and contains the cntire tially, if not fcientifically is quartered in the new 45th regiment. The 67th regiment barracks, VoL. IlI. Qg --- Page 332 --- TOUR TIROUGH THE C H A P. barracks, and does duty on the new fortifications ofRichmondXIII, hill; a very ftrong fituation to the cait or north-caft of the Grenada, town. TUESDAY, March 27. Louis la Granade, chiefofthe Gens de couleur, and captain of a militia company, came to the government houfe. He feems a fine fpirited, athletic fellow, and wears a large gold mcdal about his neck, being a gift from the colony, in reward for his various fervices and experienced fidelity on all occafions. The mulattoes have prefented a moft loyal addrefs to the governor, ftating their ftrong attachment to the King and the Britifh conftitution, and their abhorrence of all innovation. FRIDAY, 29. At ten in the morning we failed from Grenada in the Fanfan fchooner, coafted the leeward fide of the ifland from fouth to north; it feems well peopled, and in general it appears to be a rich fugar country; with lcfs variety of ground indeed than St. Vincent's, and lefs verdure. Its mountains are but hills in comparifon with thofe of St. Vincent. A waving furface, hills gently rifing and falling, characterize Grenada. Deep vallies fladed with abrupt precipices charactcrize St. Vincent's. St. Vincent, SATURDAY, March 30. At three in the morning anchored 1792. in Kingfton-bay, St. Vincent's, and thence rode to the villa. From Grenada to St. Vincent's, our fchooner hugg'd the land ofthc Grenadincs under their! leeward fide, with very fmall intervals ifon with thofe of St. Vincent. A waving furface, hills gently rifing and falling, characterize Grenada. Deep vallies fladed with abrupt precipices charactcrize St. Vincent's. St. Vincent, SATURDAY, March 30. At three in the morning anchored 1792. in Kingfton-bay, St. Vincent's, and thence rode to the villa. From Grenada to St. Vincent's, our fchooner hugg'd the land ofthc Grenadincs under their! leeward fide, with very fmall intervals --- Page 333 --- ISLANDS. WINDWARD ifles and detached rocks, CH A P. tervals of channel. The Grenadine lit- XIII. be about 120 in number. Twelve ofthefe C are fisppofed to St. Vincenz, tle ifles are faid to produce cottonl. Had much converfation this day about the APRIL 19. Charaibes. eftates, quite to the Charaibe boundary of THE windward land in the ifland, but the furf on Bayaraw, are of the richeft an veffel can the fhore is at all times fo heavy, that no Europe Eutwenty-four hours with fafety, and no continue on any part fhore without the danger of being ropean boat can come on Hence, until lately, the fuppofed impradlicability fivamped. the cultivation ftores and taking off fugars, prevented ofl landing the Charaibesi sin their canoes, have been of the lands; but fince effect with their found to accomplith what Europeans cannot and every thefe lands have rifen to 6.60 fterling an acre, the boats, rich. A floop lays off and on as near as fettler is growing from day-break to noon, may to the fhore, and in one morning, to the will make forty trips a canoe manned by ten Charaibes, of &rc. &cc. and the floop, carrying each time a hogthead fugar, amounts to ten dollars, being a dollar expence for the morning Charaibes thus begin to tafte of mofor each Charaibe-The induftrious at this work. ney, and are already become very but a market Moreover, they plant tobacco, and want nothing brother (Du them to plant more. Chatoyer's to encourage and plants cotton. Money civilizes Vallee) has nine negroes, in the laft; the favage la-. in the firft inftance, as it corrupts the flave to for himfelf, foon ceafes to be a favage; bouring money Qq2 afte of mofor each Charaibe-The induftrious at this work. ney, and are already become very but a market Moreover, they plant tobacco, and want nothing brother (Du them to plant more. Chatoyer's to encourage and plants cotton. Money civilizes Vallee) has nine negroes, in the laft; the favage la-. in the firft inftance, as it corrupts the flave to for himfelf, foon ceafes to be a favage; bouring money Qq2 --- Page 334 --- TOUR THROUGI TIIE CHAF P. moncy becomes a fubjedt to government, and he becomes 3 XIII, L. ufeful fubjeat **, St. Vincent. MR. B. aéting colleétor of the cuftoms, informed me, that the valuc of Britifh manufactures exported from St. Vincent to the Spanifh and French fettlements, was upwards of 4-200,000 annually. From the fuperior advantages of Grenada, with refpect to fituation, 8zc. the export trade of that ifland to the Spanith main, muft be much more confiderablc. That of Jamaica out of comparifon greater. Thefe circumftances arc to bc taken into the general accouut, of the importance of the Weft India lflands to Grcat Britain. APRIL 24. Went on board a Guinca fhip, the Adlive, from Sierra Leone. On board this thip is a black boy, called Bunc, about ten years old, the fon of an African chicf; hc is going to * This muft be admitted with fomc limitation. Before a negro places fuch a valuc on moncy as is here fuppofed, he muft have acquired many of the refinements and artificial neceffities of civilized life. He muft havc found ufcs for money, which, in his favage ftate, he had no conception of. Itis not therefore the poffelficn of money alone; it is the new defires fpringing up in his mind, from the profrects and examples beforc him, thatl have awakened his powers, and called the energies of his mind into action. I have thought it neceffary to obferve thus much, becaufe the deétrine of my amiable friend, without fome qualification, feems to fanétify an affertion which has been maintained by fpeculative writers, with fome plaufibility; namely, 66 that ifthe negro flaves were allowed wages for their labour, 4 cocrcion would become unneceffary." What effect a fyftem of gradual encouragement, by means of wages, operating flowly and progreffivcly, might produce in a long courfe of time, I will not prefume to fays but I am perfuaded that an attempt to introduce fuch a fyftem among the labouring negroes in general, without great caution and due preparation, would be produclive of the greateft of evils. England plaufibility; namely, 66 that ifthe negro flaves were allowed wages for their labour, 4 cocrcion would become unneceffary." What effect a fyftem of gradual encouragement, by means of wages, operating flowly and progreffivcly, might produce in a long courfe of time, I will not prefume to fays but I am perfuaded that an attempt to introduce fuch a fyftem among the labouring negroes in general, without great caution and due preparation, would be produclive of the greateft of evils. England --- Page 335 --- ISLANDS. WINDWARD and has two flaves fent with him by C H AP. England for his education, Williams XIII, his by their fale. Captain - his father, to pay paffage to two years St. Vincent. has another boy on board, who was fent England take him for the fame purpofe. This voyage he was to ago but the boy abfolutely refufed landing back to Annamaboe; Williams as a free again in Africa, and he waits on Captain him. The flaves fervant, and is going back to England with in this health; Captain Williams is a fuperior man wereiul highh trait of.his charaéter, I notice, that trade; as a fundamental bounty for the laft year (1791) on recciving the parliamentary he out of his condition in which his people arrived, gave good to the furgeon of his fhip. own pocket 6-50 as a gratuity Chatoyer's broMONDAY, April 30. This day Dufond, on.the Grand ther, and next to him in authority, particularly had been twice Sab'e fide ofthe country, made me a vifit: he his firft before when I was abfent in thc other iflands, and on him in vifit had left his own bow and arrows for me. I gave brafs barrelled piftols. He feems a return a pair of handfome French. polite and fenfible man, and fpeaks good very Embarked on board the Delaford, and at 5 P.M. MAY 8. failed for England. --- Page 336 --- S THE following Account of the MAROON NEGROES, was firft publifhed feparately in 1796. --- Page 337 --- [ 393 ] Charatier, Manners, and Habits Obfervations Gn the Difpoftions NEGROES of the Ifand ef ef Life, ef the MAROON Progrefs, and TermiJANAICA; and a Detail of the Origin, and the White Innation of: the late War between throfe People habitants. SECTION I. have feen, was conquered from the Spaas we of Cromwell, in the ycar niards, during the proteétorate JANAIGA under the command of Admiral Penn 1655, by an armament inhabitants are faid to and General Venables. The Spanifh enflaved Africans, before the attack, about 1,500 have poffeffed, the furrender of their mafters, rctreated to moft of whom, on made frequent excurfions to the mountains, from whence they one ofthe Briharrafsthe Englith. Major-general Sedgewick, prediéts, tith officers, in a letter to Secretary Thurloe fides (1656) of thc Engthat thefe blacks would prove a thorn in the but delith. Headds, that they gave no quarter to his men, week whenever they found opportunity ; fearce a ftroyed them one Or more of them ; and as paffing without their murdering and carclefs, the negroes the foldiers became more confident Having no moral grewmore enterprifing and bloody-minded. what the 66 and not underftanding 66 fenfe," continues he, we know not how 66 laws and cuftoms of civil nations mean, But bc affured they 4 to capitulate or treat with any of them. fome terms or 66 muft either bc deftroyed, or brought in, upon to the 86 other; or clfc they will prove a great difcouragement 66 fettling ing without their murdering and carclefs, the negroes the foldiers became more confident Having no moral grewmore enterprifing and bloody-minded. what the 66 and not underftanding 66 fenfe," continues he, we know not how 66 laws and cuftoms of civil nations mean, But bc affured they 4 to capitulate or treat with any of them. fome terms or 66 muft either bc deftroyed, or brought in, upon to the 86 other; or clfc they will prove a great difcouragement 66 fettling --- Page 338 --- HISTORY OF THE 6 fettling the country." What he foretold, foon came to pafs. At the latter part of the fame year (1656) the army gained fome trifing fuccefs againft them; ; but this was immediately afterwards feverely retaliated by the flaughter of forty foldicrs, cut off as they were carelefsly rambling from their quarters. A detachment was immediately fent in purfiit of the enemy, which came up with and killed feven or cight of them ; but they ftill found means to hold out, until being hard preffed the year following by Coloncl D'Oyley, who, by his final overthrow oft the Spaniards, had taken from them all hope of future fuccour from their ancient mafters, they bccame very much ftreightened for want of provifions and ammunition. The main body, under the command of a négro named Tuan de Bolas (whofe place of retreat in the parifh of'Clarendon ftill retains his namc) at length folicited for peace, and furrendered to the Englith on terms of pardon and freedom. A large party, however, (who had now acquired the nameofMarcons *) remained in their retreats within the mountains; where they not only augmented theic numbers by natural increafc, but, after the * The word fignifies, among the Spanifh Americans, according to Mr. Long, Hog-hunters: : the woods abounding with the wild boar, and the purfuit of them conftituting the chief employment of fugitive negroes. Mariano is the Spanifl word for a young pig. The following is the derivation, however, given in the Encyclopédic, article Maron: < On appelle marcni, dans les ifles Françoifes les nègres fugitifs. Cc terue vient du mot Fipagnol Simaran qui fignifie un Singe. Les Eipagnols crurent ne devoir pas faire plus d'honreur à leurs malheureux efclaves fugitifs, quc deles appeller/ngs, parcequ'ils fc retiroient comme ces animaux aux fonds des bois ct n'en fortoient quc pour cueillir des fruits qui fc trouvoient dans les lieux les plus voifins de leur retrait." The rcader will accept which of thefe derivasions he likes beft. ifland terue vient du mot Fipagnol Simaran qui fignifie un Singe. Les Eipagnols crurent ne devoir pas faire plus d'honreur à leurs malheureux efclaves fugitifs, quc deles appeller/ngs, parcequ'ils fc retiroient comme ces animaux aux fonds des bois ct n'en fortoient quc pour cueillir des fruits qui fc trouvoient dans les lieux les plus voifins de leur retrait." The rcader will accept which of thefe derivasions he likes beft. ifland --- Page 339 --- NEGROES. MAROON thicker fown with plantations, they were freMand became ilaves. At length they grew quently reinforced by fugitive defcents upon the confident enough oftheir force to undertake from time many of whom they murdered, interior planters, leaft ; and by their barbarito time, without the provocation the whites from venturing to any ties and outrages intimidated confiderable diftance from the fea-coaft. Sir Charles Lyttelton, Ix 1663 the Lieutenant-goremnor, offering a full pardon, and his council, iffued a proclamation, from all manner of flavery, twenty acres of land, and freedom But I do not find that to each of them who fhould furrender. the terms offered, or quit any of them were inclined to accept they were better their favage way of life. On the contrary, in the woods, pleafed with the more ample range they poffeffed by their hunting grounds were not yet encroached upon where took effcétual care, indeed, that no fettlefettlements. They butchered every fhould be eftablifhed near them ; for they ment that ventured to feat itfelf any confiderable difwhite family Governor that the proclainland. When the perceived tance Juan de Bolas, who was now made mation wrought no effect, fent to endeavour their Colonel of the Black regiment, was this fervice he fell into an reduétion; but in the profecution of 1664, Captain ambufcade, and was cut to pieces. In March, for the fame purColbeck, of the white militia, was employed gained He went by fea to the north fide; and having who pofe. the Maroons, he returned with one fome advantages over reft. This embaffy, however, was pretended to treat for the and gain fome refpite; only calculated to amufe the whites, in a condition to fooner found themfelves for the Maroons.no act, Rr Voi. III. , Captain ambufcade, and was cut to pieces. In March, for the fame purColbeck, of the white militia, was employed gained He went by fea to the north fide; and having who pofe. the Maroons, he returned with one fome advantages over reft. This embaffy, however, was pretended to treat for the and gain fome refpite; only calculated to amufe the whites, in a condition to fooner found themfelves for the Maroons.no act, Rr Voi. III. --- Page 340 --- HISTORY OF THE act, and the whitc inhabitants lulled into fecurity, than they began to renew hoftilities, murdering, as before, every white perfon, without diftinélion of fex or age, who camc within their reach. IN this way, they continued to diftrefs the ifland for upwards of forty years, during which time forty-four acts of Af fembly were paffed; and at leaft 6.240,000 expended for their fupprefion. In 1730, they were grown fo formidable, under a very able general, named Cudjoc, that it was found cxpedient to ftrengthen the colony againft them by tivo regiments of regular troops, which were afterwards forined into independent companies, and employed, with other hired parties, and the whole body of militia, in their reduction. In the year 1734, Captain Stoddart, who commanded one of thefe parties, projeéted, and cxecuted with great fuccefs, an attack of the Maroon windward town, called Nanny, fituate on one of the higheft mountams in the ifland. Having provided fomc portable fivivel guns, he filently approached, and reached within a fmall diftance of their quarters undifcovered. After halting, for fomc timc, he began to afcend by the only path leading to their town. He found it fteep, rocky, and difficult, and not wide enough to admit the paffage of tio perfons abreaft. Howevcr, he furmounted thcfc obftacles; and baving gained a fimnall cminence, commanding the huts in which the negroes werc aflccp, hc fixed his little train of artillery to the beft advantage, and fired upon them fo brifkly, that many were flain in theirhabitations, and feveral threw themfelves headlong down the precipice. Captain Stoddart purfued the advantage ; killed numbers, took many prifoners, and in fhort fo completely deX ftroyed, . Howevcr, he furmounted thcfc obftacles; and baving gained a fimnall cminence, commanding the huts in which the negroes werc aflccp, hc fixed his little train of artillery to the beft advantage, and fired upon them fo brifkly, that many were flain in theirhabitations, and feveral threw themfelves headlong down the precipice. Captain Stoddart purfued the advantage ; killed numbers, took many prifoners, and in fhort fo completely deX ftroyed, --- Page 341 --- NEGROES. MAROON that they were unabie afterftroyed, or routed the whole body, this of the enterprize of moment in quarter wards to efeét any ifand. time another of the Maroons, having ABOUT the fame party ftationed at the barrack of that a body of the militia, of perceived under the command Bagnel's thicket, in St. Mary's parifh, and ftrayed heedlefsly from their quarters, Colonel Charlton, to*cut them off, and whilft kept no order, formed a projeét few of their the officers were at dinner, attended by a very woods Maroons rufhed fuddenly from the adjacent men, the Several pieces were difcharged, the reand attacked them. who immediately ran to port of which alarmed the militia, refcue their officers from their arms, and came up in time to and forced to take deftruétion. The Maroons were repulfed, but the militia did not think fit to purfue fhelter in the woods, fkirmifh reached Spanifh Town. them. Some rumours of this miles ; and, as all which is diftant from the ipot about thirty were not known, the inhabitants were the circumftances dreadful alarm, from apprehenfions that thrown into the moft and were in full march to the Maroons had defeated Charlton, then commander in chicf, partiattack the town. Ayfcough, the to found, cipatingin the general panick, ordered trumpets ofhorfe the drums to beat, and in a few hours collected a body the On the fecond day and foot, who went to meet enemy. by the fires after their departure, they came to a place where, they fuppofed the Maroonshad which remained unextinguifhed, therefore foilowed the lodged the preceding night. They Edmmunds, track, and foon after got fight of them. Captain who Rr: 2 . Ayfcough, the to found, cipatingin the general panick, ordered trumpets ofhorfe the drums to beat, and in a few hours collected a body the On the fecond day and foot, who went to meet enemy. by the fires after their departure, they came to a place where, they fuppofed the Maroonshad which remained unextinguifhed, therefore foilowed the lodged the preceding night. They Edmmunds, track, and foon after got fight of them. Captain who Rr: 2 --- Page 342 --- HISTORY OF THE who commanded the detachment, difpofed his men for action; but the Maroons declined cngaging, and fled different ways. Several ofthem, however, were flain in the parfuit, and others made prifonérs. Thefe two victorics reduced their ftrength, and.filled them with fo much terror, that they never afterwards appeared in any confiderable body, nor dared to makeany fland ; indeed, from the commencement of the war till this period, they had not once ventured a pitch battle, but fkulked about the fkirts of remotc plantations, furprifing ftragglers, and murdering the whites by two or three at a time, or when they were too few to make any refiftance. By night they. feized the favourable opportunity that darknefs gave them, of ficaling into the fettlements, where they fet fire to canc-ficlds and outhoufes, killed all the cattlc they could find, and carried the flaves into captivity. By this daftardly method of conduéting the war, they did infinitc mifchief to the whitcs, without much expofing their own perfons to danger, for they always cautioufly avoided fighting, except with a number fo difproportionally inferior to themfelves, as to afford them a pretty fure expectation of victory. They knew every fecret avenue of the country; fo that they could cither conceal themfelves from purfuit, or Thift their ravages from place to place, as circumftances required. Such were the many difadvantages under which the Englith had to deal with thofe defultory focs ; who were not reducible by any regular plan of attack; who poffeffed no plunder to allure or reward the affailants; nor had any thing to lofc, cxcept life, and a wild and, favage frecdom. PREVIOUS . They knew every fecret avenue of the country; fo that they could cither conceal themfelves from purfuit, or Thift their ravages from place to place, as circumftances required. Such were the many difadvantages under which the Englith had to deal with thofe defultory focs ; who were not reducible by any regular plan of attack; who poffeffed no plunder to allure or reward the affailants; nor had any thing to lofc, cxcept life, and a wild and, favage frecdom. PREVIOUS --- Page 343 --- NEGROES. MAROON above mentioned, the diftrefs into PREVIOUS tothefacceffes be colleéted frem the which the planters werc thrown, may in fome oftheir fente which the legiflature of Jamaica expreffed that 66 the Maroons adts. In the year 1733, they fet forth, notwithflanding all had, within a few years, greatly increafed, and made ufe of, for the meafures that had been concerted, had very forin particular, that they grown their fuppreffion; Eaft, North Weit, and South Weftern midable in the North terror ofhis Majefty's fubdiftriéts of the ifland, to the great faffered by the frequent jeêts in thofe parts, who had greatly committed by them; that robberies, murders, and depredations Ann, St. Elizabeth, Weftin the parifhes of Clarendon, St- they were confiderably morland, Hanover, and St. James's, the mountains, multiplied, and had large fettlements among plundered all around and lcaft acceffible parts; whence they. be thrown and them, and caufed feveral plantations to traôts cf-land up from - abandoned, and prevented many valuable and diminution ofl his being culcivated, to the great prejudice navigation, and Majefty's revenue, as well as of. the trade, the manifeft of Britith manufaétures; and- to confumption the further increafe ofthe ftrength weakening, and preventing ifland." We may. learn from hence, and inhabitants, in the by the moft deipiwhat extenfive mifchief may be perpetrated perceiving that cable and cowardly enemy. The Affembly, ineifectual, by the the employment of flying parties had proved them in the length of their marches, the difficulty of fubfifting and the fawoods for io long a time as the fervice required, ordered with which the Maroons eluded their purfuit, cility fortified with baftions, feveral defentible houfes, or barracks, to:. from hence, and inhabitants, in the by the moft deipiwhat extenfive mifchief may be perpetrated perceiving that cable and cowardly enemy. The Affembly, ineifectual, by the the employment of flying parties had proved them in the length of their marches, the difficulty of fubfifting and the fawoods for io long a time as the fervice required, ordered with which the Maroons eluded their purfuit, cility fortified with baftions, feveral defentible houfes, or barracks, to:. --- Page 344 --- 3t0 IIISTORY O F THE to be ereéted in different parts, as near as poffible to the enemy's moft favourite haunts; in each ofthefe they placed a ftrong garrifon, and roads of communication were opened from onc to the other. Thefe garrifons were compofed of white and black thot and baggage negroes, who were' all duly trained. Every captain was allowed a pay of tcn pounds, the licutenants each five pounds, and ferjeants four pounds, and privates two pounds pcr month. They were fubjeéted to the rules and articles of war; and the whole body put under the Governor's immediate order, to bc employed, conjunétly or fcparately, as he fhouldl fec occafion. Their general plan cf duty, as direéted by the Jaw, was to make excurfions from the barracks, fcower the woods and mountains, and deftroy the provifion gardens and haunts of the Maroons; and that they might not return without effedling fome fervice, they were required to takc twenty days provifion with them on every fuch expedition. Every barrack avas alfo furnifhed with a pack of dogs, providedby the Churehwardens of the refpeétive parifies; it being forefeen that thefe animals would prove extremely ferviceable, not only in guarding againf Jerprises in the nighit, but in tracking the cnemy. Tiis arrangement was the moit judicious hitherto contrived for thcir cffeétual reduétion; for fo many fortreffes, ftationcd in the very centre oftheir ufual retreats, well fupplied with every neceflary, gave the Maroons a conftant and vigorous annoyance, and in fhort became the chief means of bringing O1l that treaty which afterwards put an cnd to this tirefome war. ABOUT the ycar 1737, the Affembly refolved on taking two hundred of thc Mofquito Indians mto their pay, to haften the fupprcflion ffeétual reduétion; for fo many fortreffes, ftationcd in the very centre oftheir ufual retreats, well fupplied with every neceflary, gave the Maroons a conftant and vigorous annoyance, and in fhort became the chief means of bringing O1l that treaty which afterwards put an cnd to this tirefome war. ABOUT the ycar 1737, the Affembly refolved on taking two hundred of thc Mofquito Indians mto their pay, to haften the fupprcflion --- Page 345 --- --- Page 346 --- Ta S m NEGROES nitli Ihr MARDON PACIFICATION - ki rlel Ba'ERS a1 Mir pypigtinn rom amatfurmbing Dran) frun thir lfi Ly. lynstim Brmnuae --- Page 347 --- MAROON NEGROES. of the Maroons. They paffed an aét for rendering fupprefion Mulattocs, and Indians more ufeful, and formfree Negroes, Some ing them into companies, with proper encouragemients. and that numfloops were difpatched to the Mofquito-fhore; formed into comber of Indians was brought into the ifland, fhillings a under their own officers, and allowed forty panies befides Choes and other articles. White guides month for pay, conduct them to the enemy, and they gave were affigned to in this fervice. It was their praétice to proofs of great fagacity filence in marching to the enemy's obtèrve the moit profound were and when they had once hit upon a track, they quarters; the haunt to which it led. They effeéted confure to difcover indeed, the moft proper troops to fiderable fervice, and were, which is known in Amebe employed in that fpecies of aétion, well rewarded rica by the name of tneh-fghting. They difmiffed were to their own for their good conduêt, and afterwards with the Maroons. country, when the pacification took place by the advice of the For in 1738, Governor Trelawney, overtures of peace gentlemen ofthe ifland, propofed heartily principal chiefs. Both parties were now grown with the Maroon confict. The white inhabitants wearied out with this tedious continual alarms, the hardwifhed relief from the horrors of burthen of maintainfhip of military duty, and the intolerable lefs anxious for an acing the army. The Maroons were not and clofely befet on all commodation: they were hemmed in, reduced to fo deftroyed, and themfelves fides; their provifions famine and inceffant attacks, that miferable a condition, by if had not been offered Cudjo: afterwards declared, that peace be ftarved, lay had no choice left but either to to them, they violent burthen of maintainfhip of military duty, and the intolerable lefs anxious for an acing the army. The Maroons were not and clofely befet on all commodation: they were hemmed in, reduced to fo deftroyed, and themfelves fides; their provifions famine and inceffant attacks, that miferable a condition, by if had not been offered Cudjo: afterwards declared, that peace be ftarved, lay had no choice left but either to to them, they violent --- Page 348 --- 3:2 HISTORY OF THE -violent hands on themfclves, or'furrender to the Englith at difecretion. The extremity oftheir cafe, however, was not at that time known to the white inhabitants, and thcir number was fappofed to be twice as great as it was afterwards found to be. The articles of pacification (which I have fubjoined) werc therefore ratified with the Maroon chiefs, and fifteen hundred acres of land affigned to one body of them 8, and one thoufand acres to another, which the legiflature fecured to them and thcir pofterity in perpctuity. The Affembly, by fubfequent laws, augmented the premium allowed the Nlaroons for apprehending fugitive flaves, to thrcc pounds per head; and they paffed many other regulations for their bcttcr government and proteétion, for preventing their purchafing aud harbouring negro flaves, and for direéting in what. manner they fhould bc tried lin the cafe of felony, and other crimcs, committed againft the whites-; and thus, an eud was at length happily put to this tcdious * This was' thé body that fettled in Trelawney Town, and are the anceftors of thofe who have lately taken up arms. The other Maroon negrocs were thofe of Accompong Town, Crawford T'own, and Nanny Town, to each of which lands were allotted, The aggregate number in 1795, was about 1600 men, women, and children, + On complaint made, on oath, to a juftice of peace, ofany felony, burglary, robbery, or othcr offence whatfoever, having been committed by Maroon negroes, he is required to grant a warrant to: apprehend thc offenders, and to have all perfons brought before him, or fome other juftice, that can give evidence; and if; upon examination, it appears that there are grounds for publick trial, the juftice is to commit the accufed, unlefs thc offence be bailable, and bind over the witnefles. They are to be tried where thc quarter feflions arc held, or where parochial bufincfs is ufually tranfadled, in the following manner: :--The juftice is to call in two other juftices (who muft attend, or forfeit twenty pounds cach), and they are to fummon fifteen ; and if; upon examination, it appears that there are grounds for publick trial, the juftice is to commit the accufed, unlefs thc offence be bailable, and bind over the witnefles. They are to be tried where thc quarter feflions arc held, or where parochial bufincfs is ufually tranfadled, in the following manner: :--The juftice is to call in two other juftices (who muft attend, or forfeit twenty pounds cach), and they are to fummon fifteen --- Page 349 --- NEGROES MAROON which, while it laited, tedious and ruinous conteft; a conteft of the whole nothing leis than the ruin feemed to portend colony. wvith the Marsons ef Trelasuney Torn, Articles ef pacificatio March the firfs 1738. concluded of God, Amen. Whereas Captain Cudjoe, Ix the name Captain Cuffee, CapCaptain Accompong, Captain Johnny, their dependents and tain Quaco, and feveral other negroes, hoftility, for feveral have been in a ftate of warand adherents, lord the King, and the inhayears paft, againft our fovereign and friendfhip among T bitants of this ifland; and whereas peace is the effufion of blood, agrecable mankind, and the preventing and defired by every good man 5 to God, confonant to reafon, the Second, King of and whereas his Majefty, King George Defender France and Ireland, of Jamaica Lord, Great Britain, his letters patent, dated February of the Faith, Scc. has, by fèven hundred and thirtythe twenty-fourth, one thoufand full power and in the twelfth year of his reign, granted eight, to ferve onjuries, to appear at afpefifteen perfons, fuch as are ufually impanelled There muft be ten days cified time, who forfei: five pounds each if they heg'edh. fummoned, the firft between the complaint and the trial. Of the fiteen Maroon perfons be found guilty, the twelve who appear are to compofe ajury. Ifthe of death, tranfportation, publick fentence, necording to law, Execujuflices may give to hard labour for not more than twelve months. whipping, CI confinemen: be until a reafonable time after deliverys and tion of women with child is to refpited fhall be paffed (except for rebellious conwhere fentence of death or tranfportation be fignified; the fpiracies) execution is to be refpired until the Governor's pleafure till his pleafure be Juftices may alio refpite the exccution of ony other fentence convicted for the fame known, if they fee caufe. Where feveral are capitally rebellion. offence, one only is to fuffer death, except for murder or authority VoL. III. S f tion of women with child is to refpited fhall be paffed (except for rebellious conwhere fentence of death or tranfportation be fignified; the fpiracies) execution is to be refpired until the Governor's pleafure till his pleafure be Juftices may alio refpite the exccution of ony other fentence convicted for the fame known, if they fee caufe. Where feveral are capitally rebellion. offence, one only is to fuffer death, except for murder or authority VoL. III. S f --- Page 350 --- HISTORY OF THE autherity to John Guthric and Francis Sadler, Efquires, to ncgotiate and finally conclude a treaty of peace and friendfhip with the aforefaid Captain Cudjoe, and the reft of his captains, adherents, and others his men; they mutualiy, fiucerely, and amicably have agreed to the following articles: Firfl, That ail hoftilities fhall ceafe on both fides for ever. Sccondly, That the faid Captain Cudjoe, the reft of his captains, adherents, and mcn, Thall be for ever hereafterina perfeét ftate of frecdom and liberty, excepting thofe who have been taken by them, Or fled to them, within two ycars laft paft, if fuch are willing to return to their faid mafters and owners, with full pardon and indemnity from their faid mafters or owners for what is paft; provided always, that, if they are not willing to return, thes fhall remain in fubjeétion to Captain Cudijec and in friendthip with us, according to the form and tenor of this treaty. Thirdly, That they Thall enjoy and poffefs, for themfelves and pofierity for cver, all the lands fituatc and lying between. Trelawney Town and the Cockpits, to the amount of fifteen hundred acres, bearingsorth-wef from the faid Trelawney Town. Fourthly, That they Thall have liberty to plant the faid lands with coflee, cocoa, ginger, tobacco, and cotton, and to breed cattle, hogs, goats, or aiy other ftock, and diipofe oft the produce or increafe of the faidi commodities to the inhabitants of this ifland; provided always, that when they bring the faid commodities to market, they fhall apply firft to the cuftos, or any other magiftrate of the refpeétive parifhes where thcy EXpofe their goods to fale, for a licenfe to vend the fame. Fifthly, That Captain Cudjoe, and all the Captain's adherents, and people now in fabjeclion to him, Thall all live together within the bounds ofTrelawney Town, and that they have liberty to hunt this ifland; provided always, that when they bring the faid commodities to market, they fhall apply firft to the cuftos, or any other magiftrate of the refpeétive parifhes where thcy EXpofe their goods to fale, for a licenfe to vend the fame. Fifthly, That Captain Cudjoe, and all the Captain's adherents, and people now in fabjeclion to him, Thall all live together within the bounds ofTrelawney Town, and that they have liberty to hunt --- Page 351 --- NEGROES S13 MAROON within three miles of hunt wlere they Chall think fit, except always, that in cafe fettlement, crawl, or pen; providsd any Cudjoe and thote of orher fettlements the hunters of Captain divided between both parties. mect, then the hogs to be equally and his fucceffors, do Sixthiy, That the faid Captain Cudjoe, fupprefs, or deftroy, ufe their beft endeavours to take, kill, other number ofmen, either by themfelves, or jointly with any the Governor, or commanded on that fervice by his excellency wherefoever Commander in Chief for the time being: all:ebels the fame this ifland, unleis they fubmit to they be, throughout to Captain Cudjoe, and his terms of accommodation granted in cafe this ifland be invaded by fucceffors. Seventhly, That Cudjoc, and his fucceffors foreign enemy, the faid Captain notice any hereinafter named or to be appointed, fhall then, upon the timc immediately repair to any place the Governorfor with his given, in order to repel the faid invaders being fhall appoint, to the orders ofthe Comtheir utmoft force, and to fubmit or occafion. Eighthly, That if any mander in Chief on that to Captain Cudjoe, white man fhall do any manner of injury they fhall apply to his fucceffors, or any ofhis or their pcople, for officer or magiftrate in the neighbourhood any commanding Cudjors or any of his people, Jhall do jullice; andin cafe Captain hinfelf, or deliver injury 1o any aolite perfost, he Prailfidboit thall any Ninthiy, That if any negro up Jiuch ufonders to juftice. and fall into from their niafters or owners, hereafter run away immedintely be fent back to Captain Cudjoe's hands, theyfhall where they are taken; the chief magiftrate of the next parifh fatistied for their trouble, and thofe that bring them are to be That ali negroes the fhall appoint # Tenth, as legiflature of thirty Ahillings for each fugitive Alave * The Affembly granted a premium befides expences. returned to his owner by the Maroons, taken, Sfz iafters or owners, hereafter run away immedintely be fent back to Captain Cudjoe's hands, theyfhall where they are taken; the chief magiftrate of the next parifh fatistied for their trouble, and thofe that bring them are to be That ali negroes the fhall appoint # Tenth, as legiflature of thirty Ahillings for each fugitive Alave * The Affembly granted a premium befides expences. returned to his owner by the Maroons, taken, Sfz --- Page 352 --- HISTORY OF THE taken, fince the raifing ofthis party by Captain Cudjoc's people, fhall immediately be rcturned. Eleventh, That Captain Cudjoc, and his fucceffors, thall wait Onl his Exceliency, or the Commander in Chief for thc time being, evcry ycar, ifthercunto required. Twclfth, That Captain Cudjoc, during bis Jife, and the captains fucceeding him, fhall have full power to infliet any punifhment they think proper for crimes committed by their men among themfelves, death only excepted; in which cafe, if the Captain thinks they deferve death, he fhall be obliged to bring them before any jaflice of the peace, who fhall order prozeedings on their trial equal to thofe of othcr frcenegroes. Thirtceuth, That Captain Cudjoe, with his people, fhall cut, clcar, and keep open, large and convenient roads from Trelawney Town to Wefimorland and St. James's, and if poffible to St. Elizabeth's. Fourteenth, That two white menl, to be nominated by his Excellency, or the Comiander in Chicffor thc timc being, fhall conftantly live and refide with Captain Cudjoc and his fucceffors, in ordcr to maintain a friendly correlpondence with the inhabitants ofthisifland. Fifteenth, That Captain Cudjoc thall, during his life, bc Chief Commander in Trelawney Town; after his deccafc the command to devolve on his brother Captain Accompong; and in cafe of his deceafc, on his next brother Captain Johnny; and,, failing him, Captain Cuffee thall fucceed; who isto be fuccecded by Captain Quaco; and after all their demifes, the Govcrnor, or Commander in Chief for the time being, Thall appoint,. from time to timc, whom hc thinks fit for that command, In teftimany, &c. &c.. bc Chief Commander in Trelawney Town; after his deccafc the command to devolve on his brother Captain Accompong; and in cafe of his deceafc, on his next brother Captain Johnny; and,, failing him, Captain Cuffee thall fucceed; who isto be fuccecded by Captain Quaco; and after all their demifes, the Govcrnor, or Commander in Chief for the time being, Thall appoint,. from time to timc, whom hc thinks fit for that command, In teftimany, &c. &c.. --- Page 353 --- MAROON NEGROES SECTION II. THE preceding Seétion confifts chiefly of an extraét from of Jamaica, by EDWARD LoNG, Efq. pubthe Hiftory whofe account I have chofen to adopt, rather lifhed in 1774, of own, for two reafons ; firft, than offer a narrative my the origin of the becaufe I have nothing to add, concerning related and, feMaroons, to what Mr. Long has fo diftinétly ; becaufe its adoption exempts me from all fufpicion condly, fabricated a tale, calculated to juftify certain circumof having of which complaint was lately made ftances and tranfaétions, due attention fhall in the Britifh Parliament*, and to which be In the meanwhile, I fhall take up and conhercafter paid. where Mr. Long left it, beginning with fome tinue the fubject charaéter, manners and habits of refledtions onl the fituation, thus the caufe of their life ofthe Maroon negrocs ; and tracing late revolt to its origin. were comTHE claufe in the treaty, by which thefe people within certain boundaries in the interior pelled to refide probably, country, apart from all other negroes, was founded, with the that, by fuffering them to intermix on apprehenfion the example which they would thereby the negroes in flavery, fuccefsful hoftility, might prove contacontinually prefent of of and create in the minds of the flaves an impatience gious, for revolt: but time has abunfubordination, and a difpofition dantly proved that it ivas an ill-judged and a fatal regulation. inftead of being eftablifhed into feparate hordesThe Maroons, * March 1796. or by fuffering them to intermix on apprehenfion the example which they would thereby the negroes in flavery, fuccefsful hoftility, might prove contacontinually prefent of of and create in the minds of the flaves an impatience gious, for revolt: but time has abunfubordination, and a difpofition dantly proved that it ivas an ill-judged and a fatal regulation. inftead of being eftablifhed into feparate hordesThe Maroons, * March 1796. or --- Page 354 --- HISTORY OF THE or communities, in the ftrongeft parts of the interior country, fhould have been encouraged by ali poffible means to frequent the towns and to intermix with the negroes at large. All diftinélion betwcen the Maroons and the other free blacks would foon have been loft; for the greater number would have prcvailed over thelefs: whereas the policy of keeping them a diftinét people, continually inured to arms, introduced among them what the French call an efprit de corps, or a community of fentiments and interefts; and concealing from them the powersand refources of the whites, taught them to fecl, and at the fame timc highly to overvalue, their oWI relative ftrength and importance. Ir has bcen urged againft the colonial legiflature, as another, and a fill greater, overfight, that aftcr the conclufion of the treatv, no manner of attention was given to the improvement ofthefci ignorant people in civilization and morals. The officc of Superintendant, it has bcen faid, and I bclicve truly, was commonly beftowed on perions of n0 education or confequence, and foon became a mere finecure. Mr. Long obferved, many years ago, that the Maroons would probably prove morc faithful allics, and better fubjeéts, if pains were taken to infil into thcir minds a few notions of honcfty and religion; and the eftablifhment of fchools, and the ercétion of a chapel in each of the towns, werc recommended as meafures of indifpenfable neceffity. THAT thefe obfervations are altogether ill founded, I will not prefume to affirm. Man, in his favage flate, in all parts of the world, is the flave of fuperftition 5 and it is the duty and policy ofa good government (let its fyftem of religion bc wlat it honcfty and religion; and the eftablifhment of fchools, and the ercétion of a chapel in each of the towns, werc recommended as meafures of indifpenfable neceffity. THAT thefe obfervations are altogether ill founded, I will not prefume to affirm. Man, in his favage flate, in all parts of the world, is the flave of fuperftition 5 and it is the duty and policy ofa good government (let its fyftem of religion bc wlat it --- Page 355 --- MAROON NEGROES. ofour fellow creatures to tbe it may) to direét the weakneffes is not only the promotion of their happinefs. The Chrifian of that of religion calculated for the attainment beft fjftem the mind to the knowledge of truth and end, but, by leading than other to amend the immortality, contributes more any heart, and exalt the buman charaéter. I hope that I am fully Or this high and important truth which I have long fenfible : Yet I cannot fupprefs the opinion from a that the converfion of favage men, fince entertained, and praétice of Chridianity, life of barbarity to the knowledge than many pious and exis a work of much greater difficulty in Great Britain feem fondly to imagine. cellent perfons they are in general ignorant of CONCERNING the Maroons, fuperftiand all of them attached to the gloomy our language, from their anceftors) with fuch enthutions of Africa (derived think can only be erafiaftick zcal and reverential ardour, as I conlives. The Gentoos of India are not, I dicated with their in their faith, than the negroes of Guinea ceive, more fincere of Obi a, and the fupernatural power in believing the prevalence with oftheir Obeal men. Obftacles like thefe, accompanied deferibe, the ferce and fordid manners which I fhall prefently lett would, I think, bc pleafed to encounter. few clergymen without acquiring the they might experience all the fufferings, glory of martyrdom. was founded the UNDER difadvantages of fuch magnitude Inurfirft legal eftablifhment of our Maroon allies in Jamaica. within the ed, for a long feries of years, to a life of warfare defcribed at large in Vol. ii. Book 4, C. 3- * A fpecies of pretended magick, ifland, manners which I fhall prefently lett would, I think, bc pleafed to encounter. few clergymen without acquiring the they might experience all the fufferings, glory of martyrdom. was founded the UNDER difadvantages of fuch magnitude Inurfirft legal eftablifhment of our Maroon allies in Jamaica. within the ed, for a long feries of years, to a life of warfare defcribed at large in Vol. ii. Book 4, C. 3- * A fpecies of pretended magick, ifland, --- Page 356 --- HISTORY OF TIIE ifland, it is a matter of aftonifhment that they fubmitted, for any length of time, to any fyftem of fubordination or government whatever. Itis probable they wcre chiefly induced to remain quict by the great encouragement that was held out to them for the apprehending fugitive flaves, and being allowed to range over the uncultivated country without interruption, poffelfing an immenfe wildernefs for their hunting grounds. Thefe purfuits gave full employment to the rcftlefs and turbulent among them. Their game was the wild boar, which abounds in the interior parts of Jamaica; ; and the Maroons had a method of curing the flefh without falting it. This commodity they frequently brought to market in the towns : and, with the money arifing from the fale, and the rewards which thcy rcccived for the delivery to their owners of runaway flaves, they purchafed falted beef, fpirituous liquors, tobacco, fire-arms, and ammunition, fetting little or no account on clothing of any kiud, and regarding as fuperfluous and ufelefs moft of thofe things which every people in the loweft degrce of civilization, would confider as almoft abfolutcly neccffary to human exiftencc. THEIR language was a barbarous diflonance of the African dialcôts, with a mixture of Spanifh and brokcn Englifh ; and their thoughts and attention fcemed wholly engroffed by their prefent purfuits, and thc objedts immediately around them, without anyr reflections on the paft or folicitude for the future. In common with all the nations of Africa, they believed, however, as I have obferved, in the prévalence of Obi; and the authority which fuch of their old mcn as had the reputation of wizards, or Obeah-men, poffeffed O1 er them, was fometimes very ifh and brokcn Englifh ; and their thoughts and attention fcemed wholly engroffed by their prefent purfuits, and thc objedts immediately around them, without anyr reflections on the paft or folicitude for the future. In common with all the nations of Africa, they believed, however, as I have obferved, in the prévalence of Obi; and the authority which fuch of their old mcn as had the reputation of wizards, or Obeah-men, poffeffed O1 er them, was fometimes very --- Page 357 --- NEGROES. MAROON employed in keeping them in fubordination very fuccefsfully in their chiefs. that have been mentioned, the HAVING, in the refources thcy had no of food for their daily fupport, mcans procuring of fober induftry. Their repuginclination for the purfuits In the Jabour of tilling the earth was remarkabie. nance to could any veftige of fome of their villages I never perceive was but the fituation of their towns, in fuch cafes, culture ; of plantations belonging to the generally in the neighbourhood of which they either purwhites, from the provifion-grounds and other efculents. chafed, or ftole, yams, plantains, corn, I have fometimes When they bad no fupply of this kind, and fimall patches of Indian corn and yams, perobferved plantain trees, near their habitations : haps a few ftraggling ftate of neglest but the ground was always in a fhocking and ruin. however, fuch as they were (as THE labours of the field, other of drudgery) were performed by well as every fpecies other means of clearing the ground the women, who had no with which it is every where inof the vaft and heavy woods the trunks of the trees, cumbered, than by placing fire round fell their own confumed in the middle, and by till they werc but the Maroons, like weight. It was a fervice of danger; beafts nations, regarded their wives as fo mauy all other favage concern at the lofs of onc of of burthen ; and felt no more have felt at the lofs of a them, than a white planter would African cuftoms, ballock. Polygamy too, with their other the Maroons univerfally. Some oftheir prinprevailed among and the miferies of cipal men claimed from two to fix wives, theit Voi. III. Tt weight. It was a fervice of danger; beafts nations, regarded their wives as fo mauy all other favage concern at the lofs of onc of of burthen ; and felt no more have felt at the lofs of a them, than a white planter would African cuftoms, ballock. Polygamy too, with their other the Maroons univerfally. Some oftheir prinprevailed among and the miferies of cipal men claimed from two to fix wives, theit Voi. III. Tt --- Page 358 --- HISTORY OF THE their fituation left thefe poor creatures neithcr leifure nor inclination to quarrel with each other. Tnis fpirit ofbrutality, which the Maroons always difplayed towards their wives, cxtended in fome degrec to their children. The paternal authority was at all times moft harfhly exerted ; but more efpecially towards the females. 1 havc bcen affared, that it was not an uncommon circumfance for a father, ina fit ofrage or drunkennefs, to feize his own infant, which had offended him by crying, and dafh it againft a rock, with a degree of violence that often proved fatal. This he did without any apprehenfion of punifhment ; for the fuperintendant, on fuch occafions, gencrally found it prudent to kcep his diftance, or be filent. Nothing can more ftrikingly demonitrate the forlorn and abject condition of the young women among the Maroons, than the circumftance which every gentleman, who has vifited them O1l feftive occafions, or for the gratification of curiofity, knows to bc true; the offering their oWI1 daughters, by the firft men among them, to their vifitors; and bringing the poor girls forward, with or without their confent, for the purpofe of proftitution. VISITS of this kind were indeed but too acceptable both to the Maroons and their daughters; for they generally ended in drunkennefs and riot. The vifitors too werenot only fleeced of their moncy, but werc likewife obliged lo fiermifh the feaft, it beingindifpenfably neceffary,on fuch occafions, to fend before- a hand wine and provifions of all kinds ; and if the gucits EXpected to fleep on beds and in linen, they muft provide thofc articles alfo for themielves. Thc Maroons, however, if the party confifted of pcrions of confequence, would confider them9 felves itors too werenot only fleeced of their moncy, but werc likewife obliged lo fiermifh the feaft, it beingindifpenfably neceffary,on fuch occafions, to fend before- a hand wine and provifions of all kinds ; and if the gucits EXpected to fleep on beds and in linen, they muft provide thofc articles alfo for themielves. Thc Maroons, however, if the party confifted of pcrions of confequence, would confider them9 felves --- Page 359 --- MAROON NEGROES. honoured, and would fupply wild-boar, landièlves as highly their with a hearty crabs, pigeons, and fith, and entertain guefts boifterous kind of hofpitality, which had at leaft the charms and of novelty and fingularity to recommend it. ON fuch occafions, a mock fight always conftituted a part entertainment. Mr. Long has given the following deof the which was exhibited by the feription of a fcene of this kind, Trelawney-Town Maroons, in the prefence of the Governor, 66 No fooner (he obferves) did the horn found the in 1764. fignal, than they all joined in a moft hideous yell, or war-hoop, and bounded into aétion. With amazing agility they ran, or theirvarious firings and evolutions. This rather rolled, through deferves to be filed part of their exercife, indeed, more juftly evolution than any that is praétifed by the regular troops; for fire ftooping almoft to the very ground 5 and 110 fooner they than they throw themfelves into are their mufkets difcharged, and tumble over and over, fo as to a thoufand antick geftures, the intention of which is be continually fhifting their place ; clude the fhot, as well as to deceive the aim of their adverfàto which their nimble and almoft inftantancous change of ries, uncertain. When this part of their pofition renders extremely and winding their exercife was over, they. drew their fwords; in wild and warlike geftures, to advance horn again, began, much towards his Excellency, endeavouring to throw as favage fury into their looks as poffible. On approaching near. him, fome waved their rufty blades over his head, then gently laid them uponit; ; whilft others clafhed their arms together in horrid next brought their mufkets, and piled them up concert. They in heaps at his feet, &cc. &c." WITH Ttz ife was over, they. drew their fwords; in wild and warlike geftures, to advance horn again, began, much towards his Excellency, endeavouring to throw as favage fury into their looks as poffible. On approaching near. him, fome waved their rufty blades over his head, then gently laid them uponit; ; whilft others clafhed their arms together in horrid next brought their mufkets, and piled them up concert. They in heaps at his feet, &cc. &c." WITH Ttz --- Page 360 --- HISTORY OF TIIE WITH all this feeming fury and affcéted bravery, however, I fofpeét that thev are far below the whites in perfonal valour. Their mode of fighting in real war, is a fyftem of ftratagem, bufh-fighting, and ambufcadc. Iwill not, indeed, affirm that fuch a fvftem alone, though it difplays no proof of courage, is abfolutely evidence to the contrary. I believe it is the natural mode of attack and defence, and that the practice of open war, among civilized nations, is artificial and acquired. It is rather from thcir abominable and habitual cruclty to thcir captives, and above all to women and children, aud from their fhocking enormities which they praclife on the dead bodies of their encmies, that I infcr the deficicncy of the Maroons, in the virtue oftruc couragc. In their treatment of fugitive flaves, they ma. nifeft a blood-thirftincfs of difpofition, which is otherwife unaccountable ; for, although their vigilance is Aimulated by the profpeét of reward, they can have 110 poffible motives of revenge or malice towards the unfortunate objects of their purfuit: yet it is notorioufly truc, that they with for nothing more than a pretence to put, thc poor wrctchcs to death, frequently maiming them without provocation ; and, until milc-money was allowed by the legiflature, oftentimcs bringing home the hcad ofthe fugitive, inftead of the living man ; making thc plea of refiftance an excufe for their barbarity. IN the year 1760, an occafion occurred of putting thc couragc, fidelity, and humanity of thefe people to the teft. The Koromantyn flaves, in the parifh of St. Mary, rofe into rebellion, and the Maroons were called upon, according to treaty, to COoperate in their fuppreffion. A party of thcm accordingly arrived at the fcene of action, the fecond or third day after the rebellion the living man ; making thc plea of refiftance an excufe for their barbarity. IN the year 1760, an occafion occurred of putting thc couragc, fidelity, and humanity of thefe people to the teft. The Koromantyn flaves, in the parifh of St. Mary, rofe into rebellion, and the Maroons were called upon, according to treaty, to COoperate in their fuppreffion. A party of thcm accordingly arrived at the fcene of action, the fecond or third day after the rebellion --- Page 361 --- NEGROES MAROON had broken out. The whites had already defeated rebellion battle, at Heywnod-Hall killed the infurgents, in a pitched driven the remainder into cight or nine of their number, and them, and woods. The Maroons were ordered to purfue the reward for each rebel they might kill were promifed a certain pufhed into the woods, or take prifoner. They accordingly returned with a and after rambling about for a day or two, have cut off colleétion of human ears, which they pretended to of rebels they had flain in battle, the particulars from the heads related. Their report was believed, of which they minutely ftipelated to be paid them; yet it and they reccived the money had not killed a man ; that no was afterwards found that they which they had had taken place, and that the ears had engagement had been fevered from the dead negroes which produced, lain unburied at Heywood-Hall. the Maroons and a detachment SoME few days after this, as furwere ftationed at a folitary place, of the 74th regiment Downs's Cove, the detachment rounded by deep woods, called by the rebels. attacked in the middle of the night was fuddenly and the huts in which the foldiers The centinels were fhot, of the flames, while were fet on fire. The light were lodged, the rebelsy who poured it expofed the troops, ferved to conceal and of the fhower of mufquetry from all quarters, many in a Forfyth, who commanded the defoldiers were flain. Major and by keeping up a tachment, formed his men into a fquare, to retire. brifk fire from all fides, at length compelled the enemy to be the whole of this affair the Maroons were not During for fome time, fufpeéted that they were found, and Forfyth, however, that themfelves the aflailants. It was difeovered, had thrown immediately on the attack, the whole body of them themfelves in a Forfyth, who commanded the defoldiers were flain. Major and by keeping up a tachment, formed his men into a fquare, to retire. brifk fire from all fides, at length compelled the enemy to be the whole of this affair the Maroons were not During for fome time, fufpeéted that they were found, and Forfyth, however, that themfelves the aflailants. It was difeovered, had thrown immediately on the attack, the whole body of them themfelves --- Page 362 --- HISTORY OF THE themfelves flat on the ground, and continued in that pofition until the rebels retrcated, without firing or receiving a fhot. A party of them, indeed, had afterwards thc mcrit (a merit of which they loudly boafted) of killing the leader of the rebcls. He was a young negro of thc' Koromantyn nation, named Tackcy, and it was faid had been of free condition, and even a chieftain, in Africa. This unfortunate man, having feen moft of his companions flaughtered, was difcovered wandering in the woods without arms or clothing, and was immediatcly purfued by the Maroons, in full cry. The chafe was of n0 long duration ; he was fhot through the head ; and, it is painful to relate, but unqucftionably true, that his favage purfuers, having decollated the body, in order to preferve the head as the trophy of viétory, roafled and aclually devoured the heart and entrails ofthe areiched viélim *! THE mifconduét of thefe people in this rebellion, whether proceeding from cowardice or treachcry, was, however, ovcrlookcd. Living fecluded from the reft of the community, they were fuppofed to have no knowledge of the rules and reftraints to which all other claffes of the inhabitants were fubject; and the vigilance ofjuftice (notwithftanding what has recently happened) feldom purfued them, even for offences of the moft atrocious nature. IN truth, it always feemcd to me, that the whites in general The circumftances that I have related concerning the conduét of the Maroons, in the rebellion of 1760, are partly founded on my own knowledge and perfonal obfervation at the time (having been myfclf prefent) or from the teflimony of eyewitneffes, men of charaéter and probity. The fhocking faét laft menticned was atteffed by feveral white people, and was not attempted to be denied or concealed by the Maroons themfelves. They fccmed inceed to make it the fubjedt of boalling and triumph. entertained of the Maroons, in the rebellion of 1760, are partly founded on my own knowledge and perfonal obfervation at the time (having been myfclf prefent) or from the teflimony of eyewitneffes, men of charaéter and probity. The fhocking faét laft menticned was atteffed by feveral white people, and was not attempted to be denied or concealed by the Maroons themfelves. They fccmed inceed to make it the fubjedt of boalling and triumph. entertained --- Page 363 --- NEGROES. MAROON of the ufefulnefs of the Maroons, which entertained an opinion at one of their conduét, any period, confrmed-Pofly no part contributed, in fome degrce, to pretheir perfonal appearance were in manners and ferve the delufion ; for, favage as. they undoubtedly difpofition, their mode of living and daily purfuits the frame, and ferved to exalt them to great bodily ftrengthened Such fine perfons are feldom beheld among any perfection. native blacks. Their demeanour is other clafs of African or creét. Every motion lofty, their walk firm, and their perfons of ftrength and agility, The mufcles difplays a combination are very prominent (neither hidden nor depreffed by clothing) acute, marked. Their fight withal is wonderfully and ftrongly Thefe charaSterifticks, and their hearing remarkably quick. in warm I believe, to all favage nations, however, are common, like other favages, the Maroons and temperate climates ; and, in conftant exerhave only thofe fenfes perfeét, which are kept that cife. Their fmell is obtufe, and their tafte fo depraved, feen them drink new rum freth from the ftill, in preI have which I offered them ; and I remember, at a ference to wine which I attended, that feftival in one of their towns, great luxury, in point of food, was fome rotten beef, their higheft falted in Ireland, and which. was which had been originally who knew their probably prefented to them, by fome perfon tafte, becaufe it quas putrid. of Jamaica, SUCH was the fituation of the Maroon negroes have to their late revolt; and the piéture which I previous was delineated from drawn of their charaéter and manners, Of that revolt the life, after long experience and obfervation. to defcribe the caufc, progrefs, and termiI fhall now proceed nation; and, if I know myfelf, withoutpartiality or prejudicc. their probably prefented to them, by fome perfon tafte, becaufe it quas putrid. of Jamaica, SUCH was the fituation of the Maroon negroes have to their late revolt; and the piéture which I previous was delineated from drawn of their charaéter and manners, Of that revolt the life, after long experience and obfervation. to defcribe the caufc, progrefs, and termiI fhall now proceed nation; and, if I know myfelf, withoutpartiality or prejudicc. --- Page 364 --- HISTORY OF THE SECTION III. Ix thc month of July 1795, two Maroons from Trelawney Town, having committed a felony in ftcaling fome pigs, were apprehended, fent to Montego Bay, and therc tricd for the offence, according tolaw. Having becn found guilty bythe jury, the magiftrates ordered each of them to receive thirtynine lafhes on the bare back. The fentence was executed accordingly. They werc whipped in the workhoufe, by the black overfeer of the workhoufe negroes : the perfon whofe office it is to infliét punifhment O1l fuch occafions. The offenders werc then immediately difcharged; ; and they went off, with fome of their companions, abufing and infulting every white perfon whom they met in thc road. ON their return to Trelawney Town, and giving an account of what had pafled, the whole body of Maroons immediatcly affembled ; and aftcr violent debates and altercations among themfelves, a party of them repaired to Captain Crafkell, the fuperintendant, and ordered him, in the name of the whole, to quit the town forthwith, under pain of death. Hc retired to Vaughan's field, a plantation in the neighbourhood ; and exerted himfelf, by friendly meflages and otherwife, to pacify the Maroons ; but without effeét. They fent a zvritten defance to the magiftrates of Montego Bay, declaring their intention to mcet the white people in arms, and threatening to attack the town Onl the 2oth of that month (July). In the meanwhile intendant, and ordered him, in the name of the whole, to quit the town forthwith, under pain of death. Hc retired to Vaughan's field, a plantation in the neighbourhood ; and exerted himfelf, by friendly meflages and otherwife, to pacify the Maroons ; but without effeét. They fent a zvritten defance to the magiftrates of Montego Bay, declaring their intention to mcet the white people in arms, and threatening to attack the town Onl the 2oth of that month (July). In the meanwhile --- Page 365 --- NEGROES MAROON was made on Captain Crafkell's life,and meanwhile an attempt he very narrowly efeaped. of this letter, and the intelligence ALARMED by the receipt of the Mawhich was received of the temper and difpofition to General Palmer, requefting roons, the magiftrates applied and the General him to call out the militia ; which was done; Town, to the Earl of Balcarres, in Spanifh fent an exprefs of the Jamaica praying his Lordfhip to fend down a detachment fent, well accoutred dragoons. Eighty men were accordingly and mounted. to the number of THE militia affembled on the 19th ofJuly, of and while they were waiting for orders, one four hundred 5 made his and the Maroons, armed with a lance, wifhed appearance, to have a informed the commanding officer, that they Town, with John Tharp, Efq. (the conference in Trelawney Meffrs. Stewart Cuftos and Chief Magiftrate of Trelawney) Gallithe Members in the Affembly, and Jarvis and Hodges, more, Eiq. Colonel ofthe Militia. on the As this meffage feemed to manifeft a difinclination, hoftilities, ofthe chief body of the Maroons, to proceed to part accepted the invitathe gentlemen above named very readily 2oth.) and proceeded to the town the next day (the tion, by Colonel Thomas Reed, of the St. They were accompanied and gallant officer, and a James's militia, a very diftinguifhed other perfons of man of the higheft honour and charaéter; by whofe fon had forconfideration ; and alfo by Major James, himfelf of the town, who was merly aéted as fuperintendant towns in the ifland, fiperintendant-general of all the Maroon and was fuppofed to have more weight, and to poffefs greater Uu influence, VoL. II. were accompanied and gallant officer, and a James's militia, a very diftinguifhed other perfons of man of the higheft honour and charaéter; by whofe fon had forconfideration ; and alfo by Major James, himfelf of the town, who was merly aéted as fuperintendant towns in the ifland, fiperintendant-general of all the Maroon and was fuppofed to have more weight, and to poffefs greater Uu influence, VoL. II. --- Page 366 --- HISTORY OF THE influence, with the Maroons, than any other man in the country. THE Maroons reccived them under arms. Therc appeared about three hundred able men, all of whom had painted their faces for battle, and feeined ready for àétion ; and they behaved with fo much infolence, that the gentlemen were at firft exceedingly alarmed for their own fafety. A conference however enfued; in which it was obfervable that the Maroons complained-not of the injuftice or feverity of the punifhment which had been infliéted on two of their companions ; but of the difgrace which they infifted the magiftrates of Montego Bay had put onl their whole body, by ordering the punifhment tobe infliétcd in the workhoufe by the black overfeer or driver, and in the prefence of fugitive and felon negro flaves, many of whom they had themfelves apprehended *, They concluded by demanding reparation for this indignity : an addition to the Jands they poffeffed; 5 the difmiffion of Capt. Crafkell, and the appointment of Mr. James, their former fuperintendant. THE gentlemen had certainly 110 authority to agrec to any of thefc requifitions, they promifed however to ftate their grievances to the commander, in chief, and to recommend to the legiflature to grant them an addition of land. In the meanwhile, they affured the Maroons they would requeft the Governor to provide otherwife for Capt. Cratkell their fuperintendant, and to re-appoint in his room thcir favourite Mr. james. * It certainly is to be withed, that fome little attention had been paid, by the magiftrates, to thc pride or the prejudices of the Maroons in this refpect. The law however is wholly filent on this hcad, and the court had a right to exercife its difcretion. With legiflature to grant them an addition of land. In the meanwhile, they affured the Maroons they would requeft the Governor to provide otherwife for Capt. Cratkell their fuperintendant, and to re-appoint in his room thcir favourite Mr. james. * It certainly is to be withed, that fome little attention had been paid, by the magiftrates, to thc pride or the prejudices of the Maroons in this refpect. The law however is wholly filent on this hcad, and the court had a right to exercife its difcretion. With --- Page 367 --- MAROON NEGROES. With thefeaffurances the Maroons feemed pacified, and declared they had nothing further to afk ; and the gentlemen, having diftributed a confiderable fum of money amongtt them, TCturned to Montego Bay. this Ir foon appeared, however, that the Maroons, in defiring motives oftreachery. They conference, were aétuated folely by that a fleet of 150 fhips was to fail for Great were apprized ofthe 26th : and they knew that very Britain on the morning few Britifh troops remained in the ifland, except the S3d regiment, and that this very regiment was, at that junéture, under orders to embark for St. Domingo 3 they hoped, therefore, by the fpecious and delufive appearance of defring a conference, the until the July fleet was failed, and the to quiet fufpicion, pleafed themregulars fairly departed. In the meanwhile, they felves with the hope of prevailing on the negro flaves thronghout the ifland to join them : and by rifing in a mafs, to enable them to exterminate the whites at a blow. THE very day the conference was held, they began tampering with the negrocs on the numerous and extenfive plantations in the neighbourhood of Montego Bay *, On fome of thefe plantations their emiffarics were cordially received and fecreted : on others, the flaves themfelves voluntarily apprized their overfeers, that the Maroons were endeavouring to fcduce them from their allegiance. Information of this nature was tranfmitted from many refpectable quarters ; but moft of the who had vifited the Maroons on the zoth, were fo gentlemen of the town and harbour of . Trelawney Town is fituated within tw enty miles Montego Bay. Uu 2 confident thefe plantations their emiffarics were cordially received and fecreted : on others, the flaves themfelves voluntarily apprized their overfeers, that the Maroons were endeavouring to fcduce them from their allegiance. Information of this nature was tranfmitted from many refpectable quarters ; but moft of the who had vifited the Maroons on the zoth, were fo gentlemen of the town and harbour of . Trelawney Town is fituated within tw enty miles Montego Bay. Uu 2 confident --- Page 368 --- HISTORY OF THE confident of their fdelity and afcction, that the Governor, difbelieving the charges againft them, was prevailed on to let the troops embark as originally intended, and they aétually failed from Port Royal on the morning of the 2gth, under convoy of the Succefs frigatc. IN the courfe of that, and the two fuccecding days, however, fuch intelligence was received at the Government houfe, as left no poffible room to doubt the treachery of thefe faithful and afeélionate people; and the carl of Balcarrcs, with that promptitudc and decifion which diftinguith his character, determined onal line of conduet adapted to the importance of the occafiou. The courfe from Port Royal to St. Domingo (as the reader is perhaps informed) is altogether againft the wind, and there is fometimcs a ftrong Icc current; as was fortunatcly the cafe at this junéture. Thefc were favourable circumflances, and afforded the Governor room to hope that thc tranfports which conveyed the troops might poflibly be overtaken at fea, by a faft failing boat, from the eaft end of the ifland, furnifhed with oars for rowing in the night. His Lordthip was not miftaken; the boat which was provided came up with them on the 2d of Auguft, off the north-eaft cnd of Jamaica, and delivercd orders to Captain Pigot of the Succefs, forthwith to change his courfe, and proceed with the tranfports down the north lide of the Ifland of Montego Bay. Captain Pigot immediately obeyed ; and it is probable that by this happy accident the country was faved. THE 83d regiment, confifling of upwards of one thoufand effeétive men, commanded by Colonel Fitch, landed at Montego Bay on Tucfday the 4th of Auguft, At this momcat, although the of Jamaica, and delivercd orders to Captain Pigot of the Succefs, forthwith to change his courfe, and proceed with the tranfports down the north lide of the Ifland of Montego Bay. Captain Pigot immediately obeyed ; and it is probable that by this happy accident the country was faved. THE 83d regiment, confifling of upwards of one thoufand effeétive men, commanded by Colonel Fitch, landed at Montego Bay on Tucfday the 4th of Auguft, At this momcat, although the --- Page 369 --- MAROON NEGROES. the militia of this part of the country were undcr arms, and the detachment of light dragoons, the had been joined by The July utmoft anxicty was vifible in every countenance. and the certainty that the Maroons had colflect was failed; they leéted great quantities of arms and ammunition 3-that with the flaves, and the uncertainty of the had becn tampering had caft a gloom on fucceis and extent of their machinations, the face of every man : and while rumours of plots and confpiracies diftraéted the minds of the ignorant, many among the and confiderate, anticipated all the horrors of moft thoughtful already beheld their houfes St. Domingo, and in imagination bleedand plantations in flames, and their wives and children ing under the fivords ofthe moft mercilefs of affaflins. THE fudden and unexpeêted arrival of fo powerful a reinforcement, in the moft critical moment, immediately changed fcene. But further meafures were adopted. By the adthe chiefly of members of the vice of a council of war, compofed Affembly, the Governor put the whole ifland under martial law. A further reinforcement of 130 well-mounted dragoons, under the command of Colonel Sandford, and a detachment of of the 62d were fent down on the 3d : 100 men regiment, embarked at Colonel Walpole, with 150 difmounted dragoons, the fame time for Black River, to command the forces of St. Elizabeth and Weftmorcland, and on the morning of the 4th, the Governor himfelf Jeft Spanith Town for Montego Bay : determined to command 011 the fcene of action in perfon. THE reader will cafily conceive, that meafures of fuch were not adopted folely in the belief extent and magnitude concerned. It muft be repeated, that the Maroons alone were that , embarked at Colonel Walpole, with 150 difmounted dragoons, the fame time for Black River, to command the forces of St. Elizabeth and Weftmorcland, and on the morning of the 4th, the Governor himfelf Jeft Spanith Town for Montego Bay : determined to command 011 the fcene of action in perfon. THE reader will cafily conceive, that meafures of fuch were not adopted folely in the belief extent and magnitude concerned. It muft be repeated, that the Maroons alone were that --- Page 370 --- HISTORY OF TIE that the moft certain and abundant proofs had bcen tranfmitted to the commander in chief, ,oftheir attempts to crcate a general revolt of the cnflaved ncgroes, and it was impoflible to forefce the refult. The fituation of the flaves, under prevailing circumftances, required the moft fcrious attention. With the recent cxamples before their cyes of the dreadful infurrection in St. Domingo, they had been accuftomed, for the preceding feven years, to hear of nothing but Mr. Wilberforce, and his efforts to fervc them in Great Britain. Means of information were not wauting. Inftruétors wcrc conftantly found among thc black fcrvants continually returning from England ; and I have not the imalleft doubt that the negrocs on every plantation in thie Weft Indics, were taught to believe that their mafters were generally confidered in the mother-country, as a fet of odious and abominable mifcreants, whom it was laudable to maffacre! THE wifdom, decifion, and activity of the Earl of Balcarres, on the prefent occafion, defcated their projeêts. The cffect of his Lordthip's conduét thenceforward, 0:1 the minds of the enflaved negrocs throughout the whole country, was wonderful. Submiffion, tranquillity, and good order prevailed univerfally among them. The circumftance attending the return of the Ssd regiment, induced them to believe that Heaven itfelf had declared in favour of thc whites, and that all attempts at refiftance were unavailing and impious. TIE Maroons themfelves became divided in their councils. Many of the old and experienced among them, even in Trelawney T'own, the hcad quarters of fedition, recommended peace ; and advifed their companions to poftpone their vengeance --- Page 371 --- NEGROES MAROON ; and the whole of the Accompong ance to a better opportunity whites. It was determined, declared in favour of the people majority of the Trelawney Maroons, however, by a very great white The violent tofight the Bucras (meaning the people). ; councils of the younger part of their community prevailed of whom werc inflamed with a degree of favage fury moft whites, which fet at nought all confiderations of againft the prudence and policy. to any hoftile THE commander in chief, however, previous determined to try once more to effcét an accommomovement, cvident the Maroons confulted fome perfon dation. As it was his Lordthip, Onl the Sth of Auguft, who could read and write, fummons in the folfent into their town a written meffage or lowing words : To the Maroons of Trelacney Town. 46 You have entered into a moft unprovoked, ungrateful, and moft dangerous rebellion. placed over you 66 You have driven away the faperintendant by the laws ofthis country. with indignity 6 You have treated him, your Commander, and contempt. You have endeavoured to maffacrehim. the of the country, and all the 46 You have put Magiftrates white people, at defiance. 66 You have challenged and offered them battle. which has cherifhed 6 You have forced the country, long and fofferedyouasits children, to confideryou asan enemy. 66 MARTIAL moft dangerous rebellion. placed over you 66 You have driven away the faperintendant by the laws ofthis country. with indignity 6 You have treated him, your Commander, and contempt. You have endeavoured to maffacrehim. the of the country, and all the 46 You have put Magiftrates white people, at defiance. 66 You have challenged and offered them battle. which has cherifhed 6 You have forced the country, long and fofferedyouasits children, to confideryou asan enemy. 66 MARTIAL --- Page 372 --- HISTORY OF THE 6 MARTIAL law has in confequence been proclaimed. 66 EVERY pafs to your town has bcen occupicd and guarded by the militia and regular forces. 66 Yov are furrounded by thoufands. 66 Loox at Montego Bay, and you will fce the force broughta againft you. 65 LHAVE iffued a proclamation, offering a reward for your heads; that terrible cdiét will not be put in force before Thurfday, the 13th day of Auguft. 66 To avert thefe proceedings, I advife and command every Maroon. of Trelawney Town, capable of bcaring arms, to appear before me at Montego Bay, on Wednefday, the 12th day of Auguft inftant, and there fubmit themfelves to his Majefty's mercy. 66 Ox fo doing, you will efcape the cffeêts of the dreadful command, ordered to be put into execution on Thurfday, the 13th day of Auguft; on which day, in failure ofyour obedicnce to this fummons, your town thall be burnt to the ground, and for cver deftroyed. 66 AND whereas it appears that other negrocs, befides the Maroons of Trelawney Town, werc there under arms on the day that town was vifited by John Tharp, Efg. and feveral other magiftrates of the parifh of Trelawney, you are ftrictly commanded and enjoined to bring fuch ftranger negroes to Montego Bay, as prifoners, on or beforc the before-mentioned Wednefday, the 12th day of Auguft inftant. 66 BALCARRES." APPREHENSIVE, however, that this fummons would have but little effect, the Governor at the fame time gaye orders that the was vifited by John Tharp, Efg. and feveral other magiftrates of the parifh of Trelawney, you are ftrictly commanded and enjoined to bring fuch ftranger negroes to Montego Bay, as prifoners, on or beforc the before-mentioned Wednefday, the 12th day of Auguft inftant. 66 BALCARRES." APPREHENSIVE, however, that this fummons would have but little effect, the Governor at the fame time gaye orders that the --- Page 373 --- --- Page 374 --- a f € - I $ S - I 8 S : a --- Page 375 --- NEGROES MAROON militia fhould take poffeffion of all the known thc regulars and Town from the furrounding paths leading to Trelawney their refpedive ftations parithes; and the troops arrived .at carly O1l the gth. thirty-cight of the Trelawney ON the morning of the irth, themfelves to the Maroons, being chiefly old men, furrendered declared, and frankly Governor's mercy, at Vaughan's-field, were determined that, with regard to the reft of the towal, they thent," and nothing on war. 66 The devil, they faid, had got'into of force would bring them to reafon. but fuperiority however, fent back to try, for Two of the thirty-cight were, but they were detained the laft time, if perfnafion would avail; and children, by the reft, who, having fecreted their women fire themfelves pafed the Rubicon the enfuing night, by fetting of hoftilities on the outpofts to their town, and commencing the St. company the The attack fell chiefly on James's army. of whom two werc killed and fix of free people of colour, wounded : and thus began this unfortunate war. afterwards affembled in a body, THE Maroons immediately called their Newu Town, behind near a fmall village which was the afternoon of ther which were their provifion grounds--On Colonel Sandford to 12th, orders were given to Lieutenant and detachment of the 18th and 2oth dragoons, march with a and take poffeflion of thofc a party of the horfe militia, Governor's intention to grounds the fame evening; it being the Colonel Sandattack the Maroons at the fame time, in front. of volunaccordingly, accompanied by a body ford proceeded informed that the Maroons had retired teers; but having been inftead of to the ruins of their old town, he was perfuaded, waiting VoL, III. X: x detachment of the 18th and 2oth dragoons, march with a and take poffeflion of thofc a party of the horfe militia, Governor's intention to grounds the fame evening; it being the Colonel Sandattack the Maroons at the fame time, in front. of volunaccordingly, accompanied by a body ford proceeded informed that the Maroons had retired teers; but having been inftead of to the ruins of their old town, he was perfuaded, waiting VoL, III. X: x --- Page 376 --- HISTORY OF THE waiting at his poft for further orders from thc Governor, to proceed beyond his limits, and to puih after the enemy 5 a moft unfortunate and fatal determination, to which this gallant officer, and many valuable men, fell a facrificc. Thc rctrcat of the Maroons from the New Town, was a feint to draw the whites into an ambufcade, which unfortunatcly fucceeded. The road between the new and old towns was very bad and very narrow : and the troops had marched about half way, the regulars in front, the militia in the centre,and the voluntcers in the rear, when a heavy fire enfued from the bufhes. Colonel Sandford was among the frft that fell, and with him perifhed Quarter Mafter M*Bride, fix privates of the 2oth, and eight cf the 18th light dragoons. Of the militia, thirteen werc flain outright, and, among the reft, the commanding officer, Colonel Gallimore ; cight of the volunteers alfo were killed, and many of all deferiptions wounded. The troops, however; pufhed forward, and drove the Maroons from their hiding places, and after a nightof unparalleled hardthip, the furvivors got back to Vaughan's-ficld in thc morning, and brought with them moft of their wounded companions *, THUS terminated this difaftrous and bloody conflict; in which it was never known with certainty, that a fingle Maroon * Among the officers ofthe militia who efcaped ont this occafion, was my late exceilent and lamented friend G.orge Goodin Barrett. He was attended on that day by a favourite Negro Servant; of whom itis related that, during the firift attack; perceiving a Maroon from behind a trec prefent his gun at his beloved mafter, he inftantly rufhed forward to protect him, by interpofing his own perfon; and actually received the fhot in his breaft. Ir rejoice to add, that the wound was not mortal, and that the poor fellow has been rewarded as he deferved, for fuch an inftance of heroick fidelity as hiftory has feldom recorded, loft was attended on that day by a favourite Negro Servant; of whom itis related that, during the firift attack; perceiving a Maroon from behind a trec prefent his gun at his beloved mafter, he inftantly rufhed forward to protect him, by interpofing his own perfon; and actually received the fhot in his breaft. Ir rejoice to add, that the wound was not mortal, and that the poor fellow has been rewarded as he deferved, for fuch an inftance of heroick fidelity as hiftory has feldom recorded, loft --- Page 377 --- MAROON NEGROES therefore was great, and many of loft his life. Their triumph in confequence of it, the beft informed among the planters, calamitics. So anticipated the moft dreadful impending again that the Governor thoughtit neceffary,in general was the alarm, the occafion, to make publick a proclamation which he iffued on and todeclarei in exthe orders he had given to Colonel Sandford, that officer's command terms, that if the detachment under the prefs the which it was direêted to occupy, had remained at poft would have been compelled to furMaroons, in all probability, 6 Soldiers will learn from render themfelves prifoners of war. the indifpenfable this fatal leffon (adds his Lordfhip moft truly) excefs of ardour is neceffity of ftrietly adhering to orders. An military ento the accomplifhment of any often as prejudicial itelf."-The truth was, that the whole terprize, as cowardice They detachment held the enemy in too great contempt. and never marched forth in the confidence of certain viétory, of fighting, of the Maroons mode having had any experience faithful negro attendants, who difregarded the advice of fome on whom the them of it. Happily the clais of people nor apprized remained peaceably difpofed: ; Maroons relied for fupport, of their continuing to did an inftance occur to raife a doubt do fo. in the Governor's Br the death of Sandford, the command, whofe devolved on Colonel Fitch, an officer general abfence, excited expeftation ; but the deportment and charaôter great They had now Maroons found means to elude his vigilance. eftablifhed their head quarters at a place in the interior country, called the Cockpits ; a fort of valley or ef moft difficult accefs, and broken rocks, and by dell, furrounded by ftcep precipices mountains Xx 2 's Br the death of Sandford, the command, whofe devolved on Colonel Fitch, an officer general abfence, excited expeftation ; but the deportment and charaôter great They had now Maroons found means to elude his vigilance. eftablifhed their head quarters at a place in the interior country, called the Cockpits ; a fort of valley or ef moft difficult accefs, and broken rocks, and by dell, furrounded by ftcep precipices mountains Xx 2 --- Page 378 --- HISTORY OF THE mountains of prodigious height; in the caverns of which they had fecreted their women and children, and depolited their ammunition. From this retreat (almoft inacceffible to any but themfelves) they fent out fmall parties of their ableft and moft enterprizing young men, fome of which were employed in prowling about the country in fearch of provifions, and others in fetting fire by night to fuch houfes and plantations as were unprovided with a fuifficient guard. In the beginning of September, theyb burnt the habitation and fettlement of Mr. George Gordon, called Kenmurc; and foon afterwards the dwellinghoufe and buildings of a coffee plantation, called Lapland ; the proprietor too fuftained the Atill greater lofs of thirty valuable negroes, whom the Maroons compelled to go with them, loaden with plunder. Another plantation, called Catadupa, was deftroyed by them in the fame manner, and ten of the negroes carried off. About the fame time, they burnt the property of John Shand, Efg.; a fettlement belonging to Meffrs. Stevens and Bernard, a plantation called Bandon, a houfe of a Mr. Lewis, and various others. Ar thefe places feveral white pcople unfortunately fell into their hands, all of whom were murdered in cold blood, without any diftinétion of fex, or regard to age. Even women in childbed, and infants at the breaft, were alike indiferiminately flaughtered by this favage enemy; and the fhrieks of the miferable victims, which were diftinétly heard at the pofts of the Eritifh detachments, frequently conveyed the firft notice, that the Maroons were in the neighbourhood. THE late Mr. Gowdie, a reipeétable and venerable planter, who lived within a few miles of Trelawney Town, was reson markable, of fex, or regard to age. Even women in childbed, and infants at the breaft, were alike indiferiminately flaughtered by this favage enemy; and the fhrieks of the miferable victims, which were diftinétly heard at the pofts of the Eritifh detachments, frequently conveyed the firft notice, that the Maroons were in the neighbourhood. THE late Mr. Gowdie, a reipeétable and venerable planter, who lived within a few miles of Trelawney Town, was reson markable, --- Page 379 --- NEGROES MAROON having a better opinion of the markable. This gentleman, oné of their chief Maroons than they deferved, had employed of his plantation, men to act as the overfeer or fuperintendant and allowed him the whom he treated with fingular kindnefs, white in the would have been paid to a perfon fame wages as the of hoftilities, famc capacity. Although, on commencement Mr. Gowdie continued to this man had joined the infurgents, and was induced to vifit fatal on his fidelity, place a dependance attendance on as often as his neceffary his own plantation, allow. He had the moft perfeét confidence military duty would would interfere to proteét him from that his Maroon overfeer villain come himfelf to the danger ; yet did this barbarous of a band of favages, and houfe of his benefaétor, at the head that the Maroons had having coolly informed Mr. Gowdie, all the whitcs after their manner, to murder taken an oath, both him and his nephew (the without diftinétion, he maffacred or rcwith him) without compunétion only white perfon morfe. circumftance in the courfe of this moft BuT, perhaps, ,no one indignation, or awakened more unfortunate war excited greater of Coloncl Fitch, who, notgeneral fympathy, than the death Colonel Sandford's fate, withftanding the recent example of unfortunate officer nearly in the fame manner as that in ambufh. perifhed like him furprifed by an enemy had done ; being he went out with a detachment On the 12th of September men, to relieve confifting of thirty-two. and of the 8gd regiment, of which he left a guard, fome diftant out-pofts; at one reft of his men 5 but after getting proceeded onwards with the attacked by a volley of about half a mile farther, he was mufquetry unfortunate officer nearly in the fame manner as that in ambufh. perifhed like him furprifed by an enemy had done ; being he went out with a detachment On the 12th of September men, to relieve confifting of thirty-two. and of the 8gd regiment, of which he left a guard, fome diftant out-pofts; at one reft of his men 5 but after getting proceeded onwards with the attacked by a volley of about half a mile farther, he was mufquetry --- Page 380 --- HISTORY OF THE muiquetry from the bufhes, and received a wound in the breaft, with which he dropt. After expreffing a wifh, and receiving affurances, that he fhould not fall alive into the hands of the mercilefs favages, he raifed himfelf up; when another ball took place in his forehead, which inftantly put an end to his life. A corporal and three privates of the 83d, and two negro fervants, were alfo killed, and Captain Leigh and nine of the party wounded; and if the guard, which had been left behind, had not pufhed forward to their afftance,immediately on hearing the fring, not one of the whole detachment would have efcaped with life; two of them actually fell into the hands of the enemy, and were put to death with circumftances of outrageous barbarity, and Captain Leigh afterwards died of his wounds. The misfortune of this day was aggravated too by a circumftance, which, though fhocking to relate, muft not be omitted, as it ftrongly marks the bate and ferocious charaéter of the Maroons. When the remains of Colonel Fitch were found, a day or two afterwards, by a party fent to give them the rites of fepulture, it was perceived that the head had been feparated from the body, and was entombed in the ill-fated oficer's O2C bowvels! Ir nowbecame evident, that it would prove a work of greater difficulty than was imagined, to ftop the depredations which were daily and hourly committed by this horde of favages, and it was allowed that extraordinary meafures were neceffary in order to counteraét their conftant praétice of planting ambuthes. Neither the courage nor conduct ofthe beft difeiplined troops in the world could always avail againft men, who, lurking in fecret like the tygers of Africa (themfelves unfeen) had no object --- Page 381 --- NEGROES MAROON The legiflative bodies of the ifland were objeét but murder. ofthe wbole community refted on. foon to meet, and the hopes their councils. SECTION IV. was convened the latter end ofSep-. THE General Affembly were direéted to the tember, and their firft deliberations to its Maroon rebellion, with a folicitude equal fibjeét of the it was natural to recur to the eximportance. On this occafion into the meafures that of former times, and enquire war, which perience adopted in the long and bloody had been fuccefsfully had been carried on againft the previous to the treaty of 1738, which had then been reforted to; fame enemy. The expedient the concealment of the Maroons, of employing dogs to difcover refulted from their mode of and the fatal effcéts which to be prevent as a fit example fighting in ambufcade, was recommended and it being known that followed in the prefent conjunéture; certain fpecies of. thofe aniAmericans poffeffed a the Spanifh would. be proper for fuch a fervice, mals, which it was judged the ifland of Cuba for one hunthe Affembly refolved to fend.to number of the Spanifh dred of them, and to engage a fufficient The employhuntfmen, to attend and direét their operations. is. thefe generally put by the Spaniards, ment to which dogsare whichthey flaughter for the hides; the purfuit of wild bullocks, the cattle from fuch: and the great ufc of the dog is to drive hcights; h would. be proper for fuch a fervice, mals, which it was judged the ifland of Cuba for one hunthe Affembly refolved to fend.to number of the Spanifh dred of them, and to engage a fufficient The employhuntfmen, to attend and direét their operations. is. thefe generally put by the Spaniards, ment to which dogsare whichthey flaughter for the hides; the purfuit of wild bullocks, the cattle from fuch: and the great ufc of the dog is to drive hcights; --- Page 382 --- HISTORY OF THE heights and receffes in the mountainous parts of the country, as are leaft acceffible to the hunters. THE affembly were not unapprized that the meafure of calling in fuch auxiliaries, and urging the canine fpecies to the purfuit of human beings, would probably give rife to much obfervation and animadverfion in the mother-country, Painful experience on other occations, had taught them, that their conduét in the prefent cafe, would be ferutinized with all the rigid and jealous circumfpection which ignorance and hatred, and envy and malice, and pretended humanity and fanaticifm, could exercifc. The horrible enormities of the Spaniards in the conqueft of the new world, would be brought again to remembrance. It is mournfully true, that dogs were ufed by thofe chriftian barbarjans againft the peaceful and inoffenfive Americans, and the juft indignation of all mankind has ever fince branded, and will continue to brand, the Spanifh nation with infamy, for fuch atrocities. It was forefeen, and ftrongly urged as an argument againft recurring to the famc weapon in the prefent cafe, that the prejudices of party and the virulent zeal of faétion and bigotry, would place the proceedings ofthe Affembly on this occafion, in a point of view equally odious with the conduét of Spain on the fame blood-ftained theatre, in times paft. No reafonable allowance would be made for the wide difference exifting between the two cafes. Some gentlemen even thought that the co-operation of dogs with Britifh troops, would give not only a crucl, but alfo a very daftardly complexion to the proceedings of government. To thefe, and fimilar objections, it was anfivered, that the fafety of the ifland, and the lives of the inhabitants were not to a point of view equally odious with the conduét of Spain on the fame blood-ftained theatre, in times paft. No reafonable allowance would be made for the wide difference exifting between the two cafes. Some gentlemen even thought that the co-operation of dogs with Britifh troops, would give not only a crucl, but alfo a very daftardly complexion to the proceedings of government. To thefe, and fimilar objections, it was anfivered, that the fafety of the ifland, and the lives of the inhabitants were not to --- Page 383 --- MAROON NEGROES mifconftruction or wilful mitrepreto be facrificed to perverfe that the fentation in the mother-country. It was maintained of the meafure needed only to be fully examined into, grounds ftated, to induce all reafonable men to admit its proand fairly To hold it as a principle, that it is an act pricty and neceffity. other animals as inof cruelty er cowardice in man to employ of ftruments ofwar, is a pofition contradiéted by the praétice Afiaticks have ever ufed elephants in their all nations.-The the docility of the elebattles; and if lions and tygers poffeffed doubt that thefe alfo would be made to affift phant, no one can of man, in thote regions of which they the military operations inhabitants. Even the ufe ofc cavalry, as eftablifhed among are and polifhed nations of Europe, muft be rethe moft civilized be admitted; for wherein, it was atked, jeéted, ifthis principle of that doêtrine confift, which allows the does the humanity of horfe in the purfuit of difcomfited and employment of troops meafure of fparing fxing infantry; yet fhrinks at the preventivé effufion ofhuman blood, by tracing with hounds the haunts the and roufing from ambuth favages more fcrocious of murderers, than the animals which track them? and blood-thirfty altogether THE merits of the queftion, it was faid, depended and caufe of the war; and the objedts fought to be on the origin and the authority ofthe firft writers obtained by its continuance; law, was adduced in fupport of this conftruétion. on publick be juftifiable, all 46 If-the caufe and end of war (fays Paley*) that neceffary to that end are juftifiable alio. the means appear which defends thofe extremitics to whicl This is the principle e Mforal Philolophy, vol. ip.4 417. Yy the VoL.ili, on the origin and the authority ofthe firft writers obtained by its continuance; law, was adduced in fupport of this conftruétion. on publick be juftifiable, all 46 If-the caufe and end of war (fays Paley*) that neceffary to that end are juftifiable alio. the means appear which defends thofe extremitics to whicl This is the principle e Mforal Philolophy, vol. ip.4 417. Yy the VoL.ili, --- Page 384 --- HISTORY OF THE the violence of war ufually proceeds: for fince war is a conteft by force between parties who acknowledge no common fuperior, and fincc it includes not in its idea the fuppofition of any convention which fhould place limits to the operations of force, it has naturally no boundary but that in which force terminates; the deftruétion of the life againft which the force is dircétcd." It was allowed (with thc fame author) that gratuitous barbaritics borrow no excufe from the liccnce of war, of which kind is every cruelty and every infult that ferves only to exafperate the fufferings, or to inceafe the hatred of an enemy, without weakening his ftrength, or in any manner tending to procure his fubmiffion; fuch as the flaughter ofcaptives, the fubjecting them to indignitics or torture, the violation of women, and in general the deftruétion or defacing of works that conduce nothing to annoyance or defence. Thefe enormities are prohibited not only by thc practice of civilized nations, but by thc law ofnature itfelf; as having no proper tendency to accelerate the termination, or accomplith the objeêt ofthc war; and as containing that wbich in peace and war is equally unjuftifiable, namcly, ultimate and gratuitous mifchief. Now all thefe very enormities were praétited, not by the Whites againft the Maroons, but by the Maroons themfelves againft the Whites. Ilumanity therefore, it was faid, was no way concerned in the fort cf expedient that was propofed, or any other, by which fuch an enemy could moft fpeedily be extirpated. They were not an unarmed, innocent and defencelefs race of men, like the ancient Americans; but a banditti of aflaffins: and tenderneis towards fuch an encmy, was cruelty to all the rcft ofthe community, HAPPILY, againft the Maroons, but by the Maroons themfelves againft the Whites. Ilumanity therefore, it was faid, was no way concerned in the fort cf expedient that was propofed, or any other, by which fuch an enemy could moft fpeedily be extirpated. They were not an unarmed, innocent and defencelefs race of men, like the ancient Americans; but a banditti of aflaffins: and tenderneis towards fuch an encmy, was cruelty to all the rcft ofthe community, HAPPILY, --- Page 385 --- NEGROES. MAROON between the determination of the HAPPILY, in the interval and the aétual arrival Affembly, to procure the Spanifh dogs, as from Cuba, fuch meafures were purfied of thofe auxiliaries unneceffary.- --On promifed to render their afliftance altogether conduct of the war, in the death of Colonel Fitch, the chief General abfence of thc Governor, was entrufted to Major the zeal and alacrity, Walpole, an officer whofe indefatigable fhort and aétivity, in a very whote gallantry, circumfpeélion, and reduced the enemy to time gave a new afpeêt to affairs, which the MaAlthough the country to the laft extremity. and moft impraétiroons retired, was perhaps the ftrongeft deftitute cable of any on the face of the earth, it was entirely rains had left and rivers. All the water which the of fprings and the enemy's in the hollows of the rocks was exhaufted, wonderful refource was in the leaves of the wild-pine; a only which Divine Providence has rendered the contrivance, by defarts of the torrid zone in fome degree hafterile and rocky exhaufted, and bitable *; but even this refource was at length for want both of water and food, the fufferings of the rebels, and indefatigable exceflive. By the unremitting diligence were all or moft of the paffes to other parts exertions of the troops, and a perfeverence of the country were effcétually occupied; maxima. It is not, properly fpeaking, a tret, The botanical name is Tillandfia the ofa tree, commonly in the buta plant, which fixes itielf and takes root on body the conformation ofits fork of the greater branches of the wild cotton tree. fhower. By Each leaf refembles a leaves, it catches and retains water from every which contains about t fpout; and forms at its bafe a natural bucket or refervoir, both from the wind and the quart of pure water, where it remains perfectly traveller fecure, in placcs where vrater is not otherfun; yielding refrefhment to the thirity wife to be procured. Yy 2 in plant, which fixes itielf and takes root on body the conformation ofits fork of the greater branches of the wild cotton tree. fhower. By Each leaf refembles a leaves, it catches and retains water from every which contains about t fpout; and forms at its bafe a natural bucket or refervoir, both from the wind and the quart of pure water, where it remains perfectly traveller fecure, in placcs where vrater is not otherfun; yielding refrefhment to the thirity wife to be procured. Yy 2 in --- Page 386 --- HISTORY OF THE in the fame fyftem muft, it was thought, foon force the to an unconditional furrender. enemy IN fpite of all thefe precautions, however, a rebel Captain, of the name of Johnfon, found means to conduét a fmall detachment ofthe Maroons into the parifh of St. Elizabeth, and to fet fire to many of the plantations in that fertile diftriét. His firft attempt was againft the habitation of a Mr. MDonald, whofe neighbour, a Mr. Haldanc, together with his ion, haftened to his affiftance. The elder Haldane unfortunately fell by a muiket ball, but the fon fhot the Maroon dead that fired it, and carried his wounded father in his arms to a place of farety, where he happily recovered.-The Maroons were repulfed; ; but proceeding to a plantation of Dr. Brooks, they burnt the buildings to the ground, and killed two white men. They left, however, a white woman and herinfant unmolefted; and as this was the firft inftance of tendernefs fhewn by the rebels to women and children, it was imputed rather to the confcioufnefs of their inability to continue the war, and the hopes of getting better terms on a treaty by this aét of lenity, than to any change in their difpofition. THE earl of Balcarres, as foon as the bufinefs ofthe Affembly would allow him to be abfent from the capital, returned in perfon to the fcene of action, and it is impofible to fpeak of his, and General Walpole's exertions, in terms of fufficient approbation, or to convey any juft idea ofthe fatigues and hardfhips which the troops underwent, without entering into a COpious detail of the various enterprizes and fkirmithes that enfued, and the difficulties they had to encounter from the nature of the country. The line of operation extended upwards of v tw enty embly would allow him to be abfent from the capital, returned in perfon to the fcene of action, and it is impofible to fpeak of his, and General Walpole's exertions, in terms of fufficient approbation, or to convey any juft idea ofthe fatigues and hardfhips which the troops underwent, without entering into a COpious detail of the various enterprizes and fkirmithes that enfued, and the difficulties they had to encounter from the nature of the country. The line of operation extended upwards of v tw enty --- Page 387 --- NEGROES. MAROON through tracks and glades of which twenty miles in length, conception. The the military term defle, gives no adequate and in which the Maroons concealed their ammunition caves fecured their women and children, were inacprovifions, and The cailed the Cockpits, beforeceffible to the Whites. place down a fteep rock, mentioned, could be reached only by a path it height. Strange as may 150 feet in almoft perpendicular by the Maroons without appear, this obftacle was farmounted their naked fcet with fingular difficulty. Habituated to employ they had acquired a effect, in climbing up trees aud precipices, was altogether dexterity in the praétice, which to Britith troops the other hand, all aftonifhing and wholly inimitable. On from. and both of the regulars and militia, the officers privates, their chief commanders, feem to a well-founded confidence in which thould moft diftinguith have felt a noble emulation, obedience to orders, and a themfelves for zeal in the caufe, fervice of difficheerful alacrity in puthing forward on every extrafuftaining, without a murmur, many culty and danger; which, diftrefs for want of water, ordinary hardfhips ; among ofthe leaft. and thirft even to extremity, were none in the fame line IT was eafily forefeen that a perfeverance and intimations of conduét, muft ultimately prove fuccefsful;. whomi received, by means of enflaved negroes were at length and purpofely dif. the Maroons had forced into their fervice, of an accommodation, miffed, that they were extremelydefirous or tranfportation on any terms fhort of capital punifhment, willingnefs, it was faid, from the country. They exprefled a flaves that had to deliver up their arms, and all the fugitive intermix with the them, to furrender their Jands, and joined general fsful;. whomi received, by means of enflaved negroes were at length and purpofely dif. the Maroons had forced into their fervice, of an accommodation, miffed, that they were extremelydefirous or tranfportation on any terms fhort of capital punifhment, willingnefs, it was faid, from the country. They exprefled a flaves that had to deliver up their arms, and all the fugitive intermix with the them, to furrender their Jands, and joined general --- Page 388 --- 35> HISTORY OF THE goneral body of free blacks, in fuch parts ofthe country as the coloniai government fhould approve. Although thefe overtures were evidently diétated by depreciation and defpair, it was the opinion of many wite and worthy men among the inhabitants, that they ought to be accepted ; and it was faid that General Walpole himielf concurred in the fame fentiment. It was urged that the war, if continued on thc only principle by which it could be maintained, muft be a war of extermination. Some few of the Maroons, however, would probably elude the laft purfuit of vengeance; and thefe would form a central point to which the runaway negroes would refort. Thus hoftilities would be perpetuated for ever; and it was obferved that a fingle Maroon, in the feafon of crop, with no other weapon than a firebrand, might deftroy the cane-fields of many opulent parifhes, and confume in a few hours, property of immenfe value. To thefe confiderations, was to be added the vaft expence of continuing the war. The country had already expended 4.500,000, exclufive ofthe lois which was fuftained by individual proprictors confequent on the removal from their plantations of all the white fervants, to attend military duty. In the meanwhile, cultivation was fufpended, the courts of law had long been fhut up; and the ifland at large feemed more like a garrifon, under the power of the law-martial, than a country of agriculture and commerce, of civil judicature, induftry, and profperity. Ox the other hand, it was loudly declared that a compromife with a lawlef.banditti, who had flaughtered 1o many excellent men, and had murdered in cold blood even women in child-bed, and infants at the breaft, was a thameful facrifice of the , the courts of law had long been fhut up; and the ifland at large feemed more like a garrifon, under the power of the law-martial, than a country of agriculture and commerce, of civil judicature, induftry, and profperity. Ox the other hand, it was loudly declared that a compromife with a lawlef.banditti, who had flaughtered 1o many excellent men, and had murdered in cold blood even women in child-bed, and infants at the breaft, was a thameful facrifice of the --- Page 389 --- NEGROES. MAROON honour ; a total difregard to the diétates ofjuftice; ; the publick to the reit of the Maroons to commit fimilar an encouragement dreadful example to the negroes in fervitude; outrages, and a their minds an idea, not of the lenity of tending to imprefs on fach atrocious offenthe Whites, but oft their inability to punith rebel Maroons were withal, that the ders. It was alledged defirous of fuch an accommodation. not theanfelves ferioufly time, and procure an opportuTheir only purpofe was to gain perhaps that the milinity to gct ino better quarters ; judging of whom were at the diftia ofthe countrv, a large proportion ofi frefidence, would tance of one hundred miles from their places indeed related, foon be tired of the conteft. Many faéts which were a colour to cireumftances adduced, gave and fome frong that the Maroons had not altogether this charge; and proved a general revolt among relinquithed their hopes of creating was not likely to negroes. Such an event the enflaved continued in arms. The difmifhappen, while the country fallacious idea of an accommofion of the troops, on the alone, it was faid, realize the dation with the Maroons, would danger. for all parties, this unnatural and deftruétive FORTUNATELY termination much fooner than revolt, was brought to a happy On the 14th of December, might have been apprehended. Havannah for affiftance, arthe commiffioner who went to the hunters Bay, with forty chafeurs or Spanith rived at Montego and abour one hundred Spanith dogs. (chiefly people of colour) fpread of the Such extraordinary accounts were immediately animals, as made terrifick appearance, and favage natureofthefe an parties, this unnatural and deftruétive FORTUNATELY termination much fooner than revolt, was brought to a happy On the 14th of December, might have been apprehended. Havannah for affiftance, arthe commiffioner who went to the hunters Bay, with forty chafeurs or Spanith rived at Montego and abour one hundred Spanith dogs. (chiefly people of colour) fpread of the Such extraordinary accounts were immediately animals, as made terrifick appearance, and favage natureofthefe an --- Page 390 --- HISTORY OF THE an impreffion on the minds of the negroes, that was equally furprifing and unexpedted *, WHETHER thefe reports were propagated through folly or defign, they had certainly a powerful and very falutary effect on the fears of the rebel Maroons, a large party of whom now difplayed frong and indubitable evidences of terror, humiliation, and fubmiffion, and renewed their folicitations for with great earneftnefs and anxiety, A peace negociation was at length opened, and a trcaty concluded on the 21ft of December, of which the chief articles were, ift. That the Maroons thould, on their knees, aik the King's pardon : 2dly. That they fhould fix their future refidence in fuch the the part of ifland, as legillature fhould point out : And 3dly. That they fhould deliver up all the fugitive negro flaves that had joined them. On thefe conditions it was flipulated and agreed, that their lives fhould be granted them, and that they fhould not bc tranfported from the ifland ; and they were allowed ten days to colleét their families and perform the treaty. So great, however, was the terror of thefe wretched people, arifing from the confeioufhcfs oftheir enormities, or their unaccountable infatuation, that only twenty-one of their number * Though thefe dogs are not in genera! larger than the fhepherds dogs in Great Britain, (which in truth they much refemble) they were as to the inafliff in bulk, to the bull-dog in courage, to the blood-hound reprefented equal and to the grey-hound in agility. If entire credit had been in fcent, feription that was tranfnitted through the given to the deit might have been fuppofed that the country of this extraordinary animal, genuine breed of Cerberus Spaniards had obtained the ancient and infernal regions. himfelf, the many-headed monfter that guarded the furrendered (which in truth they much refemble) they were as to the inafliff in bulk, to the bull-dog in courage, to the blood-hound reprefented equal and to the grey-hound in agility. If entire credit had been in fcent, feription that was tranfnitted through the given to the deit might have been fuppofed that the country of this extraordinary animal, genuine breed of Cerberus Spaniards had obtained the ancient and infernal regions. himfelf, the many-headed monfter that guarded the furrendered --- Page 391 --- NEGROES MAROON the time limited ; and thirteen others threc days furrendered by afterwards. therefore, orders were iffued from Ox the 14th of January, to march without the commander in chiefto General Walpole, againft the rebels. Thefe orders were punétually further delay the Spanith dogs were obeyed; but, from regard to humanity, however, was ordered in the rear of the army. The effect, fhort in General Walpole had advanced but a way immediate. for mercy was brought him from the woods, when a fupplication afterwards furrendered Oil 110 the enemy, and 260 of them foon to obthan a promife eftheir lives. It is pleafing other condition of blood was fpilt after the dogs arrived ferve, that not a drop in the ifland. however, ftill held out, and it was SoME ofthe young men, rebellion was entirely not until the middle of March that the the farrender of the whole body; nor even thenl, extinguifhed by the fugitive negroes that had or at any tine befores avere any of joined them delivered up. could have be fuppofed, therefore, that no queftion IT might thetreaty was obferved or not, on the part ofthe arifen whether Neverthelefs it did fo happen, that doubts on this d Maroons. fuch authority, as induced head were fuggefted on refpeétable and propriety, in chief, with great prudence the commander and determinato leave the whole matter to the inveffigation and ofthe Council and Affembly, who appointed a joint tion evidence and report on thc fasts fecrct committee to receive before them. ofthis Committee the Affembly, bya majorityof Oxthe report refolutions, among others,viz. 21to13, came to the following C THAT VoL. III. Z Z authority, as induced head were fuggefted on refpeétable and propriety, in chief, with great prudence the commander and determinato leave the whole matter to the inveffigation and ofthe Council and Affembly, who appointed a joint tion evidence and report on thc fasts fecrct committee to receive before them. ofthis Committee the Affembly, bya majorityof Oxthe report refolutions, among others,viz. 21to13, came to the following C THAT VoL. III. Z Z --- Page 392 --- HISTORY OF THE 46 THAT all the Maroons who furrendered after the firit of January, not having complied with the terms of the treaty, arc not entitled to the benefit thereof, and ought to bc fhipped off the ifland; but that they ought to be fent to a countryin which they will be free, and fuch as may be beft calculated, by fituation, to fecure the ifland againft the danger of their return; that they ought to be provided with fuitable clothing and neceffaries for the voyage, and maintained at the publick expence of this ifland for a reafenable time after their arrival at the place of their deftination. THAT it is the opinion of this Houfe, that as there may be among the rebels a few who, by their repentance, fervices, and good behaviour, fince their furrender, have merited proteétion and favour, it be recommended to the lieutenant-governor to permit fuch to remain in the ifland, together with their wives and children; ; and to diftinguith them by any other marks of favour he may think proper." OF the policy of ridding the country of fuch an enemy (admitting the juftice of the war o1 the part of the Whites) there could not have been, I fhould have thought, but one opinion. After fuch a war, carried on in fuch a manner, it is impoffible to belicve, that a cordial reconciliation between the white inhabitants and the Maroons could ever have taken placc. The latter would probably have continued a fullen, fubjugated people, employed only in feducing the enflaved negroes froin their fidelity, and ready to revolt themfelves, whenever cccafion fhould offer. 66 No country onl carth," fays Rutherford, 66 would fuffer a body of men to live within its territories, unlefs they would agree to be accountable to its laws, as far as the general fecurity to belicve, that a cordial reconciliation between the white inhabitants and the Maroons could ever have taken placc. The latter would probably have continued a fullen, fubjugated people, employed only in feducing the enflaved negroes froin their fidelity, and ready to revolt themfelves, whenever cccafion fhould offer. 66 No country onl carth," fays Rutherford, 66 would fuffer a body of men to live within its territories, unlefs they would agree to be accountable to its laws, as far as the general fecurity --- Page 393 --- NEGROES MAROON To expcôt fuch conduet fror the Maroons, fecurity requires." of their difpofition. The dewas to manifeft a total ignorance of the colony to tranftermination therefore of.the legiflature it remains thefe people from the ifland being thus fixed, port out in what manner it was enforced. only to point 1796, his Majefty's fhip the Dover,. IN the beginning ofJune the Trelawin company, having on board with two tranfports with all Maroons (in number about fix hundred) provided ney for their accommodation at fea, manner of necclfarics, as well Jamaica, the change of climate, failed from Blue-fieldsin as for North America. They were accompanied by for Halifax in Ouchterlony, Efquires, William Dawes Quarrel, and Alexander and by thc Affembly, with authority commiffioners appoiuted approbation and further inftructions (fubject to his Majefty's Lower Canada, or lands in Nova Scotia, orders) to purchafe fhould pleafe to appoint, for the future where elfe his Majefty of thofe Maroons, as a free people. cftablithment and fabfiftence them the commiffioners had orders withal, to provide The maintenance, until they were habitumeans ofa comfortable The fum of 6.25,000 was ated to the country and climate. They arrived at allowed by thé Affembly for thofe purpofes. letter from Halifax in the month ofJuly, and the following to a Wentworth, Bart. the governor of the province, Sir John dated the roth of November 1796, will friend in London, the cleareft and moft fatisfaétory account convey to the reader and of the meaftures happily of their reception in the province, With adopted for their future eftablifhment and improvement. from thc orithis letter, which I have been permitted to copy ginal, I fhall cloie my account. < THE Z Z 2 month ofJuly, and the following to a Wentworth, Bart. the governor of the province, Sir John dated the roth of November 1796, will friend in London, the cleareft and moft fatisfaétory account convey to the reader and of the meaftures happily of their reception in the province, With adopted for their future eftablifhment and improvement. from thc orithis letter, which I have been permitted to copy ginal, I fhall cloie my account. < THE Z Z 2 --- Page 394 --- HISTORY OF THE cs TIIE Maroons are now comfortably fettled, and their ftuation will be daily improving. They are hitherto quiet, orderly, and contented. Ihave longl had experience ufeful for this Occafion, and have not a doubt but that thefe will be an happy and ufeful people. In this country they can do no harm ; nor do they feem difpofed to do any. They are exceedingly attached to me. I have appointed a miftionary and chaplain, with an affiftant teacher, to perforin the fervice of the church of England ; to inftruét them in Chriftianity, and to teach the youth and children to read, write, and cypher. Laft Sunday I attended publick worfhip in their chapcl, at opening the church. The Maroons were particularly attentive, decent, and moft excccdingly delighted. Next Sunday many are to be baptized, and the remainder in due courfe. They are folicitous for this duty, and appcar defirous ofinftruction, from whence civilization will naturally refult. The climate is and will be falutary to them. The children were emaciated, and moft of thc adults worn down by war, imprifonment, and fea-ficknefs: they are now healthy, frong,. and as hgarty as any white pcople in the province. They arc therefore, and I have no doubt will continue to be, infinitely bencfited by their rcmoval to Nova Scotia; and tlic moft judicicus and fenfible among them, are perfeétly fatisfied, and happy in their future profpeêts." --- Page 395 --- NEGROES. MAROON Yotes and Proceedings ef the Alembly, are added Thefolloscing Iluftration. by wuay of HOUSE OF ASSEMBI L Y, Friday, April 22, 1796. That the Receiver General do RESOLVED, nem. coTl. to the agent of the remit the fum of feven hundred guineas to be prefented ifland, for the purpole of purchafing a fvord, as a Hon. ALEXANDER Earl of BALCARRES, to the Right fenfe which the Houfe entertain ofhis teftimony of the grateful both in the field and cabinet; difinguithed fervices, difplayed the blefling of Divine Providence, and under whofe aufpices, termination by has been put to a moft dana happy and complete Marcons, whereby gerous rebellion of the Trelawney-Town of the ifland, value of property, as well as fecurity the general have been highly augmented. of the above refolution be fent to his ORDERED, That a copy konour the Lieutenant-Governor, That Mr. Speaker be requefted to RESOLVED, neni. of con. the Houfe to the Hon. Major-General prefent the thanks fervices performed by him to this WALPOLE, for the fignal Maroons. ifland, in the late rebellion ofthe Trelawney-Town do remit RESOLVED, nem. con. That the Receiver-General for the purpofe the of this ifland, five hundred guineas, to agent to be prefented to the Hon. Major-Ceof purchafing a fword, of the grateful fenfe which the neral WALPOLE, as a teftimony Houfe to the Hon. Major-General prefent the thanks fervices performed by him to this WALPOLE, for the fignal Maroons. ifland, in the late rebellion ofthe Trelawney-Town do remit RESOLVED, nem. con. That the Receiver-General for the purpofe the of this ifland, five hundred guineas, to agent to be prefented to the Hon. Major-Ceof purchafing a fword, of the grateful fenfe which the neral WALPOLE, as a teftimony Houfe --- Page 396 --- HISTORY OF THF Houfe entertain of his important fervices and diftinguifhed merit, in the fuppreffion of the late rebellion ofthe TrelawneyTown Maroons. RESOLVED, nenl. COn. That Mr. Speaker be requefted to give the thanks of the Houfe to the brave Officers and Privates ofthe regulars and militia, for their gallant fervices to the ifland, during the late rebellion of the Trelawney-Town Maroons : and that the Commander in Chief, under whofe aufpiccs they fought, be requefted by Mr. Speaker, to communicate the high,fenfe which the Houfe entertain of their diftinguifhed merit. Thurfday, April 28. A Motion being made, that a Committee be appointed to enquire and report to the Houfe the names of fuch perfons as have fallen in battle during the late rebellion, that a monument may be ereéted to perpctuate their memories, and the gratitude ofthis country for their eminent fervices; ORDERED, That Mr. Fitch, .Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Mathifon, Mr. Stewart, and Mr. Hodges, bc a Committee for that purpofe. Saturday, April 30. THE Lieutenant-Governor'sanfiver to the meflage from the Houfe, with the refolution oft the 22d inft, Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen ofthe Houfe of Alembly. THE prefent you have made me, by your unanimous refolution of the 22d inftant, is ineftimable. A foldier's ; ORDERED, That Mr. Fitch, .Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Mathifon, Mr. Stewart, and Mr. Hodges, bc a Committee for that purpofe. Saturday, April 30. THE Lieutenant-Governor'sanfiver to the meflage from the Houfe, with the refolution oft the 22d inft, Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen ofthe Houfe of Alembly. THE prefent you have made me, by your unanimous refolution of the 22d inftant, is ineftimable. A foldier's --- Page 397 --- MAI R OON NEGROES. A foldier's honour, with emblem and emphafis, is placed in his fword ; and I fhall tranfinit your precious gift to my mark of the reverence, the attachpofterity, as an everlafting and the I bear to the ifland of Jamaica. ment, gratitude, BALCARRES. addrefs was this day prefented to his honour THE following the Lieutenant-Gorermnor his Majefty's dutiful and loval fubjeôts, the Affembly of WE, beg leave to offer to your honour our moft fincere and Jamaica, on the happy and complete termination cordial congratulations Maroons. of the rebellion of the Trelawney-Town of fubTHIS great and important event muft be produétive in ftantial benefits and falutary confequences to the country, point of view in which it can be contemplated : tranquilevery and the enjoyment ofour civil rights, are reftored; publick lity fo effential tothe fupport of government, and to the profcredit, the exiftence of the country, is reperity, if not to very increafed and eftablifhed, and our internal fecurity greatly confirmed. ineftimable advantages, we look forward with FROM all thefc value of which confidence to the augmentation of the property, is likely to take place ; and which, in time, we truft, will compenfate all the loffes and expenditure of treafure unavoidably incurred in the profecution ofthe war. Iris with peculiar fatisfaction and gratitude we acknowledge the lively impreflion made on us by the energy difplayed by Lordfhipin difficult operations of war; which affords the your that the zeal, ardour, and aétivity manimoft convincing proof, fefted --- Page 398 --- HISTORY, &c. fefted in your military conduét, have only been equalled by the found policy, and decitive meafures, which marked the wifdom of your ccuncils. HIS HONOUR's ANSWER. Mr. Speaker, and Gentiemen fths Hoife ef Afembly. YoUR addrefs excites in my bofom every fenfation of pleafure, the mind of mail is capable of recciving. THE piéture you have drawn of the future profperity of the ifland, is itrong and impreffive. AFTER contemplating the unavoidable calamities of war, a fentiment arifes, grateful and foothing to a feeling heartTHAT, during your conteft with anl cnemy thc moft ferocious that ever difgraced thc annals of hiitory: THAT, during your conteft with, an army of favages, who have indiferiminatcly maffacred every prifoner whom thc fortune of war bad placed in their power-no barbarity, nor a fingle aét ofretaliation, has fullied the brightncfs ofyour arms. IPRAY that the cnergy, the vigour, and the humanity, which you have fo honourably difplayed, may defcend to your children; and fecure to them for ever, thofe bleffings which you have hitherto enjoyed, under thc mild and happy_government of the illuftrious Houfe of Hlanover. Ir muft not be omitted (though I mention it with great concern) that Major-General Walpole, being diffatisfied with thc refolution of the Legiflature to traniport the Maroons from the country, declined the acceptance of the fwvord voted by the Affembly. which you have fo honourably difplayed, may defcend to your children; and fecure to them for ever, thofe bleffings which you have hitherto enjoyed, under thc mild and happy_government of the illuftrious Houfe of Hlanover. Ir muft not be omitted (though I mention it with great concern) that Major-General Walpole, being diffatisfied with thc refolution of the Legiflature to traniport the Maroons from the country, declined the acceptance of the fwvord voted by the Affembly. --- Page 399 --- [361 ] APPENDIX TO HA P. II. OF BOOK II. CONTAINING Obfervations 011 the Sugar Ants in the Tfland fGrenada: 2; extratied Letter Cafles, E/7. to General Melville : read from a of Yolm before the Royal Society in May 1790. Ants, fo called from their ruinous effeêts on APPENDIX to THE Sugar to have firft made their appear- Ch.tt.Booknt, fugar cane, are fuppofed at 3 in Grenada about the year 1770, on a fugar plantation ance five or fix miles from the town of St. Petit Havre : a bay fituated for fmuggling from George, the capital, conveniently Martinico: it was therefore concluded, they were brought in fome veffel employed in that trade, which is from thence colonies of them in like manner were aftervery probable, as of the ifland by droghers, wards propagated in different parts of the in carrying ftores, &c. from one part or veffels employed ifland to another. . on all fides FROM thence they continued to extendthemfelves for feveral years; deftroying in fucceffion every figar plantation between St. George's and St. John's, a fpace of about twelve miles. At the fame time, colonies of them began to be obferved in different parts of the ifland, particularly at the and Calavini Ofl the fouth fide Duquefhe on north, of it. ALL Vor. III. 3A --- Page 400 --- ODSERYATIONS ON TIE SUGAR ANTS APFENDIX ALL attempts of the planters to put a ftop to the Ch.tt-Booki. to of thefe infedts having becn found inerreétual, it well became ravages 1 the legiflature to offer great publick rewards to any perfon who fhould difcover a praéticable method of deftroying them, fo as to permit the cultivation of the fingar cane as formerly. Accordingly, an act of affembly was paffed, by which fuch dif coverer was entitled to twenty thoufand pounds, to be paid from the publick treafury ofthe ifland. MANY were the candidates on this occafion, but very far were any of them from having any juft claim : neverthelefs, confiderable fums of money were granted, in confideration of trouble and expences in making experiments, Scc. Ix Grenada there had always been feveral ipecies of ants, differing in fize, colour, Scc. which however were perfeétly innocent with refpedt to the fugar-canc. The ants in queftion, on the contrary, were not only highly injurious to it, but to feveral forts of trees, fuch as the lime, lemon, orange, &rc. THESE ants arc of the middle fize, of a flender make, of a dark red colour, and remarkable for the quicknefs of their motions; but their greateft peculiarities are, their tafte when applied to the tongue, the immenfity of their number, and their choice of places for their nefts. ALL the other fpecies of ants in Grenada have a bitter mufky tafte. Thefe, on the contrary, are acid in the higheft degree,and when a number of them were rubbed together between the palms of the hands, they emitted a ftrong vitriolick filphureous fmell ; fo much fo, that, when this experiment was made, a gentleman conceived that it might be owing to this quality that thefe infeéts were fo unfriendly to vegetation. This fity of their number, and their choice of places for their nefts. ALL the other fpecies of ants in Grenada have a bitter mufky tafte. Thefe, on the contrary, are acid in the higheft degree,and when a number of them were rubbed together between the palms of the hands, they emitted a ftrong vitriolick filphureous fmell ; fo much fo, that, when this experiment was made, a gentleman conceived that it might be owing to this quality that thefe infeéts were fo unfriendly to vegetation. This --- Page 401 --- THE ISLAND OF GRENADA. IN them was infallible, and known to APPENDIX This criterion to diftinguith Ch.1.Bookis. to every one. incredible. I have feen the roads 1 THEIR numbers were and fo crowded were coloured by them for miles together ; horfes fect would places, that the print of the they in many until filled up by the farrounding appcarfor a moment or two, All the other fpecies of mulitude. This is no exaggeration. and confined to ants, although numerous, werc circumferibed by the cane fmall in to the fpace occupied a fpot, proportion ants, as a mole hill to a mountain. had their nefts about THE common black ants of that country others in hollow trees : the foundation of houfes or old walls; defcending by a fmall aperand a large fpecies in the paftures, conThe fugar ants, I believe, univerially ture under ground. the roots of particular plants and ftruéted their nefts amohg lemon, and orange trees, Sc. trees, fuch as the fugar-cane,lime, chiefly two of thefe ants was attempted THE deftruétion. of firc. ways; by poifon, and the application corrofive fablimate mixed For the firft purpofe, arfenick and crabs, and animal fubftances, fuch as falt fifh, herrings, with which was greedily devoured by other thell fifh, &c. were ufed, ; and the morc fo, them. Myriads ofthem were thus deftroyed and indeed (though was oblèrved By a magnifying glafs, as it corrofive fublimate hadthe DASRONEEUESRET that they deftroyed each eftect of rendering them fo. outrageous coming into conother ; and that effect was produced even by that thefe poitons tact with it. But it is clear, and it was found, fo a tract of could not be laid in fufficient quantities over large hundred thoufandth part of them a tafte.. land as to give the THE 3A2 (though was oblèrved By a magnifying glafs, as it corrofive fublimate hadthe DASRONEEUESRET that they deftroyed each eftect of rendering them fo. outrageous coming into conother ; and that effect was produced even by that thefe poitons tact with it. But it is clear, and it was found, fo a tract of could not be laid in fufficient quantities over large hundred thoufandth part of them a tafte.. land as to give the THE 3A2 --- Page 402 --- OESERVATIONS ON THE SUGAR ANTS APPENDIX Trsufe of firc afforded a greater probability of fitccefs; for Ciat.Booltt. (from whatever caufe) it was obferved; that if woed, burnt to the flate of charcoai, witheut flame, and immediately taken from the fire, was laid in their way, they crowded to itin fuch amazing numbers as fcon to extinguifh it, although with the defraétion of thoufands of them in effeéting it. This part of their hiftory appears fearcely credible; but, on making the experiment myfelf, I found it literally truc. I laid firc,as above deferibed, where there appeared but very few ants, and in the courte of a few minutes thoufands werc feen crowding to it and upon it, till it was perfeétly covered by their dead bodies. Holes were therefore dug at proper diftances in a cane piece, and fire made in cach hole. Prodigious quantities perifhed in this way; for thote fires, when extinguithed, appeared in the fhape of mole hills, from the numbers of their dead bodies heaped On1 them. Neverthelefs the ants foon appeared again, as numerous as ever. This mayt bc accounted for, not only from their anazing fecundity, but that probably none oft the breeding ants or young brood fuffered from thc experiment. For the fame reafon, the momentary general application of fire by burning the cane trafh (or ftraw oft thc cane) as it lay on the ground, proved as little effeclual; fora although, perhaps, multitudes of ants might havc been deftroyed, yet in general they would efcape by retiring to theirnefts under cover, out of its reach, and the breeding ants, with their young progeny, muft have remained unhurt. THIS calamity, which refifted fo long the efforts of the planters, was at length removed by another; which, however ruinous to the other iflands in the Weft Indies, and in other refpedls, c cane) as it lay on the ground, proved as little effeclual; fora although, perhaps, multitudes of ants might havc been deftroyed, yet in general they would efcape by retiring to theirnefts under cover, out of its reach, and the breeding ants, with their young progeny, muft have remained unhurt. THIS calamity, which refifted fo long the efforts of the planters, was at length removed by another; which, however ruinous to the other iflands in the Weft Indies, and in other refpedls, --- Page 403 --- ISLAND OF GRENADA IN THE namely, the APPENDIX efpedts, was to Grenada a very great bleffing; the cultiva- Chat.Bokit to hurricane in 1780; without which it is probable, of that Mfland - 1 iu the moft valuable parts tion ofthe figar-cane been thrown afide, at leatt for mufthave in a great meafure this etfect, has been fome years. How this hurricane produced and than atof wonder furprize confidered rather as a matter to the following obtempted to be explained. By attending the difticulty, I believe, will be removed. fervations, their nefts or cells for the reception of THESE ants make the roots of fuch trees or their eggs, only under or among them from heavy plants as are not only capable of proteéling in the as to afbut are at the fame time fo firm ground rains, them againft any injury occafioned ford a fecure bafis to fupport This double qualification by the agitation of the ufual winds. degree; for a ftool of the fingar-cane poileffes in a very great roots where the is the aflemblage ofi its numerous canes (which is almoft impenetrable to rain, and is ftems begin to fhoot out) and extention of the roots, alfo, from the amazing numbers when every other part of firmly fixed to the ground. Thus, under thoie ftools the ficld is drenched with rain, the ground mufthave will be found quite dry, as I and every other planter to prcout the ftools in a cane piece, obferved when digging are lodged or laid down for replanting. And when canes the pare winds, or fall down by their oWII luxurianey, by the ufual in the ground; hence, in ordinary ftools commonly remain thefe ants are in a ftate of perfeêt weather, the nefts of fecurity. and fome other trees, afford thefe THE lime, lemon, orange, number and quality infeêts the fame advantages from the great of ter to prcout the ftools in a cane piece, obferved when digging are lodged or laid down for replanting. And when canes the pare winds, or fall down by their oWII luxurianey, by the ufual in the ground; hence, in ordinary ftools commonly remain thefe ants are in a ftate of perfeêt weather, the nefts of fecurity. and fome other trees, afford thefe THE lime, lemon, orange, number and quality infeêts the fame advantages from the great of --- Page 404 --- OBSERVATIONS ON THE SUGAR ANTS APPENDIX of their roots, which are firmly fixed to to the earth, and are very Chii.Bockr. large; befides which, their tops are fo very thick and ous as to prevent even a very heavy rain from reaching umbrage- the ground underneath. ON the contrary, thefc ants' nefts are never found at the roots of trees OF plants incapable of affording the above tion; fuch for inftance as the coffee tree: it isindeed fufficiently protecfirm in the ground, but it has only oie large tap root, which goes ftraight downwards; and its lateral roots arc fo fmall as to afford no fhelter againft rain. So again, the roots of the cottorr fhrub run too near the furface ofthe earth to prevent the accefs of rain, and are neither fufficiently permanent, nor frm enough to refift the agitation by the ufual winds. The fame obfervation will be found true with refpcét to cacao, plantains, maize, tobacco, indigo, and many other fpecics of trees and plants. TREES or plants of the firft defeription always fuffer more of lefs in lands infefted with thefe ants; whereas thofe ofthe latter never do. Hence we may fairly conclude, that the mifchief done by thefe infeêts is occafioned only by their lodging and making their nefts about the roots of particular trees or plants. Thus the roots of the fagar-canes are fomehow or other fo much injured by them, as to be incapable of performing their office of fuapplying due nourifhment to the plants, which, therefore, become fickly and ftinted, and confequently do not afford juices fit for making fugar in either tolerable quantity or quality. THAT thefe ants do not feed on any part of the canes or trees affected feems very clear, for no lofs of fubflance in either: the one or the other has ever been obferved; nor have they ever bcen feen carrying off vegetable fubftances of any fort. QN , as to be incapable of performing their office of fuapplying due nourifhment to the plants, which, therefore, become fickly and ftinted, and confequently do not afford juices fit for making fugar in either tolerable quantity or quality. THAT thefe ants do not feed on any part of the canes or trees affected feems very clear, for no lofs of fubflance in either: the one or the other has ever been obferved; nor have they ever bcen feen carrying off vegetable fubftances of any fort. QN --- Page 405 --- OF GRENADA. IN THE ISLAND that thefe APPENDIX contrary, there is the greateft prefumption to Oxthe onr animal fubftances; Chat.Dockst. and feed entirely ants arc carnivorous, animal food of any fort, was laid in for if a dead infeét, or carried off. It was foundalmoft their way, it was immediately viétuals from them. The largeft impoffible to preferve cold become putrid, fo as that carcaffes, as foon as thcy began to Negroes with they could feparate the parts, foon difappeared. the of them. to keep the ants from edges fores had difficulty rats in particular, of which They deftroyed all other vermin, which they probathey cleared every plantation they came upon, found that poultry, effeéted by attacking their young. It was bly could be raifed with the greateft difficulty; or other fmall ftock, emunétories of the bodies of and the eyes, nofe, and other covered with thefe ants. or dead animals were inftantly fo dying has been faid it appears, that a dry fituation, FROM what rains from their nefts or cells, apas to exclude the ordinary of their eggs or young brood, is propriated for the reception however well neceffary; but that thefe fituations, abfolutely could not afford this proteccalculated for the ufual weather, be eafily conceived. tion from rain during the hurricane, may of artilWHEN by the violence of the tempeft heavy houfes pieces and fugar removed from their places, and lery were there can be no doubt that works levelled with the ground, muft have above ground, trees, and every thing growing cafe. Great numbers of trees greatly fuffered. This was the winds) werc commonly refift the ordinary and plants (which either lodged torn out by the root. The canes were univerfally out of the about as if by a whirlwind, or torn ground of twifted the breeding ants, with their altogether. In the latter cafe, progeny, , and lery were there can be no doubt that works levelled with the ground, muft have above ground, trees, and every thing growing cafe. Great numbers of trees greatly fuffered. This was the winds) werc commonly refift the ordinary and plants (which either lodged torn out by the root. The canes were univerfally out of the about as if by a whirlwind, or torn ground of twifted the breeding ants, with their altogether. In the latter cafe, progeny, --- Page 406 --- OBSERVATIONS ON THE SUGAR ANTS APPENDIX progeny, muft have been expofed to inevitable to deftruétion from ChaL.Bockn. the deluge of rain which fell at thc famc - Y time. The number of canes, however, thus torn out of the ground, could not have becn adequate to the fudden diminution ofthe fugar ants; but it is eafy to conceive that the roots of canes, which remamed on the ground, and the earth about them, were fo agitated and fhakcn, aud at the famc time the ants' nefts werc fo broken open cr injured by the violcnce of the wind, as to admit the torrents of rain accompanying it. I apprchend, therefore, that the principal deitruétion of thefe ants muft have been thus efreéted.- Ir niuft not however be denied, that though nature for a timc may permit a particular fpecies of animal to becomc fo ditproportionably numerous as to endanger fome other parts of her works, the herfelf will in due time put a check upon the too great increafe; and that is oftcn done by an increafe of fome other animal inimical to the former deftroyers. In the prefent cafe, however, nothing of that fort appeared; thcrefore, when a plain natural caufe, obvious to our fenies, occurred, by which we can account for the amazing and tudden decreafe of thofe ruinous infeéts, it is unneceflary to recur to other poffible caufes too minute for our inveftigation. ALLIhave faid on this fubjedt would certaialy be of little or no confequence, did it not lead to the truc method ofcultivating the fugar-canc on lands infefted with thofe deftruétive infects; in which point of view, however, it becomes important. Ir then the above doérine be juft, it follows that the whole ofour attention muft be turned to the deftruétion of the neits of thefe ants, and confequently the breeding ants with their eggs oryoung brocd, IN id on this fubjedt would certaialy be of little or no confequence, did it not lead to the truc method ofcultivating the fugar-canc on lands infefted with thofe deftruétive infects; in which point of view, however, it becomes important. Ir then the above doérine be juft, it follows that the whole ofour attention muft be turned to the deftruétion of the neits of thefe ants, and confequently the breeding ants with their eggs oryoung brocd, IN --- Page 407 --- ISLAND OF GRENADA IN THE all trees and fences, under the roots APPENDIX IN order to effeét this, fhould firft to thefe ants commonly take their refidence, Ch.t.Bocktt. ofwhich lime or lemon fences, which are 1 be grubbed out; particularly fuffered from in Grenada, and which generally very common in the leaft injured; after the ants before the canes appeared with and the which the canes fhould be ftumped out carc, with the field trafh (or ftools burnt as foon as poffible, together the leaves and tops of the canes) in order to prevent the dried The beft way ants from making their efcape to new quarters. the field trafh of doing this, I apprehend, will be to gather heaps, and to throw the ftools as foon together in confiderable and immediately apply as dug out of the ground into them, for the this means multitudes muft be deftroyed; firc. By The land field trafh, when dry, burns with great rapidity. leaft twice (but at fhould then be ploughed or hoe-ploughed in order to admit the once) in the wetteft feafon of the year, before it is hoed for planting the cane; by thefe means rains, will be fo much reduced in number thefe infects, I apprehend, as at leaft to fecure a good plant cane. Weft India iflands to perBUT it is the cuftom in moft of the have once to that is, after the canes mit the canes ratoon; they are fufbeen cut down for the purpofe of making fugar, without replanting; and this generally fered to grow up again fometimes for ten, fifteen, or for three or four years, but In this mode of culture the ftools become larger every twenty. out of the to a confiderable height, year, fo as to grow ground and more fhelter to the ants' and by that means afford more the canes nefts; therefore for two or three fucceffive crops little fo as not only to afford as fhould be replanted yearly, cover VoL. III. 3 B --- Page 408 --- OBSERVATIONS ON THE SUGAR ANTS, &cc, APPENDIX cover as poffible for the ants' nefts, but continually to difturb Ch.1.Bookir. to fuch ants as may have efcaped, in the bufinefs of propagating - - Y - - their fpecics. THAT contiderable expence and labour will attend putting this mcthod into cxecution there is n10 doubt. An expenfive cure, howerer, is better than none; but from the general principles of agriculture, I am of opinion that the planter will be amply repaid for his trouble by the goodnefs of his crops, ir confequence of the fuperior tilth the land will receive in the propofed method. fcaped, in the bufinefs of propagating - - Y - - their fpecics. THAT contiderable expence and labour will attend putting this mcthod into cxecution there is n10 doubt. An expenfive cure, howerer, is better than none; but from the general principles of agriculture, I am of opinion that the planter will be amply repaid for his trouble by the goodnefs of his crops, ir confequence of the fuperior tilth the land will receive in the propofed method. --- Page 409 --- L 371 3 APPENDIX TO BOOK V: CONTAINING Cultication g the CLOVE TREE, in the Some Account ef the Milliam Urban Buie, E/. of that Iand ef Dominica, by by him in 1796 t0 the Lords Mand; from a Memoir prefonted the Afairs of Trade and of the Committee of Council for Plantations. of 1789, a friend of mine in APPENDIX BOUT the month July clove tree about fix to A' Cayenne fent me, as a prefent, a with BOOK V. having fix or eight leaves, and accompanied re- - inches high, the cultivation of it. It was a printed paper refpeéling that the tree fhould be planted in quired by my friend's paper, cool fituation, and in the fhade a rich foil, and in a moift and alfo obferved, by my friend, of fome trees round it. It was between four thrive beft, ifit were planted that the tree would of Cayenne being free from plantain trees. The continent being, on the contrary, hurricanes, and the ifland of Dominica trees were oftoo expofed to them, I thought that the plantain becaufe with the tender a nature to afford a fufficient fnade; clove tree and deftroy leaft guft of wind they might fall on the it: 3 B 2 --- Page 410 --- ACCOUNT OF THE CLOVE TREE APPENDIX it: in confequence, I feleéted one ofthe richeft to eftate, being a rich black foil, where I had ipots on my BOOKY. fixteen thoufand 3 coffee trees growing moft luxuriantly; between four of thofe coifee trees I planted my clove tree with great care; I furrounded it with fticks to prevent it from being trod upon; the coffee trees ferved as a fhade, and my intention was, when the clove.tree fhould extend itfelf, to lop or cut down the coffee tree neareft to it. Every poffible care was taken of this plant; it was kept clean, and every time I went on my eftate I vifited it; knowing of what confequence it would be to thc publick in general, and to me in particular, if I could bring this CXperiment to fucceed. It may be eafly fuppofed with what anxiety I viewed the growth ofthe plant; but, alas! what was my grief, when I found the clove tree hardly vegetating, lofing its old leaves, as new ones fprung at the top; and, in the long fpace of near fix months, not gaining an inch in height: difappointed in my hopes, I informed my friend of the little fuccefs I had had, and intreated his affiftance in procuring other trees, if poffible. In the month of December 1789, two more trees were fent to me. From my firft difappointment, I wifhed to plant thefe new trees nearer to my houfe, and in a place that would be convenient for watching and promoting their growth. My dwelling-houfe is fituated on a hill, to thecaftward, which hill is compofed of a ftiff, red-clay foil; at the foot ofthis hill, and Oll the eaft fide, is fituated my garden; to obtain a flat of about one hundred and twenty feet fquare, one part of that hill has been dug and levelled, which in fome parts has made a bank of nearly eleven feet high; the ground was fpread over, in order to fill up the inequalities of the furface; it will readily be their growth. My dwelling-houfe is fituated on a hill, to thecaftward, which hill is compofed of a ftiff, red-clay foil; at the foot ofthis hill, and Oll the eaft fide, is fituated my garden; to obtain a flat of about one hundred and twenty feet fquare, one part of that hill has been dug and levelled, which in fome parts has made a bank of nearly eleven feet high; the ground was fpread over, in order to fill up the inequalities of the furface; it will readily be --- Page 411 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA IN THE fome part of that furface muft be, par- APPENDIX to be obferved how poor where eleven feet were cut from the BOOK v. ticularly on that fide, mentioned two trees, but, at hill. Here, I planted the abovc could from took care to place them as far as I the fame time, had been down, as Ihad obthat fide of the hill which pared two holes, ferved its foil was a ftiff, red-clay; I therefore dug inches about twelve feet from each other, of about cighteen at finding the fubftratum to be of a diameter, and two feet deep; thefe two holes with ycllow, ftrong, gravelly nature, I filled up clove tree; mould, and in each of them I planted a fome good which induced me to they grew faft and with luxuriance; fame the firft clove tree I had received into the gartranfplant but whilft that tree was den, obferving the fame treatment; the top of it, growing to my fatisfaétion, an infect deftroyed and occafioned its death. being at Martinico, I IN the month of November 1791, of Saint the different gardens in and about the town vifited in the garden belonging to the DoPierre: as I was walking clove trees, each in minican friars, I remarked fevcral young from baiket; they were the property of a gardener a feparate of. I the whole Cayenne, and were to be difpoted purchafed from the confifting offourteen trees: after colledting, of them, different other plants, I.returned to generofity of my friends, of clove trees, and Dominica, rich with my new acquifition in teveral determined to try different foils. Holes were dug and from twelve to fourteen fect diftance, parts of my garden, thofe mentioncd before; on of about the fame dimentions as nature; in the foil, I fcund fome of a fiff gravelly cxamining fubftratum was of a yellow fandy kind; in other parts, the fome , I.returned to generofity of my friends, of clove trees, and Dominica, rich with my new acquifition in teveral determined to try different foils. Holes were dug and from twelve to fourteen fect diftance, parts of my garden, thofe mentioncd before; on of about the fame dimentions as nature; in the foil, I fcund fome of a fiff gravelly cxamining fubftratum was of a yellow fandy kind; in other parts, the fome --- Page 412 --- ACCOUNT OF THE CLOVE TREE APPENDIX fome holes, after taking out about fix inches of the furfacc, I to found a ftiffred-clay; mixing fome black mould with the difBOOK V. ferent earths taken out of thefe holes, I filled them up, and planted in them ten out of the fourteen trees, referving four trees for that part of the garden nearer the foot of the hill, where ten or eleven feet had been cut from thc furface; there I dug no morc than was neceffary to plant my trces: the ground was a cloie, compact, ftill, red-clay. In order to make an experiment, I mixed no mould, dung, fand, or other foil, with defign to open the pores of the clay, but planted thefe laft four trees in that clay, without the affiftance of any thing whatever; abandoning their fate to nature, being refolved to run the rifk of leting them, for the purpofe of afccrtaining, whether the clove tree required a rich foil or not. At the moment I now write, (Oftober 1793) twenty-three months have clapfed, fince the planting of thefc laft fourteen trees; and it is with fatisfaction I can affert, that the four trecs, which were planted in the clay, have grown, with at lcaft as much, if not more luxuriance," than the other ten: they are from five to fix feet high, growing with vigour, fully furnifhed with branches at the bottom, and terminating in a point at the top, like a pyramid: out of thofe fourteen trees, fix of them werc planted ina row, in the flattcft part of the garden; the ground, with which the holes had becn filled up having fank a little bclow the furface, a hollow round three of thefe trées was formed, and the water, not having a fufhcient current, colleSted round them: one tree died; the other two appearing to be in a deciining fate, I raifed them abore jix inches, that they might bc rather above the furfacc of the ground. Although fourteen trees, fix of them werc planted ina row, in the flattcft part of the garden; the ground, with which the holes had becn filled up having fank a little bclow the furface, a hollow round three of thefe trées was formed, and the water, not having a fufhcient current, colleSted round them: one tree died; the other two appearing to be in a deciining fate, I raifed them abore jix inches, that they might bc rather above the furfacc of the ground. Although --- Page 413 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA. IN THE with the others in November APPENDIX though thefe trees were planted above (ix inches to ofthc two declining trees is not BOOK v. 1791, one inches, whilft the other trees are high, and the other twelve that the clove three feet in height; this is a fufficient proof, damp foil; a dry fituation, and dreads a fpriugy tree requires of moifture will promote its growth, though a certain degree with much troubie and exIx the month of January 1793, from the French fay trouble, becaufe the exportation pence (I I procured two boxes of metherefelyccs": iflands is prohibited), fome in fand, others in loofe earth: the berries were packed, I ordered beds to be prepared in my garupon receiving them, for the conveniency of den, and in different parts of my eftate, when the nurferies fhould tranfplanting, and of faving diftance, thefe feeds at about fix be ft for that purpofe. I planted with about one inch of earth. inches diftance, covering them that the clove tree, when young, reIhad been previoufly told, but rcfleéting on the latiquires to be fheltered from the fan; which are under the tudes of Cayenne, and of the Moluccas, fouth, and the fourth and fifth degrees, the one north, the other fifteenth and fixlatitude of Dominica, which is between the would make a teenth degrees north, I knew that ten degrees difference in the climate, particularly on Montpellier material fituation, and about eftate, which is fituated on an elevated that if I could three miles diftant from the fea. I thought, would, thofe feeds without the affiftance ofany fhade, they rear be inured to the fan and air, would be from their infancy, would bear tranfplanting with more hardy, and confequently * Berries of the clove tree ripe and ft for vegetation. lefs a teenth degrees north, I knew that ten degrees difference in the climate, particularly on Montpellier material fituation, and about eftate, which is fituated on an elevated that if I could three miles diftant from the fea. I thought, would, thofe feeds without the affiftance ofany fhade, they rear be inured to the fan and air, would be from their infancy, would bear tranfplanting with more hardy, and confequently * Berries of the clove tree ripe and ft for vegetation. lefs --- Page 414 --- ACCOUNT OF THE CLOVE TREE APP ENDIX lefs rifk and danger; but in this I was deceived. The mother to of clove, on its firft vifible BOOK V. vegetation, appears like a fimall, ( ftraight, red dart; when it comcs to twoinches high, two fmall red leaves are feen on its top; on the firft appearance of thefe lcaves, when hardly perceptible to the naked cye, I found, that on the fun thining with any degree of heat, the plants drooped and perifhed; whereby many feeds were loft: I therefore caufed finall frames to be ereéted over all the beds, about thrce fcet high from the ground, and I fpread on them plantain Jeaves, in order to fhade the young plants: I kept fupplying thofe leaves for near nine months; after which time I fuffered the leaves to decay gradually, that the fun might be admitted tothe plants, as they acquired ftrength; and in the fpace of twelve months, they were fit to be tranfplanted. Out of fix thoufand mother of cloves, I faved from fifteen to fixteen hundred trees, which I began to tranfplant in January 179+, in the open ficld, at fixteen feet diftance. They are growing very luxuriantly: I have loft but few, and none but fuch as were in placcs, where the water collected. They are now fifteen months old, from the day they were traniplanted, and moft of them are between three and four fcet high, apparently very healthy. The ground, wherein they are planted, had been under coffee for forty years; the coffee trees had decayed, which I tricd in vain to replace, but they would, not grow. Being difappointed, I turned it into a paiture, which, from neglect, was covered with guava bufhes, a plant very prejudicial to any foil; I then refolved to clear it, and plant my clove trecs in it. This pafture ground, on the whole, is of a compact, ftrong, gravelly foil; in fome parts it is of a clayey nature; but the trees grow well in both. As --- Page 415 --- THE ISLAND OF DOMINICA IN Abbé Raynal has been very exaét in his defcription ofthe APPENDIX to As the fame from liis hiftory. 66 The Rorvers of BOOK v. clove, I fhall adopt terminalis; they have 66 the clove tree are difpofed in a corymbus calix, which bears as many petals, 66 each of them a long quadrijfid the pipil, inclofed at the botton: 4 and a great number efRamina; filled up becomes along avith it an oviform fruit, 66 efthis calix, and known by the nanme of mother of clove; 66 qvith a fingle kernel, the unfolding ef the petals and 66 this fame calix, gathered before clove in the, efops. terminalis; they have 66 the clove tree are difpofed in a corymbus calix, which bears as many petals, 66 each of them a long quadrijfid the pipil, inclofed at the botton: 4 and a great number efRamina; filled up becomes along avith it an oviform fruit, 66 efthis calix, and known by the nanme of mother of clove; 66 qvith a fingle kernel, the unfolding ef the petals and 66 this fame calix, gathered before clove in the, efops. The is the as Jold 46 the fecundation ofthe pifil, a reddifh caf, and < clove is ft to be gathered ahen it has acquired which I The two clove trees, 4 a certain degree effrmnefs." with clove buds, on or planted in December 1789, appeared ofthe cloves were fit to be about the zoth January 17953 fome and fuch of the cloves as gathered in May and June following; the mother left on the trees for the purpofe of obtaining were acquired a proper degree of maturity, in of cloves, for fceds, thofe two trees to be about July and Auguft: fo that allowing from the feeds which I old, when they came to me, one year that age; I think the clove tree planted, Ijudge they were of of little more than fix years, becomes produstive, in the courfe inftead of nine years, as mentioned by Abbé Raynal. but two clove trees that are bearing; I have this year (1795) more; and in the I thall have twenty-four in the year 1796, from fifteen to fixteen hundred trees, year 1799, I fhall have Such of the trees, as are fituated in in a ftate of produétion. their natural by which Aat grounds, I fhall leave to obtained, growth, an objeét of more profit will be got, and fhady walks thofe trees that are placed confideration in a warm climate; and for the conveniI fhall top at cight or nine feet, on a declivity, C ence VoL. III. --- Page 416 --- ACCOUNT OF THE CLOVE TREE APPENDIX encc of gathering. Having few cloves to gather this year to (1795), they werc picked with the hand. In the Moluccas, BOOKV. the planters either cloths on the - fpread ground, or fweep the ground clean under and about the trccs, and with the affiftance of reeds they caufe the cloves to fall down; after which they expofe them, for a few days, to fmoke upon hurdles, which are covered with large leaves; and this fumigation is followed' by drying the cloves in the iun. Ix order to afcertain the beft mode of rendering the cloves merchantable, I tried fevcral ways of deficcating them when gathered. The firft that I cured, in thc fhade, and in a warm room, were a fortnight before they appeared dry; and on breaking them with thc nail, the ball, Tt hich is on the top of the clove, I found in the infide to bc mouldy; and on chewing thc clove, they had a mufly tafle: I from thefe circumftances found, that this mode of curing thc cloves would not anfwer. THE fecond gathering of cloves, I deficcated entirely by the heat ofthc fun. When dried, they appeared ofa blacker hue than the Eaft India cloves, but of a ftronger andr more pungent tafte. THE third trial, after gathering the cloves on a very rainy day, I put them in a ftove which I had conftruéted for that purpofe, and lcft for twonights and a day: thc heat was rather itrong, and the rainy weather having prevented mc from going to town, hindered me from getting a thermometer to afcertain the degree ofheat ofthe flove. . When dried, they appeared ofa blacker hue than the Eaft India cloves, but of a ftronger andr more pungent tafte. THE third trial, after gathering the cloves on a very rainy day, I put them in a ftove which I had conftruéted for that purpofe, and lcft for twonights and a day: thc heat was rather itrong, and the rainy weather having prevented mc from going to town, hindered me from getting a thermometer to afcertain the degree ofheat ofthe flove. At thc end ofthc fecoud night, It took thc cloves from the ftove, and completed the deliccation by the fun; which operation, when perfeéted, gavc the clovesa brownifhhue, a good pungent tafte, but not foi ftrong a flavour as thofe that had bcen deficcated by the fun only. THE --- Page 417 --- ISLAND OF DOMINICA IN THE neverthelefs done in the famc APPENDIX to THE fourth deficcation was Lobferved this difference: BOOK V. way; but, havinggot a thermometer, in the ftove, I took care that 3 After putting my grecn cloves than that of the third trial; I left the heat was more moderate and half a day, until the cloves in the fovc for only one night, brown colour. I hung they were faded, and had acquired found a the heat to vary from thermometer in the ftove, and my this done, I took out the thermometer, 120 to 130 dégrees: to the ufual degree of my eftate, and let the hcat decreafe degrees; after this, from which was, on that day, feventy-fix thermometer to the fun; the one o'clock to two, I expofed the up to 128 degrecs, day was fair; and the thermometer getting equal to that ofthe this fhew ed the heat of the ftoveto be nearly the reft ofthe the cloves out of the ftove, fan. After taking the fan. I found thefe cloves, when deficcation was done by hue, not fo ftrong in tafte as perfealy dry, to be of a brownifh than thofe that the fun only, but ftronger thofe deficcated by expofed in the ftove to a had been, for two nights and a day, fet afide the firft curing greater heat than thefe laft. Having cloves that underwent the by the fhade, I have numbered the the to whofe threc laft deficcations, No. I, 2, and 3: perfons, will decide on the will be fabmitted, judgment thefe fpecimens three forts; all of which are far fapebeft quality amongft the to thofe that come from rior in their ftrength, and pungency, a deal more the Eaft Indies, and appcar to me to contain grcat the nail on cffential oil: for, when expofed to heat, on preffing ofit; which is the cffential oilis perceived to come out have a clove, the Eaft India cloves, at leaft fuch as I not the cafe with of comparing them with bought, in this ifland, for the purpofe mine. IN 3C2 ofe that come from rior in their ftrength, and pungency, a deal more the Eaft Indies, and appcar to me to contain grcat the nail on cffential oil: for, when expofed to heat, on preffing ofit; which is the cffential oilis perceived to come out have a clove, the Eaft India cloves, at leaft fuch as I not the cafe with of comparing them with bought, in this ifland, for the purpofe mine. IN 3C2 --- Page 418 --- ACCOUNT OF THE CLOVE TREE APPENDIX IN curing the clove, I find it indifpenfable to have a to for the following reafons: After ftove, BOOK V. gathering cloves, I perceived that ifthey were not, within a fhort time after fuch gathering, faded, either by the heat ofthe fiun, orby that of a ftove, that the greateft part of the cloves, on being dried afterwards, acquired a light brownith huc, loft their firmnefs, ftrength, or pungency, and many appeared as damaged cloves; and, as the weather is exceedingly variable in this part ofthe world, and the air, in general, damp, particularly in the country, it will be abfolutely neccflary to have a ftove heated to the degrec before mentioncd, and to leave the cloves in it till thcy are faded, I mean, until they have acquired a brown hue; after which, the reft ofthe deficcation may be done at cafc, by the heat ofthe fun, or by expofure in a dry airy room. THE annual produdtion of a clove tree in the Molucca Iflands, according to Abbé Raynal's account, is about three pounds for each trce. There, they are topped, at from cight to nine feet, for the conveniency of gathering; but, in Cayenne, where they are left without topping, and where there are clove trees larger than our orange trecs, it is reported, they produce from forty to fifty pounds each tree. THE two trecs, which, under my management, have produced cloves this year, on the Montpellier eftate, have netted me four pounds and a half of cured cloves, befides two pounds, at leaft, of cloves, which I have left on the trees, to obtain mother of cloves, for the multiplication of that fpice; and befides this, I have about half a pound of cloves, which having fallen on the ground before their degree of maturity, have been dried, and are very good for domeftic ufe: thefe laft are ftrong, but recs, which, under my management, have produced cloves this year, on the Montpellier eftate, have netted me four pounds and a half of cured cloves, befides two pounds, at leaft, of cloves, which I have left on the trees, to obtain mother of cloves, for the multiplication of that fpice; and befides this, I have about half a pound of cloves, which having fallen on the ground before their degree of maturity, have been dried, and are very good for domeftic ufe: thefe laft are ftrong, but --- Page 419 --- IN THE ISLAND OF DOMINICA. fo that thefe two trees have produced more than APPENDIX to but imall; of cloves. As this is the firft time of their pro- BOOK V. feven pounds it may be reafonably expeéted, - duction, and they are young, and more that when older, they will acquire more ftrength, will be a great deal more probranches; and confequently, duétive. Extraci it is thought nece/fary to add tise followTo the preceding ing Letter 10 the Earl of Liverpool. Soho Square, Auguft II, 1796. M Y LORD, your Lordihip, that I have read IBEG leave to acquaint fuccefsful culture of the clove with attention the paper on the the honour of tree in Dominica, which your Lord(hip did me that it ought to be printed referring to me, and am of opinion, in the Welt Infor the information of His Majefty's fubjeats dies, and other intertropical colonics. firft who has obMR. BUEE is, as far as I know, the perfon foils that the pimento tree profpers beft in thofe fteril ferved, whofe wood is of a hard texture abound, and that where trees in fuch places; alfo, on fugar cannot be cultivated to advantage whofe wood is foft, are nathe other hand, that where trees and fiugar turally found, pimento trees rarely are met with, will fucceed; on fuch fteril foils he has tried clove plantations and found them congenial to its nature. trees, to the cultivators of hot climates a THESE obfervations open be confined to new fource of wealth, which will not probably the --- Page 420 --- ACCOUNT OF THECLOVE TREF, Arc. APPENDIX the growth of cloves; other fpices may alfo profper beft in the BOOK to V. barren foils of the Weft Indies, as lavender, thyme, and other 1 aromatic plants, arc known to do in thofe of Europe. IHAVE the honour of fending to your Lordfhip, with. this, a paper containing famples of cloves received by me from Mr. Buée fome months ago: Numbers I and 2, mentioned by him P. 19, (379.) are mixed; No. 3, his beft fort, are feparate. Your Lordfhip may, ifyou think fit, order a comparifon to be made, by fome dealers in ipice, between thefe and the cloves we ufually reccive from the Dutch: I fhall only add, that when I applied for information on the fame fubjedt to an eminent wholefale dealer in that article, thc only anfwver I obtained, was, that he thought me grievoufly deceived, in fuppofing the elovcs to be the produce oft the Weft Indies, he being abfolutely çertain they came from the Eaft. I have the'honour to bc, With infinite regard and cftecm, Your Lordfhip's obedient humble fervant, JOS. BANKS. EARL OF LIVERPOOL. I fhall only add, that when I applied for information on the fame fubjedt to an eminent wholefale dealer in that article, thc only anfwver I obtained, was, that he thought me grievoufly deceived, in fuppofing the elovcs to be the produce oft the Weft Indies, he being abfolutely çertain they came from the Eaft. I have the'honour to bc, With infinite regard and cftecm, Your Lordfhip's obedient humble fervant, JOS. BANKS. EARL OF LIVERPOOL. --- Page 421 --- [ de de 383 1 POSTSCRIPT TO THE HISTORICAL SURVEY OF ST. DOMING G Q: Review efthe Tranfadtion and Condition efthe Containing a brief the Tears 1795, 6, 7, and8, until Britif Army there, during the final Evacuation ofthe Country. fince I clofed the details ofthe years have elapfed of the Britifh army in St. Domingo, operations FoUR. military that what was then prophetic apprehenfion, and I grieve to fay, This once opulent and beautiful hiftorical fact. is now become and the glory of the new hemicolony, the boaft of France, civilized world! The fphere, is expunged from the chart of the occafion for many of fuch lamentable ruin might give readers, profpect and refleétions; and I thall prefent to my obfervations fketch (for fuch it is in every in the following very imperfeêt than this I dare not atfenfe) a few that occur to me: more in truth it is not) to contempt. Were it in my power (as of thofc fad events which tinue, in a regular feries, the hiftory fhould indeed decline have led to this miferable cataftrophe, I readers, and tafk which would be equally difgufting to my a In a climate where every gale was fraught painful to myfelf. with --- Page 422 --- POSTSCRIPT TO THE HISTORICAL with poifon, and in a conteft with uncounted hofts of barbarians, what could the beft efforts ofour gallant countrymen cffeét? Their enemies indeed fled before them, but the arrows of peftilence purfued and arrefted the viétors, in their career of conqueft! Scenes like thefe, while they afford but finall caufc of gratulation to the aétors themfelves, furnith no topicks to animate the page of the hiftorian; who would have little eife to difplay but a repetition ofthe fame difafters-delufive promifes, unrealized hopes, unavailing exertions; producing a complication of miferies, difeafe, diftraftion, contagion, and death! AT the fame time (although I know not that the rcader will derive any grcat degrec of confolation from the circumftance) it is incumbent on me to obferve, that, during the difaftrous period of which I treat, I have not heard that any mifconduét or negleêt was ever fairly imputed to thofe perfons who had the direétion of the enterprize, either in the public departments of Great Britain, or in the fcene of aétion itfelf. The names of Williamfon, Forbes, Simcoe, Whyte, and Maitland, carry with them a demonftration that neither courage, nor energy, nor military talents, was at any time wanting in the principal department. Reinforcements of troops too, were fent by the Britifh government, with a more liberal hand than in former years. Towards the latter end of April 1795, the 8rft and 96th regiments (confifting together of1,700 men)arrived from Ireland; the 8zd, from Gibraltar, landed 980 men in Auguft; and in April 1796, thc 66th and 69th regiments, confifting of 1,000 men each, with 150 artillery, arrived from the fame placc, under the command of General Bowyer: fo that the whole number of effeétive men which had landed in St. DoX mingo, Towards the latter end of April 1795, the 8rft and 96th regiments (confifting together of1,700 men)arrived from Ireland; the 8zd, from Gibraltar, landed 980 men in Auguft; and in April 1796, thc 66th and 69th regiments, confifting of 1,000 men each, with 150 artillery, arrived from the fame placc, under the command of General Bowyer: fo that the whole number of effeétive men which had landed in St. DoX mingo, --- Page 423 --- SURVEY OF ST. DOMINGO. mingo, down to this period (including fome fmall detachments times from amounted to 9,800. In fent up at different Jamaica) and a of two June following, four regiments of infantry, part others *, arrived from Cork, under the command of General Whyte. Thefe were foon afterwards foliowed by feven regiof together with three regiments of foreign ments Britifht, of Britith, and a detachment cavalryt; befides two companies of Dutch artillery; making in the whole a further reinforcement of about 7.9005. BUT what avail the beft concerted fchemes ofhuman policy the difpenfàations of Divine Providence? A great part againft moft of them in the bloom of youth, of thefe gallant troops, from the fhips to the were conveyed, with little intermiffion, hofpital-fromi the hofpital to the grave! Of the 82d regiment, no lefs than 630 became viétims to the climate, within the fhort fpace of ten weeks after their landing. In one of its no more than three rank and file were fit for duty. companies, regiment of huffars were reduced, in little more Hompefch's than two months, from 1,000 to 300, and the 96th regiment perifed to a man! By the 3oth of September, 1796, the reof mortality difplayed a mournful diminution of no leis gifters of the Britith forces only; and towards the latter than 7,530 out of the whole number of troops, Britifh and end of1797, The 17th, 32d, 56th, and 67th, with part of the 93d and ggth, + The 13th, 14th, i7th, 18th, 21ft, 26th, and 2gth. 1 The York, Hompefch, and Rouen Huflars. the and the 26th $ Out of this number are however to be deduéted 32d infantry and the dragoons; the former of which were fent from St. Domingo to Bahama, latter to the Windward Ilands. VoL. III. 3 D foreign, 67th, with part of the 93d and ggth, + The 13th, 14th, i7th, 18th, 21ft, 26th, and 2gth. 1 The York, Hompefch, and Rouen Huflars. the and the 26th $ Out of this number are however to be deduéted 32d infantry and the dragoons; the former of which were fent from St. Domingo to Bahama, latter to the Windward Ilands. VoL. III. 3 D foreign, --- Page 424 --- POSTSCRIPT TO THE HISTORICAL forcign, which had landed and were detained in this devoted country, during that and the two preceding years, (certainly not far fhort of 15,000 men) I am affurcd that not more than 3,000 were left alive and in a condition for fervice *, DURING this drcadful facrifice of human life, the neceflary opcrations in the colony were produétive of fuch an expenditure of treafure to the Britifh government, as excited the utmoft aftonifhment in thc minds of the king's minifters; who ought however to have forcieen, that the coft of raifing, feeding, arming, clothing, and paying colonial regiments, both black and white, in a country where evcry article was thrce times as dearas in Europe,and the expence off fitting out armed veffels to tranfport troops and ftorcs from one part ofthe colony to another part, (both cf them meafures of abfolute neceflity) muft unavoidably be very greatt. The charges attending the hofpital fervice, were alone found to amount to IOS. a day for cach invalid. For the payment of thefe, and other fervices, the Governor was authorized to draw bills of exchange on the Britith treafary; and the bills thus drawn, to the firft of May, amounted to 4.4393.596. 8s. 2d. ferling. BUT, notwithftanding this enormous expence, both ofl blood and treafure, the profpeét of fubduing the whole of this great ifland, and annexing it, in a profitable condition, to the Britifh dominion, was more diftant than ever. The wcaknefs and diminution of cur troops, infpired the enemy with rencwed The lofs of feamen in the fhips employed on the coaf are not included. It may be ftated very moderately at 5,000 msen. t The coionial troops, black and white, cmbodied by General Williamfon, amounted, at the end of 1795, to 8,170. confidence. the whole of this great ifland, and annexing it, in a profitable condition, to the Britifh dominion, was more diftant than ever. The wcaknefs and diminution of cur troops, infpired the enemy with rencwed The lofs of feamen in the fhips employed on the coaf are not included. It may be ftated very moderately at 5,000 msen. t The coionial troops, black and white, cmbodied by General Williamfon, amounted, at the end of 1795, to 8,170. confidence. --- Page 425 --- DOMINGO. SURVEY OF ST. not unobfervant of our fituation, and confidence. They were the white inhabitants of it. Thofe among took advantage became encouraged and conwho were fecretly difaffeéted, and were cafly prevailed upon firmed in their hoftile purpofes, which they plainly forefaw to declare openly againft a caufe, deftruétion. muft, in a fhort time, work its own thatthe Britith army was Iris not however to be underftood, inactivity. during this timc, in defponding fuffered to remain, Every man who was in a conThe cafe was far otherwife. affigned to him, and dition for fervice, had full employment made to diftrefs the efforts were undoubtedly very vigorous in the country, until, unhapenemy, and extend our footing like the labours of Syfiphus, pily, every fuccceding exertion, terminated in new difappointment. prevailed from expe@ations AT one period, very fanguine colonial corps, which Geand fervices of thc the co-operation caufed to be organized. Their knowneral Williamfon had their habitude to the climate, were ledge of the country, and ufeful and formidable body. They fippofed to render them a underthe Baron de Montahad been formed, in a great degrec, merit it is not eafy to lembert, (an officer of whofe military immediately after the arand, fpeak in terms too favourable); Gibraltar, fuch of them as rival of the 82d regiment from commenced to a fufficient ftate of difcipline, were brought in the weftern prooperations, under that officer's command, and a being reinforced by the Baron's own regiment, vince: Britifh 82d, they proceeded for a time detachment from the fortified pofts, fuccefsfully, driving the enemy out of many far very of a great extent of country, even as and taking poffefion as 3D2 too favourable); Gibraltar, fuch of them as rival of the 82d regiment from commenced to a fufficient ftate of difcipline, were brought in the weftern prooperations, under that officer's command, and a being reinforced by the Baron's own regiment, vince: Britifh 82d, they proceeded for a time detachment from the fortified pofts, fuccefsfully, driving the enemy out of many far very of a great extent of country, even as and taking poffefion as 3D2 --- Page 426 --- 3S8 POSTSCRIPT TO THE IIISTORICAL as the Spanifh frontiers. Nothing could excced the noble fpirit of emulation which animated their conduét. Unhappily, the want of a fufficient numbcr of men to garrifon the pofts which the cnemy had abandoned, rendercd all their fucceffes ultimately abortive. Their progrefs therefore was produétive of no lafting imprefion: it was like that of a veffel traverfing the ocean:-the waves yielded indced for the moment, but united aguin as thc veffel paffed. Ix the meanwhile, a very confiderable body of the revolted negroes (the whole of whom had now feparated themfelves altogether from the people of colour) continued to maintain their pofition in a ftrong poft, on the heights which overlook Port au Prince towards the fouth. This party of brigands were commanded by a negro named Dudonait, who had contrived to cut offthe Areams by which the town was ufually fupplied with frefh water. The diftrefs to which the garrifon was reduced, by this meafure, and the ditgrace of fuffering the infults of fuch an encmy to remain unpunifhed, induced the General, in the raonth of December, to make formidable preparations for attacking Dudonait in bis camp; when an extraordinary circumftance, occurred, which, as it difplays the ftatc of partics among the revolters, deferves recital. On the firft of January 1796, this negro chief fent a flag to the Gencral, fignifying that it was his intention to prefent the Britith with a fupply of water, by way ofa new ycar's gift; and accordingly the fprings werc cleared, and the ftreams fuffered to run in their ufual channcl, to the great rcliefof thc town and the garrifon. This meafure, on the part ofthe encmy, was followed by overtures for a nego-. çiation; and Dudonait foon alterwards tranimitted the heads of to the Gencral, fignifying that it was his intention to prefent the Britith with a fupply of water, by way ofa new ycar's gift; and accordingly the fprings werc cleared, and the ftreams fuffered to run in their ufual channcl, to the great rcliefof thc town and the garrifon. This meafure, on the part ofthe encmy, was followed by overtures for a nego-. çiation; and Dudonait foon alterwards tranimitted the heads of --- Page 427 --- SURVEY OF ST. DOMINGO. offering therein to bring the chief part of a treaty in writing, certain conditions ; one of of his army over to the Englifh, on with their. which was, that the Englifh troops thould co-operate allies, to cut off and extirpate the people efconew negro utterly lour throughout St. Doningo. Williamfon could liften As it was impofible that General to he had no reafon to propolitions of this nature, although for driving doubt the fincerity of Dudonait, the preparations the enemy from his pofition were continued. Light artillery carried the mountains Onl mules. The was provided to be up difficulties,. enterprize, however, was attended with fo many not until the 28th of February the attack was made; that it was in the courfe of a few, when the Britith had the fatisfadtion, bemmed in and inhours, to fee the brigands, who had fo long from their chain of formidable pofts in all di-. fulted them, fly at the head of the column, at. reétions. General Bowyer was and he carried the the place where the chief attack was made, lines by ftorm *, the other HAD I the means of refounding in detail many in the profecution of which the honour of the Bri-. enterprizes, maintained and fupported, notwithfanding tifh flag was ably difeafes of the climate hourly made, the cruel ravages which the the troops, the recital of them thould not be omitted.- among with infinite fatisfaction on the merits of the. I fhould.dwell Montalembert; the Colonels: Generals Churchill, Bowyer, Stuart, Deffource, and other officers in high com-. Spencer, The negro commander, Dudonait, was foon afterwards furprized by the Mulatto General Rigaud, who had heard of his negociation with the Englifh, and crdered bim to immediate execution. mand, the climate hourly made, the cruel ravages which the the troops, the recital of them thould not be omitted.- among with infinite fatisfaction on the merits of the. I fhould.dwell Montalembert; the Colonels: Generals Churchill, Bowyer, Stuart, Deffource, and other officers in high com-. Spencer, The negro commander, Dudonait, was foon afterwards furprized by the Mulatto General Rigaud, who had heard of his negociation with the Englifh, and crdered bim to immediate execution. mand, --- Page 428 --- POSTSCRIPT TO TIIE HHISTORICAL mand. It is univerfally acknowledged, that the fervices of all thefe gentlemen that I have mentioncd, were eminently confpicuous ; and I regret that my information is not fufficiently minute and particular, to enablc mc to beftow that diftinét and appropriate tribute of applaufe on the conduét of cach, which juftice and gratitude would otherwife demand. This general acknowledgment thercfore is all that I can offer; but my regret is heightened by the mournfully reflecting, that fuch excrtions and talents were employed in fo unprofitable a fervice ; a warfarc in which all human efforts were unavailing, and fuccefs itfelf unattended with lafting advantage or renown. IN thc month of March 1796, Sir Adam Williamfon embarked for Creat Britain, having refigned the command of the troops to General Forbes, who was himfelf fuperfeded by the arrival of Gencral Simcoc, as chief governor, in March 1797. Onc great objeêt the king's minifters had in view, by the appointment laft mentioned, was, as J have heard, to obtain a full and accuratc reprefentation of the ftatc of the colony, the aétual fituation of the Britith army therc, and the profpeéts which remaincd of the ultimate fuccefs to the enterprizc. No man was better qualified to form a correct, comprehenfive, and unbiaffed opinion on thofe points, than General Simcoe. He was inftruéted, withal, to carry into effeêt a plan of reform and retrenchment in the difpofal and application of the public money. Abufes under this head were loudly, and I believe very juftly, complained of; thc correétion of which, it was faid, could be cffcéted only by a proper exertion of firmnefs, energy, and decifion in the connnander in chicf; qualities which cminently diftinguith that officer's charaéter. It is unplcafant to relate, Ln but al, to carry into effeêt a plan of reform and retrenchment in the difpofal and application of the public money. Abufes under this head were loudly, and I believe very juftly, complained of; thc correétion of which, it was faid, could be cffcéted only by a proper exertion of firmnefs, energy, and decifion in the connnander in chicf; qualities which cminently diftinguith that officer's charaéter. It is unplcafant to relate, Ln but --- Page 429 --- OF ST. DOMINGO. 39r SURVEY that among the French but it is too notorious to be denied, men, in return for colonifts, our allies, many ofthe principal for and obtained very the tender of their fervices, had ftipulated Some of thefe genextraordinary falaries and appointments. claim to liberal without doubt, had acquired a juft who fets. tlemen, but there were others among them, remuneration ; value on their own merits. In Iam afraid, a very exaggerated condition of the army, however, the prefent forlorn and fad and allowances, of what the meafure of retrenching expences undertoking. The nature foever, proved a painful and perilous and difcontented inl whole body of our allies were alarmed where palfied; of it. Their efforts became every furrendered confequence that fome important pofts were and it is alledged, effort being made to fave them. It to the enemy, without an rank refigned their commiffions,. is ccrtain, that officers of high whilft difeafe was rapidiy and quitted the country. Thus, with cqual the ranks, difguft and difaffection fpread fide, thinning the furvivors. The profpeét, on every rapidity among exclamation, tout eff perdd, and the mournful was gloomy; felfifhnefs, and defponding refounded equally from difappointed loyalty. and firmnefs of his. GENERAL SIMCOE, by the moderation and,. fucceeded in reftoring order and fubordination, conduôt, confidence; ; but the ftate of afin fome degree, reviving and the General, probably, fairs was irretrievably defperate, fervice he could render his country, thought that the greateft fully and faithfully to reprefent was to return to Great Britain, the refult of his experience in perfon, to the king's minifters, and. refounded equally from difappointed loyalty. and firmnefs of his. GENERAL SIMCOE, by the moderation and,. fucceeded in reftoring order and fubordination, conduôt, confidence; ; but the ftate of afin fome degree, reviving and the General, probably, fairs was irretrievably defperate, fervice he could render his country, thought that the greateft fully and faithfully to reprefent was to return to Great Britain, the refult of his experience in perfon, to the king's minifters, and. --- Page 430 --- FOSTSCRIPT TO TIIE HISTORICAL and obfervations. For this purpofe (as it is fuppofed) he cmbarked for Europe in July. WHAT report the General made, on his arrival in London, tothe Britifh adminiftration, is not known to me but by CO11jecture. It is certain, that government foon afterwards camc to the determination of reducing the number of Britifh pofts in St. Domingo (by ordering the moft diftant and leisi important ones to be abandoned) and of concentrating and diredting all our force to the maintenance of certain places only, the permanent poffeffion of which might afford fecurity to our navigation and commercc, and deter the enemy from attempting predatory excurfions againft the Biitifh fettlements in the neighbourhood. Tus determination appears to me to have been figgeited iby wifdom, or rather it was founded on neceffity; and in order to carry it into full eitedt, fuitable inftructions were prepared for General Neibit, who was appointed fucceffor to General Simcoe in December 1797. THE command of the troops, in the meanwhile, had devolved on Ceneral Whyte, an officer of great experience, local knowledge, and approved braverys-but neither experience nor courage in thc commander, could enablc the army to do more than to maintain itfelf within the garrifon. The war was no longer a war of conqueft, but of felf-prefervation, The rebel negroes were at the gates, and no alternative remamed but to fand on the defenfive, until General Neibit's arrival. RESPECTING the forces of the enemy, and the interior ftate ofthe colony at the period of Gencral Simcoe's departure, it was known that the men in arms werc become divided into two thc commander, could enablc the army to do more than to maintain itfelf within the garrifon. The war was no longer a war of conqueft, but of felf-prefervation, The rebel negroes were at the gates, and no alternative remamed but to fand on the defenfive, until General Neibit's arrival. RESPECTING the forces of the enemy, and the interior ftate ofthe colony at the period of Gencral Simcoe's departure, it was known that the men in arms werc become divided into two --- Page 431 --- OF ST. DOMINGO. SURVEY under different leaders. The repubtwo principal faétions, been fent at different times from lican troops which had ficknefs and famine to about France, having been reduced by with the revolted negrocs 700, had made a fort of junélion, only the referving to themfelves of the northern province; and of being comprivilege of forming a diftinét regiment, Commander manded by white officers; but the General or and black, in Chief of the whole of this northern army, white at the named Touffaint L'Ouverture. This man, was a negro of the revolt in 1791, was a flave to Monfieur commencement in the neighbourhood of Cape Noé, a confiderable planter Having taken an aétive François, now refiding in London. in a fhort time, in the rebellion, Touffaint had acquired, fuch part the negroes, and at length obtained great weight among his adherents, as invefted him with aban afeendancy among authority over them. His attachmerit foluteand undifputed extremely however to the French government was thought immediate and, in truth, he feemed to have ilo other doubtful; bis awn power, and objeêt in view, than that of confolidating His black army fecuring the freedom of his fellow negroes. ofhorfe at 18,000 infantry, and a troop in 1797 was eftimated of about 1,000. chiefly of MulatTHE other principal body was compofed and negro colleéted from different parts of the colony, toes, whom they had compelled to join them. The-Mulattoes, flaves the idea of ferving under a Negro General, had refpurning and enrolled themfclves, with forted to the fouthern province, of the country, under their brethren of colour in that part of whom menAndrew Rigaud, a General oftheir own caft, tion VoL. III. 3 E eftimated of about 1,000. chiefly of MulatTHE other principal body was compofed and negro colleéted from different parts of the colony, toes, whom they had compelled to join them. The-Mulattoes, flaves the idea of ferving under a Negro General, had refpurning and enrolled themfclves, with forted to the fouthern province, of the country, under their brethren of colour in that part of whom menAndrew Rigaud, a General oftheir own caft, tion VoL. III. 3 E --- Page 432 --- POSTSCRIPT TO THE HISTORICAL tion has already been made. His army (comprehending alfo fuch oft the lower clafs of white inhabitants of the fouthern and weftern provinces, as found it neceffary, either for their daily fupport, or perfonal proteélion, to enlift under his faid to amount to about 12,000 AK and banner) was ; they declared themfelves in the intereft of the republican government, eftablifhed under the French Direéory. BETWEEN thefe two bodies however, as the reader muft have perceived, there exifted the moft inveterate and rancorous animofity, which had alrcady manifefted itfelf in many CO1lfliéts ; and nothing but the prefence of an invading enemy in the country, reftrained it, in any degree, from procceding to that extremity of civil conteft-a war of utter exterminationin wbich mercy is neither to be given nor accepted. On the departure of the Englith, Touffaint made a publick declaration, figuifying that it was his intention not to leave a Mulatto man alive in the country; and, with refpect to fuch of thefe unhappy people as have fince fallen into bis hands, I am affured. that he has kept his word; not an individual of them has been fpared. Bur, although thefe great faétions were the two moft confiderable, they were not the only bodies of armed men that af. fociated. in this unfortunate country, and aéted without any. co-operation with each other. Separate hordes, compofed of revolted flaves, and ruffians of every defeription, appeared in different parts (chiefly in the northern and weftern provinces) fupporting themfelves by depredation and plunder: Againft the crueltics and enormities committed by thefe parties, the few remaining whites had no means of fafcty, but by purchaf. ing iderable, they were not the only bodies of armed men that af. fociated. in this unfortunate country, and aéted without any. co-operation with each other. Separate hordes, compofed of revolted flaves, and ruffians of every defeription, appeared in different parts (chiefly in the northern and weftern provinces) fupporting themfelves by depredation and plunder: Againft the crueltics and enormities committed by thefe parties, the few remaining whites had no means of fafcty, but by purchaf. ing --- Page 433 --- DOMINGO. SURVEY OF ST. of Touffaint: and thus an extraordinary ing the proteétion vcry chief, whofe original revolution had taken place:-the had checked his the total extirpation of the whites, intent was now become their defender and career of maffacre, and was of brigands prote@or. In the fouthern province were parties excurdefeription, fome of which made piratical of a fimilar many fnall veffels, both fions at fca in canoes, and captured found near the coaft. On American and Englifh, which were the white feamen to inftant thefe occalions, the favages put all found on board, death ; but where any women were unhappily ftate of for carried away with them in a captivity, thefe they made them envy the more immediate purpofes which, perhaps, It muft not be omitted, howfate of the murdered fcamen. proclamation againft that Rigaud publithed an indignant ever, up all fuch of them as were apprethefe pirates, and hanged hended under it. of affairs in St. Domingo, during the SUCH was the ftate thc whole of the years 1796 and latter. part of 1795, and the Britith forces was fo great, 1797, until the mortality among to the fad furvivors, but to as in truth to lcavc no alternative itfelf was difappointretire from a conteft, in which viétory ment and defeat! ! therefore, Brigadier Maitland ON the 22d of April 1798, return to Europe, (who, in confequence of General Whyte's outwards, had and the death of General Nefbit, in his voyage refolution of fucceeded to the chief command) came to the with the towns of Port au Prince and St. Marc, evacuating together with thc parith of Artheir refpeétive dependencies, negociation with cahaye; a meafure which, by a judicious Touffaint, 3 E 2 Brigadier Maitland ON the 22d of April 1798, return to Europe, (who, in confequence of General Whyte's outwards, had and the death of General Nefbit, in his voyage refolution of fucceeded to the chief command) came to the with the towns of Port au Prince and St. Marc, evacuating together with thc parith of Artheir refpeétive dependencies, negociation with cahaye; a meafure which, by a judicious Touffaint, 3 E 2 --- Page 434 --- POSTSCRIPT TO TIIE HISTORICAL Touffaint, he happily cffcéted without lois, and withdrew with the troops to Mole St. Nicholas. THE whole number of white troops, Englith and foreign, at this period in the Britith fervice, under Gencral Maitland's command, did not exceed 2,5c0, including even the fick and: convalefcent. Of the Britifh, not more than I,IOO were left alive. Part of thefe held poffeiiion of Grand Ancc, under Brigadier General Spencer, the remainder embarked with General Maitland for the Mole. THE great importance of the poft at Mole St. Nicholas, to which our troops now retreated, has been pointed out on a former occafion *; but it was alfo remarked, that thc fortifications there, however defenfible they might prove in the cafe of a maritime attack (for which alone they were conftruéted) could not eafily be maintained againft an attempt on the fide of the Jand, being completely commanded by the hills adjacent. This circumftance could not poffibly have efcaped General Maitiand's notice ; for the fame obfervation occurred to myfelf, and muft have occurred to every other man who has vifited the place. Very ferious apprehenfions muft, therefore, have been-f felt, that the Britifh forces would, at no diftant period, be compelled to abandon this poft, as they had abandoned the others. IT is probable that confiderations of this nature induced General Maitland to form the defign of repoffeffing the no lels important poft of Cape Tiburon; which, as the reader has already been told, was taken from the Britifh, by a force ander Rigaud, on thc 23th of December 1794. Itwas thouglt * Hiftorical Survey of St. Domingo, P. 16c. that, forces would, at no diftant period, be compelled to abandon this poft, as they had abandoned the others. IT is probable that confiderations of this nature induced General Maitland to form the defign of repoffeffing the no lels important poft of Cape Tiburon; which, as the reader has already been told, was taken from the Britifh, by a force ander Rigaud, on thc 23th of December 1794. Itwas thouglt * Hiftorical Survey of St. Domingo, P. 16c. that, --- Page 435 --- DOMINGO. SURVEY OF ST. port of Jeremie, and the bay of that, with the neighbouring of Tiburon would Irois, already in our poffeflion, the capture and fecure the command the diftrict of Grand Ance, not only with the Mole St. navigation of the windward paffage, equally but afford alio, in a very confiderable degrec, proNicholas, in cafe the enemy fhould meditate attemptsteétion to Jamaica, that ifand; at the fame timc, it was not inon the coafts of the Mole, but under circumtended, I prefume, to evacuate ftances ofi imperious neceffity. fuch oft the troops as could IN the beginning of june 1798, affembled: be fpared for the intended expedition againft Tiburon, by in the Bay of Irois. The firft brigade was commanded Colonel and Grant, and the fecond by Colonels Spencer under the command of Colonel Stewart; a third brigade, moved forwards by Deffource, confifting of colonial troops, at the fame: land on the rith. The other brigades embarked, with them, contimc, in the iquadron appointed to co-operate Rafter, and Drake, fifting ofthe York, Adventurc, Tourterelle, under the command of Captain Ferrier. conSo far the whole bufinefs feems to have been judicioufly but the duéted, and to have promifed a fuccefsful termination; Owing to the iffues of war are in the hands of the Almighty. found winds, it was impofprevalence of ftrong fouth-cafterly for that purpoie, to effible, after many unavailing attempts the General, not from the fect a landing of the troops; and of the elements,. refiftance of the enemy, but from the rage and return obliged to relinquith the attack, was ultimately St. Nicholas. with the troops to Mole was foon afterTHE failure of this attempt on Tiburon, wards Owing to the iffues of war are in the hands of the Almighty. found winds, it was impofprevalence of ftrong fouth-cafterly for that purpoie, to effible, after many unavailing attempts the General, not from the fect a landing of the troops; and of the elements,. refiftance of the enemy, but from the rage and return obliged to relinquith the attack, was ultimately St. Nicholas. with the troops to Mole was foon afterTHE failure of this attempt on Tiburon, wards --- Page 436 --- POSTSCRIPT TO THE HISTORICAL wards followed by a defign of the enemy on the Mole itfelf. Towards the fummit of one of the hills commanding the Fort, the Britith had eftablifhed a poft of 60 men, chiefly colonial troops. On the z1ft of July this poft was attacked by a horde of brigands, and (to the great aftonifhment of the garrifon below) was carried without much refiftance; the major part of the detachment fationed there, having deferted to the enemy. The few Britifh among them, however, by keeping up a welldireéted retreating fire, reached the garrifon in fafety. BUT the triumph of thc brigands on this occafion was of ihort duration; for the mortars of the garrifon having been brought to play againft the fpot, the enemy was foon driven from the poft, and a detachment of Britifh, under Colonel Stewart, again took poffeffion ofit. A MORE daring attempt however was made, about the fame time, at another poft called thc Gorge, where the brigands appeared in great force; and although, by the gallantry and good conduét of the troops fent againft them, they were finally repulfed, their defeat was not affected without an obftinate refiftance on their part, and confiderable lofs on ours. Ir was now evident to every man, that, unlefs poffefion could be obtained of thc fiurrounding hills, and a chain of ftrong pofts, with lines of great extent, eftablifhed on their fummits, it was not within the reach ofhuman fkill, or human courage, to preferve the garrifon itfelf from deftruction, in the event of a Aill more formidable attack from the enemy, of which the garrifon was in hourly expcétation. For the ereétion of fuch works and defences, General Maitland, whatever might have been his withes, certainly did not poffefs urrounding hills, and a chain of ftrong pofts, with lines of great extent, eftablifhed on their fummits, it was not within the reach ofhuman fkill, or human courage, to preferve the garrifon itfelf from deftruction, in the event of a Aill more formidable attack from the enemy, of which the garrifon was in hourly expcétation. For the ereétion of fuch works and defences, General Maitland, whatever might have been his withes, certainly did not poffefs --- Page 437 --- SURVEY OF ST. DOMINGO. neither had he troops enough to poffefs the neceffary means; had been within his reach. man them, even if the mcans remained to therefore, that no fort ofalternative IT is plain, but to confider of a fpeedy General Maitland on this occafion, veterans; and and fecure retreat for the wreck of his worn-out which, after five bloody years to abandon for ever a country, has furnifhed its invaders of hopelefs warfare within its borders, of about enough, and no more, for the graves with juft fpace facrificed to the vain projeét 20,000 brave foldiers and feamen, it, we muft which, after obtaining of feizing 011 a territory, ! have newly peopled, to render it produétive month of Oétober retreat General Maitland, in the SUCH a Of the mcans by which it was ac1798, happily effeêted*. which it is believed were cemplifhed, and the arrangements chief Touffaint, madc, about the fame time, with the negro of the ofthe Britifh trade, and the fecurity forthe future fafety ofthe world, Ican give no certain Britifh poffeflions in this part the king's minifinformation to my readers. On thofe points, ters thofe at the Grand Ance under Colonel Spencer, * The troops at the Mole, and altogether to one thoufand. The were removed to Jamaica, They did not amount Williamfen were difhanded, and the men. negro regiments embodied by General This meafure was, Ibelieve, left to difpofe of themfelves as they thought proper. circumftance to behold this fine body unavoidable; neverthelefs, it was a mortifying neceffity to join the enemy. They were of men turned adrift, and compelled by had been trained up to arms with furpurchaled originally at a prodigious expence; and without doubt, when prifing fuccels; werc proud of their charaéter as foldiers; fuited lof any in the world for the kept in conftant employment, were troops the dependance beft might be placed on the procountry and climate. WVhether any great of inen in time of peace, or on their per fubordination and loyalty of fuch a body in cafes where n white fidelity in time ofwar, with pcople oftheir own caft, I will (and not venture to decide,- troops could be brought to co-operate with them) prifing fuccels; werc proud of their charaéter as foldiers; fuited lof any in the world for the kept in conftant employment, were troops the dependance beft might be placed on the procountry and climate. WVhether any great of inen in time of peace, or on their per fubordination and loyalty of fuch a body in cafes where n white fidelity in time ofwar, with pcople oftheir own caft, I will (and not venture to decide,- troops could be brought to co-operate with them) --- Page 438 --- POSTSCRIPT TO THE HISTORICAL ters have hitherto withheld all manner of communication. Enough isknown, however, (and more than enough) to demonftrate to every unprejudiced mind, that the final evacuation of molt parts ofSt. Domingo, was not a matter of mere prudence and diferetion, but of abfolute and uncontroulable neceffity. To have attempted the further profecution of offenfive war 112 this deroted country, (after fuch experience as five years had already furnifhed) would have argued, not merelv an unwarrantable exceis of miftaken zeal in the minds ofits conduétors; but the pitiable and impotent rage ofincurable infanity! AND thus terminated this moft difaftrous enterprize againft St. Domingo. Neverthelef, dreadful as the confequences of it have proved, I am perfuaded that no human being was ever actuated on any occalion by motives more pure and patriotic, than was General Williamfon on this. Certainly it was On bis recommendation and advice that the project was originally adopted by government; and if, in this cafe, he erred in his judgment, concerning perions and circumftances, even his errors proceeded from his virtues. Unfifpicious in his nature, and incapable of deception himicif, he miftrufted not the fraudulent views and arrogant pretentions of others. Here indeed he failed. It was his misfortune to place too great reliance OI1 the venal and unfounded aflurances ofa few adventurers from St. Domingo; men, who had neither property nor confideration in that ifland, nor any fort of authority from the refident planters, to invite a Britith invafion. It was this ill-placed confidence that induced General Williamfon to recommend the meafure to the king's minifters; and afterwards, Onl receiving their fanétion, fo undertake the conduét ofit himfelf, with means fo infinitely difproportioned was his misfortune to place too great reliance OI1 the venal and unfounded aflurances ofa few adventurers from St. Domingo; men, who had neither property nor confideration in that ifland, nor any fort of authority from the refident planters, to invite a Britith invafion. It was this ill-placed confidence that induced General Williamfon to recommend the meafure to the king's minifters; and afterwards, Onl receiving their fanétion, fo undertake the conduét ofit himfelf, with means fo infinitely difproportioned --- Page 439 --- OF ST. DOMINGO. SURVEY that and difcomdifproportioned to the end, difappointment Let me fiture were its neceflary and natural confequences. pecuniary at the fame time, that inftead of fecuring any add, General Williamfon injured his private advantage to himfelf, of this very fervice. His health fortune, in the profecution was the facrifice, and poverty his reward! will hereafter, TnE hiftory of this unfortunate experiment They furnifh a profitable leffon to men in power. itis hoped, danger of giving a willing ear, may learn from'it the extreme of defigning foreigners, in time of war, to the reprefentations of the great body of concerning the difpofition and principles from which and the ftate of the country their countrymen, to the purpofe) they have (whether unjuftly or not is nothing fair and impartial report probably bcen driven. To expeêt a that the human from fuch men, in fuch a cafe, were to fuppofe credulity has mind has changed its charaéter. This unhappy feature in the conduét ofthe prefent war, been a diftinguithed proof of its and the cafe of St. Domingo affords a melancholy effeéls. which I have given, will likewife furnifh adTHE account cafes already recorded in hiftory, ditional confirmation to the war, for demonftrating the fatal folly of profecuting aggreflive Weft Indies. ofterritory, in the climate ofthe the acquifition of human life in fuch enterprifes, is The dreadful expence that the moft fplendid viétory beyond all the compenfation is uplifted againft can afford: The hand of-Omnipotence has ever made the meafure, and no one nation on carth afterwards to without having had occafion the attempt, F lament VoL. III. --- Page 440 --- POSTSCRIPT TO THE HISTORICAL lament- its commencement, and to deplore its confequences *, SucH are the refledtions and obfervations which have curred to me on this painful With OCof a lefs topick. a few remarks general, but, perhaps, of no lefs interefting a nature, I thall quit the fubjedt. So long as the two great parties which how exift in St.. Domingo, thall continue the profecution ofcivil warfare each other, there is not, I fuppofe, much againft danger to bc ap- * C Ix thefe adventures, obferves Mr. Burke, it is not an we have to vanquifh, but a cemetery to acquire. In carrying on war in enemy the the hoftile fword. is merciful : the country itfelf is the dreadful Weft Indies, European conqueror finds a cruel defeat in the very fruits of his enemy:-there fuccefs, the advantage is but a new demand for recruits to the Weit Indian Every hear alfo on this fubject the Poet of the Seafons : grave." Let us < Then suefefulforth Waiks the dire power 4 pefilent difef; Sick natare blafting 5 and to heartles wse Anifeible defiations ceRing down The touaring hapes, and all the prideef man ! Such as oflate a: Carthagera quench'd The BrinijofreGallant Vernam Jazu The mifrable fenes, Heard migbtly plung'd amid thefalon waves. Thefreguent carfein THOMSON. This miferable fcene, however, bas been frequently repeated fince the of Carthagenz. It was exhibited at the Havannah in fiege and lately in the Windward Iflands but 1762; at the river St.Juan, and effect than in St. Domingo, ; no where, I believe, with greater force prehended, ench'd The BrinijofreGallant Vernam Jazu The mifrable fenes, Heard migbtly plung'd amid thefalon waves. Thefreguent carfein THOMSON. This miferable fcene, however, bas been frequently repeated fince the of Carthagenz. It was exhibited at the Havannah in fiege and lately in the Windward Iflands but 1762; at the river St.Juan, and effect than in St. Domingo, ; no where, I believe, with greater force prehended, --- Page 441 --- OF ST. DOMINGO. SURVEY that either ofthem will have. leifure to make many prehended; Britith trading in that part of depredations on the fhipping the coafts of the the world, or any very ferious attempts on however, iflands. This ftate of things cannot, neighbouring duration. The war is of too violent a nature be of extenfive and it is probable the firft general conflié to laft many years; ofthe two contending faétions. will decide the fate of one to have at prefent By the laft accounts, Touffaint appears more numerous His army is undoubtedly the fisperiority. but I fufpect it is worfe appointed and than that of Rigaud ; the advantage provided. The Mulattoes too have infinitely difthe blacks in point of general knowledge and military of himfelfisa man of fagacity and expcrience ; cipline. Rigaud attending the Mulattocs but above all, there is this circumltancea the fcale in their favour) (which I thipk muft ultimately turn and are well affured that they have no poffibility of retreat, to a muft either fubdue their enemies, or perijfo thenifelves they therefore is, that the Mulattoes will fnally man. My opinion of all the fea coaft, and the cultivateable parts become mafters negroes feek a refuge in the ofthe country; and the fugitive diftriéts. If fuch (hall be the termountainous and-interior civil conteft in.St. Domingo, the mination of the prefent eye to its own fafety. Hland of Jamaica muft have a vigilant will be expofed to Its trade, both outwards and homewards, over the Windand fach devaftation may be fpread capture ; of banditti coming thither in open ward parifhes, by-hordes may defrom the fouthern parts of St. Domingo,-as canocs befere the fquadron at Port Royal ftroy the labour of years, the inhabitants. Of this fmalleft afliftance to can give.the impending prefent eye to its own fafety. Hland of Jamaica muft have a vigilant will be expofed to Its trade, both outwards and homewards, over the Windand fach devaftation may be fpread capture ; of banditti coming thither in open ward parifhes, by-hordes may defrom the fouthern parts of St. Domingo,-as canocs befere the fquadron at Port Royal ftroy the labour of years, the inhabitants. Of this fmalleft afliftance to can give.the impending --- Page 442 --- POSTSCRIPT, &zc. impending danger to Jamaica, the Britith government is without doubt fufficiently apprized, and I believe that meafures are in contemplation how beft to avert the threatened evil. I will venture however to pronounce, from circumfiances within my own knowledge, that nothing can afford folid and permanent fecurity to Jamaica, but tranquillity at home, Let peace be re-eftablifhed between England and France, and all apprchenfions from St. Domingo will vanith. The Mulattoes having, after a long and bloody Aruggle, eftablifhed their 4 claim to all the rights of French citizens, have now nothing to defire but to be confidered and acknowledged as faithful fubjeêts of France ; and if the French government, whatever form it may hereafter affume, entertains the moft diftant hope of reftoring, in any degree, order and fubordination in the country ; and of deriving any advantage from it as a colony, it will receive them as fuch ; and avail itfelf of their fervices in fuppreffing the remains of revolt and rebellion throughout the ifland. Peace therefore between England and France will convert the Mulattocs of St. Domingo from formidable enemies, into harmlefs and inoffenfive neighbours to the Britifth Weft Indies; for it will not then be any longer the bufinefs of our fleets and armies to heighten and extend the miferies of war on this theatre of bloodfhed, and thus invite retaliation on our own poffeffions. If indeed Grcat Britain judges rightly, fhe will confider the reftoration of order in St. Domingo, as the only certain pledge of future fecurity to her Weft Indian colonies. HISTORY Mulattocs of St. Domingo from formidable enemies, into harmlefs and inoffenfive neighbours to the Britifth Weft Indies; for it will not then be any longer the bufinefs of our fleets and armies to heighten and extend the miferies of war on this theatre of bloodfhed, and thus invite retaliation on our own poffeffions. If indeed Grcat Britain judges rightly, fhe will confider the reftoration of order in St. Domingo, as the only certain pledge of future fecurity to her Weft Indian colonies. HISTORY --- Page 443 --- 403 1 H I S T C ) R Y OF THE W A R IN THE WEST INDIES, IN FEBRUARY 1793FROM ITS COMMEXCEMENT CHAPTER I. Obfervations.- -Commencement of tbe War.-Capture Preliminary Attempt againf Murdises-Daturmisatia dHabngamPranliyp. Miniftry tbercon, and confeguent Preparations sfor a ef tbe Britifs to tbe Wef Indies.-Sir CHARLES large Armament to be fent to the Commandeftbe Land. Forces, ,and SirJoHN GREY appointed JERVIS to tbe Command of the Fleet-New Arrangement. has made himfelf acquainted with the hiftory CHAP.I I. WHoet oft the Weft Indian Iflands, cannot fail to have obferved ) Preliminary that, whenever the nations of Europe are engaged, from what- Oblervations. caufe, in war with cach other, thofe unhappy countries are ever made the theatre of its operations. Thither the conftantly combatants repair, as to the arena, to decide their differences; and the miferable planters, who are never the caufe, are always the viétims of the conteft ! Britain When, at the pacification of 1763, the claims of Great and France to the neutral Iands of St. Lucia, Tobago, St. Vinand Dominica, were adjufted by a divifion of the fpoil, many cent, G circumftances VoL.III. --- Page 444 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP. I. circumfances concurred to induce a that the ) hopc, contending Preliminary parties would remain fatisfed with their booty, and not haftily Obfervations, involve the world again in devaftation and bloodfhed. One ofthe caufes cfformer contefts between France and England (the claim to thofe Ifands) having been removed, there was certainly reafon to fuppofe that the remembrance of recent calamities, the preffure of poverty, and the various other diftreffes which the war had brought on all the belligerent powers, were circumftances highly favourable to a continuance of the peace. Fhe fhort experience oft ten years proved the fallacy of this expeétation. The martial fpirit of Great Britain fickened for employment; and pretences being wanting for direéting it towards her ancient enemies, it was turned, in an evilhour, againft her own fubjeéts sin North America. Wife men forefaw and predicted, that the reftlefs and intriguing genius of France would not allow that kingdom to continue an indifferent fpectator of fuch a conteft. Accordingly, in the year 1778, the rufhed into another war with England, without even affeding to have fuftaincd the fhadow of provocation; and the confequence of her injuftice, and our infanity, was the loifs not only ofthofe of the Sugar Iflands, which had been 2ffigned to us in 1763, but of almoit all the reft ; the difinemberment ofthe empire, and a ccmbination of dangers from which, at one moment, death feemed our only refuge. Of the capture of the Sugar Iflands in that war, and their reforation to Great Britain, at the peace of 1783, Ihave fufliciently treated cliewhere. America alone derived advantage from the conteft. As the French had engaged in the war without provocation, fo they retired from the field, not only without benefit, but with manifeft lofs. They contracted an enormous debt, to the payment of which their ordinary revenues were inadequate; ; and perhaps a ccmbination of dangers from which, at one moment, death feemed our only refuge. Of the capture of the Sugar Iflands in that war, and their reforation to Great Britain, at the peace of 1783, Ihave fufliciently treated cliewhere. America alone derived advantage from the conteft. As the French had engaged in the war without provocation, fo they retired from the field, not only without benefit, but with manifeft lofs. They contracted an enormous debt, to the payment of which their ordinary revenues were inadequate; ; and perhaps --- Page 445 --- THE WEST INDIES. W A R IN than to any other, the ruin cf CHAP.I. perhaps to this circumftance, morc be attributed. So their ancient government muft immediately it is Preliminary of our great dramatic poct (and Obfrvations. true Îs the obfervation that equally applicable to nations and to individuals) Even handed juftice Commends th' ingredients cf our poifon'd chalice, SHAKESPEARE. To our own lips. fpeculating in his clofet, it might feem that To a philofopher, fail to both as a terrible example, fuch an event could not nations operate of the earth; but above all and a profitable leffon, to the thing to lofe, and nothofe few envied ftates who have every to in their fituation. Pofterity will either thing to gain, by a change or doubt its fidelity, which mourn over that page of our hiftory, the the melancholy truth that, in the year 1792, gofhall record to learn wifdom from the vernment of Great Britain (too proud the fame infamisfortunes of others) adopted towards France, of conduét which, a few years before, the French tuated line under the fame circumftances, had purfued government, nearly Our conduct was fimilar; may the mercy towards Great Britain. from us a fmilar iffue ! of Divine Providence avert thus renewed (firft proclaimed, Iadmit, on the part February W AR being by the rafh councils and im- 1793. of France, but provoked undoubtedly the Weft Indies perious language of the Britifh Adminiftration,) Great the fcene of military enterprize 9 and became, as ufual, it might be called) Britain had the advantage (if an advantage a the firit onfet. On the ioth of February 1793, of making notice had been received of the French declafew days only after tranfmitted to Major General ration of war, direétions were Cuyler, 3G2 h councils and im- 1793. of France, but provoked undoubtedly the Weft Indies perious language of the Britifh Adminiftration,) Great the fcene of military enterprize 9 and became, as ufual, it might be called) Britain had the advantage (if an advantage a the firit onfet. On the ioth of February 1793, of making notice had been received of the French declafew days only after tranfmitted to Major General ration of war, direétions were Cuyler, 3G2 --- Page 446 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP.I. Cuyler, the commander in chief of the Britith troops in the ) Windward Iflands, and to Sir John Laforey, who commanded in 1793- the naval department, to attempt the reduction of Tobago. As moft of the proprietors in that Ifland were Englith, it was foppofed that an Englith armament would be favourably received by the inhabitants ; and the event juftified this expeétation. The Ifland furrendered, without any great ftruggle, on the 17th of April. Of the territory thus re-annexed to the Britith dominion, I fhall give the beft account I am able to collect in a fubiequent Chapter. At prefent I am unwilling to interrupt the narrative of military tranfactions, by difquifitions either on its paft hiftory, or its prefent importance ; and Thall therefore proceed to the next attempt of the Britith forces in this partoft the world, which I am forry to obferve had a lefs favourable termination. It was an attack on Martinico ; an enterprize of great magnitude; for the labours and ingenuity of man had co-operated with the hand of nature, in rendering that Ifland one of the ftrongeft countries in the world. In 1759, it had fuccefsfully refifted a formidable Britifh armament of ten thips of the line, befides frigates and bomb ketches, having on board 5.800 regular troops 3 and although the Iland farrendered three years afterwards, to a much fuperior force, yet thc gallant and vigorous refiftance which the garrifon was enabled to make cn that occafion, for upwards of three weeks, ought furely to have induced great caution and confideration with regard to future expeditions againit a country fo amply provided, both by nature and art, with the means of defence. In the prefent conjundlure, the whole of the Britith force in the Windward Iflands, was known and allowed to be, of itfelf, vaftly ed three years afterwards, to a much fuperior force, yet thc gallant and vigorous refiftance which the garrifon was enabled to make cn that occafion, for upwards of three weeks, ought furely to have induced great caution and confideration with regard to future expeditions againit a country fo amply provided, both by nature and art, with the means of defence. In the prefent conjundlure, the whole of the Britith force in the Windward Iflands, was known and allowed to be, of itfelf, vaftly --- Page 447 --- WEST INDIES. W AR IN THE CHAPL the in view ; but fuch reprefentations vaftly inadequate to object concerning the difaf- 1793throughout the army, had been fpread the inhabitants of all the French feétion of the greater part of recently efablifhed iflands to-vards thc republican government, belief of their monarchy, as to create a very general on the ruins Britifh armament before the capitel of that the appearance of a immediate farrender. GeMartinico, would alone produce an command of our troops had neral Bruce, on whom the chief affured by a deputation from devolved in the interim, was indeed that 66 a body of £oo rethe principal planters of the Iland all pofwould be more than fufficient to overcome gular troops, fible refiftance." the General himfelf informed ths Thefe reprefentations (as with admiral minifters) induced him, in conjunêtion forces have king's the expedition ; and the land Gardner, to undertake the armament arrived off ing been embarked in the ihips of war, On the 16th the Britith Capc Navire on the Iith of June 1793. their landing; and eleven hundred, made good troops, in number been joined bya body of St. Pierre, -catimaiete having poft within five miles took poffeffion of a very ftrong the two forts which the General's intention to attack and I it being however did not fucceed, defended that town. The plan account of the that I am unable to furnith a fatisfaclory have been regret Whatever information might caufes of its failure. the commander in chief to gocontained in the difpatches from to the public lies in vernment, all that has been communicated the fubitantial part in the narrow compafs, and I thall repeat a 64 The of the 18th (he cbferves) General's own words : morning and we were to move forward 66 was the time fixed for the attack, of the Britith troops, the 6€ in two columns, the one confifting K other faclory have been regret Whatever information might caufes of its failure. the commander in chief to gocontained in the difpatches from to the public lies in vernment, all that has been communicated the fubitantial part in the narrow compafs, and I thall repeat a 64 The of the 18th (he cbferves) General's own words : morning and we were to move forward 66 was the time fixed for the attack, of the Britith troops, the 6€ in two columns, the one confifting K other --- Page 448 --- HISTORY O de F THE CHAP.I ce other ofthe French Royalifts : and for this purpofe, the 1793. ce were put in motion before day break; but, unfortunately, troops fome cc alarm having taken place amongft the royalifts, in a ec they began, mifake, firing on one another, and their commander fe- €6 vercly wounded on the occafion, his being troops were 66 andi inftantly retired to the poft from which they had difconcerted, marched." cE This conduet (continues the General) ftrongly proved that no 66 dependance could be placed on the royalits, and that the attack c6 againft St. Pierre, muft have been carried on folely the Bri- €6 by tith troops, to which their numbers were not equal. were They therefore ordered to return to their former pofts, from whence €6 they re-embarked; &cc." This is the whole, or nearly the whole, of what the Britifh adminiftration thought proper to furnith for the gratification of the public curiofity, concerning the conduét and failure of this unfortunate expedition; and indeed it is fufficient to demonftrate, that the ftrong affurances which had been given, and the fanguine expectations which had been formed, of fupport and affiftance from the greater part of the French inhabitants, confifting in the whole of upwards of 10,000 whites, were not juftified by the event. It redeéts therefore great honour on the liberal and humane difpofition of the Britith commander, that they did not fuffer the difappointment which they muft have felt on this occafion, to operate to the difadvantage of thofe of the French planters, by whom fuch affurances were held forth, and who, though miftaken as to their countrymen, manifefted the fincerity of their own profeffions by their fubfequent conduct. c6 As they would certainly have fallen victims, ) obferves General Bruce, C6 to the implacable malignity of the republican party, as 4 foon as we quitted the ifland it became in a manner incumbent which they muft have felt on this occafion, to operate to the difadvantage of thofe of the French planters, by whom fuch affurances were held forth, and who, though miftaken as to their countrymen, manifefted the fincerity of their own profeffions by their fubfequent conduct. c6 As they would certainly have fallen victims, ) obferves General Bruce, C6 to the implacable malignity of the republican party, as 4 foon as we quitted the ifland it became in a manner incumbent 66 on --- Page 449 --- IN THE WEST INDIES. 41I WAR of the national charaéter, to ufe our utmoft CHAP.L a 6 on us, in fupport people from the fhore 5 and al- 17936 exertions to bring thefe unhappy juch veffels as could be 6 though the neceflity of imprefing from the merchant veffels, e6 found, and the purchefing provifions neverthelefs ventured I have uponit, 4 willincur 2 great expence, the and humane difpofi66 trufting for myjitification to generous fimilar occafions. We 46 tion exhibited by the Britith nation on from the in embarking thefe people 6 were therefore employed 66 rgth to the 21ft;" &cc. 8cc. the Britifh miniNotwithflanding this difcouraging account, mifcarriage, intelligence of general Bruce's fters, on receiving called upon to vindicate the confidered themfelves imperioufly enterprifes of greater magnitude honour of the Englith arms, by fend thither, forthwith, in the fame quartcr. They refolved to force already in as, in addition to the Britifh fuch an armament, fhould be fufficient not only for the conqueft of the Weft Indics, the from every one of Martinico, but even cc to diflodge enemy dein that part of the world:" Such was their their poffeflions claration. to that part of the king's domiThe neceffity of difpatching admit ofdoubt. reinforcement, could notindeed nions a confiderable of many of our fugar iflands, renor delay. The prefervation but the queftion whether it dered (uch a meafure indifpenfables to profecute offenwith prudence and gocd policy was confiftent rather than cenfine our attention folely five war in that quarter, territories there, involves in it many to the defence of the Britifh A few refleétions which have great and weighty confiderations. be found towards the conclufion. occurred to me on this head will of my narrative, whether wifely or not, was the fyftem apSuch, however, proved the queftion whether it dered (uch a meafure indifpenfables to profecute offenwith prudence and gocd policy was confiftent rather than cenfine our attention folely five war in that quarter, territories there, involves in it many to the defence of the Britifh A few refleétions which have great and weighty confiderations. be found towards the conclufion. occurred to me on this head will of my narrative, whether wifely or not, was the fyftem apSuch, however, proved --- Page 450 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAPI proved by the Britifh minifters; and it muft I think be admitted - - that, ifa war of conqueft in the Weft Indics was, at all hazards, 1793. a propcr and juftifiable mcafure, the comprehenfive plan, which embraced the wholc poffeftions of the French in the windward illands, originated in found policy : certainly it was wife, either to attempt the conqucft cf all of them, or to leave all of them unmolefted. Every man who is acquainted with the relative fituation of the French and Eritith colonies in thofe iflands, the condition of cach, and their aflinity to each other, will allow that, in this cafe, there was no medium. It muft likewife be admitted; that the preparations which the minifters caufed to be made, in confequence of this determination, correfponded to the magnitude and extent of their views. Orders were iflucd for the immediate cmbarkation of fourtecn regiments of infantry, confifting of near eleven thoufand men 3 a fcet compofed of four firlt rate Ahips cf war and nine frigates, befides floops, bomb ketches, and tranfports, was appointed to convey them to the fcenc of action, and aft in conjunction with them. And that no poffiblc doubt might arife in the public mind concerning thc judicious application of this great armament to its proper objeôt, the whole was placed under the direétion of two of the moft diftinguifhed oflicers which any age or nation has produced; the chief command being afigned to Sir CHARLES GREY, Gencral of the land forces; and the naval dcpartment to vice-admiral Sir JoHN JERVIS. Neither muft it pafs unobferved, in juftice to the different public offices of this kingdom, that the whole was ready for its departure in lefs than three months after the receipt of General Bruce's difpatches. How much it is to be lamented that this great and decifive plan was not perfifted in to the laft, the circumftances which I fhall ; the chief command being afigned to Sir CHARLES GREY, Gencral of the land forces; and the naval dcpartment to vice-admiral Sir JoHN JERVIS. Neither muft it pafs unobferved, in juftice to the different public offices of this kingdom, that the whole was ready for its departure in lefs than three months after the receipt of General Bruce's difpatches. How much it is to be lamented that this great and decifive plan was not perfifted in to the laft, the circumftances which I fhall --- Page 451 --- IN THE WEST INDIES. W. AR demonftrate. It is with CHAP. I. Abali hercafter record, will mournfully before Sir Charles Grey ex- 1794pain I relate, that a few days only which no leis peéked to fail, a new arrangement was made, by under his orders, than 4,6c0 cf the troops that had been placed fervice ; detached from the reft, and employed on another were to the General, by intimating that it the minifters apologizing all the objeéts for which was not expeéted ofhim to accomplifh neceffary. the more extenfive armament had been judged be that this unexpected Although it cannot cafily fuppoled which was diminution of bis army, any more than the apology was it which it was evident that the original plan made for (by could be matter of fatisfaction to the abandoned by government) in the meafure; commander in chief, yet he Glently acquiefced honourably and and, as the fecretary of ftate afterwards very < did neverobferved in the Houfe of Commons, handfomely all the conquefls which were in contemplation 4 thelefs complete of his force had taken place." <6 before any reduction therefore will naturally be, that The rcader's firft impreflion employed than was allotted for although a lefs force was aÉtually by the the deficiency was abundantly fupplied this expedition, and and the wifdom and defpirit and energy of the army the navy, in view being fully cifion of the commanders ; that objects though with lefs means than were at firft fuggefted, obtained, in truth carried into fuil effect ; and of the original fyftem was by fubfequent courfe the reduétion of the army, juftified events. can be fupported, the fequel will fhew. How far this reafoning with a detail of military I fhall procced in the next chapter tranfactions in the order they occurred. VoL. III. 3. H , in view being fully cifion of the commanders ; that objects though with lefs means than were at firft fuggefted, obtained, in truth carried into fuil effect ; and of the original fyftem was by fubfequent courfe the reduétion of the army, juftified events. can be fupported, the fequel will fhew. How far this reafoning with a detail of military I fhall procced in the next chapter tranfactions in the order they occurred. VoL. III. 3. H --- Page 452 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAPTER II.* Sir Cbarles Grey arrives at Barbadoes, andfmilsfr the Aitack - Martinico. Proceedings efibe Army and Nacy, until tbe Sur- ef render of tbat Hand. CHAP.II. N the 26th of November 1793, the armament, reduced as January 1 was ftated in thelatter partof the preceding Chapter, failed 1794. from St. Helen's, and on the 6th of January, 1794, the fquadron caft anchor in Carlifle Bay, in the ifland of Barbadoes: It was afterwards reinforced by the Afia, of 64 guns, and fome additional frigates. After a month's ftay at Barbadoes (an interval which was ufefully employed in preparing gun-boats, in training the. feamen for land fervice, and in attendance on the fick) the fquadron failed for the attack of Martinico; having on board, of land forces (including a detachment of negro dragoons) 6,085 effeétive men. February On Wednefday, the sth of February, the flect approached the 1794. South-Eaftern coaft of that ifland, and the General (having vioufly made the neceffary arrangements with Sir John Jervis) pre- divided *It is proper to obferve that moft of what is related in this chapter, concerning the proccedings of the army and navy, inthe attack and conqueft of Martinico, is copied from the public difpatches of the refpective commanders. The few particulars which I have interwoven, in fome places, and added in others, are derived partly from the comprehenfive and circumftantial account which w2S pubhfhed by the Rev. Cocper Willyams; and partly from private communications from oficers who were in adlual fervice in this campaign, I hzve.arranged the whole after my own manner, in the view (as I hoped) of giving the detail greater clearnefs and perfpicuity, than can be expested from dipatches written commonly in great hafte on thc fpur of tbe moment. ome places, and added in others, are derived partly from the comprehenfive and circumftantial account which w2S pubhfhed by the Rev. Cocper Willyams; and partly from private communications from oficers who were in adlual fervice in this campaign, I hzve.arranged the whole after my own manner, in the view (as I hoped) of giving the detail greater clearnefs and perfpicuity, than can be expested from dipatches written commonly in great hafte on thc fpur of tbe moment. --- Page 453 --- WEST INDIES. WAR IN THE with a viewtoland them CHAP.II. vided the army into three detachments, Thefe were Gallion bay, and diftinét quarters. on the 1794. at three feparate Cafe de Navires nearly oppofite, on the Northern coaft, the South-Eaft. The firft South, and Trois Rivieres towards General Dundas, the fedetachment was commanded by Major and the third by the Genecond by Colonel Sir Charles Gordon, General Prefcott. The mearal himfelf, affifted by Lieutenant the enemy to divide his well concerted; for by inducing fure was Briti(h to effect their landing at each place, force, it enabled the with very little lofs. Major General Dundas, with On the evening ofthe fame day, Thomfon and his divihis detachment, efcorted by Commodorc Faulkner in the Zebra fion, arrived off the bay of Gallion: Capt. on Point a' drove the enemy from a battery led, and immediately without further oppofChaux. The troops then difembarked of Trinité, and halted for about three miles from the town but tion, they began their march, the night. Early the next morning by a fire of muiketry annoyed in their progrefs were fomewhat where a body of the enemy lay concealed. from the cane-fields, to take Morne Le Brun, a frong The aim of the Major Gen. was over the town. This poft, fituated on an eminence immediately Lieut. Col, Craddock he happily effedted, and inftantly detaching and Major Evatt with with the fecond battalion of grenadiers, attack Trinité fort, the enethree companies of light-infantry, to of it, with the cannon and fled, and our troops took poffefion himfelf at the fame my Commodore Thompfon poffeffed deftores. harbour, but the town itfelf was time of the veffels in the the popularleader oft the Muftroyed by the enemy; for Bellegarde, fort bearing his own name, malattoes, being obliged to evacuate'a and the beft part ofthe licioufly fct fire to Trinité as he retired, houfes, 3 112 try, to of it, with the cannon and fled, and our troops took poffefion himfelf at the fame my Commodore Thompfon poffeffed deftores. harbour, but the town itfelf was time of the veffels in the the popularleader oft the Muftroyed by the enemy; for Bellegarde, fort bearing his own name, malattoes, being obliged to evacuate'a and the beft part ofthe licioufly fct fire to Trinité as he retired, houfes, 3 112 --- Page 454 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP.II, houfes, with a quantity of ftores - / the flames. of all kinds, were confumed by 1794. On the evening of the 7th, Major Gen. Dundas, Skirrett and a party of marines to command leaving Major ceeded with his brigade to Gros at Trinité fort, proMorne, a fituation of great im. portance, commanding the principal pafs betwcen the Northern and Southern parts of the ifland; but although the fortifications were frongand extenfive, the Major Gen. found the place entirely evacuated, the enemy having retired at his approach. ward again, the Major Gen. on the 9th, took Puthing forfituation called Bruneau, about poffeflion of a frong two leagues North of Fort Bourbon, the enemy retreating as before. From thence, Dundas detachedLieut. Col, Craddcck with three Major Gsn. nadiers to feize Fort Matilde, which covered companics ofgrea good within two miles ofhis left, and where the landing able force;buton Lieut. Col. enemy appeered in confiderthe place. Ofthis poft the Briti(h Cradock.sappreach, they evacuated troops, being reinforced with a company of grenadiers, held quiet poffefion that and the whole of the enfuing day; but in thenight between night, the and Iith, they were attacked by 800 of the Icth command of Bellegarde, the Mulatto General. enemy, under the ratlier taken by furprize; but Our treops were recovering themfelves, the was totally repulfed, and compelled to take fhelter in Fort enemy Bourbon. In this action Capt. M-Ewen of the 38th, and feven vates were killed, and nineteen wounded. priCol. Sir Charles Gordon, with the brigade under his mand, was not able to make goodhis landing at Cafe dc Navires combut on the morning of the 8th he landed at Cafe Pilotte; finding that the enemy were mafters of the great road and when the heights above it, he made a circuitows movement through the mountains, themfelves, the was totally repulfed, and compelled to take fhelter in Fort enemy Bourbon. In this action Capt. M-Ewen of the 38th, and feven vates were killed, and nineteen wounded. priCol. Sir Charles Gordon, with the brigade under his mand, was not able to make goodhis landing at Cafe dc Navires combut on the morning of the 8th he landed at Cafe Pilotte; finding that the enemy were mafters of the great road and when the heights above it, he made a circuitows movement through the mountains, --- Page 455 --- WEST INDIES. WAR IN THE day-break of the gth, he had CHAP.T. mountains, and afcended until, by poft in unmolefted by the enemy, the moft commanding 1794. gained, Col. Myers, defeending from theheights, that part of the country: eflablifhed by the enetook poffetfion of 1,a Chapelle, and a poft through very above it. On his return the column proceeded, La Haye; my the of Berne, above Ance dillicult ground, to heights fire in the mean time from the the enemy keeping a conftant Charles Gordon had now a pofibatteries of St. Catharine. Sir with the tranfports ; tion which gave him an eafy communication the battery and works at St. when on the 12th, obferving that the firft ravine, were Catharine, and the pofts which guarded of them, while abandoned by the enemy, he took poffeflion and the fortywith five companies of grenadiers, Col. Myers, ravines up, and feized all the third regiment, croffed four higher The enemy now fled on batteries by which they were defended. of the five batfide, and our troops were foon in poffeftion then every Cas de Navires and Fort Royal. They proteries between of Gentilly, La Cofte, and LaArceeded and occupied the pofts chet, within aleague of Fort Bourbon. chief, with Lieut. Gen. In the meanwhile, the commanderin which had landed at Trois Prefcott, and that part of the army difficult country, had marched from thence acrofs a very Riviers, entered the town ofthe fame name, fituatto theriver Saleé, and On the march, Brigadier Gen. ed on the banks of the river. battalion of light-infantry, was detached with the fecond in Whyte batteries of Cape Solomon and Point a Burgos, to force the or Pigeon Iland, of Iflet aux Ramicres, order to obtain poffeffion of which was necefiary to objeét, the attainment an important into the harbour of Fort Royal. Thofe enable our thips to get and the Brigadier Gen. being batteries were accordingly ftormed, reinforced adier Gen. ed on the banks of the river. battalion of light-infantry, was detached with the fecond in Whyte batteries of Cape Solomon and Point a Burgos, to force the or Pigeon Iland, of Iflet aux Ramicres, order to obtain poffeffion of which was necefiary to objeét, the attainment an important into the harbour of Fort Royal. Thofe enable our thips to get and the Brigadier Gen. being batteries were accordingly ftormed, reinforced --- Page 456 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP. II. reinforced with a detachment of Royal and Irifh artillery and 1794. 200 feamen, fent Col. Symes with the feamen, and two companies of the Isth regiment, to afcend the heights, and take poffeffion of Mount Matharine, which commanded Pigeon Ifland at the diftance of 400 yards. This was happily accomplidhed on the 9th, and batteries ercéted on it. Thefe were completed during the night of the roth, and on Tuefiay morning, the Irth, they were opened, and fo well pointed and inceffant a fire was kept up, under the direétion of Capt. Pratt of the Irith artillery, that in two hours the garrifon Aruck their colours, and furrendered at difcretion, with the lofs of 15 men killed and 25 wounded. The Iflet aux Ramicres, or Pigeon Ifland, is fituated on the South fide-of the bay of Fort Royal, about two hundred yards from the fhore. It is initfelf a fteepand barren rock, inacceffible excépt in one place only, where the afcent is by a ladder, fixed againft a perpendicular wall; and the fummit is 90 feet above the level of the fea. There were found on it, II forty-two pounders, 6 thirty-two poundérs, 14 thirteen-inch mortars, and one howitzer, with an immenfe quantity of ftores and ammunition of all kinds, and a ftove for heating thot. On the capture of this fortrefs, the fquadron immediately took poffeffion of the bay and harbour of Fort Royal; and moft of the tranfports and ftorefhips got up to Cohee, a harbour at the North Eaft end of the bay, from whence they had a communication by a chain of pofts, with the troops at Bruneau; and the next objeét ofattention was St. Pierre, the capital of the ifland, in the attack efwhich, the co-operation of the forces, both by fea and land, was indifpenfably necefary. In confequence of an arrangement for this enterprize, Col. Symes, with three light companies, and Major Maitland, with the soth --- Page 457 --- THE WEST INDIES. W A R IN board a detachment of the fquadron, CHAP. II. soth regiment, embarked on which were ordered for the bay of St. Pierre. with his 179+- the commander in chief moved forward On the 14th Gen. Dundas, and on the army to Bruneau, where we left Major marched from thence to evening ofthe fame day the Major Gen. the and with the 2d battalion of grenadiers, 33d Gros Morne From Gros Morne 4oth light companies, and the 6sth regiment. the woods by Bois le Bue, he detached Col. Campbell through to the atand the 6sth regiment, with the two light companies himfelf towards the heights of tack of Montigne, proceding both which the enemy retired: From Capot and Callebaffe, from diftant view of Col. Campbell's the latter the Major Gen. had a them attacked by a great detachment, and the mortification to fee fhort of ftrongly pofted about half a mile body of the enemy, pufhed forwardhis adMontigne. by Bois le Bue, he detached Col. Campbell through to the atand the 6sth regiment, with the two light companies himfelf towards the heights of tack of Montigne, proceding both which the enemy retired: From Capot and Callebaffe, from diftant view of Col. Campbell's the latter the Major Gen. had a them attacked by a great detachment, and the mortification to fee fhort of ftrongly pofted about half a mile body of the enemy, pufhed forwardhis adMontigne. The Major Gen. immediately under the command of thc Hon. Capt. Ramfay; vanced guard exertions, came up with the enemy while who, by extraordinary detachment, and filenced their fire,. engaged wich Col. Campbell's fallen early in the enbut the Colonel himfelf had unfortunately fecond battalion of Capt.Ramfay being joined by the gagement. of Montigne, and the Major Gen. grenadiers, now took poffeflion the Major Gen. took poft on Morne Rouge. The fame evening, towards his front, obferving feveral bodies of the enemy moving of under a fmall redoubt, ordered 4 companies grenaand forming enfued; the enemy was diers to advance, and a fmart engagement Morne Belleveiur. covered by a brifk fire, from two field pieces on recontinued for about half an hour, when the enemy The aétion abandoned the fort On Morne Belletreated and during the night took poffeffion. vieur, of which our troops immediately Our: --- Page 458 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP. II. Our army had now arrived within two leagues of St. Pierre, 1794. from whence at day-break, on the 16th, the enemy fent a flag, requiring three days to confider of a capitulation. The Major General returned for anfwer, that inftead of three days be would allow them only three hours.; and leaving a company cf diers in poffeffion of Bellevieur, he moved grenaimmediately on towards St. Pierre. At this junêture, the detachment of the rived in the bay, and began their fquadron aroperations, Colonel with the troops and feamen who were to land with him, had, Symes, vious to their entering the bay, embarked on board the Zebra prc- and Nautilus floops, which drawing little water could land thein without difficulty. In the evening of the 16th thefe veffels proached the North part of the bay, the othér men of war fand- aping in to cover them from the fire of the encmy. Capt. in the Santa Margarita, perceiving the Hervey, much troops were likely to be annoyed by two batteries with heated fhot, fteered clofe under the guns of the moft confiderable of them, and filenced it. About four in the morning of the 17th, cffcctually thc made good their landing, and immediately advanced towards troops Pierre; but the confiét was at an end, for the St. Britith enemy fecing the approach both by fea and by Jand, evacuated the leavingtheir colours fying, which were immediately hauled town, and thc Britifh colours placed in their room. By ten o'clock down, whole of Colonel Symes's detachment had marched the into the town, and were foon afterwards joined by General Dundas and his army. No injury was done, nor outrage offered to the inhabitants the women and children fat at their doors to fee the foldiers 5 march in, as peaceably and cheerfully as the inbabitants of an Englifh village behold a regiment pais through their Greets. One inflance --- Page 459 --- IN THE WEST INDIES. WAR to pillage ; for which the - CHAP:II. o'clock down, whole of Colonel Symes's detachment had marched the into the town, and were foon afterwards joined by General Dundas and his army. No injury was done, nor outrage offered to the inhabitants the women and children fat at their doors to fee the foldiers 5 march in, as peaceably and cheerfully as the inbabitants of an Englifh village behold a regiment pais through their Greets. One inflance --- Page 459 --- IN THE WEST INDIES. WAR to pillage ; for which the - CHAP:II. inflance only occurred, an attempt the Provoft Marfhal, at the 1794offender was immediately hung up by gate of the Jefuits College. thus captured *, and many imThe town of St. Pierre's being of in different parts ofthe countryalready in poffeflion portant pofts have been fuppofed that thefurrender of the Britifh troops, it might but fo was the nathe ifland was fpeedily to have followed 5 great was ftrength of the country, and fo obftinately tural and artificial inhabitants, that much reit defended on this occalion by the mained to be done before this event took place. The two' great and Fort Royal (the former commanded by forts of Bourbon of the Ifand) were ftill to bc conRochambeau the Governor to, inveft Fort Bourbon, quered; and it was impoflible clofely a fituation firft the heights of Surié or Sourier, without poffefing and defended by a large body of eminently ftrong and difficult, General Belleunder the command of the Mulatto the enemy, therefore to attack The commander in chief propofed gardc. on the night ofthe 18th, and this poft from his camp at Bruncau, ufe of the bayonet ; to depend for fuccefs folely on a vigorous fixed for the enterbut, a few hours previous to the time he had himiclf, with part of his troops, defcended the prize, Bellegarde the General's left. His intention was, if heights, and attacked between the Britith army poflible, to cut off the communication The and The attempt was bold, but it was ruinous. navy. perceived the advantage to be derived from General immediately Lieut. Malcolm of thc 41ft grenadiers, was appointed Town Major, in conficonduét and active fervices at the head of a body ofrifcderation of his diftinguifhed felected from each company of the firit battamen, which was compofed of two men mention this officer hercafter. lion of grenadiers. We fball have occafion to I it, VoL. III. --- Page 460 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP.II. it, and feized it in the moment 3 for, direéting Lieut. Gen. Prefcott to keep the enemy in check, he ordered from his right 1794. Licut. Col. Buckeridge, with the third battalion of grenadiers, and Lieut. Colonels Coote and Blundell, with the ift and 2d battalions of light infantry, to attack Bellegarde's camp on the left. In this fervice this detachment di(played fuch fpirit and impetuofity as proved irrefiftible, and pofieffion being taken of Bellegarde's camp, his own cannon were turned againft him. This unfortunate man and his fecond in command, with about 300 of their followers, furrendered themfelves to the General a few days afterwards, the two leaders defring to be fent to North America, on condition of never ferving againft his Majefty; and in this requeft they were gratificd. Their followers were fent On board the king's fhips as prifoners of war. From the 2oth of February, Forts Bourbon and Louis, with the town of Fort Royal, were complctely invefted, and the General was bufilye employed in ereéting batteries on his firlt parallel. furrendered themfelves to the General a few days afterwards, the two leaders defring to be fent to North America, on condition of never ferving againft his Majefty; and in this requeft they were gratificd. Their followers were fent On board the king's fhips as prifoners of war. From the 2oth of February, Forts Bourbon and Louis, with the town of Fort Royal, were complctely invefted, and the General was bufilye employed in ereéting batteries on his firlt parallel. On the north-eaft fide, the army under General Prefcott broke ground on the 25th of February, and on the weft fide towards La Cafte, fafcine batterics for mortars and cannon were ereéting with all pofiible expedition. In this bufinefs the feamen eminently diftinguifhed themfelves; and the fiege was carried on with unremitted exertion by night and day; : the moft perfect co-operation prevailing between the army and navy; the exertions ofboth being animated by the prefènce and approbation of his Royal Highnefs Prince Edward, who arrived from Quebec the 4th of March, and taking the command of Sir Charles Gordon's brigade, fet an admirable example of difcipline and good conduct to the whole army, by his behaviour, during the remainder of the campaign. The advanced batteries were at length brought within five hundred yards of Fort Bourbon, and not more than two hundred from --- Page 461 --- THE WEST INDIES. WAR IN CHAP. II. the of March the General from the redoubt; when on 17th affault by meafures with the Admiral for a combined 1794: concerted the fort and town of Fort Royal, the naval and land forces upon arrangements Scaling ladders being provided, and the neccflary their fations Onl fettled, the fhips deftined for the fervice took Afia and the Zebra of the 2oth of March. The the morning and a body of feamen in flat boats floop, with Captain Rogers, Thomplon) com- (the whole under the command of Commodore of the firft batpofed the naval force ; the land force confifted with the the frit and third light infantry, talion of grenadiers, third grenadiers. Afia and Zebra got under way. The About 1O o'clock the mouth of the harbour, recciving the Zebra led in, towards the fhot. The Afia had got within enemy's fire, without returning a of the whole flcet, of fhot, when, to the furprize the range grape from the fort. She ftood in a fecond fhe wore and made fail *, Now then it was that Captain time, and again put about iminortal honour; for perceivFaulkner of the Zebra acquired affiftance from the Afia (a thip ing that he could not expect any. undertake the fervice alone in his of the line) he determined to this defign with matchlefs fmall floop of 16 guns, and he executed the Zebra clofe to the intrepidity and good conduét ; for running of his floop's company, walls, and leaping overboard at the head from the fort. 66 No he fcaled the ramparts, and drove the enemy the merit Admiral Jervis) can exprcfs <6 language of mine (fays this occafion ; but as every man in the c6 of Capt. Faulkner on this bears teftimony to it, incomparable <6 army and fquadron named Toureller, who had formerly been lieute- * It is faid that a French loyalift, Brown as pilot on this occalion, and nant of Fort Louis, was employed by Capt. refufed to carry the fhip any farther. that this man, under pretence of fhoals, 6s aétion 3 I2 <6 language of mine (fays this occafion ; but as every man in the c6 of Capt. Faulkner on this bears teftimony to it, incomparable <6 army and fquadron named Toureller, who had formerly been lieute- * It is faid that a French loyalift, Brown as pilot on this occalion, and nant of Fort Louis, was employed by Capt. refufed to carry the fhip any farther. that this man, under pretence of fhoals, 6s aétion 3 I2 --- Page 462 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP.II. ce action cannot fail of being recorded in the page of hiftory." 1794. Col. Symes, in the fame triumphant moment, entered and took poffeffion of the town. This fignal fuccefs determined the fate of the Ifland ; for General Rochambeau, perceiving that all was loft, immediately fent a flag from Fort Bourbon, offering to furrender on capitulation. The terms were accordingly adjufted on the 23d, and on the' 2sth the garrifon, reduced to 900 men, marched out prifoners of war. To the gallantry with which this fortrefs was defended, General Grey bore an honourable teftimony, by obferving that <e the Britifh troops, on entering the place, could find an se inch of ground which had not bcen touched fcarcely their fhot ce their fhells." by or Thus was atchieved the conqueft of Martinico, with the lofs on the part of the Britith of 71 men killed, 193 wounded, and of three that were miffing. The limits I have prefcribed to myfelf will not allow mc to enumerate the particular merits of all thofe gallant men, whofe fervices, both by fea and land, were confpicuous on this occafion. Hiftory will not fail to record them, and above all to give due honour to that zealous co-operation, to that admirable fpirit of unanimity and concord between the fea and land fervice, which were particularly obfervable during the whole fiege; and for want of which, in other cales, both numbers and courage have oftentimes proved unavailing. * Immediatele --- Page 463 --- IN THE WEST INDIES. W AR CHAP.II. of the Ifland, the following proclamation was 1794. ** Immediately on the furrender iffucd in General Orders : Head Quarters, Fort Royal, 25th March 1794GEORGE. C. S. FORT EDWARD.. Parole, FORT Field Officer, COLONEL COOTE, Commander in Chief orders Fort Bourbon now to bear the name of Fort THE Louis bear the name of Fori Edward; and to be called fo in George, and Fort to with heartfelt fatisfadtion, congratulates the army future. The commander in chief, to conqueft ofthe Ifland of Martinico, 2 moft important acquifition on the complete He begs permiflion to return the army in general his warmeft his Majefty's crown. gallantry, and fpirit, fo eminently diflinguifhed, thanks for their zeal, perfeverance, rank, from the general to the foldier, throughout and never before exceeded, by every cannot fail to do them in the frongeft language to his this fervice; and this juftice he Majefty. commander in chief, to conqueft ofthe Ifland of Martinico, 2 moft important acquifition on the complete He begs permiflion to return the army in general his warmeft his Majefty's crown. gallantry, and fpirit, fo eminently diflinguifhed, thanks for their zeal, perfeverance, rank, from the general to the foldier, throughout and never before exceeded, by every cannot fail to do them in the frongeft language to his this fervice; and this juftice he Majefty. --- Page 464 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAPTER R III. Cengueh f St. Lacia-Defrijptiom ef Guadaloupe- -Proceslings agaif tbat Hand.-Its Surrender completes the Conquef of the French We/ India Cslonies.-Caufe gf the fulfequent Reverfes. -Mortclity among tbe. Briti/h. - -Arrial of a Frencb Squadron wviib Tronps at Guadaloupe. e-Tbeir Succelfes: followed by tbe Redudlion ff tbe wubole Hand.-Inbuman Barbarity ef.Vi8tr Hugues to the Reyalifhs.-Sir C. Grey and Siryoromficceeded by Sir y. Vaugban and Admiral Caldwell. CHAP. III. VICTORY having thus far crowned the Britifh arms,, General Grey determined, without lofs of time, March fevere in his career of glory; wherefore, five to per1794. leaving regiments under the command of General Prefcott, for the protection of Martinico, he and the brave Admirai proceeded, on the morning of the 31ft of March, to the attack of St. Lucia. This ifland had not the means of a formidable defence 5 and on the 4th of April, his Royal Highnefs Prince Edward, after a fatiguing march of fourteen hours from the landing place, hoifted the Britifh COlours on its chief fortrefs Morne Fortuné; the garrifon, confifting of 300 men, having furrendered on the fame terms of .capitulation as thofe that had been granted to General Rochambeau. Ricard, the officer commanding in St. Lucia, defired and obtained permiflion, as Rochambeau had done before him, to embark for North America.; but the garrifons of both, of St. Lucia and Martinico, were fent to France immediately on their furrender *, After * So rapid were the movements of the Britifh army, that his Royal Prince Edward reimbarked in the Boyne at the end of 58 hours after he had Highnefs landed 2t St. Lucia. It is impofible to mention this ifland without lamenting that it has provedin every war a grave to thoufands of brave men- ! On the prefent occafion a circumftance for North America.; but the garrifons of both, of St. Lucia and Martinico, were fent to France immediately on their furrender *, After * So rapid were the movements of the Britifh army, that his Royal Prince Edward reimbarked in the Boyne at the end of 58 hours after he had Highnefs landed 2t St. Lucia. It is impofible to mention this ifland without lamenting that it has provedin every war a grave to thoufands of brave men- ! On the prefent occafion a circumftance --- Page 465 --- WEST. INDIES. 427" WAR IN THE General Grey, hàving CHAP-IIL, After the completion of this fervice, detachments of artillery the fixth and ninth regiments, with Sir Charles 1794: left for St. Lucia, and appointed and engincers, as a garrifon returned to Martinico ; and the Gordon governor of that ifland, thus kept alive and fpirit of enterprize among the foldiers attention being in the next place to 3 the General turned his encouraged, and fertile colony of Guadaloupe. that : the large reader thould be apprized in this place, It is neceffary the iflands, divided from each other Guadaloupe confiftsi in fact of two Riviere Salcc, (Salt River) arm of the fea, called La Ifand, or by a narrow for veffels of 50 tons; the Eaftern Terre: which is navigable and the weftern Bade divifion, being called Grande Terre, ifland called Defirade, and near to : Adjoining the former, is a fimnall called the Les Saintes. At fome the latter a clufter of little iflands is another ifand called Marie diftance from thefe, towards the caft, and comon Guadaloupe, Gallante; all thefe were dependencies prized in its government. fuch of the troops as remained : On Tuefday the 8th. of April, iflands were formed, * after the necefliry garrifons for the conquered failed from the Bay of Fort embarked in tranfports, and the flcet been fentin the firft of the fquadron having Royal: A detachment called the Saintes, attack the little iflands above mentioned, a 1 place to with much fpirit-and gallantry by that fervice was executed and about noon on the 1oth, the party of feamen and marines ; in the Bay of Point a Petre, in the : Boyne and Veteran caft anchor unoccurred which demonftrates in a very ftriking had manner landed, the the extreme firft batta- 2. circumftance of the climate. The night after the huts troops : the fecond battalion had no wholefomenefs of took poffeffion of fome negro the air. The confequence was, lion grenadiers or rather chofe to remain in open beft men of the latter were refuch accommodation, former continued healthy, 40 of the that while the the fick lift, turned the next morning on divifion. unoccurred which demonftrates in a very ftriking had manner landed, the the extreme firft batta- 2. circumftance of the climate. The night after the huts troops : the fecond battalion had no wholefomenefs of took poffeffion of fome negro the air. The confequence was, lion grenadiers or rather chofe to remain in open beft men of the latter were refuch accommodation, former continued healthy, 40 of the that while the the fick lift, turned the next morning on divifion. --- Page 466 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP.III. divifion of Grandc U Terre ; a freth wind and lee current 1794. venting many of the tranfports from getting in until the prcfollowing. day Without waiting however for the arrival of all the General effeéted the landing of a confiderable troops, the the addition of 500 marines at Grofier detachment, with morning of the bay, at one o'clock in the Ith, under cover of the Winchelfea man of the Captain of which, Lord Vifcount Garlies, being the war, fon that was wounded onthe occafion, 6€ He only per66 fion (obferves Admiral received a bad contuJervis) from the fire 66 which he had placed his thip, in tbe old ofa battery againft c6 mufket fhot." The good way, within half battery however was foon filenced, and on the morning of the 12th, the Fort of La Fleur early carried by affault, and the greateft d'Epée was fword. Fort St. part of the garrifon put to the Louis, the town of Point a Petre, and the new battery upon Jilct a Cochon, being afterivards abandoned, and the inhabitants flying in all directions, the poffefion of Grande Terre was complete. The reduétion of Baffe Terre was effected the 21ft of fame month ; for the ftrong poft of Palmifte being carried the the gallantry of Prince Edward and Col. Symes, and that of Houel- by mont by Major Gen, Dundas, the French governor (Collot) immediately capitulated; furrendering the whole of andall its dependencies to the king of Great Guadaloupe terms that were allqwed to Rochambeau: Britain, on the fame at Lucia. It is atMartinique, - and Ricard pleafing to add, that this conqueft was effeéted with the lofs on the part of the Britith of only happily men killed, and about fifty wounded *, feventeen . From a return found among General Collot's papers, of French troops in Guadaloupe was 5877. itappeared that the number Thie whole of andall its dependencies to the king of Great Guadaloupe terms that were allqwed to Rochambeau: Britain, on the fame at Lucia. It is atMartinique, - and Ricard pleafing to add, that this conqueft was effeéted with the lofs on the part of the Britith of only happily men killed, and about fifty wounded *, feventeen . From a return found among General Collot's papers, of French troops in Guadaloupe was 5877. itappeared that the number Thie --- Page 467 --- IN THE WEST INDIES. WAR CHAP.III. and fucccfsful enterprife compleated the entire - This gallant in the Weft Indian Iflands, and 1794. conqueft ofthe French poficffions of the Britith minifters were the primary views and declarations realized by Britich thus wonderfully, and I believe unexpectedly, this period, and valour. Happy, if the fcene had Autat energy cloud overcaft the clofe of a campaign, the openand no envious which had fhone with fo bright a luftre in the ing and progrefs of eyes of ail Europe ! meafure of reducing the army at the But now it was that the manifeft thofe unhappy confeoutfet of the expedition, began to would enfue from it. In quences, which it was then predicked ifands which had garrifons for the fecurity of the feveral allotting of troops for that purpofe, was at once furrendered, the deficiency that the mortality had obvious and alarming. It was difcovered effect of exfrom ficknefs, the never failing been fo great (more climates, than the fword of the traordinary exertion in tropical one half their as to have reduced the ranks to .nearly enemy) and of the troops which remained alive, a very original numbers; fo worn down by unremitting fatigue, as large proportion were of efficient fervice. Unforto be rendered abfolutely incapable in which the Briti(h forces werc tunately, the numerous enterprifes and never-enough to be laengaged, and efpecially the fatal, left it not in the power of the mented, attempt on St. Domingo, to the Windward king's minifters, to fend fuch a reinforcement Iflands as the occafion required. March, four regiments, conSo early, however, as the 22d of for Barbadoes. They fifting of 2377 men, had failed from Cork was given intended indeed for St. Domingo, but authority were Sir Charles Grey, to detain two of them, if circumto General to ferve under his own com- -ftances fhould render it neccffary, mand in the Windward Illands. Thefe VoL. III. 3 K ifters, to fend fuch a reinforcement Iflands as the occafion required. March, four regiments, conSo early, however, as the 22d of for Barbadoes. They fifting of 2377 men, had failed from Cork was given intended indeed for St. Domingo, but authority were Sir Charles Grey, to detain two of them, if circumto General to ferve under his own com- -ftances fhould render it neccffary, mand in the Windward Illands. Thefe VoL. III. 3 K --- Page 468 --- HISTORY OF TIE CHAP.II1. Thefe regiments arrived at Barbadoes L on the sth of May, and the general detained the eight battalion 1794. companies of the 35th, one of the four regiments, but obferving tlie extreme anxiety which the Britifh minifter expreffed in his difpatches for profecuting the enterprize againft St. Domingo, and trufting (as he writes) 66 that effeétual care wouid be taken at home to vent the enemy in the conquered ifands receiving affiftance from preEurope," he replaced thofe battalion companics with eight fank companies from his own army, which was thus rather diminifhed than augmented by the exchange *, From this period, the tide which had hitherto flowed with fo rapid and profperous a' current, began to run in a contrary direétion. The ficknefs which had for fome time prevailed in the army, was become exafperated to peftilence. The troops funk Thefe fank companies proceeded firft to Jamaica, and from thence to Port au Prince, and nothing can afford a more friking demonftration of the fad confequence of tropical warfare, than the account wbich has been given of this reinforcement on its arrival at the place ofits deftination. c On the 8th of June, cight fank G belonging to the 22d, 24d, 35th, and 4ift regiments, arrived at Port au companies < under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Lenox. They confifted, on Prince, their a embarkation, of about feventy men each, but the aggregate number, when < was not quite three hundred. The four grenadier companies, in particular, landed, were 4 nearly annihilated. The frigate in which they were conveyed, became a houfe of 6 peftilence. Upwards of one hundred of their number were buried in the deep, in LE the fhort paffage between Guadaloupe and Jamaica, and onc hundred and 4 more were left in a dying flate at Port Royal, The wretched remains of the whole fify < detachment difcovered, on their Ianding at Port au Prince, that they came not to c participate in the glories of conqueft, butto perifh themfelves within the wails of < an hofpital So rapid was the mortality in the Britifh army, after their arrival, thac < nol lefs than forty. officers, and upwards of fix hundredrank and file, metan untimely < death, without a conteft with any other enemy than ficknefs, in the fhort fpacc of 46 two months after the furrender of the town. 77 Hiftorical Survey of St. Domingo, Chap, ii. p. 163- glories of conqueft, butto perifh themfelves within the wails of < an hofpital So rapid was the mortality in the Britifh army, after their arrival, thac < nol lefs than forty. officers, and upwards of fix hundredrank and file, metan untimely < death, without a conteft with any other enemy than ficknefs, in the fhort fpacc of 46 two months after the furrender of the town. 77 Hiftorical Survey of St. Domingo, Chap, ii. p. 163- --- Page 469 --- WAR IN THE WESTINDIES numbers, and among its moft diftin- CHAP.III. funk inder it in great the of GuaDundas, governor 1794guihed viétims, was major general the commander in chief (bcing daloupe. On the 4th of June the fate of St. Chriftoat that time with the admiral infpecting officer's received the melancholy account of this gallant pher's) the morning of the sth further intelligence death, and early on that doubly afflicting. arrived, which rendered his lofs at junéture that lefs than the very unexpected information, This was nothing force was, at that moment, a French armament of confiderable off Point a Petre! the admiral made immediate On reccipt of this intelligence,. the afternoon of the fail for Guadaloupe, and arrived there on afhore at Baffe the commander in chief 7ih, and having put the to Point a Petre ; but found Terre, he procceded with fhips their landing; but had that the enemy had not only made good day, and werc forced Fort Fleur d'Epée on the preceding alfo of the town, and the forts by which it was actually in poffefion likewife fecured their thipping at fafe andefended. They had difcovered that this armachorage in the harbour. It was now armed confifted of two frigates, 2 corvettc, two large thips snent having brought with them 1590 en_fute, and two other veffels; regular troops *, French on this occafion was the mcre The fuccefs of the time in Guadaloupe a larger profurprifing, as therc was at this either of the other conquered portion of Britifh troops than in who colleéted his iflands. : it is afferted by a refpectable author t of the encobfervations on the fcene ofaction, that the progrefs *' This armament failed from Rochfort on the 2sth of April. + Rey, Cooper Williams, Chaplain to the Boync. 3K: 2 my occafion was the mcre The fuccefs of the time in Guadaloupe a larger profurprifing, as therc was at this either of the other conquered portion of Britifh troops than in who colleéted his iflands. : it is afferted by a refpectable author t of the encobfervations on the fcene ofaction, that the progrefs *' This armament failed from Rochfort on the 2sth of April. + Rey, Cooper Williams, Chaplain to the Boync. 3K: 2 my --- Page 470 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP. III. my was greatly accelerated by the mifconduét of feveral of the 1794. French royalifs then in the fort, a party of whom (mifinformed perhaps as to the real number.of the invaders) offered their fervices to fally on the befiegers, and marched out for that purpofe, under the command of Captain M*Dowall of the 43d, but on approaching the enemy they were panic ftruck, and deferted to the town. Thirty of them only out of 140 returned to Fleur d'Epéc with captain M-Dowali, The Britifh merchants and failors from the town of Pointa Petre, had thrown themlelves into this fort to co-operate with the garrifon. This little band, under the commnand of Lieutenat Colonel Drummond of the forty-third regiment, did all that gallant men could do ; twice they repulfed the affailants; but the French royalifts who remained in the fort, conceiving the vain hope of obtaining mercy for themfelves by a furrender, infifted at length that the gates fhould be thrown open. This was no fooner done, than the enemy poured in from all fides, and the few furviving Britifh foldiers (not more than 40 in number) were obliged to make the beft retreat they could to Fort Louis. This place not being tenable after the lois of-Fleur d'Epée, was foon abandoned by them, and they croffed over to Baffe Terre *. The The celebrated Brigadier General Arnold, being on bufinefs of a mercantile nature at Point a Petre, was captured at the time the place fell into the hands of the republicans, and, being apprehenfive ofill treatment, changed his name to Anderfon. He was put on board a prifon-fhip in the harbour, and had confiderable propertyin cafh with him, of which, it is fuppoled, Fremont and Viétor Hugues were informed, as he received an intimation from one of the Frenth fentries, that he was known, and would foon be guillotined. On this alarming intelligence, he determined to attempt an efcape, which he effected in the following manner: At night he lowered into the fea a cafk containing clothes and valuables, with a direction on it, that if it fouted board a prifon-fhip in the harbour, and had confiderable propertyin cafh with him, of which, it is fuppoled, Fremont and Viétor Hugues were informed, as he received an intimation from one of the Frenth fentries, that he was known, and would foon be guillotined. On this alarming intelligence, he determined to attempt an efcape, which he effected in the following manner: At night he lowered into the fea a cafk containing clothes and valuables, with a direction on it, that if it fouted --- Page 471 --- WEST INDIES. WAR IN THE of the CHAP. iI. commander in chief, the moment the ftrength The orders to the command- 1794had tranfmitted enemy was afcertnined, from thence whatever force crs in the differcht iflands to fend immeand the legilature of St. Chriftopher, a could be fpared; raifed notice of the enemy's appearance, dintely on receiving at the expence ofthe colony, and confiderable body of volunteers in this imthem, with great expedition, to co-operate difpatched portant fervice. could be thus obtained, being at lengthy All thc force that were landed on the fide of colleéted at Baffe Terre, detachments took place with the Fort Fleur d'Epée, and many fkirmithes and the beginning of July, between the 19th of June relate. The weaenemy, of which it is not neccfiary to rainsthe particulars infupportably hot, and the tropical ther was now become determined to make an effort to being already fet in, the general that a large body at a blow. It was planned finih the campaign General Symes, fhould march during of troops, under Brigadier mafters of Morne government, the night, and make themfelves round the town of Point a and the other commanding heights the head of the reft of his army Petre; the general himfelf, at of Mafcot, to ftorm Fort in readinefs on the heights the fairemaining a fignal from the brigadier: Fleur d'Epée, on receiving circumftance ; and many anilure of this enterprize was a fatal madverfions Berville, it might bc known, and reftored to bim : floated to the fhore of our camp at to a fmall raft which hc had prepared, on which he then lowered down his cloak bag fmall canoc, in which he pufhed for the alfo he got himfelf, and proceeded to a On bis making towards the mouth of Britifh Aeet, direêted by the admiral's lights. French but by the darknefs of harbour, he was chalienged by the row-guard, the by four o'clock on the from them, and arrived on board Boyne the night morning, efcaped the 3oth of June. in the Weft Indies. Monday Williams's Account of the Campaign Sec the Rev. Cooper mall canoc, in which he pufhed for the alfo he got himfelf, and proceeded to a On bis making towards the mouth of Britifh Aeet, direêted by the admiral's lights. French but by the darknefs of harbour, he was chalienged by the row-guard, the by four o'clock on the from them, and arrived on board Boyne the night morning, efcaped the 3oth of June. in the Weft Indies. Monday Williams's Account of the Campaign Sec the Rev. Cooper --- Page 472 --- 43+ HISTORY OF THÉ CHAP.IIL. maliverfions having been made on the conduct ofit, I Chall recite 1794. the particulars in Gencral Grey's own words : cE On the cE ofthe ift inftant Brigadier General Symcs marched evening ce Mafcot with the ift battalion of from Morne ce grenadiers, the rft and 2d battalions of light infantry, and the ift battalion of feamen c6 manded by Captain Robertfon, to attack the town com66 Petre before of Point a day-break on the 2d but <6 infant; being miled by: their guides, the troops entered the town at the part where they were moft expofed to the enemy's cannon and fimall ce and where it was not pofiblc to fcale the walls of the arms, ce in confequence of which, they fuffered confiderably from round fort; E6 and grape fhot, together with fmall arms fired from the €c houfes, &cc. and a retreat became unavoiable." It gives me great concern, obferves the general, to add, that Brigadier Ge-. neral Symes was wounded ; and that lieutenent Colonel Gomm, and fome other meritorious officers, were killed on this attack, as was alfo Captain Robertfon of the navy, a valuable officer, and whofe death was a great lofs to the fervice *, The meditated attack on Fort Fleur d'Epée, being thus rendered abortive, and the Britifh troops fo reduced or debilitated as to be abfolutely unfit for further exertion, (expofed as they were to a Brigadier General Symes died of his wounds a fhort time afterwards ; exclufive of whom, the total lofs of the Britith in this unfortunate affair, and fome ding attacks, is ftated as follows: : preceI lieutenant colonel, 4 captains, 7 lieutenants, 7 ferjeants, 2 drummers, 91 rank and file, killed; 'I major, 3 captains, 7 lieutenants, 13 ferjeants, 8 rank and file, wsunded; I ferjeant, 3 drummers, 52 rank and file, miffing. drummers, One 298 of the French frigates in the harbour did great execution, killing 3 officers and vates of the light infantry, bya fingle difcharge of grape fhot. They were unfortu- 36 prinately drawn up in a ftreet, which was cffectually commanded by her guns. rank and file, killed; 'I major, 3 captains, 7 lieutenants, 13 ferjeants, 8 rank and file, wsunded; I ferjeant, 3 drummers, 52 rank and file, miffing. drummers, One 298 of the French frigates in the harbour did great execution, killing 3 officers and vates of the light infantry, bya fingle difcharge of grape fhot. They were unfortu- 36 prinately drawn up in a ftreet, which was cffectually commanded by her guns. --- Page 473 --- WAR IN THE WEST INDIES. held on CHAP.IiL. the fun and the rains)i it was refolved at a confultation to the commander. in chief and the admiral, to 1794. the 3d, betveen for the prefent on Grande Terre; relinquich all further attempts and to reinforce, witix and to remove the artillery and ftores, determination, dicthe pofts in Baffe Terre. This the troops, which left no alternative, was carried into tated by a neceffity of the sth. < I now," faid effect without lofs, on the night ce with my whole in his letter of the 8th, occupy the general between St. John's Point and Bay Mac6 force, the ground batteries with 24 pounders and mor66 hault, and having ereéted and Point St. John, oppofite to the 66 tar batteries at Point Saron perfee fecurity to 46 town of Point a Petre, my fituation gives ( Baffe Terre." however, werc yet to be made for thc Many arrangements, during the approaching hurricane maintenance of this pofition thould arrive from Great months, and until a reinforcement the general emThefe being at length completed, Britain. and failed for St. Pierre in the barked on board the Boyne, he eftablifhed his head quarters, iland of Martinique, where command in his abfence at Baffe leaving Brigadier Graham to Terre. of the Britifh army in Guadaloupe were at The head quarters on ground ; Berville, which was placed commanding Camp one and on the other by an impaffable Aanked by the fea on fide, by which About a mile on the rear, was a narrow pafs, the river mcrafs. could be approached, and in front was alone the camp banks of which ftands the town of Salleé, on the furthermoft Stuation of this encampment, fo favourPoint a Petre; but the in the higheft degrce, unable in other refpects, proved to be, the climate at this feafon of healtihful. The baneful cfedts of the affable Aanked by the fea on fide, by which About a mile on the rear, was a narrow pafs, the river mcrafs. could be approached, and in front was alone the camp banks of which ftands the town of Salleé, on the furthermoft Stuation of this encampment, fo favourPoint a Petre; but the in the higheft degrce, unable in other refpects, proved to be, the climate at this feafon of healtihful. The baneful cfedts of the --- Page 474 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP.IL. the year were L aggravated by putrid exhalations from the neigh1794. bouring fwamps, and a dreadful mortality enfued among the troops. By the middle of Auguft, the numbers On the fick: lift conflituted the majority of the camp. During the month of September, the army was inadequate to the fapply of guards for the different batteries. Several companics could not produce a fingle man fit for duty; and the 43d regiment could not cven afford a corporal and three men, for the protection of their own camp in the night. In order, therefore, to keep up theappearance of force in front. of the enemy, the different iflands were completely drained.of troops, and a body of French loyalifts were felcéted to perform military duty at the poft of Gabarre ; where they conducted then:- felves with much fpirit and fidelity. The commiflioner from the French convention, and now commander in chief of the French troops in Guadaloupe, was Victor Hugues, a man of whom I Thall hereafter have frequent occafion to fpeak. It is fufficient in this place to obferve, that though his name has fince become proverbial for every fpecics of outrage and crueltys he was not deficient either in courage or capacity. Obferving how feverely his cwn troops, as well as' ours, fuffered from the climate, he conceived the projeét of arming in his fervice, as many blacks and mulattoes as he could colleat. Thefe men, inured to the climate, and having nothing to lote, flocked to his ftandard in great numbers, and were foon brought into fome degree of order and difcipline. With the co-operation of thefe auxiliaries, apprized at the fame time of the debilitated ftate of the Britifh army, the French Commiflioner determined to attack the Britifh Camp at Berville. For this purpofe, on Saturday the 26th of September, he embarked a large body of troops in fmall veffcls, men, inured to the climate, and having nothing to lote, flocked to his ftandard in great numbers, and were foon brought into fome degree of order and difcipline. With the co-operation of thefe auxiliaries, apprized at the fame time of the debilitated ftate of the Britifh army, the French Commiflioner determined to attack the Britifh Camp at Berville. For this purpofe, on Saturday the 26th of September, he embarked a large body of troops in fmall veffcls, --- Page 475 --- IN THE WEST INDIES. W AR under cover CHAP.III. veffels, which paffing our fhips of war unperceived, detachments; dark night, made good their landing in two 1794of a the other at Bay Mahault. The detachment the one at Goyave, laft mentioned, immediately which tock poffefion of the place the French in the view of furrounding marched to Gabarre, and it was with great difficulty that they royalifts ftationed there, detachment which had landed at efcaped to Berville. Thed other Lieut. Col. Drummond, Goyave, began its march to Petit Bourg. from the hofpital, oft the 43d regiment, with fome convalefcents but of advanced to meet them, perceiving and a party royalifts, found it advifeable to retreat; and they their great fuperiority, the thore, called Point Bacchus, where took poft at a battery upon and the whole party made howevér. they were foon furrounded, this the enemy entirely cut prifoners. By the poffeffion of poft, and fhipping. off all communication between the Britifh camp themfelves of the neighbouring They then proceeded to poffefs with the other detachment which heights, arid formed a junétion this means the camp at Berville had landed at Bay Mahault: by including invefted by land; its whole ftrength, was compleatly confifted of no more than two hundred the fick and convalefcent, and three hundred royalifts. All that and fifty regular troops, and defpair could effect, was performed courage, perfeverance, of this galland band. In the firft attack by the united exertions after a conflict of three hours, the on the morning of the 29th, They were again rerepublicans werc defeated with greatlofs. the of the fame month pulfed in two fublequent attacks, on numbers 3oth continually increaand the 4th of Oétober. But their of opening a communication fing, and the manifeft impofibility the garrifon of all proper fuccour with the Britich flcet, depriving of his officers, confented General Graham, on thc reprefentation on VoL. III. 3 L on the morning of the 29th, They were again rerepublicans werc defeated with greatlofs. the of the fame month pulfed in two fublequent attacks, on numbers 3oth continually increaand the 4th of Oétober. But their of opening a communication fing, and the manifeft impofibility the garrifon of all proper fuccour with the Britich flcet, depriving of his officers, confented General Graham, on thc reprefentation on VoL. III. 3 L --- Page 476 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP. III. on the 6th of October to fend L a flag to the French commifioner, 1794. offering to capitulate, Towards the Britith, the terms granted by the enemy were fufficiently liberal, but the condition demanded for the French royalifts, that they fhould be treated as Britith fubjeéts, was declared inadmifible; all the favour that could be obtained for them, was the fanétion of a covered boat, in which twenty-five of their officers efcaped to the Boyne. The reft of the mifèrable royalifts, upwards of 300 in number, were left a facrifice to the vengeance of their republican enemies. Finding themfclves excluded from the capitulation, they folicited permiffion to endeavour to cut their way through the enemy, an attempt which muft have ended only in the deftruétion both of themfelves and the Britith. There was a faint hope entertained, however, that Victor Hugues (whofe character was not at that time fufficiently developed) would relent on their furrender. In this expectation, however, thefe unfortunate people were cruelly difappointed, and their fad fate cannot be recorded without indignation and horror. The republicans ereéted a guillotine, with which they ftruck offt the heads of fifty of them in the fhort of hour. This mode of proceeding, however, fpace an proving too tedious for their impatient revenge; the remainder of thefe unhappy men were fettered to cach other, and placed on the brink of one of the trenches which they had fo gallantly detended: the républicans then drew up fome of their undifciplined recruits in front, who firing an irregular volley at their miferable viétims, killed fome and wounded others; leaving many, in all probability, untouched: the weight however of the former, dragged the reftinto the ditch, where the living, the wounded, and the dead, fhared the fame grave; the foil being inftantly thrown in upon them*, Thus * Rev, Cooper Williams' 's account of the campaign, &c. renches which they had fo gallantly detended: the républicans then drew up fome of their undifciplined recruits in front, who firing an irregular volley at their miferable viétims, killed fome and wounded others; leaving many, in all probability, untouched: the weight however of the former, dragged the reftinto the ditch, where the living, the wounded, and the dead, fhared the fame grave; the foil being inftantly thrown in upon them*, Thus * Rev, Cooper Williams' 's account of the campaign, &c. --- Page 477 --- WEST INDIES. WAR IN THE whole of this fertile country (the fingle fortrefs CHAP.IIL. Thus was the of France, and placed 1794: of Matilda excepted) reftored to the power democracy. under the domination of a revengeful and remorfelefs fuftained a Prefcott, who commanded the Matilda Fort, General from the 14th of Oétober to the long and moft haraffing ficge, throughoat, as well as that of Ioth of December. His conduét was above all praifc. the officers and men under his command, tenable, his pofition until the fort was no longer He maintained of faving his reduced and exhaufted and having no other means at length to abandon it garrifon from the fword, he was obliged had indeed arriThree line of battle Mhips by Glent evacuation. Great Britain, but they came only to beved in the interim from With this adverfe ftroke of hold the triumph of the enemy. its career for a while was fortune, clofed the campaign of 1794: meafure ofreglorious beyond example; and ifthc very unhappy had not taken the number of the troops at the outfet, ducing news of the capture of Martinico effeét, or if, as foon as the reinforcement had been fent to the had reached England, a ftrong would have fcene of aétion, it cannot be doubted that Guadaloupe and the page ofl hiftory in poffefion of the Englith, ftill continued thofe dreadful recitals of revolt, devaftaremained undefiled with foon have the painful tafk of tion, and maffacre, which I thall difhonour of the French recording, to the fhame and everlafting Our gallant comcharaéter, and the difgrace-of human nature. withdraw in time in being allowed to manders were, fortunate, fuch enormities. Worn down from an atmofphere polluted by and mind, affailed by an unprinby conftant exertion both of body and oppreffed by the cipled faction with the bafeft calumnies, perifhing of difmelancholy and daily profpeét of a gallant army by the aprelieved from infinite anxiety cafe, they were happily pearance 3 L 2 ant comcharaéter, and the difgrace-of human nature. withdraw in time in being allowed to manders were, fortunate, fuch enormities. Worn down from an atmofphere polluted by and mind, affailed by an unprinby conftant exertion both of body and oppreffed by the cipled faction with the bafeft calumnies, perifhing of difmelancholy and daily profpeét of a gallant army by the aprelieved from infinite anxiety cafe, they were happily pearance 3 L 2 --- Page 478 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP.III. pearance of the reinforcement before - mentioned, in which arrived 1794. Gen. Sir John Vaughan and Vice Admiral Caldwell; to the former of whom Sir Charles Grey, and to the Jatter Sir John Jervis, furrendered theirrefpective commands, and on the 27th of November failed for Great Britain. --- Page 479 --- IN THE WEST INDIES. WAR CHAPTER IV. Indignities of Victor Hugues to the remains of General Sacage unprecedented Cruclty to bis Britifo PrifmersDundas-His Meditates Hoftilities againf the otber Iflands. firft meafure of the French commiffioner, on taking CHAP.IV. of Fort Matilda, difplayed in the ftrongeft man- 1794poffeflion TI and ferocity of his charaéter. The body of Major ner the bafenefs within the walls of that fortrefs, General Dundas had been buried This and a fone placed over it with a fuitable infcription. humble memorial, which a generous enemy, in every civilized would have held facred, was immediately depart of the earth, and the remains of the ftroyed by orders of this favage defpot, This deceafed hero dug up ànd thrown into the river Gallion. difplay ofineffectual vengeance, was made the mean and cowardly worthy fubjeét of boafting and triumph in a public proclamation, only of its author*. The * So much has been heard of Viétor Hugues, that it mayt be agrecable to the in reader fome to be informed of his origin and early purfuits. He was born of mean parents bair -dreffer: of old France, and was placed out when a boy, as an apprentice to a part to where he was afterwards known In that occupation he went originally Guadaloupe, in that purfuit, he becarne mafter of a as a petty innkeeper 2t Baffe Terre. Failing a in the French navy. fmall trading veffel, and 2t lengeh was promoted"to lieutenancy he was afterwards deBeing diffinguithed for his aétivity in the French revolution, attached, puted, through the infuence of Robefpierre, to whofe party he was of ftrongly Commiffioner at to the National Affembly: In 1794 he obtained the appointinent of the and navy 5 Guadaloupe, with controuling powers over the commanders and army exemplar, being and proved himfelfin every refpeat worthy of his great patron himfelf, nearly as favage, remorfclefs, and bloody, as Robefpierre Being diffinguithed for his aétivity in the French revolution, attached, puted, through the infuence of Robefpierre, to whofe party he was of ftrongly Commiffioner at to the National Affembly: In 1794 he obtained the appointinent of the and navy 5 Guadaloupe, with controuling powers over the commanders and army exemplar, being and proved himfelfin every refpeat worthy of his great patron himfelf, nearly as favage, remorfclefs, and bloody, as Robefpierre --- Page 480 --- HISTORY OF THE CHAP.IV. The miferies of war feem,indeed, to have becn L vated this wantonly aggra1794. by man, to an extent never known among the rudeft and moft barbarous nations, In the village of Petit Bourg lay many fick and wounded Britifh foldiers, who had been taken prifoners with Colonel Drummond at Point Bacchus. Thefe unhappy men made-an humble application to Victor Hugues for medical affiftance and frefh provifions. Their petition was anfivered by a death warrant. The vindictive conqueror, inftead of confidering them as objeéts of mnercy and relief, caufed the whole number in the hofpital, and among them it is faid 6 women ce and fome children," to be indifcriminately murdered many by the bayonet; a proceeding fo enormoufly wicked, is, I believe, without a precedént in the annals of human depravity*, After fuch conduét towards men who were incapable of making either refiftance or cfcape, it may well be fuppofed that revenge was not tardy in the purfuit of its viétims among the inhabitants oft the country. To be accufed ofa actions, or fufpeéted of principles, hoftile towards the new government, was to be conviéted of treafon. Accordingly, perfons of all conditions, without refpect to fex or, agc, were fent daily to the guillotine by this inexorable tyrant, and their execution was commonly performed in fight of the Britifh prifoners. Viétor Hugues, having taken thefe and other meafures for fecuring the quiet poffefion of Guadaloupe, determined in the next place a I am unwilling to give this anecdote to the public without quoting my authority. I relate it on the teftimony of the Rev. Cooper Williams, chaplain of the Boyne, who quotes Col. Drummond himfelf, and it is confirmed by a declaration drawn up by GeneralVaughan and Vice-Admiral Caldwell. Col. Drummond himfelf was confined to a piifon fbip, and by particular orders from Viétor Hugues, to fwab the decks like the meaneft feamen, s --- Page 481 --- WEST INDIES. 443 WAR : IN THE to a regular attempt againft any CHAP.IV. place (his force being inadequate fcme of of the other iflands) to adopt a fyftem cf hoftility againft 1794. though well fuited to his charaéter and difpofition, them, which, than among and fanguinary unprecedented was not lefs outrageous direéted his firft attention towards civilized ftates. To this end he find in each of thofe Grenada and St. Vincent's, expeéting to * * * adherents fit tor the which he meditated. iflands, * project * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * $N. B.-At this intercfting period the hiftory clofes.-Death abruptly terminates theauthor's! labours. Two --- Page 482 --- Printed by Luke Hanfard, Great Turntile, Lincoln' s-Inn Fields, --- Page 483 --- --- Page 484 --- --- Page 485 --- --- Page 486 --- --- Page 487 --- --- Page 488 --- --- Page 489 --- --- Page 490 ---