--- Page 1 --- --- Page 2 --- --- Page 3 --- A N U I R Y I N Q INTO THE CAUSES OF T HE OF THE NEGROES INSURRECTION IN THE ISLAND OF Sr. DOMINGO. TO WHICH ARE ADDED, NS V ATIO ) BSER OF M. GARRAXCOULON ON THE SAME SUBJECT, B Y READ IN HIS ABSENCE M. GUADET, THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, PEFORE 29th Feb. 1792. O N: Printed: : L O N.D E L P H I A: P H I L A CRUESHANS Re-printed and Sold by JOSEPH High-Strect, 1792. No. 87, --- Page 4 --- --- Page 5 --- A N N Q U V I R Y INTO THE CAUSES OF T H E INSURRECTION OF THE NEGROES IN THE ISLAND Sr. DOMINGO. FTÉR a conteft of five years between the Friends A of Juftice and the African Slave-Dealers, the moral, phylical, and polirical evils of sthat difgraccful traflick, have been fully developed and afcertained to the kingdom at large. The conviétion of truth has been followed by the glow of honeft indignation, and the voice of the people has called upon their Legiflators, to wafh away the national ftain. Contradidted in their bold affertions, and refuted in their arguments, the abettors of this trade had almoft withdrawn themfelves from a ftruggle, in which their own weapons recoiled upon themfelves: for it may juftly be remarked, that the moft expeditious method of forming an abhorrence of the Slave Trade, is to read the piecés written in its defence. At this junêture, when nothing remained but for the Reprefentatives of the people to comply with the wifhes of their Conitituents, in pronouncing the Abolition of this Trade, another, and it is hoped a laft attempt is made by its advocates to influence the publick mind:-An inA furreétion recoiled upon themfelves: for it may juftly be remarked, that the moft expeditious method of forming an abhorrence of the Slave Trade, is to read the piecés written in its defence. At this junêture, when nothing remained but for the Reprefentatives of the people to comply with the wifhes of their Conitituents, in pronouncing the Abolition of this Trade, another, and it is hoped a laft attempt is made by its advocates to influence the publick mind:-An inA furreétion --- Page 6 --- ( 2 ) furredtion of the hias takeu St. Dontingo, and MaPR circumflance place in the Hland of proof of the dangerous is to be adduced as a propofed menfure.- Beaarrs confequences to arife from the Trade, 6 bowu you interfere xvith the fay the Partizans of this indian Mards-let the example %f the French concerns Ff3 your WeR praceding a Bep furtber in 1 deter you from us be allowed to afk, How far dangerzus the events a patb."But let place in St. that have taken the Britil Houfe Domingo of Commons? apply to the queftion now beforc ances the confequence of an LWere thefe difturbthe Abolition of the Trade in this Hrench-No-Eren inftance inefleétual. the cloquence of Mirabeau was by regulations made by the Affiembly Were they the refult of any relief of the Slaves? No: for the for the government or bly on this fubjeét decrees of the AflemGn that bead Bonald originate uniformly wvitbs parport, tbat all regulations If thofe dreadfal diforders the Planters Aflembly, it is becatife are chargeable to the thengBtezs. National they left the black they did not their mafters; labourers in the iflands imerfere:-bocaufe at the and, after mercy of were born equal, fanétioned having declared that all mankind the firft priuciples of their a decrec that gave the lic to conffituticns, Of the feveral pieces that have on this fubject, the made their efSt. addrefs or remonftrance of appearance Domingo to tbe National the Depntites particular notice. But before Afembls we of Frarice,* calls for tion into the caufes of the enormities proceed to 211 examinapermitted a few reflections on the it records, lct uS be ifland of St. Domingo has of late awful frenes that the of thefe outrages forms indeed exhibited: the pidure the narrative In queftion. The the molt fhriking part of plantations; the burning of deftruction of Hourithing houfes; the Baughter of the 66 1 Particular Tranflated Account into Engiifh, and publithed under the title Infurrettion ef tbe of the Commetenent and of Negroes in St. Progrifs she fary to obferve, tbat its Domingo." It is fearcely neceftbe National Afembis, gives being it no printed (in Frauce) ly ordar of a meafure always adopted in additional autbenticityrit being abe Members an opportunity papers of of length, in order to affo:d confidering them. whites ated Account into Engiifh, and publithed under the title Infurrettion ef tbe of the Commetenent and of Negroes in St. Progrifs she fary to obferve, tbat its Domingo." It is fearcely neceftbe National Afembis, gives being it no printed (in Frauce) ly ordar of a meafure always adopted in additional autbenticityrit being abe Members an opportunity papers of of length, in order to affo:d confidering them. whites --- Page 7 --- 31 1 by fecret treachery, or open revoit; the grofs viowhitcs of female chaftity; the diffolution of all the bonds lations, and all the attachments of focicty, conof fubordination, fketch. tribute to fill the dreadful Are thefe enormities to be lamented? they What furely Can excite our wonder? by no means. are. they of the labouring negro? Is he not a being is the ftate force ? labouring under conftant compulbound down by his tatk by the immcdiaté difcifion ? driven to complete affedtion, lenity, and forbearance pline of the whip?-Are When the native ferothe refult of opprellion and abufe? the keen fenfe of long-concity of Africa is fharpened by tinued injury, who fhall fet bounds to its revenge? how have the fierce difpofitions of favage life Again, the example of their been counteraéled Or improved by where white fuperiors? Rcfiftance is always juftifiable of force is the fubftitute of right: nor Îs the commiffion the civil crime in a ftate of flavery. Yet punifha pofmible have been devifed in the French iflands to ments that that could only exift by the abufe of the reprefs crimes, fuch as nature revolts at. How often Slave Holder, are their fellows,in famine have thefe unfortunate beingsbcheld iron in which and diftraction, beat the bars cf at cage, the laft they were doomed to pafs in inconceivable mifery that in thefe days of their exifence? Is it not known, his life in the wretched iflands a human being has religned intorments of a flow-confuming fire? An unavenged out for flance of an act fo awfully atrocious, marks the perdition the country that could fuffer it. When the effedts oppreffor of the thus enforces his authority, what muft be fufferer's refentment? In the forcible violation of female chaftity we trace the moft deteftable extreme of brutality, and, in the eftimation of fenfibility, the iofs of lifc is preferable to its difgrace; nor but medefty is not confined to the capacity of a Let bluft, this acfenfibility to a particular form and feature. or the count then be fertled between the African embrace Trader, the unimperious Planter, who compels to his Siave, who willing objeet of his luft, and the exafperated gratifics female chaftity we trace the moft deteftable extreme of brutality, and, in the eftimation of fenfibility, the iofs of lifc is preferable to its difgrace; nor but medefty is not confined to the capacity of a Let bluft, this acfenfibility to a particular form and feature. or the count then be fertled between the African embrace Trader, the unimperious Planter, who compels to his Siave, who willing objeet of his luft, and the exafperated gratifics --- Page 8 --- 4 ) gratifies by this hateful aét, not his fenfuality, but fentment. : his reBut let us fuppofe that the fenfe of fhame is with a black complexion, and that the incompatible nefs without emotion the grofs abufe of the negro objedt could of wit- his affection; Ict us fuppofe too, that the unnatural ments before mentioned were forgotten, becaufe punifhrare; and that the daily difcipline of the they wcre heeded, becaufe it was fo modified as feldom whip to was be un- the immediate occafion of death. Yet the Negro had other examples before his eyes. A diffenfion had arifen the Holders of the Slaves; thofe who had before amongft in opprefling them, were now at variance united themfelves. They had procceded to opcn amcngf whilft the Slaves waited the event with filence, violencc; difference. One party obtained though not with inleader of the weaker number an carly fuperiority; the was taken, and the were ipcétators of the death of Ogé, a man who Negroes of their colour, and who was brcken alive partook the wheel. Twenty-five of his followers fhared the fame upon If the cold-blooded fons of Europc, educated in the fate. of improved fociety, and affecting to fecl the habits a mild and merciful religion, can thus preccpts of and infult their own nature, forget themfelves, the African fhould imitate the ought they to wonder that pattern, and if poflible improve upon their examplc? Upon this part of the Addreis refeélions ftill which the planter is deeply interefled-an opinion occur, is there in inculcated, that if acceded to and aéled muft the iflands a conftant fcenc of cruelty and upon, bloodfled. render are told, that the Slaves who had been moit kindly treated We by their mafters, were the foul of the 6C it * qvas they vaubo betrayed and delivered infurredtion; their that mafters to the Alafis fevord, and feduced and bumahe revolt the gargs difpofed io fidelity." Hear firred UP to and if there be one amongft you, fo this, ye Planters! to harbour a lurking fentiment of humanity, fingularly let foolifh as his owD fafety, diveft himfelf of it without lofs him, of timef for * Particular Account, P- IL, The it * qvas they vaubo betrayed and delivered infurredtion; their that mafters to the Alafis fevord, and feduced and bumahe revolt the gargs difpofed io fidelity." Hear firred UP to and if there be one amongft you, fo this, ye Planters! to harbour a lurking fentiment of humanity, fingularly let foolifh as his owD fafety, diveft himfelf of it without lofs him, of timef for * Particular Account, P- IL, The --- Page 9 --- ( 5 ) The Negro is a being, whofe nature and difpofitions are different from thofe of the European, they are not reverfc merely of them. Kindnefs and compaffion excite in the breaft and deadiy hatred : but ftripes, and his implacable affection, and ininfults, and abufe, generate gratitude, violable attachment! Upon this principle we are enabled in the Addrefs. to reconcile an apparent inconffltency aubo Ce * Slaves, Rue are informed, avcre Rill found their gave envincible fidelity, and aubo made manifef progfs gfan tbe zulo wwould wvitb determination to detef fedugtion of thofe If promifes of liberty inocigle them 10 certain defrutlions the of the humanity of the mafler only fharpens appetite revenge, is it diflicult to difcover by what mode of treatthe of thefe Slaves was fecured? Be ment friendfhip Planters, to the man who has at length difgratefal, clofed this ye important truth; ; and admire bis courage, who has dared to avowi ity even in the bofom of a nation devoted to liberty! Eut the horrors of the flaughter increafe. The white father falls a victim to the unnatural rage of his Mulatto fon.- Have human crimes their origin and caufes in human affairs? or are they incited by fome malignant demon, who pofefling himfelf of that cup of affection, the human heart, pours out its contents, and fills it with poifon ? Alas! we vainly feek in fable the apology of and the cauics of thofe our own depravity; unhappily tranfadlions, which would fcarce meet credibility on any other part of the globe, are in thefe regions of guilt too apparent. However the Author Nature may have inflilled affeétion into the breaft a as the means / parent, of preferving the race from deftrucion, we muft allow that the correfponding fentiment in the mind of the offspring, is merely the effect of a long continued courfe of carc, paytiality, and tendernefs. Shal the harveft then rife up without feed? and where no fondnefs has been hown, fhall flial attachments be expedted? In a country where it is by no means unufuzi for the known children of the Planter to undergo all the hardihips, and the ignominy of Slavery,, in common with the moft degraded clafs * Particular Account, P. II. of in the mind of the offspring, is merely the effect of a long continued courfe of carc, paytiality, and tendernefs. Shal the harveft then rife up without feed? and where no fondnefs has been hown, fhall flial attachments be expedted? In a country where it is by no means unufuzi for the known children of the Planter to undergo all the hardihips, and the ignominy of Slavery,, in common with the moft degraded clafs * Particular Account, P. II. of --- Page 10 --- de 6) of mortals, is it there we are to feek for inftances filial affectica? of In thus endlearouring to unfold the and aétive caufes of thefe troubles, Jet it not primary be ever I wifh to palliate the enormities committed by thought the infur- that gents: enormities decply to be deplored, one not totally infenfible to the fufferings of by every But let it not be forgotten, that to know the, humanity. origin of the malady is the firft ftep towards an efficacious thould that origin be found in the miftaken conduét remedy: Planters, it is for them to apply the cure after the ofthe accumulated cruelties of ages. Do they wait till the revolted fubjedts of their oppreflion fet them the firft cxample of inagnanimity, lenity, and forbearance? I come now to a clofer examination of the Addrefs in queftion. After a long and labcured difpiay of the crimes mitted by the infurgents, in which it is to be obferved, conevery inftançe of vindiétive retaliation on the of the White Inhabitants is cautioufly fupprefled; the part of the Colonies pour down the whole vial of their Deputies leéted wrath, on the fociety eftablifhed in France for abo- collifhing thc Slave Trade, under the name of Les Amis des Noirs. Jf we credit this narrative, the Negroes, before they were feduced and alienated by the efforts of this Socicty, #6 qvere provided svitbs every comfort, and avith accommedations Juperiar to half the Cottogers in in ibe chjoyment ff their prepricties, nurfed in Burope-Sccurt time wwvitb a2t expence and an atlachzent fougbt for in vain efficknef: in the musch bmnjied lofpitais ef England; protetled and in the sufrmitier 6f nges at cafe ip relpeal to their children, refpeited theirfomiliea crd tbeir afebienes- fubjeéled to a labour calselated according 2 the Brength of eacb indreidual:-and, to conciude ells-efranchifd, cubenever merited it they important fervices." We Repe in fecuritsy add the monfirants, in the snidf men tbat suere beccme 01l7" breeren, and TRCHg Ef 115 Y neitker locks 1107 bars 15, our houfe:. Particular Account, P. 19. This ienes- fubjeéled to a labour calselated according 2 the Brength of eacb indreidual:-and, to conciude ells-efranchifd, cubenever merited it they important fervices." We Repe in fecuritsy add the monfirants, in the snidf men tbat suere beccme 01l7" breeren, and TRCHg Ef 115 Y neitker locks 1107 bars 15, our houfe:. Particular Account, P. 19. This --- Page 11 --- ( 7 ) and of fclicity, did not, ifwe This period of confidence fatisfy the Amis de Noirs, who may believe the Colonifts, how emancipation could it feems could not comprehend where Slavery, was a flate be the higheft reward of merit, Reolulion in Fratice, C6 From the time ftbe of happinefs. it is afferted, or at losf fome of its all members, means tbis Society, to their enterprine : bave given an anbounded loofe tbey miglt tend 1o its accomplifbbarve feemed to them good, the f deep and Pudied inuendo, the ment-Thz oben attack, calummier, bave beeis progliced to bafef and meft defpicable Such are thc charges, again reforsuard their deign." of the work, broughr the peated in different parts of the Slave Trade France, ETR Advocates for the Abolition of that traffick in England, are deand which the abettors this critical to the firous' of transferring at here. junchure, friends of that important meafure is itriking, their The prelude of the Remonftrants punithments due to the accufarion is boldly made.-The will be willingly conceded. Howauthors of fuch outrages from the world, or from themfelves, ever they may difguife under the maik of philanthropy, they their real motives, of their countrymen 5 and cannot efcape the indignation théy fairly marks cut the treachery of the means employ, aim. of the end at which tbey the criminality to charge with this crimiOne thing only is wanting and this the Remonfrance does nality the Amis de Noirs, that they bave adlspsed tbat courf: not fupply-the proof tbem the Colonjfs. This defcét ef conduel inpprtedl 10 cither by by the atrocity of the crimé, cannot be compenfated, of the accufation. or the virulence and audacity France becn the canfe of the difHad the Society in where was the dificaly, where orders in the Colonies, the proofs cf it before the Af the impropriety, of laying Was it neceflary to keep any fembly and the World? fhewn that thcy had zimed ag terms with men; who had of the Colonies ? Certain, nothing lefs than the extirpation on this head from however, it is, that all we can collcét * Particular Account, P- 22. the ulence and audacity France becn the canfe of the difHad the Society in where was the dificaly, where orders in the Colonies, the proofs cf it before the Af the impropriety, of laying Was it neceflary to keep any fembly and the World? fhewn that thcy had zimed ag terms with men; who had of the Colonies ? Certain, nothing lefs than the extirpation on this head from however, it is, that all we can collcét * Particular Account, P- 22. the --- Page 12 --- ( 8) the publication in queftion, inftead of putation on the fociety, evidently attaching the imders bad a diferent caufeA proves, that the diforthe Remonflrants did not dare caufs, which it is as cvident toavow. Slight however, as thefe pretended may appear, they ought not to indications of guilt bear with them their own refutation. pafs unnoticed. They that warred againft heaven, Like the giants champions of oppreffion, feems every fone thrown by thefe double weight upon their own heads. deftined to return with The Socicty, fay the Deputies, * take bold claration efthe Rigbts of Man : tbis sf the Deficial to enlightened men, but iramortal auorh, benedangerous to our regulationt, inapplicaéles and therefire our Colomies. The journals in their they fend with prefihon into ence, give this declaration vent in pay tbe or under their infuThe wuritings of the AMIS des midk of our tbe freedem ef the Negrees is NOIRs, openly announce, RE of Rigbts. proclaimed by tbe Declaration Miferable effeôts of injuftice, In the evidence of their own rapacity, and opprellion! St. Domingo read their own frecdom, the Colonifts of tion of the univerfal rights of condemnation. That afferought to be as general as Man, which if true at all iflands of Amcrica, deftined day-light, w2s in the wretched in the refidence of the to give a candle-like light citute Negro was to fit in Planter, darknefs whilft the poor and defin his hut. "The declaration of the Rights of fent with profufion into the Man, was it feems, of the Rights of Colonics, bet the declaration Noirs: whatever Man, was not the work of the Antis des fore anfwerable for might its be its effccts, they were not therepart of the dominions of confequences. As a conitituent were properiy tranfmitted France, the laws of Frenebmven, to St. pears from no evidence, but the Damingo, But it apthat the Amis des Noirs affertions of the deputics, furnithing the ifland with were more active than others in the fime a work, wiich the Colonifts in brenth, execrate and applaud; which they regard * Partioular Account, p: 23. as they were not therepart of the dominions of confequences. As a conitituent were properiy tranfmitted France, the laws of Frenebmven, to St. pears from no evidence, but the Damingo, But it apthat the Amis des Noirs affertions of the deputics, furnithing the ifland with were more active than others in the fime a work, wiich the Colonifts in brenth, execrate and applaud; which they regard * Partioular Account, p: 23. as --- Page 13 --- ( 9 ) as the charter of their own liberty, and the caufe of all their diftreffes. But again, the writings of the Amis des Noirs, it is faid, openly announce, that the freedon of the Negroes is preclaimed by the Declaraticn of Rights. if the Amis dcs Noirs have made fo infipid a comment, they have miferably mifpent their time. Is it neceffary to prove, that the fun (hines when the dial marks the hour ? If all men be born equally free, let the Colonifls prove the Negroes arc not men, and the difpute will fettle itfelf. Is the voice of nature atid of truth to be for ever filent, becaufe the Colonifts choofe to hold in fubjedtion fome unfortunate natives of Africa? Such however, are the proofs, and fuch their authenticity, upon wlich the accufations againft the fociety are founded. This defec is attempted to be remedied, by adverting to fome expreffions, which, in the many and violent debates that have agitated tllg National Afembly on this fubjedt, have marked the virtuous indignation of its members- 66 Peri/h the Colonies ratber than qve pould betray our princigles," faid one of the reprefentatives. Cc Perifb tbe Calonies," became indecd, + cc the hgnal ot. blood and confogration, but not amongft the Negroes-it was the Planters who fevered thefe words from their context, and made them the apology of their own enormities. 66 Bejuf, and eat grafs;" faid the Abbé Gregoire. C We chofe ratber to be unjnf, and live in laxurgs" the Colonifts reply. I fhall not detain my reader by a longer review of thefe unfounded calumnies, I haften to a more important taik, that of tracing the difturbances of St. Domingo to their * cc With indecent affeétation they have dared to reproach a friend of humanity, with having faid, 66 Perifb the Colonies raiber tban a principle Jbould be Jacrifeed;" and they dare themfelves to fay, 66 Perifb the Colonies rather tban we, Joould grant to the Psople f Colour the rights of adive citizens." Speech of Mr. Guadet, 6th Dec. 1791. + Particular Account, P. 25. B origin, . Domingo to their * cc With indecent affeétation they have dared to reproach a friend of humanity, with having faid, 66 Perifb the Colonies raiber tban a principle Jbould be Jacrifeed;" and they dare themfelves to fay, 66 Perifb the Colonies rather tban we, Joould grant to the Psople f Colour the rights of adive citizens." Speech of Mr. Guadet, 6th Dec. 1791. + Particular Account, P. 25. B origin, --- Page 14 --- IC ) erigin, and purfuing their progrefs. If developed with truth, they wil be the moit cfectual anfwer to the accufations of the Deputies. Let me, however, firft be allowed to render more fpecific, an affertion I have before made.-1 is to the rubite Calonijp: alone, zve are to attribute ihe misfortunes %f tbe Colonies. * 66 Tou bave beard enormities thhat freeze avith borror! but Phalaris of not ef bis brazen bull, 2 lamented cnly the daggers that Ipoike Hsoun critelty bad raifed agamf bim. The Colomifs bave related infancer 4f ferocity: But give me, foid Mirabeau, an uninformed brute, and' I wwill fon mabe bim a ferociaus -lt avas a aubite, aubo frf Hlanged a into a monfer. oveny-aubo dafbed out the brains ef a child the burning its AAC prefence ef fathery--wbo fed a Slave zvith kis 02011 proper Thefe are the monfers that bare to account the Refo.- 4f the revoited Saengen.-Millonr ef Africans for bave barbarity on this foil of Hoad.-Tou break at every Rep tbe bones perifbed the inbabitants that nalure bad given to ihgje ifands, you Pbudder at the relation of their vengeanice.- -In this Rrugle, the erimesef the Wbites are yet the mof borrible: dreadful They are the ofipring defpctifm ; aubilf the Blacki originate in tbe 1. of. Havery-the thofe gcance. Is sbip UC1- / fe pbilefopby chargeable witls thefe berrors? ? Does require the blood ef the Colonips? Brathren, Phe cries, be Jup-be benefcent-and will prefper.- - Eternal smuf be C1l eternal fource T crimes , -divef it at leaf fauery f tke epilbet cternal; for anguifh that knows 110 bound can duce defpair." only prbIt is well known, that a large portion of the or Planters of St. Domingo, confifts of free Proprictors People of Colour, or thofe who have fome mixture of African blood. --This defcription comprehends every flade of on, from the flightelt tinge of colour, to the complexi- hue of the native African. Though many ofthis clafs original of inhabitants are as diftinguifhed by their weaith, as for talents aud integrity, the invidious diftinétion has their been religioufly adhered to. The white Colonifts excluded alwvays them from their focial circles, from their from their municipal funétions; and contintally aflemblies, held them in kind of profcription. a * Speech of M. Briffot, in the National Aflembly, ift December, 1791. of the native African. Though many ofthis clafs original of inhabitants are as diftinguifhed by their weaith, as for talents aud integrity, the invidious diftinétion has their been religioufly adhered to. The white Colonifts excluded alwvays them from their focial circles, from their from their municipal funétions; and contintally aflemblies, held them in kind of profcription. a * Speech of M. Briffot, in the National Aflembly, ift December, 1791. --- Page 15 --- II ) The effedls of this arrogance were not, however, injaria ous to the People of Colour. Infulted by their countrymen, they found the means of reudering themfelves refpeétable in the cyes of their Europcan correfpondents. fhey were as remarkable for their induftry and their punétuality, as the White Planters' for their indolence and extravagance. In cafes of internal infurreétions, or external attack, they were regarded as the fole barrier of the illand.- * < The Wbite Colonif," fays Mr. Blanchelande, cannot march wvitbout tbe attendance of bis cooks; be is unfie fra continual fervice: but the Man of Colour, bare-fotedl, robuf and temperate, fiupports wvitbout dificulty the hardfips and fatigues f wvar." In the contemplation of the French laws, the People of Colour had long food upon an equality with the White proprictors.-By an Ediét of Lewis XIV. in the year 1085, this equality was acknowledged and confirmed. Such was the fituation of the Colonifts at the time of the French Revolution. + 4 At tbis Epocba," fays Mr. Bergeras, 66 the White Colcmifs adsvanced rapidly in the career fredom ; but the People ef Colour trod back tbeir Reps t0wards favery. attraéted the The fituation of the French colonies early attention of the Conftituent Affembly. At this time all was tranquil; at leaft as tranquil as fuch a ftate of oppreffion will permit. Political health can only be attributed to a country with a free conftitution. The firuation of the iflands is that of a paralytic: onc part is torpid, whilft the other is affeéted with the frantick motions of St. Vitus's dance. The firit interference of the National Affembly in the affairs of the Colonics, was by a decree of the 8th March 1790, which declared t 66 that all free perfons, auto wvere proprietors and refidents two scars Banding, and aubo colltributed to tbe exigencies 4 tbe Jiates Jbould exereife tbe rights ff voling, wubich conflitutes tbe quality ef French citizens." * Letter of M. Blanchelande, read: in the National Affembly, Jan. 17th, 1702. + Speech of M. Bergeras, in the National Affembly, 7th Dec. 1791. f Que toute perfonne libre, proprietaire ou domicilié depuis deux ans, et contribuable, jouira du droit de fuffrage qui condit tute la qualité de Citoyen actif." Art. 4. ife tbe rights ff voling, wubich conflitutes tbe quality ef French citizens." * Letter of M. Blanchelande, read: in the National Affembly, Jan. 17th, 1702. + Speech of M. Bergeras, in the National Affembly, 7th Dec. 1791. f Que toute perfonne libre, proprietaire ou domicilié depuis deux ans, et contribuable, jouira du droit de fuffrage qui condit tute la qualité de Citoyen actif." Art. 4. --- Page 16 --- the This decree, though in fact it gave no new to People of Colour, was regarded with a rights the white Planters; who evidently faw that jealous the eye by of the qualification included all defcriptions of generality They ailuéted, however, to impofe a different proprietorz. upon it. The People of Colour appealed to conftruction tice, and common fenfe: * it was to DO common juf Whites repelled them from their Aflemblies. purpofe. The motions enfued, in which they mutually fell a Some comtheir pride, and their refentment.-The Amis facrifice to have not been accufed of any interference in thefe des Noirs fions, to which it is however probable that the flaves diffennot inattentive. were National Thefe difturbances again excited the vigilance of the Affenibly. The neceffity of fome definitive arrangement was apparent; but the difficulty and too violent an interference was not lefs fo. In order danger of ever to relieve the Colonifts from any howthe French Conftitution was intended to apprehenfions be enforced that Mlands, fo as to liberate or meliorate the condition of in the the ilaves, a decree was paffed on the 12th day of 1790, by which the Affembly Oftober; article, 6 That they wvould declared, as a conflitutional the internal efablifs 10 regulations refpegling governnient of the Colonies, witbout aid formal requef 9f the Colonial Afemblies." the precife By this decree the Couftituent abied themfelves from Affembly not only difthe condition of the exercifing any future diferetion on tied up the hands of flaves; their but, as far as in their power, fucceffors from to that devoted race, or refcuing them from afiording relief that might be exercifed over them. any tyranny orer to their mafters, who They were delivered were at once their accufers, * The arguments of their advocates this anfwerable. 66 Je m'attache à cette expreflion upon head are unperfonnes, et je demande fi les hommes de couleur generale toutes les des perfonnes: alors, s'ils étoient ne font pas centribuables, je ne vois aucune difficulté, proprietaires,. ne vois domiciliés et pour leur refuler les avantages attachés à ces je qualités. aucun raifon Speech of Mr. Pétion, Iith of May, 1791. their * The arguments of their advocates this anfwerable. 66 Je m'attache à cette expreflion upon head are unperfonnes, et je demande fi les hommes de couleur generale toutes les des perfonnes: alors, s'ils étoient ne font pas centribuables, je ne vois aucune difficulté, proprietaires,. ne vois domiciliés et pour leur refuler les avantages attachés à ces je qualités. aucun raifon Speech of Mr. Pétion, Iith of May, 1791. their --- Page 17 --- ( 13 ) their judges, and their executioners; accountable for their mifconduét to no human power. So far from the aims, or fettering the authority of the Colonite, oppoling the Affembly becaine their accomplicc in oppreffion, and fent armies of frecmen to maintain the reign of defpotifm. All was in the power of the Colonilts ; and if had maintained unanimity among themfelves, the they blood of only the negrocs might have cried to heaven, but France had for ever fhut her eyes to their fufferings, and ftopt her their lamentations. ears to Peace was not, however, the confequence of this decree. The proprictors, it is true, had obtained a legal right of tyrannizing; but the unfortunate queftion ftill recurred, Yfbo fould be permitted to exercife that right? On head the decree was filent. New diffenfions this of the parties covered under a factitious arofe : each moft atrocious deligns. Aflaflination and revolt patriotifm became the frequent. the Mauduit, a French oflicer of rank loft his life by hands of his own countrymen. The unfortunate Ogé, a Planter of Colour, who had exerted himfelf in France in the caufe of his brethren, refolved to by force their juft pretenfions. He landed in the fupport territory of St. Domingo, where he aflembled about Spanifh 600 mulattoes. Beforc he proceeded to hoftilities, he the French general, that his defire was for wrote to ded the laws were enforced. 1 His letter was peace, provifidered as a declaration of war. Being attacked abfurdly and conquifhed he tool refuge among the Spaniards, who vanlivered him up to his adverfaries. * The horrors of de- his death were the harbingers of future crimga. Thefe difturbances ftill increafing, the National Affembly found it neceffary, at length, to decide between the contending parties. A long and violent debate took in which leveral members whe had Oil other occalions Ra2 * Il faut bien preter des crimes à celui veut avec le glaive de la juftice, Ogéelt mort qu'on de la affaffiner et de la'loi; car tout etoit pour lui, humanité, martyr liberté Le concordat P'a juttice, decret. Qu'elle fletriffe à jamais vengé; celui Pinfamie des ne fletrit plus fon nom. tyrans. Speech of Mr. Briffot, i of December, 1791. tinguifhed other occalions Ra2 * Il faut bien preter des crimes à celui veut avec le glaive de la juftice, Ogéelt mort qu'on de la affaffiner et de la'loi; car tout etoit pour lui, humanité, martyr liberté Le concordat P'a juttice, decret. Qu'elle fletriffe à jamais vengé; celui Pinfamie des ne fletrit plus fon nom. tyrans. Speech of Mr. Briffot, i of December, 1791. tinguifhed --- Page 18 --- 14 ) tinguithed themfelves by their talents, and their patriotsfm, oppofed with a degree of warmth as pertinacious as it wzs inconfiftent, the pretenfions of't the People of Colour. Their refiftance was, however, unfuccefsful. On the 1sth of May, 1791; a decrec was made, confifling of two articles, by the firl of which the Affembly confirmed that of the r2th of Oétober, fo far as refpodted the flaves in their iflands. It is truc that the word Ranes was cautioufly omiteed in this document, and they are only charaéterized by the negative defcription of 6e men not free," 2s if right and wrong depended on a play of words, or a mode of expreffion. This part of the decree met with but littie oppofition, though it paffed not without fevere reprehenfion from 2 few enlightened members. The fecond article the People of Colour was frongly contefted. Thofe refpeéting who were before known by the appellation of Patriots divided zpon it. It was, however, determined in the refult, that the People of Colour born ef free parents fhould be confidered as aCtive citizens and be cligible to the offices of government in the iflands. This Sccond Article which decided upon a right that' the People of Colour had been entitled to, for upwards of a centary", inftead of reftoring peace, may be confidered as the caufe, or rather the pretext, of all the fubfequent eviis that the colcny of St. Domingo has fuftained. aroie They not indeed from its execution, bur from its counteraction by the White Colonifts. Had they, after the awful warnings they had alrcady experienced, obeyed the ordimances of an aflembly they pretended to revere; had they imbibed one drop of the true fpirit of that conftitution to which-they had vowed an inviolable attachment; had they even fappreffed the diétates of pride in the fuggeftions of prudence; the ftorm that threatened them had been avert- * This decree after all was not the extenfion, but the reftriction of 2 privilege. It was afferted in the National that of IOO free Negroes, fcarcely 2 would be found who Affembly. could qualfr under this title. Speech cf Mr. Rewbell, 7th of Sept. 1791. ed; which-they had vowed an inviolable attachment; had they even fappreffed the diétates of pride in the fuggeftions of prudence; the ftorm that threatened them had been avert- * This decree after all was not the extenfion, but the reftriction of 2 privilege. It was afferted in the National that of IOO free Negroes, fcarcely 2 would be found who Affembly. could qualfr under this title. Speech cf Mr. Rewbell, 7th of Sept. 1791. ed; --- Page 19 --- - 15 ) ed, and in their obedience to the parent ftate, they had difplayed an act of patriotifm, and preferved themfclves from all poflibility of danger. But, the cqualization of the People of Colour flung the irritable nerves of the White Colonifts. The defcendants of flaves might have loft the refentments of their fathers; but the hatred of a defpot is hereditary. The Europcan maxim allows GS That tbey neer pardon aubo bave done the 1 zurong" ; but in the colonies this perverfity attains a more monftrous growth, and the averfion to African blcod defcends from generation to generation. No fooner bad the decree paffed, than the deputies from the iflands to the National Affembly withdrew their attendance. The Colonial Committec, always under the influence of the planters, fufpended their labours. Its arrival in the ifland itruck the Whites with confternation. * They vowed to facrifice their lives rather than fuffer the exccurion of the decree. Their rage bordered upon phrenzy. They propofed to imprifon the French merchants then in the to ifland, tear down the National Flag, and hoift the Britifn Standard in its place. Whilft the joy of the Mulattoes was mingled with apprehenfions and with fears, St. Domingo re-echoed with the cries of the Whites, with their menaces, with their blafphemies againft the conflitution. A motion was made in the fireets to fire upon the of Colour, who fled from the city and took refuge People in the plantations of their friends and in the woods. They were 2t length recalled by a proclamation : but it was only to fwear fubordination to the Whites, and to be witnefles of frelh enormities. Amidit thefe agitations the flaves had remained in their accuftomed fubordination. Nor was it till the month of Auguft, 1791, that the fymptoms of the infurredtion appeared amougft them. If the notoriety of this fact require any evidence, it may be found in the Report of the Colonial Connnittee, in the letters of Mr. * Vide-letters of M. Blanchelande read before the 22nd of Auguft, 1791; Affembly, Addrefs of the Syndicks of the Chamber of Commerce of Rouen, read the 7th of September, 1791. Speech of M. Briffet, ift of December, 1791. Blanchelande, ymptoms of the infurredtion appeared amougft them. If the notoriety of this fact require any evidence, it may be found in the Report of the Colonial Connnittee, in the letters of Mr. * Vide-letters of M. Blanchelande read before the 22nd of Auguft, 1791; Affembly, Addrefs of the Syndicks of the Chamber of Commerce of Rouen, read the 7th of September, 1791. Speech of M. Briffet, ift of December, 1791. Blanchelande, --- Page 20 --- ( 16 ) Blanchelande : in the fpeeches of the membérs of the affemibly, in the publication which is the fubjcét of remarks. A confiderable number both of Whites thefc and People of Colour had loft their lives in thefe before the flaves had given indications of difaffection- commotions They were not, however, infenfibie of the of revolt afforded by the diffenfions of their opportunities mafters. They had learnt tbat 120 alleviation ef their was enwer to be expeôted from Europe: that in the miferies Colonia! Dominion their humble interefts had firuggle been for ly facrificed or forgotten by all parties. felt equalcurb relaxed by the difarming and difperfion They of their their Mulatto mafters, who had been accuitomed to them under rigorous difcipline. Hopelefs of relief keep from quarter, they rofe in different parts and fpread defolation any over the ifland. If the cold cruelties of no bounds, what fhall be expeéted from the defpotifm paroxifins have of defpair? To this crifis our prefent Inquiry is particularly direaed, nor ought it to pais over with an uniupported affertion, or 2 probable fappofition. The caufe of the infurrection has been agitaied ini the National after the prefentation of the Addrefs of the Affembly, Deputies. long In the courfe of the debate, it was afferted, without contradiction, that all the Mulattoes, except thofe in the fouthern * The letter, dated the 4th of September, from Mr. Blanchelande thus defcribes the commencement 1791, of the infurrection. On the 22d of Auguft the Colonial Affembly requefted prefence at the examination of feveral perfons, as well my as Blacks, who had been apprehended by the patrol. Whites I was conviaced from their depofitions that a confpiracy was formed againit the Colony, and particularly againft the learned that on the night of the fame day, it was Capo I burn feveral dwellings near the Cape, and to maffacre intended all the to - Whites. On the morning of the 23d feveral periens from the country took refuge in the town. They information that many of the Dlack labourers had revolted, brought and that Whites had been put to death. many Read Noveniber Sth, 1791. parts, their depofitions that a confpiracy was formed againit the Colony, and particularly againft the learned that on the night of the fame day, it was Capo I burn feveral dwellings near the Cape, and to maffacre intended all the to - Whites. On the morning of the 23d feveral periens from the country took refuge in the town. They information that many of the Dlack labourers had revolted, brought and that Whites had been put to death. many Read Noveniber Sth, 1791. parts, --- Page 21 --- 17 ) had parts were difarmed by the Whites, and that revolted * becaufe tbefe wbo bad been the Negroes them wwere. incapacitated. Ir it accuftomed 1o coerce rator, tbat the Slaves Bould revolt extraordinary, ruben faid the O. lattors difarmeds wuben they Fee them they find the MuCape, or be expofed to the mofi borrible compelled 1o quit the. Colonial Committee, panifoments? Even the fentations of the Whites though were ever unable attentive to the reprecaufe of the infurrection. After all the to difcover any other: Colonifts, as well in. the Addrefs accufations of the tion, as in other intemperate now under confiderathat no proof had been adduced picces, to them they acknowledged of the Society of the Amis des Noirs. The of theinterference fay they, in their Report of the Tith of Wbite Colomijns, semplained of the calumnies and outrages that January laft, bave soritings ofthe Amis des Noirs. appear in the bas been their. moral Htirdificude to calculate wbat dence that the Amis infuence des Noirs ; but bitberto there is 10 evin and zve. bave found all the bave excited thefe troibles, unfupported by progf. accufations againf them totall; Before we proceed with our mitted a reflection on the narrative, let us be perbitants of St. comparative ftate of the inhaplace. The White Domingo, at the time the infurreétion took Colonifts had liberties, and were called juft recovered their political rights, and preferibe upon for to exercife the higheft conftitution. The Slaves had been themfelves their own unlimited controul; ; all that defpotifm religned up to thein enjoyed: paramount and uncontroulable can wilh for they exercifed uncontrouled and themfelves, ther One only circumftance embittered undefined authority over others. power fo gratifying to the their enjoyment of a were required to fhare it with perverted tafte of man. They free with themfelves, equally others, who, though equally of it, and equally interefted in competent its to the exercife nately dilinguithed by a different fhade refult, of were unfortuloufy is infeparable from the luft of colour. Jeadiflinétion ferved as a plea for power, and a natural reftricting all authority to * Speech of Mr. Briffot, 27th of - OStober, 1791. the it with perverted tafte of man. They free with themfelves, equally others, who, though equally of it, and equally interefted in competent its to the exercife nately dilinguithed by a different fhade refult, of were unfortuloufy is infeparable from the luft of colour. Jeadiflinétion ferved as a plea for power, and a natural reftricting all authority to * Speech of Mr. Briffot, 27th of - OStober, 1791. the --- Page 22 --- 18 ) the hands of a few. : The People of againft this injuftice, They Colour remonfrated confequences that might arife reprefented the dangerous to the Iland, if they were not only to themfelves but dependants, and degraded in the eyes of their a government in which compeiled they to contribute to the fapport of The decree of the 1sth of were as paflive as their Slavcs. their pretenfions. But the hard May juftified and confirmed not without force; and the White gripe of Injuftice relaxes refolution to fuffer every Planters avowed their a meafure that was extremity rather than fubmit to their own profperity, indifpenfably but necellary not only tc even to their own prefervation. If fuch pallions can agitate the human required to fhare with others that bofom, when have an equal right; if the power to which they their claim to a feat in the Colonial People of Colour in afferting pulfe that fet danger at Affembly, felt an imtered death, even in its moft defiance, horrid and cheerfully encounconceive were the of the forma; what fhall we of the People of Colour feclings had Negroes ? The claims been Country; ; but the Negroes had recognized by the Parent over to the will of their been formally configned in their favour. Political Mafters, without one ftipulation to a liberal mind, is as fubordination, however hateful the dark and hopelefs bright as day when compared with that combines the bondage of the Negro: a pangs of intelleétual bondage fulferings of a brute. Under thefe mifery, with the neceffary for the Amis des Noirs to circumftances was it that they were an unhappy and inform the Negroes be fuppofed they were an injured race? rlsit to contention amongft the unacquainted with the caufes of freedom contagious? When Planters? and is not the love of not only exempted them from they faw men whofe wealth plied them with all the perfonal labour, but fupat the peril of their lives blandithments for a of luxury, contend the Mland, could fhare in the government of templation of their they turn with indifference to the fions? It was not then own the numbers, and theis own oppref. conit was the irrefiftible voice of the Amis des Infurreélion: call of Nature that Noirs, the former would have foothed excited "the them to peace, ed them from they faw men whofe wealth plied them with all the perfonal labour, but fupat the peril of their lives blandithments for a of luxury, contend the Mland, could fhare in the government of templation of their they turn with indifference to the fions? It was not then own the numbers, and theis own oppref. conit was the irrefiftible voice of the Amis des Infurreélion: call of Nature that Noirs, the former would have foothed excited "the them to peace, --- Page 23 --- 19 ) latter hurried them blindly on to inevitable peace, the deltruétion. this infurrection was however by In its commencement and the General Blanchelande has no means formidable; Affembly of pafillanimoully been accufed in the National already fortified, when he entrenching himfelf in a town the revolt. fhould have led out his troops advifed to fupprefs him to this mea4 Whoever, fays Mr. Briffot, ruin of the Colony." There is fure, has occafioned the exertion would foon indeed little doubt but a vigorous Even when the number of have extinguithed the flame. and they had formed infurgents amounted to 50,000, of an hour themfelves into two bodies, and an engagement the other was totally difdeftroyed the camp of one, of cannon. by the difcharge of a few pieces perfed : barbarities Avoiding the repetition of the difgufting parties, let us alternately exercifed by the contending of the Slaves had upon inquire what effeêt the infurrection Planters which had given rife to the diffenfions of the that although 'them. The White Party foon difcovered, of the People they could legiflate without the affiftance the Iand from deof Colour, they could not and preferve they at length bowed their ftruétion without them; of their comftubborn necks under the irrefiftible affiftance weight upon thofe mon danger. In thus calling for every means in whom they had injured and infulted by inflexibility fhrunk from that arrogant their power, they from them. Amongit of charaéter which was expected in France when informathe conjeétures that took firit place. received there, we may notion of the Revolt was of the Colonial Committce. tice that of the Reporter that tbe White Creole avill ever <6 Believe not, fays he, avith tbe Man Colours although unite in the common caufe and bave botb % fame interefs to they are botb proprictors, Neceffity wvill bend defend. Erven tbe imperious yoke Sa origin: L6 Natbing under the odious prejudices agangf. aubich keep bim at fo infinite can efuce the unjuf difinctions * Report of the Colonial Committec, 27th Oétober, 4791. a dif- avill ever <6 Believe not, fays he, avith tbe Man Colours although unite in the common caufe and bave botb % fame interefs to they are botb proprictors, Neceffity wvill bend defend. Erven tbe imperious yoke Sa origin: L6 Natbing under the odious prejudices agangf. aubich keep bim at fo infinite can efuce the unjuf difinctions * Report of the Colonial Committec, 27th Oétober, 4791. a dif- --- Page 24 --- - - 20 ) 1 difance, tbat the White svould wvith enemies accufe bim of a crime, tban lefs borvor, tbat bear bis African blood circulates in bis veins. afert Sucb a drep as the a reproach % enfidered moft outrageous infult. He tran/mits bis wvengeance to- bis pofterity and bence originates tbat quenchable batred wubich is happily known ouly in unmates, in wbich the Jofief palfions arife to an thefe cliphrenzy." The Reporter was, however, excefs of Fear opcrates more forcibly than miftaken. breaft of a Creole. On the 2sth cf hatred, even in the Aflembly condefcended to invite the Auguft the Colonial unite with them for. the common defence. People of, Colour to 3d, and 4th of September, they deliberated On the 2d, tion of admitting them to their rights, The on the quefColour in the mcan time had armed for their People of but had kept aloof both from the Whités and the defence, On the 11th of September a convention took Negrocs. which produced the agreément called the Concordat, place, which the White Planters fipulated that théy would by longer oppofe the law of the isth of May, which no political rights to the Pcople of Colour. The Colonial gave Aflembly cven promifed to meliorate the fituation of the People the of Colour,"* born of parents not free, and to decree of the 15th of May did not extend. whom union was formed between the Planters, if it An fooner taken place, had prevented the Infurreétion. which, The had Infurgents were every wherc difpirited, repulfed, and difperfed; deftruction. and the Colony itfelf preferved from total At the moment thefe tranfactions happened at St. mingo, an important fcene was adting in the National DoAflembly of Francc. From the time of the crce of the Isth of May, the White Colonifts palling in deand their numerous Friends in the National France, had nevér ceafed to àccufe the authors of it Aflembly, of confpired together for the ruin of the Colonies. having In execrating its purport, and predidting its they had inflamed the minds of the refident confequences, Whites to the * See Decree of the Colonial Alfembly, 2oth Sept. 1791. highef Francc. From the time of the crce of the Isth of May, the White Colonifts palling in deand their numerous Friends in the National France, had nevér ceafed to àccufe the authors of it Aflembly, of confpired together for the ruin of the Colonies. having In execrating its purport, and predidting its they had inflamed the minds of the refident confequences, Whites to the * See Decree of the Colonial Alfembly, 2oth Sept. 1791. highef --- Page 25 --- 21 ) The true Incendiarics of St. Dohigheft pitch of rage. difcovered amongft the Colonifts who, mingo are to be the decree of the 1gth of May, failed immediately after its. and oppofe its for that Ifland to fruftrate publication, had been weak enough 10 execurion. The: Alembly Committee with expediting the deentruft the Colonial the apoftate patriot Barnave-had cree. a In that Committee The confequence was, that the firft unlimited authority. St. in the Publicanion.of the decree at Domingo appeared The inftructions French newfpaper called The Monitor. delayed till intended to accompany it were intentionally Before the decree arritheir effect was totally fruftrated. and the refult was ved, all was prepared for its réception, So far the White Colonifts fuch as has before been ftated. The diffenfions had fucceeded in their aims. of Colour predi@ted had taken place, between them and the People the decree of the and all that now remaincd was to that charge mifchief, which the asth of May as the caufe of eccafioned. Barnave Whites had themfelves voluntarily theirexertions, and and his adherents were indefatigablelin when the juftice and necelity almoft in the very moment of had been acknowledged of the decree of the 1sth May in the by the Concordat, the repeal of it was of pronounced the 24th of the National Affembly. By the decree of Colour were virfame month of September, the People Colonial and tually excluded from all right of Legillation, On placed in the power of the white Colonils.* that it exprefsly this difgracefal meafure it is only. to be remarked, as it was in abin of legal authority was' as defcctive point is denominatedia Conflitutiftract juflice. For althoughit fiftcen days after the new code onal aët, + it was pafied the King, and was had been prefented to and accepted which of a fyitem government, a the firft infringement have held facred. the founders at leaft ought to Petat des Perfonnes non lilres, & ART. 3. Les lois cencernant de Couleur, & Negres libres, ainii Pétat politique. des Hommes Péxécution de ces mêmes lois feront ites les reglenens relatifs a par les Afenblée Coloniales. 1791, and of t Speech of M. Fauchet, 12th December, M. Garan de Coulon, 2d March, 1792. People facred. the founders at leaft ought to Petat des Perfonnes non lilres, & ART. 3. Les lois cencernant de Couleur, & Negres libres, ainii Pétat politique. des Hommes Péxécution de ces mêmes lois feront ites les reglenens relatifs a par les Afenblée Coloniales. 1791, and of t Speech of M. Fauchet, 12th December, M. Garan de Coulon, 2d March, 1792. People --- Page 26 --- 22 ) if the decree of the isth of May could White Colonilts to the frantick acts of violence inftigate before the defcribed, what fhall we fuppofe were the feclings of the People of Colour on that of the 24th of which again blafted thofe hopes they had juftly September, founded on the conftitutional law of the Parent State, and the folemn ratification of the White Colonifts ? No fooner known in the Iflands than thofe diffenfions which the was Re- it volt of the Negroes had for a while appeafed, broke out with frefh violence. The apprehenfions entertained, the Slaves had been allayed by the effeêts of the Concordat: from but the Whites no fooner found themfelves relieved from the terrors of immediate deftruction, than they availed themfelves of.the decree of the 24th of September; they formally revoked the Concordat, and treacheroufly to comply with an engagement to which they owed refufed their very exiftencc. The People of Colour were in they attacked the Whites in the Southern Provinces; arms; they poffeffed themfelves of Fort St. Lewis, and defeated their opponents in feveral engagements. A powerful body furrounded Port-au-Prince, the capital of the and claimed the execution of the Concordat.* At three Ifland, different times did the Whites affent to the requifition, and as often broke their engagement. Gratified with the prediledion for Ariftocracy which the co:ftituent Affembly had in its dotage avowed, they affected the appellation of Patriots, and had the addrefs to transfer the popular odium to the People of Colour, who were for their indifputable rights, and to the few White contending Colonifts who had virtue enough to efpoufe their caufe. Under this pretext, the municipality of Port-au-Prince M. Grimoard, the captain of the Boreas, a French required line of battle Ahip, to bring his guns to bear upon, and to cannonade the People of Colour + affembled near the he at firt refufed, but the crew deluded by the cry of town: Patriotifm, enforced his compliancc. No fooncr was this * La Caufe des Troubles eft dans Pinfernale vanitd des blancs, quitrois fois" "ont violé un Concordat, que trois fuis ils avoient juré de maintenir. Spech of Mr. Brifot, Iotb Feb. + Report of the Colonia! Committer, 29th Feb. 1792. 1792. meafure near the he at firt refufed, but the crew deluded by the cry of town: Patriotifm, enforced his compliancc. No fooncr was this * La Caufe des Troubles eft dans Pinfernale vanitd des blancs, quitrois fois" "ont violé un Concordat, que trois fuis ils avoient juré de maintenir. Spech of Mr. Brifot, Iotb Feb. + Report of the Colonia! Committer, 29th Feb. 1792. 1792. meafure --- Page 27 --- I 23 ) than the People of Colour gave a loofe meafure adopted, they fpread over the country, and to their indignation; to all the Plantations; the greateft fet fire indifcriminately foon afterwards fhared of the town of Port-au-Prince feemed to rémain for the White Eee fame fate. Nothing their in quitting the Colony. Inhabitants but to feek fafety Parts the Pcople of Colour adopted 2 In the Northern and a more prudent conduct,* more magnanimous perhaps by efering tbeir blood to 66 They began, fays Mr. Verniaud, faid they, till we bave Javed 6 the Wbites- WeJball avait, caun claims." They accordingly 66 y51s before qve affert our revolted with unexthemfelves to the Negroes foothe them oppoled They endeavoured to by ampled courage. reafonable requifitions, t and if the Coattending to their be preferved to the French nation, it lony of St. Domingo of the People of Colour. will be by the exertions After this recital of authentic and indifputable Facts, Is_it is it difficult to trace the caufes of the Infurrection? for abolifhing the to the Amis des Noirr-to the Society be ? The fentiSlave Trade, that they thofe are to of all imputed the true friends ofthe ments of Mr. Briffot are the authors tbefe CGNegroes: 1 Cc Leballenge, faid he, the AMIS DES ef NOIRS. lumnies to Jpecify a fingle faa againf be proved that I Iuill bozu doaun any bead 012 the Jenfelds ifit line to the Colonies, Gf baue Juyporied bave auritten a Fnake avith thcm zubatevcr. I avify relation or correfpordeuce but not at the expenfe Tf Aituation ef the Negroes bretbren. mitigated, I Beuld be unzuorthy g the df the blood of flcould my advife a fingle Negreito rife spor hiberty Lenjoys * Specch of Mr. Verniaud, Il December, Hommes de 1792. Couleur, à Fext Dans la province du Nordles fe font comportés avec ia ception de ceux de quelques toujours paroiffes, ils fc font emprelics de combattre plus grand prudence; la confiance dans les les noirs : toujours ils ont montre plus Deux grand d'entre eux, M. M. decrets de PAffemblce font Nationale. allés dans le camp des revoltés, pour y Rouanet & Laforcit, leur zele, les foins qu'ils fe font donnés, dans negocier occalion la paix; font au-deffus de tout éloge, cette Report, 2gth Fcb. 1792. t Spesch of Mr. Briflot, Nov. 9, 1791. hi: les noirs : toujours ils ont montre plus Deux grand d'entre eux, M. M. decrets de PAffemblce font Nationale. allés dans le camp des revoltés, pour y Rouanet & Laforcit, leur zele, les foins qu'ils fe font donnés, dans negocier occalion la paix; font au-deffus de tout éloge, cette Report, 2gth Fcb. 1792. t Spesch of Mr. Briflot, Nov. 9, 1791. hi: --- Page 28 --- 24 ) Zir Mafer; and it is deteRable tkat tliey aebo Enonw ciples and thofe of M. M. Petion, Roberfpierrey my prinClaviere, Condorcet, /bould be the autbors fiucb. Gregoire, tions." In proportion as the fources of thefe ef accufahave been more diftinélly traced, the White calamities Colonifts have felt the convictions of truth, and their have been reluétantly compelled to advocates it. the roth of February, 1792,, a letter acknowledge was read in On the National Affembly, from Mr. Poymonbrun, a Colonift of St. Domingo, in which he attributes the the pride 4 Jame oF tbe Whites, aubo refifed to troubles admit the to Men of Calour to the rights of adtive citizens. In the Report of the Colonial Committée of the 12th of the fame month, they fay, 66 Witbout doubt the Colonifs are not exempt from all reproach; but becaufe fime individuals are culgable, muf the aubole population be Incrifced? Skould even that culpability afeet THE MAJORITY, int1s they teref even by their misfortunes, and call upon. ts muf a moment to forget their errors and tkeir crimes." 97 May for their diftrefles be alleviated; and may they learn humanity their fufferings! from, By the lateft accounts from St. Domingo it appears the apprehenfions from the Negroes have ccafed; but that the inveterate prejudices of the Pianters, and the effects of a culpable dereliétion of principle in the Conftituent Affembly, ftill continue to agitate it. The difafers St. Domingo, fays M. Tarbé (the Reporter for the * bave 11020 their principal TLSALA caufe in the tween the Whites and the Mulattoes.:" mifunderRanding 66 In the Nortbern beParts, adds he, the Men ef Colour bave jeined the and the Negroes are eitber reduced or rendered Wbites, furtber mijfebicf. In the Wefern Provinces not incapable a 9f is in rebellion, but the Men ef Colour bave pofefed themfelues Negro of difirits, and ocupy the plains. She Southern Parts 23 are the fame ftuation : the Negroes are at peace, but the Peaple sf Colour exercife the greatef enormities. + In ons * Report, 29th February, 1792. t En un mot, dans toute la Colonic, iln'y avoit rien à craindre des revoltès; tout de la mefintelligence entre plus les blancs ct les gens de couleur. Report, 29th Fel. 1792. wcrd, ed themfelues Negro of difirits, and ocupy the plains. She Southern Parts 23 are the fame ftuation : the Negroes are at peace, but the Peaple sf Colour exercife the greatef enormities. + In ons * Report, 29th February, 1792. t En un mot, dans toute la Colonic, iln'y avoit rien à craindre des revoltès; tout de la mefintelligence entre plus les blancs ct les gens de couleur. Report, 29th Fel. 1792. wcrd, --- Page 29 --- I 25 ) avord, adds be, tbrougbout all the colony NOTHING is to be apprebended from the Negroes : EVERY THING,/rom the mifunderfanding betzueen the Mhites and the Peaple sf Colaur. Such is the prefent fituation of this Colony: a prey to the pride and to the prejudiccs of the white proprictors, not to the violence of the revolted Negroes. Whilf the fears arifing from the latter, are, it appears, totally allayed, the former are ftill exerting every nerve to ciect a purpofe that can only end in their own ruin. Chaftized, but not improved, in the fchool of misfortune, they now meditate a new outrage, and cali upon the parent ftate to invalidate the Concordat, and to efablifh by force the pretended decree of the 24th of September. Shall then the advocates of peace, irrationally accufed of the moft atrocious defigns, fhrink from the queftion fo infolently put to them by the Deputies of the Colonies, through the medium of the National Amembly? or fhall they not anfwer with the conviétion of truth-Yes, miftaken <* It is you who have placed fire and fword in the hands men. of your Negroes. It is you that have lighted the torch that has defiroyed your plantations. Itis you that have fharpened the daggers that have affaflinated your brethren and your fricnds. It is you that have prompted the brutal paflions of which your females have been the haplefs viétims: who have kindled in your country the volcano which has already covered it with afhes, and will perhaps reduce it to nothing." If, however, no conclufions can be drawn from the hiftory of thefe diforders, either to impeach the promoters of the Abolition of the Slave Trade, or to deter the Britifh Parliament from daily confidering, and fully deciding on that important meafere; ; it will afford inftruélion of a different nature. Nourifhed in inveterate, and it will be feared, irremediable prejudices, it may fhew us, that the Colonifts are not the beft judges even of their Particular Account of the Infurredtion, p. 26. D own: --- Page 30 --- 26 ) own interefts: it may apprife us of the dangers of facrificing general principles of fubftantial jufticc, to variable and temporizing expedients: it may demonftrate to us, that the prefervation of our own iflands, from fimilar difafters, depends on the early adoption of meafures, that whilft they are vigorous and decifive, are jutt, conciliatory, and humane; and may caution us, that where we choofe not to impart the beamings of hope, we excite not the ragings of defpair. OBSERVATIONS of the dangers of facrificing general principles of fubftantial jufticc, to variable and temporizing expedients: it may demonftrate to us, that the prefervation of our own iflands, from fimilar difafters, depends on the early adoption of meafures, that whilft they are vigorous and decifive, are jutt, conciliatory, and humane; and may caution us, that where we choofe not to impart the beamings of hope, we excite not the ragings of defpair. OBSERVATIONS --- Page 31 --- OBSERVATIONS ON THE INSURRECTIONS OF T H E NEGROES IN THE ISLAND OF Sr. DOMINGO. BY M. GARRAN COULON. Read in his abfence by M. GUADET before the National Affembly, 29th of February, 1792. accounts received of the difturbances in St. T Domingo, undoubtedly leave us in much uncertainty 5 but the principal faéts are unqueftionable. They reduce themfelves to a fmall number of important and inconteltible points. We ought at length to follow our own judgment and not rely upon others. Itis by examining matters maturely, that we put ourfelves on our guard againft the fpirit of party and difhonefty, which have frequently led aftray the friends of liberty. By thefe means, the calumnious reports which have been propagated againit the Anis des Noirs will be filenced. The infurredtion no fooner broke out than it was attributed to the Amis des Noirs. Nothing but rage and weaknefs could have produced fo rafh an accufation-Let them cite a fingle action, a fingle publication, which has provoked the infurredtion. We fureiy need do no more than repeat the fpirit of party and difhonefty, which have frequently led aftray the friends of liberty. By thefe means, the calumnious reports which have been propagated againit the Anis des Noirs will be filenced. The infurredtion no fooner broke out than it was attributed to the Amis des Noirs. Nothing but rage and weaknefs could have produced fo rafh an accufation-Let them cite a fingle action, a fingle publication, which has provoked the infurredtion. We fureiy need do no more than repeat --- Page 32 --- 28 J repcat the Dames of the principal members of tion, Meffrs. Mirabenu, La this affociaLa Fayette, Sc. in order to Rochefoucault, do Condorcct, An affociation formed at a more away thefe calumnies. exifts in the capital of Great Britain. early period than ours formation of this focicty, philanthropick Ever fince the ceflantly been the objects of its cares. attempts have inNegroes in the Englifh Colonies have Neverthelefs, the their yoke with the greateft continued to bear at prefent with any fubmiflion-If then, we can in Sr. Domingo they certainty muft be aflign a caufe to the troubles of the People of Colour, rather attributed to the degradation Sociery. In fact, in North than to a Philanthropick fcet which, without America, there is a religious exciting difturbances, is devifing means for cbtaining the continually, Negroes. The Congrefs itfelf is enfranchifement of the tion of this mcafure at fome future preparing for the adoponly one of the American States where period, and there is not already abolifhed. Let us then attribute the traffick is to the contagion of counter-revolution the troubles above all, to the injuftice of which the Whites principles ; and guilty in refufing to let the Mulattoes have been lings of liberty; and laftly, to the partake of the blefinforcement of the decree of the culpable negleét of the not, in the Conftituent Isth of May. Have we Caufe of the People conneét Alfembly, feen deferters from the cracy.to pave the way for the repeal themfelvcs of that with the Ariftoventing the departure of the decrec, by prenot this evidenily prove that Commifioners? thofe And docs fame origin as thofe of troubles have had the Like the Avignonais and the Avignon and the camp of Jalès? ? were opprefed, and wifhed Liegeois, the People of Colour emotions have excited they in the to become free; and thefe fame defire of independence. minds of the Negroes the when the Baftile was taken, did In like manner, at Paris, Chatelet and the Bicêtre, break their not the prifoncrs In the civilized men, who were nearer to a ftate fetters; Thefe ullnot deaf to the cries of liberty which of nature, were fide. Perhaps too, the Whites have refounded on cvery the difcontent of their themfelvcs excited 1789, when it had-an Negroes: under as we faw the ccurt in the troubles at Paris, and army as the King its command, of rejoice in Spain was pleafed at , Chatelet and the Bicêtre, break their not the prifoncrs In the civilized men, who were nearer to a ftate fetters; Thefe ullnot deaf to the cries of liberty which of nature, were fide. Perhaps too, the Whites have refounded on cvery the difcontent of their themfelvcs excited 1789, when it had-an Negroes: under as we faw the ccurt in the troubles at Paris, and army as the King its command, of rejoice in Spain was pleafed at --- Page 33 --- (.29 ) at the revolt of the Portuguefe; becaufe it afforded pretence for numerous confifcations. anape At St. Domingo, the party inimical to a counter-rerolation, diforder and civil war liberty expeétcd ter-revolution could refult only from a (for a counand the men of this party fubitituted the general black confulion) placc of the cockade of iberty, even in the cockade in the Colonial Affembly. But not even thefe very fight of necellary to difcover the fcheme of afferting proofs their inde- were pendence, which was formed by the planters of St. mingo and Martinico. Before thefe troubles Dodared fo decree, as a conftitutional article, that they the had blilhment of interior regulations eflaalone. Did not the former General belonged to the colouy Ifland of St. Domingo undertake Affembly of the the nation ? In did to difband the army of of the colonies, threaten fine, not thefe deputics, in the name to that which has taken France with a feparation fimilar of America and England? place between the United States Is it difficult men accuftomed to defpife their to. conceive, that them under the yoke of their fellow-met, to fubjugate greater love for their defpotick than wills, can have no. ty? Thefe fame planters, country, who they have for equaliadrantages in their union with might have found fo many ties filed themfelves the France, and whofe deputended that the other deputics of the whole nation, prc. fhare in the formation deputies of of France could not take a thefe men took a part in the their formation Jaws; of whilft, however, putics effecteda féparation, and they returned ours, their depeal the decree cf the 1gth of only to rcAffembly, which, in its old fuffered May. The Conltituent vereignty to be trampled agc, the National Sopronounced the fatal decree OIl, of yiclded the to their fophifms, and fole caufe of all the difaflers of 24th of September, the St., Demingo. In truth, the repeal of the decrce of had not taken placc when the the isth of May, commenced: but the decrce had infurreélion been of the Biacks cf three menths, without paffed for the fpace well known what fruggles having been enforced. It was obtain it, and it was well known patriotifm that had made in order to patriotifm diminifhed and fole caufe of all the difaflers of 24th of September, the St., Demingo. In truth, the repeal of the decrce of had not taken placc when the the isth of May, commenced: but the decrce had infurreélion been of the Biacks cf three menths, without paffed for the fpace well known what fruggles having been enforced. It was obtain it, and it was well known patriotifm that had made in order to patriotifm diminifhed --- Page 34 --- - 30 ) of ed every day, that plots were formed to this decree, and that culpable obtain the repeat on the difturbances of the colonies. hopes were founded even Thefe Obfervations which misfortunes of St. point out the caufe of the to fuffer any Domingo, teach us that we ought never infringement much to be made upon the Sovereignty; fon; lefs upon the rights of univerfal National themfelves they teach us that we ought to defend the rcaiglves againft their obftinate purpofe of planters afleep to their own lulling themdices of pride,-in fine, that deftruction, amidft the them the charaéter of we ought to naturalize among prejubleffings of the revolation. citizen, Let by making them enjoy the the Whites, fince us then afford fuccour to all the affiftance that they lies are in unfortunate, let us grant them refufe it to your enemies in a our fimilar power. You would not I Rop-Iti is very true, that our moft fituation. But, herc wouid not have had it in their implacable enemies chief: I will not mention the power to do us more mif donc to our commerce, at a time damage when it which had they have perienced a confiderable diminution-bur already exthe ftains which they have brought can we forget the progrefs of which they have upon our Revolution, the reign of infant ftopped by giving, under juftice, by placing liberty, an example of the greateft inration of Rights, when tyrannic Jaws by the fide of the Declacree of the 24th of they caufed the pafling of the DeSeptember ? This Decrec has deeply affiéted all the ty. Ought we to let it fand? Would it friends of liber. of estraordinary weaknefs, were we to not bc a proof which people have the audaciry to term retain this law, although it was enaéted aftcr the a confitutional law, don, and even after the conftitution conftitution of the kingwas framed? This law will tend to render of the Colonies independent of their French creditors; and the Planters the fovereignty of twenty-five millions of fhall we fuffer pled on, to fupport the tyranny and all the men to be tramretiraired defporifm ? Let the White caprices of unknow, that they cannot do without the Colonifts at laft that fhe alone can free them from the mother-country: which they have plunged theufelves, misfortunes into itutional law, don, and even after the conftitution conftitution of the kingwas framed? This law will tend to render of the Colonies independent of their French creditors; and the Planters the fovereignty of twenty-five millions of fhall we fuffer pled on, to fupport the tyranny and all the men to be tramretiraired defporifm ? Let the White caprices of unknow, that they cannot do without the Colonifts at laft that fhe alone can free them from the mother-country: which they have plunged theufelves, misfortunes into --- Page 35 --- ( 31 ) of the clergy and the nobility, The criminal ufurpations of the royal power s-in a word, all and all the abufes follow upon the Decree of the kinds of difafters would would make 24th of September; and this union independence for the ariftocracy and the Colonies the centre of We are affured, that none the Comct-revetutonile Affembly has made of the reforms which the Conflituent have been enforced at St. in the adminiftration of juftice, of the old Domingo; that the moft atrocious there; procedings that Ogé was exagovernment are ilill practifed and that he was not allowed counmined on the fellette, evident, that the liberty of the prefs, fel. It is at lcaft liberty, the lofs of which nothat guarantec of public that arbitrary Orthing can fupply, has been proferibed; Frenchmen have been tranfders take place of laws; and that under falfe pretexts; that a ported without a trial, of its cargo, at a price veffel has been forced to difpofe This is what the Colonial fixed at arbitrary difcretion. what it would do in Affembly has done; you may with judge independent authority. future time, were it invefted after a declamation The minifter of the marine, long of Colour, has againft the Amis des Noirs, and the People at St. Doalready propofed to you 2 plan of eftablifhing only of proprietors; mingo, a national guard, compofed not to defend of erecting on that ifland certain fortreties, fays, in the the coaft, but to be made ufe of, as Rouffeau In fine, interior part of the country, as nefs for tyrants. of the legiflative if the Colonies, rendered independent with the king alone, what a body, were to be connected would the executive power derive means" of confidence right of giving its fanction! Being from this exclufive the he could flill enflave it, by fupreme chief of army, regiments into the iflands, fending the moft patriotic difcipline there; but in under pretence of eftablifhing would in vain appeal reality, becaufe in this exile, they to the principles of juflice and liberty. determined to declare the ColoIf, however, you this are declaration ought not to be made nies independent, of the 24th of September has been retill the Decree would be extended to pealed, otherwife this independence would the means of perthe Whites alone, who preferve petuating regiments into the iflands, fending the moft patriotic difcipline there; but in under pretence of eftablifhing would in vain appeal reality, becaufe in this exile, they to the principles of juflice and liberty. determined to declare the ColoIf, however, you this are declaration ought not to be made nies independent, of the 24th of September has been retill the Decree would be extended to pealed, otherwife this independence would the means of perthe Whites alone, who preferve petuating --- Page 36 --- ( 32 ) petuating ariftocracy. Ameriea emancipates its Colonies as foon as they are fufficiently pcpulous; but the has exprefsly decreed, ahiat they mhall not inftitute an arbitrary government, or make any law in contradiction to the Déclaration of Rights. In Greece, the parent when they allowed their Colonies to govern ftates, did not eftecm themfeives by that means freed themfelves, from the obligation of defending the citizens of thofe Colonies againft oppreflion. This reciprocal affifitance, which kindred fhouid mutually afford each other, we ought now to give to the citizens of Colour at St. 2s well as to the Whites. Domingo, The Planters have formed a projeét of afferting their independence, in order to eftablifh tyranny beyond the feac; que onght 1o be avifer tban they. This feparation might Jead them to their ruin, and perhaps would not be fo cafy as they imagine; the difpofitions of the of America, and fill more their own experience, Englifh, fhould convince them of this. If it be poflible that the Colonies could be happy in this feparation, on this fuppofition, the parent ftate muft reap from it the fame as Price prediéted, when the American Colonies advantages rated from England. The commerce of England fepa- with the United States never w'as fo flourifhing as it has been fince their feparation. They who are moft incrufted with the ruft of ancient prejudices, do not difpute the advantages of this independence.-On this fubjcet there is only one opinion. But fince our Colonics ftill ftand in need of the proteétion of the mother-country, fince we are obliged to proteét their internal freedom, we ought to agree to the laws upon which this liberty is founded. Diftance does not prevent the National Affembly from making laws concerning their external regulations; and fince the king can refufe to give his fanction to the laws for their internal government, why fhould not thefe latter laws be likewife fubmitted to the approbation of the iegillative body? The laws, under the empire of reafon, ought no longer to be the refult of ancient prejudices retpectfully accumuiared, but the grcater the number of enlightened underRandings which concur in their formation, the nearer do they approach to perféction. Why would embly from making laws concerning their external regulations; and fince the king can refufe to give his fanction to the laws for their internal government, why fhould not thefe latter laws be likewife fubmitted to the approbation of the iegillative body? The laws, under the empire of reafon, ought no longer to be the refult of ancient prejudices retpectfully accumuiared, but the grcater the number of enlightened underRandings which concur in their formation, the nearer do they approach to perféction. Why would --- Page 37 --- ( 33 ) would the Colonies prefer the Veto of the king, to the opinion of the popular reprefentatives of eighty-three deefpecially when this veto is not fubordinate to partments, the uniform will of three legillatures? Would they choofe alrather to be fubjeét to the will of a minifter who will be be ambitious to augment his authority ?" If this ways do they addrefs themfelves to the Natheir wifh, why our affiftance? ? Is it not tional Affembly, requefting the of a free ridiculous to fee them afking reprefentatives people to fupport an arbitrary government-.a government ? alien to our laws, and contrary to our conftitution Our fleets, our armies, the produét of our contributions, are no longer, as they formerly were, the patriof the monarch-they belong to the nation ; they mony made ufe for the benefit of the ought not to be of, except The king nation, and conformably to the conftitution. in from the troops of France, only can require of obedience the French laws, made by the reprefentatives the name French and our armies are by no means of the the laws people, of the Colonies. lf circum/lances did fubjeet to the nothing could ailnot permit us to enfranchile Negroes, the temporary shorife us to fet up as conflitutional principles to meafures subich prudence might bave Jugsefed legifatori. This is the reafon why theré exifts not in the American flaconftitutions a lingle article that gives a fanétion to and the framers of this conftitution, themfelves verys of Siaves, perceived that they muft leave to the proprictors maturity of timc, to the progrefs of underftanding and the confummation of the deftruétion of flavery. manners, is made to you, to annul the On the contrary, a propofal for the of giving the Concordat, or to temporize purpofe force. Whites the means of annulling it by Iknow not what can be expected from thefe dilatory meafures, unlefs the involving in freth miferies, the Whites, who have with difficulty efcaped from the fury of the the rcvolted Negroes. Will any one dare to affert, that Decree of thc 24th of September, of which they wifh to à avail themfelves, is a conititutional article ? Let the French Confitution anfwer this quefion-- Conftitution, all the principles of which it contradicts. i Let nulling it by Iknow not what can be expected from thefe dilatory meafures, unlefs the involving in freth miferies, the Whites, who have with difficulty efcaped from the fury of the the rcvolted Negroes. Will any one dare to affert, that Decree of thc 24th of September, of which they wifh to à avail themfelves, is a conititutional article ? Let the French Confitution anfwer this quefion-- Conftitution, all the principles of which it contradicts. i Let --- Page 38 --- 34 ) f Let the Confitutional Decree of the of anfwer it,--all the provifions of which isth it has May laft We can hardly imagine, that the Conflituent infringed. notwithilanding ail its power, could deprive a Affembly, clafs of frec and proprictary citizens of their civil numerous eipecially. without having fummoned or heard rights, the exclulive Initiatire had been thei. If the 1sth of May, it is evident, granted to tbe Colonies on the Conflituent that, after this Decree, cerning the civil Affembly could no longer make laws conexiftence of any clais of men, without having Aflemblies. been formerly authorized fo to do by the Colonial In vain will it be objeéted, that an article of the Confitution declares, that the Colonics, although form a part of the French cmpire, were not comprized they in the conftitutional laws of Frauce.--What conclufion fhall we draw from this? that the confitutional law of of May, 1ot having been repealed by this the'rsth have been repealed fince the completion of article, the cannot tion. I muft obferve, that the king conftituFrench Conflitution, and that formed having accepted the for the Colonies; the Conflituent on the 1sth of May trouble his throne with a new Affembly could not occafion a lofs of rights, and if a condition, refufal of which would Decree of the 24th of would accepting the oned a lofs: of rights; September it follows of not have occafinot conftirttional, The courfe, that it was reduce to principles the Conftitutional Conftiruent Affembly might already made, but it could laws which it had nature. not make laws of a contrary Could we oblige the king, who had fworn that would maintain liberty and juft he tution which equality, to enforce a conftideprives a numerous clafs of men of the rights which nature gives them ? Is it not evident that bis acceptance of this decreé could not have it and that, as an act of the legiflative given it validity? fince it Jras not gone through the formalities power, is null, the conftitution." Let us procced to the examination prefcribed of its by contents: In the conftitution we fee that longer cxift in any part of the Frénch privileges the no national fovereignty is indivifible and Empire; 5 thac hereditarily delegated to which nature gives them ? Is it not evident that bis acceptance of this decreé could not have it and that, as an act of the legiflative given it validity? fince it Jras not gone through the formalities power, is null, the conftitution." Let us procced to the examination prefcribed of its by contents: In the conftitution we fee that longer cxift in any part of the Frénch privileges the no national fovereignty is indivifible and Empire; 5 thac hereditarily delegated to --- Page 39 --- I 35 ) familys that the colonies are 'effentiala to thc reigning oi the. French cmpire. It was upon thefe prinly a part then that thc Conitituent Aferably could deciples alone the conficution cf the coionies. Nctermine concerning is declared in fuch a manvertheiefs, their independence of the of Seprember that they are ner by the decree of 24th the legillative body, and even freed from the, authotity of the confituent anembliess and as from the authority in this decrec, the conthe regal power is not comprifed choofe a king for themfequence is that the colonies might themfelves indepenfeivess. but they. will hardiy incftimable iunagine article of the den dent of the authority of that and refiftclaration of rights, which allows infurreétion ance againft opprelion. confrm the timorous confciences of thofe I may now afferted that chey wifhed for the repeal of the who have but wereafraid ofinfringdecrec of the 24th of Sepiember, law. But neither the peopic, ing upon a conftirutional nor the Conitituent Afwho muft ratify all conflitutions, have ever looked fembly,, nor even the executive power, ThConiliupon this decrec as, truly cenfitutional, of the A guent Aflembly did notpreteht iefbr the-atcepranee all the eitizens, and Kinga. and hade it been conftitutional, whofe it particularly the deputics of this allembly, powers would have limicedg mult. have fyorn that. they wonbect from towit. When you have; produced your in conformniry the conpilutional aôt, how happens it that not one archieves voice has ever been raifed to demand that the deérce of of alio Ahould be brought to the Trithe. 24th This September decree had been tootgcently paffed, too faily bune ? and ifthe nation had not rerenowhed to be it that among the loyal fufed.to ratify, it AR addreffes which have been prefented to the favour Couflitnent of this ARembly there has not been a fugle one in decree P The univerfal fecling:, the fponcancons than all thc judgment Inbuicties of all the citizens, are better proofs Had of argument, that this decrec is not conftitutional. the minifter it been io ettéemed by the exccutive power, different of the marine would not have propoled to Domingo, you for laws for the linternal government of St. and of inftance, for the efkabhtlment of hiped gmands,, forie there has not been a fugle one in decree P The univerfal fecling:, the fponcancons than all thc judgment Inbuicties of all the citizens, are better proofs Had of argument, that this decrec is not conftitutional. the minifter it been io ettéemed by the exccutive power, different of the marine would not have propoled to Domingo, you for laws for the linternal government of St. and of inftance, for the efkabhtlment of hiped gmands,, forie --- Page 40 --- 35 ) I forts to be ereéted in the intcrior parts of the country. Let ue then declare, that this decree is an infringement on the fovercignty of the nation ; we fubmit not to it either as citizens or defpotics ; but as men we ought to deteft it. Mr. Garan Coulon then prepared the form of a decree abrogating that of the 24th of September; declaring a general amnefty throughout the colony, enadling, that the Colonial Affemblies fhould be formed purfuant to the decree of the igth of May, that they fhould give their fenziments on the fubject of the internal government of the colonies, and on the beft method of cffcéting the Abolition of Negro Slavery. dums Sihosn Aainmoedlene ablano - - APPENDIX - E97 --- Page 41 --- AP R P - E N DIX was Advice bas Since the preceding Inquiry printed, been received, tbat tbe NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, almoft unanimoufly, the on tbe 24th infant, palfed, fullowing DECREE refpecting the COLONIES. National Affembly acknowledges and decrecs, TH that the People of Colour and Free Negroes ought to enjoy the equality of political rights, as well as the Whites, in confequence of which it decrees as follows. ARTICLE I. Immediately after the publication of the prefent decree, they fhall procced, in every one of the French Colonies in the Windward and Leeward Iflands, to the re-eleétion of the Colonial and Municipal the Affem- 8th blics, after the manner preferibed by the decree of of March, 1790, and the inftructions of the National Aflembly of the 28th of the fame month. II. The well as the Whites, in confequence of which it decrees as follows. ARTICLE I. Immediately after the publication of the prefent decree, they fhall procced, in every one of the French Colonies in the Windward and Leeward Iflands, to the re-eleétion of the Colonial and Municipal the Affem- 8th blics, after the manner preferibed by the decree of of March, 1790, and the inftructions of the National Aflembly of the 28th of the fame month. II. The --- Page 42 --- (38 ) II. The People of Colour, and Free fhall admitted to vote in all the Primary and Eieétoral Negroes be blies, and fhall be cligible to all Afemfcfs befides, the qualifications places, provided they pof of the infructions of the 28th preferibed of March. by the 4th article III. Three Civil Commiflioners fhall be named for the Colony of St. Domingo, and four for the Iflands of Guadaloupe, St. Lucia, and Tobago. IV. Thefe Commiflioners hall be authorifed to folve the prefent Colonial Affemblies, to take diffure neceffary for accelerating the Convocation every of mea- the Primary and Eleétoral Affemblies, and therein blifh union, order, and peace: as well as to determine to eftaal provifionally (referving the power of appeal to the NationAfembly) the upon every queftion which may arife concerning regularity of convocations, the of aflemblies, the form of cleétions, and the holding citizens. cligibility of V. They are equally authorifed to procure information pollible, in order to difcover the every the troublcs in St. Domingo, and their authors of they bave continued; to fecure the perfons continuation, of the if and put them under arreft, and to fend them over guilty, to France, there to be put in a ftate of accufation, of a decree of the legiflative body, if that be found by virtue ceflary. neVI. The Civil Commiflioncrs fhall be obliged for thispurpole, to addrefs to the National Aliembiy a in form, of the verbal proccffes which they difpatch made, and of the declarations they may. have may received, have concerning the accufed perfons aforefaid. VII. The National Affembly authorifes the Civil Commilioners to demand the publick force, whenever ahey thihk meet, either for their own fnfety, or for the execution of orders they may grve, by vistue of ithe, ceding Articles. prcVIII. Ths --- Page 43 --- I 39 ) VIII. The Executive Power is direéted to fend a fuffcient force into the Colonies, which is compofed in great meafure of National Guards. IX, The Colonial Affemblies, immediately after their formation and inftallation, fhall iffue, in the name of each Colony refpeétively, their particular judgment that Confuitution, thofe laws, and the adminiftration refpedting of them, which will promote the profperity and happinefs of the people; conforming themfelves neverthelefs to thofe general principles by which the Colonies and MotherCountry are connecled, and which their refpective interefts arc fecured, agreeably to the decree of 8th March, 1790, and the inftructions of 28th fame month. X. The Colonial Affemblies are authorized to nominate Reprefentatives to deliver their judgment to, and unite themfelves with the Legillative Body, in numbers tionable for evcry Colony, which fhail be immediately propor- determined by the National Anlembly, according to the Report which its Colonial Committee is direéted to make. XI. Former decrees refpecting the Colonies fhall be in force in every thing not contrary to the prefent Decree. 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