--- Page 1 --- --- Page 2 --- Hlabit Carter rowon gibrary Bumit Hninersity --- Page 3 --- BA --- Page 4 --- --- Page 5 --- A N I R' Y T - N Q U INTO THE CAUSES OF THB OF THE NEGROES INSURRECTION IN THE ISLAND OF ST. D OMIN GO. TO WAICH ARE ADDED, N S C B S E R V ATIO OF M. GARRAN-COULON ON THE SAME SUBJECT, M.. GUADET, Read in bis Abfence by BEFORE THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, 2gth Feb. 1792. SLonbon: ST, PAUL's PRINTED: AND SOLD BY J. JOHNSON, CHURCH YARD. MDCCXCII, --- Page 6 --- --- Page 7 --- AN I N Q U I R Y INTO THE CAUSES OF THE INSURRECTION OF THE NEGROES IN THE ISLAND OF ST. DOMINGO. A' FTER Juftice and a conteft the of five years, beteen the Friends of fical, and political evils, African of that Slave-Dealers, difgracefal the moral, phyfully devcloped and afcertained to the traffick, have been conviction of trath has béen followed kingdom by the at large. The indignation, and the voice af the people has called glow of honeft their Legiflators, bold to waih away the national ftain. upon their affertions, and refuted in their Contradi@ted in tors of this trade had almoft withdrawn arguments, the abetftruggle, in which their own weapons recoiled themfelves from a for it may juftlyb be remarked, that the moft upon themfelves: of forming an abhorrence of the Slave expeditious is method pieces written in its defence. Trade, to read the fentatives At this juncture, of the when nothing remained but for the RepreConftituents, in people to comply with the wifhes of their ther, and itis hoped pronouncing a laft attempt the Abolition is of this Trade, anoinfluence the public mind :-An made by its advocates to has taken place in the Ifland of infurreétion St. of the Negroes cumflance is to be.adduced as a proof Domingo, of the and this cirquences to arife from the propofed meafure. dangerous confethe Partizans ofthis Trade, < how Beware," fay cerns of your Welt Indian Iflands you - let interfere the with the conFrench deter you from a example of the ous a path." But let us proceeding be ftep further in fo dangerthat have taken place in St. allowed to afk, How far the events now before the Britih Houfe Domingo apply to the queltion of Commons : Were thefe A 2 difturbances of the and this cirquences to arife from the propofed meafure. dangerous confethe Partizans ofthis Trade, < how Beware," fay cerns of your Welt Indian Iflands you - let interfere the with the conFrench deter you from a example of the ous a path." But let us proceeding be ftep further in fo dangerthat have taken place in St. allowed to afk, How far the events now before the Britih Houfe Domingo apply to the queltion of Commons : Were thefe A 2 difturbances --- Page 8 --- ( 4 ) difturbances the confequence of an Abolition of the French ? -No-i Éven the eloquence of the Trade by this inftance ineffe&tual. Were they the Mirabeau was in tions made by the Afembly for the reful: of any regulSlaves : No: for the decrees of the government or relief oft the uniformly purport, cc that all Affembly on this fubject originate with the Planters themfelves." regulations on that head fhould diforders are chargeable to the National If thofe dreadful caufe they did not interferc : - becaufe Affembly, left itis belabourers in the iflands at the of their they the black after having declared that all mankind mercy mafters; and, tioned a decree that gave the lie to the were firft born equal, fancconftitution. principles of their Of the feveral pieces that have made this fubjedt, the addrefs or remonftrance ofe their appearance on St. Domingo to the National the Deputies of particular notice. But before Aflembly of France, >> calls for into the caufes of the enormities we it proceed to an examination a few reflcétions on the awful fcenes records, let us be permitted mingo has of late exhibited : the that the Ifland of St. Doforms indeed the moft friking picture of thefe outrages The deftruétion of fourifhing part ofthe narrative in queltion. houfes ; the flaughter of the Whites plantations by fecret ; the burning of open revolt; the grofs violations of female treachery, or folution of all thc bonds of fubordination, chaftity; the difments of fociety, contribute to fill the and all the attachAre thefe enormitics to be lamented dreadful ? they fketch. they excite our woader ? by no means. farely are. Can the labouring negro? Is he not a being, bound What down is the ftate of labouring tafk by the under conftant compulfion : driven to by force? immediate difeipline of the whip P-Are complete his lenity, and forbearance, the refult of affeétion, When the native ferocity of Africa is oppreflion and abufe? fenfe of long continued injury, who tharpened fhail fet by the keen revenge ? bounds to its Again, how have the ferce difpofitions of counteraéted or improved by the of favage life becn periors ? Refiflance is always jufifiable example where their White Sufitute of right : nor is the commifion of a force is the fubin a ftate of llavery. Yet the civil crime pofmible punifhments that have been devifed Acoxnt *Trapflated fthe into Englifh, and publifhed under the ticle St. Domingo." Coumenceirent It is icarcely and horih of thc Iofurreclion ofuAPrtinls of tbe (in France) by order of neceflary to oblerve, that its being Ngrecin ticity; it being a meafure Neian-Artisn alwavs gives it no additional authen- printed afford the Meuibers an opportunity adopted of in Fapers of length, in Orderto cenfidering them, Englifh, and publifhed under the ticle St. Domingo." Coumenceirent It is icarcely and horih of thc Iofurreclion ofuAPrtinls of tbe (in France) by order of neceflary to oblerve, that its being Ngrecin ticity; it being a meafure Neian-Artisn alwavs gives it no additional authen- printed afford the Meuibers an opportunity adopted of in Fapers of length, in Orderto cenfidering them, --- Page 9 --- ( 5 ) devifed in the French iflands to exift by the abufe of the Slave- reprefs crimes, that could only revolts at. How often. have thefe holder, are fuch as nature their fellows, beat, in famine and unfortunate beings beheld iron cage, in which they were doomed difraction, the bars of an mifery the laft days of their exiftence? to pafs in inconceivable thefe wretched iflands a human, Is it not known that in the torments ofa fow-confiming being fire? has refigned his life in of an act fo awfully atrocious, marks An unavenged inftance country. that could fuffer it. When the out for perdition the forces his authority, what muft be the effeêts oppreifor thus enrefentment P of thc fufferers' In the forcible violation offemale deteftable extreme of brutality, and, chaltity in the we trace the moft fibility, the lois of life is preferable eftimation of fendelly is not confined to the to its difgrace : but moto a particular form and feature. capacity ofa bluth, nor fenfibility fettied betwéen the African Trader, Let this account then be who compeis to his embrace the or the imperious Planter, and the exalperated Slave, who unwilling object of his luft ; not his fenfuaiity, bur his refentment. gratilics by this hateful act, with But let us fuppofe, that the fenfe of a black complexion, and that fhame is incompatible without emoticn the grofs abufe of the Negro could witnefs let us fappofe too that the unnatural the object. of his affection ; tioned were forgotten, becaufe they punifhments before mendaily difcipline of the whip was were rare , and that the modified as feldom to be the immediate unheeded, becaufe it was io the Negro had other examples before occalion of death. Yet had arifen amongit the Holders of the his eyes. A diffention before united in opprefing Slaves ; thofe who had themfelves. They had them, were now at variance amongit Slaves waited the event proceeded with to open violence; whilit the ference. One party obtained an filence, though not with indifoft the weaker number was taken, early and fuperiority the leader tators of the death of Ogé, a man who the negrocs were fpecand who was broken alive the partook of their colour, his followers fhared the fame upon fate. If the wheel. Twenty-five of Europe, educated in the habits ofi cold-blooded fons of ing to feel the precepts of a mild improved fociety, and affedtthus forget themfelves, and infelt and their merciful religion, can they to wonder that the African fhould own nature, ought and if poflible improve upen their imitate the pattern, Upon this part ofthe. Addrefs example ? the planter is deeply interefted-an reflections ftill occur, in which shat if acceded to and aéted opinion is there inculcated, A upon, muft render the iflands a conitant ed fons of ing to feel the precepts of a mild improved fociety, and affedtthus forget themfelves, and infelt and their merciful religion, can they to wonder that the African fhould own nature, ought and if poflible improve upen their imitate the pattern, Upon this part ofthe. Addrefs example ? the planter is deeply interefted-an reflections ftill occur, in which shat if acceded to and aéted opinion is there inculcated, A upon, muft render the iflands a conitant --- Page 10 --- ( 5 ) eonftant fcene of cruelty and bloodfhed. the Slaves who had been moft kindly We are told, that were the foul of the infurrection treated by their mafters, betrayed, and delivered their ; that * cc it was they who fword, and feduced and firred humane mafters to the Affafin's to fidelity." Hear this, up to revolt the gangs diipofed amongft you, fo fingularly ye foolith Planters ! and if there be one timent of humanity, let him, fer his as to harbour a lurking fenofit without lofs of time ! The own fafety, diveft himfelf ture and difpofitions are not merely Negro different is a being, whofe naEuropean, they are the reverfe of them. from thofe of the paffion excite in his breaft Kindnefs and comitripes, and infults, and abufc, implacable and deadly hatred : but and inviolable attachment ! generate gratitude, affedtion, enabled to reconcile an Upon this principle we are c t Slaves, we arei apparent inconfiltency in the Addrefs. ofan invincible fidelity, informed, and who were made ftill found who gave proofs nation to deteft the feduétion of thofe who manifeft their determiof liberty inveigle then to certain would 79 with promifes nity of the mafter only fharpens the deftruétion. Ifthe humadifficult to difcover by what mode of appetite of revenge, is it ofthefe Slaves was fecured ? Be treatment the friendhip man who has at length difciofed grateful, this ye Planters, to the admire his courage, who has dared to important truth ; and bofon of a nation devoted to liberty! avow it, even in the But the horrors of the flaughter increafe. falls a viétim to the unnatural of his The White father Have human crimes their origin rage and Mulatto fon or are they incited by fome caufes in human affairs ? himfelf of that of aifection, malignant the demon, who poleiling its contents, and STin it with ? human heart, pours out in fable the apology of our own poifon Alas ! we vainly feek S caufcs of thofe tranfactions, which depravity; would and unhappily the lity On any other part of the fcarce meet credibigui't too apparent. However the globe, Author are in thefe regions of inflilled affection into the breaft of a of Nature may have preferving the race from parent, as the means of correfponding fentiment in deltruction, the mind we muft allow that the the effect of a long continued courfe ofthe of ofspring, is mercly tendernels. Shall the harveft then rife care," partiality, and where no fondnefs has been fhown, fall up flial without feed? and expedted ? In a country where itis attachments be the known children ofthe Planter to by no means unufual for and the ignominy of Slavery, in undergo all the hardflips, common with the moft degraded R Portieular Accumnt, P. II t Isid, P.II. effect of a long continued courfe ofthe of ofspring, is mercly tendernels. Shall the harveft then rife care," partiality, and where no fondnefs has been fhown, fall up flial without feed? and expedted ? In a country where itis attachments be the known children ofthe Planter to by no means unufual for and the ignominy of Slavery, in undergo all the hardflips, common with the moft degraded R Portieular Accumnt, P. II t Isid, P.II. --- Page 11 --- ( 7 ) clafs of mortals, is it there we are to feck for inflances graded of filial affection ? to unfold the primary, and ever ative In thus endeavouring let it not be thought that I with to caufes of thefe troubles, committed by the infurgents: cnormities palliate the enormities by one not totally infenfible to deeply to be deplored, every But let it not be forgetten, that the fufferings of humanity. of the malady is the firft ftep towards an to know tlie origin thould that origin be found in the miftaken efficacious remedy: Planters, it is for them to apply the cure after condust ofthe cruelties of ages. Do they wait till the re- of the accumulated fet them the frft example volted fubjeéts of their opprefion, magnanimity, lenity, and forbearance? ofthe Addrefs in queftion, Icome now to a clofer laboured examination difplay of the crimes committed After a long and in which it is to be obferved, every inflance is by the infurgents, retaliation oni the part of the White Inhabitants down of vinditlive of the Colonies pour cautioully fuppreffed; 3 the Deputies wrath, on the fociety eftablifhed the whole vial of their colle@ted the Slave Trade, under the name of in France for abolithing Noirs." If we credit this narrative; the Nek Les Amis des and alienated by, the efforts of beforeithey were feduced comfort; and with Ers Society,, * c were provided with the every Cottagers in accommodations fuperior to half nurfed dgrR in time Secure in the enjoyment of their properties, fought for in vain ficknefs with an expence and an attachment of England ; proteted and in the much boafted hofpitals of at eafe in refpeét to their refpeêted in the infirmities and age, their affeations s-fabjested to 2 children, their families, according to the ftrength of each individual; labour calculated whenever they, merited it and, to conclude allrm-enfianchited, c6 We flept in fecurity,' >> add the Re6y important forvicei." that were become our bremonftrants, ce in the midft neither of men locks nor bars to our honfes." thren, and many of confidence us had and of felicity, did not, ifwe may This period Coloniits, of fatisfy the Amis des Noirss who it feems believe the how emancipation could be the higheft could not comprehend where Slavery was a ftate of happinets. - reward of merit, time of the Revolution in France, this Society," ce From the fome of its mémbers, have given an il afferted, ce or at leaft : all means have feemed to unbounded loofe to their enterprize tend to its accomplifhment. The thém good, fo they might and ftudied inuendo, the bafeft and moft open attack, the deep have been pra@ticed to forward their defpicable calumnics, repeated in different deign." Such are the charges, again parts *I Particular Account, P. 19. + Ivide P. 22, A 4 bers, have given an il afferted, ce or at leaft : all means have feemed to unbounded loofe to their enterprize tend to its accomplifhment. The thém good, fo they might and ftudied inuendo, the bafeft and moft open attack, the deep have been pra@ticed to forward their defpicable calumnics, repeated in different deign." Such are the charges, again parts *I Particular Account, P. 19. + Ivide P. 22, A 4 --- Page 12 --- ( 8 ) parts lition of the work, brought oft of the Slave Trade in againft the Advocates for the that traffick in France, and which the Abocritical juncture, to England, the friends are defirous of abettors The prelude of thc of that important transferring at this tion is boldly made. The Remonftrants is ftriking, meafure their here. fuch outrages will be willingly punifhments due to the authors accufa- of difguife under from the world, or from conceded. However they the mafk of themfelves, their real may nation of their philanthropy, they cannot the motives, they employ, fairly countrymen marks ; and the treachery efcape of the indigwhich they aim. out the criminality of the end means One thing only is at the. Amis desNairs, and wanting to charge with ec the proof that they have this the Remontrance does this not criminalty puted to them by the Colonifts." adopted that courfe of conduct fapply- imand penfated, audacity either by the atrocity of This the defcét cannot be com Had the of the aceufation. crime, or the virulence in the Colonies, Society where in France been the caufe of the priety, oflaying the proofs was the dificulty, where the diforders World? Was it ofit before the improhad fhewn that they neceilary had aimed to keep any terms Aliembly with men, and the pation of the Colonies? at nothing lefs than the who can flead colleét on this head from Certain, however, it is, that all extirof attaching the the publication in queition, in- we proves, that the diforders imputation cc had on the fociety, which it is as evident the a different caufe >2 - evidently A caufe, Slight, however, as thefe Remonilrants pretended did not dare to avow. appear, them their they ought not to pafs indications of guilt heaven, own refutation. Like unnoticed. the They bear with may feems every ftone thrown by thefe giants that warred. againft heads. deftined to return with double champibns of opprellion, The Society, weight upon their own ration of the Rights fay the of Deputies, ce * take hold of enligbtered men, but Man : this immortal work: the Deciaour regulations, they fend inapplicable, with and therefore tenefcialto The journals in their profufion into our own dangerous to 'declaration vent in the pay, midf or under their Colonies. the AMIS DES NOIRS, of our gangs. inluern.ce, The give this the Negroes is proclaimed openly by thc announce, that the writings freedom of of the Miferable evidence effcets ofi injuftice, Declaration of Rights. of their own rapacity, and mingo read their own condemnation. frecdom, the Colonis oppreflion! of St.I Do- In That allertion of the # Particular Account, P. 22. univerfal to 'declaration vent in the pay, midf or under their Colonies. the AMIS DES NOIRS, of our gangs. inluern.ce, The give this the Negroes is proclaimed openly by thc announce, that the writings freedom of of the Miferable evidence effcets ofi injuftice, Declaration of Rights. of their own rapacity, and mingo read their own condemnation. frecdom, the Colonis oppreflion! of St.I Do- In That allertion of the # Particular Account, P. 22. univerfal --- Page 13 --- ( 9 ) of Man, which if true at all ought to be as univerfal Rights was in the wretched iflands of America, general as day-light, candle like light in the refidence of the deltined to give a and delitute Negro was to fit in Planter, whilft the poor darknefs in his hut. of Man, was it feems, fent The declaration of the Rights but the declaration çf the with profulion into the Colonies, the work of the Amis des Noirs; Rights of Man, was effects, not they were not therefore anfverwhatever might be its As a conftituent part of the domiable forits confequences, the laws of Frexchmen were properly tranfnions of France, But it. appears from no evidence, mitted to St. Domingo. the that the Amis des Noirs were but the affertiors of deputies, in furnifhing the ifland with a work, more aétive Colonifts than others in the fame breath, execrate and applaud; whicl the as the charter of their own liberty, and the which they regard caufe ofall their diftreffes. of the Amis des Noirs, it is faid, Buc again, the ce writings that the freedom of the NNegroes is proopenly announce; Declaration of Rights." Ifthe Amis des Noirs claimed by the have milerably mifpent have made fo infipid a comment, they that the fun fhines when their timc. Isit necefiary hour? to If prove, all men be born cqually free, the dial marks the the Negroes are not men, and the diflet the Colonilts prove Is the voice of nature and of truth to will fettle iticlf. becaufe the Colonifts choofe to.hold in fubET for ever filent, natives of Africa ? jeStion fome unfortunate the and fuch their authenticity, Such however, are proofs, the focicty are foundcd. upon which the accufations be againit remedied, by adverting to fome This defedt is attempted to and violent debates that have expreilions, which in the Aflembly many, on this fubject, have marked agitated the National of its memberc- * Perifh ihe Colothe virtuous indignation our principles," faid one of nies rather than we fhould betray , became indeed, cc Perith tle Colonies, the Reprefentatives. of blood and conflagration," 2: but not amongit <6 t. the fignal the Planters, who fevered thefe words the Negroes-it was and made them the apology oftheir own from their context, iaid the Abbé Greenormities. < Be juit, and eat be grafas" and live in luxury," goire. ce We choofe rather to unjuft the Colonifts reply. Ifhall have dared to reproach a friend of * < With indecent having affeétation faid, < Perilh they the Colonies rather than a principle itte humanity, bould be factificed;" with and they dare themfelves thePeople of to Colour fay, therights Perifh ef Colonies ratherthan we thould grant Spesch to of M. Gvadct, 6ib Dec. 1791. astive ckizens." t Particular Account, P-25. e rather to unjuft the Colonifts reply. Ifhall have dared to reproach a friend of * < With indecent having affeétation faid, < Perilh they the Colonies rather than a principle itte humanity, bould be factificed;" with and they dare themfelves thePeople of to Colour fay, therights Perifh ef Colonies ratherthan we thould grant Spesch to of M. Gvadct, 6ib Dec. 1791. astive ckizens." t Particular Account, P-25. --- Page 14 --- - Io ) I thail not detain my reader anfounded calumnies, I haften to by a a longer review of thefe oftracing the difturbances of St. more important tafk, thaé purfuing their progrefs. If Domingo to their origin, and Let the moft effeSual anfiver to developed-with the truth, they will be me, however, firit be allowed acculations to of the Deputies. affertion I have before made. It render more fpecinic, an alone, we are to is'to the white cc* You have heard attribute of the misfortunes of the Colonies: Colonifts but Phalaris (poke not ofhis enormities brazen that freeze you with horror! Colonifts daggers that his own cruelty had bull, he lamented onlythe have related inflances of raifed againtt him. The. Mirabeau, an uninformed ferocity; but give me, faid ferocious monfter.. -Ity was a briste, White and I will foon make him a into a burning oven,-who dafhed who firit plunged a Negro the prefence of its father s-who fed out the brains ofa child in per flefh --Thefe are the monflers a Slave with his own the barbarity of the revolted that have to account pro- for have perithed on this foil Savages.- Millions of the bones of the inhabirants ofblood.-- You 'break at every Africans, iflands, and you fhudder at the that nature had given to Rep In this dreadful relation of their thele moft fruggle, the crimes of the Whites vengeance.- of the horible: Blacks, Theya are the otspring of are yet the originate in the hatred of de/potifimn; whifft thofe vengeance. Is pailofophy Slavery. -the thirft of Does fhe require the blood chargeable of the with thefe horrors P erics, be jatl-be beefeent-and Colonifts ? Brethren, fhe flavery, muft be an cternal fource you will profper.- Eternal ofthe epithet cternal; for oferimes ;-diveft it at leaft only produce depair. > anguifh that knows no bound can It is well known, that a large Planters of St. Domingo confit portion ofthe Proprietors or thofe who have fome mixture of. of free People of Colour, oF tion comprehends every fhade of African biood --This deferip. tinge of colour, to the complexion, hue from the ilighteft Though many of this clafs original of of the native African, by their wealth, as for their talents inhabitants are as difinguifhed dillinction has always been andintegrity, thei invidious Coloniits excluded them from religioully thcir focial adhered to, The White ailemblies, from their circles, from their held them in a kind of municipal functions; and continually The cfeéts oft this profeription. to the People of Colour. arrogance, Infulted were not, however, injurious iound the means by their countrymen, of their European ofrendering themfelves refpectablein the eyes they corretpondents. They werc as remarkable Speech afM. Briffot, in the for' Naional.Afoansts, r Desember, 1791. , The White ailemblies, from their circles, from their held them in a kind of municipal functions; and continually The cfeéts oft this profeription. to the People of Colour. arrogance, Infulted were not, however, injurious iound the means by their countrymen, of their European ofrendering themfelves refpectablein the eyes they corretpondents. They werc as remarkable Speech afM. Briffot, in the for' Naional.Afoansts, r Desember, 1791. --- Page 15 --- ( 11 ) as the White Planters for for theirindufiryands their punftuality, In cafes of internal infurtheir indolence and extravagance. they were regarded as the fole reêtions, or external attack, * The White Colonift, 73 fays Mr. barrier of the ifland.- march without the attendance of his Blanchelande, <e cannot continual fervice : but the Man of cooks ; he is unfit for robuft a and temperate, fupports without Colour, bare footed, and fatigues of war." of dificulty the hardthips of the French laws, the People In the contemplation ftood an equality with the White proColour had long ediét Lewis Xiv. in the year 1685, this an was the 7T prietor.-by and confirmed. Such equality was acknowledged at the time of the French Revolution. fituation of the Colonifs ce the White Colonifts ci t At this epocha, 2 fays Mr. Bergeras, of freedom ; but the People of advanced rapidly in the career towards llavery." Colour trod back their fteps French Colonies, early attraÉted the. The fituation of the Affembiy. At this time all was attention of the Conftituent as fuch a ftate of oppreflion will tranquil ; at leaft as health tranquil can only be attributed to a country that of perit: Political, The fituation of the iflands is with a free conftitution. is whilft the other is affefted a paralytic : one motions part of torpid, St. Vitus's dance. affairs with the frantic of the National Affembly in the The firft interference a decree of the 8th of March 1790, of the Colonies, was by all free who were proprietors which declared ce 1 that perfons, and who contributed to the and refidents of two years fhould flanding, exercife the rights of voting exigencics of the ftate, of French citizens." which conftitute the quality in faêt it no new rights to the This decree, though ERN a jealous eye the People of Colour, was regarded faw that the generality the White Planters ; who evidently of proprietors. They included all defcriptions different conitruction upon it, qualication affedted, however, to impofe a juftice and comThe People of Colour appealed to common The Whites repelled mon fenfe: Il it was to no purpofe. them read in the NationalAfembly, January * Letter of M. Blanchelande, 17th, of M.Bergeras, in the National Afembly, depuis 7th Dec. deux 1791 aus, et : Plt Que toute perionue libre, propeietaire qui ou condite domicilye la qualité de Citoyea contribuable, jouira du droit de futfrage unanfwerable: : astif. Art. 4. of thair advocates upon this head are et je demande H The arguments cette expreffion generale toutcs kesporfinues, étoient pro66 Je hommes m'attacheA de couleur ne font pas des perfonnes : alors, aucune s'ils diliculté, je ne fil les domiciliés ct contribuables, je ne vois attachesa ces qualités. prietaires, veis aucun raifus pour leur refuier Specch les avantages of Ms.Pétion, 11th May, 1791. : astif. Art. 4. of thair advocates upon this head are et je demande H The arguments cette expreffion generale toutcs kesporfinues, étoient pro66 Je hommes m'attacheA de couleur ne font pas des perfonnes : alors, aucune s'ils diliculté, je ne fil les domiciliés ct contribuables, je ne vois attachesa ces qualités. prietaires, veis aucun raifus pour leur refuier Specch les avantages of Ms.Pétion, 11th May, 1791. --- Page 16 --- ( iz ) thein from their Affemblies. Some commotions enfued, and their' itt which they mutually fell a facrifice to their been pride, accuied of refentment. The Amis des Noirs havenot any, interference in thefe diffentions, to whichit is however probable that the flaves were not inattentive. excited the vigilance ofthe NationThefe difturbances again al Atlembly. The necefity of fome definitive arrangement was apparent; but the difficulty and danger of too violent the an interference was not lefs fo. In order however to relieve Colonifts from any apprehenfions that the French Confitution was intended to be enforced in the Iilands, fo as to liberate or meliorate the condition of the flaves, a decree was pafled on the izth day ofOdtober 1790, which the Afembly déclared, as a conftitutional article, <6 FA they would eftabliih no reguIations refpedling the internal government of the Coloniesy Colonial without the precife and formal requett of the Affemblies." By this decree the Confituent Affembly not only difabled themfelves from exercifing any fiture diferetion on the condition of the flaves ; but, as far as in their power relief tied up the hands of their fucceffors from affording to that devoted race, or refcuing them from any delivered tyranny that might be exercifed over them, They were accuferss over to their mafters, who were accountable at once their for their mift their judges, and their execationers; So from the aims, conduét to no humah power. far the oppoling Affembly became ori fettering the authority ofthe Colonifts, and fent armies of freemen to their accomplice in opprefion, All was in the power of the maintain the and reign if of'defpotifm. had only maintained unanimity among Colonifts 3 they cried to heaven, themfelves, the blood of the negroes mighthave their and but France had for ever thut her eyes to fufferings, fopt her ears to their lamentations. the of this decree. Peace was not, howaver, had obtained'a confequence right oftyranThe. proprictors, it is true, Ail1 legal recurred, c Who nizing; but the unfortunate quellion that "On this head the fhould be permitted to excercife arofe: right each of the parties decree was filent. New diffentions covered under a faétious patriotifim the moft atrocious deligns, Affafination and revolt became frequent. Mauduit, a French officerofrank, lofthis life by thc hands ofhis own countrymen. had exerted The unfortunate Ogé, a Flanter of Colour, who himfelfin France in the caufe of his brethren, refolved to fapport by force their juft pretenfions. Hel landed in the Spanite mulatterritoryof St. Domingo, where he affembled about 6c0 the toes. Before he prosceded to hoflilities, he wrote krench to , Affafination and revolt became frequent. Mauduit, a French officerofrank, lofthis life by thc hands ofhis own countrymen. had exerted The unfortunate Ogé, a Flanter of Colour, who himfelfin France in the caufe of his brethren, refolved to fapport by force their juft pretenfions. Hel landed in the Spanite mulatterritoryof St. Domingo, where he affembled about 6c0 the toes. Before he prosceded to hoflilities, he wrote krench to --- Page 17 --- ( 13 ) that) his defre was for peace, provided thel laws French general, His letter was abfurdly confdered as a declawere enforced. Being attacked and vanquilhed he took refage ration of war. who delivered him up to his adverfaries. amongit the Spaniards, of'his death weret the harbingers of future crimes. sThe horro:s ftill increafing, the National Affembly Thefe difturbances to decide between the contending found it neceffary, at violent length, debate took place, in which feveral parties. A long and other occafions dilinguilhed themfelves) by imembers who had on with a degree of their talents, and their patriotifin, oppofed the of warmth as pertinacious as it was refiftance inconfitent, was, however, pretenions unfucthe Péople of Colour. of Their May, a decree was made, concefsful. On the 1gth by the of which the Affembly contwo articles, EP fifting of that of the 12th ofOtober, fo faras relpedted the flaves frmed iflands. Itis true that the word Aave was cautioully in their in this document, and they are only characterized and by omitted defcription of c men not free," as if right the negative depended on a play of words, or a mode of exprellion. though wrong the decree' met with but little oppolition, This partof fevere from a few enlightened it paft not without reprehenfion the People of Colour members. The fecond article Thofe refpeding who were before known by was ftrongly contelted. of Patriots divided upon it. Itwas, however, of the deterinined appellation in the refult, that the People of Colour citizens <born and be free parents >> fhould be confidered as in the adive ifands eligible to the offices of government which decided upon a right that the This Second Article had been entitled to, for upwards of a cenPeople of Colour may be coufidered as the turyt, inftead of reftoring all the fubfequent evils that or rather the pretext ; Peraa caufe, ofSt. Domingo has fuftzined. They arofe not the the indeed colony from its execution, but from its counteraclion by had White Colonifis. Had they, after theawful warnings of an they ailembly already experienced, obeyed had the they ordinances imbibed one drop of the they pretended to revere; to which they had vowed an prue fpirit of that conititution had even fapprelled tue dictates of inviolable attachment ; they pride des crimes à celui qu'on veut affafminer avec le glaive ctoit * I1 faur bien Ogs préter eft mort martyr delalibeité ct de la ki; car l'infamie rout ne de la julice. humanité, juflice, décrét. Le concorjat de l'a fes venge; tyrans. ERLTLN fon nom.Re'ellc Bete@eajamainerle Speechotair Britiol, ift of December, refiriét: tion 179T. ota +. This decree after all wasnot the extention, but that the of 100 frec Neprivilege. Jtwasa aflerted be in found the NationalAconbly who.could qualily under thistitle. groci, icarcely 2 would Speech of Mr. Rewbell, zth of Sept.1791. concorjat de l'a fes venge; tyrans. ERLTLN fon nom.Re'ellc Bete@eajamainerle Speechotair Britiol, ift of December, refiriét: tion 179T. ota +. This decree after all wasnot the extention, but that the of 100 frec Neprivilege. Jtwasa aflerted be in found the NationalAconbly who.could qualily under thistitle. groci, icarcely 2 would Speech of Mr. Rewbell, zth of Sept.1791. --- Page 18 --- ( 14 ) in the fuggeftions of prudence ; the form that threatened pride them had been averted, and in their obedience to the parent ftate, they had difplayed an aét of patriotifm, and preferved themfelves from alt pofmibility of danger. of Colour flung the irriBut the equalization ofthe People The defcendants of table nerves of the White refentments Colonifts. oftheir fathers; but the flaves mighth thave loft the The European maxim allows hatred ofa defpot is hereditary. who have done the wrong " ; but in fc That they ne'er pardon attains a xore monflrous growth, the colonies this perverfity blood defcends from generation to andthe averfion to foonerhad African the decree paffed, than the deputies generation. No Affembly withdrew their attenfrom the MlandatotheNatonl always under the influence dancc. The Colonial Committee, their labours. Its arrival in the of the planters, Whites fufpended with confternation. *They vowed to ifland fruck the lives rather than fuifer the execution of the facrifice their bordered upon phrenzy. They propofed decree. Theirrage the French merchants then in the ifland, to tear to imprifon National Flag, and hoift the Britifh Standard in its down the Whilt the of the Mulattocs was mingled with place. and K fears, St. Domingo re-echoed with the apprehentions cries of the Whites, with their menaces, with madein their the blafphemies freets to againft the conftitution. A motion who fled was from the city and took fire upon the People ofColour, of their friends, and in the woods. refuge in the plantations recalled by a proclamation : but it was They were at length fubordination to the Whites, and to be witneffes only to fwear Amidft thefe agitations the flaves had reoffreh enormities. accuftomed fubordination. Nor was it till the mained in their that the fymptoms of the infurrection month of Auguft, 1791, them. If the notoriety of this fact reappeared amongi evidence, it may be found in the Report of the quire Colonial any Committee, in the letters of Mr. Blanchelandet, in of the members of the affembly, in the publication the fpeeches which read before the Affembly, 22d of * Vide letters of M. Blanchelande Auguft, Addrefs 1791. ofthe Syndicks of the Chamber of Commerce of Rouen, read the 7th of Septerber, 1791. Speech ofM. Briffot, ift of December.1791- Blanchelande + Theletter, dated the 4th of September, infurrection. 1791, from Mr. thas defcribesthe commencement Colonial ofthe Affembly requelled my prefence.at Op the 22dot of Auguftthe icveral as wel! Whites as Blacks, who had the examination by the patrole. perfons,, T was convinced from their depofitions bren apprel.ended was formed the Colony, and particulasly againtt that a confpiracy I learned that on again# the night of the fame it wasintended Un to the Cape. dwe rellings near the Cape, and to mallacre eSi the Whites, a eurn fereral cribesthe commencement Colonial ofthe Affembly requelled my prefence.at Op the 22dot of Auguftthe icveral as wel! Whites as Blacks, who had the examination by the patrole. perfons,, T was convinced from their depofitions bren apprel.ended was formed the Colony, and particulasly againtt that a confpiracy I learned that on again# the night of the fame it wasintended Un to the Cape. dwe rellings near the Cape, and to mallacre eSi the Whites, a eurn fereral --- Page 19 --- C 15 ) which is the fubjedt of thefe remarks. had A confiderable loft their number lives in both of Whites and People the of flaves Colour had given indications of thefe commotions before not, however, infenfible ofthe oppordifaffection- They afforded were by the diffentions of their mafters" funies of revolt oftheir miferies was ever They had learnt 46 that no alleviation "; that in the ftruggle for Colonial to be expedted from Europe interefts had been equally facrificed or Dominion their humbie They felt their curb relaxed by the forgotten by all parties. oftheir Mulatto matters, who had been difarmning and difperfion them under rigorous difcipline, Hopelefs zccullomed to keep they rofe in different parts and of relief from any quarter, the ifland. Ifthe cold cruelties of deffpread defolation over: what fhall be expeêted from the potifin have no bounds, paroxifms of defpair ? is particularly direâted, nor Tothis crifis Qur prefentInquiry affertion, or a proba. oughtit to pafs over with coufe an of unfupported the infurreition has been agitated ble fapponition. The Affembly, long after the prefentation of the in the National In the courfe of the debate, it was Addrefs of the Deputies. contradiétion, that all the Mulattoes, except afferted, without were difarmed by the Whites, and thole in the fouthern had parts révolted * c6 becaufe thofe who had been that the Negroes Itis extraordiacculftomed to coerce them were incapacitated. Slaves fhould revolt when they nary, faid the Orator, difarmed; that the when they fee them compelled to find the Mulattoes be to the moit horrible punilhments P? quit the Cape, or Commmittee, expofed though ever attentive to the Éven the Colonial Whites were unable to difcover any other reprefentationsoraae After all the accufations of the caufe of the well infarreftion. in the Addrefs now under confideration, asin Colonifts, as pieces, they acknowledged that no proofhad other intemperate adduced to them of the interference of the Society ofthe been Ncirs. Tbe Wbite Coonfs, fay they, in their Report Amis des of latt, shave complained of the calumnies ofthe 1ith January the writings of the Amis des Noirs, and outrages that appearin what has been their moral influence; Itis difticul to calculate evidence that the Amis des Noirs have but hitherto thefe there'is troubles, no- and we have found all the accufations againlt exicited them totallyunfipported by proof." Before the morning of the 23d feveral perfons from the of country the Black took refuge labourers in ghe town. They brought that intormation Whites had that been many putto death. had revolted, and many Read November : 8th, 179: # Spetch of Mr. Briffoty 27th of OStober, i791. that the Amis des Noirs have but hitherto thefe there'is troubles, no- and we have found all the accufations againlt exicited them totallyunfipported by proof." Before the morning of the 23d feveral perfons from the of country the Black took refuge labourers in ghe town. They brought that intormation Whites had that been many putto death. had revolted, and many Read November : 8th, 179: # Spetch of Mr. Briffoty 27th of OStober, i791. --- Page 20 --- ( 16 ) Before we proceed with our narrative, let us be permitted St. a comparative itate of the inhabitants of refloftion on the the time the infurreftion took place. The White Doiningo, had at juft recovered their liberties, and were called Colonitts the higheft political rights, and prefcribe for upon to exercife The Slaves had been rethemielves their own confitution. controul; all that dcfpotifm can ligned up to their unlimited and uncontroulable themwifh forthey enjoyed : paramount uncontrouled and undefined authority felves, they exercifed circumftance embittered their enjoyover others. One fo only to the perverted tafte of man. ment of a power gratifying to thre it with others, who, though They were required themfelves, equally competent to the exercife, equally free with interefted in its refult, were unfortunately ofit, and equally by a different hade of colour. Jealouly is infepadilinguilledb rable from the'luft of power, and a natural diftinétion ferved The as for reftricting all authority to the hands ofa few, a plea of Colour remonftrated againft this injuflice. They People confequences that might arife not reprefented the dangerous but to the ifland, if they were degradedin only to themicives dependants, and compelled to contribute to the eyes of their in which they were as pallive as the fupport of The a government decree ofthe isth of Miay juftified and contheir Slaves. But the hard gripe of Injuftice relaxes firmedtheir pretentionis. and the White Planters avowed their not without force; fuffer every extremity rather than fubmit to a refolution to neceffary not only to their own meafure that was indifpenfibly profperity, but even to their own the human prefervation. bolom, when required Iffuch pallions others can that agitate power to which they have an equal to fhare with of Colour in afferting their claim to a right; if the Colonial People Affembly, felt an impulfe that fet danger feat in the encountered death, even in its moft at defiance, and what cheerfully fhall we conceive were the feelings of the horrid forms; ? The claims of the People of Colour had been recog- been nized Negroes by the Parent Country; but the Negroes had without formally conligned over to the will of their Mafters, howin their favour. Political fubordination, one fipulation isas bright as day when comparever hateful toa dark liberalmind, and hopelefs bondage of the Negro: a ed with the combines the of intellectual mifery, with bondage that thefe circumftances was it of a brute, PORAer the fufferings for the Amais dis Noirs to inform the Negroes that neceffary and an injured race? It is to be fuppofthey were an unhappy with the caufes - of contention ed they were unacquainted And is not the love of freedom contagiamongit the Planters ous? comparever hateful toa dark liberalmind, and hopelefs bondage of the Negro: a ed with the combines the of intellectual mifery, with bondage that thefe circumftances was it of a brute, PORAer the fufferings for the Amais dis Noirs to inform the Negroes that neceffary and an injured race? It is to be fuppofthey were an unhappy with the caufes - of contention ed they were unacquainted And is not the love of freedom contagiamongit the Planters ous? --- Page 21 --- (1171 J ous? When they fàv men whofe wealth not them only, with exempted all the them from perfonal labour,. but fupplied of their lives for blandifhments ofluxury, contend at ifland, the peril could they turn with a fhare in the government of the of their own numbers, and indifferenc; to the contemplation ? It was not then the voice of the their own opprefions the irrefitible call ofNature that excited Amis des Noirs, it was would have foothed them to peace, the Infurreaion: : the former deftruétion 1 the latter hurried them blindly, on to inevitable was however by no Inits commencement, this General infurredtion Blanchelande has been means formidable ; and the of Eufillanimbully entrenchaccufed in the National Affembly fortified, when he fhould have ing himfelf in a town already the revolt. ce Whoever, fays led out his troops to fupprefs this meafure, has occafioned the Mr. Brifot, advifed hin to There is indeed little doubt but a ruin of the Colony." would foon have extinguilhed the Aame. vigoroys Even when exertion the number of infurgents amounted to 50,050, and of they had formed themfelves into two bodies, the an other engagement was totally an hour deftroyed the camp of one, and of cannon. difperfed by the difcharge of a few pieces barbarities alterAvoiding the repetition of the difgulting partics, let us inquire what nately exercifed by the of contending the Slaves had upon the diffentions of effect the infurrection which had rife to them. The White Party the Planters difcovered, that although given they could legillate without the foon afliftance of the People of Colour, they could not preferve bowed the iland from deftruction without them 3 and they at of length their comtheir fubborn necks undert the irrefiftible weight thofe whom mon danger. In thus calling for aflitance means upon in their power, they had injured, and infulted by inflexibility every of charaéter which they fhrunk from that arrogant the conjectares that took was expeêted from them. Amongf of the Revolt was firlt place in France when notice information that ofthe Reporter of the Coloreceived there, we may the White Creole nial Committee. * e Believe not, fays he, that of Colour, will ever unite in the common caufe with the have Man both the fame although threy arc both proprictors, and yoke of Necellity will interelts to defend. Even the imperious his origin. PLK Nobend under the odious prejudices diftingtions againft which keep him at fo thing can efface the that unjuit the White would with lefs horror hear infinite his enemies a diftance, accufe him of a crime, than affert that a drop of African blood circulates in his veins. Such a reproach is : confidercd # Repott oft FtheColonial Committee, 27th OStober, 1791. B ors, and yoke of Necellity will interelts to defend. Even the imperious his origin. PLK Nobend under the odious prejudices diftingtions againft which keep him at fo thing can efface the that unjuit the White would with lefs horror hear infinite his enemies a diftance, accufe him of a crime, than affert that a drop of African blood circulates in his veins. Such a reproach is : confidercd # Repott oft FtheColonial Committee, 27th OStober, 1791. B --- Page 22 --- 18 ) infult. He tranfmits his Bonfidered as the moft outrageous originatesthat unquenchverigeance to his poferity,andhence known only in thefe climates, in able hatred which is happily excefs of Phrenzy 3) The which the fofteft paffions arife to an Fearoperates more forcibly Reporter was, however, miftaken. breaft ofa Creole. On the 25th of ehan hatred, even in the condefcended to invite the Auguft the Colonial Affembly with them for the common defence. Fcople of Colour to unite they deliberated on the On the 2d, 3d,and 4th them of September, to their rights. The People of queltion of admitting had armed for their defence, but had Colour in the mean time Whites and the Negroes. On the kept aloof both from the took place, which produced sith of September, a the convention Concordat, by which the White Planters the agreement called the law of the 15th fipulated that they, would no longer rights oppofe to the People of Colour. of May, which gavé political to meliorate the fituaThe Colonial Alfembly even promifed and to tion of the People of Colour, * born of parevts did not nfrees extend. An whom the decree of the 1sth Planters, cf May which, ifit had fooner anion was formed bétween the The Infurgents taken place, had prevented the Infurrection. and difperfed; and the were évery where difpirited, from repulfed, total deftrustion. Colony itfelf preferved thefe tranfactions happened at St. Domingo, of At the moment fcene was acting in the National Affembly of an imiportant From the time of pailing the decree of the 1sth France. white Colonifts in France, and their numerous May, the National Affembly, had never ceafed to accufe Friends in the confpired together for the ruin ofthe the authors ofit ofhaving its purport; and prediding its confeColonics. In execrating inflamed the minds of the refident Whites quences, they had pitch of rage. The true Incendiaries of im- St, to the highelt be difcovered amongit the Colonifts who, Domingo aret to the decree of the 15th ofMay, failed for that mediately after its publication, and oppofe its execution. -Ifland to fruftrate been weak enough to entruft the Colonial The Affemblyhad the decree. In that Committee Committee with expediting Barnave had unlimited authority. The the apofate patriot that the firft publication ofthe decree at St. confequence was, inthe French newipaper called TheMonitor. Domingo appeared intended to accompany" it, were intentionally the The initructions till their effedt was totally fruftrated. and Before the redelayed decrce arrived, all was prepared for itated. its reception, So far the White fult was fuch as has before in their been aims. The predicted difColonifts had fuccceded fentions * Sce Decrerof the Culonial Affembly, 2sth Sept, 1791. ofthe decree at St. confequence was, inthe French newipaper called TheMonitor. Domingo appeared intended to accompany" it, were intentionally the The initructions till their effedt was totally fruftrated. and Before the redelayed decrce arrived, all was prepared for itated. its reception, So far the White fult was fuch as has before in their been aims. The predicted difColonifts had fuccceded fentions * Sce Decrerof the Culonial Affembly, 2sth Sept, 1791. --- Page 23 --- ( 19 ) betiveèn them and thc People of Colour had taken of fentions was to charge the decree place, and all that now remained caufe ofthat mifchief, which the the.igth of May. as the occafioned.: Barnave and Whites had themfelves voluntarily in their exertions, and almolt his adherents were indefatigable when the juftice and neceflity. ofthe decree in the very moment had been acknowledged by the Cencordat, of thc isth of May in the National Affembly. By the repeal of it was pronouncedi fame month of September, the the decree of the 24th ofthe virtually excluded from all right of People of Colour were. placed in the of the Colonial Legiflation, and expreisly meafure only to this FT White Colonifts.* On defective difgraceful in point of legal authobe. remarked, that it was as For although itis denominarity as it was in abftractjuftice. fifteen days after the teda Coxfitutional Aa,t it was by the King, and been to accepted TTSe new code had prefented of a fyftem of government, which the was the firft infringement to have held facred. founders at leaft ought of the of May could infligate the White Ifthe decree frantic 15th acts of viplence before defcribed, what Colonifts to the the feclings of the People of Colour on fhall we fuppofe were which again blafted thofe hopes that of the 2th of September, the conftitutional law ofthe Parent they had jufly founded on ofthe White Colonifts ? No State, and the folemn ratification than thofe diffentions whick fooner was it known in the Iflands for broke out the Revolt of thel Negroes had a while entertained appeafed, from the with freth violence. The apprehenfions the effets of the Concordat ; but the Slaves had been allayed by relieved from the terrors of Whites no fooner found themfelves themfelves of the deimmediate deftrustion, than they availed formally revoked the cree of the 24th of September refufed ; they to comply with an engageConcordat, and treacheroutly owed their very exiftence. The Feople -ment to which they attacked the Whites in the Souof Colour were in arms 5 they, themfelves of Fort St. Louis, thern Provinces ;they poffeffed in feveral engagements, A and defented their opponents Port-au-Prince, the capital of the powerful body furrounded ofthe Concordat. At three ifland, and claimed the execution different l'état des Perfonnes non libres et l'état ART. 3: Hormes Les lois de concernant Couleur, & Negres libres, anifi que les reglemens golitique des de ces mémes lois feront faites par les Aflemblées relatifs Coloniales. sl'éxécution and of M. Garan de +, Speech ofM, Fauchet, r2thy December, 1791, Coulont, 2d March, 1792. eft dans Tinfeinale vanité des blancs, qei trois I La Caufe des Troubles que trois fois isavoient juré de maintenir. fois ontriolé un Concordat, Speech of Mr. Brillot, xoth Feb. 1793 B2 lois feront faites par les Aflemblées relatifs Coloniales. sl'éxécution and of M. Garan de +, Speech ofM, Fauchet, r2thy December, 1791, Coulont, 2d March, 1792. eft dans Tinfeinale vanité des blancs, qei trois I La Caufe des Troubles que trois fois isavoient juré de maintenir. fois ontriolé un Concordat, Speech of Mr. Brillot, xoth Feb. 1793 B2 --- Page 24 --- 20 ) different timés did the Whites affent to the often broke their engagement. Gratified requifition, and as tion for Ariftocracy which the Conftituent with the predilecdotage avowed, they affeéted the Affembly had in its had the addrefs to transfer the popular appellation odjum of Patriots, and Colour, who were contending for their tothe People of to the White Colonifts who had virtue indifputable rights, and caufe. Under this pretext, the enough to efpoufe their required M. Grimoard, the municipality of of Port au-Prince line of battle thip, to bring his" captain the Borcas, a French cannonade the People of Colour* guns to bear upon, and to at firft refafed, but the crew deluded affembled by the near the town : he enforced his compliance. No fooner was this cry of Patriotifm, than the People of Colour gave a loofe to meafure adopted they fpread over the country, and fet fire their indignation ; all the plantations ; the greateft of the indiferiminately to Prince foon afterwards thared the part fame fate, town of Port-auto remain for the White Inhabitants but to feek Nothing their feemed quitting the Colony, fafety in In the Northern Parts the People of Colour magnanimous and perhaps a inore prudent adopted a more began, fays Mr. Verniaud, by offering their conduct.I ce They Whites. We fhall wait, faid till blood to the before we affert our own claims, they, >3 we have faved you, themfelves to the revolted Negroes with They accordingly oppofed They endeavoured to foothe them by unexampled courage. able reguifitions,t artd if the Colony attending ofSt. to theirreafonferved to the French nation, it will be by the Domingo be prePeople of Colour. exertions of" the After this recital ofauthentic and dificult to trace the caufes ofthe indifputable facts, is it Amis des Noirs-tothe Society for Infurrection : Is it to the thatthey areso'beimputed ? The fentiments abolifhing of the: Slave Trade, thofe efall the true friends of the Mr. Briffot are faid he, the authors of thele calumnies Negroes:t to <I challenge, againft the Amis des Noirs. I will bow down fpecify a head fingle fact fcaffold, ifit be proved that I have written a my line on the Colonies, or have fupported any relation or fingle to the correfpondence Report of the Colonial Committee,zgth Feb. with + Dans : province Speech du of Mr. Nord Verniaud, les Homnes it December, 1791 1792. toujours ccux de ils quelques fe paroifles, fc font comportés avec de Couleur, la a l'exception de Ta plus font emprefes de combattre les noirs,: plus grand pradence; d'entre grand confiance Jans les decrets de T'Aifemible toujoursils ont montre tés, pour cux, y negocier M.M: la Rouager paix; letrzele, & Laforefl, font allés dans lc Nationale, canip des revol- Deux cette uccalion font au-deffus detoute élnge. les foins qu'ils fe font donnés, dans # Speech of Mr. Trilfut, Nov. Repurt, 1791. agth Feb. 1791. adence; d'entre grand confiance Jans les decrets de T'Aifemible toujoursils ont montre tés, pour cux, y negocier M.M: la Rouager paix; letrzele, & Laforefl, font allés dans lc Nationale, canip des revol- Deux cette uccalion font au-deffus detoute élnge. les foins qu'ils fe font donnés, dans # Speech of Mr. Trilfut, Nov. Repurt, 1791. agth Feb. 1791. --- Page 25 --- ( 21 ) whatever. I wifh the fituation of the Negmoes with them ofthe blood of my brethren. mitigated, but not at the the expenfe I enjoy, ifI could advife I hould be unworthy of his liberty Mafter; and it is deteftable a fingle Negro to rife upon and thole of M. M. Petion, the that they, who know my principles Condorcet, fhould be Robert/pierre, Gregoire, Glaviere, In proportion as the fources of authors of fuch accufations." more difinétly traced, the White thefe calamities have been of truth, and their advocates Colonifts have fclt the convitions it. On the have been relustantly compelled to was acknowledge read in the National Ioth of February, 1792, a letter a Colonift of St. Domingo, of Affembly, from Mr. Poymonbrun, troubles to 4 the pride of fome in which he attributes the the Men of Colour to the the Whites, who refufed to admit In the Report of the Colonial rights of agive Citizens." of the fame month, they fay, c6 WithCommittee ofthe 12th from all reproach; but out doubt the Colonifts are not exempt muft the whole populabecaufe fome individuals are culpable, even that culpability affect the tion be facrificed? Should their misfortunes, and Majority, they muft intereft us even by their errors and their call upon us for a moment to be forget alleviated; and may they crimes." May their diftreffes learn humanity from their fufferings! from St. Domingo it appears the inBy the lateft accounts Negroes have ceafed ; but that the apprebenfions from the Planters, and the effeêts of a culpa- ftill veterate prejudices ofthe in the Conftituent Affembly, ble dereliction of principle it. The difafters of St. Domingo, their fays continues to (The agitate Reporter for the Colonies)* have the now Whites M. Tarbe, caufe in the mifunderlanding between Parts; adds he, the principal and the Mulatoes." 6 In the Northern Whites, and the Negroes are Men of Colour have joined the of further mifchief. In cither reduced or rendered incapable is in rebellion, but the the Weftern Provinces not a themielves Negro of many dittridts, and Men of Colour have poffelfed The Southern Parts are in the fame occupy the plains. but the People of Colour fituation : the Negroes are at peace, + jn one word, adds he, exercife the greateit cnormities. is to be apprehended from throughout all the Colony from matbing tne mifunderitanding between the Negroes and ; ervery the thing, People of Colour." Such the Whites B 3 Report, 2gth February, 1791. plas - riena craindre des +. En un mot, dans toute la Colonie, entre il REXRER: les avoit et les gens Feb. de couleurs 1792, revoltés ; tout de la mefintelligence Reporty 2gth ife the greateit cnormities. is to be apprehended from throughout all the Colony from matbing tne mifunderitanding between the Negroes and ; ervery the thing, People of Colour." Such the Whites B 3 Report, 2gth February, 1791. plas - riena craindre des +. En un mot, dans toute la Colonie, entre il REXRER: les avoit et les gens Feb. de couleurs 1792, revoltés ; tout de la mefintelligence Reporty 2gth --- Page 26 --- ( 12 ) Such is the prefent fituation of this Colony: a prey the, white not S the pride and to the prejudices ofthe Whilit proprietors, the fears arifing violence of the revolted Negroes. totally allayed, the former are from tnelatter, are, nerve it appears, to effeét a purpofe that can only end fill exerting every Chaftized, but not improved, in the ichool in their misfortune, own ruin, they now meditate a new outrage, and call upon of fate to invalidate the Conerrdat, and to eftablifh by the force parent the pretended decree of the 24th of September. Shall irrationally accufed of the moft then the advocates of peace, from the queftion fo infolentiy put to atrocious defigns, fhrink the medium them by the Deputies of the Colonies, through with the ofthe National Affembly? or fhall they not c* anfwver It is wha conviation of truth-Yes, miftaken men. you ltis have placed fre and fword in the hands ofycur Negroes. that have lighted the torch that has deftroyed your plantayou that have harpened the daggers that have tions. aflàfinated Itis you brethren and your friends. ttisycu thathave prompted the your brutal paflions of which your females have been the haplefs viétims : who have kindled in your country the volcano which has already coveredit with athes, and will perhaps reduce it to nothing." conclufions can be drawn from the hiftory of thefe If, however, diforders, no either to impeach the promoters of the Abolition oft the Slave Trade, or to deter the Eritifh Parliament from daily confidering; and fully deciding on that important Noumeafure;. itwill afford inftrustion ofa different nature, rifhed in inveterate, and it will! be feared, irremediable preju- beft dices, it may fhew usy that the Coloniits are not the of the judges even of their own interefts : it may apprife us dangers of facrificing general principles of fubitantial demonftrate juffice, to variable' 'arid temporizing expedients : iflands, it may from fimilar to us, that the prefervation of our own of meafures, that difatters, depends on the early adoption conciliatory, whilft they are vigorous and decifive, are juft, not and humanc; and may caution us, that where we choofe to inipart the beamings of hope, we excite not the' ragings of defpair. # Particular Account of thc Infurreétion, P. :6. OBSERVATIONS , to variable' 'arid temporizing expedients : iflands, it may from fimilar to us, that the prefervation of our own of meafures, that difatters, depends on the early adoption conciliatory, whilft they are vigorous and decifive, are juft, not and humanc; and may caution us, that where we choofe to inipart the beamings of hope, we excite not the' ragings of defpair. # Particular Account of thc Infurreétion, P. :6. OBSERVATIONS --- Page 27 --- N S OESERVATION N I H E T I N S I N S U R R G F T HE N E G R C E S 1N THE OFSrDOMINGO ISLAND COULON. BY. M. GARRAN M. GUADET before the National Read in his abfence by February, 1792. Affembly, 2gth of reçeived of the difturbances in St. Do- i HE accounts undoubteily leave us in much uncertainty reduce 1 mingo, facts are enquetionables and They incontellible but the principal to a fmall number of important own and themfelves We ought at length to follow our matters judgment maturely, points others. Itis by examining the cf not rely upon ourfelves on our guard againit fpirit the friends E that we put which have frequently led aftray which have and dilhonelly, By thefe means, the calumnious Noirs reports will be filenced. liberty. againft the Amis des it was: sattributed been propagated no fooner broke out than and weaknefs could The the Amis infurreftion des Noirs. Nothing but rage them cite a fingle to fo rafh an Cacmadon-Let the infurrec-. have produced publication, which has provoked the names of action, a Wefurely fingle need do no more than repeat Meftrs. Mirabeau, tion. members of this affociation, &c. in order to do, the principal Condorcet, La Fayette, ata more early La Rocheroucault, calumnies. An alfociation formed Britain. Ever. away thefe than ours exifts in the capital of Great attempts period formation of this fociety, philanthropick the fince inceffantlyl the been the objects ofits cares. Neverthelefs, to bear their have in the Englith Colonics have continued we can at prefent Negroes fubmiffion- - If then, Dominyoke with the greaten affign a caufe to the troublesin of the St. People of with any muft certainty be attributed to the degradation Society. În fact, in Raber they rather than to a Philanthropiek felt which, without exciting, North America, there is a religious deviling means for obtaining the difturbances, is continually The Çongrefs itfelfis preeuftanclijement ofthe Negrocs. paring, B4 Colonics have continued we can at prefent Negroes fubmiffion- - If then, Dominyoke with the greaten affign a caufe to the troublesin of the St. People of with any muft certainty be attributed to the degradation Society. În fact, in Raber they rather than to a Philanthropiek felt which, without exciting, North America, there is a religious deviling means for obtaining the difturbances, is continually The Çongrefs itfelfis preeuftanclijement ofthe Negrocs. paring, B4 --- Page 28 --- ( 24 ) pcriod, paring and for the abolition of this trafick is there is only one of the meafure at fome future not already American States where troubles to the contagion abolithed, of Let us then the above all, to the injufice fcomner-revolation attribute the guilty in refufingto letthe of which the Whites prineiplesant have liberty of ; and lafily, to the Mulattoes partake of the been the decree ofthe Isth of culpable negleét of the bleflings of ftituent Affembly, feen May. Have we not in enforcement the conneét themfelves with deferters the from the Caufé of the Conthe repeal of that decree, by Ariflocracy to pave the People for Commifioners? troubles And does not preventing this the departure a the Camp of have Jales? had the fame origin as evidently thofe prove that thofe People of Colour Like the Avignonais and ofAvingnon the and the free; and thefe emotions were opprefled, and they wifhed Liegeois, to the Negroes the fame defire have excited in the minds become of the Paris, Chatelet when the Baftile orindependence. was taken, did In like manner, at men, who and the. Bicêtre, break their fetters not the prifoners in the the Crics of were nearer to a fate of nature, P Thefe uncivilized too, the Whites liberty have which refouinded on every were fide. not deafto Negroes : as we faw themfelves the court excited in the difeontent Perhaps of their underi its command, rejoice in the 1789, when it had an becaufe King of it Spain was pleafed at the troubles revolt at Paris, and as army the At St, afforded an pretence fornumerous of the Portuguefe; Demingo * party inimical confifcations. coumaem-resclusting volution could diforder and civil to liberty expeéted a men refult only from a general war (for a counter-recockade oftispany of fubfticured the black cockade confufion) in and the fembly. Eut liberty, not even in the very. fight of place ofthe the fcheme of even thefe proofs were the Colonial Af by the adarting their neceffary to difcovér troubles planters of St. Domingo independence and which was formed the eftablifument they had dared to decree, as. a Martinico. Before thefe alone. Did not the ofinterior former regulations cweitartonslaricl. belonged to the that St. Domingo undertake to General Affembly of the Ifland colony fne, did not thefe deputics, in ditband the the army of the nation PIn of France with a feparation fimilar name of the colonies, between the United States of to that which has taken threaten çult to conceive that men America and England? Isit place difimen, to fubjugate ther accuftomed to detpife their can have no greaterlove under the yokeo oft their fellow equality. Thefe famc for their country, than delpotick: they have wills, many advantages in thei: planters, union with who might have found for fa France, and whofe deputies band the the army of the nation PIn of France with a feparation fimilar name of the colonies, between the United States of to that which has taken threaten çult to conceive that men America and England? Isit place difimen, to fubjugate ther accuftomed to detpife their can have no greaterlove under the yokeo oft their fellow equality. Thefe famc for their country, than delpotick: they have wills, many advantages in thei: planters, union with who might have found for fa France, and whofe deputies --- Page 29 --- 25 ) ties Ailed themfelves the deputies of the whole take nation, a fhare pretended in the that the other deputies of France however, could not thefe men tcok a part formation of their laws ; whilt, effeSted a feparation, in the formation of ours, their deputies decreç ofthe 1sth ofMay. and they returned only to repealthe which, inits old age, fuffered the The Conftituent Afembly be trampled on, yielded to their National Sovereignty to the fatal decree of the 24th of fophitins, and the pronounced fole caufe ofall the difafters of St. Domingo: had September, In truth, the repeal of the decree ofthe. 1sth of Blacks May, comtaken when the infurreétion of the not place the decree had been paffed for the fpace ofthree menced : but been enforced. It was well knowa months, withont having had made in order to obtain it, and what ftruggles patriotifm diminifhed every day, that it was well known tbat patriotifin the repeal of this decree, and that ploes were formed to obtain even on the difturbances of the culpable hopes were founded colonies: Obfervations which point out the caufe ofthe misforThofe St. Domingo, teach us that we ought never to fuffer tunes of to be made upon the National Sovercignty; us any infringement lels the rights of univerfal reafon : they, teach much upon the themfelves againft their that we ought to defend planters aflleep to their own defobftinate purpofe of lulling themfelves of fine, that we oughit truétion, amidit the prejudices pride,-in of citizen, by making to naturalize among them the revolution. character Let us then afford them enjoy the bletlings fince ofthe they are unfortunate, let us grant fuccour to the affiftancé Whites, that lies in our power. You would not them all the in a fimilar fituation. But herc I refufe it to your enemies, molt would itop-it is very true that our do implcableenemies us more mifchief: I will not have had it in their power which to they have done to our comnot mention the when damage it had already experienced a confideramerce, at a time the ftains which they bave ble diminution-bur can we forget of which, they have brought upon our Revolution, the progrefs of infantliberty, an example Roppedby giving, underthe reign tyraunic laws by the fideof oft the greatel injuftice, by placing when they caufed the paffing of the the Declaration of Rights, Decree of the 24th of September. aillicted all the friends ofliberty. Onght "This let decree it ftand has deeply ? Would it not be a proof of extraordinary we to law, which people have the weaknels, were we to retain this law, although it was enacted audacity to term a cenfitutional the and even after the conafter the conftitution of kingdom, This law, will tend to fitution of the Colonies was framed. render ice, by placing when they caufed the paffing of the the Declaration of Rights, Decree of the 24th of September. aillicted all the friends ofliberty. Onght "This let decree it ftand has deeply ? Would it not be a proof of extraordinary we to law, which people have the weaknels, were we to retain this law, although it was enacted audacity to term a cenfitutional the and even after the conafter the conftitution of kingdom, This law, will tend to fitution of the Colonies was framed. render --- Page 30 --- 26 ) render, the Planters independent of their French millions creditors; of men and Ahall wefufier the fovercignty the of twenty-five tyranny and all the caprices . to be trampled on, defpotifin to fupport ? Let the White Colonifts at lait of know, unreftrainesd that they cannot do without the mother country; that the alone, can free them from the misfortunes into, which they have plunged themfelves. ufurpations of the clergy and the nobility, and The criminal s-in a word, all kinds of all the abufes of the royal the power of the 24th of Septemdifafters would follow upon would Decree make the Colonies the cenber; and this for independence the ariftocracy and the Couner-revoladenits tre of union affured, that none of the reafons which the Conftituent We are has made in the adminiftration of juftice, have becn. Affemubly enforced at St. Domingo : that the moft atrocious there that proceedings was ofthe old goveriment, are ftill practifed ; Ogé counfel. examined on the fellette, and that he was not allowed that Itis at leaft evident, that the liberty of the prefs, can gua-. rantee. of public liberty, the lofs of which orders nothing take the place fupply, of has been profcribed; that arbitrary without a trial, laws; that Frenchmen have been tranfported has been forced to difand under falfe pretexts; that a veffel difcretion. This ofits cargo, at a price fixed at arbitrary what what the Colonial Ailembly has done; you with may, independent judge it would do in future timc, were marine, it invelled after a long declamaauthority. The minifter ofthe and the People of Colour, has tion againft the. Amis des Noirs, of eftablifhing at St. Domingo, already propofed to you a plan only of proprictors; of credting on a national guard, compo(ed fortreffes, not to defend the coaft, but to that ifand certain Rouffeay in the interior part of the be made ufe of, as fays, In fine, if the Colonies, country, 4 as neis for of the tyrants." legillative body, were to be conrendered with independent the king alone, what a means of confidence would nected derive from this exclufive right of giving the executive fupreme chief of the army, he could filt its fanftion ! into the ICF enilave it, by fending the moft patrietic regiments there; but in ifands, under pretence of eftablithing would difcioline in vain appcal to thc reality, becaule in this exile, they principles ofjuRice and liberty. determined to declare the Colonies 1f, however, you declaration are ought not. to be made till the independent, this of nas been repenled, otherwife Decrce ofthe 24th would September be extended to the Whites alone, who would this independence preferve the mcans of perpetuating ariftocracy. America emancipates its Colonies as foun as they are fuficiently RSUPE cioline in vain appcal to thc reality, becaule in this exile, they principles ofjuRice and liberty. determined to declare the Colonies 1f, however, you declaration are ought not. to be made till the independent, this of nas been repenled, otherwife Decrce ofthe 24th would September be extended to the Whites alone, who would this independence preferve the mcans of perpetuating ariftocracy. America emancipates its Colonies as foun as they are fuficiently RSUPE --- Page 31 --- I 27 ) decreed, that they thall not inftilpus ; but fhe has exprefsly or make any law in contradictute an arbitrary Declaration government, of Rights. In Greece, the tion to the their Colonies to govern EST ftates, wheu they themfelves allowed by that means freed from the oblidid not eiteem the citizens of thofe Colonies againtt gation of defending afliftance, which kindred Reli preffion. This each reciprocal other, we ought now to give to the Citimutually afford St. Domingo, as well as to the Whites. - zens of Colour Planters at have formed a projeét of afferting their inde- < we The order to eftabliih tyracny beyond the feas ; pendence, in wifer than they." 3 This feparation might lead them ought to be. would not be fo ealy as they imagine; tot their ruin, and ofthe perhaps Englith, of Ameriça, and fill more their the difponitions fhould convince them of this. Ifit be pofown exparience, Colonies fhould be happy in this feparation, on fible that the fate muit reap from it the fame this fuppoftion, the parent the American Colonies advantages as Price predifted,when The commerce of England with feparaued from England. as it has been fince the United States, never was fo Rourifing with the ruft their feparation. They who are moft incrufted the advantages of this pf ancient prejudices, this 'do fubjeat, not difpute there is only one opinion. independence. Colonies On fill fand in need of the proteclion of. But fince our fince we are obliged to proteét their interthe mother country, to to the laws upon which the nal freedom, we ought Diflance agree does not prevent the National liberty is founded. laws concerning their external regulaAffembly from making the can refufe to give his fanction to the tions : and fince king why fhould not thefe latter laws for their internal government, of the legilative laws be likewife fabrnirted to the approbation of reafon, ought no longer body? The, laws under the empire acumulated, to be the refult of ancient prejudices refpectfilly underliandings which but the greater the numberofenlighiensl the nearer do they approach to concur in their formation, prefer the Veto ofthe AAEE fection. Why would the Colonies of eighty-thrce to the opinion of the popular when this reprefentatives qveto is no; fubordinate to the departments, efpecially three ? Would' they chufe rather to uniform will of legillatures of a minifter who will always be ambibe fubjest to the will lf this be their wilh, why do tious to augment his authority? National Aflembly, requeiling they addrels themfelves to the to fee them aking the reour affitance ? Is it not ridiculous to an arbitrary governprefentatives of a free alien people to, our fupport laws, and contrary to our ment- -a government contitution? Our to the departments, efpecially three ? Would' they chufe rather to uniform will of legillatures of a minifter who will always be ambibe fubjest to the will lf this be their wilh, why do tious to augment his authority? National Aflembly, requeiling they addrels themfelves to the to fee them aking the reour affitance ? Is it not ridiculous to an arbitrary governprefentatives of a free alien people to, our fupport laws, and contrary to our ment- -a government contitution? Our --- Page 32 --- ( 23 ) Our Acets, our armies, the product of our contributions, of the mo- are no longer, as they formerly were, the patrimony not to be made narch-they belong to the nation ; they. nation, ought and conformably ufe of, except for the benefit of the obedience from the to the confitution. The king can require the French laws, made troops of France, onlyin the French name of people, and our armics are byt the reprefentatives ofthe laws of the Colonies. 6 If circumby no means fubjeat to the the nothing fances did not permit us to enfranchife Negroes, the could authorife us to fet up as conftitutional have principles fuggelted to temporary meafures which prudence might there exifts not in the legillators." This is the reafon article why that gives a fanêtion to American conftitutions a fingle of this conftitution, themfelves proflavery ; and the framers that they muft leave to the maprietors of Slaves, perceived of underftanding and manners, turity oftime, to the of progrefs the deftrustion of flavery. On the conthe confummation is made to you, to annul the Concordai, or trary, a propofal for the purpofe of giving the Whites the means to of temporize annulling it by force. from thefe dilatory meaI know not what can be in expefted frefh miferies, the Whites, who fures, unlefs the involving from the fury of the revolted Nehave with difficulty efeaped that the Décree of the grocs. Will any one dare which to affert, wifh to avail themfelves, 24th of September; of they is a conflitutional article conftitution ? anfwer this queffion-a ConLet the French of which it contratids-Letthe fitution, all the principles anfwer it-all Conflitutional Decree of the 15th of Maylaft of which it has infringed. We can hardly the provifions Affembly, notwithftanding alt imagine, that the Conftituent clafs of free and propriits power, could deprive a numerous without having etary citizens of their civil rights, exclufive efpecially Initiatire had been fummoned or heard them. Ifthe the of May, it is evident, granted to the Colonies on 1sth Aflembly could no that, after this Decrce, the the Confituent civil exiftence of any clafs of louger make laws concerning been formally authorized fo to do by the men, withoet having Coionial In vain Affemblies. will it be objefted, that an article of the Conftitution of the declares, that the Colonies, although they form a part laws French empire, were not comprized in the draw conftitational from this ? that of France.- What conclufion fhall of we May, not having beèn the confitutional law of the 15th have been repealed fince the repenled by this article, conttitution. cannot I muft obferve, that the King comnpletion ofthe having Coionial In vain Affemblies. will it be objefted, that an article of the Conftitution of the declares, that the Colonies, although they form a part laws French empire, were not comprized in the draw conftitational from this ? that of France.- What conclufion fhall of we May, not having beèn the confitutional law of the 15th have been repealed fince the repenled by this article, conttitution. cannot I muft obferve, that the King comnpletion ofthe having --- Page 33 --- (: 29 ) and that formed on having accepted the French conflitution, Conftituent Afembly the 1sth of May for the Colonies, the which would : could not trouble his throne with a new condition, ofaccepting the Deoccafion a lofs of rights, and if a would refufal not have occafioned a cree ofthe 24th of follows September of courfe, that it was not conftitulofs of rights Conflituent ; it Affembly might reduce to principles tional. The laws, which it had. already made, but it could the Conftitutional nature. not iake laws of a contrary who had juft fworn that he would, Could we oblige the king, to enforce a contitution which maintain liberty and equality, clafs of men of the rights which nature Dedeprives a numerous evident that his acceptance of this gives them ? Is it not it validity? and that, as an act of cree could not have given it is null, fince it has not through the legillative power, by the confitution. i8es us proceed the formalities preferibed In the conflitution we fee to the examination of its exift contents: in any, part of the French emthat privileges no longer fovercignty is indivifible and heredipire; that the national family ; that the Colonies are tarily delegated to the reigning French empire. It was upon thefe effentially a part of the Conflituent Afiembly could deterprinciples alone then thatthe conffitution of the colonies. Neverthelefs, mine concerning the is declared in fuch a manner bythe decree their independence that they are freed from the authority of the z4th of September and eyen from the authority of the of the legillative body, and as the regal is not comprized conftituent affemblies; is that colonies might chufe the confequence EEES in this decree, they will hardly imagine themfelves a king for themfelves ; but of that inetimnable article ofthe independent of the authority which allows infurrection and refitance declaration of rights, againit oppreffion. the timorous confciences of thofe who I may now confirm wifhed for the repeal of the decree of have aflerted that they but were afraid of infringing upon a the 24th of September, But neither the people, who muft ratify ail conffitutional law. Alfembly, nor even the excconftitutions, nor the Conflituent looked upon this decree as truly, concutive power; have ever Aflembly did not prefent it for Aitutional. The Conftituent ; and had it been confitutional, the acceptance of the King the deputies of this affembly, all the citizens, and particulady have limited, muft have (worn that they whofe powers it would to it. When have produced from would act in conformity how it that the c6 conftitutional happens embly, nor even the excconftitutions, nor the Conflituent looked upon this decree as truly, concutive power; have ever Aflembly did not prefent it for Aitutional. The Conftituent ; and had it been confitutional, the acceptance of the King the deputies of this affembly, all the citizens, and particulady have limited, muft have (worn that they whofe powers it would to it. When have produced from would act in conformity how it that the c6 conftitutional happens your archives .has ever been raifed to demand that the decree not one voice. alfo fhould be hrasghatothofridee This of the 24th ofSeptember --- Page 34 --- ( 30 ) This decreé had béen too to be forgotten; 5 and if the recently nation paffed, too fadly renowned whence comes it that among the had not refufed" to ratify it been prefented to the Conflituent loyal addrefles which have a fingle One in favour of this Aflembly there has not been the (pontaneous decree P The univerfal than all the fubtleties judgment of of all the citizens; are better feelings; flitutional. Had it been argument, fo efteemed that this decree is not proofs conthe minifter of the marine would by the executive ferent laws for the internal not have propofed toyou power; dif. inftance, for the eflablifument government of St. for to be creêted in the interior of hired, guards, Domingo, and. of forts declare, that this decree is an. parts ofthe country. Let us then ofthe nation ; we fubmit not infringement to it either on the. potics; as as but fovereignty Mr: Garan men we ought to deteft it. citizens or def. abrogating that Coulon of the 24th then of prepared the form of a decree ral amnelly throughout the colony, September; ; declaring a geneAffemblies fhould. be formed ennéting, that the of May, that they fhould purfant to the decree ofthe. Colonial of the internal give their fentiments on the 1sth method of effecting government the of the colonies, and on the fubject belt Abolition ofl Negro Slavery. APPENDIX. --- Page 35 --- A P P E N D I X Alai.e bas been Since tbe preceding Inuiry qwas printed, the receiveds that the NATIONAL ASSEMELY, 07 pofid, almof ananimonfy, ibe 2atb infant, follossing DECREE refpedirg the COLONIES. Tas: National Afembly acknowledges ought and to enjoy decrees. the that the People of Colour and Free well Negroes as the Whites, in confeequality of political rights, as as follows : quence ofwhich it decrees after the publication of the ARTICLE I. they Immediately fhall proceed, in every one ofthe French prefent decree, and Leeward Iflands, to the re-elecColonies in the Windward Affemblies, after the mantion ofthe Colonial the and decree Municipal of the Sth of March, 1790, and ner preferibed the National Affembly of the 28th of the the initrusions fame month. of Colour, and Free Negroes fhall be II. The vote Peopie in all the Primary and Electoral Affemblies, admitted be to to all places, provided they poffefs befides, and fhall eligible preferibed by the 4th articie of the initructhe qualifications tions ofthe 28th Civil of March. Commiffioners fhall be named for the III. Three and four for the lflands of GuadeColony of St. Domingo, loupe, St. Lucia, Commilfioners and Tobago. fhall be authorifed to diffolve the IV. Colonial Thefe Affemblies, to take every, meafure neceliary Eleétoral prefent the Convocation of the Primary and for accelerating Affemblies, 4th articie of the initructhe qualifications tions ofthe 28th Civil of March. Commiffioners fhall be named for the III. Three and four for the lflands of GuadeColony of St. Domingo, loupe, St. Lucia, Commilfioners and Tobago. fhall be authorifed to diffolve the IV. Colonial Thefe Affemblies, to take every, meafure neceliary Eleétoral prefent the Convocation of the Primary and for accelerating Affemblies, --- Page 36 --- Afemblies, and ( 32 ) well as to determine thercin to eflablif union, order, peal to the National provifionally the and peace:as arife concemning the afembly) regularity (referving every. queftion power which ofapatfemblies, the form acn say V. They are ereledions, and convocations, the the holding of in tion St. pofmible, in order egually to authorifed difcover to procure eligibilty every ofchtizens. ed; to Domingo, fecure and their the authors of the informa- troubles reft, and to fend the them perfons ofthe continsation, guilty, and if they have continuof aceufation, by virtue overto of France, there them under arthat be a STO found decree of the put in 2 ftate VI. The neeeffary. Civil a legillative body, if form, purpofe, ofthe to addrefs to Commifietere the National fhall be obliged for this ofthe declarations verbal procefies which they Alfembly may have a difpatch in acculed perfons they may have made, and VII. Thel Naticnal aforefaid. & reccived, conceming the teithert fioners for to demand the publick Afembly authorifes the Civil their own force, whenever Commif. maygive, Vil. by virtueoft lafety, the or for the execution they of think orders mect, force into The the Exeentive Fower preceding is Articles, they National Guards, Colonies, which is compofed diresed in to fend a fuficient IX. The Colonial great meafure of mation and enflallation, Affamblics fhall immediately. after their refpetlirely, tution, their particular iffue, in the namc ofeach forpromote thole the laws, and the admtinitration judgment relpecting that Confti. Colong ing profpetity and happinefs of the of them, which will the MNChcnbeLin Colonies and Mother to thoie general people; conform. which their refpective Country are principlesby which decrec of 8th of interells are fecured, conneded, and. by lame month. March, 1790, and the agrecably to the X. The Colonial infructions of 28th. felves Reprefentatires with, to deliver Afemblies their are authorized to nominaté for every Colony, the Legillative Body, jndgment in numbers to, and unite them: the National which fhall be immedistely proportionzble Colonial Aftanbly aceording to theReport determined by XI, Former Comniurenid decrçes dirested to make. which its forcein every thing not cantrary relpecling to the the Colonies fhyllbe in prefent Decice, --- Page 37 --- --- Page 38 --- --- Page 39 --- a --- Page 40 ---