--- Page 1 --- - - - A --- Page 2 --- e - WG CD FO: 3obn Carter Broton. N/ / --- Page 3 --- --- Page 4 --- a TAUAINTAT su IU --- Page 5 --- A N I N QU I R Y INTO THE CAUSES OF THE INSURRECTION OF THE NEGROES IN THE ISLAND OF Sr. DOMINGO. - --- Page 6 --- 1 E N D - MI --- Page 7 --- A N I R Y I N QU INTO, THE CAUSES OF THE OF THE NEGROES INSURRECTION IN THE ISLAND or G O. ST. DOMIN TO WHICH ARE ADDED, NS D B S E RVATIO OF M, GARKAN-COULON ON THE SAME SUBJECT, READ IN HIS ABSENCE B Y M. GUADET, BEFORE THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, 2gth Feb. 1792. Monbon: PRINTED: AND SOLD BY J. JOHNSON, $T. PAUL's CHURCH YARD. MDCCXCII, A - - No - --- Page 8 --- iut AGSMN a/ h lal Mens CAFTOR (p07 WR/AKPAAW 1011 r --- Page 9 --- A N I N QU de I 1 R Y INTO THE CAUSES OF THE E INSURRECTION OF THE NEGROES IN THE ISLAND OF ST. DOMINGO. FTER a conteft of five years, between the Friends A of] Juftice and the African Slave-Dealers, the morai, phylical, and political evils, of that difgraceful traffick, 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 waih away the national ftain. Contradiéted in their bold affertions, and refuted in theirarguments, the abettors of this trade had almoft withdrawn themfelves from a fruggle, in which their own weapons recoiled upon themfelves : for it may juftly be remarked, that the moft expeditious method of forming an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 pieces written in its defence. At this junéture, when nothing remained but for the Reprefentatives of the people to comply with the wifhes of their Conftituents, 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 - - 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 pieces written in its defence. At this junéture, when nothing remained but for the Reprefentatives of the people to comply with the wifhes of their Conftituents, 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 10 --- LU NSHL ARI ASAETIIUAUE W/N h la ( 2 ) fufreation St. of thc Negroes has taken place in the proof Domingo, of the and this circumflance is to be adduced Ifland of propofed meafure.- dangerous confequences to arife from as the a Trade, CC bow you interfere Beware," wvith fay the the Partizans of this Indian Mands--let the example of the French concerns gf your We proceding afep furtber in fo dater yon from us be allowed to afk, How' far dangerous the a patb But let place in St. events that have taken the Britifh Houfe Domingo of Commons?- apply to the queftion now before ances the confequence of an Abolition Were thefe difturbthe French h-No-Even the of the Trade by in this inftance ineffcétual. Were eloquence of Mirabeau was regulations made by the Affembly for they the refult of any relief of the Slaves? No: for the the government or on this fubjeét uniformly that degrees ofthe Aflembly head ponilil originate xuith purport, the Planters all regulations 072 that dreadful diforders are chargeable to the themfelves. Ifthofe itis becaufe they did nct interfere: National Aflembly, black labourers in the iflands at the becaufe they left the and, after having declared that all mankind mercy of their mafters; fanétioned a decrec that gave the lic to werel born equal, of their conftitution. the firft principles Of the feveral pieces that have on this fubject, the addrefs or remonftrance made their appeatance sf St.. Dominge to the National Alombly of the Depaties particular notice But before we of Francess calls for tion into the caufes of the enormities proceed it to an examinapermitted a few refleétions on the awful records, let us be IAand of St. Domingo has of late fcenes that the of thefe outrages forms indeed the exhibited: the picture the narrative in queition. The deftrudtion moft ftriking part of plautations; the burning of houles ; the of Hourifhing llaughter of the # Tranllated into A Particular Aecouyt Englith, 9f tbe and publifhed under the title of the Infarrection of the Negroet in COMImPRCOREN St. and. Progrgiof necetlary to obferve, that its Domingo." It-is fcarcely der oftbe National Afirmbby, being it printed no (in France) by orit bheing a ineafure alivays gives in additional autheuticity; to afford the Members an adopted opportunity PIrL oflength, in order confidering them. whites VAWAA7 MER 9f tbe and publifhed under the title of the Infarrection of the Negroet in COMImPRCOREN St. and. Progrgiof necetlary to obferve, that its Domingo." It-is fcarcely der oftbe National Afirmbby, being it printed no (in France) by orit bheing a ineafure alivays gives in additional autheuticity; to afford the Members an adopted opportunity PIrL oflength, in order confidering them. whites VAWAA7 MER --- Page 11 --- [ 3 ] revolt; the gref whites by fecret treachery, or the open diflolution of all the violations of femalc chaftity; and all the attachments of focicty, bonds of fubordination, fill the dreadful fketch. contribute to enormities to be Jamented? they furely What Are thefe excite our wonder ? by no means. arc. Can they negro ? Is he not a being "is the ftate of the labouring ? labouring under conftant bound down by force by the immediate ATEL fion? driven to complete his tafk Venity, and forbearance pline of the whipt-Are and affection, abufe ? When the native ferothe refult of opprelion by the keen fenfe of long concity of Africa is who fharpened fhall fet bounds to its revenge? tinued injury, life how have the fierce difpofitions of favage of their Again, or improved by the example where been counteraéted ? Reliftance is always juftifable of white fuperiors fubftitute of right : nor is the commifion force is the in a ftate of flavery. Yet the punifh- to a civil crime poffible been devifed in the French iflands ments that have could only exift by the abufe of the reprefs crimes, that nature revolts at. How often Slave Holder, are fuch as beheld their fellows, beat, in have thefe unfortunate beings the bars of an iron cage, in which famine and diftraction, in inconceivable mifery the laft they were doomed exiftence to pafs ? Is it not known, that in thefe days of their has refigned his life in the wretched iflands a hunan being hre? An unavenged inftance torments of a flow-confaming atrocious, marks out for perdition the of an act fo awfully could fuffer it, When the opprellor thus the country that what muft be the effests of enforces his authority, fufferers refentment? violation of female chaftity we trace the In the forcible of brutality, and, in the eftimation moft deteftable the extreme lofs of life is preferable to its difgrace nor : of fenfibility, to the capacity of a blulh, but modefty yis not confined form and feature. Let this acfenfibility to a particular between the African Trader, or the çount then be iettled to his embrace the unimperious Planter, who compels and the exafperated Slave, who willing objeét of his luft, A 2 gratifies In the forcible of brutality, and, in the eftimation moft deteftable the extreme lofs of life is preferable to its difgrace nor : of fenfibility, to the capacity of a blulh, but modefty yis not confined form and feature. Let this acfenfibility to a particular between the African Trader, or the çount then be iettled to his embrace the unimperious Planter, who compels and the exafperated Slave, who willing objeét of his luft, A 2 gratifies --- Page 12 --- H hinenl atee AT / h DE [ 4 J gratifies by this hateful act, not his refentment. fenfuality, but his But let us fuppofe, that the fenfe of with a black complexion, and that fhame is incompatible nefs without einction the grofs abufe the of negro the could witaffeétion ; let us fuppofe too, that the object of his ments before mentioned were unnatural punifhrare; and that the daily forgotten, of becaufe they ywere heeded, becaufe it was fo difeipline modified the whip was unimmediate occafion cf death. Yet the as feldom to be the examples before his eyes. A Negro had other the Holders of the Slaves; thofe diffention had arifen amongft in opprefling them, were now at variance who had before united felves. They had proceeded to amongft themSlaves waited the event with filence, open violenee, whilft the difference. One party obtained an though not with inleader of the weaker number was carly fiperiority: the were fpeétators of the death of- Ogé, taken, and the Negrocs of their colour, and who was broken a man who partook wheel. Twenty-five of his followers alive upon the If the cold-blooded fons of fhared the fane fate. of improved fociety, and Europe, educated in the habits a mild and merciful affecting to feel the precepts of and infult their own religion, nature, can thus forget themielves, African fhould imitate the ought they to wonder that 'the upon their example? pattern, and if poflible improve Upon this part of the Addrefs which the planter is deeply interefted-an reflections ftill occur, in inculcated, that if acceded to and aéted opinion is there the iflainds a conftant fcene of upon, muft render arc told, that the Slaves who cruclty had been and bloodlhed. We their mafters, were the foul moft kindly treated * bby it was they wbo of the infurrection; that mafers to tbeMpalors betrayed, and delivered their bumane revolt the gangs di/paudto fwvord, Adelity. and >> feduced andirred up to and if there be one amongft fo. Hear this,y ye Planters! to harbour a lurking fentiment fingularly foolith as his a own fafetys 'diveft himfelf of it humanity, without lofs let him, for oftime! ! * Particular Account, p. 11. The WAAREAE of the infurrection; that mafers to tbeMpalors betrayed, and delivered their bumane revolt the gangs di/paudto fwvord, Adelity. and >> feduced andirred up to and if there be one amongft fo. Hear this,y ye Planters! to harbour a lurking fentiment fingularly foolith as his a own fafetys 'diveft himfelf of it humanity, without lofs let him, for oftime! ! * Particular Account, p. 11. The WAAREAE --- Page 13 --- ( d 5 ) The Negro is a being, whofc nature and difpolitions are different from thofe of the European, they arc not mercly of them. Kindnefs and compaffion excite in the reverfe and deadly hatred : but ftripes, and his breaft implacable gratitude, affection, and ininfults, and abufe, generate this we lare enabled violable attachment : Upon principle an inconfifteney in the Addrefs. to reconcile apparent were Aill c * Slaves, z0C are informeds made foamdiquho and zuho manifsf FomT proofs of an invincible fidelitiy subo would with determination to deteft the feduélion ef tbofe .?7 If promifes ef liberty inveigle them to certain daftrudion. the of the humanity of the mafter" only Tharpens what mode appetite of treatrevenge, is it difficult to difcover by ? Be ment the friendfhip of thefe Slaves was fecured difPlanters, to the man who has' at length grateful, clofed, this ye important truth 5 and admire his courage, who has dared to avow it, even in the bofom of a nation devoted to liberty! But the horrors of the naughterinereafs. 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 polieffing himfelf of that cup of affection, the human heart; pours out its contents, and fills it with poifon ? Alas! we vainiy feek in fable the apology. of and unhappily the caufes of thole our owil depravity; which would fcarce meet credibility on any tranfaétions, other part of the globe, are in thefe regions of guile too apparent. However the Author" of Nature imay have inftilled affeétion into the breaft of a parent, as the means of preferving the race from deftruction, we muft allow that the correfponding fentiment in the mind of the offspring, is merely the effect cf a long continued courfe and tendernefs, Shall the harveft then of care, partiality, without feed? and where no fondnefs has been rife fhown,, up Thall filial attachments be expeéted I Ina country where it is by no means unufual for the known children of the Planter to undergo all the hardfhips, and the ignominy of Slavery, in common with the molt degraded clafs * Particular Account, P. II. A 3 iment in the mind of the offspring, is merely the effect cf a long continued courfe and tendernefs, Shall the harveft then of care, partiality, without feed? and where no fondnefs has been rife fhown,, up Thall filial attachments be expeéted I Ina country where it is by no means unufual for the known children of the Planter to undergo all the hardfhips, and the ignominy of Slavery, in common with the molt degraded clafs * Particular Account, P. II. A 3 --- Page 14 --- mUirehi aE2 1Z AANINTANUT W hi la (6 ) of filial mortals, affection? is it there we arc to feck for inftances of În thus active caufes endeavouring of thefe to unfold the primary and ever I wifh to pailiate the enormitics troubles, let it not be thought that gents: enormities decply to be committed by the infurnot Jet totally infenfible to the deplored, by every one it not be forgotten, that fufferings to know of humanity. But maladyis fhould the firft ftep towards an tbe origin of the Planters, that origin be found in the miftaken efficacious remedy : mulated itis for them to apply the cure after conduct of the fubjeéts of cruclties their ofages. Do they wait till the the revolted accumagnanimity, oppreffion, fet them the firft lenity, and forbearance ? example of I come now to a clofer examination of queftion. the Addrefs in After a long and laboured mitted by the infiurgents in which difplay of the crimes comeveryinflance of vindictive retaliation it is to be obferved, White Inhabitants is on the part of the of the Colonies cautioufly down fupprefled ; the lcéted pour the whole vial of Deputies wrath, on the fociety eftablifhed in their collifhing the Slave Trade, under the France for aboNoirs. If we credit this name of Les Amis des they were feduced and alienated narrative, the Negroes before ciety, *Cc were by the efforts of this Somedations fuperiar R4PRUrses to balf the and with accomin the enjeyment oftheir Cottagers in Barzpe.-Secure with an expence and an attachment properties, wurfed in time officknefs much boafcd bolpitals of Jongba for in vain in the in tbe ifrmities of agey at Exglands cafe inz protidted and re/pelted their families andtheir affuitions refpect to their childrets culated according to the frength of each frbjolted to a labour calconclude indfuidhal-ud 10 important h-osfencbipe fervices. 9 C Wc xubenezer they merited it by monttrants, in the midf of men Rept that in fecurity add the Rcthrens and many of uS bad neither were locks become our brekenfes. nor bars to our Particular Account, P. 19. This a W/4 NARVA their families andtheir affuitions refpect to their childrets culated according to the frength of each frbjolted to a labour calconclude indfuidhal-ud 10 important h-osfencbipe fervices. 9 C Wc xubenezer they merited it by monttrants, in the midf of men Rept that in fecurity add the Rcthrens and many of uS bad neither were locks become our brekenfes. nor bars to our Particular Account, P. 19. This a W/4 NARVA --- Page 15 --- ( 7 ) and of felicity, didnot, if we This period of confidence farisfythe Amis de Noirs, who may believe the Colonifts, how emancipation could it feems could not comprehend of merit, where Slavery was a ftate be the higheft * reward From the time eftbe Revolution in France, of happinefs. it is aflerted, or at leaf fome of its members, means this Sacietys loofe to their enterprise : all bave given an them unbounded jo they might tend'to its accomplifobave feemed to attack, good, the decp and Rudied inuendss the ment.- The open calumnies, bave been praéticed to bafe and defpicable dohgn." Such are the charges, again re- the forward peated in different parts of the work, Slave brought Tradein againft France, Advocates for the Abolition of that of traffick the in England, are deand which the abettors at this critical junéture, to the firous of transfering meafure here. friends of that important of the Remon@rants is friking, their The prelude made.-The punifhmaents due to the accufation is boldly will be Howof willinglyconeeded. authors fuch difguife outrages from the world, or from themfelves, ever they may motives, under the mafk of philanthropy, they their real of their countrymen 5 and cannot efcape of the the indignation means they employ, fairly marks out the treachery ofthe end at which they aim. the criminality One thing only is wanting to charge Remonflrance with this crimi- does nalty the Amis dé Noirs, and this bave the adopted that courfe not fupply-he proof tbem that tbey the Colonifis. This defect sfcondaci imputed to by either by the atrocity of the cannot be compenfated, and audacity of the accufation. erime, or the virulence in France been the caufe of the difHad the Society where was the difficulty, where orders in the Colonies,, oflaying the proofs of it before the Afthei impropriety, and the World? Was it neceflary to keep any fembly with men, who had fhewn that they had aimed at teris lels than the extirpation ofthe Colonies ? Certain, nothing it is, that all e can colleét on this head from however, Particular Account, P. 22. the accufation. erime, or the virulence in France been the caufe of the difHad the Society where was the difficulty, where orders in the Colonies,, oflaying the proofs of it before the Afthei impropriety, and the World? Was it neceflary to keep any fembly with men, who had fhewn that they had aimed at teris lels than the extirpation ofthe Colonies ? Certain, nothing it is, that all e can colleét on this head from however, Particular Account, P. 22. the --- Page 16 --- HLMNM MR MWA AI h la 8 ) the publication in queftion, inftead of putation on the focicty, evidently attaching the inders bad a diferent coufe.-A proves, that the diforthe Remonftrants did not dare caufe, to'avow, which itis as evident - Slighehowever, as thefe pretended lindications bear may appear, they oughe not to of guilt with them their own pafs' unnoticed. They that warred againft heaven, refutation. Like the giants champions of oppreffion, feems every ftone thrown by thete double weight upon their own heads. deftined to return with claration The Society, fày the Deputies, * take bold the Deficial ofthe Rigbts of Mat: this of to cnlightened men, but immortal work benedangerous to our resulations, inapplicable, and therefare ozn Colonies. tbey Jend with profafion into cnce, give this Thejenvali declaration in their pay or undertbeir infuThe wuritings oftbe AMIS des vent in the midf of our gangs. the freedom sfibe Negroes is NOIRS, openly announce, that ef Rights. proclaimed by the Delaration Miferable effests of injuftice, In the evidence of their own rapacity, and oppreflion ! St. Domingo read their own freedom, the Colonifts of tion of the univerfal rights of condemnation. That aflerought to be as general as Man, which iftrue at all iflands of America, dettined day-light, was in the wretched in the refidence of the Planter, to whilit give a candle-like light titute Negro was to fit in darknefs in bis the hut. poor and defThe declaration of the Rights of fent with profufion into the Man, was it feems, of the Rights of Colonies, but the declaration Nairss whatever Man, was not the work of the dmis des fore anfiverable for right its be its effects, they were not therepart of the dominions of confequences. As a conftituent were properly tranfinitted Frauce, the laws of Frenchmen, pears from no evidence, but to the St. affertions Domingo. But it apthat the Amis des Noirs were more aétive than of thedeputioss farnifhing the ifland with a work, which the others in the fane breath, execrate and Colonifts in applaud ; which they regard * Particular 79 a 2423 as account, P. 22, ARETTI MM VAE GUZ a Nt conftituent were properly tranfinitted Frauce, the laws of Frenchmen, pears from no evidence, but to the St. affertions Domingo. But it apthat the Amis des Noirs were more aétive than of thedeputioss farnifhing the ifland with a work, which the others in the fane breath, execrate and Colonifts in applaud ; which they regard * Particular 79 a 2423 as account, P. 22, ARETTI MM VAE GUZ a Nt --- Page 17 --- ( 9 ) and the çaufc of all the charter of their own liberty, as their diftrefles. des Noirs, it is the writings of the Amis the Negroes is But again, announce, tbat the freedom ff Ifthe Amis des faid, openly by the Declaration of Rights. they have mifegradlained Noirs have made fo infipid Is a comment, it neceffary to prove, that rably milpent their time, the dial marks the hour. Ifall men the fun fhines when let the Colonifts prove the Negrocs Is the be born equally and frec, the difpute will fettle itfelf. becaufe are not men, and oft Ftruth to be for ever filent, unfortuvoice of nature choofe to hold in fubjection fome the Colonifts nate natives of Africa? however, are the proofs, and fuch the their fociety authen- are Such upon which the accufations againft to be remedied, by ticity, founded. This defeét is attempted which in the many, and advarting to fome exprellions, have agitated the National Affembly of violent debates that have marked the virtuous indignation on this fubjest, *c Perij the Colonies ratbert than we ftorld its membersfaid one of the reprefentatives. betray Q317 prisciples became indeed, tec the fgnal ef < Perifo the Calanich, but not amongit the Negroes-t from their blood and cugfiogrations" who fevered thefe words enorwas the Planters, made them the apology of their own context, and and eat faid the Abbé Gre- < mities. Be juft, ratber grafye to be unjuf and live in lxgoire" < We choafe ary" the Colonifts reply. reader by a longer review of thefe I fhall not detain m haften to a more important tafk, unfounded calumnies, of St. Domingo to their that of tracing the difturbances they have dared to reproach, a * cE With indecent affedationt faid, c Perifb the Colcr nies friend of humanity, with Boult having be Jardkuts" and they dare ratber than a principle 66 Perifb the Colenies ratber tban que B.uld themfelvesto fay, Colour tbe rigbisefadiur citizens." grant to tbe People of Speech of M. Guadet, 6th Dec. 1791. t Particular Account, B P. 25. origin,, ances they have dared to reproach, a * cE With indecent affedationt faid, c Perifb the Colcr nies friend of humanity, with Boult having be Jardkuts" and they dare ratber than a principle 66 Perifb the Colenies ratber tban que B.uld themfelvesto fay, Colour tbe rigbisefadiur citizens." grant to tbe People of Speech of M. Guadet, 6th Dec. 1791. t Particular Account, B P. 25. origin,, --- Page 18 --- ALt Aeb -ANVAV N hi la ( IO#) : origin, and purfuing their truth, they will be the moft progrefs. - If developed with fations of the Deputies. Let entcchual anfwer to the acculowedto render more fpecific, an me, however, firft he almade.--ftisest thezubite affertion I have before the misfartunes oftbe Colonies. Calanins *c alone, we are to attrilnete mities thatfrors you with You but bave beard Lofemerof bis brazen brell, "be lamented berrar! only the Phalaris Ipoke not iwflancere cruelty bad raifed againf bin. The daggers thal bis own formed foracitys Unt give mesfaid Calonips bave related -IE T4A and I silljen make bim Mhrabeaus an uninwas a subite, wbo aferocions oueny-sebo dahhed out the filt plounged a Nieraine a moxfer. its Fatber wubo fed a Slave brains ofa chillin the burning Thefe are the moulters that bave with bis otun prefenee Reli. of efthe revolted Sauages.- - to account for O1 this pilef Hoad.-To -Millions ef Africans, bave barbnringy inbabitants that nature bad break at eveiy Rep the bones periped ofthe Jhudder at the relation their given to tbefe Mlanas, and yore Aruggle, the crimes of % Wbites vengeanee.- In this dreadful Tbey are the efspring are yet the mof horrible : Blacks, originate in the of aubilf tbeje the wengeance. Is LSY1 Does, Jhe pbilefophy chargeable favery-the with tbefe of cries, be jnp--be require the blood ef tbe Colanins P horrors 2 nal Aaverys, lenoficont-aud you zuill Brethens Ae at leaf mufbe an eternal fource prajper.-blerbouerd of the epithet eternal; crimes 9 divep it cai only for that knows no 12Aa produce dyjpair. Itis well knowns that a or Planters of St. large portion ofthe Proprietors Colour, or thofe whoh Domingo, have fomc confift of free Pcople of -This defeription comprehends mixture of African blood. jon, from the flighteft tinge of every fhade of complexofthe native.African. colour, to the originalhue bitants are as dhiftinguilhed Though by their many ofthis clafs ofinhatalentsand integrity, the invidious wealth, as for their been religioully adhered to. The diftinction has always cluded thein from their focial White Colonifts exblies, from their municipal circles, from their aflemheld them in a kind of profcription. fiunstions; and continually cember, K Specch of M. Briffo:, in the National 1791. Affembly, ift DcBUAAVA ANE EU originalhue bitants are as dhiftinguilhed Though by their many ofthis clafs ofinhatalentsand integrity, the invidious wealth, as for their been religioully adhered to. The diftinction has always cluded thein from their focial White Colonifts exblies, from their municipal circles, from their aflemheld them in a kind of profcription. fiunstions; and continually cember, K Specch of M. Briffo:, in the National 1791. Affembly, ift DcBUAAVA ANE EU --- Page 19 --- II ) The effedts of this arrogance, were not, however, their coun- in: jurious to the People of Colour. Infulted by themfelves they found the means of rendering trymen, relpectable in the eyes of their European correfpondents. and their They were as remarkable for their induftry and punétuality, as the White Planters for theirindolence or exextravagance, In cafes of internal infurrections, the fole barrier of ternal attack, they were regarded as fays Mr. Blanchelande, the ifland.- suThe White Calonijps?" of bis cooks; be is cannot march wvithout the attendance but the Man Calours baresnfit for a continaal fervice : wwithout of dificultys the footedy robuft and temperate, fupparts bard/bips and fatigues ofwar. Frerich laws; the People of In the contemplation of the with the White Colour had long ftood upon of an Lewis equality XIV. in the year proprietors.-by an Ediét and confirmed, 1685, this equality was of the acknowledged Colonifts at the time of the Such was the iituation At this Epochas" fays Mr: BerFrench Revolution. + ddvanezd in the career geras, < the Mbite Golonifts Colour rapidly trod back their Reps offredom 5 but the People ef towards favery." carly attrafted The fituation of the French Colonies, Affembly. At this time the attention ofthe Conftituent leaft as tranquil as fuch a ftate of opall was tranquil ; at Political health can only be attriprefion will permit. with a frée conftitution. The fituabuited to a country is that ofa paralytic: one part is tion of the illands, the other is affeéted with the frantic moterpid, whilit tions of St. Vitus's dance, Affembly in the The firftinterference of the National decree of the 8th March affairs ofthe Colonies, was that bya all free perfons, wbo were 1790, which declared 1%t and aubo conpraprietors and refidents yiesranthesinaby the fates Bbould exercife the buted to "the exigencies of the quality of French rights ef voting wubich emftitite citizens." read in the National AC- * Letter of M. Blanchelande, fembly, Jan. of 17th, M. Bergeras, 1792. in the National Affembly, 7th Speech Det 1791. ou domicilié depuis Que tcute perfonne libre, jouira proprietaire du droit de fulfrage qui uedt ans, et contribuable, de Citoyen aétif. 1 Art. 4: conftitute la qualité This B 2 rights ef voting wubich emftitite citizens." read in the National AC- * Letter of M. Blanchelande, fembly, Jan. of 17th, M. Bergeras, 1792. in the National Affembly, 7th Speech Det 1791. ou domicilié depuis Que tcute perfonne libre, jouira proprietaire du droit de fulfrage qui uedt ans, et contribuable, de Citoyen aétif. 1 Art. 4: conftitute la qualité This B 2 --- Page 20 --- M - hi ( --cm la I 12 ) J the This People decree, of though in fast it gave no new to the white Colour, was regarded with ajealous rights ofthe Planters; who evidently faw that the eyc by qualification included all of generality They affected, however, deferiptions proprietors, upon it. The People of toimpofe Colour a different conitruétion tice, and common fenfe * : it was appealed to no to common jufWhites repelled them from their Affemblies. purpofe, The tions enfured, in which they mutually fell a Some commopride, and their refentment,-The. Amis facrifice to their been accufed of any interference in des Noirs have not which it is however probable that the thele Alaves diffentions, to attentive. were not inThefe difturbances again excited the National Affembly. The neceflity of fome vigilance of the rangement was apparent; but the definitive artoo violent an interference was not dificulty lefs fo. and danger of ever to relieve the Colonifts from In order howthe French Conftitution was any apprehenfions that Iflands, fo as to liberate or meliorate intended to be enforced in the the flaves, a decree was the the condition of 1790, which the Aflembly pafled on the 12th day of Oétober, article, by That they would declared, as a conftitutional the internal goverwnent of the efiablips Coloniets n0 regulations refpelting andformal requep of tbe Colonial Afemblies. aithont ." tbé precije By this decree the Conflituent abled themfelves from exercifing Affembly not only difthe condition of the flaves; but, as any far future diferetion on tied up the hands of their fucceffors from as in their power,, to that devoted race, or refcuing them affording relief that might be exercifed over them. from any over to their mafters, who were at They were lient once their accufers, * The arguments of their advocates anfiverable cc Je m'attache à cette expreflion upon this head are undes perfonnes, et je demande fi les hommes de couleur generale toutes les perfonnes: alors, s'ils étoient proprictaires, ne font pas contribuables, je ne vois aucune dificulté, domiciliés et raifon pour leur refufer les avantages attachés je à ne vois aucun Speech of Mr. lrétion, iith of ces May, qualités. 1791. their MA M M aunuis The arguments of their advocates anfiverable cc Je m'attache à cette expreflion upon this head are undes perfonnes, et je demande fi les hommes de couleur generale toutes les perfonnes: alors, s'ils étoient proprictaires, ne font pas contribuables, je ne vois aucune dificulté, domiciliés et raifon pour leur refufer les avantages attachés je à ne vois aucun Speech of Mr. lrétion, iith of ces May, qualités. 1791. their MA M M aunuis --- Page 21 --- ( 13 ) their judges, and their executioners; accountable for their mifconduct to no human power. So far from oppofing the the aims, or fettering, the authority of the Colonifts, and fent Aflembly became their accomplice in oppreffion, All armies of freemen to maintain the reign of defpotifm. had was in the power of the Colonifts; and if they blood of only the maintained unanimity among themfelves, but the France had for negroes might have cried to heaven, and ftopt her ears to ever fhut her eyes to their fufferings, theirlamentations. confequence of this decree. Peace was not, however,the is is true, had obtained a legal right of The proprictors, but the unfortunate queftion ftill recurred, tyrannizing YVbo Bould 5 be permitted to excrcife that right? On this head the decree was filent. New diffentions arofe: each of the parties covered under a facttious patriotifm the Aflaflination and revolt became moft atrocious Mauduit, defigns. a French officer of rank loft his life by frequent. the 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 fupport by force their juft pretenfions. He Janded in the Spanifh territory of St. Domingo, where he aflembled about 600 mulattoes. Before he proceeded to hoftilities, he wrote to the French general, that his defire was for peace, provid ded the laws were enforced. His letter was abfurdly con-. fidered as a declaration of war. Being attacked and who van- dequithed he took refuge amongft the Spaniards, livered him up to his adverfaries. * The horrors of his death were the harbingers of future crimes. Thefe difturbances fill increafing, the National Affem. bly found it neceffary, at length, to decide between the contending partics. A long and violent debate took place, difin which feveral members who had On other occafions * Il faut bien preter des crimes à celui qu'on veut de la affafliner liberté avec le glaive de la juftice. Ogé eft humanité, morc martyr juftice, decret. et de la Toi; car tout etoit pour lut; Aetrit fon nom. Le cenceriat l'a vengé; Pinfamie ne plus Qu'elle Aletriffe à jamais ccluide Briflot, fes tyrans. if of December, 1791. Speech ofMr, tinguithed other occafions * Il faut bien preter des crimes à celui qu'on veut de la affafliner liberté avec le glaive de la juftice. Ogé eft humanité, morc martyr juftice, decret. et de la Toi; car tout etoit pour lut; Aetrit fon nom. Le cenceriat l'a vengé; Pinfamie ne plus Qu'elle Aletriffe à jamais ccluide Briflot, fes tyrans. if of December, 1791. Speech ofMr, tinguithed --- Page 22 --- ICTMn ACI 1Z A TAUWAN A - h la ( 14 ) ifm, singuifhed oppofed themfelves with by their talents, and it was a degree of warmth as their patriot. Their inconfifitent, relistance the pretenfions ofthe pertinacious as of May, was, however, People of Colour. articles, 1791, a decree was unfurccefsful. On the 15th by the firit of made, conlitting of of the 12th of which the Affembly two their iflands. It O@tjber, is fo far as refpected confirmed the that omitted in this true that the wordflex was flaves in ized by the negative document, and they are only cautionfly right and wrong delcription of cc men not churcterof exprelfion. depended on aplay of words, free," as if Or a mode This part ofthe decrec met with though it pafled not without but little few enlightened members. fevere reprehenfion oppofition, from the People of Colour was The fecond article a werc before known by the ftrongly contefted. Thofe relpecting who upon it. lt was, however, appellation of Patriots divided the People of Colour born determined in the refult, that confidered as adive citizens and of be free parents fhould be orgoveramant in the iflands. cligible to the oflices This Second Article which the Penple of Colour had been decided upon a right that a century*, inftead of entitled to, for as the reftoring upwards of evils caufe, or rather the peace, may be confidered that the colony of St. pretext; of all the arofe not indeed from its Domingo has fuftained. fubfequent They action by the White Colonifts, cxecution, Had but from its counterwarnings they had already they, after the awful nances of an affembly they experienced, obeyed the ordiimbibed one drop of the true pretended to revere; had they which they had vowed an fpirit of that conflitution to even fuppreffed the diétates inviolable of attachment; had they prudence; the ftorm that threatened pride in the fuggettions of them had Leen averttion *This ofa decrec after all was not that of 1OO privilege. free It was afferted theextenfion, in the National but the reflric. quality under this Negroes, title. fcarcely 2 would be found who.could Affembly Specch of Mr. Rewbell, 7th of Sept. 1791. ed, MA EUTRTIEIYE awe ed the diétates inviolable of attachment; had they prudence; the ftorm that threatened pride in the fuggettions of them had Leen averttion *This ofa decrec after all was not that of 1OO privilege. free It was afferted theextenfion, in the National but the reflric. quality under this Negroes, title. fcarcely 2 would be found who.could Affembly Specch of Mr. Rewbell, 7th of Sept. 1791. ed, MA EUTRTIEIYE awe --- Page 23 --- ( 15 ) and in their obedienec to the parent ftate, they had ed, act of and preferved themiclves difplayed an patriotifin, from all pofibility of danger. But the equalization of the People of Colour defeendants ftung the irritable nerves of the White Colonifts. The of their fathers; ofilaves mighe have loft the refentments The Europcan but the hatred of a defpot is hereditary. bave done the maxin allows CC That they ne'er pardoin zubo attains a more surang"; butin the colonies this averfion perverfity to African blood monitrous growth, and the No fooner had defcends from generation to generation. from the Iflands to the the decree paffedl, than the deputics their attendance. The CoNational Alfembly withdrew under the influence of the lonial Committee, their always labours Its arrival in the ifand. plantere, iruck the with confternation. * They, vowed to of the FRAS facrifice their lives rather than fuffer the execution decree. Their rage bordered merchants upon phrenzy. thén in They the ifland, propofed to-imprifon the French and hoift the Britifh to tear down the National Whilft Flag, the joy, of the Mulattoes Standard in its place. and with fears, St. Dowas mingled with with apprehenfions the cries of the Whites, with their mingo re-echoed with their blafphemies againft the conftitution. menaces, A motion was made in the ftreets to fire upon the People, in the of Colour, who Aed from the city and took refuge were at plantations oftheir friendsand in the woods. They to jength recalied by a prociamation : but it be was witnefles only of fwear fubordination to the Whites, and to the flaves had frefh enormitics.. Amidft thefe fubordination. azitations Nor was it remained in their accuftomed that the fymptoms of the till the month of Auguft, 1791, them. If the notoriety of infurredtion appeared evidence, amongit it imay be foundi in the Rethis fadt require any Committee, in the letters of Mr. port of the Colonial read before the Affembly, * Vide letters of M. Blanchelande 22nd of Auguft, of the 1791. of the Chamber of Commerce of Addrefs Syndicks Rouen, read the 7th of of September, M. Briliot, 1791. ift of December, 1791. Specch Blanchelande, . If the notoriety of infurredtion appeared evidence, amongit it imay be foundi in the Rethis fadt require any Committee, in the letters of Mr. port of the Colonial read before the Affembly, * Vide letters of M. Blanchelande 22nd of Auguft, of the 1791. of the Chamber of Commerce of Addrefs Syndicks Rouen, read the 7th of of September, M. Briliot, 1791. ift of December, 1791. Specch Blanchelande, --- Page 24 --- Amias ( 16 ) Blanchelande * in the afferbly, in the publieation peeches of the members of the remarks. A confiderable which is the fubjeét of thele before People of Colour had loft their number both of Whites and the flaves had given lives in thefe commotions They were not, indications of of revolt afforded however, infenfible of the dififfectionThey had learnt that by the difientions of their opportunities ever to be expelted from no alleviation of tbeir mafters. Colonial Dominion their Exrepe; that in the miferies was ly facrificed or forgotten humble interefts had ftruggle been for curb relaxed by the by all parties. They felt equallatto mafters, who difarming had been and difperfion of their Mu- their under rigorous difeipline. accuftomed to kecp them quarter, they rofe in Hopelefs of relief from over the ifland. If the different cold parts and fpread any no bounds, what fhall bc cruelties of delpotifm defolation have deipair?. expeéted from the paroxifms of To this crifis our prefent ed, nor ought it to pafs over Inquiry is particularly diredt tion, or a probable with an unfupported aflerrection has been agitated fappofition. in the The caufe of the infurthe after the prefentation of the National Affembly, courfe of the debate, it Addrefs of the long diction, that all the was afferted, without Deputies: In Mulattoes, except thofe in the contra- * fouthern Blanchelande The letter, dated the 4th of reétion. thus defcribes the September, 1791, from Mr. On the 22d of commencement of the infurprefence at the examination Auguft the Colonial Affembly as Blacks, who had been of feveral perfons, as requefted well my çonvinced from their apprchended by the patrol. Whites I againft the Colony, depofitions and that a confpiracy was was burn learned that on the night of particularly the againft the formed I feveral dwellings near the fame day, it was, Cape. Whites. On the Cape, and to maffacre intended to country took morning in of the 23d feveral all the that many of refuge the Black the town. They brought perfons from the - Whites had been Inbourers had and information put to death, revolted, that many Rcad November Sth, 1791. parts RUTAMTERNE MNE 1 was was burn learned that on the night of particularly the againft the formed I feveral dwellings near the fame day, it was, Cape. Whites. On the Cape, and to maffacre intended to country took morning in of the 23d feveral all the that many of refuge the Black the town. They brought perfons from the - Whites had been Inbourers had and information put to death, revolted, that many Rcad November Sth, 1791. parts RUTAMTERNE MNE 1 --- Page 25 --- ( 17 ) difarmed by the Whites, and that the Negroes parts were wubo bad been accnflomned to coerce hadrevolted * becaufe thofe Is it extraardinary, faid the Othem were incopacitated. revolt wwben they, find the Murator, that the Slaves Iould tbem compellied te the lattoes difarmed; auben they fee pen the Cape, orbe expefed to the moft borrible attentive pumnifiments? to the repreColonial Committee, Whites though were ever unable to difcover any cther fentations of the After all the accufations of the caufe of the infurreétion. in the Addrefs now under confideraColonifts, as well pieces, they acknowledged tiol, as in other intemperate been adduced to them of heinterference that no proof had oft the Amis des Noirs. The White Calowifss of the Society their Report of the IIth of January laft, bave fay they, in and outrages tbat appear in the complained of the calumnies des Noirs. Itis difheulto calculate wubat wuritings oftbe. Amis but bitherto there is no evibas been their moral infuence; des Noirs bave excited thefe troubles, dence tbat the Amis all the accufations againf them totally and wive bave found unfapported by prosf. with our narrative, let us be Before we proceed ftate of the REIe mitted a reflection on the comparative the time the infurreétion took bitants of St. Domingo, Colonifts at had juft recovered their place. The White called to exercife the higheft libertics, and were upon for themfelves their oWII political rights, The and Slaves preferibe had been religned up to their conftitution. controul 3 all that defpotifin can wifh for they unlimited and uncontroulable themfelves, they enjoyed : paramount and undefimelaubontyoxee others. exercifed uncontrouled embittered their enjoyment of aOne only circumftance to the perverted tafte of man. They power fo gratifying to fhare it with others, who, though equally were required equally competent to the cxercife free with themfelves, interefted in its refult, were unfortuof it, and equally by a different fhade of colour. Jeamately diftinguithed from the luft of power, and a natural louly. is infeparable for all authority to diftinétion ferved as a plca reftricting OStober, * Speech of Mr. Briffot, 27th of 1791. C the E 1E pEa TES AUTF ACE MUN BW Ae M cxercife free with themfelves, interefted in its refult, were unfortuof it, and equally by a different fhade of colour. Jeamately diftinguithed from the luft of power, and a natural louly. is infeparable for all authority to diftinétion ferved as a plca reftricting OStober, * Speech of Mr. Briffot, 27th of 1791. C the E 1E pEa TES AUTF ACE MUN BW Ae M --- Page 26 --- ARAIEIRUAENURE ( 18 ) J the hands of a few. The People of Colour againft this injuftice. They reprefented the remonftrated confequences that might arife not to dangerous to the Ifland, if they were only themfelves but dependants, and degraded in the eyes of their a governmentin compelled which they to contribute to the fupport of The decree of the I5th of were May as paffive as their Slaves. their pretenfions. But the hard juftified and confirmed not without force 5 and the White gripe Planters of Injuftice relaxes refolution to fuffer every extremity avowed their a meafure that was indifpenfibly rather than fubmit to their own profperity, but even to their neceffary own not only to prefervation. If fuch paffions can agitate the human required to fhare with others that bofom, when have an equal right ; if the People power of Colour to which they: their claini to a feat in the Colonial in afferting pulfe that fet danger at defiance, and Aflembly, felt an imtered death, even in its moft horrid cheerfully what encounconceive were the feclings of the forms; ? The fhall we of the People of Colour had bcen Negroes claims Country; 5 but the Negroes had recognized been dby the Parent over to the will of their Mafters, formally configned' in their favour. Political without one flipulation to a liberal mind, is as bright fubordination, as day when however hateful the dark and hopelefs bondage of the compared with that combincs the of intelledlual Negro: a bondage ifferings of: a brute. thefe mifery, with the circumftances Ed neceffry for the Amis des Noirs to inform was it that they were an unhappy and an the Negroes be fippofed they were injured race P Isitro contention amongft the uncquainted Planters ? and with is the caufes of freedom contigious ? When faw not the love of not only exempted them from they perfonal men whofe wealth plied them with all the blandithments of labour, but fapat the peril of their lives for a ihare in the luxury, contend the Iland, could they turn with indifference government of templation of their own humbers, and their to the confions ? It was not then the voice of the own oppref. it was the irrefiftible call of Nature that Amis des Nairs, Infurreétion : - the former would have foothed excited them the :. to peacc, W7 au not only exempted them from they perfonal men whofe wealth plied them with all the blandithments of labour, but fapat the peril of their lives for a ihare in the luxury, contend the Iland, could they turn with indifference government of templation of their own humbers, and their to the confions ? It was not then the voice of the own oppref. it was the irrefiftible call of Nature that Amis des Nairs, Infurreétion : - the former would have foothed excited them the :. to peacc, W7 au --- Page 27 --- 19 ) latter hurried them blindly on to inevitable peacc, the deitrustion. this infurreétion was however In its commencement - 1y formidable ; and the General Blanchelande no means accufed in the National Affembly of pufilanimouly he been himfeif in a town already fortified, the when revoit. entrenching fhould have led out his troops advifed to fupprefs him to this mea- < Whoever, fays Mr. the Briffot, ruin of the Colony." There is fure, bas occalioned exertion would foon indeed little doubt but a vigorous Even when the number of have extinguifhed the flame. and they had formed infurgents amounted to 50,000, of an hour themielves into two bodies, and an engagement the other was totally difdeftroyed the camp of one, of a few pieces of cannon. perfed by the difcharge of the difgufting barbarities Avoiding the repetition the contending parties, let us alternately exercifed by of the Slaves had upon inquire what effeét the infurredtion Planters which had given rife to the diffentions of the foon difeovered, that although them. The White without Party the afiftance of the People they could legillate the Ifland from deof Colour, they could not and preferve they at length bowed their ftruétion without them 3 weight of their comftubborn necks under the irrefiftible for affitance upon thofe mon danger. In thus calling and infulted by every means in whom they had injured Thrunk from that arrogant inflexibility their power, they from them. Amnongft of charaéter which was expected in France when informathe conjeétures that took place received there, we may notion of the Revolt was firit of the Colonial Committee. tice that of the Reporter tbat tbe Wbite Creole will ever < Believe not, fays ne, with the Man Colour, although unite in the common caafe and bave both 1 fame interefls to they are both preprietors, Necelfity avill bend defend. Eeen the imperious - origin.s C Notbing under tbe odious prejudies bim at mtt wubich keep fa infnite can eface the unjuf difiniions Oétober, 1791. a Report of the Colonial Committee, 27th - 2 a dif AWI a TOE ITT AW A M 2 M - l TE IE Ta y IXUES caafe and bave both 1 fame interefls to they are both preprietors, Necelfity avill bend defend. Eeen the imperious - origin.s C Notbing under tbe odious prejudies bim at mtt wubich keep fa infnite can eface the unjuf difiniions Oétober, 1791. a Report of the Colonial Committee, 27th - 2 a dif AWI a TOE ITT AW A M 2 M - l TE IE Ta y IXUES --- Page 28 --- FARIIUEAIRWAY AWA a ( 20 ) a diparis thatthe Twbite wculd with enemies acussf bin ef a crimt, than lefs borror bear bis African blood circulates in bis wveins. allert that a drop confidered as the mofe outrageous Sch a repronch % vengeance to bis pofterity, and bence infult. He trasfnits bis quenchable batred wbicb is bappity originates that 2471mates, in wbich the knonun only in cliphrenzy."' 9) The Joftef palfons arife to an excefs thefe Fear operates Reporter was, however, of breaft of a Creole. more On forcibly the than hatred, even miltaken. in the Aflembly condefcended to invite 25th of Auguft the C'olonial unite with them for the common the People of Colour to 34, and 4th of September, defence. On the 2d, tion of admitting them to they their delibe,ated on the quefColour in the mean time had rights. The People of but had kept aloofboth from the armed for their defence, On the IIth of September Whites and the Negroes, which produced the agreement a convention took place, which the White Planters called the Concardat, by longer oppofc the law of the ftipulated chat they would no political rights to the Pcople ofColour. 15th of May, which gave Aflembly even promifèd to meliorate the The Colonial People of Colour,* born of fituation of the the decree of the I5th of" parents May not free, and to whom union was formed between the did not extend. An fooner taken place, had prevented Flanters, the which, ifit had Infurgents were every where Infurrection. The difperfed 5 and the Colony itfelf difpirited, repulfed, and defiruclion. preferved from total At the moment thefe tranfaétions mingo, an important fcene was happened at St. DoAffembly of France. From the aéting in the National cree efthe ISth of May, the time of. paffing the deand their numerous Friends White in Colonifts in France, had never ceafed to accufe the the National Alfembly, confpired together for the ruin authors of the of it of having execrating its. purport, and Colonies. In they had inflamed the minds predicting of the its confequences, refident Whites to the * Sec Decrec of the Colonial Affembly, 2oth Sept. 1791. higheft the aéting in the National cree efthe ISth of May, the time of. paffing the deand their numerous Friends White in Colonifts in France, had never ceafed to accufe the the National Alfembly, confpired together for the ruin authors of the of it of having execrating its. purport, and Colonies. In they had inflamed the minds predicting of the its confequences, refident Whites to the * Sec Decrec of the Colonial Affembly, 2oth Sept. 1791. higheft --- Page 29 --- 21 ) Incendiaries of St. Dopitch of rage. The true the Colonifts who, higheft mingo are to be difcovered decree amongit of the ISth of May, failed after the and oppole its iummediately Iland to fruftrate its pablication, enough to for that The Aflembly, had been weak the deexecution. Committee with expediting Barnave entruft the Colonial Committee the apoftate patriot that cree. In that The confequence was, had unlimited authority. of the decree at St.Domingo Monitor. appeared The the firft publication newipaper called The in the French it were intentionally inftructions intended to accompany, fruftrated. Before the delayed till their cffcst was totally for its reception, and the decree arrived, all was prepared before been ftated. So far the refult was fuch as has fuccceded in their aims. The preWhite Colonifts had them and the People of Colour diéted diffentions between all that now remained was to charge had taken place, and of May as the caufe of that mifthe decree of the Whites 1sth had themfelves voluntarily occa- in chief, which Barnave the and his adherents were indefatigable when the fioned. exertions, and almoft in the of very the moment I5th of May had juflice their and neceffity of the decree the repeal ofit was by, the Comcardat, the decree of been acknowledged in the National Affembly. By the Peoplc of pronouneed the 24th of the fame month of September, from all right of Colonial Colour were virtually excluded placed in the power of the White Legillation, and exprefsly meafure it is only to bc Colonifts." On this difgraceful in point of legal authoremarked, that it was as defective For although it is denority as it was in abftract juftice. allyt it was palled fifteen days minated a Conflitutional had been prefented to and accepted the new code a r after the firit infringement of (yitem the King, and was at lcaft ought to have which the founders government, held facred. non libres, des Perfomnes ART. 3: Les lois concermantl'etar. Hommes de Cculeur,, Sc Negres libres, et Pétat politique des relatifs à Péxécution de ces mêmes ainfi que les reglemens les Afemblées Celoniales. lois feront faites par December, 1791 and of of M. Fauchet, 12th t Garan Speech de Coulon, 2d March, 1792. People M. a 1E TA JNE UU A IHD AUE AUT A W A 3: Les lois concermantl'etar. Hommes de Cculeur,, Sc Negres libres, et Pétat politique des relatifs à Péxécution de ces mêmes ainfi que les reglemens les Afemblées Celoniales. lois feront faites par December, 1791 and of of M. Fauchet, 12th t Garan Speech de Coulon, 2d March, 1792. People M. a 1E TA JNE UU A IHD AUE AUT A W A --- Page 30 --- a 2ANEIRUA SWA 1 1 I 22 ) White IF the Colonifts decrce of the Isth of May could defcribedl, what fhall to the frantic acts of violence inftigate the People of Colour on that we oft fuppole the were the feclings before of the again blafted thofe hopes they had 24th orSepsembers which conftitutional tification law of the Parent juftly founded on the of the White Colonifts State, and the folemn raknown volt of in the Iflands than thole ? No fooner was it with frefh the Negrocs had for a while diffentions which the Rcthe Slaves had violence. been The apprehenfions appeafed, entertained broke out but the Whites no allayed fooner by the effeéts of the from the terrors of immediate found themfelves relieved Concordat from 5 themfelves ofthe decree of deltruslion, the than they availed formally revoked the 24th of September ; to comply with an engagement Concordat, and treacherouly refufed they very exiftence. The People of to which they owed their they they attacked the Whites in the Colour were in arms 5 their poflefled themfelves of Fort St. Southern Provinces; ; body opponents in feveral Louis, and defeated furrounded engagements. A and claimed the execution Port-au-Prince, the capital of the powerful ferent times did the Whites ofthe Concordat, Ifland, as often broke their aflent to the requifition, Atthree and dif; bly prediledtion had in its for Ariflocracy engagement. ywhich the Gratifed iconftituent with the of Patriots, and dotage had avowed, the they atfeSted the Affemodium to the People of addrefs to transfer the appellation their indifputable Colour, who were popular who had virtue rights, and to the few White contending for this pretext, the enough to clpoufe their caufe. Colonifts M. sunicipality of Under of battle Grimoard, the captain of the Port-au-Prince required cannonade fhip, the to bring his guns to Boreas, bear a French line he at firft refufed, People but of the Colourt affembled near upon, the and to triotifin, enforced his compliance, crew deluded by the cry of town: PaNo fooner was this blancs, * La Caufe des Troubles clt dans avolnt qui juré trois de fois ont violé un Concordat, Pinfernale vanité des maintenir. que troisfoit ils t Report cf the Colonial Speicb of Mr. Brifit, 101) Feb. Commnittee, egth Fcb. 1792. 1792. meafure d TAM a - a led near upon, the and to triotifin, enforced his compliance, crew deluded by the cry of town: PaNo fooner was this blancs, * La Caufe des Troubles clt dans avolnt qui juré trois de fois ont violé un Concordat, Pinfernale vanité des maintenir. que troisfoit ils t Report cf the Colonial Speicb of Mr. Brifit, 101) Feb. Commnittee, egth Fcb. 1792. 1792. meafure d TAM a - a --- Page 31 --- ( 23 ) than the People of Colour gave a loole and neafure adopted, they (pread over the country, to their indignation; to all the plantations 3 the greateft fhared. fet fire indiferiminately foon afterwards part of the town of Port-au-Prince feemed to remain for the White the fame fate. Nothing their fafety in quitting the Colony. Inhabitants but to iéck a Parts the People of Colour adopted In the Northern and perhaps a more prudent condust,e blood ta more magnanimous fays Mr. Verniaud, by efering their < They begun, faid tuey, till ave bave faved <s tbe Hbites. Welballwait, 020n dlaims.o They accordingly < yotl, before we afert our the revolted Negroes with unexoppofed themfelves to endeavoured to foothe them courage. They andif the d2 ampled attending to their reafonable requilitions,t to the French nation, lony of St. Domingo exertions be preferved of the People of Colour. it will be by the facts, is After this recital of authentic and indifputable ? Isit the caufes of the Infurrection it difficult to trace Noirs-to the Society for abolithing the to the Amis des are to be imputed ? The fentiSlave Trade, that Eriffot they are thofe of all the true friends ofthe ménts of Mr. faid heg the authors of thefe Negroes # < 1 challenge, fadl againf theAmis DESNOIRS. calumnies to fpecify a ifit be proved that I I down my on the) Jeafaid, :E3 wwillbonw line to the Colonies, or bave bave wuritten a fugle with them whatever. 1 Pyp relation Or correfgondence mitigated, but not at the expenfr 30 ftuation of the bretbren Negroes Thoull be soeportby gf tbe efthe blood ef my I could advije a Aingle Negro to rife upox liberty I enjoy, if ift December, 1791. * Specch of Mr. Verniaud, les Hommes de Couleur, à t Dans la province du Nord paroiffes, fe font comportés l'exception de ceux de quelgues toujours ils fe font empreifes de avec la plus grand prudence 3 ils ont montre la plus grand combattre les noirs decrets : toujours de PAffembléc Nationale. Deux confiance dans les Rouanet & Laforeft, font allés dans le d'entre eux, M. M. negocier la paix; leur zele, les camp des revoltés, donnés, pour y dans cette occafion font au-deffus foins gu'ils fe font Repert, 2gtb Feb. 1791. de toute éloge. Specch of Mr. Briffet, Nov. 9; 1791. his a a I MU J ETT M UEF LUZ AULA AWV A . Deux confiance dans les Rouanet & Laforeft, font allés dans le d'entre eux, M. M. negocier la paix; leur zele, les camp des revoltés, donnés, pour y dans cette occafion font au-deffus foins gu'ils fe font Repert, 2gtb Feb. 1791. de toute éloge. Specch of Mr. Briffet, Nov. 9; 1791. his a a I MU J ETT M UEF LUZ AULA AWV A --- Page 32 --- V4 S ( 24 ) Ris Mafer; and it is detefiable that ciples and thofe efM. M1. Petion, they zubo Inoo my prinClavieres Condlarcet, /hould be the Roheripierry Grogoirr, tions." In authors fiuch have been proportion as the fources of acewfamore have felt the conviétions diflinétly traced, the White calamities Colonifts have been reluélantly of truth, and their advocates the Ioth of February, compelled to acknowledge it. On National Aflembly, from 1792, Mr. a letter was read in the of St. Domingo, in which he Poymonbrun, a Colonift the pride the Wbites, wbo attributes the troubles to Men of TREA to M rights refafed to admnit the port of the Colonial of Cutizens. In the Remonth, the 128h dnteae they fay, Without doubt the of the fame exempt from all reproach ; but becaufe Jome Calenins are not cuipable, muft the wuhole population le individuals are even that cuipability afeet THE facrifced? Should teref ZS even by their misfartunes, MAJORITY, and call they mif inmoment to forget their errors andtbeir crimes. apon 115 for a diftrefles be alleviated 5 and May their from their fufferings ! may they learn humanity By the lateft accounts from St. it apprehenfions from the Negroes have Domingo appears the inveterate prejudices of the cealed; but that the culpable dereliction of principle Planters, in the and the effeêts of a blyy ftill continues to agitate it. The Conftituent Afemmningo, fays M. Tarbé, (the for difafers St. Dobave now their principal cauje Reporter in tbe the tween dls tbe Wbites and tbe Mulatos." mifovderfanding < In beParts, adds be, the Men of Colour bave tbe Nurtborn, and the Negroes are either reduced or rendered joined the Wbites, further mijebief. In the Wefern inenpable in rebellions but the Men of Colour Provinces bave not a Negre % efmany dijbridls, and secnpy the polfefed themftlues are in the Jame Atuation : the plains. The Southern Parts Peaple of Colour exercife tbe Negrocs are at peace, but the greatell enormities. + In onP Report, 2gth February, 1791. à craindre + En un des mot, dans toute la Colonie, il n'y avoit rier blancs et kes gens revoltés; de coulcur. tout de la mefintellgence entre plus les Report, 29th Frb. 1792. word REUTAW MFW Rrdue c are in the Jame Atuation : the plains. The Southern Parts Peaple of Colour exercife tbe Negrocs are at peace, but the greatell enormities. + In onP Report, 2gth February, 1791. à craindre + En un des mot, dans toute la Colonie, il n'y avoit rier blancs et kes gens revoltés; de coulcur. tout de la mefintellgence entre plus les Report, 29th Frb. 1792. word REUTAW MFW Rrdue c --- Page 33 --- ( 25 ) all the Colony NOTHING is to the be zuordy adds bes tbranghent EVERY THING, from epprobendel from the Negroess the Mbites and the Pcople of afualarpianang betrveen Cslour. fituation of this Colony: a prey to Such is the prefent of the white proprietors, the pride and to the prejudices revolted Negroes. Whillt the not to the violence of the are, it appears, totally allayed, fears arifing from the latter, every nerve to effect a purthe former are ftill end exerting in their own ruin. Chaftized, but pofe that can only in the fchool of misfortune, they now to ie- innot imnproved, and call upon the parent fate ditate a new outrage, and to eftablifh by force the prevalidate the Concordat, of September. Shall then the tended decree of the 24th accufed of the moft atroadvocates ofpeace, fhrink irrationally from the queftion fo infelently put the cious defigns, of the Colonies, through to them the Deputies National Affembly? or fhall they not medium y the oftruth-Ves, mifinken men. anfwer with the conviction fire and fword in the hands <C * ft is yoil who have placed that have lighted the torch of Negroes. It is plantations. yozt Itis yozt that have that PRU deftroyed your that have aflafinated your brethren fharpened the daggers that have prompted the brutal and your friends. ltisyou females havc been the hapleis peflions of which your kindled in your country the volcano viétims : who have covered it wich afhes, and will perhaps which has already reduce it to nothing." can be drawn from the If, however, no conclufions either to impeach the hiftory of thefe diforders, of the Slave Trade, or to Aer moters of the Abolition from daily confidering, and fully the Britifh Parliament meafures it will afford indeciding on that important nature. Nourithed in inveterate, ftruétion of a different irremediable prejudices, it may fhew and it will be feared, the beft judges even oftheir as, that the Colonifts are not of the Infurreftion, P 26. * Particular Account own D a E I AJUA WE I TLF TUE AU AW --- Page 34 --- MNFAAWFE WA T a ( 26 ) own interefts : it may apprife us of the dangers of facrificing general principles of fubftantial juftice, to variable and temporizing expedients : it may demonftate 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 juft, 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 W/ of facrificing general principles of fubftantial juftice, to variable and temporizing expedients : it may demonftate 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 juft, 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 W/ --- Page 35 --- OBSERYATIO NS ON THE I NSURRECTIO N S OFTHE N E GRO E S IN THE ISLAND OF ST. DOMINGO. BY M. GARRAN COULON: Read in his abfence by M. GUADET before the National Affembly, 2gth of February, 1792. received of the difturbances in St. accounts undoubtedly leave us in much uncerTE Domingo, They tainty; but the principal facts number are unqueftionable. ofi important and inreduce themfelves to a fimnall to follow our own conteftible points. We ought others. at length Itisl by exaiining matjudgment and not relyupon ourfelves on our guard againft ters maturely, that we put which have frequently the fpirit of party and difhonefty, thefe means, the caled aftray the friends of liberty. By againft the lumnious reports which have. been propagated Amis des Noirs will be filenced. The infurrection no fooner broke out than it was attributed to the Amis des Noirs. Nothing but rage and weak- them nefs coud have produced fo rath an accufation-Let which has procite a fingle action, a fingle We furely publication, nced do no more than voked the infurrection. repeat D 2 Tu 4i, La - DIDT TUE TUNA DD M la of liberty. By againft the lumnious reports which have. been propagated Amis des Noirs will be filenced. The infurrection no fooner broke out than it was attributed to the Amis des Noirs. Nothing but rage and weak- them nefs coud have produced fo rath an accufation-Let which has procite a fingle action, a fingle We furely publication, nced do no more than voked the infurrection. repeat D 2 Tu 4i, La - DIDT TUE TUNA DD M la --- Page 36 --- 1 RAINANEE I SWA VA n L I I 28 ) repeat the names ofthe principal members of tion, Meflrs. Mirabeau, La this affociaLa Fayette, 8cc. in order to Rochefoucault, do Condorcet, An aflociation formed at a more away thele calumnics. exifts in the capital of Great Britain. early period than ours formation ofthis fociety, philanthropick Ever fince the ceflantly been the objeéts of its cares. attempts have inNegroes in the Englifh Colonies have Neverchelefs, the their yoke with the greateft fubmifion--If continued to bear in at St. prefent with any certainty afign a caufe to then, the troubles we can cf the Domingo People of they mufl beattributed to the degradation Society. in fact, Colour, in North rather than to a Philanthropick fedl whlich, without exciting America, therc is,a religious deviling means for obtaining difurbances, the is continually, Negroes. The Congrefs itlelfis enfranchifement of the tion of this meafure at fome future preparing for the adoponly one of the American Statos where period, and there is not aiready abolifhed. Let us then the traflick is to the contagion of counter-revolution attribute the troublcs above all, to the injuftice of which the principles; and guiltyin refuling to let the Mulattoes Whites have been lings of libertys and luftly, to the culpable partake of the blefinforcement of the decree ofthe Isth of negleét ofthc not, in the Confituent Alfembiy, feen May. Have we Caufe of the People connest themfelves deferters from the cracy to pave theway for the repeal of that with the Ariftoveating the departure of the decree, by not this evidently prove that thofe Commiffoners? And SCec fanc origin as thiole of Avignon and troubles the have had the Like thedvignonis and the camp of falès ? were opprofitd, and they wifhed Liegeois, to become thePeople ofColour emotions hive excited in the minds of frea; and thefe fame delire of independence. In like the Negroes the when the Bafile was taken, did not the manner, at Paris, Chatelet and the Bicêtre, breal their prifoners in the civilized men, who were nearer to 2 ftate fetters? of Thefe unnot deaf to the cries of liberty which nature, were fide. Perhaps too, the Whites have refounded on every the difcontent of their themfelves excited 1789, when it had an army Negroes: under as its we faw the court in the troubles at Paris, and as the King command, of rejoice in Spain was pleafed at the manner, at Paris, Chatelet and the Bicêtre, breal their prifoners in the civilized men, who were nearer to 2 ftate fetters? of Thefe unnot deaf to the cries of liberty which nature, were fide. Perhaps too, the Whites have refounded on every the difcontent of their themfelves excited 1789, when it had an army Negroes: under as its we faw the court in the troubles at Paris, and as the King command, of rejoice in Spain was pleafed at --- Page 37 --- ( 29 ) becuufe it afforded an at the revolt of the Portuguefe; confifcations. apt pretence for numerous the party inimical to liberty expeéted At St. Domingo, diforderand civil war (for a couna coumter-revolution, could refalt only from a general confulion) in ter-revolution fubitituted the black cockade and the men of this party of liberty, even in the very fight of place of the cockade But not even thefe proofs were the Colonial Affembly. the fcheme of allerting their indenecellary to difeover formed by the planters of St. Dopendence, which was Before thelc troubles they had mingo and Martinico. articic, that the eftadared to decrec, as a conftitutional belonged to the colony blifhment of interior regulations former General Affembly of thc alone. Did not the undertake to difband the army of Illand of St. Domingo did not thefe deputies, in the name the nation ? In finc, France with a feparation fimilar of the colonics, threaten place between the United Sates to that which has taken Is it dificult to conceive that of America and England? their fellow men, to fubjugate men accuftomed to delpife of their defpotick wills, can have no them under the yoke than they have for equaligreater love for their country, who mighthave found fo many ty. Thefe fame their planters, union with France, and whofe depuadvantages themfclves in the deputics ofthe whole nation, preties filed of France could not take a tended that the other deputies of their lawss whilft, however, fhare in the formnation in the formation of ours, their dethefe men took a part and they returned only to reputies effeéted a feparation, of The Confituent peal the decree of the 15th fuffered May. the National SoAffembly which, in its old age, to their fophifins, and vereigaty to be trampled decree on, of yielded the 24th of September, the pronoiuniced of the all the fatal difafters of St. Domingo. fole caufe of the decree of the 15th of May, In truth, the repeal when the infurreétion of the Elacks had not taken place decree had been pafled for the fpace commenced : but the having been enforced. It was ofthree months, without patriotifim had madein order to well known what fruggles well known that patriotifin diminifhgbtnin it, and it was ed LU E JA J EN I H ARE AUR AW oiuniced of the all the fatal difafters of St. Domingo. fole caufe of the decree of the 15th of May, In truth, the repeal when the infurreétion of the Elacks had not taken place decree had been pafled for the fpace commenced : but the having been enforced. It was ofthree months, without patriotifim had madein order to well known what fruggles well known that patriotifin diminifhgbtnin it, and it was ed LU E JA J EN I H ARE AUR AW --- Page 38 --- ( 30 ) of cd this every day, that plots were formed to obtain the decree, and that culpable repeal on the difturbances of the colonics. hopes were founded even misfortunes Thefe Obfervations of St which point out the caufe of the to fuffer any Domingo, teach us that we ought never Sovereignty; infringement much lefs to be made upon the National fon : they teach us that upon we the rights of univerfal reathemfelves againft their obltinate ought to defend the planters felves aflecp to their own purpofe oflulling themdices of pride,-in fine, deftruction, amidft the them the charaéter of that we ought to naturalize among prejubl:flings of the revolution. citizen, by making them enjoy the the Whites, fince Let us then afford fuccour to all the afliftance that they lies are in unfortunatc, let us grant them refufe itto your enemies, in a our fimilar power. You would not I ftop-It is very true, that our moft fituation. But, here would not havc.had itin their implacable enemics I will not mention the power to do us morer mifchief: our commerce, at a time damage when it which had they have done to a confiderable diminution-bue already experienced which they have brought can we forget the ftains grefs of which, they have upon itopped our Revoluticn, the proreign ofinfant liberty, an example of by the giving, under the by placing tyrannic laws by the fide of the greateft injuftice, Rights, when they caufed the pafing ofthe Declaration of 24th ofSeptember. Decree ofthe This Decrce has deeply afliéed all the friends berty, Ought we to letit fland ? Would it of liproof of extraordinary weaknefs, were not be a law, which people have the we to retain this law, aithough it was enadted andacity after to terin a corlitutional the kingdon, and even after the the conftitution of Colonies was framed. This law, will conftitution tend of the Planters independent of their French to render the we fuffer the lovereignty creditors ; and fhall be trampled on, fo fupport oftwenty-five the millions ofmen to prices of unreltramed defpotifin i tyranny Let the and all the caat laft know, that they cannot do without White Colonifls country; that ihe alonc, can free then from the mother tunesinto which theyhave plunged the misforthem@lves, The - W/ on Al ta 0 conftitution tend of the Planters independent of their French to render the we fuffer the lovereignty creditors ; and fhall be trampled on, fo fupport oftwenty-five the millions ofmen to prices of unreltramed defpotifin i tyranny Let the and all the caat laft know, that they cannot do without White Colonifls country; that ihe alonc, can free then from the mother tunesinto which theyhave plunged the misforthem@lves, The - W/ on Al ta 0 --- Page 39 --- [ 31 ] The criminal ufurpations of the clergy and the nobility, all and all the abufes of the royal power j-in Decree a word, of the kinds of difafters would follow upon the would inake 24th of September ; and of this union independence for the ariftecracy and the Colonies the centre We are affired, that none the Counter-rexolatonits, which the Confituent Affembly has made ofthe reforms ofjuftice, have been enforced at St. in the adminiftration atrocious of the old Domingo : that the moit there; proceedings that Ogé was exgovernment, are ftill praétifed and that he was not allowed counamined on the fellette, that the liberty of the prefs, fel. Itis at leaft evident, liberty, the lofs of which nothing that guarantee of public been ; that arbitrary orders can Tupply, has that proferibed Frenchmen have been tranftake place of laws : and under falfe pretexts; that a ported without a trial, ofits at a price veflel has been forced to difpofe This is what cargo, the Colonial fixed at arbitrary diferetion. what it would do in Aflembly has done; you mayjudge with independent authority. future time, were it invefted after a long declamation The minifter of the marine, and the People of.Colour, has againft the Amis des Noirs, of at St. Doalready propofed to you a plan eftablifhing only of proprietors; : mingo, a national guard, ifland compofed certain fortrefles, not to defend of ercéting on that be made ufe of, as Roufleau fays, in the the coaft, but of to the country, as nefts for tyrants. În finc, interior part rendered independent of the legilative if the Colonies, connefted with the alonc, what a body, were to be would the executive king power derive means of exclufive confidence right of giving its fanction! Being from this chief of the army, he could ftill enflave it, by fupreme into the iflands, fending the moft patriotic regiments difeipline there ; but in under pretence in of this eftablifhing exile, they would in vain appeal reality, becaufe of and liberty. to the principles juftice however, you are determined to declare the ColoI6, this declaration ought not to be made nies till the independent, Decree of the 24th of September has becn reotherwife this independence would be cxtended to pealed, the Whites alone, who would preferve the means of perpetrating . M A J LIS A w ARE TW aW ft patriotic regiments difeipline there ; but in under pretence in of this eftablifhing exile, they would in vain appeal reality, becaufe of and liberty. to the principles juftice however, you are determined to declare the ColoI6, this declaration ought not to be made nies till the independent, Decree of the 24th of September has becn reotherwife this independence would be cxtended to pealed, the Whites alone, who would preferve the means of perpetrating . M A J LIS A w ARE TW aW --- Page 40 --- Mn TMRT IA A' a ( 32 ) petuating ariflocracy. America as foon 2s they are fuficiently emancipates its Colorics prefsly decrced, that they fhall populous ; but ihe has exgovernment, or make any law not in inflitute an arbitrary Deciaration of Rights. In contradiction to the when they allowed their Colonies Greece, the parent ftates, did not efteem themfeives by that to govern themfelves, obligation of defending the citizens means. of freed from the againft oppreflion. This reciprocal thole Colonies kindred fhould mutualy afford cach afiitance, which now to give to the citizens of Colour at other, we ought well as to the Whites. St. Domingo, as The Flanters have formed a projeét of independence, in order to eftablifh aflerting their feas; we ought to be wifer than they. tyranny This beyond the might! lead them to their ruin, ard feparation fo eafy as they imagine; the perhaps would not be of America, and ftiil more their difpofitions of the Englifh, convince them of this. If it be own experience, fhould nies could be happy in this poflible that the Colothe parent ftate muit feparation, on this fuppolition, as Price predi&ted, when reap the from it the fame advantages rated from England. The American Colonies fepathe United commerce of England with fince their feparation. States, never was fo Rourifhing as it has been the ruft ofancient They who are moft incrutted with tages of this prejudiccs, do not difpute the advanonly one opinion. independence.--On But fince this fubjeét, there 1S need of the protedlion of the our Colonies ftill ftand in are obliged to protcét their internal mother country, fince We agree to the laws upon which this freedom, we ought to Diftance docs not prevent the National liberty is founded. making laws concerning their external Aitembly from fince the king. can refufe to give his regulations ; and for their internal lanStion to the laws laws be likewife government, why fhould not thefe latter gillative body? The fubritted to the approbation of the lelaws, under the empire of cught no longer to be the refult of ancient reafon, retpeéifully enlightened accumulated, but the greater the number prejudices of tion, the nearer underftandings do they which concurin their formaapproach to perfedlion. Why would, Llu7 A king. can refufe to give his regulations ; and for their internal lanStion to the laws laws be likewife government, why fhould not thefe latter gillative body? The fubritted to the approbation of the lelaws, under the empire of cught no longer to be the refult of ancient reafon, retpeéifully enlightened accumulated, but the greater the number prejudices of tion, the nearer underftandings do they which concurin their formaapproach to perfedlion. Why would, Llu7 A --- Page 41 --- WW AHIN 1 HENTNTAAN ( 33 ) would the Colonies prefer the Veto of the king, to de- the of eighty-threc opinion of the popular when reprefentatives this veto is not fubordinate to partments, the uniform efpecially will of three legiflatures ? Would they chufe alrather to be fubjeet to the will of a minifter who If will this be be ambitious to augment his authority? ways their wifh, why do they addrefs themfelves to Is the it Na- not tional Aflembly, requefting our affiftance? of a free ridiculous to fee them afking the reprefentatives people to fupport an arbitrary government-a government ? alien to our laws, and contrary to our conftitution Our Alects, our armies, the produét of our contributions, are no longer, as they formerly were, the patriof the monarch-they belong to the nation ; they ought mony not to be made ufe of, except for the benefit of the nation, and conformably to the conftitution. The king in obedience from the troops of France, only can the name require of the French laws, made by the reprefentatives ofthe French pcople, and our amies are by no means did fubjeét to the laws of the Colonies. If circumflances. could aus mot permit uS to enfranchife the Negroes, nothing the temporary thorife us to /st up as confitutional bave principles to legiplatorss meafures aubich prudence there might exifts fugggfted not in the American Thisis the reafon why article that gives a fanStion to flaconfitutions.a and the fingle framers of this conftitution, themfelves very; of Slaves, perceived that they muft leave to the proprietors maturity of time, to the progrefs of underftanding and the confummation ofthe deftruétion of flavery. manners, Ont the contrary, a propolal is made to yous to anrul the the Concorda:, or to temporize for the purpofe of giving Whites the means ofannulling it by force. Iknow not what can be expeéted from thefe dilatory meafures, unlefs the involving in frefh miferies, the Whites, who have with dificulty efcaped from the fury of the revolted Negroes. Will any one dare to affert, that the Decree of the 24th of September, of which they with to avail themfelves, is a conftitutional article ? Let the French Conftitution anfwer this Conftitution, all the principles of which it Rsettan E Let UE TE TAX JU n H AnX IVW DWV M ted from thefe dilatory meafures, unlefs the involving in frefh miferies, the Whites, who have with dificulty efcaped from the fury of the revolted Negroes. Will any one dare to affert, that the Decree of the 24th of September, of which they with to avail themfelves, is a conftitutional article ? Let the French Conftitution anfwer this Conftitution, all the principles of which it Rsettan E Let UE TE TAX JU n H AnX IVW DWV M --- Page 42 --- aing MANEANT N - - à I 34 ) Let the Conffitutional Decree of the I5th of anfwer it,-all the provifions of which it has May laft We can hardly imagine, that the Conftituent infringed. notwithftanding allits power, could Aflembly, clafs offree and proprietary citizens of deprive their a civil numerous the e'pecially without having fummoned or heard them. rights, exclufive Initiatire had been granted to If the 15th of May, it is evident, that, after the Colonies on the Conftituent Aflembly could no longer makel this laws Decree, cerning the civil exiftence of any clals of conhaving been formally authorized fo to do by men, the Colonial without Aflemblies. In vain will it be objedted, that an article of the fitution declares, that the Colonies, although Con- form a part of the French empire, were not they in the conflitutional laws ofFrance.- -What conclufion comprized fhall draw from this ? that the conftitutional law of the we ofMay, not having been repealed by this article, Isth havel been répealed fince the completion of the conftitu- cannot tion. I muft obferve, that the king French Conftitution, and that formed having on the accepted the for the Colonies, the Confituent 15th of May trouble his throne with a new condition, Aflembly which could not occalion 2 lofs of rights, and ifa refufal of would Decree ofthe 24th of September would not accepting have the oned a lofs of rights ; it follows of courfe, that occafi- iti was not conftitutional. The Conftituent reduce to principles the Conftitutional laws Affembly which it might had already made, but it could not make laws of a nature. contrary Could we oblige the king, who had juft fworn that would maintain liberty and equality, to enforce a çonfti- he tution which deprives a numerous clafs of men of the rights which nature gives them? Is it not evident that his acceptance of this dcerce could not have given it and that, as an ast of the legiflative it validity? is fince it has not gone through the formalities power, null, the conftitution. Let us proceed to the preferibed by contents : In the conftitution we fee examination that. ofits longer exift in any part of the French Empire; privileges that the no national fovereignty is indivifible and hereditarily delegated a numerous clafs of men of the rights which nature gives them? Is it not evident that his acceptance of this dcerce could not have given it and that, as an ast of the legiflative it validity? is fince it has not gone through the formalities power, null, the conftitution. Let us proceed to the preferibed by contents : In the conftitution we fee examination that. ofits longer exift in any part of the French Empire; privileges that the no national fovereignty is indivifible and hereditarily delegated --- Page 43 --- NENTANANT AAANTIR ( 35 ) family; that the colonies are effentialted to the reigning French empire. It was upon thefe prinly a part of the that the Conftituent Affembly could deciples alone then the conftitution of the colonies. Ne-: termine concerning is declared in fuch a manverthelefs, their independence of the of September that they are ner by the decree the legiflative body, and even the as 17t freed from authority of the conftituent affemblies; and from the authority in this decree, the conthe regal power is not comprifed might chufe a king for themfequence is that the colonies imagine themfelves indepenfelves; but they will hardly article ofthe dcdent of the authority of that allows ineftimable infurredtion and reliftclaration of rights, which ance againft opprellion. of thofe I may now confrm the timorous wifhed confeiences for the repeal of the who have afferted that they butwere afraid ofinfringdecree of the 24thof September, law. But neither the people, ing. upon a conflitutional nor the Conflituent Afwho muft. ratify all conftitutions, power, have ever looked fembly, nor even the executive The Conftiupon this decree as truly confitational. it for the aeceptance ofthe tuent Affembly did not prefent all the citizens, and King; and had it been confdisutional, of this allembly, whofe powers it particularly the deputies muft have fworn that they would ast would have limited, When you have produced from your in conformity to it. aët, how happensit that not one archives the cenftitutional raifed to demand that the decree of voice has ever been alfo fhould be brought to the Trithe 24th of September decree had been too recently palled, too fadiy bune? ? This and if the nation had not rerenowned to be forgotten; whence comes it that among the loyal fufed to ratifyit, have been prefented to the Conflituent this addrefifes which has not been a fingle one in favour of Aflembly there univerfal feelings, thef fpontaneous judyment decree ? The better proofs than all the fubtleties of all the citizens, this are decree is not conflitutional. Had 1 of argument, that by the executive power, the minifter it been fo efteemed would nct have propolad to you different for of the marine St. Domingo, of laws for the internal porerment.ef of hired guards, and inftance, for the eftatifhment forta E4 ME M A JE EL a WIF AUE IVV BW M --- Page 44 --- - : MMAUTA AUAA R ( ( 36 ) forts to bc eredted in the interior parts of the country. Let us then declarc, 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, enadting, that the Colonial Aflemblies fhould be formed purfuant to the decree of the I5th of May, that they fhould give their fentiments on the fubject of the internal government of tbe colonies, and on the beft method of effedting the Abolition of Negro Slavery, APPENDIX. 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, enadting, that the Colonial Aflemblies fhould be formed purfuant to the decree of the I5th of May, that they fhould give their fentiments on the fubject of the internal government of tbe colonies, and on the beft method of effedting the Abolition of Negro Slavery, APPENDIX. --- Page 45 --- SANTAUK e WN TETALEX APPENDIX. Inquiry wwas printed, Since tbe preceding tbat tbe NAAdvice bas been received, ASSEMBLT, 072 tbe 241b inflants TIONAL almof unanimoufly, tbe followving pafed, DECREE refpesting the COLONIES. Tar National Affembly acknowledges Negroes and ought decreca, to that the People of Colour and Free as well as the Whites, enjoy the equality of of which political it decrees rights, as follows. in confequence of the ARTICLE I. Immediately after the in publication every one of the prefent decree, they Thall Windward proceed, and Leeward Iflands, French Colonies in the and Municipal Affemto the re-clection of the Colonial by the decree of the 8th blies, after the manner and prefcribed the inftructions of the National of March, of 1790, the 28th ofthe fame month. Afembly II. The umE TRE a JUI TEU n W a TLEE AUNF aW E edd --- Page 46 --- a 1 1 ( ( 38 ) II. The People of be admitted. to vote in all.the Colour, and Free Negroes fhall femblies, and fhall be Primary. and Electoral poffeis befides, the cligible to all places, provided they Af article of the inftructions qualifications of the 28th piektribed by the 4th of March. III. Threc Civil Colony of St. Domingo, Commifioners and four fhali be named for the dcloupe, St. Lucia, and Tobago. for the Iflands of GuaIV. Thefe folve the prefent Commifioners Colonial thall be authorifed to dif fure neceflary for accelerating Affemblies, the to take every meaPrimary and' Eleétoral Convocation of the biifh unions order, and Aflemblies, and therein to eftaprovifionally (referving the peace : as well as to determine nal Affembly) upon every power of appeal to the Natiocerning the regularity of queftion which may arife conafitemblics, the form of convocations, the holding of citizens. cleétions, and the cligibility of V. They are equally authorifed information the troubles poflible, in order to difcover to procure the every in St. and authors of they have continued; Domingo, to fecure the their continuation, if and put them under arreft, and to perfons fend of the guilty, of France, a decree there to be put in a ftate of them over to of the legiflative accufation, virtue neceflary. body, if that bz found - VI. The Civil Commiffioners this purpofe, to addrefs to the Thall be obliged for in form, of the verbal National Affembly difpatch made, and of the declarations proceffes which they may have coucerning the accufed perfons aforefaid. they may have received, VII. The National Affembly Commiffioners to demand the authorifes the Civil they think mect, either for their publick force, whenever execution of orders they may give, own fafety, or for the ceding Articles. by virtue of the preVIII. The pofe, to addrefs to the Thall be obliged for in form, of the verbal National Affembly difpatch made, and of the declarations proceffes which they may have coucerning the accufed perfons aforefaid. they may have received, VII. The National Affembly Commiffioners to demand the authorifes the Civil they think mect, either for their publick force, whenever execution of orders they may give, own fafety, or for the ceding Articles. by virtue of the preVIII. The --- Page 47 --- W NENA MUNTANLIUN I I 39 ) Executive Power is direSted to fend a VIIL. The the Colonics, which is compofed in fufficient force into National Guards. great meafure of after their IX. The Colonial Affemblies fhall iffue, immediately in the name of each formation and inftallation, their particular judgment Colony relpactively, and the adminiftration s that Conflitution, thofe laws, the profperity and happinefs of them, which will promote them(elves neverthelefs to thofe the people; conforming by which the Colonies and Mother ingeneral principles and by which their refpeétive Country are connected, to the decree of 8th March, terefts are fecured, agreeably of 28th fame month. 1790, and the inftructions Affemblies are authorized to noX. The Colonial to deliver their judgment to, and minate themfelves Reprefentatives with the Legiflative Body, fhall in be numbers immeunite for every Colony, which Affembly, according propottionable diately determined by the Colonial National Committee is direéted to the Report which its to make. the Colonies fhall be XI. Former decrees refpedting to the prefent Dein force in every thing not contrary cree. FINIS I mat - JM TA Ja LAT a DLF a UE AI AW, AN A --- Page 48 --- 7 2 rePOWiARUTE AWA a C - OE545 --- Page 49 --- W -N MNL E A uL 1 A u E AU TA J UE --- Page 50 --- E0PUNZARUA NAA F D --- Page 51 --- ATTATA Issii . --- Page 52 --- - a