--- Page 1 --- --- Page 2 --- --- Page 3 --- THE OPPORTUNITY 8c-8c --- Page 4 --- U/T 80390 --- Page 5 --- THE OPPORTUNITY: OR, REASONS FOR AN IMMEDIATE ALLIANCE WITH ST. DOMINGO. BY THE AUTHOR OF ce THE CRISIS OF THESUGAR COLONIES" LONDON: PRINTED DY C. WHITFINGHAM, Dzan Strect, FetterLanc; FOR J. HATCHARD, PICCADILLY. 1804. --- Page 6 --- - Fen 76 Tha Auds 2 - 0 E pelicy a aop Ra concel a D0S --- Page 7 --- Sn ndi 7m dent TO THE RIGHT HON. WILLIAM PITT, a CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER, &c. &c. D SIR, USE a freedom which may appear a little extraordinary in prefixing your name to a letter originally addressed to Mr. Addington. To conceal this seeming impropriety, by expunging his name from the following sheets, would not be difficult; for I wrote not to Mr. Addington, but to the Prime Minister of this country : but to make such an alteration in a work already printed, would be to incur two inconveniences loss of time, which in this case, perhaps, may be important to the public, and loss of money, which you know is rarely unimportant to an author. This --- Page 8 --- L vi ] This work was commenced soon after the evacuation of St. Domingo by the French was first announced in The Author, to his surprise, then Europe. found reason to suspect, that his Majesty's ministers were irresolute as to the line of policy which it might be expedient to adopt towards the people of that island; and conceiying that by such indecision an opportunity of obtaining much good, and averting great evils, might be irrecoverably lost, he resolved to offer his advice on that interesting subject, both to the Minister and to the Public. The execution of this purposc, was repeatedly however, interrupted by unavoidable private impediments, and the work has loitered long in the Press,as well as in the closet. One half of the following shects were printed, and nearly the whole remainder composed, before the late of administration took change place or was expected; ; and yet it has been impossible to publish them sooner. Delay, Sir, in these eventful times, is peculiarly inconvenient to statesmen and political writers. The --- Page 9 --- [ vii ] D The titles and situations of all my prin: cipal parties are already become obsolete. Mr. Addington is no longer Chancellor of the Exchequer; Bnonaparte is. become Emperor of the French; and Dessalines sole Governor, instead of Triumvir, not of St. Domingo, but Hayti. But what is moreimportant, the events which it was my aim to avert are already beginning to outwing the tardy progress of my pen and of the press. Dessalines, if late rumour may be trusted, is not only acting upon maxims very opposite to those by which he lately attempted to conciliate his European neighbours, and perpetrating crimes which a better policy on our part might have prevented, but is already waging that maritime war which was predicted in the following sheets, and denouncing, with a voice far more impressive than mine, the necessity of our restoring peace to the Gulph of Mexico, if we would avert from it new revolutions. I must publish without further delay, lest we should hear next of his having quarrelled with Jamaica, and conquered Cuba, or of a reconciliation on the basis of in- maxims very opposite to those by which he lately attempted to conciliate his European neighbours, and perpetrating crimes which a better policy on our part might have prevented, but is already waging that maritime war which was predicted in the following sheets, and denouncing, with a voice far more impressive than mine, the necessity of our restoring peace to the Gulph of Mexico, if we would avert from it new revolutions. I must publish without further delay, lest we should hear next of his having quarrelled with Jamaica, and conquered Cuba, or of a reconciliation on the basis of in- --- Page 10 --- [ viii ] independency between St. Domingo and France. - Allow me, therefore, Sir, to transfer to you, in its original shape, as an official heir-loom, the advice which was meant for your predecessor. - nu I have the honour to be, SIR, Your most obedient humble Servant, THE AUTHOR. May 31, 1804. --- Page 11 --- THE OPPORTUNITY: TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HENRY ADDINGTON, CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER, Ec. 8c. SIR, Nrar two years ago, I publicly addressed to you some reflections on West Indian entitled, The Crisis of the affairs, in a pamphlet Sugar Colonies. Had the opinions maintained in that publication been refuted by intermediate events, it would havebeen unreasonable to expect from you at this period, a favourable or a patient attention; but the those have been since if; on contrary, opinions strikingly verified by experience, I may, without presumption, claim a second audience on the same interesting subject. Nor will it weaken this pretension, if you should be able to recollect, that the author's views were thought on their first promulgation, to be singular, and his practical conclusionsrash: : for the tesB timony --- Page 12 --- [ 2 J. timony of experience in their favour is not the less decisive ; and when political suggestions demonstrated to have been just, their are singularity and-apparent boldness become : arguments of theirnecessity and importance. Unless vanity deceive me, that publication, however diffidently received by yourself or your colleagues, was not wholly fruitless of some important public effects. Though personally a stranger to you, I know that you honoured the work with a perusal; ; and would hope that it contributed in some degree to fix you in a line of conduct in what relates to St. Domingo, from which you have had much excitement to swerve, but of which the wisdom as well as the rectitude, is now universally acknowledged. If sO, my claim to your patient attention rests upon a still stronger title than that which has béen already advanced. To my former advice, much popular prepossession certainly stood opposed : and as I have now to offer further counsel, suggested by the same views, to which, perhaps, in some points, the current of public opinion may still be adverse, a brief retrospect of some of theleading opinions maintained in <The Crisis," and ofthe experimental confirmation which they have received, may be no improper or unnecessary prelude. After as well as the rectitude, is now universally acknowledged. If sO, my claim to your patient attention rests upon a still stronger title than that which has béen already advanced. To my former advice, much popular prepossession certainly stood opposed : and as I have now to offer further counsel, suggested by the same views, to which, perhaps, in some points, the current of public opinion may still be adverse, a brief retrospect of some of theleading opinions maintained in <The Crisis," and ofthe experimental confirmation which they have received, may be no improper or unnecessary prelude. After --- Page 13 --- IL 3i J" After offering many reasons for believing that held out by the French the ostensible purpose was not its real object in the great government againt St. Domingo, expedition then proceeding the but that the restitution of private slavery was in that pamConsul's true parpose,Tendemvourel phlet to point out the peculiar obstacles, both physical and moral, by which the accomplishment of that purpose would be opposed * In delineating these, it was found necessary to adduce facts relative to colonial slavery, of which the true nature was generally misconceived in Europets and here, to some minds celebrated in general, as well as to for political knowledge ordinary readers, the author's premises, as many he has reason to believe, appeared not less questionable than his conclusions : yet, reasoning from these premises, he inferred with much confidence the high probability of events which have since actually occurred in St. Domingo, extraordinary and wonderful though those events have appeared to the European public 1 The nature of West India harsh and unparalleled bondage in general, and those distinguishing features of that state which were delineated in the Crisis, wére the very corner stones, and * Crisis, Letter 2d. t Ib. p. 7 to 15. : Ib. p. 56 to 76. foundation --- Page 14 --- 4 ] foundation walls, upon the solidity of which the whole structure ofthe argument depended. From the terrible peculiarities of that state, and from these alone, it was inferred, that the ofSt. Domingo would never submit to it negroes forit was admitied, that to again *, where any yoke known elseby the name of slavery, thegigantic the relentless power, of vengeance, the craft, and violence the French government, might, probably be able to enforce submission. Political, and even personal freedom had been completcly overthrown in many parts of Europe; and there was in the air of the Antilles to make the nothing berty there spirit of limore vigorous, or less tameable the terror ofthe sword; but it was by predicted that negro freedom would be found invincible in St. Domingo, because the horrors of the state toit were experimentally opposed known to its defenders: and because they were of that intolerable kind which theauthor endeavoured to describet. He foresaw the true though strange issue of the unequal contest between the colossal republic of France, and the negroes of a West India island, only because he clearly understood the nature of the practical question in dispute. The great local and personal advantages, * Crisis, p. 55-6. + Ib.p. 46 to 56, 75-6, &c which o, because the horrors of the state toit were experimentally opposed known to its defenders: and because they were of that intolerable kind which theauthor endeavoured to describet. He foresaw the true though strange issue of the unequal contest between the colossal republic of France, and the negroes of a West India island, only because he clearly understood the nature of the practical question in dispute. The great local and personal advantages, * Crisis, p. 55-6. + Ib.p. 46 to 56, 75-6, &c which --- Page 15 --- [ 5 ] which favoured the cause of freedom in that climate, were not overlooked or concealed-on the contrary, they were fully explained and relied * as necessary means; but the vital and inupon which could alone give life domitable principle, and efficacy to those means of resistance, was an aversion to the former yoke not to be overcome; more than all the terrors an antipathy powerful, that despotism could oppose to it, more stimulating than any passion or appetite that could for submission, and more obstinate than the plead love of life itself. Upon these premises and these calculations, it foretold early in March, 1802, that the issue was would be such as, to the of the French expedition astonishment of Europe, it has ultimately proveddisappointment to the views of the consul, and a triumph to his sable opponents. In the progress and incidents, as well as the final event of that extraordinary contest, the has for the CC Crisis of the Sugar Colonies" proved of the war most part a history by anticipation of St. Domingo. That the arms of France would probably have success was foreseen t nor a short-lived apparent * Crisis, p. 58 to 69. + Ib. p. 44-5. were --- Page 16 --- L 6 1 were the artifices and frauds, which concurred with force in the attainment of that ephemeral triumph, unexpected *; but it was also foreseen that the discovery of the true object of the war would producea new and decisive resistance+. The facility, SO clearly manifested, of obtaining a loyal submission to the republic without the restitution of the former slavery ts the speedy resort to a compromise on that basis, such as was actually, though perfidiously, made by Leclerc, after force had been tried in vain S; the division of the negro chiefs and troops, by a crafty concealment of the design against freedom in the outset, and the consequent defection of many of them from Toussaint 1s their faithful adherence, nevertheless, to the cause of general fréédom, when the mask was dropped by the invaders 9s these, and other leading incidents ofthe contest, were all foretold in the Crisis, with more or less confidence and clearness, in proportion as they were more or less necessary results of the general premises from which they were all inferred. To point out at large the agreement of these * Crisis, p. 45. + Ib. P. 45-6. : Jb. p. 45. S Ib. p. 85: I Ib. P. 45, ST Ib. p. 45-0. 56-7, S. conjectural these, and other leading incidents ofthe contest, were all foretold in the Crisis, with more or less confidence and clearness, in proportion as they were more or less necessary results of the general premises from which they were all inferred. To point out at large the agreement of these * Crisis, p. 45. + Ib. P. 45-6. : Jb. p. 45. S Ib. p. 85: I Ib. P. 45, ST Ib. p. 45-0. 56-7, S. conjectural --- Page 17 --- 7 I conclusions with subsequent events, conjectural those limits, which regard would be to exceed to your time, Sir, and my own, must prescribe to this address. The task will be moreeasy when fair and intelligent account of the late a tolerably war in St. Domingo shall meet the public eye; falshood of the but in spite ofthe unprecedented informed of consular press, no Englishman is SO ill the events ofthat horrible war, as not to perceive, should he now. turn over the pages of the Crisis, there disclosed have becn fully that the opinions strikverified, and the author's expectations very. ingly confirmed. which this brief review is To the purpose for of fact offered, the confirmation of the premises contained in that pamphlet, some events unforeseen by the author, are no less important than those which his conjectures embraced. would be the result of That a compromise the obstinate resistance which the French generals would encounter, and of their despair of final success, he foresaw to be probable *; but in the history of this that perfidy SO unexampled bad world, as was practised by the French commanders, would be employed to frustrate the comhis foresight as that of pact, was as much beyond the illustrious victim' of the crime, the generous and immortal Toussaint. Ignorant of the yet * Crisis, p. 85. unfathomed --- Page 18 --- [ 8 1 depth of French depravity, and supunfathomed that the consul had more political wisposing exhibited, the author did dom than he has lately at once not foresce the probability of a measure, the basest and the weakest that ever dishonoured therefore, to the ar nation. The second jeopardy, resulted from this cause of African freedom, which the strength ofthe defensive principle perfidy, put which the author relied, to a proof and means, upon such were the truth and unexpectedly severe : yet which his reasonthe force of those premises upon which was built, SO invincible were the feelings ing of slavery, and such the withstood the restitution and ofresistance, that the betrayed natural means dedisheartened colonists, though perfidiously chamof their leaders, of their military prived made head against pions, and of their arms, again triumphed the armies of the republic, and again their and ferocious oppressors. over powerful with which the war The desperate perseverance the terriafterwards prosecuted by the consul,. was and the remorseless blei means which he employed, ofthemonsters] Leclerc and Rochambeau, devotion master's horrible behests, and their troops, to their calculations; were also far beyond the author's he relied have but the principles upon which extreme ordeals, unhurt throngh all these passed has by every trial been more and their justice clearly established. The and ferocious oppressors. over powerful with which the war The desperate perseverance the terriafterwards prosecuted by the consul,. was and the remorseless blei means which he employed, ofthemonsters] Leclerc and Rochambeau, devotion master's horrible behests, and their troops, to their calculations; were also far beyond the author's he relied have but the principles upon which extreme ordeals, unhurt throngh all these passed has by every trial been more and their justice clearly established. The --- Page 19 --- L g ] The last and strongest confirmation has been given by the consul himself. He, who acted upon notions diametrically opposite to the opinions maintained in the Crisis, and who expectéd SO little difficulty in the execution of his projects, that he sent not only his brother, and brother-in-law, but his sister, with her infant child, to grace and enjoy his expected easy triumph over African freedom, saw at length his error so clearly, that in despair of re-establishing slavery, he resolved on extermination; and instead of still aiming to reclaim a flourishing colony, fought, massacred, and murdered for a desert. Without detaining you longer with a review, to: the seeming egotism ofwhich I could be reconciled only byits undeniablepublic importance, Idemand in general new credence to the facts, and some increased regard to the conclusions contained in my former address ; to some of which I shall have OCcasion to revert in the course ofthe ensuing discussions. In particular, I hope that one great truth, which was matter of argumentative induction in the Crisis, the invincibility of freedom in St.Domingo, may now be fairly assumed, ,as a proved and incontestible truth. The new and interesting question which I propose now to discuss, is <chat line of conduct a < British minister ought, at the presentjunctures, 66 to adopt towards the people of.St. Domingo?" C Upon --- Page 20 --- [ 10 ] Upon this important question, but one practical notion, and that ofa very indefinite kind, seems as yet to have entered into the conception of the public. That every degree ofamity towards consistent with a due regard to this new society, ought to be observed, our own colonial interests, It seems seems to be a unanimous sentiment. also to be in general thought, that some commerintercourse ought to be formed with them, SO cial ourselves whatever trade their inas to secure to furnish. But these opidustry may'immediately have met the public eye, are nions, as far as they cautious and ambiguous qualified by SO many be affirmed to have terms, that their authors may yet formed no decisive practical judgment. a distinct and firm opinion For my part, having which, on this interesting subject, an opinion, however erroneous it may be, is simple, practical, highly important and, in my own poor. judgment, bound to declare it 5 to my country, I feel myself and shall do SO without management or reserve: You OUGHT, SIR, I CONCEIVE TO ACKNOWLEDGF TIE LIBERTY OF THE NEGROES Of WITHGUT DELAY, ENTER INTO FEDERAL ENSr. DoMINGO; AND TO SOVEREIGN AND INGAGEMENTS WITH THEM AS A NOT PEOPLE; AND YOU OUGHT FURTHER, DEFENDENT VOLUNTEER, ONLY TO GRANT, BUT, IF NECESSARY,TO AGAINST THE A GUARANTEE OF THEIR INDEPENDENCY REPUBLIC OF FRANCE. startle at first by its apShould this proposition parent IR, I CONCEIVE TO ACKNOWLEDGF TIE LIBERTY OF THE NEGROES Of WITHGUT DELAY, ENTER INTO FEDERAL ENSr. DoMINGO; AND TO SOVEREIGN AND INGAGEMENTS WITH THEM AS A NOT PEOPLE; AND YOU OUGHT FURTHER, DEFENDENT VOLUNTEER, ONLY TO GRANT, BUT, IF NECESSARY,TO AGAINST THE A GUARANTEE OF THEIR INDEPENDENCY REPUBLIC OF FRANCE. startle at first by its apShould this proposition parent --- Page 21 --- I L 11 ] boldness, it is no more than Iexpect. Solet parent maintained in the me again hint, did the opinion the Crisis, that the colossal Republic of France, all Europe, could not with terror of continental community of its force, crush this same petty did at its first negroes. So it might be added, of almost every opinion or measure promulgation, which in this age of wonders has national policy, have been wise. These ultimately proved to choice and tardy are times in which hesitating and will be found at a fault, decision generally should remember in which a British statesman Cato's maxim, that Ce Fear admitted into public councils ce Betrays like treason.' >. attenBut should you favour me with a patient will perhaps find that the course here tion, you is not a rash one : proposed, though a decided, are bold in appearthat the newures-irecommend, and, that they are in ance only, not in reality ; from truth essential to any plan of colonial policy, which future security can be expected Or hoped. advice be prejudged at the outset Let not my in the abstract, which by that dislike of innovation A new the experience of the age has inspired. of things has arisen in the West Indies, to order which former precedents are quite inapplicable. British statesman, has there no beaten path The before bim, and to pursue; he has a new country a new --- Page 22 --- [ 12 1 new road to explore. An unprecedented rea has rent asunder the basis of our old volution and further perseverance in it, Colonial policy, would savour out of mere respect to its antiquity, wisof than prudence: : its former more pedantry been wise, would perhaps be the dom,had it indeed clearest evidence of its future folly. maxim of all It was, I grant, a fundamental colonies in the powers of. Europe who possessed that the of the European the Antilles, supremacy must be race, and the depression of the African, other at all times, and at the expence of every maintained. It was a rule parapublic principle, to all national rivalships, mount in importance There was an inand to all national quarrels. tercommunity of feelings and privileges among skinned colonists, which, when the subthe white made ordination of negroes was in question, English and French, Dutch and Spanish, Eurofriend and Enropean enemy, very unimpean portant distinctions. forged by But this strong chain of sympathy, abuse, and rivetted by a mutuality of despotic has been broken by sense of common danger, the social edifices of thesame shock that overthrew of which the Europe; and effects have followed, than the stability can now no more be doubted, novelty or the importance. insubordinated to any An African people, European ordination of negroes was in question, English and French, Dutch and Spanish, Eurofriend and Enropean enemy, very unimpean portant distinctions. forged by But this strong chain of sympathy, abuse, and rivetted by a mutuality of despotic has been broken by sense of common danger, the social edifices of thesame shock that overthrew of which the Europe; and effects have followed, than the stability can now no more be doubted, novelty or the importance. insubordinated to any An African people, European --- Page 23 --- - [ 13 ] inhabitants of the same territory, and European of all exterior government, is planted independent in the centre of the Antilles; and possesses an entire island, the most important of the group*: An island of far greater extent than any other alone excepted) in the whole Western (Cuba Archipelago, and which, in population-and produce, was lately equal to all the rest united. This new society has already proved itself, in its infancy, unconquerable by the greatest powvery world, having successively deers in the civilized the fended its freedom and its territory against continued hostility of Great Britain at one long period ; andagainst the vast, impetuous, perseverand merciless, efforts of France at another, ing, and victory, therefore, as well as by By pewer is the African race freedom and independency, raised from its late prostrate and despised state in this very considerable part of the West Indies., Instead of that abject and brutal condition which was before their universal lot, the black islanders elevate their heads above may now reasonably for whether their their palefaced neighbours; country shall remain permanently. severed from * The language of an old historian of this island is remarkable: c6 La situation de cette isle par rapport aur autres Elle en est presque 4 Antilles, ne pouzoit etre plus avantugeuse. été ail centre de cC 6e encironée, s lon diroit qu' élle à placée Hist. de L'isle Esce grund Archipel pour lui donner la loi." pagnole par Charlevoix, Tom. I. Liv.i. France --- Page 24 --- I 14 ] the dominion ofFrance or not; it possesses a poof which none of its neightential independency, continue to lean for bours can boast: while they and protection upon distant states, St. support Domingo is found to be able not only to sustain itself without the aid of those states, but to set the greatest of them at defiance. To persist after SO extreme a revolution, in our anterior policy, would be more irrational, than the by which that policy even to retain prejudices Ifwe can be sO far was introduced and upheld. hold these the dupes of prepossession as still to cheap, let us sable heroes and patriots personally advert to the at least respect their power: 5 and danger of still acting towards them upon principles ofCreolian antipathy and contempt. National prejudice may indeed, in this case,as survive the causes from which it was in others, wise statesman will, in such cases, derived ; but a tide of events, rather veer round with the refluent attempt to stem it, by still courting than vainly Rome had not the lingering breeze of opinion. to deceased, perhaps, in the days of Honorius the northern barbarians; but Stilicho was spise to disdain to treat with those not absurd enough or to apply hardy warriors, upon Roman ground; maxims. to them in other respects the old imperial with just derision, the arAt this day we regard, style of the impotent rogant and contemptuous successors tide of events, rather veer round with the refluent attempt to stem it, by still courting than vainly Rome had not the lingering breeze of opinion. to deceased, perhaps, in the days of Honorius the northern barbarians; but Stilicho was spise to disdain to treat with those not absurd enough or to apply hardy warriors, upon Roman ground; maxims. to them in other respects the old imperial with just derision, the arAt this day we regard, style of the impotent rogant and contemptuous successors --- Page 25 --- T 15 ] of Othman ; but though they call us, successors are too prudent to adcc Christian dogs," they here in their public councils, to a correspondent They thankfully accept us as allies, and practice. secure the of the proare happy to patrimony phet by our unhallowed aid. touches only Though revolution in this case the skirts of the empire, the principle of policy is the same; and let not the British cabinet diswisdom, in the western play more bigotry,andlesss than the Turkish Divan, or Grand Archipclago, Vizier, in the eastern. ancient An entire and absolute adherence to our policy in the Antilles, will scarcely however, now be thought advisable, even by the most prejudiced mind. The necessity ofa material departure from been admitted, in many it has indeed, practically measures of the last and present war; especially with Toussaint, and in the in our convention assistance lately given to his successors against enemies: for such measures, wise their European must be allowed to and necessary though they variance with the have been, were directly at policy adhered to at all former periods. its obliged to abandon But prejudice, though be in this case to make former lines, may disposed Though it only a partial and lingering retreat. unwise still to treat the new peois demonstrably inferiors and enemies, it may to ple as natural many, --- Page 26 --- [ 16 ] ofinnovation to treat them many, seen a boldness friends. Ofthis hesias independent equals and tating sentiment, I am sorry to perceive strong in our late conduct on the coast of St.. symptoms still Domingo. My advice, therefore, may possibly be opposed by some adverse prepossession on the If obliged to innovate, let us, it score ofnovelty. be said, be slow and cautious in the process. may But let it well he considered, that the circumstances out of which our colonial policy arose, are they are completely reversed. not merely altered; the From universal bondage in the Antilles, African race, I repeat, has started into liberty, and power. Instcad of subjection toi sovereignty, the lowest of foreign states, they have triumphed the most A correspondent reover powerful. point, been verse has also, in a more important nations. adopted in the conduct ofthis and other ofthe European race in Tothat close confederacy which the chains of the negroes the Antilles, by have succeeded secmed to be for ever rivetted, these in which wars between European powers, objects of the common hostility once despised as auxiliaries and oppression have been received allies. at least, if not also as and co-belligerents the of the The change, SO far as regards queen Indian islands, the sole subject of these reWest and extreme. marks, is, in all points, perfect different meaNow if different situations, require sures, which the chains of the negroes the Antilles, by have succeeded secmed to be for ever rivetted, these in which wars between European powers, objects of the common hostility once despised as auxiliaries and oppression have been received allies. at least, if not also as and co-belligerents the of the The change, SO far as regards queen Indian islands, the sole subject of these reWest and extreme. marks, is, in all points, perfect different meaNow if different situations, require sures, --- Page 27 --- I 17 ] seem to demand opposures; oppositesituations, it can furnish no site measures. But at least, against the wisdom of a new sound presumption opposite system of conduct, that it is diametrically when the case itself has been to former principles, and this is all for which I wish totàlly reversed 5 at present to contend. without any Let us proceed then to consider, prepossession or bias, the arguments by which the advice I have offered may be fairly recommended or opposed. The first step towards a right choice, is to surattentively the different objects among which vey have to chuse: and as it seems to me, that we in this case there are, in a general view, but four different paths of conduct, in one of which you must of necessity tread, it may be proper to say something of each. They are, Ist. To interdict all commercial intercourse between his Majesty'ssubjects and the whatever, people of St. Domingo. 2d. To permit such. intercourse, but without any conventional basis. 3d. To enter into some commereial treaty or convention with the negro chiefs, not involving relations closer than those of general amity any and trade. which I 4th. To adopt the decisive measures have ventured to recommend, D Of --- Page 28 --- 2 18 J Of the first ofthese plans little perhaps need be said, for itwill probably find few, if any, supporters. Such a measure would in the first place befound to be attended with great practical difficulties. The advantages of the prohibited trade, and the facility of a clandestine intercourse between St. Domingo and Jamaica, would probably give rise to an extensive contraband commerce. Every view of political caution upon which the prohibition could be founded, would in that case be defeated ; for if a trade with this new" people, though lawfully and openly conducted, would be dangerous to our colonies, a secret, illicit, and consequently unregulated intercourse, could not be less so. But the prohibition, whether abortive or effectual, would be very likely to produce a consequence which every reflecting mind must strongly deprecate. A total interdiction of trade between Britishs subjects and the mhalitantsofst-Doniogs could not well consist, in the notions of thel latter, with the belief of a pacific disposition on our and would naturally incline them to regard part, secret foes to their freedom as well as their TIS as independence. Besides, the strong means bywhich alone such could be enforced, would look too a prohibition mistaken for it, much like war, not to be easily in political distinctions, and by a people inexpert justly precate. A total interdiction of trade between Britishs subjects and the mhalitantsofst-Doniogs could not well consist, in the notions of thel latter, with the belief of a pacific disposition on our and would naturally incline them to regard part, secret foes to their freedom as well as their TIS as independence. Besides, the strong means bywhich alone such could be enforced, would look too a prohibition mistaken for it, much like war, not to be easily in political distinctions, and by a people inexpert justly --- Page 29 --- [ 19 I jealous of the disposition of all their more justly, civilized neighbours. this line of policy to be open to But supposing objections, it, involves a sacrifice no such practical and mariwhich this commercial of advantages, without very important time country ought not, reasons, to make. notwithstanding all The ports ofSt. Domingo, and the the desolations of the late dreadful war, wasteful effects of foreign and intestine calamiwill still ties during nine or ten preceding years, have some valuabie exports to furnish. The captures made of cargoes shipped from that islaud since the commencement ofthe present hostilities, that agriculture, however dimisufficiently prove abandoned ; much less nished, had not been wholly be will the hoe be idle when the musket may safely laid aside; for that freedom and a negro are not incompatible with a large and government growth of exportable produce, was, increasing administration ofToussaint*, under the beneficent very clearly proved. The throughout the last war, * The exports from St. Domingo, wereby howevers smallwhen compared to their formeramount, of TousBut under the governmeit no means contemptible. after his treaty with General Maitland had resaint, lieved especially him from the severe pressure of a maritine war, the tillage of the island was rapidly improving. ill fated The French commanders on the arrival of their expeditio:, --- Page 30 --- L 20 3 measures of the The barbarous and impolitic occasioned a vast consul, have unquestionably since that deterioration in the state ofthe colony in respect not only ofimmediate fortunate period, but ofthe works and buildings necessary produce, of sugar; but of SO great in the manufacturing must be and fertile a field even the gleanings and there is no good reason fordoubtimportant; revive. ingthat its prosperity will speedily to find agriculture in SO high a degrce tion, were surprised said Leclerc, in restored. 6 The cultivation of the colony," state of proshis first official dispatches, cis in a much higher of could hare been inagined." Official dispatches ce perity than of March 26th. February 9th, 1802, in London newspapers French or its Upon this head, the word ofthe government safely be taken; because the exaggeration commanders may the merit of the would have.magnified of existing prosperity, proscribed as a traitor ; and man, whom they had recently order ofthings, which they tended strongly to recommend an means to abolish. were labouring by the mostdreadfal testimony of the same tenAn equally unexceptionable author's in a letter found on board dency, lately met the eye, master, a prize taken at the Le Bon Accord, Pierre Patissicr, The writer, whoappears. commencement ofthel present.war. and to have been comto bea very intelligent Frenchman, and who addresses himmanding engineer at Port au Prince, officer of his owi corps in self contidentially-to- a superior battles and conflagrationsi sin France, in speaking of the recent ce Lu partie du sud, qui IL Y A the south of the island, says; intacte ET VALAITMEUX, QUE K DEUX MOIS ET DEMI etoit encore QUE PAR SES RAPPORTS, ETENDUE, ce LA MANTINIQUE, TANTYAREON dela plus horrible, &c." c est maintenant let theatre guerrele of the Iligh Court of The original letter is in the Registry An. 11. (May Admiralty: itlis dated at the Cape, 18 Floreal, - 7, 1803.) That Lu partie du sud, qui IL Y A the south of the island, says; intacte ET VALAITMEUX, QUE K DEUX MOIS ET DEMI etoit encore QUE PAR SES RAPPORTS, ETENDUE, ce LA MANTINIQUE, TANTYAREON dela plus horrible, &c." c est maintenant let theatre guerrele of the Iligh Court of The original letter is in the Registry An. 11. (May Admiralty: itlis dated at the Cape, 18 Floreal, - 7, 1803.) That --- Page 31 --- 21 ] the ofthe island will soon be as That produce is, I admit, great as it was before the revolution, The nummore than can be reasonably expected. reduced berofadultsi fit Snkabeariusqseadiamaly: and ; nor will free men in a very great proportion SO as women ever be brought to work intensely to do by the coercion ofthe slaves are compelled than conwhip. They will not labour more severcly of health, with the Orsists with the preservation and indinary duration oflife, and the maintenance of native ; which is only saying crease population; in other words what is expressed in the preceding sentence. demons should arise to re-act But unless,new the effects ofthe new the madness of Buonaparte, make up for system will, in a few years, amply efforts of this double drawback on the immediate the planter. The superfecundity of unoppressed will not only give back what the human nature, have destroyed, but sword and the drownings an overflowing population; ; will produce rapidly in the number of laand husbandry will regain * bourers, what it loses by mitigation of toil . Whatever * M. Malouet's information on these subjects must have been and authoritative than that of almost anyother more in copious for in addition to his long experiencein colonial man Europe; the West Indian affairs, and extensive; private acquaintancein of the Consuly had access, no circles, he, as thej public apologist and other papersin thebudoubt, to the oflicial correspondence reaus --- Page 32 --- L 22 1 Whatever the amount ofthe exportable produce of this great island may be, its import of foreign commodities will be as great at least as the barter of that produce may suffice to purchase; and its export, as well as import trade, will long be entirely carried on in foreign shipping, and on account of foreign merchants: for it would be extravagant to suppose, that this new community of husbandmen and soldiers, will soon acquire a trading capital of its own, or a commercial marine. No branch of commerce which we possess, can in its kind be more desirable than this to a manufacturing and maritime country. Its value in a national view will, in proportion to its actual extent, very far exceed that of our present West Indian trade: : for the ships which bring over the produce of our islands, do not, upon an average, obtain onethird ofan entire freighton their ontward voyages; and for this obvious reason, that a small proportion only of the proceeds of the imported colonial Tds-otastipsemecte following testimony ofM. Malouet is therefore of great importance. 66 Tous les rupports annoncent unbeaucoup plus grand nombre d'enfuns, el moins de mortalitéparmis lesnegrillons, qu'iln'y en avoit arumlarecolution: ce qui est imputé au repos absolu dontjouissent lesfemnes et a un moi ndre travail de la part des négres." (Collection grosses, de Memoirssurles Colonies, &c. par V.P. Malouet, ancien Administrateur des Colonies et de la Marine, Tome IV. Introduction, p. 52.) M. Malouet, let it beobserved, is no ami des noirs, but a West Indian, and a defender of the Slave Trade. produce qu'iln'y en avoit arumlarecolution: ce qui est imputé au repos absolu dontjouissent lesfemnes et a un moi ndre travail de la part des négres." (Collection grosses, de Memoirssurles Colonies, &c. par V.P. Malouet, ancien Administrateur des Colonies et de la Marine, Tome IV. Introduction, p. 52.) M. Malouet, let it beobserved, is no ami des noirs, but a West Indian, and a defender of the Slave Trade. produce --- Page 33 --- [ 23 ] is sent back in Enropean goods, perhaps produce ; whereas these new cusnot a twentieth part*; nearly tomers would lay out in our manufactures whole net value oftheir sugar and coffee, or the in rather would barter those tropical products for the goods of Birmingham and their own ports, of both. Manchester, giving us the carriage consideration cannot befullydisThis important the limits which must cussed withont exceeding but to be prescribed to the present publication; ; of any well informed and dispasthe reflections will be obvious that such views sionate mind, it chimerical ; and that a thousand are by no means from the ports of hogsheads of sugar bronght be the medium of St. Domingo, would perhaps substantial benefit to the manufacturers, more owners ofGreat Britain, colmerchants, and ship thousand from St. lectively considered, than five difwith this most important Kitt's or Jamaica; ; branch of trade would ference, that the former which but a small * The rum made on a sugar sometimes plantation,ofw defrays all the ordinary part isl brought to Europe, Generally speaking, however, oneexpences of the estate. of the sugar is computed to tenth part of the proceeds fund, to supply deficiencies, and be a necessary auxiliary but this, for the most part, is approvide for contingencies in ; paying bills drawn by the planter plied by the consignees goods and other colonial expenfor the purchase of American ofthe returns in European inces, and therefore forms no part vestr tment and fréight. not --- Page 34 --- [ 24 ] wkendesaiesbacisre itsadvantnges, any ofthat enormons expence oflife and treasure part colonies are protected. bywhich our WestIndian of inIt. is needless to dwell on the importance ducements, like these; for they are in their naconsideratious to which the people of this ture, than sufficiently awake, and to country are more I should rather in which from a British Minister, general fear too eagerand exclusive an attention, than any improper indifference. An, inevitable consequence, on the other hand, fromthis commerce, would be of our abstaining who its falling into the hands of other powers, would have no motive for a similar sacrifice; and jealousy of the nation will here the commercial and apprehenbe also sufficiently quicksighted excitement: sive, without any argumentative is still But the importance of this consideration Boaesinap-lntolulenina a commercialyiev, as I shall soon have occasion to shew. At present, this topic, as its discussion Iwill, not enlarge upon branch of more properly belongs to a subsequent my, subject. N bu be opposed to the The arguments which may permission of commerce with this new people, I conceive, be drawn from the dangers can only, be exposed by it. to which our ownisiands may will be That the new state of St. Domingo unless great and perilous to our sugar colonies, speedy aesinap-lntolulenina a commercialyiev, as I shall soon have occasion to shew. At present, this topic, as its discussion Iwill, not enlarge upon branch of more properly belongs to a subsequent my, subject. N bu be opposed to the The arguments which may permission of commerce with this new people, I conceive, be drawn from the dangers can only, be exposed by it. to which our ownisiands may will be That the new state of St. Domingo unless great and perilous to our sugar colonies, speedy --- Page 35 --- [ 25 1 reformation shall meliorate their own inspeedy terior system, it is far from my intention to deny. The danger is real and great, and, as Ihave elseto demonstrate * calls loudly where endeavoured measures from the government for preventative of Great Britain. Unhappily no and parliament and such measures have hitherto been adopted; therefore though the folly and wickedness of Buonaparte have, fortunately for this country, the progress of the danger, and disuspended minished its immediate magnitude, our colonies, Jamaica especially, are unquestionably still in very serious jeopardy. But that the cause of alarm would be lessened by our avoiding all amicable relations with the negro chiefs, and holding towards them a face of jealous dislike, is a proposition which it would be difficult to maintain. Among the many advantages which the apologists of the slave trade have taken of the misconceptions naturally prevalent in Europe, respecting the true natureand effects of West Indian bondage, an outcry was raised by them onthe score of alleged dangers from the speeches and writings of abolitionists;which, theypretended, wouldi Ireachtheears of the enslaved negroes, and inspire them with renotions. With equal gravity, <6 the vira volutionary amidst the details 66 tuous Le Clerc," declaimed, of his destructive campaign, against the C6 mis- *Crisis, p.79, S0-124, &c. E c6 chiefs --- Page 36 --- U 26. ] * 9) Were such cc chiefs of abstract principles ideas sincere and well founded, or were not these degraded beings placed by their incessant poor ofthe plantations, labour, by the domestic police to and still more by that dulness and stupidity oppression has reduced them, which a brutalizing means below the reach of the revolutionary used by the Jacobins of Europe, I admit that intercourse with St. Domingo might a commercial than a hostile disbe noless dangerous to Jamaica, position in these new and formidable neighbours. might, evén in that case, beTheir acquaintance But to those who more perilous than theirhatred. of those opknow the true state and character fellow beings, such grounds of apprehenprossed alarming; and as to the dread sion are not very theories being emofdemocratical or revolutionary of field ployed to excite disaffection in a gang West Indian could not hear of such a negroes, a unless indeed it were notion without laughing, induce him in in England, where policy might muscles, To such a case to do violence to his risible him, such fears must appear scarcely less ridiculous, who having read the than those of a waggoner, should dread the voyage to the Hhuynhymms, of his team, of a demoeffects upon the temper cratical song from the ostler. 1802. London Papers * Seel his dispatches of February 9th, of March 24, It such a negroes, a unless indeed it were notion without laughing, induce him in in England, where policy might muscles, To such a case to do violence to his risible him, such fears must appear scarcely less ridiculous, who having read the than those of a waggoner, should dread the voyage to the Hhuynhymms, of his team, of a demoeffects upon the temper cratical song from the ostler. 1802. London Papers * Seel his dispatches of February 9th, of March 24, It --- Page 37 --- [ 27 ] It is in truth, through the new means of physical force, not those of political suggestion or that the propagation of freedom from intrigue, coast of St. Domingo, is really the neighbouring Jamaica. Hostility, therefore, to beapprelended at in the breasts of the new people, and not an with them, should be the amicable connection subject of anxious prevention. For thè justice of these views, more. fully explained in my former pamphlet, I might.appealt ito during the whole of the last war; our experience could have excited insurfor if precept or example rection among our slaves, those means were never wanting to the enemy ; and revolutionary freedom was exhibited for many years in a living model of grand dimensions under the very windows of some of our colonies, especially at Montserrat and Jamaica; yet no insurrection took thes slaves of those islands; nor was place among where, exthe contagion felt for a moment any cept where it was carried by hostile force. how innoxious the But more satisfactory proof new system is in the way of pacific intercourse, be found in the conduct of those who are may most interested in, as well as- best acquainted with the subject. The planters of Jamaica are a body not inattentive to their own peculiar interests in public measures, nor badly'represented in this country. Have you then, Sir, had any application --- Page 38 --- - [ 28 ] application from them to St. Domingo? prohibit a trade with Ifso, they have their views since the last strangely altered course was war; for such an interopenly carried on between the islands to a great extent, aftert the two Toussaint; and not a convention with either from the murmura against it washeard, assembly of Jamaica, or from the very active West Indian committec. It contrary,so favouritea was, on the island, that the branch ofcommerce in that restrictions which the dence had imposed royal pruupon it, for the sake' rently of diminishing the appawere there dangers in question * 3 thought to shackle too strictly the fitable intercourse with proN broadly violated St.Domingo ; and were SO in the face of day, that English ships, belonging to the ports of Jamaica, seized by his Majesty's were for that squadron, and confiscated causet. When we next hear of to the peace of our islands, from danger of the speeches abolitionists, I hope these facts will be remembered. Were the intercourse in gerous to our sugar colonies, question really dancessity eitherl tol there would be no neexpose them to any such to forego, for their sakes, the peril, or national * advantages Order in Council of 9th January, 1799. CaeeftheAchiles, the Lords Commisioners of Sutherland, master, heard before 5d; 1804. Appeals in Prize Causes, March of , from danger of the speeches abolitionists, I hope these facts will be remembered. Were the intercourse in gerous to our sugar colonies, question really dancessity eitherl tol there would be no neexpose them to any such to forego, for their sakes, the peril, or national * advantages Order in Council of 9th January, 1799. CaeeftheAchiles, the Lords Commisioners of Sutherland, master, heard before 5d; 1804. Appeals in Prize Causes, March of --- Page 39 --- [ 29 ] for we have ports, even in the West of the trade; commerce might be carried Indies,from which the inconvewithout producing any such political on, On this hint I propose to enlarge nience. supposing enough to have hereafter. Meantime, that the commerce been already said to prove not to be which courts our acceptance ought that thus far my wholly declined, and believing is that of the public atlarge, Iwill proceed opinion the second of the four projects proto consider < That of allowing trade to posed for discussion : of St. Domingo < be carried on with the negroes 9) conventional basis." < without any certainly more practical facility Thisscheme has but ifit be admitted that a comthan the former: kind ought to bes allowed, mercial intercourseofany) be difficult to deny, that it ought it will, I conceive, by some express to be sanctioned and regulated compact. mercantile intercourse of civilized If in the conventions are and polished nations, positive disfound useful or necessary, in orderto prevent to improve putes, to obriate inconveniencies,and cannot be less themutual advantage, surely they supposing disputes to arise, sO in this case,inwhich, no or there are with one of the parties precedents by which they could be decided. known principles, with the negro chiefs, better assurBy a treaty ance --- Page 40 --- [ 30 ] ance might be obtained, for the observance of mercantile faith, and for thesecurity of British subjects in their property and their persons, while trading in the ports of a country, still perhaps likely to be the seat of much interior disorder. By a treaty 3 also, regulations might be framed whereby such political inconveniencies and hazards as must be in some degree incident to this new branch of commerce, might be materially lessened. Particular ports for instance might be Jimited, as in his Majesty's order of council for licensing the trade with Toussaint's government, or in the West Indian free port acts, which in like manner innovated upon the general restrictions of our maritime code, and in which it was therefore found necessary to provide many precautions against the probable ill effects of innovation, Fiscal, as well as political regulations, would obviously, on our side, be necessary 5 but without a treaty the most salutary and necessary sanctions in laws of that kind, might in their execution, give umbrage to these unenlightened neighbours. It may be added, that by mutual agreementionly could adequate security be obtained against some dangerous abuses, andsources offaturecontention, such as the carrying off negroes, to which there would be strong temptations on both sides, But a still more powerful argument for a commercial against the probable ill effects of innovation, Fiscal, as well as political regulations, would obviously, on our side, be necessary 5 but without a treaty the most salutary and necessary sanctions in laws of that kind, might in their execution, give umbrage to these unenlightened neighbours. It may be added, that by mutual agreementionly could adequate security be obtained against some dangerous abuses, andsources offaturecontention, such as the carrying off negroes, to which there would be strong temptations on both sides, But a still more powerful argument for a commercial --- Page 41 --- [ 31 I mercial treaty is, that without a compact, we can or favour in the have no permanent privilege ports ofthat island. We are now in a situation to become not only the most favoured nation at St. Domingo, but even obtain from this new people a monopoly perhapsto their trade; for we who alone can defy the reof ofFrance, can alone venture to contract sentment this critical any foederal relawith them at period of tions. Herein consists one material advantage that opportunity, to which Iinvite your attention. The considerations which we must probably for such exclusive privileges, will be pointed give under the next head of discussion. At out Iwould only remark that a treaty of some present, medium of suce an imkind, is the. necessary content portant acquisition ; and that if we are with a mere tacit allowance of general trade, we shall be rivalled by other powers ; and soon, in conof the advantages of neutral navigation sequence them, shall be undersold and virnow possessed by of comtually' excluded from this valuable-branch We shall gratuitously relinquish in favour merce: Denmark, and Sweden a great, and of America, boon, which the perhaps hereafter an inestimable circumstances of the present war, as some compensation for its evils, happily throw within our reach. America bids fairest to be our great riNorth val --- Page 42 --- 0 32 J val in the future trade of St. the injured islanders have Domingo; but as bringing seen the American flag supplies to their oppressors, during the deepest horrors of the late dreadful can at this moment have contest, they people of that no predilection for the tility to the country; ; while our present hosRepublic, and the assistance we have given in blockading the French armies in their ports, must dispose them very favourably ourselves * - towards might be Supposing we should acquiesce, as it necessary to do, in their North America importing from some articles of provisions and lumber, they would, I doubt not, to our merchants readily give exclusively, the benefit of plying them with all other commodities. supExtengyour view, Sir, to that future complete restitution of the agriculture of this vast which is at least a possible, and in island, ment, no my poor judgimprobable, or distant event. that Reflect, upon such a restitution, we from St. Domingo alone, far might import value of the rich more in bulk and other islands in tropical productions than all the the West Indies now collectively *] Ifthere' should be some abatement of this present, from our conduct, in disposition at their means of defence at Fort destroying or carrying away which I am by no means able to comprehend, Dauphin, the the policy of sentiment might, by means hereafter to be favourable and fully restored. noticed, be easily afford, Reflect, upon such a restitution, we from St. Domingo alone, far might import value of the rich more in bulk and other islands in tropical productions than all the the West Indies now collectively *] Ifthere' should be some abatement of this present, from our conduct, in disposition at their means of defence at Fort destroying or carrying away which I am by no means able to comprehend, Dauphin, the the policy of sentiment might, by means hereafter to be favourable and fully restored. noticed, be easily afford, --- Page 43 --- L 33 ] afford, and have a million or more of new transatlantic customers to lay out in our manufactures the whole value oftheir produce ; and then nearly whether such prospects as these, with ask yourself ought to be such present benefits in advance, for reasons renounced ? Reject wantonly or slight be them at this moment, and they will certainly lost for ever. what effectual security But it may be asked, would be derived from a treaty for the prescrvation privileges which it might concede? Ianswer, ofany that ofa faith which there is in the first place, been reason to distrust, for it has hitherto no good tried during the last unviolated, though strongly Rude nawar, the faith of this new community. ofsuch not the least observant tions, perhaps,are have the adengagements. You would, however, security of established ditional and ever growing become habitually custom ; for they would soon modes of and our partial to our mnanufactures, ground commerce: but what is a much stronger theirlove offreedom, of reliance, their self-interest, would and their abhorrence of a dreadful slavery, bind them to your side; for a guarantee of their Ishall show, be the price liberty must, as presently of the supposed concessions. ofa commerTo all these probable advantages çial treaty, there does not seem to stand opposed F any --- Page 44 --- [ 34 J any sound objection which would not at least equally apply to the project now under review. The countenance: and support given to the new order of things would be substantially the and the actual intercourse with the same, people strictly so, whether our trade to their ports were carried on with, or without, any conventional basis. I will here dismiss the consideration- of the cond plan, and pass to the third. se3d. < To enter into some treaty or convention ce with the negro chiefs, not < tions closer than those of involving any rela66 commerce,' 99 general amity and This is probably the scheme of policy which will at first view appear the most 6c We ought not, it may be plausible. C6 stain Wom the conceded, to ab6c St, advantages which a trade to Domingo may afford, 'or contract the C cion and odium of its new suspiCc masters, by. prohibiting an amicable intercourse 66 territories and between their our own; we may: even prudently and advantageously form with them c commercial treaty ; but care should a 66 not expressly to be taken recognise their 6 nor to enter into any stipulations independency, which 66 found inconvenient in a future may be 66 France." pacification with As these views may be thought to derive some recommendation which a trade to Domingo may afford, 'or contract the C cion and odium of its new suspiCc masters, by. prohibiting an amicable intercourse 66 territories and between their our own; we may: even prudently and advantageously form with them c commercial treaty ; but care should a 66 not expressly to be taken recognise their 6 nor to enter into any stipulations independency, which 66 found inconvenient in a future may be 66 France." pacification with As these views may be thought to derive some recommendation --- Page 45 --- [ 35 ] recommendation irom their seeming conformity during the last war in our to the policy adopted I would in the first convention with Toussaint, place remark, that the precedent is quite inapplicable,forbetwent theleading circumstaneesofthat and of the present, there is not only great case, diversity, but a direct and manifest opposition. Atno time priort to the peace of 1801, was there of separating the cause of negro an opportunity that of French ambition, had we been liberty from When, by evacuatdisposed to adopt that policy. we ceased to make war against ing St. Domingo, the sable defenders oft that island, a great majority of them were indeed disposed to become our friendsand ourcommercial customers, but no party them evinced any disposition tq, become among the our general allies, or our confederates against republic. In a considerable part ofthe island, where commanded, hostility to this counGenerall Rigaud almost to the end of the try continued to prevail far from chooswar ; and Toussaint himself, was SO that he ing to engage with us as a confederate, mmintsinecdstrienlythed duties ofnettrality-.Though necessity justified in his eyes, and even imperious of the French the pain the opinion govemment, of cific convention which he made with an enemy the mother country, he never ceased to acknowand governed the colony in ledge her sovereignty, right --- Page 46 --- [ 36 ] right of successive commissions from the immediate rulers of France. Had we at that period offered a guarantee of liberty and independency, it wouldin all probability havebeen rejected ; for the republic, let it be remembered, had not then violated the which she had law by 1 recognised the freedom of her colonial negroes, nor shewn any disposition to restore the ancient system. But such measures as I now recommend, would, during the last war, have been, on other accounts also, clearly unwise. That France, when released from the restraints imposed upon her by a.continental and maritime war, would attempt a counterrevolution in that great colony, was at least probable ; and that the remains ofhalf a million of uncivilized people, after ten years of revolution and war, would be able to effect in the new world what confederated nations had vainly attempted in the old, by repelling the undivided efforts of that gigantic republic, was an opinion, upon the justice of which a statesman could not safely rely. If.it appeared a speculation too bold even in the page of a political pamphlet, to build upon it in the practical deliberations ofa cabinet would have been highly imprudent. A chance, therefore, seemed to remain of the réstitution in St. Domingo ofthe system to which we of revolution and war, would be able to effect in the new world what confederated nations had vainly attempted in the old, by repelling the undivided efforts of that gigantic republic, was an opinion, upon the justice of which a statesman could not safely rely. If.it appeared a speculation too bold even in the page of a political pamphlet, to build upon it in the practical deliberations ofa cabinet would have been highly imprudent. A chance, therefore, seemed to remain of the réstitution in St. Domingo ofthe system to which we --- Page 47 --- [ 37 ] to adhere in our own colowe were determined would, on our existnies;and wilfully to excludeit, inconsistent and maxims of policy, have been ing could even the event of the contest absurd, But foreseen, it would have have been with certainty an attempt been thought bad policy to prevent of France by which the armies and the resources and the immediate population were to be wasted, time materially of St. Domingo at the same and, what is of far greater importance, reduced : of the black colonists by which the attachment into enmity to. the republic, might be converted and detestation. of the new order of The invincible stability of and the opportunity. things in St. Domingo, island from effectually separating that important foundations the dominion of France, are essential the former was advice'; but of these of my present the last war, and the latter did unknown during not exist. now under discussion Since then the project from prececan claim no sound recommendation its intrinsic predent, let us proceed to examine tensions to your choice. justly, we are already IfI have thus far reasoned trade with St. arrived at the conclusion, that a that Domingo ought not to be sehollydedinel.ands of some comit should be placed on the basis chiefs. to be made with the negro mercial treaty next to consider whether It remains, therefore, commercial --- Page 48 --- 38: commercial arrangements should be the only objects embraced by such a treaty, or whether it oughtto extend to relations of a closer and more comprehensive nature. There is obviously no middle point between a amity between perfect E tical the contracting parties, and a polileague or alliance ; for any advance mere amity and mutual beyond in some degree torthat commerce, must amount society in political objects whigungnotituteskhe La relation of allies. Y Bdtto form.an alliance with.the new virtually to acknowledge their people, is that if weimike this independency; ; and same tinleto recognition, we ought at the sivel engage them, if possible, in a defenleague againstbrance, ET seems almost a political-axion, Tahallingwertheless shewin thesoquel, thepnduesmmhnenange ofthis consequence. Meantime, as it is snflicientlyobvioust that is now reduced to a comparison my argument and fourth of the between. the third and that projects proposed for diseussion; recommendation of the one for the most part, be an objection to the other, will, it time, and prevent repetition, to consider maysave them gether. toThe 3d and 4th Plans compared. The same arguments which have been urged in favour ofa commercial already intercourse in general, nduesmmhnenange ofthis consequence. Meantime, as it is snflicientlyobvioust that is now reduced to a comparison my argument and fourth of the between. the third and that projects proposed for diseussion; recommendation of the one for the most part, be an objection to the other, will, it time, and prevent repetition, to consider maysave them gether. toThe 3d and 4th Plans compared. The same arguments which have been urged in favour ofa commercial already intercourse in general, --- Page 49 --- L 39 1 neral, and for giving that intercourse a conventional basis, will be found to recommend the still further; ; forifwet form commercial relagoing benefits will, in the first tions alone, the expected far belessextensive; andi in the second place, place, than they might be made by a less permanent, political alliance. 1st. cc They will be less extensive." The beneficial effects to be expected from amity with thepeople ofSt. Domingo, are and commerce ofa valuable- branch of not only the acquisition of the dangers to trate, but a great diminution colonies willbe which Jamaica and our other sugar forin future exposed from the' power of thesel midable neighbours. Now both these advantages their extent, to the degree will be proportionatein ahalsiboroesab/tshet anid in which agriculture K hereafter maintained in'St.Domingo: That this is true in respect of thé commercial benefits, is sufficiently obvious ; and iti is fairly prethe of the insumable, that as mutual advantages tercourse shall increase, sO also will the mutual and confidence which they'naturally tend toi amity these new customersare inspire. The moreamply able to deal with us in thesale of their sugarand coffee, and in the purchase ofour mnanufactures,the more they will find their con@oststbsiretioymeatis dependent upon English and growing prosperity, will they obcommerce; and the more carefully serve --- Page 50 --- [ 40 ] serve that pacific and amicable our colonies, a violation of which conduct towards rupt and diminish would interBut some negative thoseblessings. effects of their pursuits will be not less agricultural vantage and important to our: future adsecurity ; for: that their late successes, and military spirit which have strongly tended long exercisei in war, must less to inspire, will be general and less obviously the cultivators dangerous, in proportion as are drawn back to their peaceful employments, and the rising generation through the excitement of trained, ture ofthe soil, Themore commerce, to the culploy in the cane oftheir youth they emthedrill, the less pieces, and the fewer they send to digenous danger will there be that their inmilitary strength will soon be in.annoying theirimpotent engaged But any great increase in neighbours. or abatement of military agricultural industry, expected from them at this preparation, isnot to be we determine to form critical period, unless mercial with them more than comengagements. There is now, let it be well infinitely considered, an object culture moreinteresting and important than or commerce to engagetheir anxious agrition:-for after the dreadful attenhad, they cannot safely experience they have conclude that the French government is even yet disposed to leave the undisturbed them in possession of their liberty, The But any great increase in neighbours. or abatement of military agricultural industry, expected from them at this preparation, isnot to be we determine to form critical period, unless mercial with them more than comengagements. There is now, let it be well infinitely considered, an object culture moreinteresting and important than or commerce to engagetheir anxious agrition:-for after the dreadful attenhad, they cannot safely experience they have conclude that the French government is even yet disposed to leave the undisturbed them in possession of their liberty, The --- Page 51 --- 41 1 maritime wari gives them indeed a The) present against invasion by the enemomentary security but if left to expect that mies ofGreat Britain : with the reuponthe termination of our quarrel public, they shall haye again to struggle singly merciless power, against against that despoticand all the ruflians of France and all the bloodhounds for but for freen of Cuba, not only independences and alnost. exdom, and for life itself, the great will clusive object of their present endeavours naturally be to prepare the means of war. In the contemplations vof < that horrible yoke which threatens them," to use thewords ofshailluss all minor considerations will be trious Toussaint, sunk. Instead ofplanting the sugar cane,thecottone bush, and thecofieetree, they will cultivatechiely those provisions of which they may form plantain the interior, and tions or lay, up magazines of subsistence in a new thereby enlarge the means mills defensive war. Instead of rebuilding sugar and boiling houses, they will erect forts and cast Instead of the manufactures up entrenclanents Manchesters they will import of Birmingham or and arms scarcely, any thing but ammunitions which we know from.thes Of the rising generation, best authority to be very numerous, the males,i when of ana age to be trained to labours will bes but to the drills andi sent, not to the cane pieces G a people --- Page 52 --- E 42 I apeople, on whose character the fate ofthe issuspended, will become a nation of Antilles Surely it is impossible that soldiers, or a a British statesman, philanthropist, should spect withont contemplatel this proorder, dismay. Not only will industry, Social civilization, and all the other life, be retarded in their blessings of tional character formed in growth, but a naequally this new unfriendly to its own community, anendous to its European happiness, and treThat St. Domingo, neighbours. will one day be mistress whatever of Course we take. lago, isindeed the Western Archipe ing highly probable;and that slavery of our colonies theshock. maintained, is sufficiently seamnotmuchionger be and rational certain ; but by a just forward poliey, we might be enabled to to the progress not only of African look dom, but, of African freeIndies, with satisfaction sovereignty, in the West The subversion of rather than dismay. so fertile in establishments SO guilty, and and misery and in death, both to Africa Europe, can- be deprecated only from terrible nature ofthe means, by which the if sudden and hostile, the change, fectedy and the ruin in must necessarily be ef which it would involve indiodbaberaatdinsteade ofan misfortune, it would be agrcatatlvantage, empire, could we tothiscommercial hereafter and maritime commute by compact with with satisfaction sovereignty, in the West The subversion of rather than dismay. so fertile in establishments SO guilty, and and misery and in death, both to Africa Europe, can- be deprecated only from terrible nature ofthe means, by which the if sudden and hostile, the change, fectedy and the ruin in must necessarily be ef which it would involve indiodbaberaatdinsteade ofan misfortune, it would be agrcatatlvantage, empire, could we tothiscommercial hereafter and maritime commute by compact with --- Page 53 --- [ 43 1 allied West Indian state, the costly and inwith an of thosedistant islands, for convenient sovereignty valuable trade. But if rero: a monopoly of their should be introduced lution, civil or political, colonies by insurrection or hostile into our sugar indeed would be the effects to indiforce, dreadful viduals, and pernicious to the nationat large. Let it.not then be considered as a question of to what politicial character the Insmall moment, shall beiat this cridigenes, asthey call themselves, in inclined. A restless warlike spirit tical period liberty and African dominion them will soon carry through all the together in at tempest ofrevolution islands. On the contrary, a pacific surrounding in this infant soçiety and industrious disposition would at least enable us to meet the approaching and, perhaps, by the changel by timclypreparation; correction of existing spontaneous and gradual intoour coabuses, tointroduce freedom generally lonies, the only mean of long preserving our sovereigotyoveraheu," without any disorderormischicf effects of liberty and peaçe in St. DoThe happy influence the policy ofall mingo would irresistibly colonies in the European powers who possess imitaWest Indies, and incline them to a willing Prejudice and self Jove mightindeed still dis tion. to oppose. thei salutary pose the colonial party unhappily now too changes but their influence, depowerful in this realm, would progressively cline; --- Page 54 --- [ 44 1 cline; falsehood would vanish before the clear light of experience, the true interests of the nation would be distinguished from the particular interests of the slave holder, and the chains of oppression would at length be loosened by the hand of an impartial legislature. What sedative then, Sir, can be found for that warlike temper, SO likely to mark the infancy of this new community, and SO muchto be deprecated, in a view both to commerce and security, except the measures I propose P Tranquillize the minds ofthe new people onthat heart-stirring subject of anxiety, the defence of theirfreedom, by guaranteeingit against the power of France, and they will be enabled to reduce, instead of enlarging, their military establishment and preparations; to restore the cultivators to the plantations, and to train up their youth to the peaceful labours of the field. Relying upon the national faith, and the maritime power of England, they will feel no necessity for a larger internal force than such a moderate army as may suffice to maintain industry and order; they will, in a word, revert to the wise policy of Toussaint, and pursuing the maxims ofthat illustrious statesman and patriot, Will apply themselves indefatigably to the restitution of agriculture and commerce. You will reap the reward not only in the rapid increase of a trade, to the monopoly ations, and to train up their youth to the peaceful labours of the field. Relying upon the national faith, and the maritime power of England, they will feel no necessity for a larger internal force than such a moderate army as may suffice to maintain industry and order; they will, in a word, revert to the wise policy of Toussaint, and pursuing the maxims ofthat illustrious statesman and patriot, Will apply themselves indefatigably to the restitution of agriculture and commerce. You will reap the reward not only in the rapid increase of a trade, to the monopoly --- Page 55 --- [ 45 D poly of which you will acquire the strongest and of titles, but in the fature security ofJamaica the rest of our valuable islands. out a new Here it may be proper to point difference between the present and material and those which circumstances of St. Domingo, with France. existed there during our last war as in the former case, It was not SO necessary with anxiety against the the present, to guard and to encourage progress of a warlike character, industry; carefully the restitution of peacefal with Toussaint, hecause, after our pacification and his followers had no such powerthat general the African ful motives as must at present befeltby and leaders, for cherishing the one disposition, neglecting the other. had at Theblack colonists, let it be remembered, in of uneasiness that time no apparent grounds country 5 regard to the intentions of the mother their freerelied for the security of and naturally the assurances of the godom, not only upon then unviolated law ofthe vernment, but upon the title to all the rights of republic, by which their declared. It is French citizens was solemnly of Toussaint nolimpeachment ofthe discernment that he seems to have had no jealousy to say, point; since even the inon this momentous if'r rightly understood, would terest of the republic, faith towards have been a pledge for her good those --- Page 56 --- [ 46 ] those loyal and useful citizens 5 and that mous Buonaparte would be such the faact upon the prejudiced a driveller as to Indian views of his wife's West cabinet, and to imbibe their foolish thiesiito a black skin, at the antipaof the colonial expence not only his importance .of France, but of power of annoying this event too country, was an improbable to bei believed to experience, It was not till after antecedently his minary treaty with England, that preliindications of this extreme some broad appeared in his folly for the first time Certain public-languageands conduct. however it is, that the African was deceired; and down to the chief Lekeehimsesianumpaed moment of on the treacherons withimplicit confidence assurances of the Hence that great man felt himself government. after his convention at liberty, indulge with General Maitland, to freely his beneficent wishes for the titution of: agriculture and resarmy was chiefly employed in commerce. the His a police framed to support of and it is demonstrable promote these pacific objects, from the French oflicial accounts, that a great part ofhis must have been restored military followers ployments: to their agricultural emfor his enemies had more to exaggerate than todiminish his temptation Leclerc's dispatches force; and yet described the regular black troops as amounting oniy to a few thousands, and freely his beneficent wishes for the titution of: agriculture and resarmy was chiefly employed in commerce. the His a police framed to support of and it is demonstrable promote these pacific objects, from the French oflicial accounts, that a great part ofhis must have been restored military followers ployments: to their agricultural emfor his enemies had more to exaggerate than todiminish his temptation Leclerc's dispatches force; and yet described the regular black troops as amounting oniy to a few thousands, and --- Page 57 --- [ 47 j who quitted their plantations and the cultivators, as in order to flock to the standard ofToussaint, the bulk, not only of the general pocomposing but ofthe army by which the cauiselof pulation, freedom was sustained. that the successors of this We cannot expect than unless furnished with better security hero, which he fatally relied, will pursne, that upon the same course of policy: at the present period, measures ofthe No professions, and no practical in their minds French govermthent, can renew issue. which had SO dreadful an the confidence fatally in haste to sink the As Toussaint was the new leaders will, if warrior in the legislator, left to their own resources, take an opposite He was at once the Romulus, and course. but Dessalines will the Numa, of St. Domingo, be rather the Hostilius. which their Nothing, in short, but the security freedom mightderivel by being placed dear bought of Great Britain, can prevent under the safeguard devoting all their resources this new people from from neglectfor future war; to preparations render them most ing those arts which might those habits valuable friendsto us, and cultivating which will make them mostl formidable neighOE bours. à that the adà Iremarked, in the second place, trade with vantages, commercial and political, ofa St. --- Page 58 --- L 48 ] St. Domingo, would, without the proposed alliance, <c be less permanent" thansuch an alliance might make them. The, negro chiefs will probably be willing enough toi enter with us into a treaty simply cbnmercial,shonld they find that no. more can be obtainedfo oreven withonta treaty, they will allow, us. frecly to trade. to their ports; and under the circumstances of the moment, amicable conduct towards-the subjects of-this country will perhaps be carefully observeds but if we wish for a lasting ptivilege or preference beyond other foreigners, wei must, as already observed, obtain it by compact;and though we are theonly people on earth who dare at this moment to accept of such a grant, yetin order effectually to obtain and preserve it, we must give in return some equivalent benefit. The reciprocity of commercial adyantage alone will not, entitle us for a moment to any such distinction; ; for in thisrespect other nations will have equal or superior pretensions. Their vessels will bring the commoditicsof Europe and America into the ports ofSt. Domingo: for sale upon terms at least as cheap as those ofthe British importer ;and will, receive West India produce in return, at a price at least as high as' our merchants can afford to offer. In order; therefore, to outbid all other competitors, we must add to mere mercantile considerations, what reciprocity of commercial adyantage alone will not, entitle us for a moment to any such distinction; ; for in thisrespect other nations will have equal or superior pretensions. Their vessels will bring the commoditicsof Europe and America into the ports ofSt. Domingo: for sale upon terms at least as cheap as those ofthe British importer ;and will, receive West India produce in return, at a price at least as high as' our merchants can afford to offer. In order; therefore, to outbid all other competitors, we must add to mere mercantile considerations, what --- Page 59 --- L 49 ] and entitle ourselves not what we alone can offer, but future gratitude onlyto a present predilection, offer of a defensive alliand attachment, by the ance. that the assistance which Should it be supposed, has, for our own sakes, and in a very equivocal towards the expulsion of a spirit, been given moment common enemy, would at the present for considered, as to procure be SO favourably consideration, a comus, without any further the mercial preference to other nations, permaof advantages which should upon that nence any still be reasonaccount alone be obtained, might doubted. The powerful motive of self-interest ably to ensure their stability; they would be wanting therefore be viewed with a grudging would soon which were past, and eye, as the price of services the value whereof had perhaps been over-rated: merchants would represent our privileges as rival restraints of trade, and labour, not unreasonable render them unpopular in the without success, to become, rather island, till they might at length mutual than bonds of sources of contentioll, amity. preference of Not SO, if a great or exclusive consideraBritish commnerce, were the stipulated of their freedom and a perpetion for a guarantee our tual defensire alliance. In that case, privileges stand the strongest and most durable would upon pillars H --- Page 60 --- L 50 ] pillars that the gratitude and self-love of people, could the new British conjointly raise to support them ; the flag would be regarded as the palladium oftheir-social happiness and safety, and an attachment might be expected to and lasting than their love emane.nutjaeposeri of tipathy to a horrible liberty, or their anbondage. So assiduous and successful have been the arts of calumny against this much injured race, that those who have viewed them with drawn only in the pictures by their oppressors, it may not be here unnecessary to assert their claim to hunan character in the sense of benefits conferred *. National of gmatitudeiscertainly a virtuewhich thé page history does not often exhibit in the conduct of polished societies; but if any one doubts wheHelerepienee-Toatagn can distinguish and * See a shocking instance of in an author ofno vulgar name, well misrepresentation on this head in his able worl-on the Colonial exposed by Mr. Brougham ers, vol. ii. p. 458. Policy of the European PowThis work, though it contains some abounds in valuable information, important errors, ous argument upon West Indian deep affairs. reflection, and ingenipractical policy in relation to St. Domingo Mr. B.'s views of opposite to those which were were in diametrically which it is the object ofthese sheets devcloped the Crisis, and wrote when, in common with the to impress; but Mr. B. he thought a counterrevolution in European that publiein general, object. The contrary being now island an attainable may safely invoke much of that demonstrated, the author Ruxiliary to hisown. gentlenan's reasoning as adhere argument upon West Indian deep affairs. reflection, and ingenipractical policy in relation to St. Domingo Mr. B.'s views of opposite to those which were were in diametrically which it is the object ofthese sheets devcloped the Crisis, and wrote when, in common with the to impress; but Mr. B. he thought a counterrevolution in European that publiein general, object. The contrary being now island an attainable may safely invoke much of that demonstrated, the author Ruxiliary to hisown. gentlenan's reasoning as adhere --- Page 61 --- [ 51 ] adhere to their public benefactors, let him advert to their unprecedented steadiness ofattachmegt to all their faithful leaders. From the first establishment oftheir freedom, till they were treacherously bereaved of Toussaint, their fidelity to that great man, in peace, as well as war, was truly remarkable; and since his fall, Dessalines and Christophe, who werehis most faithful adherents, and principal officers, have been objects of as steady an attachment. I rely, however, upon principles much surer and stronger than gratitude, which would bind them for ever to Great Britain, should she now become the patroness and guardian of their freedom. Wehave hitherto adverted only to those commercial benefits, and that better security of our sugar colonies from revolutionary dangers, which miglit be derived from the proposed alliance. But the same measure is necessary to avert some political inconveniences and perils of a more direct and comprehensive kind, which are likely to flow from the present state of St. Domingo. These I will proceed to consider, Ist. As they belong to the existing state of affairs. 2d. As they will arise in future, but certain, or highly probable situations. At this moment, the various political relations ofSt, Domingo are singular, and highlyperplexing, The --- Page 62 --- L 52 ] The new state is at war withall our confederated energies, and at war also with one of our I is the foe of France and friends. our foes, and Holland, who are.also yet is not our confederate; it is équally hostile to Spain with whom we amity, and yet is at are in peace with ourselves, What makes these cross relationsmore: and more singular embarrassing, is, that the ties to them are all placed within principal parothers territories. The sight of each prises, same visible horizon comtogether with St. most important Domingo, some of the colonial coasts of Spain and Great Britain; and for all the parposes of war the negro people, Cuba, which is agaiust neighbouring shores, one of those of France. It is may be regarded as a colony of that from the ports on the East end island, and from that station alone, that the French cruizers and fiugitive annoying their sable troops are now feebly enemies, and with a new descent. menacing them A man must be totally ignorant of the navigation and trade of the gulph of perceive at a single Mexico, not to glance the mischievous tendency of this state of things to the commerce Great Britain, and the disputes which it of soon unavoidably occasion between such of must parties as are yet at peace with each other. the Let us advert, for instance, to that trade which is carried on between profitable our free ports in their sable troops are now feebly enemies, and with a new descent. menacing them A man must be totally ignorant of the navigation and trade of the gulph of perceive at a single Mexico, not to glance the mischievous tendency of this state of things to the commerce Great Britain, and the disputes which it of soon unavoidably occasion between such of must parties as are yet at peace with each other. the Let us advert, for instance, to that trade which is carried on between profitable our free ports in --- Page 63 --- [ 58 I the West Indies, and the Spanish colonies; in of the goods which are the subject A great part during their transit to and of that commerce, are, of Spaniards, and of from our ports, the property by and condemnation course liable to capture the only foes she these sable enemies of Spain, has to seize them; and though no inconsinow of the same lucrative trade is carderable portion of our own merchants, yet ried.on upon account of the cabinet. of Madrid, from the rigid system British owner is for the most part obliged the under the names of Spato cover his property or ostensibly niards, and to send it in vesselsreally when. vessels Spanish. The consequence is,, that by the in this trade shall. be captured engaged Domingo, they and thein cargoes, cruizers of St. hostilca though actually British, will beapparently be will, by-the law of nations, Such property. the fact of British fairly confiscabley even though clearly estar ownership should be capable of being in the prize court, blished; for it is a principle that abostile flag and papers: are conclusiveagainas chiels tobe the claimant. But supposing the negro tor uninformed of this law, or SO indulgent either merchants as to wave its application, wards our of their property in suci and allow them, on proof serious excases, to obtain restitution's still very sustained inconvenience, and loss, must be pence, could be established: nor is it before thein claims easy --- Page 64 --- [ 54 J easy to saywhat species of evidence would to satisfy the ord ought captors, or a prize tribunal, that property embarked in a transaction wholly ducted by enemies, and avowed conto be hostile, really by all the papers belongs to a friend. captures would at least be a fertile "Thatsuch troublesome and source of dangerons disputes, is nor can it be doubted that they would certain; discourage, if not wholly very greatly ruin, a trade neficial to this country. highly be The effects of these hostilities between Domingo and Cuba, will be the more St. because by them only, at this period, vexatious, peace of the Gulph of Mexico and of can the ward Passage be disturbed. the Windthrougli this We shall lose cause alone, the profound tranquillity which our commerce might from circumstances otherwise; war, enjoy in that unprecedented in any former part of the world. Though France has now no port to leeward of though St. Domingois Guadaloupe, is still amicable to us, and Spain indulged with the rights of British property may be neutrality, yet navigation captured, and British greatly disturbed, in that gulph, and its outlets, even within important maica. sight of JaWhether any great inconveniences have to arisen from this situation of hitherinformed. In things, I am not some degree its bad effects doubtless have of the world. Though France has now no port to leeward of though St. Domingois Guadaloupe, is still amicable to us, and Spain indulged with the rights of British property may be neutrality, yet navigation captured, and British greatly disturbed, in that gulph, and its outlets, even within important maica. sight of JaWhether any great inconveniences have to arisen from this situation of hitherinformed. In things, I am not some degree its bad effects doubtless have --- Page 65 --- [ 55 ] been felt; but the surrender of the have already of the French from St. Cape, and the expulsion date of the last advices Domingo, were, at the have been given to the from that quarter which and the hostilities public, very recent events; Cuba had but just combetwech that island and therefore in remenced. Theirnoxious tendency could not well SO soon regard to British commerce, extensive consehave displayed itself, in any very quences. however, will, in all probabiThese hostilities, increased both in their extent lity, soon be greatly otherwise called, like and activity. The Indigenes, of French usurpation, all thé other-brave opposers their arduous Brigands, were able, even during armed contest with Rochambeau, to fit out many boats and vessels, which greatly annoyed the comof their enemies on various parts of the merce when the harbours are in their coast ; but now, when they have no enemy in the possession, and become far interior, their cruizers will naturally and many ofthem will probably more numerons; the largest be ofsufficient force to attack openly if not also any armed vessels, by merchantmen, to be opposed. Within a which they are likely orin either of those short distance of their shores, divide them narrow but important channels which from Cuba and Jamaica, it will soon not be easy to that yet new and navigate without encountering undescribed --- Page 66 --- [ 56 J andescribed phenomenon, the flag of the Indian republic. West Is it asked by what means this rude nity will be able commuHaval speedily to acquire ships and stores? Every capture which will add to their they make petty marine such a bottom as may be fit for annoying, in those calm unarmed merchantmen of their seas, the which are continually enemy, many of their ports: nor passing within sight of can it be doubted that even at the present moment, they have barterwith neutral produce enough to merchants for such naval and military stores as may suffice for the egnipment of their-vessels. Indeed the valuable must fall into their hands, will cargoes which ample find to for soon furnish an pay these, and all other necessary supplies. But privateering, let me add, is a trade which will never be at a stand species of want of'capital, where there is a throngh the profitable good prospect of captures; and ifthe proper resources the new state itself should be of fitting out of a sufficient number inadequate to the of cruizers effectually to annoy their enemies, they will be at loss for foreign assistance, not no though it may seem, for that ofhis even, strange jects. The rich commerce of the Majesty's subIndies is a bait which always Spanish West of our seamen, and of all fascinates the eyes adventurers, accustomed want of'capital, where there is a throngh the profitable good prospect of captures; and ifthe proper resources the new state itself should be of fitting out of a sufficient number inadequate to the of cruizers effectually to annoy their enemies, they will be at loss for foreign assistance, not no though it may seem, for that ofhis even, strange jects. The rich commerce of the Majesty's subIndies is a bait which always Spanish West of our seamen, and of all fascinates the eyes adventurers, accustomed --- Page 67 --- L 57 ] tomed to engage in the business of privatcering, such ofthem as inhabit or frequent the especially islands; and these men Bahama and Bermuda with impatience the delay of a war now regard for as to the trade of the few COwith Spain ; France and Holland,it offers lonies remaining to where; to such sportsmen but poor game any and in the Gulph of Mexico, or its passages, scarcely any at all. Rely upon it, therefore, that longer continueat peace with the should we much court of Madrid, no small part of the privateering capital and enterprize of British subjects will be transferred from our own colonies to At the same time, the remnant of St. Domingo. the old Buccaneer race still remaining dispersed of the West Indies, and who in various parts national character assume always that particular their love of which favours most, for the moment and maritime plunder, contraband employment will flock with avidity to the ports of that island, to engage under the new flag in their accustomed pursuits. was rendered formidable Never since Hispaniola by the exploits of that piratical race, not even when, during the 17th century, they revelled at once in the spoils both of Spanish and English commerce, were there such dazzling inducements as the same island at offered to privateers-men, holds forth. Not only the present conjuncture Porto Rico, the rich comwill the trade of I merce --- Page 68 --- 58 3 merce of the Havannah, and the great exports of Cuba at large, increased as they are of late years far beyond all former example, be a sure and easy prey, but a great part also of the treasures ofMexico and Peru may be intercepted on its passage to Europe by the cruizers of this centrical island: and the facility of bringing the spoil into port, will be not less tempting, than the ease with which it can be captured. Let the possible effects of these combinations be pursued by the eye of state prudence beyond the present day. I have already adverted to the consequences of a military spirit being formed in this infant society; but would an appetence for maritime capture, be less dangerous to their commercial neighbours P : Their war with the Spanish colonies may SOW deep in this new soil the seeds of a predatory disposition, which, springing up among the first shoots of social habits and institutions, may be found very hard to eradicate, and the independent Africans of the Antilles, may hereafter, like those of Barbary, be a.scourge to all maritime powers. Should it be objected to these calculations, that Spain, not having acknowledged the independency of St. Domingo, and being at peace with France, might reasonably treat the negro privateersmen and their foreign associates as pirates 5 I answer, that it would argue great ignorance of the character of such adventurers, and of the spirit , which, springing up among the first shoots of social habits and institutions, may be found very hard to eradicate, and the independent Africans of the Antilles, may hereafter, like those of Barbary, be a.scourge to all maritime powers. Should it be objected to these calculations, that Spain, not having acknowledged the independency of St. Domingo, and being at peace with France, might reasonably treat the negro privateersmen and their foreign associates as pirates 5 I answer, that it would argue great ignorance of the character of such adventurers, and of the spirit --- Page 69 --- E 59 1 in to suppose that spirit of privateering general, check their career. such severity would materially indeed for Spain to threatIt would be much easier to inflict them; en such penalties, than actually force in the West for sO slender is her maritime extent of her Indies, when compared with the that she canpossessions and trade in that quarter, tolerable degree, that enormous not check, in any with her colonies, which contraband commerce Although her guarda costa's notoriously prevails. to make seizures, the are sufficiently disposed feeble efforts, and carries smuggler despises their the very coasts on, often by day light, and upon which, in to guard, a trade, they are appointed him to slavery for case of capture, would consign would the life. With how much more facility the cruizers of St. Domingo be able, on hostile their own shores, to elude the open seas or near from which her scatfew armed ships of Spain, derive protered commerce might occasionally would such slight tection; and how inadequate the ardent spirit danger of capture be, to repress those extensive So easy is it on of privateering! into port, that the and accessible coasts to escape frequently brigand boats, as they were called, which brought supcaptured the merchantmen French even while a strong plies to Rochambeau, the Cape, and while squadron was stationed at harbours were still in possession the principal Needit be added, that the conseoftheir enemy. quence --- Page 70 --- [ 60 ] quence oftheir being made prisoners by at that time, would have been death to theFrench terprizing men, and death too in. these ensome horrible ArolTekgenbnhylemwma will scarcely dare to treat as pirates, men acting under the commission of a government which is de facto and which is well able to independent, taliation. practise a dreadful reWithout dwelling longer on this copious subject, Imay safely consider it as proved, that if harvest of Spanish booty is to be reaped the cruizers of St. by the will be Domingo, and by them only, there no want of. labourers or sickles for the work. 6c But would such a treaty as is proposed be preventative of all the evils, commercial and a tical, to which we have adverted P" It would polius, I answer, the best attainable give them. security against Snch an alliance with the negro chiefs would, for instance, intitle us in SO high a degree to their confidence and favour, that a pass from our vernment might be allowed by them to goa suflicient protection to British operate as when found in the hands of property, even Spanish enemies, and under a disguise. They would probably go still further, and allow Spanish vessels to molested to and from British pass unports, even when trading on their own account. At all full persuasion of our sincere events, a amity in the breast of , for instance, intitle us in SO high a degree to their confidence and favour, that a pass from our vernment might be allowed by them to goa suflicient protection to British operate as when found in the hands of property, even Spanish enemies, and under a disguise. They would probably go still further, and allow Spanish vessels to molested to and from British pass unports, even when trading on their own account. At all full persuasion of our sincere events, a amity in the breast of --- Page 71 --- [ 61 3 of the new government, would be a safeguard against dangerous contentions; and would insure when our commerce might, to us easy redress, of indivithrough- the ignorance or misconduct duals, be improperly disturbed. Our great influence might, however, extend to still more beneficial and important. We purposes possibly engage our grateful allies to might very renounce their just enmitytowards the Spaniards; and thus, with the concurrence of the latter, completely restore peace to those seas, in the tranquillity of which we have SO large an interest. It would be no unequal condition in the proposed league, to require, as a consideration of the important guarantee we should give, that our new allies should be hereafter the friend of our friends, as well as the enemy of our enemies; and as to Spain, she would have little right or inclination to complain, should we, in consequence of such an alliance, demand of her the termination of a war, which, without any rational object on her part, must bea a present nuisance to her coloniesas well as our own, and threatens to both in its pro-, the most and destructive effects. - gress pernicious The court of Madrid must, doubtless, already view with regret a troublesome and useless quarrel, in which nothing but necessary complaisance to the French republic, could have induced it to engage; and would rejoice to procure a peace through our mediation, if without violence to the same --- Page 72 --- [ 62 J same necessary principle, that end could tained. be at: I presume not indeed to say whether would permit such a measure-I France to conjecture how cannot venture may be deemed long the neutrality of Spain his by the consul more important to treasury, than her co-operation in the would be to his arms; war I nor, on the otherhand, can presume to appreçiate those which our own court has been considerations, by hitherto, and may be led still to' induced to treat this tributary vassal of treat, as a friend, France. But as parte must have powerful BuonaSO dependent and reasons for permitting serve her pacific obsequious a neighbour to preattitude, and to admit her ports that odious British freely into is anxious to banish from the commerce which he motives may perhaps induce Continent, the same object of him to relinquish the giving to his sable enemies a trivial noyance from the ports of Cuba, should anthat a neutrality towards them is he find from the Spanish court firmly demanded by the ministers of this country. If, on the contrary,ar measure essential to the safe passage of the colonial wealth of e to Europe, and Spain in its way consequently to the French exchequer, should be prohibited by the might perhaps deserve to be well consul, it ther his latent views in such considered, wheof a kind highly conduct must not be dangerous to this country; and whether yance from the ports of Cuba, should anthat a neutrality towards them is he find from the Spanish court firmly demanded by the ministers of this country. If, on the contrary,ar measure essential to the safe passage of the colonial wealth of e to Europe, and Spain in its way consequently to the French exchequer, should be prohibited by the might perhaps deserve to be well consul, it ther his latent views in such considered, wheof a kind highly conduct must not be dangerous to this country; and whether --- Page 73 --- [ 63 I ofour amity with Spain whether the disadvantages in the West Indies, were not in that case greater of precarious profit which we than the balance Let it be recollected, derive from it in Europe. is the only prethat her war with St. Domingo which that power could compatibly tence upon towards this with the general laws of neutrality be fitted allow French ships of war to country, in the ports of Cuba;and at out, and rendezvons be made of the anthe same time let an estimate to which our commerce must inevitably noyance this permission, and of the be exposed through and money to which we additional waste of men be subjected on the Jamaica shall in consequence removing the station. Remove this nuisance by and France will. not have a port pretext for it, from which she can fit to leeward of Guadaloupe out a single privateer. it should be But if, in the case last considered, of the more prudent to submit to some thought which have been suggested, than inconveniences of a rupture with to obviate them at the expence alliance with the and Spain 3 still a strict amity of would avert from IIS a great part negro chiefs, evils. If we could not restore the impending and its outlets, at peace to the Gulph of Mexico, of preshould obtain the best chance least we relations with. serving our pacific and commercial and that with both the neighbouring combatants, and loss., degree ofinconvenience the least possible Having --- Page 74 --- [ 64 ] Haviug thus far adverted to the and dangers, which, during inconvehienices. our existing relations, are likely to spring from the political of St. Domingo, let us new state consider those next, as was proposed, which aré likely to flow from same source, in future, but certain the bable situations. or highly proIf we anticipate, in the first which must beadmitted to be place, an event, of Spain highly probable, that bécoming a party to the our enemy, and thé confederate present war, as be found, that the of France, it will been same causes which have stated, would still operate already to our very unfarourably commerce, as well as to our colonial security. It was the policyof our last war, to profit by the government, during the necessities of colonies, SO as to supply them, thaSpanish existing hostilities, with notwithstanding the changefortheir our manufactnres, in exproduceandb bullion;and commerce with an enemy is in general thoughall under penalty of confiscation of the prohibited, gaged in it, yet in favour ofthis property enoftrade, that rule of the law ofwar particular branch with by orders ofhis was dispensed Majesty in council * subjects were permitted to trade Britisl account to and from the upon their owT ports of ca; ; and the subjects of Spanish AmeriSpain were * Orders of Council of 28th protected by gust, 1798. March, lst May, aind 7th Authe with an enemy is in general thoughall under penalty of confiscation of the prohibited, gaged in it, yet in favour ofthis property enoftrade, that rule of the law ofwar particular branch with by orders ofhis was dispensed Majesty in council * subjects were permitted to trade Britisl account to and from the upon their owT ports of ca; ; and the subjects of Spanish AmeriSpain were * Orders of Council of 28th protected by gust, 1798. March, lst May, aind 7th Authe --- Page 75 --- [ 65 ] in trading as in time of peace the same anthority, West Indies. Licences to our freè ports in the vessels and carthe from our governors exempted from capture; or goes engaged in such commerce the British in case of their being seized, intitled or Spanish owners to immediate restitution. national considerFrom the same important which this indulgence was founded, ations upon its renewal; in the we may reasonably expect and beyond event of a new quarrel with Spain; are and merchants doubt, our mantifacturers of such greatly interested in the maintenance commercial policy in that quarter of the globe. But here the hostilities between the Spanish colonies and St. Domingo, will present to us new and formidable obstacles 5 for in war, as well as most trade with those colonieshas always, in peace, our bytheirownlaw, been ascdlypotaweijetceal of fictionly be carried on clandestinely, by'means under the Spanish flag, and a tually, tious papers, of merchants ofthat naor ostensibly, on account straits to which tion. Even during the greatest hostilities in their colonies were reduced by our the dearth of essential supthe late war, through their vessels were seized and confiscated by plies, when detected in trading their own government, therefore, to or from a British port: It is obvious, this that the property which may be engaged in trade during a future war with Spain, will be exK posed --- Page 76 --- 66 J posed to the samejeoparty, and same inconveniencics and besubject to the ready been pointed losses, that have alsisting intercourse out, inrespect of our nowsubWe shall with those colonies. the obviously have no right to ships or goods ofSpanish merchants protect hostilities of thein new from the exempt them from our enemy, though we may of British own; and toi elicit the fact dences ownership from the mass in which it is disguised, ofSpanish eviobserved, be a very diflicale would, as before At trade, therefore, which or impractieabletask the property embarked already not only exposes the immediate in it, but the persons of be agents, to serious dangers, would subjected to such new and ditional risques, that it must formidable adraged and be greatly discoudiminished, if not The whollydestroyed. neighbouring operations of war carried on from the coasts of Jamaica and St. against an enemy within sight of Domingo fail to produce other, and both, could not dispute, and of serions numerous, occasions of unless the mutual public inconveniences the good will and stipulations of a treaty, and press confidence arising from an exconfederacy, were the wholesome oipreventione expedients Cases ofjoint capture, for capture or rescue, would in instance, and of renels very frequently those narrow chanoccur; and thenccessary but invidious the coasts of Jamaica and St. against an enemy within sight of Domingo fail to produce other, and both, could not dispute, and of serions numerous, occasions of unless the mutual public inconveniences the good will and stipulations of a treaty, and press confidence arising from an exconfederacy, were the wholesome oipreventione expedients Cases ofjoint capture, for capture or rescue, would in instance, and of renels very frequently those narrow chanoccur; and thenccessary but invidious --- Page 77 --- [ 67 ] invidious right of search, must be exercised on both sides, between the independent and unallied The neutral ships trading to the belligerents. and their cargoes, would ports of St. Domingo, and dangerous conalso be subjects of frequent will have troversy; especially as the new people articlesofa contraband occasion largely to import to and as the pretence of a destination nature, be made a specious mask for the their ports, might noxious goods to Cuba, or to conveyance of such main. Questions of still greaterdelithe Spanish arise, from the opposite cacy and danger might by our captors, principles which would be'applied to the naand those of the new state respectively, found on board tives ofAfrica, or creole negroes, be the subprize vessels; especially should they should ject of joint capture, or of recapture; or other means, be supposed to be prithey, by any of African captives vileged by the new sanctuary and bondsmen. source ofdiscord preAndhereanother copious shall the harbours sents itself. To what extent the one side, and roadsteads of St. Domingo on from and of Jamaica on the other, be privileged but the operations of war against any cruizers their own ? or how far shall the property of prizes made within their limits, vest in the government of the country to which theybelong? of Without anticipating any further grounds controversy, --- Page 78 --- 68 J controversy, I may safely affirm, that anxious conventional the most fidence which precautions, and that conbelongs to the most amity, can alone secure unequivocal posed, from uS, in the case last supthat whatever pernicious and fatal disputes; and under chance we may have of present avoiding, people ofSt. circumstances, a quarrel with the unless Domingo, their speedy enmitywould) prevented by an alliance, vitable bealmost an ineconsequence of hostilities between country and Spain, this It may, perhaps, at first sight be hatred to a common thonght that ent bond of enemy, would be a suffici. with the only attachments ; and that when at war we should have hostile neighbour of the new state, influence co-belligerent for enough over this inferior every! useful any express alliance. But purpose, without. common as there would be noi much less cause, or mutual object in the war, ed as volunteer any claim on our part to be considera - feel little auxiliaries, the negro chiefs could part of their disposition to abate for our sakes any conduct their belligerent rights; much less to consult war upon principles calculated to 4 our convenience, the expence of their interest, Or security, at own. It would not be forgotten had been suffered by them, that Spain to the French to Jend the ports of Cuba fugitives, for purposes hostile to St, Domingo; or mutual object in the war, ed as volunteer any claim on our part to be considera - feel little auxiliaries, the negro chiefs could part of their disposition to abate for our sakes any conduct their belligerent rights; much less to consult war upon principles calculated to 4 our convenience, the expence of their interest, Or security, at own. It would not be forgotten had been suffered by them, that Spain to the French to Jend the ports of Cuba fugitives, for purposes hostile to St, Domingo; --- Page 79 --- - [ 69 ] and that the measure, though danSt. Domingo; had not been regarded by us gerous to ourselves, violation of her neutrality to this country, as any the Indigenes were the immediate merely because Perhaps the memory of objects of annoyance. these chiefs might take a still longer retrospect, to them our conduct towards and by suggesting at the conclusion of our the illustrious Toussaint, former war with France, might admonish them to look in the existing contest to their own security alone; lest by furthering our selfish views, they should only accelerate a new invasion, and a new by the armies of the republic. The exsurprise, measure of our destroying or carrying traordinary their means of defence upon the surrender away of certain fortresses, after those places to our ships reduced, at the expence of had been previously the of an immuch African blood, to necessity mnediate capitulation, might also be remembered; and, to be sure, no conduct could indicate more plainly a design on our part of resuming towards former on the close of our new them our policy, quarrel with France. But such indications of a separate and selfish object in our war with their enemies, would not be necessary to teach them to take care of themsclves. It would be enough that we had not acknowledged their independency, much less undertaken to defend it; and that there was no conventional --- Page 80 --- 70) ] conventional association with them in those tilities in: which we had, at length, for hossakes, engaged. In theselfish and our own discordant pensities ofhuman nature, at least, the calumnia- pro: tors of the African race will not refuse them share; and their a friends, on the other hand, will neither admit them to be SO dull, nor assert that. theyares sO preposteronsly for the sake of our constrained genervasasioreagmnos care of their own interest and co-operation, the safety. For part, Ishould expect as Jittle regard from, my to their reluctant foreign them had been educated at coadjutors, as if they, look for Vienna or Berlin; and should as little of practical concert, and mutual deference, between the casual the co-belligerents of Antilles, as was exhibited between those the late war in, Europe. of In the case immediately under and in all our future consideration, wars, much of positive advantage would be lost, as well as very serious evils incurred, should you. neglect to avail self, as I advise, of the present yourtunity. bappy oppor The geographical position of St, is such, as would make the free use-of Domingo its the greatest importance ports, of between this to either party in a war country and its ancient enemies, From no station can the trade of Cuba and the Mexican provinces be SO effsctuallyannoyed; and that in all our future consideration, wars, much of positive advantage would be lost, as well as very serious evils incurred, should you. neglect to avail self, as I advise, of the present yourtunity. bappy oppor The geographical position of St, is such, as would make the free use-of Domingo its the greatest importance ports, of between this to either party in a war country and its ancient enemies, From no station can the trade of Cuba and the Mexican provinces be SO effsctuallyannoyed; and that --- Page 81 --- - - 71 J locks in and commands the that it completely of the map, with island ofJamaica, an inspection will attention to the course of the trade wind, sufliciently" demonstrate. of the island in a maritime war The' importance less than it is likely in has hitherto been infinitely intebecause, since the colonial future to prove; of Great Britain and rests,and the naval strength and long conFrance fully attained to their great those leading and engaged tinued preponderanice, West Indian wars, St.Domingo powersi in frequent colonies have never till now been and the Spanish but have been under the dohostile to each other, sovereigns. The minion of allied and confederated thercconsequence ofthis great island, belligerent has been chiefly felt in the annoyance given fore, rendezvousing in its ports, to the by French ships, and this effect has been commerce of Jamaica; naval force of mitigated, not only by the great which has enabled us to keep up this country, that station, and to employ strong squadrons on but from the immense exvery powerful convoys, of St. Domingo itself, tent and value ofthe exports our and of the Spanish colonies, which obliged their allied enemies for the most part to limit maritimne efforts in that quarter to purposes defensive. Many of our merchantmen merely indeed, were carried into the ports from Jamaica, of of St. Domingo, but a much larger proportion the --- Page 82 --- [ 72 ] the enemy's ships which sailed to and from those ports, were captured by British cruizers; SO that the balanceo ofprizeacquistion: andloss, wasi usually much in our favour. It may be added, that great incidental protection was afforded to our commerce in the windward passage, and the Gulph, by the numerous British privateers which, invited by the hope of falling in with rich St. Domingo-men, made those seas their constant resort. A moment's attention to the singular reverse in most of these circumstances which must arise from the great change that has lately taken place, will suflice to shew the important influence which the amity or enmity of the new state, would have upon our maritime interests, in our wars with our ancient enemies, Hispaniola, no longer under the dominion of the house of Bourbon, or of that power, styling itself a republic, which has seized upon one of the thrones of the Bourbons, will, if hostile to Spain, and in' confederacy with ourselves, be found a most important ally. With the numerous ports on the North, South, and West of this large island at our command, and with an auxiliary army of negroes at our call, our power to distress the Spanish colonies and commerce, would be as wide as our inclination to do SO. From the same advantages, the defence of Jamaica, and of all our commerce in the Gulph ofMexico, would itself a republic, which has seized upon one of the thrones of the Bourbons, will, if hostile to Spain, and in' confederacy with ourselves, be found a most important ally. With the numerous ports on the North, South, and West of this large island at our command, and with an auxiliary army of negroes at our call, our power to distress the Spanish colonies and commerce, would be as wide as our inclination to do SO. From the same advantages, the defence of Jamaica, and of all our commerce in the Gulph ofMexico, would --- Page 83 --- [ 73 J cheapness and would be a work of mmprecedented facility. the other hand, beyond all former Great on to which we experience, would be the annoyance of St. Doshould be exposed by tbe hostility side in fusupposing its government to mingo, enemy of this country. ture wars with a maritime menaced with invaWhile Jamaica, perpetually would cost us a frightful sion by a negro army, in a serwaste of British lives, as well as treasure, defensive, our trade in that quarter vice merely the undiverted operations would be harassed by enemy, ofsuch ships and squadrons, as a European of the new state, might send to rendezthe ally Nor would these evils be vous in its harbours. degree by such rich compensated in any material of made from the commerce spoils as were formerly its exports to regain St. Domingo ; for supposing the new political reeven their former magnitude, them from the lations of the island would rescue to of our cruizers. Its external commerce, grasp would no longer be conwhatever extent revived, themselves, or of islanders ducted on accountofthe at all times enemies, but being our European merchants, would entirely in the hands of foreign of in time of war, be carried on upon account advanonly as should possess the such foreigners engaged tage. of neutral character; the property in L --- Page 84 --- E 74 ] in Tt would consequently, unless under circumstances, be exempt from special important capture. That belligerent right, the right of maintaining against neutral intervention in time of the commercial restrictions war, by which a hostile government had monopolized the trade of its lonies in time of peace, will here have COcation. In this, and no applishall many other respects, we experience the important difference between a trans-atlantic enemy, the satellite of some European power; and the same enemy, when enfranchised from all exterior ing connection, and actagainst us as a principal in the war, or an independent confederate. To undervalue or slight these considerations account of the present depression of the French on marine, and the pacific disposition of because France has no longer Spain, or the Leeward division of the any territory in bighly Antilles, would be improvident ; for of these extenuatory circumstances, the two latter may be very speedily reversed, and the first considerably altered. The Consul could, no doubt, with a date, obtain the cession of Porto single manRico, or even Cuba, as well as compel the court of Madrid join him in the war; ; and that the navy of France to - may be one day sufliciently restored to be troublesome to our commerce and colonies, is impossible event, surely no Wbether bighly Antilles, would be improvident ; for of these extenuatory circumstances, the two latter may be very speedily reversed, and the first considerably altered. The Consul could, no doubt, with a date, obtain the cession of Porto single manRico, or even Cuba, as well as compel the court of Madrid join him in the war; ; and that the navy of France to - may be one day sufliciently restored to be troublesome to our commerce and colonies, is impossible event, surely no Wbether --- Page 85 --- [ 75 ] regard the probable ef Whether then, sir, you relations, fects in the West Indies of our existing in the changes likely to take place or anticipate before we can sheath the sword, those relations which the forward, with a providence or look demands, to future wars, state of Europe loudly fortunate of embracing the present the prudence to be denied. In opportunity is too manifest to insure, if either view, it is of vast importance Indian power possible, that the new born West and adshall hereafter be propitious to ourselves, verse to our enemies. will suffice. Ifa But to this end no half measures ashas been merely commercial will not, connection security against disalready shown, be an adequate less will it entitle us cord and future enmity, much from which we mightderice to the positive benefits, when intimate relations with the new people, more maritime power. A commercial at war with a far abate their reasonable treaty might indeed SO fear to admit distrust, that they might no longer Dessaships of war into their harbours, as our when he declined to furlinés apparently did, * but if we would have the, pish us with pilots 5 free See Gazette of February 7th, 1804. Itisapity AttheCape. upon the subject oft the capitulathat thewhole correspondence because thea apparent tion with Rochambeau was not published, mutilation --- Page 86 --- L 76 ] free use of thein ports for the equipment and purposes of naval enterprize, and avail other respects of their ourselves in a common! very important aid against enemy, as well as guard against their great power of future ciliate their confidence annoyance, we must conand attachment, fensive alliance. by a de: Were I to stop here, considerations perhaps have been offered in enough recommended support of the to justify its immediatel plan unless more weighty adoption; to objections than I am able anticipate can be placed in the opposite But these, cogent scale, are by no means the though they appear to be, the motives that call mostimportant for or urgent, of such a measure. The grand, and I will venture to clusive, arguments add, the conyet remain' to beopened. Hitherto we have not of'a speedy supposed the possibility and reconciliation between St. Domingo France-nor have we considered the consemutilation ofit,leaves room for had still better grounds for his conjecture, that the.negro chief Was it intended to conductiban met the public the destroy or carry away eye. Cape, as well as at Fort Dauphin ? A themilitary stores at beau to permit us SO far to frustrate his refusal of Rochamsalines, or at least his refusal to capitultion with Desthose terms, would appear to have capitulate been to our squadron on sentment which his conduct one cause of the reinspired at Jamaica. quences consemutilation ofit,leaves room for had still better grounds for his conjecture, that the.negro chief Was it intended to conductiban met the public the destroy or carry away eye. Cape, as well as at Fort Dauphin ? A themilitary stores at beau to permit us SO far to frustrate his refusal of Rochamsalines, or at least his refusal to capitultion with Desthose terms, would appear to have capitulate been to our squadron on sentment which his conduct one cause of the reinspired at Jamaica. quences --- Page 87 --- [ 77 1 the republic on the termina quences of leaving in possession of her tion of the present war, these most momens claim to that island-but to I must tous and alarming views of our subject, to invite your serious attention. now proceed advert to the chanceofa reconAnd firsty let us and their formen ciliation, between the Indigenes masters. cruel, and exasIf wrongs the most perfidious, that were ever offered by a goverment the perating, could to a certainty preclude to a people, between them, St. Dominchance of future amity not only as a must be for ever lost to France, go friend. It scems at this moment a province, buta and injurious to the chamonstrous notion even, to conceive that racter of the brave Indigenes, themthey can ever bei brought again to profess Their subjects or friends of the republic. selves, appear to justify, and even to unparalleled wrongs against thein demand from them, an indignation be ended or asbarbarous oppressors never to suaged. sanabile vulnus." 3> I Immortale odium, et nunquam But let us not draw precipitate conclusions upon this truly important subject. France shouli ever That the present despot of of that injured again conciliate the confidence people, --- Page 88 --- [ 78 ] people, is indeed I hope bably sinned impossible. He has pros against them and has deceived and beyond forgiveness, as to preclude all betrayed them SO basely, or his oaths.--Bue future faith in his promises bered, is not Buonaparte, let it be remem immortals nor is his cure from a sudden and authority, seWhat speedy subversion. changes the death or deposition of that tyrant might make in the European France, it is not easy to policy of with almost foreseey but this may certainty be predicted, that in what regards her West- India would be totally colonies, his measures reversed. The loss of St. mingo, the new infamy brought Doname by his detestable upon the French the sacrifice of conduct in the Antilles, sixty thousand brave and veteran troops, by a project which both in its and its intemperate conception wicked and prosecntion, was superlatively cal weak-these are faults which hisinimisuccessors would be happytol even a new government blazon,and which could such friendly to his a one be expected to succeed memory, power, would find it more to his conceal. politic to exhibit than Those pernicious measures had, their ignominious prior even to popular; catastrophc, become very unespecially with the army ; and it be questioned whether they were not may SO from the beginning, prosecntion, was superlatively cal weak-these are faults which hisinimisuccessors would be happytol even a new government blazon,and which could such friendly to his a one be expected to succeed memory, power, would find it more to his conceal. politic to exhibit than Those pernicious measures had, their ignominious prior even to popular; catastrophc, become very unespecially with the army ; and it be questioned whether they were not may SO from the beginning, --- Page 89 --- [ 79 ] of the people of beginning, with a great majority fatal eflects must France. But now at least, their and would be a source of general discontent; reason enough to a new administration, furnish the past, and adopting an oppofor condemning sit2 system. these considerations be How powerfully must events!-A new. war strengthened by recent of some of the with England, the reconquest of the rest, and Windward Islands, the danger have ultimate evacuation of St. Domingo, the state of things such as led the brought back a enfranchisement to convention, in 1794, tô decree at large; and such as must the colonial negroes himself deplore his own make even the Consul that decree. egregious folly, in wholly reversing his steps, inclined to retrace If not yet heartily the side of France, allies who and to replace on make for him a most powerful could not only British army, but enable diversion of the regular colonies, and to him to preserve his remaining commerce, it stab deep into the bosom of our and the inmust be because his despotic pride, united, are fluence ofhis West Indian connections for his hafor his policy, and even an overmatch But hisi successors, on whom tred of England. would reflect no dissuch a reverse of system to adopt it; would infallibly be disposed grace, least in respect of St. Domingo. at They --- Page 90 --- [ 80 ] They would first, probably the sovereignty ofthe island; attempt to regain solemn ; by offering such a recognition of freedom, and such for its future security Indigenes maintenance, as might induce the to wave their claim of and again to profess themselves independency, public. But citizens of the Retical supposing this attempt to fail, poliindependency, would probably be upon the condition of their conceded, exclusive giving to France the right of trading to their ports, and tering with her into a perpetual ennew governors of the alliance. Ifihe lightened Republic should be enpoliticians, they may that such a possibly perceive far confederacy would make St. more valuable to France, and Domingo to England, than it would more formidable newal of its former become even by the resubjection. Upon such a basis as this, the a reconciliation cannot practicability of But that a submission reasonably be doubted. the Republic, even to the sovercignty of would be inexorably refused to a government, by which the odious Consul had been power of the tain. overthrown, is by no means cerThe new rulers of France would be able ciously, and even truly, to ascribe to the spegovernment which' they had abolished, despotic deous sins against the African those hiRepublic had been race, by which the disgraced ; and credibly to alledge a reconciliation cannot practicability of But that a submission reasonably be doubted. the Republic, even to the sovercignty of would be inexorably refused to a government, by which the odious Consul had been power of the tain. overthrown, is by no means cerThe new rulers of France would be able ciously, and even truly, to ascribe to the spegovernment which' they had abolished, despotic deous sins against the African those hiRepublic had been race, by which the disgraced ; and credibly to alledge --- Page 91 --- L 81 ] measures of the Conledge that the trans-atlantic the sense of the sul had been as opposite to of justice and French people, as to the dictates when At the tie, it might be said, humanity. of the colonial negroes was perfidithe freedom of the French citizens in ously invaded, that suppressed; and a new Europe had been totally for of terror, had made them irresponsible reign the acts of the second Robertspierre. be enemies, it must In justice to our unhappy have in this case as fair acknowledged, that they condition can as thein own enslaved an apology, that the law brought afford. It is a striking fact, to the senate by the agents of the Consul, into slave trade, and abrogate that charter revive the the decree of February, 1794, ofcolonial freedom, boldness, than any was opposed with much greater which that assemoft those domesticianovations) by madeto sacrificeits own boasted rights,and bly was No less than twentythel liberty of the Republic. and the virtue to seven members had the courage to that execrable law, in opposition vote against of fifty-four *. In an ata government majority ofSt. Domingo, tempt to conciliate. the negroes fairly this fact would not be forgotten, and might considerable effect. produce a very * Paris Newspapers of May 20th, 1802. It M --- Page 92 --- r 82 D Itis obyious, that if such apologies duct, should suffice to for past conappease the resentment, and remove the suspicion of the black new French colonists, or if a government should prudently limit its pretensions to a mode of connection of which confidence is no indispensible basis, there are many powerful inducements which would the new people to intimate connections dispose France, in preference to any other nation. with Unity of language is one of these motives, of which. among an illiterate people, the effect will be peculiarly great. But a still more powerful sympathy will be found in the unity of religious worship, and tenets. The slaves in the French islands, prior to the revolution, were by no means wholly neglected in point of religious culture, Many pious missionaries, laboured earnestly for their instruction and conversion, and were protected and aided by the government, in the prosecution of that charitable work. Nor did the established clergy of those islands, regard this degraded class as unworthy of their pastoral care: : SO that by the concurrence of regular and irregular efforts, a large proportion of the were brought to as much knowledge of negroes, Christianity, as is usually the portion of the poor and illiterate slaves in the French islands, prior to the revolution, were by no means wholly neglected in point of religious culture, Many pious missionaries, laboured earnestly for their instruction and conversion, and were protected and aided by the government, in the prosecution of that charitable work. Nor did the established clergy of those islands, regard this degraded class as unworthy of their pastoral care: : SO that by the concurrence of regular and irregular efforts, a large proportion of the were brought to as much knowledge of negroes, Christianity, as is usually the portion of the poor and illiterate --- Page 93 --- [ 88 ] Catholic countries of Euilliterate in the Roman were not Masters, or colonial assemblies, rope. in some other colonies, to gratify Jeft at liberty, as latent infidelity, or their prejudices their own obstructing either against the African race, by in this part of the parish priests or missionaries, their clerical duty. to these unReligion brought in her train, temporal, as well as spiritual comforts. happy men, annual festivals They obtained, during the great the master of the church, periods of repose which confessor, and found in their durst not invade; into whose one of the awfully privileged race, illegal conld, when suffering under any ear they without danger, or nnusual degree of oppression, the mediation pour their complaints. Through conscience ofthe ofthis patron, not only was the dictates of often induced to listen to the master, but the protection of the majustice or mercy ;. invoked with safety to the gistrate was sometimes as the law complainants, against such wrongs would redress. their attachment By these causes, not only was but that reverto, and zeal for, religion promoted, are which the Romish tenets and ceremonies ence calculated to secure to the priesthood, strongly encreased ; SO that the clergy had was naturally the minds of the influence uppn a very powerful slaves; --- Page 94 --- [ 84 ] slaves; and the effect survived at St. Domingo the revolution which gave them their freedom; ; for the priests were notorionsly in high favour with Toussaint, and were supposed greatly to influence his councils. The popularity ofthe clergy has since no doubt been much impaired; but it is not entirely lost ; for though some of the probably seem to have become the body, dupes, or willing instruments, ofthe Consul'sperlidions policy, the greater part' of them it is fair to presume, have deplored the vile measures ofthe durst government; ; and ifthey not oppose, have at least not openly involved themselves in its crimes. But at all events, ifthe religious principle has survived among any large portion ofthe people, it will be a necessary effect of the Romish faith, to restore the influence of the priesthood. To the independency of the new society, the clergy will probably feel no disinclination, vided it can be placed under the safeguard ofa propowerful guarantee; but if not, their prudence, and their European feelings, will conspire with their predilections as Frenchmen and Catholics, to make them desirous of a reconciliation with the Republic: - Their powerful influence therefore may in that case be expected to favour any ment which France may propose; at least ifit agree- be not inconsistent with the freedom and of their converts. happiness Nor the priesthood. To the independency of the new society, the clergy will probably feel no disinclination, vided it can be placed under the safeguard ofa propowerful guarantee; but if not, their prudence, and their European feelings, will conspire with their predilections as Frenchmen and Catholics, to make them desirous of a reconciliation with the Republic: - Their powerful influence therefore may in that case be expected to favour any ment which France may propose; at least ifit agree- be not inconsistent with the freedom and of their converts. happiness Nor --- Page 95 --- [ 85 ] the adherents by whom the Nor are these only of Indigenes are likely to be influenced in favour with Frauce, should we leave them a compromise better exterior connection. They unoccupied by a whose have European inmates and fellow soldiers, superior knowledge and talents must naturally have great weight in their public councils; and to these, an equivocal or irresolute conduct on in to the independency of the our part regard of new state, will create an evident necessity making their peace with France. The Polish, Italian, and French deserters, and even such of the planters, who either from the first opposed the violent measures of the government, forsook the sinking cause of Rochambeau, are or of course inimical to, and proscribed by, the now The situation ofthese men consular government. of considerable uneasiness must at present be one and anxiety; for though they were induced by prudence, or driven by oppression, or by just horror at the crimes of the Consul, to forsake the execrable standard of the French army, and join the insurgents, it must be an alarming consideration with them that they are at present cut off from community, and embarked in a every European cause which no civilized state has yet patronized acknowledged; at the peril, on the one hand, of or to which their complexion exthe popularjealousy poses --- Page 96 --- L 86 - poses them among their new the other, of the associates, and on the perils indignation of the Consul, and perhaps of a new invasion. To men, nothing could be more desirable such the freedom and than to see taken under the independency of St. Domingo protection of Great should they find that all Britain; but Republic, will not induce our animosity to the able us at this most favourjuncture, to coalesce with an African ple in the Antilles, they will peocommodation with perceive that an acfrom the France, can alone deliver them dangers of their present situation. will therefore be eager to make their They the existing or some future peace with country; ; and will be government of that don, by glad to purchase their parusing all their influence to the African chiefs to such a bring over safely recommended, compromise as may be From these. united considerations I you ought not to rely on the infer, that just exasperation of the present great and people of St. as full security against the Domingo, to regain their attempts of France less against the dependency as colonists ; much wiser endeavour on her obtain their friendship and alliance, part, to There is, however, at this critical principle far more influential juncture, a ciety than the motives upon the new soand the interests to which Ihave afely recommended, compromise as may be From these. united considerations I you ought not to rely on the infer, that just exasperation of the present great and people of St. as full security against the Domingo, to regain their attempts of France less against the dependency as colonists ; much wiser endeavour on her obtain their friendship and alliance, part, to There is, however, at this critical principle far more influential juncture, a ciety than the motives upon the new soand the interests to which Ihave --- Page 97 --- [ 87 ] Ihave adverted, and all other popular feelings united ; and by this, if wisely enlisted on our raise insuperable bars to their side, you may their future re-union with France, and perpetuate animosity to that country. You have only to appeal to that heart-stirring feeling, their solicitude for the safety of freedom, their dread of cc the horrible and bid them to look to - yoke," maritime for the protection at once of our power, their private liberty, and their independency as a nation. Guarantee those important objectsmake the price of the stipulation a perpetual alliance against France-and their breach with her will be widened SO extensively as to close no more. The Republic will thenceforth have nothing to concede, that will not be regarded as already securely obtained-no offers to make, that will not be considered as insidious,--no menaces to use, but such as will be despised.-Then indeed, you may rely upon the lasting effect of the Consul's cruelties and frauds, may pronounce a final divorce between this injured people and their merciless oppressors, and effectually say, C pugnent ipsi nepotes." A treaty or an intercourse merely commercial, would be SO far from producing these important consequences, that our disposition to form such relations, and to stop short at that point, might' furnish --- Page 98 --- L 88 J furnish arguments against us to the advocates of the Republic. Such a half measure under present circumstances, might speciously, nay, it might truly, be represented, rather as a proof of our incurable hostility to the freedom of the African race in the Antilles, than any symptom of a contrary disposition. That we advanced SO far, might be reasonably ascribed to commercial cupidity; that we offered no closer relations, could only be accounted for by what may be too fairly imputed to us, a bigoted antipathy to the new order of things in St. Domingo. Theviolent and acrinonouenatsireofourg present contest with the Republic,wonld add great force to such an inference. Our abstemiousness in such a case, could admit but of one solution, a solution SO obvious, that neither the emissaries of France, not the sincere friends of the Indigenes, would fail to point it out to them.- England, it would be c said, is again practising the policy she used Cc towards Toussaint.-She will take your com66 merce during the war, but leave you exposed 66 again at its conclusion, to all the vengeance of 6 the Republic. Nay, she will perhaps again faG cilitate, even at the expence of her own immecc diate security, new efforts of that power against Gc your freedom, by allowing French fleets to <6 the ocean, prior to a desntiesiraty,atetderitiar pass 66 you may the more effectually be surprised by a € powerful is again practising the policy she used Cc towards Toussaint.-She will take your com66 merce during the war, but leave you exposed 66 again at its conclusion, to all the vengeance of 6 the Republic. Nay, she will perhaps again faG cilitate, even at the expence of her own immecc diate security, new efforts of that power against Gc your freedom, by allowing French fleets to <6 the ocean, prior to a desntiesiraty,atetderitiar pass 66 you may the more effectually be surprised by a € powerful --- Page 99 --- [ 89 ] < powerful invasion. She withholds the recogniCc tion of that independency which you now assert < against France, and avoids an alliance with this < you, in order that she may play again cc part, without incurring the reproach of open CC perfidy. Nothing, therefore, remains to you, selfish and 66 but to secure, at the expence of this < bigoted nation, such good terms as you may c now make with the republic." If we would estimate rightly the probability of between St. Domingo and France, a reconciliation and form adequate conceptions of the mischievous tendencies of such an event, we must look beyond the period of the present war. At this moment any conciliatory efforts which the French government might be disposed to employ, however favoured by the hesitating conduct of this country, and by the particular interests of individuals in the colony, would be made under such great disadvantages, as might very probably render them abortive. The injured COlonists would naturally regard them as the result of a necessity imposed upon their late oppressors by the renewal of a maritime war, and as mere stratagems of a temporising policy; and there would be no immediate dread of a hostile alternative, to second the other motives which might incline them settlement but when the sea towards an amicable N shall --- Page 100 --- [ 90 ] shall again be open to the enterprises of the Republic, she will bea able to offer to them the olive branch with a better grace, and with a far more powerful effect. The recollection of past. horrors even will then plead on the side of peace, and if no dangerous confidence be demanded, may contribute powerfully to silence the lingering voice of hatred and revenge, Should the French ment then be prudent governenough not to demand the admission of any army, or the submission to any exercise of its authority in matters of interior legislation or police, its sovereignty might very probably be acknowledged ; but the closest foederal connection at least, would hardlybe refused. Indeed I see not how a reconciliation on such a basis, could at that period possibly be declined: for some exterior connection, of a commercial nature, would be indispensably necessary to the welfare of the nW people themselves; and no other power could then venture to accept the adrantages of their commerce, since France, as against other nations, would assert to it an exclusive, and indisputable title. CC But will not the supposed reconciliation be c6 innoxious to this country, when our < with the Republic shall end?" dispute Such a thick haze of prejudice and ignorance always hangs over the horizon of our colonial interests, that I should period possibly be declined: for some exterior connection, of a commercial nature, would be indispensably necessary to the welfare of the nW people themselves; and no other power could then venture to accept the adrantages of their commerce, since France, as against other nations, would assert to it an exclusive, and indisputable title. CC But will not the supposed reconciliation be c6 innoxious to this country, when our < with the Republic shall end?" dispute Such a thick haze of prejudice and ignorance always hangs over the horizon of our colonial interests, that I should --- Page 101 --- [ 91 ] wonder were this question to arise in should not But unless our the mind of a British politician. and unless with France is to be eternal, next peace with the sword, all she shall lay down together and coloher disposition to impair the commercial interests of this country, the restitution of her nial influence at St. Domingo would be authority or than before, the ternot less formidable to us: after, mination of the war. To demonstrate this proposition would be easy ; butit would be tol lengthen an already too long for your time, if not for argument Besides,it is'a work which has been your patience. former letters * > and if any part anticipated in my contained in them met a pretty of the reasoning I have for general assent, it was that, as ground which applied to this part of my subbelieving, thereject. To the Crisis of the Sugar Colonies, fore, I beg leave to refer, for the probable effects of negro liberty in St. Domingo, when associated and directed by the councils of with the power, France. will, at the close To suppose that the Republic war with this country, choose rather of her present liberty in the to embark in a new crusade against West Indies, than acquiesce in its establishment, would be to deem the madness of the Consul incurable; or if such a choice be expected quite * Crisis, P: 85 to 93. from --- Page 102 --- 92 ] from the successors of that despot, it must be from the belief that Frenchmen in fected with the general are insame discase; for never was interest more palpable than that which the Republic now has in supporting at St. the system she has vainly Domingo attempted to nor did experience ever attest any truth subvert; clearly, than the more impracticability of the course. opposite But let it be supposéd that the project of restoring slavery in that preposterous will indeed be revived. In that great island, reconciliation case, an early between the black colonists and France is not, I admit, to be apprehended : but will there be no danger toi this country, from the new and furious contest which must inevitably ensue? Will our own colonies stand safe within the wind of such contention P Here again I must use the right of referring to arguments which were offered two years ago to the public *. In calculating the probable effects of the then depending French expedition St. Domingo, and of the armaments against which were preparing to follow it, I pointed out the perilous consequences to which our colonies would, in either event of the contest, be speedily and shewed! that if the attempt of the exposed; Consul * Crisis, Letter 3d. should ensue? Will our own colonies stand safe within the wind of such contention P Here again I must use the right of referring to arguments which were offered two years ago to the public *. In calculating the probable effects of the then depending French expedition St. Domingo, and of the armaments against which were preparing to follow it, I pointed out the perilous consequences to which our colonies would, in either event of the contest, be speedily and shewed! that if the attempt of the exposed; Consul * Crisis, Letter 3d. should --- Page 103 --- [t 93 1 ] the new situation of should prove successfiul, affairs in the West Indies would be such as to place continually at the mercy of an ambitious and perfidious power, our most valuable transatlantic possessions. The reality of those grounds of alarm was, I befelt, and the defensive prelieve, very generally cautions employed upon the Jamaica station, evinced that they were not wholly disregarded by his majesty'sministers. If the arguments here referred to were convincing in the month of March, 1802, they canforintermediate events not bel less SO at this period; havel not tended to detract from their force: incident, on the contrary, of the war of every and every official letter from the St. Domingo, might be invoked to verify French commanders, of in question, as they the grounds apprehension were stated in the Crisis*. Cast * I abstain, in general, from extracts; ; but as a striking con- that firmation of one of the opinions here referred to, would viz. alFrance, if successful in her war with the negroes, ledge, and really find, a necessity of forming such a military establishment in St. Domingo, as would enable her, at the commencement of a new war, to overwheln our colonies sudden and irresistible invasion, I request attention to by a the following parallel passages. 9. Le Clerc's Letter af March 26, in Crisis, p. to the Moniteur of Muy22a, 1802. € I pretend not to Jetermine, mili- I hope that the divisions of 4 what extent her permanent mustinecessa- 6 Flushing and Havre, that which 44 tary establisbment: e rily 44 you would enable her, at the commencement of a new war, to overwheln our colonies sudden and irresistible invasion, I request attention to by a the following parallel passages. 9. Le Clerc's Letter af March 26, in Crisis, p. to the Moniteur of Muy22a, 1802. € I pretend not to Jetermine, mili- I hope that the divisions of 4 what extent her permanent mustinecessa- 6 Flushing and Havre, that which 44 tary establisbment: e rily 44 you --- Page 104 --- [ 94 ] Cast your eye then once again, sir, over the pages to which I havereferred, and estimatecoolly, with the aid of that light which has been since aflorded by esperience, the probable effects ofa new warbetween Franceand her: revolted colonists. Though the renewal of such a contest, and with the same extreme and irrational object, on the part ofFrance, to exasperate the quarrel, is a supposition sufliciently wide of probability, let it be made;and add, ifyou please, that the obstinate resistance of the black colonists will at length be overcome, and the old system restored. This was the supreme object of the vows of our planec rily be enhanced; itis sufficient es to say, that beyond the defence eyou EE lannounced to me from Brest, ce of the old fortifications, endan- CE and that from Toulon, will speer 46 gered perpetually byl a newi in- c dily arrive. They will be usee6. ternal enemy,she must ful to us, by enabling us to occe and maintain a establish, cE cupy cantonments upon all the €s zation in the interior, military organi- <6 points of this vast colony; which €c enough, and ramified 66 is the only means of arriving at G overawe the strong enough, to rethe re-establishment of order and cc slaves, and to give C tranquillity. security and confidence to the c4 masiers, without this the On this head general Le Clerc's ce coun- word may be taken-yet he ter-revolution, we are proeE would be fruitless of supposing bably had, at the date ofthis letter, but blood; and with a every, thing at least thirty thousand men under 66 force like this at her permanent commnand, his command, ce nol hostile neighbour could besafe efor a moment, Draughts that 6 would bardly be missed.fromsuch CE an establishment, would be adc- € quate to overpower the strongest cE garrison we ever maintained dur- €6 ing peace, in the largest of our islands." ters --- Page 105 --- [ 35J dé ters and slave traders; < the consammntion and let them again cheat < vontly to be wished :" of themselves and othersi if they can, withthehiope Britistgtatesmanwil such an event. Butsurelythe to such a pitch ofcredulity, no longer betheirdupe, of national as to see in this phantom any promise The hasmnow. been practically welfare. problem solved; and it is no longer matter of argument, that France cannot reducel to but of experience, the nesubmission, much less keep in subjection, of that large island, but by means utterly groes with the security of the British West inconsistent therefore, or permit such Indies. To facilitate, would be to prepare for an ambitious 2 conquest, the same military preand unprincipled enemy, ponderancein theAntilles, thatl hea alreadypossesses and wilfully tosubject ourselves to the in Europe; large fleets and rninous necessity of maintaining as well as war, in that degarrisons during peace structive climate. be the interest of the Yes, Sir, whatever that of the nation is at planter in this question, Unless length become obvious and undeniable. the other powers of Europe would give a guain of St. Domingo, which they rerantee respect itis not safe for this country that fused for Malta, that large island again, by France should possess for such means as must certainly be employed the wilfully tosubject ourselves to the in Europe; large fleets and rninous necessity of maintaining as well as war, in that degarrisons during peace structive climate. be the interest of the Yes, Sir, whatever that of the nation is at planter in this question, Unless length become obvious and undeniable. the other powers of Europe would give a guain of St. Domingo, which they rerantee respect itis not safe for this country that fused for Malta, that large island again, by France should possess for such means as must certainly be employed the --- Page 106 --- [ 96, ] the purpose. We must not again suffer or fifty sixty thousand French troops to be transported to the West Indies; for we cannot that the folly and bigotry of the rely future present, or any French governient, will again deliver us from the jeopardy of such an experiment. Had not the present war arrived in time to stop the pretended Louisiana expedition, we might have found that even the proud and inexorable Consul, when on the point of a new quarrel with this country, could have sacrificed his thirst for African blood, to his hatred of England; and found better employment for his recruited army, than hunting down with blood hounds their human the Mornes of St. * game among Domingo o Between * There is abundant reason to conclude that the armament which was preparing during several months great in the ports of Holland, and which was anxiously represented in the French gazettes, as destined for Louisiana, was in truth intended for St. Domingo, That the Consul shopld needlessly send a large army, which by the best conjecture I can form would have consisted of about twenty thousand with a train of artillery, and large magazines of ordnance men, and military stores, merely for the purpose ofreceiving possession of a ceded colony, and this at a time when the commanders in St. Domingo were urgently demanding reinforcements, which from the disposition of the army he found it difficult to send, is too unnatural to be credited.-No sistance could' be feared on the part of the Spaniards, and re- a single frigate with the governor and his staff would have sufficed --- Page 107 --- I 97 ] Between the opposite extremes of the victory, and the defeat ofFrance, in her late contest at St. Domingo, or rather between the conquest and total ficed for the pretended purpose; ; but if not, at least the ships tvould have been dispatched separately, or in small squadrons, as soon as they were ready for the voyage; instead of being detained as they were, at the expence of great inconvenience and delay, in order to be collected in a large fleet, till sickness at length broke out among the troops, and the sea stores became unfit for service. If New Orleans was the true port of destination, all the evils of trans-marine expeditions in time of war, were wantonly and preposterously incurred in time of peace. Besides, we have since had ample accounts from Louisiana, and ithas not transpired that any preparations were made for the reception ofa French army there, or that the arrival of an armament SO long preparing, and so accidentally delayed in Europe, had there been at all an object ofpublic expectation ; whereas it has clearlyappeared from intercepted letters, that the promise of a new.and powerful army had at that period been made to the French commanders.in St. Domingo, and for the further conduct of the was indispensably necessary war in that quarter.-Whent to these and other considerations, we add the known necessity under which the Consul laboured, of concealing from the soldiers, whom he devoted to West Indian service, the fatal field in which they were to be employed, and that Louisiana was the most convenient mask for this purpose, there will remain little or no room to doubt, that the fleet from Holland wouid have stopped short of the mouth of the Mississippi, and landed its army at Cape Francois. ulterior donbt, ifthe But was there no object?-Beyoid desperate contest with the negroes was to be persisted in, the new army would have found full and final employment O in ul laboured, of concealing from the soldiers, whom he devoted to West Indian service, the fatal field in which they were to be employed, and that Louisiana was the most convenient mask for this purpose, there will remain little or no room to doubt, that the fleet from Holland wouid have stopped short of the mouth of the Mississippi, and landed its army at Cape Francois. ulterior donbt, ifthe But was there no object?-Beyoid desperate contest with the negroes was to be persisted in, the new army would have found full and final employment O in --- Page 108 --- [ 98 ] total loss of the island, there was a possible middie event, the effects of which were also considered in the Crisis*, 3 and they were shewn to be still more dangerous in St. Domingo; and it is, I admit, probable enough from the Consul's.echaracter, that he would have continued enormously to drain the bravest blood of the Republic without remorse, in the pursuit of bis nefarious object. But, on the other hand, there are some strong grounds for that this profound dissembler had a design at this suspecting, period to abandon an attempt which he at length found would be ineffectual; and that instead of obtaining, at the. expence ofa new. army, the chance of recovering a desart in St. Domingo, he would by means ofhis new expedition, and the garrisons ofthat island united, have contrived to seize by surprise upon Jamaica; perhaps also onsome of our other sugar colonies. To give all the reasons that might be offered in support of this suspicion, would be to enlarge this note into a dissertatation. Is shallionly mention the following. Ist. Itappeared by various accounts, that a large embarkation of cannonand artillery stores, was a part of the preparatory measures for this new expedition ; but as thenegroes had no artillery, and no longer kept the field in considerable bodies, and as the plan for the new campaign was to huntthemidown,and exterminate them in the interior, this part of the preparations, does not seem toi point to such a waras that ofSt. Domingo. 2dly. The delay in the Texel, ifSt. Domingo was the true object, was of the,r Amont-discourgiagand fatal tendency to the cause of the Republic in that island : but upon the hypothesis weare.considering, this effect ias of little consequence; and might havebeen well compensated by the encreased cffect of the blow to thiscountry, since.length of preparationencreased the magnitudoof thearmament to bc cmployed against us. *] Page S5 to93. 3dly. St. Domingo. 2dly. The delay in the Texel, ifSt. Domingo was the true object, was of the,r Amont-discourgiagand fatal tendency to the cause of the Republic in that island : but upon the hypothesis weare.considering, this effect ias of little consequence; and might havebeen well compensated by the encreased cffect of the blow to thiscountry, since.length of preparationencreased the magnitudoof thearmament to bc cmployed against us. *] Page S5 to93. 3dly. --- Page 109 --- L 99 J than citheroft the former, to the colonial dangerous interests of this country. I mean that of a combetween the Republic and her sable oppromise ponents, Ifthe further prosecution of the warin St. Domingo sily. Buonaparte was persisting in that prcwas really designed, which were notsatisfactory ject to an extent, and by means, General Rochamto the commanders employed: : for though of large reinforcements, hescnt a short beau had the promise of the present war, the most retime prior to his knowledge could furnish, with spectable andi imposing deputation hisarmy its to make General Boyer, the sccond in command, at head, theletpersonal Iremonstrances to the Consul. (Thisappearsby believe ter before referred to in page 20.) Nowitis hard to that the Consul meant to work in opposition to all his own theother instrumients, though it is by no mcans improbableion would his own breast to the last, or conhand, that he keepin the fide only to the commander of the intended expedition, important secret ofhis designs against England. the 4th. It was disclosed in the French newspapers, during latter stage of the preparations in Holland, and immediately before the rupture with this country, that the celebrated Victor Hugues was appointed to the command ofthe expcdition to Louisiana, and the government of that colony. A less to promote the Consul's view's at St. Domingo, man likely theBrior better fitted to conduct thesupposed design.against tish West Indies, could not possibly have beenselected. had 5th. The discontent and desertion of the troopswhich into the horribleservice of St. Doformerly been trepanned tothat mingo, and theavowed disgust ofthe militaryin general service, inust bave presented strong grounds of apprehension conduct of the newarmy, when it should find itself as to the into the pôrts of that island ; but ifiat brought by stratagem colonies shouid the same period, the conquest of thel English be tish West Indies, could not possibly have beenselected. had 5th. The discontent and desertion of the troopswhich into the horribleservice of St. Doformerly been trepanned tothat mingo, and theavowed disgust ofthe militaryin general service, inust bave presented strong grounds of apprehension conduct of the newarmy, when it should find itself as to the into the pôrts of that island ; but ifiat brought by stratagem colonies shouid the same period, the conquest of thel English be --- Page 110 --- 100 ] ponents, upon the basis of private freedom, after a bloody and indecisive contest-A might new war possibly be ended by such an adjustment, and be disclosed to them as the alluring object of immediate vice, discontent, it was probable, would serand be converted into immediately subside, critical satisfaction and applause. The same period would also have presented a happy opportunitypforconeillating the black colonists upon the basis dom; ; and glossing overby a offreeagainst England would have compromise, to which vengeance nour of a defeat by such furnished a pretence, the dishoenemies. I will only add, in the last place, that this thesis the conduct of the Consul towards upon this hypowill be found perfectly natural. He country by frequent insult, because he wished provoked a quarrel with us as would, in due to be on such terms the meditated time, furnish an apology for to avoid aggression. But he was at last verydesirous an immediate rupture, because the Louisiana expedition had not yet departed from the Texel. His was broken by that bold, though tardy, decision of our plan ininistry, which, by exceeding his calculations, him a severe dilemma between his placed in vanced, policy and his pride. He adhowever, to the verge of extreme humiliation, in ordert to defer for a short time a war which all his conduct evinced a determination to provoke. St. previous alone could present no motive for such Domingo brief interval of maritime peace, could there inconsistency. A to aggravate his loss, and bis only have served war with dishonour, while an immediate England was his best apology for defeat in that astrous field, as well as the mean ofs disuseless destruction. saving a new army from For these reasons I am strongly disposed to believe, that our complaint of preparations in the enemy's SO groundless as is generally supposed ;. and that ports the was not measure anticipated --- Page 111 --- [ 101 ] and a coalition between the two armies produce that formidable union of European and African arms, to the perilous eflects of which I formerly called your attention. The fearful tendency of such a coalition is suf ficiently obvious. It would give to the direction of our inveterate enemy, means of future annoyance and conquest, to which the whole disposablearmy of Great Britain, could it be spared for West India service, might be vainly opof posed. - It would make the establishment French dominion through the whole chain of the Antilles, a matter of such obvious facility, that the most moderate of governments might find it hard to resist the temptation. Isit thought more likely, that the negroes, should they again triumph over the new effortsof France, would become, bynew provocations, too mitch exasperated against her to be aiterwards the willing instruments of her ambition, either as her political dependents or allies? You wouldyevenhytits most favourable result, be at best only replaced in the situation, and restored to the happy opportunity which you at present possess; yon would still be obliged to acquiesce in the establishment of an anticipated in the Crisis, p. 90 to 92,was on thepoint ofbuing of adopted by France, when averted bythe recommencement war. African mitch exasperated against her to be aiterwards the willing instruments of her ambition, either as her political dependents or allies? You wouldyevenhytits most favourable result, be at best only replaced in the situation, and restored to the happy opportunity which you at present possess; yon would still be obliged to acquiesce in the establishment of an anticipated in the Crisis, p. 90 to 92,was on thepoint ofbuing of adopted by France, when averted bythe recommencement war. African --- Page 112 --- L I 102 ] African power in the Antilles; and all the evils, real or imaginary, which that innovation may threaten, would at least remain undiminished. But the case would, supposing it to arisein time of peace, have this fearful aggravation-that the remedy I now offer weuld be then unattainable, except at the price of a new war with the republic; for you could not hope to be permitted by that power to form any amicable connections with herlate subjects, either political or commercial; and to treat with them without such permission, would reasonably be regarded as highly af fronting and injurious. It cannot be thought that, when obliged to desist from the new war with her colonists, she would make a gratuitous grant of their independency; since no regard to her own security would demand such a sacrifice. She has, let it be considered, no colony to the leeward of St. Domingo ; and her windward islands are divided from it, not only by a long tract of sea, which, from the constant course of the trade winds, forms a very sufficient barrier; but by many intermediate colonies of England, Denmark, and Spain. Having therefore no offensive enterprises to fear from these sable enemies, and no commerce which they will have power to annoy, the Republic will, in the. event last supposed, find no motive for a pacification, --- Page 113 --- [ 103 ] cification on the basis ofindépendeney, unless the advantages which I would now persuade very shall be conceded to you to secure to ourselves, for her by her late subjects, as the substitutes her title to govern. To renounce her sovereignty terms, would be not only to deliver on cheaper but toitransfer to our colonies from a nuisance; tlfis country or other nations, the trade and the powerof St. Domingo. Theconreofcondnct wlichFnucewonklt pursue in such a case therefore, would unquestionably be this. She would withdraw her armies from the island; but surround it,to our extreme inconveninaval blockade; and havence, with a powerful with other ing in right of her pacific relations states, the power to exclude their interference, would soon or late make the islanders glad to acof peace and independence, on the terms cept of granting to their former sovereign the monoof their trade, and engaging with her in a poly ofoffensive and defensive alliance. perpetual treaty would in this léast adverse In short, Sir, you of event, for such, in comparison with a trimmph arms Domingo I have elsewhere the French inSt. shewn it to be,gain only, a brief respite to our COlonies. You would not be able, as now,finally to the irresistible sword of negro frecdom prevent, from falling into the hands of France. Take then, Sir, your choice of future prospects. Place trade, and engaging with her in a poly ofoffensive and defensive alliance. perpetual treaty would in this léast adverse In short, Sir, you of event, for such, in comparison with a trimmph arms Domingo I have elsewhere the French inSt. shewn it to be,gain only, a brief respite to our COlonies. You would not be able, as now,finally to the irresistible sword of negro frecdom prevent, from falling into the hands of France. Take then, Sir, your choice of future prospects. Place --- Page 114 --- L 104 j Place yourselfby anticipation in theact of tiating for a:new. peace, and look forward negowhichever of these to consequences of the you desm the Jleast to be deprecated. treaty fitture policy of the Expect the Republic toi be ofwhat character you please, just or nefarious, cautious rational ofabsurdsorrash, that she will, -suppose as you please, either or that she will not to coerce and subjugate by new armies attempt the of St., Domingos and if such people to be made, an attempt is imagine it either to be, or not to be, successful. In each of these will be involved in some of cases, you thoser M dangerous consaquencesto ful extent stenltercobomtenene of which was demonstrated in' former address. my Ofall thel considerations thenl bynwhich advice may be supported, the most my which powerful is that anadversary perhaps might adduce on the opposite side:-to avoid diffculties in the nert pacification toith France, you should not lose a moment in aciknowledging the independence, and securing thealliance ofSt. <c Domingo: What," I Iseem to hear'some timid exclaim, cc will you obstruct our politician cc new obstacles! Have path to peace by G wenot differences enough already to adjust with France, er her pride,by withont revolting demanding the ec most abdication of her important colony?" With --- Page 115 --- L 105 ] With such Englishmen, if any there be, as are prepared to accept from our haughty enemy unequal and unsafe conditions of peace, I desire not to reason-they may be disposed, for ought I know, to renounce all our West Indian colonies, rather than protract the present arduous contest : but for my own part, I see no prudent medium, between truckling to our insolent enemy at once, and exacting from him such conditions, as are compatible with our own future security, abroad, as well as at home. Iam sure too, that this commercial country is not yet prepared to giveup her trans-atlantic possessions, as the price ofthe amity of the Great Nation; and therefore if peace were worththe sacrifice ofhonour and security, it would in be unwise to leave France in still, my opinion, possession of a title to St. Domingo ; because that title would soon be the means of engaging us, for the preservation of our sugar colonies, in a new and more formidable war. If we must have a West Indian cause of hostilities with the Republic, Iwould ratherit should be such a cause, thearms of the Indigenes, and the as would place interests of the African race, on our side, than one that would range them both under the standard of our enemies. I presume not to say at what exercise of our indubitable rights, the arrogant pride of France P may Domingo ; because that title would soon be the means of engaging us, for the preservation of our sugar colonies, in a new and more formidable war. If we must have a West Indian cause of hostilities with the Republic, Iwould ratherit should be such a cause, thearms of the Indigenes, and the as would place interests of the African race, on our side, than one that would range them both under the standard of our enemies. I presume not to say at what exercise of our indubitable rights, the arrogant pride of France P may --- Page 116 --- r 106 ] may not be offended; but this I willaffirm, that the measure in question, will give her no just or specious ground of complaint. To support the revolting members ofa hostile state, is an unimpeachable exercise ofthe rights of war. By our Elizabeth, and by the Great Henry ofFrance, such policy, was practised without scruple; and the haughty Philip wasobliged to sheath his sword without avenging the affront. But of the numerous precedents that might be adduced, the conduct of France herself in the American war, is at once the most appropriate and recent ; and surely thepride of a French government may fairlybrook, what Great Britain herself was obliged to digest, little more than twenty yearsago. It is, however, wronging the argument to compare these two cases; for France had no pretence of any necessity, arising out of the care of.her own security, when she acknowledged,and engaged to defend, thei independeneyofthe United States; whereas the preservation ofour most valuable colonies, demands from us an alliance with St. Domingo. Imight add, that the one measure was a violation of the duties of peace: whilethe other, if now adopted, will be the act of an open enemy, possessing all the rights of legitimate war. But independently of all precedent, and beyond the range of all ordinary principle, the proposed --- Page 117 --- [ 107 3 posed treatymight be justified, if necessary, upon the very singulan nature of the case. France, by her own act, whether intentionally the unforeseen effect of her domestic or through revolutions, is immaterial, has created a new political power in the Antilles; a power dangerous perhapsin itself, but which in her hands would inevitably be destructive, to the security of its colonial neighbours. She has therefore imposed upon us a necessity of treating this new power as independent; and.of engaging it, if we can, in such connections, as may exclude her influence or authority overitin future. Nor is it material to this ground of defence, that the Republic should be considered as- still wishing to maintain that work of colonial revolution, which she once openly abetted. The case to be sure would in that case be stronger against her: for such policy might, upon viewslately professed by herself, bejustly regarded, as a direct attack upon the security of other powers, in their West Indian possessions; as an injurious violation, to use the words of Villaret, C of those < principles, which alone can preserve, and upon ce which reposes, the common interest of all the cc European powers in their establishments in the <6 Antilles*. 99 * Villaret's letter to the British admiral at Jamaica, on the arrival of the first expedition at Cape Francois, February 14, 1902, The such policy might, upon viewslately professed by herself, bejustly regarded, as a direct attack upon the security of other powers, in their West Indian possessions; as an injurious violation, to use the words of Villaret, C of those < principles, which alone can preserve, and upon ce which reposes, the common interest of all the cc European powers in their establishments in the <6 Antilles*. 99 * Villaret's letter to the British admiral at Jamaica, on the arrival of the first expedition at Cape Francois, February 14, 1902, The --- Page 118 --- [ 108 J The author trusts he cannot be suspected of concurringin the principle of this quotation. is far from thinking, that the He have a common powers of Europe interest, any more than a common right, in maintaining and of the most odious and perpetuating a system impolitic oppression, that everafflicted or disgraced humanity. But he reasons to many who may differ from him, on this subject ; and as between the nations perhaps, still uphold that loathsome who soning is undeniably despotism, the reafair. But it is enough, that what France mitted in St. did, or perDomingo, she is found unable to repair. Whatever self conservatory rights the innovation gave to us, they cannot be taken an ineffectual away by attempt to reverse it, and to the former state of things; for that fruitless restore has not removed or diminished the effort which we are driven to danger, against should provide. A man who wilfully or carelessly set fire to his own house, would thereby give his to pull it down, if such a subversion neighbours a right of his property, were necessary to the preservation of their own. Could he plead inevitable accident in his excuse ; the right, though it might be more tenderly exercised, would not be taken But to say, that hehad already done all in away. his to extinguish the flames without power success, would clearly --- Page 119 --- [ 109 ] impair, the clearly be to strengthen, ratherthan right of his neighbours to apply the only effectual remedy. What should we say, were he in such a case to claim a right to lock up his doors, to forbid our ascendingthe roof, and to insist, in all points, on the exercise of his former dominion, as owner of the tenement? ? It may be said, that this illustration proves rather a right in other nations to eflect, ifthey can, a counter revolution in St. Domingo, than to treat it as independent ; on the same principle upon which the late confederated powers of Europe, might have justifiably restored, if they could, the monarchy of France. But I answer, that supposing such a work really capable of being accomplished, and at an expence which other nations could afford, and which they could be reasonably called upon to sustain, there are, in this case, third parties, in respect of whom very serious moral difficulties must first be removed. Such a remedy, however, is demonstrably impracticable. Even were it fit that the blood, the treasure, and the conscience of Great Britain, should be sacrificed to the effecting, for the benefit of France, the re-establishment of the old system in St.I Domingo, she has not power to accomplish such a work. She must therefore resort to the only attainable security against that, which could afford, and which they could be reasonably called upon to sustain, there are, in this case, third parties, in respect of whom very serious moral difficulties must first be removed. Such a remedy, however, is demonstrably impracticable. Even were it fit that the blood, the treasure, and the conscience of Great Britain, should be sacrificed to the effecting, for the benefit of France, the re-establishment of the old system in St.I Domingo, she has not power to accomplish such a work. She must therefore resort to the only attainable security against that, which --- Page 120 --- [ I10 ] which is in truth the worst part of the danger, the power of annoyance which the new stateofthings is likely to impart hereafter to an envious rival, and an insidious enemy. The conflagration in this case is to be dreaded, chiefly through that connection with France, which is likely to carry the flames, To pull down the roof and walls of that connection therefore, not to subvert the fabric of African freedom or independency, is the precaution towards which our efforts must be directed, and which we have an incontestable right to adopt. Were we now at peace with the Republic, these reasons mightjustify, perhaps, our entering into an alliance with her late subjects of St. Domingo. They might at leastjustly warrant our demanding, as an alternative to that measure, good security against the dangers to which, either bya renewal ofher quarrel with the new people, or by a compromise of the subject of that quarrel, we must unavoidably be exposed. But happily, I write at a time when the measure in question can, in point of moral rectitude, demand no such arguments in itsdefence. To the right of self-preservation we need not now resort; nor to any moral consequences deducible from the past conduct of France; since the comprehiensive rights of war, clearly entitle us to treat with a revolted colony --- Page 121 --- [ 111 ] colony of our enemy, and to seyer it finally, if we can, from his dominions. That a French government would hereafter reject terms of peace, which might in other respects on the score ofour having be mutually acceptable, become allies of St. Domingo, and guaranteed its is highly improbable. But if a reindependence, nunciation of her claim to that potent and menacing island, be requisite for our future security, it be demanded from her in the mnust of course should next negotiation for peace, although we not be previously bound by treaty, to prescribe to her such a condition : and the only question in this case is, whether the condition would be more oflensive, and obstruct longer the important work of pacification, because during a time of hostility, had contracted which bound us we engagements to insist upon it, and from which we could not, without dishonour, recede, That the contrary would rather be the effect of such engagements, may safely be affirmed. National pride would be less mortified, and the credit of a minister far less impaired, in such a in relations already formed, case, by acquiescing contracted and irrevoand engagements already cable, than by giving way to new pretensions, and allowing an enemy to obtain as the price of more than he had ventured to lay clain peace, to, during all the acrimony of war, France insist upon it, and from which we could not, without dishonour, recede, That the contrary would rather be the effect of such engagements, may safely be affirmed. National pride would be less mortified, and the credit of a minister far less impaired, in such a in relations already formed, case, by acquiescing contracted and irrevoand engagements already cable, than by giving way to new pretensions, and allowing an enemy to obtain as the price of more than he had ventured to lay clain peace, to, during all the acrimony of war, France --- Page 122 --- [ 112 ] France herseif understands the value ofthis distinction, and therefore openly bound herself duringthe late war in compacts with the people she conquered, not only to maintain them in their revolt from their ancient sovereigns, but to retain them as dependants on, or integral parts of, the Great Nation. Far different indeed, was this audacious proceeding, from the just-and sure, which I would persuade necessary meathese you to adopt ; yet covenants of usurpation were alledged the French by, government itself, in. the subsequent negotiations for peace, and perhaps not without advantage. The seifimposed necessity of demanding extreme concessions, served probably, in some slightdegree, to soften to the feelings of the ed and injured powers, the arrogant despoilthe Republic; pretensions of or at least, by precluding the of peace on cheaper terms, made them submita hope little sooner than they would otherwise have done, to the urgent calls of necessity. A case more nearly parallel, is to be found in the peace which terminated the. American war; andIappeal to the feelings of Englishmen, whether that contest would have ended SO soon, had France previously avoided an alliance with our colonies during the war, and afterwards demanded their independency, or security against their re-union with this country, in the negotiationsat Versailles. Unless --- Page 123 --- Ldiis ] Unless then, Sir, you are prepared to say, that the Republic, at the conclusion of the present to be left wholly unrestrained to act war, onght. suggest in relation as her policy or ambition may sake of ought, even for the to St. Domingo, you future peace, to embrace the present opportunity. If there be no danger or inconvenience in again suffering large French armies to pass, during into the centre of the Antilles, and if peace, there be nothing to be apprehended from that event, the reconciliation of St. far more probable Domingo with France, you may safely proceed equivocal conducta but if the in your present notice in the Crisis dangers pointed out to your of the Sugar Colonies, had any reality and importance, you should hasten to profit by the present opportunity, of preventing their future recurrence. By delay, you will not only risk all the inconveniences and evils which Ihave shewn to be the probable fruits'of the present state of things in the West Indies during the war; but wvill enhance the difficulties that may oppose its safe and speedy termination. the To pursue to the same important period, comparison between a commercial treaty, and a close political alliance, it should bel observed, that the former wonld, in no degree, deliver us from the dilemma in a negotiation for peace, which Q the present opportunity, of preventing their future recurrence. By delay, you will not only risk all the inconveniences and evils which Ihave shewn to be the probable fruits'of the present state of things in the West Indies during the war; but wvill enhance the difficulties that may oppose its safe and speedy termination. the To pursue to the same important period, comparison between a commercial treaty, and a close political alliance, it should bel observed, that the former wonld, in no degree, deliver us from the dilemma in a negotiation for peace, which Q the --- Page 124 --- L 114.) the latter is calculatedi to avoid; and that the peculiar advantages of the one, cannot be ed to extend beyond thepresent expectaid of the other. Unless war, without the our next peace shall find, or place the inhabitants of St. in a state ofacknowledged Domingo, independency, France certainly will noti allow this country to trade to their ports: much less to do SO with an exclusive preference, or in right ofa treaty which would be derogatoryfrom her sovereign authority. She will not, as Ibefore her remarded-apentaheonalyr renounce sovereignty, merely to legitimate our and sanctionour commercial trade, privileges. The four different projects which nally proposed for consideration, were origidistinctly have now been reviewed. To prohibit all commercial intercourse tween His Majesty's subjects, and bemasters of St. the new Domingo, has been shewn to be neither politic nor safes and that such an intercourse, if carried on, at all, ought to be sanctioned and regulated by treaty, has, I hope, been sufficientiy proved. But whether our commercial intercourse with that people should be confined to commercial objects, or should extend to a political lengue ofthe nature I would persuade you to form, seemed --- Page 125 --- [- 115 1 seemed the question most open to dispute. Those therefore have been more amply rival projects pretensions comconsidered, and their respective pared. result, if I have reasoned satisThe practical treaty with the people factorily, is this-That a of their ofSt. Domingo, involving a recognition and a perpetual alliance against independence, be without a moFrance, ought to negotiated less decisive, will sement's delay. No measure of that valuable cure to you the future commerce our sugar island-No other expedient, will guard from the evils with which colonies so effectually connection less intimatc, they are menaced.--No and future will deliver you during the present to be wars, from the maritime inconveniences dreaded from the independence of St. Domingo, relations towards other powers; ; much and its new belligerent adless secure to you the important which its amity is likely to produce. vantages, consideration of all, is the highly But the grand alternative to this probable, and most pernicious between the new people alliance, a reconciliation beand France. That they may not speedily formidable enemies, you mnust make come your allies. You must guarantee them your obliged that against the Republic, their independence to the ruin of your colonies, fall they may not, in towards other powers; ; much and its new belligerent adless secure to you the important which its amity is likely to produce. vantages, consideration of all, is the highly But the grand alternative to this probable, and most pernicious between the new people alliance, a reconciliation beand France. That they may not speedily formidable enemies, you mnust make come your allies. You must guarantee them your obliged that against the Republic, their independence to the ruin of your colonies, fall they may not, in --- Page 126 --- - 116 ] in their enfranchised state, and with their born energies, underher newence. Of such dominion, or her influaireconciliation therel is perhaps even at the present moment danger the conclusion of the ; but upon will almost war,at latest, such an event infallibly ensue, unless the wise measure which I advise precluded by adopt, Supposing the you now to enough to recur to her Republic even to be rash forts, the folly would counter revolutionary ef only retard, not prevent, a coalition fatal to our ultimately subject them to new intermediate colonies, would leave them perils, and exposed Lin the sequel, to not less imminent than those with dangers are at present menaced, without which they minister lat leaving a British liberty to employ those means of prevention, which may now be unobjectionably used. The evils therefore which exist, and those are likely to arise, the dangers of the which those to which peace will war, and ofone give birth, admit but remedy; areto beprevented or one only expedient, If lessened by sword without you would wield the sheathit new disadvahtages, if you would withiout peril to our colonies, and would diminish the difliculties ifyou restitution of which oppose the peace, you must embrace without delay, the present opportunity; you must adopt the --- Page 127 --- L 117 1 themeasure I propose. A wall of perpetual separation between France andSt. Domingo must necessarily, be built; ; and therefore the liberty and independency of the new people must be acknowledged, and must be placed under British protgetion. By that wise use of the present opand by that mean alone, the great rea portunity, which has taken place in the West Involution with grander, dies, an event pregnant perhaps of the late and more lasting eflects, than any revolutions of Europe, may be rendered wholly innoxious, nay, largely beneficial to this country; and pernicious only to that tinprincipled which first rashly made; and then wick power, edly tried to reverseit. I hasten to lay down the pen, lest before these arguments shall meet your eye, the opportunity they relate to should be lost; but it seems necesto notice briefly, before I conclude, some sary prepossessions, by which my advice may general perhaps be fatally opposed. than cruel A contempt, not less irrational, much African race, has, I fear, for the injured through the prejudiced and self-interested representations of their oppressors, been strongly impressed upon the public mind in this country. From this sentiment indeed, the sable defenders to reverseit. I hasten to lay down the pen, lest before these arguments shall meet your eye, the opportunity they relate to should be lost; but it seems necesto notice briefly, before I conclude, some sary prepossessions, by which my advice may general perhaps be fatally opposed. than cruel A contempt, not less irrational, much African race, has, I fear, for the injured through the prejudiced and self-interested representations of their oppressors, been strongly impressed upon the public mind in this country. From this sentiment indeed, the sable defenders --- Page 128 --- T 118 J ers of St. Domingo must now have delivered themselves in every generous breast-But the malice of their enemiesis unwearied ; and it is now hopeless to though represent them as a despicable groveling race, fit only for the harness of.a brutal bondage, and likely again to submit with tameness to the whip ofithe driver; itisattempted, not, I fear, without success, to pourtray them 6 as ferocious and merciless savages, unfit to maintain the pacific relations of independency with other states, or eyen to adhere to each other, in any firm political union'; as incorrigible barbarians, who will soon split into petty hordes, and relapse into African manners. Were thereany sound foundation for these notions, the force of some of the motives which I have offered for an alliance with the New State, would certainly be weakeneds yet more than enough would remain to support the practicai conclusion. As an experiment at least, and as a temporary expedient, it would still be right to make-friends of those, who whether barbarous or civilized, may bestroublesome and dangerous enemies: nor would their ferocity, I presume, render them instruments less terrible of the fiture machinations of France, should she be able to employ themagainst our colonies. But this portrait of the brave Indigenes is traced --- Page 129 --- [ 119 J ed by the pencil of prejudice; and this prediction of their future fate, is rather the voice of a venal oracle, bribed by their oppressors; than the legitimate foresight of reason, derived by fair calculation from historical truth. If we considerin the first place, their treatment ofthein vanquished enemies, at and immediately after the surrender ofthe towns, we shall discover enough did no traits of inhumanity. Reasonably the French garrisons, and their white adherents, expect a dreadful retaliation; for never had cruelty or perfidy, in the conduct of a war, been carried to fouler extremes, than by them or their execrable leaders: nor is there upon earth, perhaps, to be found a people by whom, when outraged by such unparalleled wrongs, the expectation might not have been fully and immediately realized? Yet not a single drop of blood was vindictively shed upon the occupation of those towns bystheNegroes. British humanity indeed in one or two cases interposed, and complaisance to our commanders may bet thought solely to have influenced the conduct, of the Negro, chiefs; but it remains to be proved, that without such interposition, the garrisons or inhabitants would have been put to death, or unmercifully treated; and the contrary is fairly presumable from the event at those places, where the surrender was made, not to British officers, Yet not a single drop of blood was vindictively shed upon the occupation of those towns bystheNegroes. British humanity indeed in one or two cases interposed, and complaisance to our commanders may bet thought solely to have influenced the conduct, of the Negro, chiefs; but it remains to be proved, that without such interposition, the garrisons or inhabitants would have been put to death, or unmercifully treated; and the contrary is fairly presumable from the event at those places, where the surrender was made, not to British officers, --- Page 130 --- [ 120 ] officers, or under British mediation, buti immediately to the African besiegers. Cape Francois was obliged to capitulate, in consequence of a most gallant and successful assault made by Dessalines, upôn the hill forts which command that town. The capitulation was afterwards broken by Rochambeau, who omitted to eracuaté the town within the stipulated times and it seems to be the import of our own official accounts, that the place was ultimately taken by storm; for Dessalines marched hostilely into the town, to enforce the departure of the garrison: cosegematyralercepindrises was 4 totally void, and whaterer mercy the inhabitants received, they owed to his clemency alone. It is not pretended that in this case the extreme right of a victor, was waived in complaisance to the British; and it on the contrary appears, that an exemption of the ships from destruction by the batteries on shore, was all we obtained, or treated for. Rochambeau, who having broken his faith, was not intitled to withdraw the garrison or the ships, saved himself and them, by a tardy surrender to the British blockading force*, but left the inhabitants to the mercy of the victors. Yet * See the London Gazette of February 7th, 1804. Dessulines seems at this period to have been dissatisfied with the conduct of our commandors, and to have'reluctantly permitted --- Page 131 --- [ 1217 J all and treated, for a long Yet they were spared, time at least, withthe utmost humanity*. At of the compact between them and Rochamted the execution our conduct at other beau. But it is impossible, considering in the places, to be surprized at, or blame this disposition the Chief, or hisrefusal to assist our ships in entering Negro He probably had still stronger port by sending them pilots. the : but it was reasons for distrust than are yet before public dismantle enough, that our system evidently was not only to fearof their and their works, for which the their forts, destroy but re-occupation by France might furnish a slight pretence; their ammunition and military stores ; for which to carry away with sincere amity could be found. no pretence compatible actuated as much by humaDessalines therefore was probably when he sufnity,s by complaisance for our commanders, the fered the fleet to escape. He had, it is admitted, red hot power shot of destroying them, as he was preparing to do, by from the batteries; and he had, as Iconceive, an unquestionable nolsurrender tohimself, rightso toact; in ordertocompeltheie British withstanding their having capitulated to the squadron. without to maintain that we had a right It is impossible from his hands, an enemy who had his leave sO to rescue with him, who then lay at his broken a prior capitulation condition evento execute the mercy, and who was not in a but his by putting the ships into our possession, by compact, If Dessalines did not act upon principles of mopermission. his for this country was deration and mercy ; complaisance ourf favour. extreme; and intitles him strongly to and other * Various reports of a massacre at this town Jamaica period, have been received from places ata subsequent the London newspapers of the 3d and North America.--See of similar of May. I hope they will prove like a multitude to be either wholly groundreports from the same quarters, truth; but considering the of the less, or great exaggerations by which popular rage and panic unparalleled circumstances are R mopermission. his for this country was deration and mercy ; complaisance ourf favour. extreme; and intitles him strongly to and other * Various reports of a massacre at this town Jamaica period, have been received from places ata subsequent the London newspapers of the 3d and North America.--See of similar of May. I hope they will prove like a multitude to be either wholly groundreports from the same quarters, truth; but considering the of the less, or great exaggerations by which popular rage and panic unparalleled circumstances are R --- Page 132 --- [ 122 1 At Fort Dauphin, General Dumont and his staff, having been surprised in a sortie, had fallen into the hands of the besiegers, sometime prior to the capitulation to his Majesty's ships; but upon notice of that event, they were, at the request of a British officer, given up*. According indeed to our official account, this request was made in order to save them from the vengeance of the Negroes: buti if such vengeance was impending over them, how happened it not to have been executed? These allies of the blood hounds, and conductors of an exterminatory war, were surely very fortunate, in being preserved alive, and unhurt, till British humanity could come to theiraid, and provide for their ultimate safety. The vengeance of ferocious savages is not usually SO very tardy. At Aux Cayes, St. Marc's, Jeremie, and other captured Towns, a similar clemency was displayed: the Negro Chiefso openly challenged praise upon this ground,and by their enemies the clain was allowedt. are likely to be excited, especially while the French still menace and annoy them from Cuba, such events are certainly not improbable. * London Gazette of December 10, 1803. + Seera a letter of Dessalines, and a proclamation of the Town Council of the Cape, in London newspapers of February 6. To - --- Page 133 --- L 123 ] of moderation and mercy at To such instances contest, might be the close of a most enfuriated during the utmost added others not less striking, of that When a history fury of the struggle. by less partial horrible war shall be pnblished gathan the writers of Buonaparte's editors of infonnation zettes, although with no sources theminimical than those mendacious papers less with each other, the deselves, fairly compared may be made to fence of this persecuted people that they advantage; and it will appear the greater conducted themselves, through inl general terrible contest, with a degree of whole of that such as was never surforbearance and humnanity passed by any people upon earth. Francois, for inhabitants of Cape - All the white in the power of Chrisinstance, were confessedly arrivals and when tophe, at the time of Leclerc's to-his ordersyand in obedience the negro general, of defensive conformably to the clearest principles retreat into warfare, set fire to that town on his its affording cover to tlie the interior, to prevent by the French, and invaders, it was at first alleged North America, loudily echoed from Jamaica, and all the inhabitants to the sword. that he had put by his Yet the contrary was soon acknowlodged admitted in the enemies themselves-Tt was French ivals and when tophe, at the time of Leclerc's to-his ordersyand in obedience the negro general, of defensive conformably to the clearest principles retreat into warfare, set fire to that town on his its affording cover to tlie the interior, to prevent by the French, and invaders, it was at first alleged North America, loudily echoed from Jamaica, and all the inhabitants to the sword. that he had put by his Yet the contrary was soon acknowlodged admitted in the enemies themselves-Tt was French --- Page 134 --- L 124 ] French gazettes that not one of these inhabitants had perished *. Welearn from the same authority, that a great portion of the French inhabitants, who were carried off from that and other towns and districts on the coast, and an aid-de-camp of General Boudet, remained in the custody of Toussaint among the mornes, during the whole of a dreadful campaign, in which his enemies, by their own avowal gave no quarter to his adherents: yet it is attested by the Moniteur itself, that they were all brought back' in safety, when that hero at length sheathed Vhis victorious sword on the faith of a treacherous compact +. Surely such prominent and unquestionable facts as these should suffice, if not fully to vindicate the humanity of the African race, at least to discredit the channels of intelligence, through which the. credulity of the English public has often been abused, and its feelings tortured, by'shocking and faise accounts of massacres in. St. Domingo. In some instances no doubt, the keen feelings of indignation, never surely in any age or country * French accounts in London Newspapers of March 1802; e No person was killed at the Cape; every one came 22, backinto the Town.? + See London papers of June 17, 1802, and the Moniteur of June 14. 66 All the planters who had been carried of are turned." reexcited --- Page 135 --- [ 125 33 excited by such cruel and flagitious injuries, have to imitate the example of their led the multitude invaders; and to retaliate ten thouEuropean of which their bresand massacres and murders, thren and dearest connections had been victims, Frenchmen that fell into their hands. But upon of in those trying scenes, a instead exhibiting, than usual portion of human depravity, their more forbearance on the whole, has been such as may excite surprise, and is not inconsistent with justly the praise bestowed upon their hapless race by travellers in their native Africa, that of being uncivilized men * 9? 6 the mildest of Were * To those who have been accustomed to read with implicit faith, theinsertions in the French gazettes, OI extracts these propositions from Jamaica or American newspapers, whoever will have the patience may appear very bold; but and compare them with each to look back upon those accounts, the humanity other, will find scarcely any accusation against of these brave men, that has not been refuted by subsequent information, even from the same hostile quarters; whilehe will find striking instances of their clemency and forbearance, stated on the authority of the French commanders themselves. Of the news from St. Domingo, received through the United States of America, it may truly be said, that it was in general less worthy of credit if possible than even the French gazettes; : and to shew thefalsehood of mostoftheshocking accountse copied General Leclerc's own dispatches from American Its prints, should be remembered, that there is in the mightsuffice. as muchi interested in vilifying the United States a large party. of Jamaica; perhaps still African character, as the people in that counmore sO; on account of the great preponderance try , received through the United States of America, it may truly be said, that it was in general less worthy of credit if possible than even the French gazettes; : and to shew thefalsehood of mostoftheshocking accountse copied General Leclerc's own dispatches from American Its prints, should be remembered, that there is in the mightsuffice. as muchi interested in vilifying the United States a large party. of Jamaica; perhaps still African character, as the people in that counmore sO; on account of the great preponderance try --- Page 136 --- [ 126 ] Werel the defence of the humanity of this people more difficult; still why the new of St, masters Domingo must of necessity break that bond try of the party inimical to negro slavery, and the apprehension of slave owners, that the state will consequent be abolished. The author is credibly wholly tive for informed that another momerchants misreprerentation, often induces American masters and to spread false or highly exaggerated horrors supposed to have been witnessed accounts of mingo, upon their return from that by them in St. Doportant commercial island. It is often an iming object to deter other merchants from sendcargoes to the same port to which they been recently themselves have After trading, or to which they meanto relurn. all, however, he desires not to be understood as absolutely denying the truth ofthe rumours now to recent massacres. Ifa current, relative to Dessalines be proclamation ofJanuary Ist, ascribed followed, authentic, such events must necessarily have though their horrors have probably been much hancediby report, both in America and Jamaica. In this enDessalines is indeed a most case Toussaint; but letthe unworthy successor of thehumane tion be fairly considered inflammatory language ofthat Proclama- (I will print it for the purpose in an Appendix.) Next let the extreme excitement, and ofpresent alarms be fairly oflate injuries more reason to think estimated, and we shall find whom to favourably of the people, to dispose vengeance such exhortation was whom its effects have been so tardy and necessary, and upon ascribe to them an extraordinary incomplete, than to seems not to have ferocity. In two months it ofthe Island. produced any outrages, exceptin the south But it seems to be decisive ofthe general Negroes, that the inhabitants character of the werelbest known, chose to remain of Cape Francois, to tuhom they matter of election, in their power: that it was Sec the or not ofstrict necessity, is certain. capitulation, and other papers, in the London papers of February 6th. news- --- Page 137 --- L i 127 ] bond of union which has hitherto bound them to each other, renounce those arts of civil life with which they are acquainted, and degenerate into absolute barbarism, is not easy to discover. If we look to the peculiar disposition of neor to the little we know of their history, groes, there is nothing in either, from which the hopes of the enemies of their race can derive any support. districts on the As to the miserable man-stealing coast of Guinea, I inquire not whether those contemptiblefactories or rather those shambles, ofour slave-traders, which are there mocked with the appellation of kingdoms, are increasing in number, by the splitting of their petty domains; but I believe no such fact is alledged. Certainly, it is the natural tendency of the foul crimes we instito produce political disunion, as well as gate, other species of evil; ; but tojudge of Afrievery character in from the inhabitants of can general, that wretched border, would be as unreasonable in us, as it would be in them, to estimate christian morals, and British manners, from what they see ofthe Liverpool agents and captains. Ifthel Calumniators of Africa would point. us to its miserable slave coast, for the proof of any of their pretences, let them first deliver it from the excitement of their own execrable commerce. Till as fairly ask us to read then, a procuress might the of evil; ; but tojudge of Afrievery character in from the inhabitants of can general, that wretched border, would be as unreasonable in us, as it would be in them, to estimate christian morals, and British manners, from what they see ofthe Liverpool agents and captains. Ifthel Calumniators of Africa would point. us to its miserable slave coast, for the proof of any of their pretences, let them first deliver it from the excitement of their own execrable commerce. Till as fairly ask us to read then, a procuress might the --- Page 138 --- - 128. 1 the character of our virtuous the manners of her own brothel. countrywomen, in In the interior of that great continent, nations are known to exist, which unite in one political body, and under a single head, millions of ple, spread over a very extensive territory; peo- and we are not told of any separation, or dismemberment, by which their, magnitude has been lessened. I remember no relation from which it be inferred that these nations have can undergone any such changes, or that their unity is to be broken; and much less, that they likely have retrograded from any advances in civilization or arts which they may formerly have made: on the contrary, it appears, that in proportion as yourecede from the western coast, and emerge from the foul haunts of European man-merchants, symptoms of adyancing improvement in civilization, become very conspicuous. But were the case otherwise; still I demand, what are the facts in the history of mankind which rant the expectation in question, as it applies warto Africans already, versed in the arts of agriculture.and commerce, and formed into a single community? Has it been the ordinary conduct of unpolished societies, to burst the political bonds by which they have been once united, and to renounce the arts they have learned? The, institutions of Peter, have not been lost; and it might, for aught I know, be as safe to guarantee --- Page 139 --- I 129 ] guarantee the integrity of Russia or Abyssinia, as of Germany or France. If we look to the immediate subjects of this controversy, that portion of the African race, which has emerged in some degree from the artificial barbarism of the West Indies, we shall find still less reason for the opinion that their political concord will be broken, or that they will go backward in civilization. That no symptoms ofsuch disunion and retrogression have yet appeared, will, I presume, be admitted; for though a several parties originally from the chaos oftheir sprang up, as was natural, revolution, a centripetal attraction was great from the first very active among then; and they were drawn by successive conjunctions, into circles more and more comprehensive, till at length the whole population was united in one-political under a single head; and this unity was system, afterwards maintained with the most perfect steadiness, in peace as well as in war, down to the moment of Leclere'sinvasion. Ambitious chieftains, once attempted to disturb it; but the effort was wholly fruitless. Their conspiracy was easily suppressed, by the mild but energetic policy of Toussaint ; and even the disorganisers of Europe found it, upon their arrival, a difficult task, to divide hy force and straS tagem, at length the whole population was united in one-political under a single head; and this unity was system, afterwards maintained with the most perfect steadiness, in peace as well as in war, down to the moment of Leclere'sinvasion. Ambitious chieftains, once attempted to disturb it; but the effort was wholly fruitless. Their conspiracy was easily suppressed, by the mild but energetic policy of Toussaint ; and even the disorganisers of Europe found it, upon their arrival, a difficult task, to divide hy force and straS tagem, --- Page 140 --- [ 130 ] tagem, the well-knit fibres of this infant but vigorous frame: Had divisions since prevailed, they would furnishibuta a feeble argument tto support the opinion I am combating; for after insidious arts had seduced some of the negro chiefsito abandon for a while their illustrious leader, and after that man himself had fallen'a victimto the perfidy. great of Leclerc, the confidence of the distracted multitude could hardly find a pillar to rest upon; and the military dispositions of the enemy madeunion extremely diflicult. It would not have been strange, therefore, had different chiefs erected several independent standards in different divisions of the island; ; and refused afterwards to acknowledge a superior, or to unite their authority when the common danger had subsided, Itwassaid, upon what evidence I Iknow not, that adisunion of this nature had actually taken place; and thatia large body of the negroes had agreed on an armisticewith Rochambean at the Cape. Butif any such discord really arose, itappears to have had but a small extent, and a very brief duration; for no sooner did the surrender of the French troops open the way to accurate information, than. we iearned that the three principal chiefs, Dessalines, Christophe, and Clervaux, had united the whole. island again under lasingle government, --- Page 141 --- [ 181 ] which, down to the period of the, vernment; over continued jointly, to preside, latest advices, they totake the Dessalines appears Inthis triumvirate, of remark, that he and leadi : and it is worthy and were the most distinguished Christophe, faithful officers of Toussaint. from That great man, it should be remembered, the the Consul did not disdain to borrow whom authority 5 was elected goplan of his present to nominate his vernor for life, with a power but as the sudden act of perfidy by successor ; and his life, precluded the which helost his liberty people had no exercise of this power, agrateful for, his mebetter way to evince their reverence the stability of their social attachments, mory,and themselves under the standard than by ranging under oft those leaders, who held the chiefauthority the his and had enjoyed him during government, His share of hisfavour and confidencet largest that this in- * expresionis While I write, rumourimports of the French. I must correct. It is said he is Emperor work appears he should hasten to publish, lest before my on his West-Indian policy be deified ; and my strictures worshippers, the free citizens of should outrage his humble the Great Nation. outstrips the.progress of this + Again the course of events reported, since the argument, but confirmsmy opinion.-itis for the Press, and apparently upon above paragraph wasready appointed sole Governor for good authority, that Dessalinesis life, oppressors While I write, rumourimports of the French. I must correct. It is said he is Emperor work appears he should hasten to publish, lest before my on his West-Indian policy be deified ; and my strictures worshippers, the free citizens of should outrage his humble the Great Nation. outstrips the.progress of this + Again the course of events reported, since the argument, but confirmsmy opinion.-itis for the Press, and apparently upon above paragraph wasready appointed sole Governor for good authority, that Dessalinesis life, oppressors --- Page 142 --- - - 132 ] oppressors had taken care that thereshould be no hereditary representative; whom popular affection might have deemed a preferable object of choice. I ask, then, what circumstance in the history of this new people warrants the conclusion that the union will not be lasting? Let a case be pointed out, of a society now upon earth, or which ever existed, in which the principle of political coheSion has been more vigorous or perfect. Other nations, let it be considered, have if ever, been formed underciretumnstances rarely, SO unfavourable to the social union. They have either migrated under a single leader from other states, and a foetus of civil or military organization has been formed, before the political birth: or they have been formed by gradual accretion, round a mucleus which originally possessed the organs of of municipal life'; or they have grown into a nation by the multiplication of a single family, of which the patriarchial government has' desscended upon the elder branch : but in St. Domingo, a new social edifice was to be raised at once, out of a mass of broken and heterogeneous ruins. In a moment, the petty thrones of some thousands of plantations were subverted, and halfa a million of enfranchised bondsmen, of as many different tribes and nations, and tongues, as the man-selling regions of Africa contain, were --- Page 143 --- E 133 ] called upon to put, on social. chawere suddenly of which most of racter, to the first rudiments them had, to that moment, been total strangers., It would be but a faint image,of this transition the flocks and herds of Circe restored to suppose their forms, and that in an instant to pristine had arrived prior to their metamorphoses, they region ofthe earth ; unless we from everydifierent born should add, that their- numerous progeny, andinstructed only in the duin a brutal form, started into man: ties and manners of the stall, hoodalong with them. should That men, under such circumstances, unite themselves under SO soon and so abidingly ofSt. Domingo as the people a single government, is a prodigy which did under that of Toussaint, illustrates the force of those feelings strongly and bind them to each other : but which attract that negroes to believe, after such an example, are such savages as to be incapable of maintaining their political union in the same identical island,. is to exhibit a prodigy of another kind, a preternatural extreme of credulity and prejudice. that the motives for union were in this I grant strong; nay, I am ready to adcase exceedingly value, in a mit, that nothing but the unspeakable physical as well as moral view, of negro freedom, when compared with negro slavery, could possibly out of the vortex ofanarhave so soon produced, chy, negroes to believe, after such an example, are such savages as to be incapable of maintaining their political union in the same identical island,. is to exhibit a prodigy of another kind, a preternatural extreme of credulity and prejudice. that the motives for union were in this I grant strong; nay, I am ready to adcase exceedingly value, in a mit, that nothing but the unspeakable physical as well as moral view, of negro freedom, when compared with negro slavery, could possibly out of the vortex ofanarhave so soon produced, chy, --- Page 144 --- ie E 134 ] chy, a union SO perfect and tenacious. But will not the same peculiar motives still operate in favour of concord? I fear they will: : for I have little expectation that Africans will soon find themselves safe in that part ofthe globe from the rapacious fangs of Européan avarice and despotism, except by that power of self-defence, which the Almighty has provided in his mercy for a united peoplé every where, and especially for Africans between the tropics, against a European enemy. With the Indigenes, therefore, the dread of a horrible bondage will long be the çement of their political confederation. Ofa retrogression ofthis people from the point of civilization to which they have attained towards barbarism, there seems still less danger than of their political disunion. Under Toussaint, they advanced, as has been already noticed, both in agriculture and commerce ; though never to be sure in the history of any society upon earth, was there a situation of affairs more adverse to that progress. Why then should we suppose that, when they are delivered from the miseries of civil and foreign war, and no longer agitated by the fear of a renovated slavery, theywill neglect those grand sourceso ofimprovement ? Are they indolent P Indolence itself will plead for the culture of commercial articles. Their rich soil can supply their necessities, by means ofits exportable --- Page 145 --- [ 185 1 exportable produce, at a less expence of labour, than it would cost them to provide in any other food, clothing, and other indispensable neway, in the style. Are they incessaries, even simplest insulttemperate? The charge is in general false, ing and preposterous; but I grant, thatofthoseinebriating luxuries, in which their masters revelled, some of them occasionally obtained a taste, and have, doubtless, retained the relish. This vice, how-" in the degree wherein it exists, will be a stimulus ever, operating in favour of commerce ; by which alone the means of indulging intemperance, and possessing the objects ofluxury, can be obtained. Arethey wain ? Ladmit the imputation. They have no scanty share of that universal weakness. They love dress, in particular, in proportion to the difficulty with which the homely and tawdry attire which they used to be proud of, was acquired. Here the foreign merchant will have another hold upon them; ; a further allurement, exciting them to the preservation and extension of commerce, and of agriculture,as its necessary source. To these impulses will be added, that which in a limited field, is perhaps the surest cause ofagricultural improvement; a population rapidly encreasings and likely, at no far distant period to exceed the number which the immediate produce of the soil could sufficiently sustain. This to the difficulty with which the homely and tawdry attire which they used to be proud of, was acquired. Here the foreign merchant will have another hold upon them; ; a further allurement, exciting them to the preservation and extension of commerce, and of agriculture,as its necessary source. To these impulses will be added, that which in a limited field, is perhaps the surest cause ofagricultural improvement; a population rapidly encreasings and likely, at no far distant period to exceed the number which the immediate produce of the soil could sufficiently sustain. This --- Page 146 --- [ 136 ] This cause, unless opposed acquisitions, is by new territorial likely to be peculiarly active powerfal at St. and value of the Domingo ; because from the great Island, when exportable produce of a West India other compared with that of the grain and provisions imported in return for fects oftillage in it, the ef for a growing multiplying the meansof support population, will there be great and encouraging. It peculiarly as long as the may be added, that constitute complexion of the Indigenes shall a legal presumption of brand ofdishonour, in slavery, and a their own, and almost every West India island but the western world in every civilized portion of within the climate they. will have little inducement they love, gration these good effects to lessen by miof domestic The history of mankind in encrease*. no countenance to the general, lends opinion I here combat. * A free negro who travels in the risque of losing his liberty; forby the WestIndies, laws of incurs a great legal until presumption is, that every black man or that country, the is liable the contrary appears; and if his master mulatto, be is a slave, avoid to be seized and sold for the use of unknown, he this, he must carry with him written the public. To enfianchinement; butthese may be, lost or testimonials ofhis righteous law which lays the onus contested; and the provided no means whereby he can make probandi upon him, has orl bring the question beforeany tribunal the proofrequired, benevolence should for discussion, unless become his prompt some person balf. patron or guardian, and apply incontestably to the lavv on free, his be- to Often --- Page 147 --- [ 137 ] and comOften have, the arts of'agriculture invamerce been chased away by barbarous declinders; and sometimes, as in Spain, they have effects of bad civil instied through the depressing in history, tutions; but I can recollect no precedent ofSt. circumstanced like those in which a people those beneficial Domingo, have wholly abandoned arts, and gone back into barbarous manners. Indeed, history affords no case in which therehas been half SO much security against that unnatural retrogression. Not tempted by unlimited wastes, a wandering life; possessing but a moto engageina where neither the hunter, nor the derate domain, would find any shepherd state, ofuncivilized man, from localaptitudes; not cut offby deserts orforests intercourse with more polished societies; but. an placed in the very focus of the richest commerce earth, and circumscribed by a tranquil sea upon which the canvass of the merchant is perpeupon visible from all points of their accessible tually coast; already expert in the ansofagpicniture.and ofits most valuable produce; in the manufacture ofcommerce, already accustomed to the operations solicited to extend them ; ifunder and continually should excircumstances like these, the Indigenes ofcivilization and social happel those handmaids state, the piness, and degenerate into a savage event would be strange indeed. Their stupidity might in that case half absolvethe guilt oftheiropT pressors, merchant is perpeupon visible from all points of their accessible tually coast; already expert in the ansofagpicniture.and ofits most valuable produce; in the manufacture ofcommerce, already accustomed to the operations solicited to extend them ; ifunder and continually should excircumstances like these, the Indigenes ofcivilization and social happel those handmaids state, the piness, and degenerate into a savage event would be strange indeed. Their stupidity might in that case half absolvethe guilt oftheiropT pressors, --- Page 148 --- [ 138 ] pressors, and leave the slave trader little more to answer for at the bar of eternal justice, than the tormenting a mere animal existence, and the destruction ofirrationallife. I will not enlarge these gratuitous arguments against an opinion, which thoughadvanced by the despairing enemies ofAfrican freedom, and whispered perhaps, not without cflect, into the cars of Ilis Majesty's Ministers, is a mere unsupported dogma, and is at war with all the experience of mankind. Should this brief atiempt to disperse the mist of prejudice which hangs over the dawn ofthe new state, be unsuccessfil, my practical conclusions, let it be agaitrobserved, depend not upon a favourable estimate ofthe character ofthe Indigenes; or o1r the hope of their future prosperity. Supposing them to relapse into anarchy and barbarism, they will, I admit, be less formidable enemies than I have imagined, and less desirable allies: But it is still wise to secure their amity, while they have advantages to ipart; prudent to avert their enRyxtsteghanp-ase-ea and necessary 1o prolong and perpetuate their separation from Trance, in whose hand, whether united or divided among themsclves, ni hether civilized or barbarous, they would be most formidable instruments, and certain occasions of mischief. Here, --- Page 149 --- [ 139 I Here, Sir, Imight fairly take myleave, did not irresistia sense ofmoral, as well as patriotieduty, bly force upon me another important topic. There is a subject, a niost momentous and opwhich stands not indeed in any neprobrions one, but upon cessary connection with my argument, measures of West which when recommending and Indian policy, it is impossibie not to reflect, would be criminal to be silent. The Slave Trade! Howdoes that drearful name dishearten the patriot hopes of an Englishman, who knows its horrore, and who has seen its pernicious effects! Could I forget, or doubt, that, c Verily, and indecd, there is a God who governs the earth," I still couldi not sincerely hold forti the hope of a result finally beneficial to my counfrom the measure recommended in these try, other scheme of policy howsheets, or from any ever wise, while that pestilent iniquity is cherished. It would be like promising prosperity to a prodigal, from arrangements of domestic economy, while he refused to forsake the gaming table or the race course; or health to a dropsical drunkard from medicine, while he persisted in the nightly debauch. without Yet I see my country still given up remorse to the unbridled career of slave tradspeculators. As if amorous of guilt and of ing every day into that guiph ruin, we plunge deeper of African blood. Happy from any ever wise, while that pestilent iniquity is cherished. It would be like promising prosperity to a prodigal, from arrangements of domestic economy, while he refused to forsake the gaming table or the race course; or health to a dropsical drunkard from medicine, while he persisted in the nightly debauch. without Yet I see my country still given up remorse to the unbridled career of slave tradspeculators. As if amorous of guilt and of ing every day into that guiph ruin, we plunge deeper of African blood. Happy --- Page 150 --- [ 140 J Happy had it been, perhaps, if the veil of lic ignorance, which for ages covered the defor- pubmities of that hideous commerce, had never been withdrawa; for the monster instead of being cut off, as the first burst of honest indignation mised, has been more fondly nourished than pro- before; and fattened with fuller meals of misery and murder, into far more than his pristine dimensions. While the flagitious wickedness of the trade was exposed by the abolitionists, its gainful effects were blazoned by its defenders ; and the purblind avarice of the country was SO cited, that the man-merchant strongly exfeat, obtained in an apparent dean actual triumph; a triumph over national humanity; and let me add, over all the moral decencies of: legislative character. pleadings of justice and mercy have served The like the gracefui only, supplications of violated to display more attractively the beauty, object of tation; and to inflame that cupidity, which temp. eloquence could not repress. their A momentary compunction was indeed excited in our senate, as well as in the country at but its effect has been only to large; display in the foul relapse, and enormous extension of the crime, the low state of our public morals; and the fatal tendency of that vile principle of expediency, which immediate reformation upon was withheld. Do these strictures, Sir, appear too strong? Ask --- Page 151 --- [ 141 3 Ask yourself then I entreat you, what would have been saidin the House ofCommons, had an abolitionist ventured to predict in the debates of 1792, events which have since happened, < that instead the Slave Trade within < of finally terminating douc a few years, we should within that period < ble its annual extent; that instead of limiting < the supply by the alleged necessities of our old < sugar colonies, we should covet and acquire a island within the tropics, and < large unsettled that CC people it by that detestable commerce *; new for the cc we should even explore receptacles Gi miserable victims of our avarice, in a foreign 66 territory ; and send a hundred thousand slaves, 66 to fertilize by British capital and credit the 6 sickly regions of Guiana." Surely, the speaker would have been scoffed at as an absurd dreamer who libelled the fair intentions of the Commons. cc Is thy servant a dog that he should do this?" the indignant reply of a Jewish monarch to a prophet upon a like occasion, might have expressed the feelings of the house. Such predictions, however, would have been an of our subsequent inconsisinadequate expression tency and guilt. of the late What use, Sir, are you now making Charib division of St. Vincent ? As to Trinidada, * The Slave Trade, ever since our acquisition ofTrinidada, has been allowed in the ports of that island without qualification or restraint. I forbear of the Commons. cc Is thy servant a dog that he should do this?" the indignant reply of a Jewish monarch to a prophet upon a like occasion, might have expressed the feelings of the house. Such predictions, however, would have been an of our subsequent inconsisinadequate expression tency and guilt. of the late What use, Sir, are you now making Charib division of St. Vincent ? As to Trinidada, * The Slave Trade, ever since our acquisition ofTrinidada, has been allowed in the ports of that island without qualification or restraint. I forbear --- Page 152 --- [ 142 ] I forbear, now fully to spcak, what must, I fear, one day be spoken. While you hesitate upon the plan of colonization to be adopted in that new island, of which the fate is happily not yet committed to an assembly of planters, I will endeavour to hope in silence. But upon what let me ask, is the importation of African principle, into this colony permitted without negroes tion or any modificarestraint, while we are taught to beliere that the murderous old system of slavery is not meant to be finally planted there? The conquest, Or let me rather call it the acceptance, of Dutch Guiana, menaces a new aggravation of the guilt of Great Britain, and the miseries of Africa. That this measure was grossly impolitic, must be evident to every well informed mind. Our cruizers, to the great encouragement of our naval service, would have. captured and brought into our ports, at least four-fifths of all the produce exported from that country ; thereby checking the growth of settlements, which are a nuisance to the British planter, and leaving to our enemies the deathful charge of their interior defence. Instead ofthis, Demarhra, Issequibo, and Berbice, are already taken again under the fostering wing of Great Britain. The Dutch, and the Anglo-Dutch planters, fondly rush into our arms, in order to be safe from our hostility; and to be nourished again --- Page 153 --- E 143 ] again, as they. doubtless hope, with British capital and credit; as well as to enjoy the security during war, of British navigation. In return, they generously allow and engage you to provide for their internal safety; and., to guarantee them against the fearful tendencies of their having lately added to their population a hundred thousand African slaves. Surinam too, if report may. be credited, has probably ere now condescended to change its flag on the same advantageous terms: and here, our regular troops, which we SO easily recruit,and can SO well spare from European service, will have frequent opportunities of gathering laurels, in the unceasing war maintained by that colony against the Maroon negroes of the interior. Perhaps the Dutch Assembly may be more civil than that of Jamaica; and be gracious enough, while we are at all the expence of life, to contribute a little money for their own defence; since the standing contribution to their own government for the support ofthe Maroon war alone, was six per cent. on all their produce. How many regimentsamnually thes sicklyswamps of that settlement may consume for us, Ir cannot to estimate; but Demarara is said to presune have furnished graves to almost the entirel garrisons sent out to receive it at the last peace, consisting more civil than that of Jamaica; and be gracious enough, while we are at all the expence of life, to contribute a little money for their own defence; since the standing contribution to their own government for the support ofthe Maroon war alone, was six per cent. on all their produce. How many regimentsamnually thes sicklyswamps of that settlement may consume for us, Ir cannot to estimate; but Demarara is said to presune have furnished graves to almost the entirel garrisons sent out to receive it at the last peace, consisting --- Page 154 --- [ 144. ] sisting of about twelve hundred Batavian regulars, in little more than a single year. Could I with propriety here pursue this subject further, it would be easy to shew the cruel hardships imposed upon our own planters, by the diversion made by Guiana speculations, of such. commercial capital as is usually invested in West Indian loans; the injustice of opening freely the British market during war to the produce ofthese foreign colonies ; and the extreme folly of suffering them to be improved and extended by subjects of this country. But these considerations are not strictly within the scope of my present argument. Ir now wish to look to the inauspicious conquests in question, no further than as they, like the other facts to which I have referred, stand related to the Slave, Trade ; and consequently to the plan of policy which it is the business of these sheets to recommend. Ifthen, as these measures unhappily seem to threaten, the old maxims are still to prevailifwe are still, with insatiable avidity, to prosecute the Slave Trade, to every extent, and in every direction, to which the spirit of gambling speculation may invite-ifto this end, we are to open new lands, plant new colonies, and manure with British capital and credit, every foreign and rival soil between the tropics, where slave buyers can be --- Page 155 --- [ 145 ] we are to persist in this infabe found-if Isay the advice which I tuated and atrocious career; have taken all this trouble to support is certainly not worth your attention. whether In that case, it matters little you colonies the evils which meavert from our sugar more nace them from St. Domingo; for mischiefs destructive are ripening in those new fields surely of blood and will soon be wafted by the wings ; wind them. It will profit us of the trade upon from the little in that case, to rescue our army hospitals of Jamaica: ; for graves sufficiently wide to contain the whole of it, are opening in Trinidada and Guiana-It will be a fruitless work to stop by a wise policy the course of revolution at one end of the Charibbean Chain, for its electric shock will soon be transmitted from the other. as far as the welfare of our Nor is it necessary, that the old colonies is concerned, to suppose, sudden introduction of another hundred thousand those settlements, will produce in of Africansinto natural effect. The rival- . speedy insurrection its will ship of those colonies, should they prosper, be certain ruin to the old British planter, and destruction to his slaves.* But, * The author regrets that he must here abstain from the discussion of a most important topic. It might be demon- strated, U its electric shock will soon be transmitted from the other. as far as the welfare of our Nor is it necessary, that the old colonies is concerned, to suppose, sudden introduction of another hundred thousand those settlements, will produce in of Africansinto natural effect. The rival- . speedy insurrection its will ship of those colonies, should they prosper, be certain ruin to the old British planter, and destruction to his slaves.* But, * The author regrets that he must here abstain from the discussion of a most important topic. It might be demon- strated, U --- Page 156 --- [ 146 ] But, abstaining from the further consideration ofthese natural consequences oft the Slave Trade, and omitting to state its obvious incompatibility with that permanent friendship which I would advise you to cultivate with the people of St. Domingo; let me avow, before I conclude, the influence of still higher motives-Yes, Sir! however it may revolt the prejudices of many who regard the raising our eyes beyond second causes, as no part of political wisdom, I will freely confess, that I can hope no good result from the measure here recommended, or from any other precautions of national prudence, while we continue to defy the justice of Omnipotence, by the horrible iniquities of the Slave Trade. I know the unequalled miseries inflicted myriads of the children of Adam, by that upon commerce; I know the horrors of the system which it feeds and perpetrates ; I believe that, there is a righteous governor of the earth ; and therefore I strated, from premises which even the West Indian Committee would admit, that the planters of the old islands must be ruined, if the settlement of the cheap lands in these is further to be encouraged or allowed : and it is a plain colonies, COrollary from this propesition, that slaves bound by to the soil, as the negroes in the islands almost mortgages must be gradually worked down and destroyed, universally: in the fruitless are, but necessary attempt, to keep down by parsimony and tion thoinierest of the growing incumbrances. exerdare --- Page 157 --- [ 147 ] dare not hope well of the fortunes of my country, while she stands with an impious obduracy, between the mercy of God, and the deliverance ofAfrica. Norare there symptoms wanting, which appear for the relief of to develope a providential plan, that much injured race, and the punishment of their oppressors. which In the wonderful events and coincidences have planted, fostered, and defended, the liberty of St. Domingo, I seem to see that hand by which the fates of men and nations are directed. I seem to see it, in that strange train of public evils, which, since the first blaze of light revealed the full guilt of the Slave Trade, and since we rejected the loud call for reformation, have chastized I seem to see it, in the our national obduracy. dark clouds which now menace the domestic security, the idolised wealth, the happiness, and even the liberty andindependency, ofmy country. For that Satanic mind which is now suffered to sway the destiny of Europe, few are more inclined, in a natural view, than myself, to mingle with abhorrence; but when I consider contempt instruments the Almighty has sometimes what been pleased to employ in purposes of national and whenI think of the Slave Trade, vengeance, the menaces of our I cannot wholly despise haughty --- Page 158 --- L 148 J haughty enemy, even upon British ground. I can only exclaimNon me tua fervida terrent 64 Dicta, ferox: Dimeterrent, et Jupiter hostis." --- Page 159 --- APPENDIX, Ectracted from THE SUN, of Saturday, April 28, 1804. St. DOMINGO. LIBERTY OR DEATHI-NATIVE ARMY. THE GENERAL IN CHIEF TO THE PEOPLE OF HAYTI. C6 CITIZENS, <c Ir is not enough to have expelled from your Country the barbarians who have for two ages stained it with blood; it is not enough to have curbed the factions which, succeeding one another, by turns sported with a phantom of Liberty which France exposed to their eyes. It is become necessary, by a last act of National Authority, to ensure for ever the Empire of Liberty in a Country which has given us birth. It is necessary to X deprive -NATIVE ARMY. THE GENERAL IN CHIEF TO THE PEOPLE OF HAYTI. C6 CITIZENS, <c Ir is not enough to have expelled from your Country the barbarians who have for two ages stained it with blood; it is not enough to have curbed the factions which, succeeding one another, by turns sported with a phantom of Liberty which France exposed to their eyes. It is become necessary, by a last act of National Authority, to ensure for ever the Empire of Liberty in a Country which has given us birth. It is necessary to X deprive --- Page 160 --- [ 150 ] deprive an inluman Government, which has hitherto held our minds in a state of the most hu- e miliated torpitude, of every hope of being enabled again to enslave us.- Finally, it is necessary to live independent or die. Independenceor Death! Let those sacred words serve/to raily us, let them be signals of battle and of our re-union. Citizens, Countrymen, Thaveassembled on this solemn day, those cwurageonsChied@who, on the eve Sassr1s have lavished their blood to preserve it.-These Generals who have conducted your efforts against tyranny, have not yet done enough. The French name still darkens our plains; every thing recally the remembrance of the cruelties of that barbarous people. Our laws, our customs, our cities, every thing bears the mark ofthe French. What do I say? the French still have a footing in our island, and you beliere yourselves free and independent of that Republic, which has fought all nations it is true, but which never. conquered those who would be free! What, victinns for fourteen years' ofour eredulity and forbearance! conquered not by French armies, but by the canting eloquence of the Prociamations of their Agents! When shall we, bei wearied with breathing the same air with them What have we in common with-that bloodyaninded people? Their cruelties, compared to our moderation, their colour to ours, the extension of seas: which separate us, our avenging --- Page 161 --- [ 151 ] climate, all plainly tell ITS they are not avenging that they never will become such; our brethren; among us, they will and if they find an asylum and of our still be the instigators of our troubles divisions. Citizens, men, women, young and olil, cast round your eyes on all parts of this island; seek there your wives, your husbands, your brosisters-What do I say? Seck your thers, your children at the breast, what is bechildren-your ofthem? I shudder to tell it-the prey ef come Instead of these interesting victims, the oultures. their assuassins-atigers still affrighted eye sees only covered with their blood, and whose terriftying presence reproaches you for yourinsensibility and tardiness to avenge them-what do your guilty their manes? Remember you wait for to appease remains to be laid by that you have wished your have driven the side of your fathers--When you will you descend into their tombs, out tyranny, them? No, their bones without having avenged inwould repulse yours; and ye invaluable men, Generals, who, insensible to private suffertrepid have giren new life to liberty, by lavishing ings, blood, know that you have done nothing if your do not give to the nations a terrible, though yon of the vengeance that ought to be just example, of having recovered exercised by a people proud it. Let tis its liberty, and zealous of maintaining deintimidate those who might dare to attempt us of it again:-let us begin with the priving French enged inwould repulse yours; and ye invaluable men, Generals, who, insensible to private suffertrepid have giren new life to liberty, by lavishing ings, blood, know that you have done nothing if your do not give to the nations a terrible, though yon of the vengeance that ought to be just example, of having recovered exercised by a people proud it. Let tis its liberty, and zealous of maintaining deintimidate those who might dare to attempt us of it again:-let us begin with the priving French --- Page 162 --- I L 152 3 Freneh; let them shudder at approaching our shores, if not-on account of the cruelties they have 0 committed, at least at the terrible resolution we are going to make, to devote to death, whatsoever native of France should soil with his sacrilegious footstep this territory of Liberty. C6 We have dared to be frees-let us be free by ourselves and for ourselves; let us imitate the growing child; his own weight breaks his leading strings, which have become useless and troublesome to him in his walk. What people have fought us? what people would reap the fruits of our labours? and what dishonourable to conquer to be slaves! absurdity < Slaves, leave to the French Nation this lifying epithet, they have quaconquered to be no longer free-let us walk on other foot-steps; let usimitate other people, who, carrying their solicitude into futurity, and dreading to leave to terity an example of cowardice, have preferred pos- to be exterminated, rather than to be erased from the list of free people. Let us, however, take care, lest our spirit of proselytism should destroy our work-let our neighbours breathe in peacelet them live peaceably under the shield of those laws which they have framed for themselves; let us beware of becoming revolutionary fire-brands -of creating ourselves the Legislators of the Antilles-of considering asa glory the disturbing the tranquillity oftheneighbouring Islands; they have not --- Page 163 --- [ 153 ] like the one we inhabit, bathed in the not been, have no innocent blood of theirinbabitats-they the authority that vengeance to exercise against protects them; happy never to have experienced the plague that has destroyed us, they must wish well to our posterity. be '< Peace with our neighbours; but accursed French hatred to France; such the name-etemnal are our principles. reserves c Natives of Hayti-my happy destiny Sentinel who is to guard the me to be one daythe idol we now sacrifice to. I have grown old fightfor sometimes almost alone; and lifIhave ing you, to the sacred been happy enough to deliver you charge confided to me, recollect it is for you at to preserve it. In fighting for your lipresent berty, I have laboured for my own happiness; before it shall be consolidated by laws which insure Chiefs whom I have asindividual liberty, your sembled here, and myself, owe you this last proof of our devotedness. unite with me for cc Generals and other Chiefs, the happiness of our Country: the day is arrived, the day which is to perpetuate our glory and our indlependence. Cc Ift there exist among you a lakewarm heart, let him retire, and shudder to pronounce the oath which is to unite ulS. Let us swear to the whole world, to posterity, to ourselves, to renounce France for ever, and to die rather than live under its asindividual liberty, your sembled here, and myself, owe you this last proof of our devotedness. unite with me for cc Generals and other Chiefs, the happiness of our Country: the day is arrived, the day which is to perpetuate our glory and our indlependence. Cc Ift there exist among you a lakewarm heart, let him retire, and shudder to pronounce the oath which is to unite ulS. Let us swear to the whole world, to posterity, to ourselves, to renounce France for ever, and to die rather than live under its --- Page 164 --- [ 154 ] its dominion-to fight till the last breath for the Independence of our Country. C6 And ye, People, too long unfortunate, witness the oath we now pronounce: recollect that it is. upon your constancy and courage that I depended when I first entered the career of Liberty to fight despotism and Tyranny, against which you have been struggling these last fourteen years; remember that I have sacrificed every thing to Aly to your defencel Parents, Children, Fortune, and am now only rich in your Liberty. That my name has become a horrorto all the friends of Slavery and Despots, and people, Tyrants only pronounce it, cursing the day that gave me births and if ever you refuse or receive in murmuring the Laws, which theprotecting angel that watches over your destinies shall dictate to me for your happiness, you will merit the fate of an ungrateful people. But far from me this frightful idea: you will, be the guardians of the liberty you cherish, the support ofthe Chief who commands you. Cc Swear then to live free and independent, and to prefer death to every thing that would lead to replace you under the yokes swear then to sue everlasting Traitors, and the enemies ofyonr purIndependence. J. J. ce Head Quarters, DESSALINES" ce 1st Jan. 1804, 1sÉ Year Gonaires, of Independence." Since the above proclamation was sent to the author has received the press, following extract from a Boston --- Page 165 --- 155 ] arrived, which seems to a Boston newspaper just place it out of doubt that vindictive executions, at least, if not massacres, have really taken place in St. Domingo. of the 5th Extractfrom a Boston Nespaper of May 1804. of directed the pube <c The Governor Haytihas lication of the following Arretés in the papers of the United States: that there ce The Governor General considering still remains 4 in the Island of Hayti individuals who have contributed either by their guilty writheir accusations, to the tings, or by sanguinary and drowning, suffocating, assassinating, hanging, shooting of more than 60000 of our brethren, under thei inhuman govérnment of Leclercand Rochthat every man who has disambeau: : considering himself honoured human nature by prostituting with enthusiasm to the vile offices of informers, and of executioners, ought to be classed with assassins, and delivered up without remorse to the sword ofjustice ; decrees as follows: < 1. Every commandant of division shall cause to be arrested within their respective commands, whoare or shall be known'to have taken the persons massacres and assasan active' part in the different sinations ordered by Leclerc or Rochambeau. the arrest of inCC 2. Before proceeding to any dividual (as it often happens that many are inno-. cent, who nevertheless may be strongly suspected) we executioners, ought to be classed with assassins, and delivered up without remorse to the sword ofjustice ; decrees as follows: < 1. Every commandant of division shall cause to be arrested within their respective commands, whoare or shall be known'to have taken the persons massacres and assasan active' part in the different sinations ordered by Leclerc or Rochambeau. the arrest of inCC 2. Before proceeding to any dividual (as it often happens that many are inno-. cent, who nevertheless may be strongly suspected) we --- Page 166 --- we.order each commandant to makeall enquiries forip procuring nédessary to confound with: proofs; and above all; not dennnciations true andi faithfnl reports those too frequently and hatred., suggested by envy < 3. The names and sinmames-of cited shall beriniserted in. a Jist,and persons exeGemeral in Chief, who wvill make sent to the order to inform the nations them public, in although we, of the worid that grant an asylum.and thosé who: act candidly and protection to nothing shall ever turn our friendly towards us, murderers who have bathed vengeance from those sure in the. blood of the themselves with pleaHayti. innocent children of 4 Cc 4. Every chief, who in ders-and unalterable contempt of. the orwill of crifice to his government, shall saother ambition, to his hatred, or to passion, any individual ahose any have been. previously well e guilt shall not shall ascertained and iandergo the same punisiment proved, have thus inflicted, and the which he shall unjust officer sball be property of every suchi government, and the confiscated; one half to the theinnocent other half to the relations of land at. the time victim, if any there may be in the is. ofhis deathi. a Done at Gonaizes, 291h oF Ce DESSALINES Truc copy, B! Aimé, Secresary: Februarye FINIS. C. WHITTINGHAN, Printer, Dean Street. --- Page 167 --- D80H S8233 of --- Page 168 ---