--- Page 1 --- --- Page 2 --- a - a O 3ubn Carter Brotun. --- Page 3 --- --- Page 4 --- --- Page 5 --- --- Page 6 --- abrd --- Page 7 --- A VOYAGE TO SAINT DOMINGO, --- Page 8 --- --- Page 9 --- The Thrm Aos HISPANIOLA, SAINT DOMINGO,. 7' Tortuga 1 SS - - " reF : P ) c - - t. - Priuce Lay " r: rM Tl 7h liblie Mnlea J zh Tulowa Jd pw :. Iuhtunl tprit A loll Ihmt hioal mak --- Page 10 --- RPJCE --- Page 11 --- I RPICE --- Page 12 --- - - - - - - FELIX M.LE BARON WIM PFFEN DE de Caen. Député du Baillage Mationales a ravombli de 1789. mdinbe Joufp Moroau ded. --- Page 13 --- A V OYAG E TO SAINT DOMINGO, Ix THE YEARS 1788, 1789, AND 179 790, By R FRANCIS ALEXANDER STANNLAUS BARON DE WIMPFFEN. J TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN PUBLISHED, Br J: WRIGHT, Les Voyages font bons, non pour rapporter feulement combien de a SANCTA ROTUNDA Gu la couleur des caleçons de la SIGNORA pas LIVIA, mais pour frotter et limer notre cervelle contre celle d'autrui, MONTAIGNE. LONDON: PRINTED FOR T. CADELL, JUNIOR, AND W. DAVIES, (SUCCESSORS TO MR. CADELL) IN THE STRAND; AND J., WRICHT, OPPOSITE OLD BONDSTREET, PICCADILLY, M. DCCCVII, XC. --- Page 14 --- WIMOT TVIAL - de - I3 --- Page 15 --- TO HIS SERENE HIGHNESS THE HEREDITARY PRINCE, DUKE OF WIRTEMBERG, AND TECK, PRINCE OF MONTHEILLARD, COUNT AND SEIGNEUR OF LIMPURG, GAILDORF, &c. &c. &c. LIEUTENANT GENERALINTHE SERVICE OF RUSSIA, MAJOR GENERAL OF THE CIRCLE OF SWABIA, KNIGHT AND COMMANDER IN EXPECTANCY OFTHE ORDER OF SAINT JOHN OF JERUSALEM, KNIGHT OF THE ORDERS OF SAINT ANDREW, OF SAINT ALEXANDER NEWSKY, AND OF WIRTEMBERG, &c. &cc. &c. SIR, Youx SERENE HIGHNESS, in condefcendingtoaccept thehomageofap production, which can at moft, pretend to mediocrity, certainly gives in this teftimony of kindnefs, a frefh proof of the candour and indulgence which charaéterife true fuperiority. Thofe who have the honour to know and approach YouR SERENE HIGHNESS, will not be furprifed at it, a But , AND OF WIRTEMBERG, &c. &cc. &c. SIR, Youx SERENE HIGHNESS, in condefcendingtoaccept thehomageofap production, which can at moft, pretend to mediocrity, certainly gives in this teftimony of kindnefs, a frefh proof of the candour and indulgence which charaéterife true fuperiority. Thofe who have the honour to know and approach YouR SERENE HIGHNESS, will not be furprifed at it, a But --- Page 16 --- IV DEDICATION. But if, inflead of ar fevere cenfor, I have only Patron, let the found in You an indulgent at leaft, know that it would have been public, difficult for me to have chofen, even amongft the beft informed men, ajudge more enlightfrom his multifarious ened, or more capable, erudition, and from the purity of his tafte, to literary work whatdecide on the merit ofany ever. No prince in Europc, Sir, Imight, perhaps, knows this quarter of the fay, no traveller, HIGHNESS, world better than YoUR SERENE Ruflia, Holland, France, SwifferGermany, have all, in their turn, feen You Iand, and Italy, and' their produ8tions, their induftry, examine inhabitants. You have the manners of their paffed from the rocks of Helvetia fuccellively from the ruins to the dock-yards of Sardam; to the plains of the Crimea: of Herculaneum to complete the courfe and You are nowabout of --- Page 17 --- DEDICATION. V of your obfervations amongft a people as worthy of being known as any of thofe You have hitherto feen; and from whom You will affuredly carry away, with the moft advantageous opinion, the efteem and the regretsfo much the more lively, as your departure will be, for Great Britain, the epoch ofa lofs which the would confider as irreparable, if the virtues to which every Englifhman pays fo fincere a tribute of love and refpeét, in the perfon of the PRINCESS RoyAL, were not a patrimony which that country is certain of finding again in each of the members of Her auguft family. While Iregret, Sir, that this feeble tribute is fo little worthy ofYOUR SERENE HIGHNESS, I have ftill the confolatory knowledge that You will appreciate it, lefs by its own value, than by the fentiment which induces me to lay it at your feet: : and that You will have the a 2 goodnefs --- Page 18 --- vi DEDICATION. goodnefs to judge of my gratitude by the fincerity of my attachment, and the profound refpeét with which Iam, Sir, YouR SERENE HIGHNESS's Moft humble and Moft obedient Servant, The BARON DE WIMPFFEN. London, April 15th, 1797. no a smlem 2 2 à CItrt --- Page 19 --- PREFAC E. SENT to the prefs, in 1788, 66 Letters ef a Traveller," which were merely an extraét from a more voluminous work, I propofed printing with my 66 Voyage to the Cape of Good Hope ; 99 when, called to Saint Domingo by particular circumftances, I faw myfelf obliged to renounce the publication ofa work which, in the prefent fituation of affairs, might poffibly not have been uninterefting to the reader. The following pages contain a part ofmy. obfervations during a refidence of two years in the richeft and moft flourifhing ofall the colonies. It will be objeéted, perhaps, that to fome details ofimportance I have joined others oftoo minute and trifling a nature for fuch as look for nothing in voyages but great political and commercial I faw myfelf obliged to renounce the publication ofa work which, in the prefent fituation of affairs, might poffibly not have been uninterefting to the reader. The following pages contain a part ofmy. obfervations during a refidence of two years in the richeft and moft flourifhing ofall the colonies. It will be objeéted, perhaps, that to fome details ofimportance I have joined others oftoo minute and trifling a nature for fuch as look for nothing in voyages but great political and commercial --- Page 20 --- vIll PREFACE. commercial events. To this I might reply, muft be allowed to egoifm, that fomething travellers than other which no more exempts from the weaknefs of attaching a cerpeople, value to the honour of occupying for a tain the attention of the public. But, exmoment there are many clufive of this confideration, readers more or lels pleafed with what may becalled the dramatic part ofa book of travels; confefs that I am one of the and I frankly number. The work, however, is very far from being have been, if unforefo complete as it might in féen events had not compelled me to leave, from whence it may never be poffible a d-pot them, together with the for me to recover of my c: Voyage to tbe Cape of Good manufcript by the affiftance 56 Hope," a variety ofmaterials, other, to of which I propofed fome day or extenfion to my obfervations on give a greater Saint Domingo. I am flill farther from flattering myfelf, either that the fevere freedom of my remarks will not draw upon me an ardent oppofition, that I am never in the wrong. 66 We ought or 65 to --- Page 21 --- PREFACE. IX c to exterminate all travellers,' $9 fays a modern writer, 66 if their relations are to be refufed every degree of credit, the inftant it appears they have not had the 46 to efcape the fudden good fortune 6; deceptions of their own imaginations, or the 6; of others." * difingenuoufnefs Setting afide the degree of confidence obfervations may merit, it is certain that my. very important ones might, at prefent, bemade on the manner in which the conqueft of Saint Domingo has been conduged: without entering into details, however, which would only fatigue the reader, I fhall confine myfelf to the following refleétions. The fuppofition that nothing more was necelffary for the conqueft of Saint than getting poffeffion of the chief towns, Domingo, fuch as Cape-François, the Mole, Port-au-Prince, &c. and confequently of the rich in their neighbourhoods, polleflions falfe proceeded from a principle, Such taétics, with all due * HiRoire Generale de PAfie, de et de Tome 18. LAfrique, PAmérique, fubmiflion, uppofition that nothing more was necelffary for the conqueft of Saint than getting poffeffion of the chief towns, Domingo, fuch as Cape-François, the Mole, Port-au-Prince, &c. and confequently of the rich in their neighbourhoods, polleflions falfe proceeded from a principle, Such taétics, with all due * HiRoire Generale de PAfie, de et de Tome 18. LAfrique, PAmérique, fubmiflion, --- Page 22 --- X PREFACE. fubmiflion, Icannot help comparing to that of thole intrepid Buccaneers who fancied they had manceuvred with great adroitnefs when they had furprifed a poft, or flormed a townwhich they were obligedto abandon inftantly, after a hafty pillage ! No well-informed military man will deny that, generally fpeaking, more courage, and lefs fkill has been fhewn in this war than in preceding one. Turenne and Montecuany culi made ten campaigns, and as many conquefts, without fighting a fingle battle : at prefent, ten battles are foughtin a fingle campaign; and the moft paltry conqueft, the moft equivocal fuccels is only obtained by prodigies of valour, and rivers ofblood. * am very far from denying great talents to fome of the generals of the two parties. Heaven forbid the Archduke Charles fhould ever realize the promiles of his early youth, and prove hereafter, a Caefar in genius, as he is already in and in birth. With relpedt to the French commanders courage and their fucceffes-It is, I believe, not very generully known that their fo much admired manceuvres are the work of the genius of the great generals ofthe Age of Louis XIV. and that the well concerted, but ill exccuted plan of the laft campaign, has lain, in all its details, for near an' Thundred'years in the war. office at Verfailles : but Moreau is not a Turenne, Tourdaris not a Lnxemburg, Bumnaparte himfeifis not a Viliars, though he fancies he is a Conds. I know --- Page 23 --- PREFACE, XI Iknow no method of effe@tually, but conquering a country fitions by taking poffeflion of the which defend it. The poof thefe pofitions, of the fea, and Englifh, mafters which, in a country like Saint of the defiles, all communication Domingo, render ters between the different quarextremely difficult; Leogane, Port-auPrince, and the Cape, vifions, muft unfupplied with proin fo much have fallen - in a fhort time; and the fhorter, as by felves to the blockade of thefe confining themwould have been places, nothing the freams more eafy than to divert thus which fupplied them with water; reducing their garrifons to the ofa an honourable alternative with capitulation, orof hunger and thirft. An perilhing would have fpent his whole life ordinary man without taking it: before Tyre dyke, and Tyre Alexander conftruas a the total abfence ofa capitulates! Nothing proves not Genius for war more than knowinghow to advance a track traced out by Art. ftep beyond the It appears to me then, that, in a every where thinly inhabited in country its extent, and which, proportion to intelline divifions, more or lefs a prey to was defended by widely fcattered perilhing would have fpent his whole life ordinary man without taking it: before Tyre dyke, and Tyre Alexander conftruas a the total abfence ofa capitulates! Nothing proves not Genius for war more than knowinghow to advance a track traced out by Art. ftep beyond the It appears to me then, that, in a every where thinly inhabited in country its extent, and which, proportion to intelline divifions, more or lefs a prey to was defended by widely fcattered --- Page 24 --- X1i PREFACE. fcattered forces, the only proper method of proceeding was to infulate the different parts of defence, by interrupting, with well-chofen the chain of communications: and pofitions, of then confining the whole to a war out-pofts, without undertaking any fiege, or rifking any but what a ftriét adherence to a engagement, well-combined fyftem of defenfive operations might neceflitate. * Independent of the benefits which the adtiand ftrength of the Englith marine fevity cured to the troops on fhore, its fuperiority them another advantage of the moft magave The French army could terial confequence. only be recruited by levies fent from Europe; the Englith had in the neighbourhood, befides their ancient pofleflions, the lately conquered iflands of Martinico and Saint Lucia; from whence the troops in Saint Domingo might have received daily reinforcements. * Striétly fpeaking, I knowthat one army mayalways force another to fight. But I know, too, that if the army attackcd it is albe not in a bad pofition, or commanded by a fool, is well ways an hundred to one that the attacking army beaten. Undoubtedly --- Page 25 --- PREFACE. X111 Undoubtedly the fyftem I propofe would require a much greater number of were, in fact, employed :-but troops than ther the ambition as I have neiin this nor the leifure to trace out place, fuch a plan of conqueft of Saint operation as the I Thall Domingo feems to demand, content myfelf with a few general intimations. In my opinion, then, it would have been neceffary to act with three different bodies troops, of five or fix thoufand of the planters and each, including Englith. negroes in the intereft of the One of thefe bodies, the fouthern coaft, where by landing on it would have been fupported by the majority off the colonifts: and rapidly advancing to the fummit and of the mountains, which gorges the ifland from that feparate this fide of of the this fingle North, would, by movement, have acquired two portant advantages, 1°. That of imone and the fame menacing, at time, all the between ellablifhments Port-au-Prince, and 2°. Petit-Goave; and Thatofinfalating all that part ofthe which ftretches from this laft ifland Tiburon: : and if the two place to Cape moved at the fame other columns had inflant, one from MoleSaint- of the this fingle North, would, by movement, have acquired two portant advantages, 1°. That of imone and the fame menacing, at time, all the between ellablifhments Port-au-Prince, and 2°. Petit-Goave; and Thatofinfalating all that part ofthe which ftretches from this laft ifland Tiburon: : and if the two place to Cape moved at the fame other columns had inflant, one from MoleSaint- --- Page 26 --- xiv PREFACE. the other Saint-Nicholas, or Port-au-Prince, from Cape François, or Fort Dauphin, fo as near Plaifance, and fall with to formajunêtion while the fleet united forces upon Artibonita, Thewn itfelf on different points had fuccellively that the French, of the coafls; it is probable would thus attacked and menaced on all fides, have been obliged citherto extend their troops or to unite them in a central point, too much, would be fo much the eafier to block where it the Englifh were on any them up, as (provided hundred terms with the Spaniards) five or fix riflemen of that nation, divided into platoons, their flanks. The adwould fuffice to harrafs his vice which the fon of Mithridates gave might in the circumftances I have fupfather, with advantage : pofed, be remembered de l'un à l'autre bout, c Quel les Romains preffés trouvent 66 Doutent où vous ferez, et yous RACINE. partout. aware of the objections which may be Iam this of attack ; but, obferving by made to plan how the way, that every military operation, its weak well foever concerted it may be, has its I fhall cite a falt, of fide, and dangers, and which appears to me which I was witnefs, in applicable to the circumftances perfeély queflion. --- Page 27 --- PREFACE. XV queftion. The authority of a precept IS never fo well eftablifhed as by the example which relates to it. When the French, in 1768, invaded Corfica, they fell into the fame error as the Englith at Saint Domingo: they attacked lit with an infufficient force; and experienced the fate referved for every operation thus frittered into infignificance. The battles of Borgo and Saint Nicholas had; by Oétober, fo reduced and difperfed the French troops, that they had even loft the communication between Baftia and Fiorenza. A reinforcement of fix battalions enabled them to recover ic, and to advance as far as Oletta. This momentary fuccefs, however, would by no means have anfwered the end propofed; if the attack of Barbagio, in February 1769, well combined in its details, perfeétly military in its whole, and admirably executed in its outfet, had been better fupported by the Bopken-boriloagbtohane driven us from Corlica. It was then the Court of Verfailles hended, for the firlt time, the neceflity compre- of proceeding more methodically, and with more adequate , however, would by no means have anfwered the end propofed; if the attack of Barbagio, in February 1769, well combined in its details, perfeétly military in its whole, and admirably executed in its outfet, had been better fupported by the Bopken-boriloagbtohane driven us from Corlica. It was then the Court of Verfailles hended, for the firlt time, the neceflity compre- of proceeding more methodically, and with more adequate --- Page 28 --- xvi EREFACER means,to the conquelt ofa country, adequate which the nature of the ground, the fanaticifm infidious negociations, and the feof liberty, would have defendcret affiftance of England, time all the efforts of France; ed a long againft of the officers of this if the military talents refources ofthe brave peopie had.equalled the genius of their chief. of the Marefchal de Vaux, who - The plan with an army forlanded in the fpring of1769, that which he had to midable in comparifon oft fimilar to what I fhould combat, was nearly While he have propofed for Saint Domingo. Monf. condugtedin perfon the principal attack, with a divifion of the army, mede Marbceuf, of Mariana, and a ftrong COnaced the plain direfted its march, lumn moving from Ajaccio, towards the like us, towards Corte, that is, of the illand; of which the conqueft center in the month of July. was completed That of Saint Domingo is, without contraand diétion, of infinitely more importance, wilh fewer obftacles. If the Englifh prefents then, to atchieve it, they muft emferioufly, which I look upon as indifploy four means, penfable : --- Page 29 --- PREFACE, xvii penfable: 1" Sufficient forces; 2°. A wellcombined plan of attack; 3. A of fare fyftem waradapted to the and of uniting and country; 4". The art gaining over the colonifts, by avoiding every thing that ance the energy fhe may give to refift. which the borrows from the hatred conquered naturally fcel for conquerors. the 1 I fhould write a volume inflead of if I were to enter into all the a preface, the four meafures details of which The I propofe are fufeeptible. conqueft of Saint efforts of force and Domingo by the united of perfuafion, is ftill a work difficulty : to diflemble, would be to the overcoming it to an reduce will be much facilitated, impollibility-but it ed to reckon in the ifeloquence be allownumber of its body of troops fufficient to arguments a over-awe. With regard to myfelf, I fhall future on one fingle only infift in operations muft be point; that the plan of abfolutely regulated locality of the theatre of by the Saint Domingo, war, and that of neither allowing of ring in a line, nor of adting with manceuvfront, all muft an extended necelfarily be reduced to the taétics --- Page 30 --- xviii PREFACE. taétics ofa mountainous country; as they may developed in the"Guerre be found fcientifically de Saint Simon. 66 des Alpes : ofthe Marquis this by a fincere 1 Ihaften to terminate preface avowal. Ihave occafion for the degree of confidence which reckons the fuffrage of friendamongft the prefages of fuccefs, to deterIhip this work, at a time when mine me to publifh and inteoccupations of a very different kind, refts much dearer to my heart than thofe of have deprived me of the leifure I felf-love, ftood in need of to render it leis imperfeêt. this by a fincere 1 Ihaften to terminate preface avowal. Ihave occafion for the degree of confidence which reckons the fuffrage of friendamongft the prefages of fuccefs, to deterIhip this work, at a time when mine me to publifh and inteoccupations of a very different kind, refts much dearer to my heart than thofe of have deprived me of the leifure I felf-love, ftood in need of to render it leis imperfeêt. --- Page 31 --- VOYAGE TO SAINT DOMINGO. LETTER I. Haure de Grace, July 1788. I WAS not miftaken, Sir, in my conjectures, when I told you that I did not doubt but fortune would fhortly prefent me with a frefh opportunity 8 practically extending the little knowledge which I have already acquired of fome parts of our planet, and of the political, moral and phyfical eXiftençe of the different nations which inhabit it. To fay the truth, I by no means confider this knowledge as abfolutcly neceffary to our happinefs; but when accident prefents us with the means of obtaining it, negligence would certainly be inexcufable: if it does not increafe our ftock of hapB pinefs, --- Page 32 --- 'E 2 J it may at lcaft tend to render us lefs prepinefs, fumptuous. obfervation of Seneca's * > it might In fpite of an if, render us extremely ufeful to fociety, certainly juft conclufions from to the talent of drawing the accurate obfervations, we fortunately joined of infpiring the ignorant with a degree of power fufficient to enable them to comprehend modefty derived from experience, that there are truths, counter to which, notwithftanding they may run the routine of cuftom, the prejudices of habit, and the principles of a contraéted education, are, admirably calculated from that very circumftance, to cxtend at once the boundarics of the narrow circle in which they vegetate, and the means of being more focial ; in other words, more neceffary, and more ferviceable to our fellow creatures: fays Charon te ( It is the extreme of folly," the whole world ought to €e for a man to fancy The €E think and act as they do in his village." thing barbarous that does not accord fool calls every it with his own tafte and habitudes : and, indeed, would feem as if we had no other criterion of truth and reafon, than the ideas we derive from the opinions and cuftoms of the country we live in. * See his fecond Epifle to Lucilius. + Sageffe, Liv. 2. Chap. ii. Such, It is the extreme of folly," the whole world ought to €e for a man to fancy The €E think and act as they do in his village." thing barbarous that does not accord fool calls every it with his own tafte and habitudes : and, indeed, would feem as if we had no other criterion of truth and reafon, than the ideas we derive from the opinions and cuftoms of the country we live in. * See his fecond Epifle to Lucilius. + Sageffe, Liv. 2. Chap. ii. Such, --- Page 33 --- [3 ] Such, Sir, was not the honeft Jefuit * taken > who, by Commodore Anfon and: treated with all the refpect due to the unfortunate, chofe rather to be filenced, and finally driven from his Order, than to perfevere in maintaining that ce there was no falvation out of the pale of the Church." The good man's gratitude was perhaps exceflive; and yet be cannot be faid to travel in vain, who learns on the road not to damn his benefactor. The veffel in which Iintend to embark is called the Venus: the is commanded by the Monfieur Cottin, whofe name appeared fo often in the public papers in the courfe of the laft war; and who merited the flattering diftinétion of receiving a fword from the hands of his fovereign. I fhall be the only paffenger, and I do not regret it: for though a fociety, a little diverfified, may abe more neceffàry on fhip-board than elfewhere, yet the qualities which conftitute focial harmony are fo rarcly to be met with amongft that clafs of * Voyage autour du Monde. Tom. 2. We may pronounce without hefitation, that our Jefuit did not belong to the diocefe of that archbithop of Lima, who returning to Europe, in the of Captain Guiot, which had the fkeleton of a thip board, infifted on its being thrown into the fea, Patagonian on which he maintained had been raifed by the bones during of this a Rorm, unfortunate Pagan. See the Difertation on America, Part Z0 B2 people --- Page 34 --- [ 4 ] the fea, that I ought rather people which frequents affliéted at the thought of being to be pleafed than alone. detail of cirIf I piqued myfelf on an accurate already have I fhould cumftances as they occurred, having previoufly fome apologics to make for not from Caen to given you an account of my journey this placc. from the former town on a I took my departure carried me over no fmall ftallion, who would have had fuffered him to portion of the country, if I led him to follow all the mares which his inftinét furmife were in our neighbourhood. where I exchanged I ftopped to dine at Cuges, whofe charger for a poft-horfe, my unmanageable employed in vigour my fpurs were as ineffeétually the had been in controlling roufing, as they lately paflions ofhis fiery predeceffor. the tide was in, I was obliged to ride feveral As to the girths in water : miles along the fand, up my however, did not prevent this circumftance, and the beauty of the country admiring the richnefs towards as I advanced which I left on my right, Havre. If my unmanageable employed in vigour my fpurs were as ineffeétually the had been in controlling roufing, as they lately paflions ofhis fiery predeceffor. the tide was in, I was obliged to ride feveral As to the girths in water : miles along the fand, up my however, did not prevent this circumftance, and the beauty of the country admiring the richnefs towards as I advanced which I left on my right, Havre. If --- Page 35 --- C 5 J If the filly cockneys cf Paris who come to this port, that they may boaft all the reft of their lives of having feen the Ocean, Ce the vaft ocean, >3 would but advance a little on the road I came, they might feaft their eyes with one of the fineft profpeéts in nature ; that of a range of little hills, affording at every ftep fome of thofe delicious fituations which the Englifh call romantic: where the country, embellifhed with all that art, that cultivation, that rational luxury can add to its native charms, prefents a picture of eafe, of peacc and of happinefs ; and forms a moft delicious contraft to that awful expanfe of dark azure, which, in a calm, is the image of immenfity without bounds, and in a ftorm, the too faithful reprefentation of the tumultuous anarchy and conflict of the paflions. At Havre they are employed in rendering the port more fpacious and convenient. Their works do not appear to me of the nature of thofe of Cherbourg : they have all the impreffion of prudence and utility which charaéterifes the enterprifes of a commercial body, more engrofled by the care of acquiring riches, than the vanity ofappcaring rich; while the others, calculated on a fcale of grandeur, t0o probably erroncous, will, it is feared, little more than an everlafting monument of prove the inconfideratenefs with which they were undertaken! The --- Page 36 --- [ 6 ] of Havre confifts almoft entirely of The town fo noify, there is one ftreet; but fo full of buftle, need to fee ce the vaft ocean, >> to be convinced no of parrots from all that you are ina port. Legions fizes and colours, corners of the world, and of all the doors, the fhops, the windows of every hungat houfe, talk, whiftle, fing, fcream, ftory of every chatter like what fhall I fay? 3 faid landlady, whom ce Thofe horrid birds, my I had been liftening to for an hour-e would to all at the bottom of the fea P Ge God they were Ah! Madam, thought I-Lifyou were like themin a cage! We fhall fail to-morrow if the wind permits. The feafon is favourable, the weather fine, and the veffel commodious, though fmall. Monf. Cottin is faid to bean excellent feaman, and as prudent as brave.-He is aware that the courage which boris as dangerous to people of his ders on temerity into profeflion, as the caution which degenerates This part of his character will, I hope, timidity. fufficient to my friends againft the be a guaranty fo menaces of the old proverb- the pitcher goes cc oft to the wellAdieu. weather fine, and the veffel commodious, though fmall. Monf. Cottin is faid to bean excellent feaman, and as prudent as brave.-He is aware that the courage which boris as dangerous to people of his ders on temerity into profeflion, as the caution which degenerates This part of his character will, I hope, timidity. fufficient to my friends againft the be a guaranty fo menaces of the old proverb- the pitcher goes cc oft to the wellAdieu. --- Page 37 --- 7 1 LETTER II. At fea, Auguf 1788. Wr left Havre on the twenty-ninth of laft month. A favourable gale carried us in twice twenty-four hours, out of the channel : and had we not been toffed about for fome days in the perfidious gulf of Gafcony, in confequence of its blowing a little too frefh, we fhould have experienced few of the difagreeable circumflances which render the life ofa failor fo perilous and fo painful. Our principal occupation, indeed our greateft / pleafure, next to that of fecing ourfelves favoured with a continuation of good weather, has hitherto been fifhing : an amufement, which, joining the ufeful to the agrecable, enables us to fubftitute for the poultry and falt-meat which foon pall upon the ftomach at fea, a difh at once nutritive and delicious. Befides tunnys, bonitos, dolphins, 8cc. we have caughta fpecies of fifh which our failors call folles, they are generally found, like the tunny, in fhoals, but are a much more delicate fifh: they do not indeed, appear fo often as the former; for which I can --- Page 38 --- [ 8 ] that the facility can only account, by fuppofing have contributed with which they are taken, may to thim their number on our coafts. a calm of a few hours, during We had yefterday the firft, which was which we caught two fharks : fome diffiçulwe hoifted on deck with the largeft, his mouth was furnifhed with and found that ty, rows of teeth 1 five which our ancient navigators gave This fifh, to is the tiger name of the Requiem, the ill-omened voracity impcls him to of the fea. His extreme fo that whatever he can mafter or feize; devour the ocean had not his he muft have depopulated checked in fome meadeftruétive appetites been fituation of his eyes, fure; firf by the fingular but on the in the anterior, which are not - placed fat head, and which eftwo fides, of a large and or following him from fecing fcétually prevents line; and next, by the form his prey in a ftraight under the head, which opening of his mouth; his back whenever he obliges him to turn upon Human flefh appears to would feize his prey. this' monfter; hence he be the favourite food of the track of the flave is always to be found in part of lofe a confiderable (hips, who commonly from Guinea to Ameritheir cargo in the paffage that our fometimes inclined to believe, ca. I am politicians fcétually prevents line; and next, by the form his prey in a ftraight under the head, which opening of his mouth; his back whenever he obliges him to turn upon Human flefh appears to would feize his prey. this' monfter; hence he be the favourite food of the track of the flave is always to be found in part of lofe a confiderable (hips, who commonly from Guinea to Ameritheir cargo in the paffage that our fometimes inclined to believe, ca. I am politicians --- Page 39 --- [ 9 ] politicians who harangue fo carneftly in of the flave-trade, belong to the genus of Jsarks. fupport A ftill more ftriking fingularity attending this fifh, and which fhews how nature has indemnified him for the privation of certain faculties he is always ; is, that accompanied by two or three little fifh, called pilots. They appear to refide principally upon the upper. part of his head, where they fubfift, as I am told, on the juices they fuck from his fkin. It is from this elevated fpot fet in fucceflion to direct his courfe, they out few yards before him. It is feldom by fwimming a taken that a fhark is without his pilots being taken at the fame time; for at the firft extraordinary motion he makes, they haften to regain their poft:-we rarely meet with parafites fo faithful to their entertainer. While I was converfing with the that excefs of ferocity, which, in the captain on fhark, is beyond doubt the natural and neceffary confequence, of a law deftined to prevent the too multiplication of the icthyological great failors were kingdom ; our preparing to give us a proof of that gratuitous propenfity to wickednefs, which diftnguifhes man from cvery other animal, After --- Page 40 --- L IO ] one end of a pretty frong rope After faftening which they had previoufly calked, to an empty cafk, entrance of a drop of water, fo as to prevent the by means of a running they flipped the other, opcration by round the tail of the fhark-an knot, for fuch is the extraordinary no means eafy; of the animal is ftrength with which that part makc--not ( the endued, that its terrible Atrokes to the abfurd hyperbole €c fea tremble," according des of the < Hifoire Générale of the compiler the decks of the ftrongeft c Feyagesne but, his eyes, and, in that fhips. They then put out threw him into the fea. condition, the creature made to frce himfelf, The efforts barbaroufly fingular : at afforded an entertainment into the water, one time he attempted to plunge but equally in into the air; at another to fpring the furface by the cafk vain :-he was detained on attached to him. fo cruelly to be eaten; notwithHis comrade was deftined white, the flcfh is of a dull and fickly ftanding urinous fcent, and of a very impregnated with a But what is there that failors rank and fetid taftc. believe," fays one ofour will not cat?- I verily himfelf, roafted, ce that the devil antient voyagers, * Tom. II. Chap. v. €c boiled, vain :-he was detained on attached to him. fo cruelly to be eaten; notwithHis comrade was deftined white, the flcfh is of a dull and fickly ftanding urinous fcent, and of a very impregnated with a But what is there that failors rank and fetid taftc. believe," fays one ofour will not cat?- I verily himfelf, roafted, ce that the devil antient voyagers, * Tom. II. Chap. v. €c boiled, --- Page 41 --- EI ] cc boiled, fpitch-cocked, dragged the cin6e through ders, would find it no cafy matter to 4 from their teeth*." clcape Shooting fucceeded to fifhing. The calm which enabled the birds to diftinguifh their prey at a greater depth, and the neighbourhood of a fhip, which fifh appear to love-not for the pleafure of feeing ce a two-legged animal without feathers," but becaufe the novelty of the object attraéts them The fhip, I fay, and the calm had drawn around us a multitude of birds-our rivals and our maf. ters in the art of fifhing. We killed numbers of them, for no better reafon than to fhew our dexterity: for their flefh, black, dry, and ftringy, Can only be eaten by fuch as are in abfolute danger of ftarving. The moft curious of thofe birds were the Manof-war's bird, and the Arrow-tail, (called by the Spaniards Robo-de-Tunco,) a name apparently derived from the fingular conftruction of its tail, which is formed of two long feathers, fo intimately united as to feem but onet. The Man-of-zar's * Journal d'un Voyage aux Indes Orientales. Tom. 2. + Of this bird a more detailed account be CF d'un may found in the Hfaire Veyage aux Iles Malouines. : Tom 2. Chap. XX. bird --- Page 42 --- [ 12J he has the fize, bird is the eagle of the ocean; of that monarch of the lofty Right but more the fhape, Both the one and the other, that the air. keep at fuch a diftance, efpecially the latter, feldom reach them. Ahot will an ordinary I did not bird, which I own There was another was a kind of bibot, or expeét to find at fea:-it he enjoys, amongft the owl. I know not whether his brother does amongft the fame reputation that of befailors, of both fexes on land, of death ; the old women organ and prophetic habits, ing the lugubrous the form, thc noéturnal but he has certainly of the bird of Pallas. furtive and filent flight I the him Poirons: the naturalifts, Our people called him by a name morc difinguilh take for granted, noble and fonorous. birds, which are freAt the fight of fo many of two or threc found at the diftance who for the moft quently from any land; hundred leagues and who undoubtedly return thither to rooft, led to enpart there:* one is naturally For, lay their eggs contrive to find their nefts? quire, how they pretend that the bird which they I of Erazil its eggs. * The inhabitants quits the fea, not even to lay no better fupcall Calcamar never howerer to doubt a fact which has all the known mult beg leave and is contradidted by port than vulgar opinion, befides laws of nature: for the moft quently from any land; hundred leagues and who undoubtedly return thither to rooft, led to enpart there:* one is naturally For, lay their eggs contrive to find their nefts? quire, how they pretend that the bird which they I of Erazil its eggs. * The inhabitants quits the fea, not even to lay no better fupcall Calcamar never howerer to doubt a fact which has all the known mult beg leave and is contradidted by port than vulgar opinion, befides laws of nature: --- Page 43 --- [ 13 ] befides that the immenfe fpace they have to traverfe boafts no objects capable of diredting their flight; it is fimply impoflible that the organs of vifion can guide them to fuch a diftance. To fay that they regulate their courfe by the fun, is far from anfwering the queftion ; for in the firf place, there are many days when that luminary does not appear: and in the fecond, I have many times feen them flying and fwimming around us, long after he had fet:-befides, how can the fun, who varies his courfe from one folftice to another, ferve them for a permanent director P-Let us for once be candid. This myfterious operation of nature diftracts and confounds the imagination : for inftinct, to which we fo readily refer all the actions of the brute creation, appears to me a word much more proper to fpare us the humiliating avowal of our ignorance, than to explain the ufe of a faculty which Providence has denied us, LETTER III. At Sea, Sept. 1788. THE more I examine the fowl, which animals, fifh and conftitute at prefent a great part of our --- Page 44 --- [ 14 ] traces I find of an affinity our fociety, the more extremely well with the human race: traces, call if we would adapted to humble our vanity, diftinguifhing that the only to mind for a moment rarely ferves faculty we boaft, that of reflection, more than to render us for any other purpofe wretched and more wicked. the only being endowed with But is not man to enable him the degree of intelligence neceffary who has received to live in fociety ? the only one with of communicating the glorious prerogative medium of thought ? As to the Deity through the and the beaver; the firf, reply the bee, the ant, harmo5 and rather more <C we too live in fociety ce and as to the communication" <c nioufly than you; though you have € yoh fpeak of, we do not fec, that it cr now enjoyed it fo many thoufand years, hapto render you a jot wifer, c has contributed <r pier, or better." or to ufe the I ought to have more knowledge, natural hiftory term, lefs ignorance of the propcr animals around us than I boaft at of the different correétly and perprefent, to enable me to fpeak confine tinently on the fubjeét. I'fhall therefore thema few circumftances which forced mnyfelfto felves on my obfervation. The now enjoyed it fo many thoufand years, hapto render you a jot wifer, c has contributed <r pier, or better." or to ufe the I ought to have more knowledge, natural hiftory term, lefs ignorance of the propcr animals around us than I boaft at of the different correétly and perprefent, to enable me to fpeak confine tinently on the fubjeét. I'fhall therefore thema few circumftances which forced mnyfelfto felves on my obfervation. The --- Page 45 --- I 15 ] The fifh moft commonly met with is the porpoife. They fwim in fhoals, are found almoft in' all laticudes, and are divided into two fpecies, the porpoife, properly fo called, and the moine or monk. Both are too well known on our coafts, to render any farther defcription of them neceffary. The failors affert that they always fwim againft the wind; and I, who am no failor, and who love to verify thefe kind of obfervations, affure you in my turn, that out of twenty trials, nineteen contradicted the affertion! There exifts with regard to the procellaria (vulgarly the balcyon, or tempeft-bird, and who is not much unlike the martlet, or land fwallow) a prejudice equally ridiculous: he is faid to be the precurfor of ftorms *; and yet, in all the latitudes I have run through from north to fouth, I have never found the affertion juftified by experience in a fingle inftance. The bird probably fifhes with more fuccefs in louring and tempeftuous weather, than under a ferene iky; and this I doubt not rife to the fable. gave * See Bourgainville's < Voyage autour du Monde, 33 Tom I. viii. It is ftill more aftonifhing to find this prejudice confecrated Chap: in ce Les Etudes de la Nature," a work which we read with fo much profit and pleafure, as to make us regret that error fhould be found in it. any I fhould --- Page 46 --- [ 16 J of the whale for not naming I fhould aik pardon he cerhim before; for if bulk can give rank, lift. ftood at the head of my tainly ought to have here what the clephant is on land, (I muft He is the be underftood : to except his intelligence) and without doubt, the ftrongeft creature hugeft, feveral of them, of his element. There are fpecies towards the of which the largeft are ufually found under all north. They live, like the porpoife, to and may be met with from the poles climates, the equator. of idle ftories have been told of the A number for fize of this fifh, more precious to commerce who and his whifkers, than the elephant, his oil, has nothing to boaft of but his ivory. the archbifhop of Upfal menAmong others, feen a whale of fuch enormous tions his having could fit with eafe in the bulk, that twenty men the whale orbit of one of his eyes [* Though Jonas was infinitely larger than that fwallowed (at leaft, if we may form thofe of the prefent day yet from the capacity of the afopbagus) a judgment allow him to have been a mere gudgeon we muft Liuye c21. #. Hifoire Naturelle des Regiones Segtentrionales." in ifhop of Upfal menAmong others, feen a whale of fuch enormous tions his having could fit with eafe in the bulk, that twenty men the whale orbit of one of his eyes [* Though Jonas was infinitely larger than that fwallowed (at leaft, if we may form thofe of the prefent day yet from the capacity of the afopbagus) a judgment allow him to have been a mere gudgeon we muft Liuye c21. #. Hifoire Naturelle des Regiones Segtentrionales." in --- Page 47 --- [ 17 ] in comparifon of this of the Hyperborean archbifhop. The blower is no lefs common than the whale, of which it is a fpecies. It may be recognized at a vaft diftance by the water it is continually cjccting into the air. If in the fports of your youth, you have been obliged to redeem a forfeit by a kifs, for having raifed a finger at Sc the fifh fies!" + infift on having it back immediately. Your play-fellows took advantage of your fimplicity ; for there afe flying fifh to be found in great numbers, in the neighbourhood of the tropics. They are of the fize of a large fprat*, and according to my taftc (which, I fuppofe, you do not rank very high) the moft delicate of all fifh. 1 I am forry to add, at the fame time, that they are alfo the moft unfor1 + This alludes to a childith game among the French, ce Le Pigeoni vole." The names of a number of animals are called run over, and the child is required to hold up a finger at the rapidly mention of fuch among them as fly. Ifa finger be held up at a name, it is a forfeit. T. wrong TheAbbé Choifi and Dr. Dellon fay they are fometimes found as large as a herring ; but this is an ce Relation d'un abfolute falfity. See Voyage aux Indes Orientales." 2 Tome 1. Chap. 2. and Journal du Voyage de Siam, Page 30. C tunate; --- Page 48 --- L 18 ] for feem to have reccived the faculty tunate : they fwim better than of efcaping from fuch fifh as of birds, themfelves, only to be made the prey them of their danger compels when the imminence Whole flights of to have recourfe to their wings. where they are. them fometimes fall upon deck, them not lefs fatal to received with an hofpitality Their than the Hatred of their voracious purfuers. while they delicate wings can only fuftain them, and in no preferve a certain portion of humidity ; fhot cafe does their flight extend beyond a mufquet at atime *. like the wcak; to whom an addiThus, Sir, little more than a frefh tional talent is frequently the hatred of the ftrong, thefc unfortunate claim to which nature has given fifh find, in the advantage ! fource of perfecutions and dangers them, a new Veffels bound to the Weft Indies are fometimes winds and currents, to range forced by contrary In this cafe it.is not nncommon along the Azorcs. to make to them as for birds, blown off the land, in the 66 Hliftoire d'un Foyage * See the defcription of this fth Dom. Pernetty, the author, Tom. 1 Chap. 1. ax Ifles Maloxines, calls it amphibious, becaufe it very incorreatly, in my opinion, its element. But to conftitute an animal has the power of quitting that it Ahould not momentareally amphibious, it feems neceflary but be able to inhabit and live in the rily quit the land or water, one and the other alternately. to 66 Hliftoire d'un Foyage * See the defcription of this fth Dom. Pernetty, the author, Tom. 1 Chap. 1. ax Ifles Maloxines, calls it amphibious, becaufe it very incorreatly, in my opinion, its element. But to conftitute an animal has the power of quitting that it Ahould not momentareally amphibious, it feems neceflary but be able to inhabit and live in the rily quit the land or water, one and the other alternately. to --- Page 49 --- C 19 ] to a port. Ican fay from experience that they are not better received than the flying fifh. If-an ac-1 quaintance with mankind has rendered them mif-r truftful, and they will not: fuffer themfelves to be: taken, they only efcape for a moment, to meet ai more lingering fate, when the total exhauftion of their ftrength precipitates them from the air, where they can no: longer fuftain themfelves, The neighbourhood of the Azores, difcovcred Gonfalves Villo, recalls to my mind one of the by many ftories blazed about by voyagers : to fay nothing of the qui-pro-quo's of their editors, who, wholly unacquianted with nautical affairs, from time to time, in a tone of the moft give us gravity, the moft laughable abfurdities *. impofing I allude to the ftory of the equeftrian found in the ifle of Cuervo or Corvo. It ftatue, was we covered, are told, with a cloak; was bare-headed the bridle of its horfe in the left ; held the hand, and with right, pointed to the Occident t. * Of this the author gives a curious inflance ; but as take turns on the fimilarity of two phrafes, which in the mif. are totally diftina, it could not be made obvious our language reader. I have therefore omitted it. T. to the Englith + Hioire Generale des Voyages, Tome 1, Livre 1. Chap. I, C 2 If --- Page 50 --- L 20 J for the purpofe of ff this fable was: imagined of thofe who, overcoming the obftinate incredulity denied the for reafons beft known to themfelves, it of the exiftence of a new world; prepoffibility truth--that we. cannot Mfents us with a mclancholy which beto fubdue that fpecies of ignorance hopc in the moft common occurrences, or in lieves only the mafk, ànd the lanmiracles ; but by affuming guage of impofture. ftill continues fine. Our paffage The weather but it will be at the fame time will be rather long, exempt in pleafant; and I flatter myfelf, exttemcly from thofe hardfhips which render a great degrec, little better than that of a the ftate of a marinér which rcigns The perfeét harmony gailey-flave. and the laudable pains taken to vary our on board, the time, and contribute to beguile occupations, The captain keeps his pufh us cheerily on our way. obviate the confeemployed, to mhèn contimally which are always fatal to good quences of idlehefs, others mend order. Some of them make tow, works by no the cables, &c. &c. the fails, fplice and carried on with means laborious in themfelves, raifed on deck to fe- e mirth and fong, under a tent from the too great heat.of_the cure the workmen with partaking fun. I frequently amufe myfelf and untwift old Ttrands ofcord, their occupations 5 fhore do threads of gold wire ; 2s your fair ladies on fp quences of idlehefs, others mend order. Some of them make tow, works by no the cables, &c. &c. the fails, fplice and carried on with means laborious in themfelves, raifed on deck to fe- e mirth and fong, under a tent from the too great heat.of_the cure the workmen with partaking fun. I frequently amufe myfelf and untwift old Ttrands ofcord, their occupations 5 fhore do threads of gold wire ; 2s your fair ladies on fp --- Page 51 --- [ 21 J fo that, if I do not reap from advantages I my voyage all the expeét, at leaft I fhall have learnt to make balf-bitch knots! how In croffing the tropic we performed the mony of baptizing the cerethofe who profane * that is to fay, had never croffed it before; but with a confiderable degree of decency, and mutual without which, pleafure refpect; play into actual degenerates into pain, and itrife. An game at. piquet, in which M. entertaining book, a get his old trade of Cottin did not forfome privateering, and the relation of of very fingular and interefting events in the life this brave fcaman, filled up the remainder of the day ; and even carried our converfation into the enfuing night. pretty far See the tedious details ofthis ter of the s: Voyage aux Ifles Malorines." ceremony in the fecond chap: obferves that s6 the ancients (who had The author gravely c their longeft voyages never loft no compaf, and who in 6: with this ridiculous fight of land) were unacquainted ftrange that a rite, derived ceremony from It is undoubtedly when an inflitution pafling compared with the exiftence of the altogether modern, and the Carthaginians, fhould Tyrians, the Phenicians, navigators, not have been practifed by thofe The diforders to which this foolery has cafioned it to be totally given birth, have OCIc cannot help thinking it prohibited a little on board the king's fhips : and ture of a facrament, confeffedly extraordinarythat. of divine a grofs carica. have been fuffered among thofe who call themfelves inftitution, fhould ever Chriftians, LET. --- Page 52 --- 22 ] 6J LETTER IV. Jaquencl, St: Domingo: Oflober 1788. I HAVE now been a week on fhore ; and, affus wrong in fecling no redly, I was not altogether What a fymptoms of eagernefs to arrive. mighty manners! what ! But, as I country ! what without refiftance to the force am too old to yield a refolution of'the firft imprefion, I have adopted It.is which I believe you will think not unwife. of what Montaigne calls < the edge to fuffer, noviciate of < novelty 5> to be blunted, that a fome months filence, and obfervation, may ripen the I propofe to hazard on and mature judgment the men and the manners of the country. if it be poflible, which I hope it I am anxious, rocks on which the is, to avoid the two principal of travellers fplit, exaggeration, and precimajority I fhall not, therefore, like them, pitate judgment. of the whole from a part, unforming an opinion the portrait of a nation from a blufhingly. fketch man in his few traits of a particular fociety-paint and it from an individual ; lay colleétive capacity, axiom, that ce all tbe down as an indifputable C women ible, which I hope it I am anxious, rocks on which the is, to avoid the two principal of travellers fplit, exaggeration, and precimajority I fhall not, therefore, like them, pitate judgment. of the whole from a part, unforming an opinion the portrait of a nation from a blufhingly. fketch man in his few traits of a particular fociety-paint and it from an individual ; lay colleétive capacity, axiom, that ce all tbe down as an indifputable C women --- Page 53 --- L 423 ] ce women of Romereear perritvigs)" cidentally faw becaufe I ace"tbe cbarming Rofalind" with falfe hair! éc Travellers have long been M:" Volnéy t cc for a ftrong noted," fays < dize the theatre of théir propenfity to aggrantravels : from this reproach I hope alfo to efcape. 1 But to return to voyage. my P The conftant good weather ing permitted us we experienced, havto take an obfervation almoft day, M. Cottin told me on the every that if no crofs accident twenty-fourth, fee the ifland of intervened, we fhould This Defirada beforc noon the next day. was actually the cafe; and this, I is the only inftance that think, ever fell under my a correfpondence fo notice, of perfeétly exaét between the obfervation of the latitude, and the meafure of the log-line. This laft is extremely it furnifhés, fubject to error 5 however, the only means of the run, when the abfence of the fun eftimating renders the quadrant, or the octant, of no fervicc. Lettre Letresfur l'Italie, par M. le Prefideni Du 8;. Another proof of this Paty. Tom. 2. a nation famed for reflection, precipitation, be lefs excufable in round the World," Vol. Lib. may found in c: rafhly determines 3. 3. Chap. 9. where dafinsgyage the of on the probity and the manners compiler pire China from a few difhoneft artifices of the ofthe vaft emCanton, inhabitants of + Veyage en Syrie et en Egypte. Tom, 2. Chap. 18. The --- Page 54 --- L 1e 24 3 of my being arrived in a new The confideration to world, would have rendered me very attentive the chain of iflands we were about to coaft, even though the pleafure of fecing land, 3 pleafure be felt in perfection by the naviwhich 1 can only every fpot that gator, had not rivetted my eyes to rofe above the water. We faw, on the left, Defirada, which Columbus did not difcover till his fecond voyage: ill-informed reprefent it as uninhabited; it neycre geographers thelefs contains a few planters,: who raifea little We alfo faw the ifand of Guacoffee and cotton: to cnable daloupe, which we paffed fufficientlynear the the houfes fcattered along us to diftinguith coaft. a mountain whofe On ther right we left Monferrat, of acclivities do not feem very. fufceptible fteep and alfo the ifland of Porto Rico.- An culture 3 have had nearly accident which might proved:fatal, obdeprived me of the pleafure of continuing my fervations. Monfieur Cottin wifhed to fall in with the weftof St. Domingo, which we were now apern point I had been tempted to ftay on deck by proaching. extreme beauty of the evening : and having the ftand near the fore-fhrouds about midtaken my night, very. fufceptible fteep and alfo the ifland of Porto Rico.- An culture 3 have had nearly accident which might proved:fatal, obdeprived me of the pleafure of continuing my fervations. Monfieur Cottin wifhed to fall in with the weftof St. Domingo, which we were now apern point I had been tempted to ftay on deck by proaching. extreme beauty of the evening : and having the ftand near the fore-fhrouds about midtaken my night, --- Page 55 --- [ 25 I night, Ithought I faw fomething ifh break the line of the dufky and greyhorizon. By eye fteadily upon the object, I keeping my low land; and as difcovered it to be with all our fails fet, we were running diredtly for it and a frefh I faw was not a moment to lofe. breeze, there Without faying a word to the officer of the Iran to wake the captain, whom I watch, forc-caftle. His conduéted to the prefence of mind was equal to his aftonifhment: : he immediately fly the ftarboard fheets, requefted me to let ing the tiller of the and, at the fame time feizbe helm, he ordered the veffel to put about; and the fails luckily filled.-It time, Sir, for we were not two was the land, which cable-lengths from proved to be the little ifland Saona, on which, if we had been of fhould have found thipwrecked, we nothing but fand, This accident enabled us to correct our ing: we now ftood out to fea, and I reckondown fora few hours went to lie refrefhment. The fouth part of St. when I awoke. Domingo was full in view The breeze, which blew from the land, brought us a confufed mixture of from a thoufand different cmanations the dclicious aromatics, amongft which perfume of the acacia was not the leaft prevalent, Behold, --- Page 56 --- I 26 D this land,-t this Behold, then, faid I to myfolf, world whofe diffirft fample ofa new world * LLa with the pureft imuft havei filled Columbus of coveryi him at oncerfrom thelcroud joys as it. feparated elevate him to theirank ofthe rafh adventurers, to charaéters! Never.did greateft, and moft illuftrious. quefenterprife decide a more important : a bolder ! C what ar triumph forfthe tion. What a moment of the powér admiral and his affociates! Inheritors works,they continuators ofhis :of the Omnipotent, 1 Hiftory is only conthe crcation! had completed muft. thereforei tranfport verfant with facts: WC midft of.the crew, if wie ourfelves in idea, into the of their aftonconception would form anyadequate ofijoy ; wemuft ifhment: we: muft hear theiricries fuperniatural of affectionateand fec the expreffion the and. frowning refpeê take place of inquict, and hatred, glances of miftruft, difcouragementi How muft thofe fmarting under its fufferings. have devoured with madly impatient for land, men, unknown foil, thefenew productions, their eyesthis of nature tl How muft the that ftrange appearance fight e. Oftober Sth 1492) * Though Colutmbus had previduily(t of the Bahama iflands, difcovered Gumahani or San Salsador,one of tranfpofition ; beIhave taken the liberty to make a kind where the Europeans yet caufe Saint Domingo was the frtt 915 fpot in sde formed a fettlement. idea of the delirium of joy Se + We muft have a véry inadequate land threw thefe people,to fay, with into which the firit fight of the fight e. Oftober Sth 1492) * Though Colutmbus had previduily(t of the Bahama iflands, difcovered Gumahani or San Salsador,one of tranfpofition ; beIhave taken the liberty to make a kind where the Europeans yet caufe Saint Domingo was the frtt 915 fpot in sde formed a fettlement. idea of the delirium of joy Se + We muft have a véry inadequate land threw thefe people,to fay, with into which the firit fight of the --- Page 57 --- [ 27 ] fight of this ifland have aggrandized their even in- the opinion of thofe chief, not long before, exclaimed amongft them who, with the. the Efcurial, ce courtiers of < this Nothing was ever more wild than enterprize,* but who will not at fay with them, ce theirreturn, Nothing was ever more fimple." No, they will be anxious to partake the as they have partaken the glory of it, danger. Domingo was firft feen on Sunday the fixth of December, 1492 : and.the prodigious influence the of difcovery ; the revolution it has wrought in the commerce, the politics, and the opinions of muft for ever render the Europe, annals of modern epoch memorable in the hiftory. What a contraft, Sir, in the principles confequences of the adopted by the different were actuated either by the powers, as they fpirit of commerce, or of the compilers of the e; Hifloire Générale des 12, Liv. 1. Chap. 1. Ce that the firft Voyages, Tome IO. Ec new world, they kiffed the time the Spaniards Janded in the kiffedit CE with ," ground with humility." --No! they. ance of tranfport,' as is afferted with much more probability by the author of the < appearPAfe et de PAfrigue." Tome Hifoire Générale de 13. Columbus firft offered his fervices to Don Juan, tugal, who rejedted them. In a journey which he king made of Porprince's court, after his return from America in to this tiers advifed their mafter to put him to death: 1493, the courwent fo far as to offer to affafinate him themfelves! nay, they even tranfport,' as is afferted with much more probability by the author of the < appearPAfe et de PAfrigue." Tome Hifoire Générale de 13. Columbus firft offered his fervices to Don Juan, tugal, who rejedted them. In a journey which he king made of Porprince's court, after his return from America in to this tiers advifed their mafter to put him to death: 1493, the courwent fo far as to offer to affafinate him themfelves! nay, they even --- Page 58 --- [ 28 I into the new world, of comquef t li Shatintroduced and, death. vices, arts; ând wants 5. tbis, flavery At the voice: of thefir, Ifee the indigent Batavian his barren waftes; traverfethe globe, and ftart from cover by his parfimonious and perdfeveringindaliry, with the riches of botheworlds ;: : and his marfhes of the earth, colonics more plant at the extremities more wealthy and more. populous.than extenfive, them birth: : while the the country that gave depopulates his delicious provinces.to go Spaniard Mexico, and Peru; and depopulate the Antillas, the wretched haunts for Capuchins, on and to raife *I Surely ruins ofthe proud empire of Montezuma muft turn with horror from the coideitimagination fucceffors, when it is the glories of Cortez and. his recollected that they coft thefe unhappy countries more a : a perfeét knowledge of the giobe we + The deftre of acquiring of ambition, that of difinhabit, has given birth to a new frecies difIts confequences, with refpeêt to the people newly covery. differ much from thofe of the other two. It is covered, do not natives of Van Dieman's land, or New Holto the credit of the the only favages who had good fenfe land, that they werealmolt the they did not want, enough to rejeêt with contempt created for prefents them new neceffities. See and which would. only have 6: Nouueau Voyage a la Mer du Sud." Page 29. that the monks of Mexico obferve their * Iam not to be told of other the fumpt u vow of poverty as little as thofe places.-But andithe oufnefs of the churches, the opulence of deficiencics the monafteries, of cultivation luxury of the clergy, no more fopplythe (the --- Page 59 --- 29 ] more than twenty millions of men *! <C What c bleffings, 53 fays Montefquieu, cc might not the cc Spaniards have conferred on the Mexicans ! They er might have given them a mild and beneficent < religion; and they brought them a frantic fuperCe ftition; they might have fet the flaves free ; and Se théy made the free flaves; they might have fhewn cr them the enormity ofhuman facrifices ; and they cc exterminated whole nations. Ifhould never have cr donc, ifI were to recount all the good they did sr not do them, and all the evil they did t Adieu. (the true bafis of the wealth of the colonies) than the lubricity of the monks thofe of population. In vain does Peru produce gold; it will nevér be truly rich, till it produces men and grain. In the city of Mexico alone, I am informed, there are nine and twenty monafteries, and trventy nunneries ! Carjaval boafted on his death bed, that he had murdered twenty thoufand Indians with his own hand ! + D: L'Efprit des Lois. Liv. 10. Chap. 4s LET. (the true bafis of the wealth of the colonies) than the lubricity of the monks thofe of population. In vain does Peru produce gold; it will nevér be truly rich, till it produces men and grain. In the city of Mexico alone, I am informed, there are nine and twenty monafteries, and trventy nunneries ! Carjaval boafted on his death bed, that he had murdered twenty thoufand Indians with his own hand ! + D: L'Efprit des Lois. Liv. 10. Chap. 4s LET. --- Page 60 --- [ 30 ] - LETTER V. - - Jaguend, OElober 1788. IRESUME, Sir, without any preamble, the fubject of my laft letter. of the afpects, the novelty of the The variety developes, forms under which a rapid vegetation productions unbeneath a burning atmofphere, the line of counknown to the temperate zones; ; the of which no human voice interrupts try, of cultivation the folitude; gave filence, no trace and for fome hours to my eyes, full employment my thoughts. What is become of the gentle and peaceable who once inhabited it? Speak, Europeans : beings long as they. extell me, where are they P-As favour, crcifed the virtues of hofpitality in your fatisfied with enflaving them.-Is it not you were that, ftartled fo? But the moment you perceived at the excefs of your abfurd and brutal turpitude, from love to hatred, from adoration to they paffed like ferocious beafts, to contempt, you haftened, like Gods! exterminate men, who had received you do flatter yourfelves that time will In vain you crimes. There exifts efface the memory of your -on --- Page 61 --- E 3r ] --on this fhore there exifts, a whofe name united memorial, a river*, with its waves, will to the lateft roll down pofterity, the remembrancé of madnefs and your guilt! your à Such, Sir, were my reflections on the firft of Saint Domingo: you will not fight I hope, with thofe of a factitious confound them, enthufiafimn. The queftion, whether the has been difcovery of America advantageous or not, to Europe, remains hitherto undecided: but that of the has had on the influence it happinefs of the natives of this part of the new world, is well fertled-they unfortunately but too exift no more!t The true, the original name of Saint is involved in obfcurity, Domingo, Francis Coreal us that the nâtives called it informs Cipanga t. It feems Quifquia, Haiti, and to me that thefe were not The River of Maffacre, + One of the Caciques of this ifland had an cftablifhment to the north-caf of Saint fucceeded in forming four thoufand of his Domingo, of about title of Cacique of Haiti, countrymen, whom he governed under the perfealy excepting that there exifted, in cafes independant of ofthe Spaniards, from his decifions to the cc Audience importance, an appeal fince as 17 8, the Royale." But fo long people of'both fexes, eftablifhment was reduced to about four-fore t 6 Relation des Voyages" &c. Tom.1. Chap. I. fo four thoufand of his Domingo, of about title of Cacique of Haiti, countrymen, whom he governed under the perfealy excepting that there exifted, in cafes independant of ofthe Spaniards, from his decifions to the cc Audience importance, an appeal fince as 17 8, the Royale." But fo long people of'both fexes, eftablifhment was reduced to about four-fore t 6 Relation des Voyages" &c. Tom.1. Chap. I. fo --- Page 62 --- E 32 ] name of the whole ifland, as of the fo much the inhabidifferent diftriets, in. which the original their eftablifhment. The Spatants had formed afterwards they niards, at firft, called it Ifabella*; In this they gave it the name of Hifpaniola. of followed by.a all the commercial people were. the French, who, confounding Europe, except t with the name of the capital, San Domingo and ftill continue to that of the ifland, called, call it, Saint Domingo. I return once more to my voyage. about fun-fet, either by the We found ourfelves the force of the negligence of the fteers-man, or under a bold and rocky currents, unexpeétedly of the river Naiba : here fhore, near the mouth failed us at once; fo that we were obliged the wind to hoift out the (for we were not in foundings) boats, and tow the veffel into the offing. with the fight of the Naiba I was much pleafed confiderable rivers of or Neiva; one of the moft de Fernand Cortez, &c. Lettre I. Corre/pondence des concludes, the hiftory + The c Hifloire Generale Voyages molt blunder, of the foundation of this city, with a of unpardonable under the name of <6 It became, 7 fays he, c in procefs time, of the French 6C Saint Domingo, one of the moft flourifhing 46 Setlements." the --- Page 63 --- [ 33 ] the ifland. It appeared to roll majeftically an extenfive through valley, and, at no great diftance from the fea, to divide itfelf into a number of channels, which had the happieft effect imaginable. Yet this charming fpot did not appear, from I faw, to be either cultivated aught cumftance I could or inhabited : a cira not help regretting; as I much queftion whether it be poffible to find elfewhere foil more fertile, or a fituation which a greater refources for convenience and promifes the pleafure, to planter 5 to whom the neighbourhood of navigable river is always an a litates the advantage; as it facicarriage of his merchandize. Thé courfe of this river feems culated to form a natural exprefsly calFrench and barrier between the ftruck Spanifh poffeffions : an idéa which the commiffioners of employed on the France, to fettle the limits between part powers, before theall-powerful the two logic commiffarics oftheSpanifh line proved the propricty of a of demarcation. Thus France different extent of valuable loft a large territory ; while left it wholly uncultivated, Spain, who mere contraction gained - what?-a of her neighbour's This, you will fay, is ftill poffeflions. without doubt; but fomething : it is fo, Spain appears to have. forgotten long fince, that the power of a ftate depends lefs on its territorial fpace, than on its poD pulation. h line proved the propricty of a of demarcation. Thus France different extent of valuable loft a large territory ; while left it wholly uncultivated, Spain, who mere contraction gained - what?-a of her neighbour's This, you will fay, is ftill poffeflions. without doubt; but fomething : it is fo, Spain appears to have. forgotten long fince, that the power of a ftate depends lefs on its territorial fpace, than on its poD pulation. --- Page 64 --- [ 34 ] What makes this demarcation ftill more pulation. as the extraordinary is, that fo long ago 1698, Naiba is fpecified in the lettcrs patenti for the creation of the company of Saint Domingo, as formTiberon, the limits of the coaft ing with Cape towards the fouth. D O The Spanifh part of Saint Domingo is infinitely more. fertile, and more abundantly more extenfive, than the French; but, on the fupplied with water to be found other hand, there is too little induftry monks. 1 Ir am well affured in it, and too many and theif that their eftates are well cultivated, The monks have alrevenues well adminiftered. paffed for good managérs, and intelligent ways but I muft takc the liberty of obhufbandmen: that Ufufruétuaries in a ftate of celibacy, ferving number of fucceffors, and labouring for a fixed anxious will be lefs not for an unlimited pofterity, than to imin general to extend their cultivation, it Even this, prove, and bring it to perfedtion. muft be confeffed, is an advantage: : ftill, however, of no fmall magnitude, and which it is an error more, affects the government on the fide ofintereft, than any other ; "to multiply, in the COperhaps, fuch eftablifhments as check the lonies cfpecially, the progrefs of population , and, confequently, 0 breaking contained in 1717 no * The Spanith part of Saint Domingo hundred and ten white inhabimore than leighteen thoufand four tants, --- Page 65 --- [ 35 ] breaking up of new ground; induftry, &c. &c. commerçe, Let us fuppofe, Sir, that there are in Saint Domingo five thoufand monks. Subftitute in ftead as many married men : the their be, that in confequence will twenty years thefe five thoufand will be replaced by a population of monks thoufand individuais, thirty or forty clearing the ground, ing, gathering their different plantpaying to the ftate at the produétions, and head :; above rate of ten piafters a two million livres. Should fumi even be abforbed by the this miniftration expences of an ad. neceffarily increafed with an increafing cultivation, there would ftill remain to the fovereign, the amount of the duties, both portation of colonial on the imtation of the produce, and on the expor. various articles, with which the ther country has an inconteftable and moto fupply the colonies, in return for exclufiveright the of pretedting, or in other words of expence them. preferving tants, including about five hundred Frenchmen, who pally engaged in the coafting trade : and I am were princithat neither the induftry, nor the credibly informed mach increafed fince that population of the ifle, have period. # In Europe this would be thought the colonies, where an equal enormous; but it is not fo in valuable than with us, quantity of foil is infinitely more D 2 From ight the of pretedting, or in other words of expence them. preferving tants, including about five hundred Frenchmen, who pally engaged in the coafting trade : and I am were princithat neither the induftry, nor the credibly informed mach increafed fince that population of the ifle, have period. # In Europe this would be thought the colonies, where an equal enormous; but it is not fo in valuable than with us, quantity of foil is infinitely more D 2 From --- Page 66 --- [ 36 1 the little ifle of Alta-vela, we From Naiba to and unequal, and of a found the fhore broken I could gloomy and unpromifing appearance. along the coaft. perceive no traces of cultivation indolent, and colonifts, naturally The Spanifh are fatisfied with breedmoderate in their defires, whofe milk they fubing a few head of cattle, on tobacco, which they fitt; and planting a little in a hammock, fmoke, ftretched at their length The more active. fufpended between two trees. commerce with them carry on a trifing in live among French in taffo or fmoked bacon, and of the known by the name ftock, of which the horfe, valuable article. They is the moft with Baya-bondros, furnifh Europe at prefent alfo, I believe, of tobacco called Saint Dothat excellent fpecies of the French part of mingo; for the inhabitants eniough to fupply the cultivate the ifland fcarcely home confumption. It is a Alta-vela within piftol-fhot. and We paffed few fpots about it, mere rock, with a green the time when fome which, looking forward to fhall fix paffion for folitude, one of an invincible ferves, in the interim, as a rehis hermitage there, numbers of fea birds. "Thofe treat for prodigious in with land in the fouth part.of who wifh to fall always endeavour to make Saint Domingo, fhould matter by no mcans difficult, this little ifland': a as --- Page 67 --- L 37 J às it may be feenarag great diftance: is extremely fingular, beingthat of a Itsappearance firft-rate of war under full fail. It was man circumftance that induced the undoubtedly this the name of Alta-vela. Spaniards to give it It will not be impertinent here, to obferve, that this important point of recognition, is moft inaccurately laid down in the coafting chart of the Antilles, lately taken by the officers of the royal navy. Not content with verifying the error this, as well as in D'Après Pilots' in had the Diredtory ; we curiofity to examine an old chart of Saint Domingo, which I accidentally picked way to Caen ; here we found the up, on my vela determined with the pofition of Altagreateft accuracy! we reflect that the indolence, the When the want of exactnefs, in the officers inadvertency, with an affair of fuch intrufted the coafts, importance as laying down may coft the lives of thoufands of their fellow-creatures; ; we muft neceffarily allow that government is either extremely unhappy to be thus reduced to a choice of fubjects fo little its confidence, or extremely worthy of it fo culpable in granting inconfiderately, to men altogether of juftifying its prediledtion. incapable Bougainville, although one of the corps, cannot refrain from reprobating this pernicious abufe of and openly declares, that the French authority ; charts of the ft the lives of thoufands of their fellow-creatures; ; we muft neceffarily allow that government is either extremely unhappy to be thus reduced to a choice of fubjects fo little its confidence, or extremely worthy of it fo culpable in granting inconfiderately, to men altogether of juftifying its prediledtion. incapable Bougainville, although one of the corps, cannot refrain from reprobating this pernicious abufe of and openly declares, that the French authority ; charts of the --- Page 68 --- [ 38 1 to caufe the lofs of the Indies are better adapted fhips, than to guide them*. doubled the ifle, the frequenSoon after we had faw along the coaft, of the habitations which we from the cy announced that we had paffed fufficiently Atninein the mornSpanifh to the French part, off the bay of Jaqueing of the thirty-firit, we were to blow, we ftood mel; the fea breeze beginning before rioon I-had in for the town ; and diredtly finding myfelf fafe on fhore,. the pleafure of Adicu, LETTER VI. Jequoned, February 1789. even in this letter, fhall I venture No, Sir, not of Saint Domingo. I to fpeak of the inhabitants opinion, efpedo not like to hazard a precipitate be on the when it is not likely to favourable, cially. of a people whom I already character and conduét over-rated. begin to fufpect I have confiderably du Monde: Tome 2. Chap. 7. * Voyage autour You --- Page 69 --- [ 139 J You will find then, in the prefent, little more than a rapid and preparatory fketch :-for I have hardly-yet determined in what order to lay my obfervations before you-whether the country Thall precede the inhabitants, or the inhabitants the country ; or whether (which is the idea that beft pleafes me at prefent) I fhall treat of the one and the other alternately, and as occafion may arife. For the reft, I never underftood fo well as fince I have been here, the called the aftonifhing power of what is influence of climate. The relaxation which the exceffive heat the produces on the organs of body, is equally extended over the faculties of the mind. There is an indolence of well as action. The thought, as flighteft labour fatigues-the flighteft application over-powers. Such being the cafe, you muft not cxpect to find much connection in my ideas, or precifion in the manner of plaining them. As faft as a new objedt Thall eXbirth to a thought, I Thall fet it down, if I have give the power; for all aptitude to labour, all fity to ftudy, is rigidly profcribed in the colonies propen- ! What think you? Isit the imprudence of not yielding implicitly to this moft fage profcription that occafions fo many deaths in the ifland? We Thall fee, Every where elfe the human fpecies be divided into two claffes. may The of plaining them. As faft as a new objedt Thall eXbirth to a thought, I Thall fet it down, if I have give the power; for all aptitude to labour, all fity to ftudy, is rigidly profcribed in the colonies propen- ! What think you? Isit the imprudence of not yielding implicitly to this moft fage profcription that occafions fo many deaths in the ifland? We Thall fee, Every where elfe the human fpecies be divided into two claffes. may The --- Page 70 --- L 40 J The frf and the moft populace numerous, that of the properly fo calléd, fimple, credulous, and uninformed, has little more than the vices which neceffarily flow from a ftate of require that cach thouid fociety ; where all where, in fact, eacb act for the whole; and acts only for himfelf. virtues are of the loweft order; that Their as, being rather inherent is to fay, fuch demand any of thofe than acquired, do not facrifices, which jeftic a ftamp fo macharaéterupon virtuc ! Thejecond, andithe leaft numerous the man clafs, is that of diftinguifed from the populace, by cducation, and fortune ; or by a birth, and talents portion of genius fufficient to counterbalance thefe tages, by rendering the poffefforof advanufeful, neceffary or formidable them agreeable, tures. to his fellow-creaSupple, complaifant, and good from weaknefs, and bad from enlightened ; rarcly a dupe, and fometimes calculation ; found in a knave: be will be poffeffion of virtues whofe luftre admiration or envy ; and of vices whofe provokes is but too well concealed under groffnefs amenity, and the varnifh oft the the charms of graces. This divifion is not to bej found here! the reafon ofit Io, In the enumeration Youwillfec ent orders which make of thc differIn the uniformity up the population ; and 2°, of principles and manners, incvitable ulation ; found in a knave: be will be poffeffion of virtues whofe luftre admiration or envy ; and of vices whofe provokes is but too well concealed under groffnefs amenity, and the varnifh oft the the charms of graces. This divifion is not to bej found here! the reafon ofit Io, In the enumeration Youwillfec ent orders which make of thc differIn the uniformity up the population ; and 2°, of principles and manners, incvitable --- Page 71 --- I 41 ] vitable in a ftate of fociety acknowledging only two diftinét claffes-mafters and flaves. This uniformity in the relations which unite or divide the members of a community, ought to be confidered as an advantage : for, befides obviating the effects of another incquality, in addition to thofe which neceffarily refult from a ftate of fociety, and from human nature * ; it contracts, and fimplifies the obfervations from which we ufually deduce the character of a peoplc. As it feems neceffary that a certain number of abfurd prejudices fhould imprint the mark of folly on * Nothing is more prejudicial to a good caufe than it by bad reafons : and none can furely be well worfe than defending thofe alledged by certain enthufialts-that Nature herfelffurnifhes model of the inequality offociety, in the phyfical and moral ine- the quality of individaals. For to reafon conclufively, it would be incumbent on man (already fubjedted to a certain nuinber then of evils, the neceffary confequence of his organization; to add to the maladies which refult from his intemperance, or from them abufe of his phyfical faculties. It is not beçaufe there any other and dwarfs, ftrong and weak, Veftris' and are giants cripples, that there ought to be little and great :-it is becaufe the diftinctions which occafion the one and the orher arei inevitable, that a perfeét of this fort is as chimerical as a perfeét equality of equality merit, &c. Remedy the evil if fortune, of but do not deprive you can, or counterbalance it; yourfelves of the only means lation which the legiflator poffeffes, thofe ofexciting cmumon occafions where efferveftence and except rare and uncommoment, the place of this enthufiafm fupply, for a all-powcrful motive of action, arei inevitable, that a perfeét of this fort is as chimerical as a perfeét equality of equality merit, &c. Remedy the evil if fortune, of but do not deprive you can, or counterbalance it; yourfelves of the only means lation which the legiflator poffeffes, thofe ofexciting cmumon occafions where efferveftence and except rare and uncommoment, the place of this enthufiafm fupply, for a all-powcrful motive of action, --- Page 72 --- D 42, J relates to the humank fpecies: thing which in its difon every, colour of the fkin, which, it is here the from black to white, takes ferent degrees of fhadc, of merity of birth, ofthe diftindtions of rank, So that ja negro, place and cven of fortunc. line of honours,. his defcent in a right although. he proved to adore our Saviour, from the Magi who camc ofa ccleftial intelalthough he joined to the genius the profound earth all the gold < which in thc cyes of ligence, would never be any thing the € hides," the moft ftupid, the moft paltry, but the dregs of the pooreft, of the whites, moft contemptible flave, a black 4i thchuman racc, a worthlefs the coaft 1" Such, Sir, is <e He has relations o1l manifeft their conby which they that a drop the expreffion fufpicion fingle of tempt, on the nlighteft found its way into the veins blood has that of African fuch is the force of prejudice, white. And to enable a effort of reafon and courage it requires an with fuch an unfortunate being, you to contract which a ftate of equality" that kind of familiarity, and demands. pre-fuppofes chaos of claims and prcYou fec then that the elfeoleve and confounded tenfions fo perplexed is bere eafily reduced of ranks, of the by the diverfity the knowledge method. In Europe of to of regard, of contideration, efteem different degrees sds --- Page 73 --- [ 43 J eiteem more or lefs felt, ofrefpect more or lefs found, is a fcience which prorequires a particular ftudy : and as the exterior does not always correfL pond with the title, a difcernment of the niceft kind, a long acquaintance with the great world, is neceffary to cnable us to diftinguith the patrician from the plebeian, the noble from the vaffal. Here the contrary, it,is only neceffary to have on able to place every individual in the clafs eyes, to be he to which belongs, From thefe premifes you will collect (without being exprefly told fo) that, from the governor invefted with the power, and decorated with the orders of the king, to the fcoundrel who, from the galleys of Marfeilles, brings with him the ful mark which the iron of the executioncr difgrace- has imprinted on his fhoulder, all the whites are upon an equality, This refpect for colour, which, like fo other eftablifhed prejudices, is a mere many the eyes of reafon, is, however, the abfurdity in which the deftiny of the colonies is palladium on fuppofed to depend. It may appear ridiculous to maintain (what, however, is but too true) that there is fome foundation for the fuppofition: nor, be otherwife; fince indeed, can it this, as well as all the other vices of our cftablifhments in thefe parts, is the neceffary, 4. ifhed prejudices, is a mere many the eyes of reafon, is, however, the abfurdity in which the deftiny of the colonies is palladium on fuppofed to depend. It may appear ridiculous to maintain (what, however, is but too true) that there is fome foundation for the fuppofition: nor, be otherwife; fince indeed, can it this, as well as all the other vices of our cftablifhments in thefe parts, is the neceffary, 4. --- Page 74 --- I 44 I of an enorand inevitable confequence time we founded neceffary, fell into at the fnous error we them. of the rich, the governTo intereft the cupidity that extent to its Concellions, ment gave fuch an the medium) might eafily coffee for livres *. any one (taking income of fifty thoufand annual fufficient raife a neat man was not the labour of a fingle But as in, the producions and to gather Genius to clcar, to plant, of land ; fome infernal of fo large a piece the projedt of cultivating in evil hour infpired Africans t. America by To the naturally brings on another. foon Onc abufe conceded grounds was extent of the added too great hundred fquares of one hundred A conceffion contained two Coffec fucceeds onlyin mounfcct each (French mcafure). land muft therefore belooked upori to fquare one fourth of the fourth is ufnally allotted tainous traéts, of eultivation : another and to the fite of the as incapable called favannas, that is, meadows, This leaves a hundred what are its dependencies, &c. &c. on an average; a dwelling houfe, : each of thofe produces priecyieidsan fquares for cultivation of coffee, which, at the cuftomary, deductions to be made thoufand weight of a hundred piftoles. The &c. will be fcen annual income for the expence of cultivation, from this fum humane, the heteafter. believe that it was a prieft! the moft the cele- + Who could have yet vifited the new. world, who moft tender of all that in a word, the virtuous Las Cafas, refcue brated bifhop ofChiappa : to be adopted, in order to did and caufed the plan which after all they propofed, Indians from a Aate of Mlavery, his beloved àt efcape. en annual income for the expence of cultivation, from this fum humane, the heteafter. believe that it was a prieft! the moft the cele- + Who could have yet vifited the new. world, who moft tender of all that in a word, the virtuous Las Cafas, refcue brated bifhop ofChiappa : to be adopted, in order to did and caufed the plan which after all they propofed, Indians from a Aate of Mlavery, his beloved àt efcape. --- Page 75 --- L 43 3 added the cnormity of in the very face of granting to the fame perfon, times four the-law, two, three, and fomeconceffions; ; as the to be more or lefs petitioner happened minifters, powerfully recommended or protected by the by the çolony ; whofe adminiftrators of the was cultivation, and indeed materially checked by the population, no proprietor, how rich foever indulgence : fince. can poffibly. be you fuppofe him, eftablithment fufficiently fo, to undertake of feveral the time. To elude the plantations at the fame ofa vacant law, they procure the grant &c. and the conceffion, in the name of a relation, good law, feems government which felt the want ofa of it perfedtly infenfible to the caufing to be obeyed. The necellity rather the diforder, in this negligence, or land already matter. is fo great, that granted, but abandoned prictors, for want of means to cultivate by the progranted a fecond time to others it, has been an objectof litigation ; and thus become feffors. This between the oldand new poffully obviated by inconvenience was fuppofed to be enaéting that conceffions of proprictors as did not fulfil, fuch the conditions under withina limited time, (fch as which they took employing a certain poffelfion a certain quantity of number of negroes on the crown : buti it ground, &cc.) fhould revert to other cafes, that this happens in this, as it does in moft act of vigorous but neceffary juftice, --- Page 76 --- D461 1 but againft the obis feldom put in forcey juftice, unfriended planter.. fcure and of thc that the meafire Let us fuppofe now, reduced to twenty fquaress conceflions had been the labour of a poor, of which, It for the management would have amply fufficed. European family. fame extent of ground, on; would follow, that the vegetate, would haver which a few negroes at individusis. prefent Nor can there, maintained fourfcore be much better cul-: but that it would than by him: be a doubt, refident proprictors, tivated by ten leagues from his pofs who, refiding two thoufand for the care and fidea feffions, has no better fecurity than thc capacity. with which they are managed, of a knavifhe lity fteward, or the probity in' of an ignorant have followed this method this: agent! The Englifh are, that Barbadoes, and the confequences the richeft to its extent, in the: ifland is, in proportion of ail their pofiefions oband moft populous as the judicious Labat Weft Indies. If then, confifts in of the colonies ferved, Ce the frengeh we muft neceflarily: of the whites," he < the number that. < the numbers called admit, with this voyager, made up of what are fpeaks of, can only be fmall planters." objece combat the only fpecious Sir, to can I haften, or defigning pcople, tion, which uninformed, poffibly iefions oband moft populous as the judicious Labat Weft Indies. If then, confifts in of the colonies ferved, Ce the frengeh we muft neceflarily: of the whites," he < the number that. < the numbers called admit, with this voyager, made up of what are fpeaks of, can only be fmall planters." objece combat the only fpecious Sir, to can I haften, or defigning pcople, tion, which uninformed, poffibly --- Page 77 --- [ 47 J poffibly oppofe to this mode of cultivation;' I mean the infalubrity of the climate: : Ireply, then, in the firft place, that this infalubrity is to be attributed more to the exceffes to which Europeans ufually: abandon themfelves; on their firft arrival here,n than to any inherent ill qualities in the climate. It is thein own intéma perance which renders a refidence heretfo fatal to them. In the fecond place, I reply, that the firft T cultivators of Saint Domingo, thofe who did what the negroes do now, were; what originally called in the language ofrt thofe days were montbs' men, that is, men who let fx-and-tbirty- themfelves the planters for a term of three years :--and that to there are fome fmall divifions of the old Grants, yet cultivated by whites, who live on them in a ftate of decent competence. To me, thefe facts are. arguments of the moft irrefiftible kind. mcn T9 Europcins have, I know, no fmall accuftom themfelves to the climate: difficulty to would infallibly fevere labour deftroy them. At the fame I am confident that ten feafoned whites, time, without over-ftraining themfelves in the leaft, would the work of an hundred do would do it with more negroes'; becaufe. they good will, with more underftanding --- Page 78 --- [ 48 1 of what they were about, and confederftanding with infinitely more effect. quently, of all ages, and I of all 1 nae The experience the work of flaves, though c tions fhews us, that than the expence of cofts no more se it apparently is, on an accurate eftimate, €e their nourifhment, fince the man who is ce the deareft of all work; can feel no from property, €C reftricted acquiring that of eating as much, and than ce other folicitude TE labouring as littlc, as pofible*." who maintain the contrary are The colonifts In : this fools, or impoitors. either fuggards, own experience; yet I matter, I fpeak from my. the of vigour have neither the habits, nor demand.re degree The which agriculturai engagements of the climate, fo ce heat, and the unhealthinefs as the caufes by Europeans c frequently alledged in the colonies, are nothing," €c of theiri inadtivity traveller, < but and obferving fays an intelligent for the wcaknefs of men rece a fpecious apology and debauchery: : and ce duced by intemperance fenfual to have recourfe to the ce. too vain or too ce labour of their handst." of Nations. Vol. II. Book 3- Chap. 2. * Smith's Wealth M. de Pagés, Tomei. +loyage autourdu Monde,par And colonies, are nothing," €c of theiri inadtivity traveller, < but and obferving fays an intelligent for the wcaknefs of men rece a fpecious apology and debauchery: : and ce duced by intemperance fenfual to have recourfe to the ce. too vain or too ce labour of their handst." of Nations. Vol. II. Book 3- Chap. 2. * Smith's Wealth M. de Pagés, Tomei. +loyage autourdu Monde,par And --- Page 79 --- [ 49.] And after all, Sir, what is meant by this miferable outcry againft the climate 2 Can the population of the whites be only maintained by emigrations from Europe? Is there any law to prevent the women from brecding here? or was it ever heard, or faid, that the air of this country was prejudicial to a Creole? Let us introduce good morals into Saint Domingo. Let the planters, inftead of attaching themfelves to thofe black, yellow, livid ' complexioned miftreffes, who brutify, and deceive them ; marry women of their own colour; and we fhall foon fee the country affuume, in the eyes of the obferver, a very different afpect. LETTER VII. Jaguemel, March 178g. Mr fentiments, Sir, with regard to the flavery of the blacks, are no fecret to you. I explained myfelf without referve on this head, in one ofthe letters which I wrote to you from the Cape of Good Hope*. The manufcript of thefe letters is depofited, with other papers, in hands, from which I do not know that I many fhall ever be able to recover them. E You --- Page 80 --- L 50 ] then, that I have always You are apprized with thofe writers who reagreed, and Atill agree traffick we mainprobate fo ftrongly the infamous tain on the coafts of Africa. while I do juftice to the purity of their But be with a few obfervamotives ; let me indulged authors who have tions. I think, then, that the the from falfe or exaggerated written on negroes, of by their reports ; without the power judging for whom they of the kind of men own eyes, the nature of their flavery; have plead, or of of combatting by juftly merited the reproaches whofe dedeclamation an abufe, vain and empty balanced by its advantages. I fects are more than of this further think, that, as every proceeding ought to have in view the common good, kind unlawful, to excite a prejuit is dangerous, nay involving the fafety dice againft an order of things producing at and fortune of the public, without evil. the fame time a remedy for the neceffary need of thofe officious gentlemen to We have no thing. What would tell us that flavery is a hateful over their they fay to the Efculapius who prefided he fhould heaith, if, in an overflowing of the bile, nothing for the complaint, but a furious prefcribe which confumed inveétive againft the malady them ? Our ving the fafety dice againft an order of things producing at and fortune of the public, without evil. the fame time a remedy for the neceffary need of thofe officious gentlemen to We have no thing. What would tell us that flavery is a hateful over their they fay to the Efculapius who prefided he fhould heaith, if, in an overflowing of the bile, nothing for the complaint, but a furious prefcribe which confumed inveétive againft the malady them ? Our --- Page 81 --- [ 5I ] - Our age is unfortunately too fertile in political reformers*; who are in a violent hafte to pull down. an irregular edifice, without having either the talents or the materials neceffary to conftruct it again upon a better plan, One fimple argument fhall fuffice for all. Your colonies, fuch as they are, cannot exift without flavery. This is a frightful truth, I confefs; but the not recognifing it, is more frightful ftill, and may produce the moft terrible confequences. You muft then fandtion flavery, or renounce the colonies: : and as thirty thoufand whites can only controul four hundred and fixty thoufand negroes by the force of opinion, (the fole tee of their exiftence) guaranevery thing which tends to weaken or deftroy that opinion, is a crime againft fociety. In vain do the turbulent CC Amis des Noirs 39 Friends of the Blacks, labour to fupport their doétrine by the example of the United States, where, except in Virginia and the two Carolinas, there are no articles of cultivation which require a They will thare the fate of the religious Reformers. tenets will produce much hatred and guilt, mnuch misfortune Their difcord, which will terminate at length in indifference. and E 2 number --- Page 82 --- L 52 ] of hands. In all the other provinces number of flaves is fo trifling, that it is the quantity their place by whites; they very cafy, to fupply fo much care, and treated with are brought up that if the law, which with fo much humanity, produces no emancipates them at a certain age, of the mafdifadvantageous effects on the fortune to the happinefs of the flaves, ters, it adds nothing a forced, for a but the fatisfaction of exchanging States, fervice. Befides, the United voluntary the future importation of when they prohibited means at the fame time to negrocs, took effectual cultivation from being prevent the progrels of Let our anti-negro checked by the prohibition. inftead of do the fame. Let them give us, men babble, pofitive laws, effivague and unprofitable refources-in a word, let cacious means, falutary the Blacks" without bethem be the <e Friends of coming the enemies of the whites. obferved to you that the abolition I have already with the prefervation of flavery is incompatible from the nature of of the colonies : not abfolutely intereft would inthe thing, but becaufe perfonal obftacles to the only fallibly oppofe a thoufand method by which it could be effeéted. method is neither more nor lefs than a new This will allow that there divifion of land : and you nceds Blacks" without bethem be the <e Friends of coming the enemies of the whites. obferved to you that the abolition I have already with the prefervation of flavery is incompatible from the nature of of the colonies : not abfolutely intereft would inthe thing, but becaufe perfonal obftacles to the only fallibly oppofe a thoufand method by which it could be effeéted. method is neither more nor lefs than a new This will allow that there divifion of land : and you nceds --- Page 83 --- L 53 ] needs nothing more than the mention of fuch ftep, to raife an univerfal a outcry againft me. However as Providence has bleffed me with a difpofition on which the clamours of the multitude have little effect, I have no the inftant fuch feruple to fay, that a thing is poffible, I do not fee why it fhould not be ferioufly what can be more propofed. And poffible! fince while I to the proprictor, from whom I fhould referved thirds of his take two the conceffion, a right of mortgage on difmembered part; I fhould ftill leave him at liberty to choofe between ftallments, or a rent reimburfement by inthe fec-fimple: proportioned to the value of determined both the one and the other to be by experienced referces. Doubtlefs an operation of this nature would require both the the concurrence, and the afliftance of government. And I have fo an of its wifdom and high opinion ded it would beneficence, that I am perfuacontribute to the fuccefs of cies of political this fpeand its amputation, both its treafures authority. After fecing it lavifh the fole purpofe of refcuing them for North the yoke of England, it is America from it would hefitate to impoflible to fuppofe bring about, in its own tories, a revolution which terriown glory, and let humanity, no lefs than its me add, its own interefts, inccffantly folicit at its hands ! Here, --- Page 84 --- [ 54 ] Sir, finifhes my dream!-It is, time to Here, return to my fubject. Do not imagine that I pretend to juftify flavery, diffemble the evils which naturally attach to or! (to more hoftile to it. I know no moral corruption which foftens, and the mannerss, to the doétrine add, the virtues which purify them; I, may: even fo neceffary. in a to a the fpirit of fubordination the of whom poffeflion monarchy: : for how can he unconthe moft unlimited power has habituated to bend to the yoke of the laws which oppofe troul, will ? How can the defpot fubmit to.a prince his language is ce fuch is. our pleawhofe conftant hc himfelf never ufes any. other Ce fure;" when than ce fuch is mine!" of this want of fociPerhaps the confequences delegating to the ablenefs might be obviated by of the colony fuch a degree of power as governor the fpirit of indepenwould ferye to over-awe But the welldence, fo natural to the colonifts. abufe it; and founded apprehenfion that he might able by no, means unreafonable, that an the fear, chief might onc day take advantage and ambitious induce them to fhake off the of this very fpirit to of the mother country, have driven governyoke of rendering one power ment to the expedient intendant on the coundependant on another ; the cil, governor the fpirit of indepenwould ferye to over-awe But the welldence, fo natural to the colonifts. abufe it; and founded apprehenfion that he might able by no, means unreafonable, that an the fear, chief might onc day take advantage and ambitious induce them to fhake off the of this very fpirit to of the mother country, have driven governyoke of rendering one power ment to the expedient intendant on the coundependant on another ; the cil, --- Page 85 --- [ 55 J cil, the council on the thefe governor, &c. So that authorities, always rivals, and never ing-(to give you but one inftance of the agreenullity of their influence perfect have on the public not, to this day, fucceeded in will)- gle article of the CODE NoIR caufing a finto be put in force*, What then, you will fay, do all thefe ties do there? Not all the evil authoricertainly not all the they might; ; and good. Each on adminiftrator, calculating the uncertainty of his exiftence, leaves the care of the tranfitory Providence, and bends public good to all his thoughts to the advancement of his own fortune. Not them fails to recolleét that one of roy of the Indies who Galvam, the only vicecarried nothing from his government but the love and efteem of the ple, found nothing on his return peopoverty and to Portugal but fhould teach contemptt. Examples of this kind fovercigns to honour, more than they lies. The rage of faying a good thing is the fource It is not cafy to difcover why the author of many foltions Politiques," fo rational in cf the < Infitu- (Tom. 1. Chap. 5-) that c he who general, fabricated fhould venture to fay, muft have had à foul as black asink." the ( Code Noir" + Juftice requires that I fhould here make. of another governor, Dom Juan de honourable mention only three reals behind him. Galvam Caftro, who at his death left What a leffon for his fucceffors! It has died in a work-houfe. ppon them, not been thrown away do, --- Page 86 --- E 56 ] thofc exalted virtues which are the fureft do, of obedience, and of the rcfpeét of the pledges for the power under which they live. people I have obferved juft above, that I looked upon to the morals, and to the flavery as pernicious them. If, when I doétrine which fhould purify come to treat at large of the different claffes the of Saint Domingo; which compofe population I can fubdue my natural propenfity to indulgence; I Thall find in the manners of the inhabitants but of the juftnefs of the obfervation. too many proofs tell in the interim, that And if I fhould you, far from education here, in unifon with nature, the youth with any defence againft the fupplying far from checking the influence of the climate; of the progrefs of the too-rapid developement facultics, and the inevitable exhauftion attendant hurries them on, without intermiffion, from on it; that it does not allow adolefcence to decrepitude; fufficient time for the cheek ofi innocence to affume of modefty 5 but that youth and the roly glow of maturity languifh cqually here ; one deprived the bloom of its frefhnefs, of the winning fimof its charms ; and the other of the afcenplicity experience and fubdued dancy which wifdom, in fhort, that from paflions ufually affure it; abfurditics of the difgufting alliance of all the and fottifhnefs affecting talents, with ignorance all cheek ofi innocence to affume of modefty 5 but that youth and the roly glow of maturity languifh cqually here ; one deprived the bloom of its frefhnefs, of the winning fimof its charms ; and the other of the afcenplicity experience and fubdued dancy which wifdom, in fhort, that from paflions ufually affure it; abfurditics of the difgufting alliance of all the and fottifhnefs affecting talents, with ignorance all --- Page 87 --- [ 57 ] all the vices of an immorality, which cannot even alledge feduction as an excufe, there refults a compofition, which prefents the humiliating picture of humanity in the laft ftage of degradation; then, Sir, divided between doubt, indignation, and contempt, you will perhaps accufe me of calumniating at one and the fame time Man and Nature. And you would be right, if you could poffibly fuppofe me fo unjuft as not to feel the neceflity of making thofe exceptions which every general rule demands, LETTER VIII. Jaquemel, March 178g. Iri were neceffary, Sir, to begin the enumeration of the different claffes of inhabitants, by the beft; it is not impoflible but that the one which ftands firft in the eftablifhed order of things, might find itfelf at the bottom of the lift. This, however, I am pretty confident is not the opinion of the colonifts who return to Europe. Puffed up with an extravagant opinion of their own --- Page 88 --- [ 58 ] and of the pretended delights own fuperiority, inftant of their lives with a new which mark every tell you that the pleafure; they will infolently brute is black is here to the white, what the ftupid to the angel of light. where flavery. has neceffarily That, in:a country beline of demarcation, introduced an impaflable the all-fubthe mafter, i and tween all-powerful whites fhould endeavour to enmiflive.flave; the by every faforce the opinion of their fuperiority that is reafonable enough-But vourable prejudice, be confcious of their own men, who muft at leaft themfelves ferioully imperfeétions, fhould bring others, that a and wifhto perfuade to believe, which is not even the work of felf-love, claim, of thofe they found upon can juftify the abfurdity idea of the moit the colour of their fkin : is an if kind : for this would be to admit, prepofterous that the they reafoned on their own principles, and inhabitant of our fouthern provinces, rawny Spaniard, were of an inthe olive.complexioned the Dutchman or the Swede! ferior nature to Chriftian canl Befides, if it be true (and no pious that God made man in his own image, doubt it) even in the colour of the ought we not to refpeét, neceffarily exift the relation which muft negrocs, the creature and the Creator! between But ous that the they reafoned on their own principles, and inhabitant of our fouthern provinces, rawny Spaniard, were of an inthe olive.complexioned the Dutchman or the Swede! ferior nature to Chriftian canl Befides, if it be true (and no pious that God made man in his own image, doubt it) even in the colour of the ought we not to refpeét, neceffarily exift the relation which muft negrocs, the creature and the Creator! between But --- Page 89 --- [ 59 3 But let this prejudice remain, fince ceffary; it is as innocent it is neLet thofe, however, perhaps as any other. perfuaded that it who infift upon it, be well can only fecure them from the dangers which hang over every as the illufion is impoftor, as long which we love to fupported by the two virtues attribute to juftice and goodnefs, fuperior beingsL proceed now to the enumeration of rent claffes which form the the diffeSaint intire population of is Domingo : obferving by the not a fingle defcendant way, that there ginal inhabitants, to be found of the oriThe firft then, is, of courfe, the white It comprchends the clafs. the agents of governor, the intendant, all clergy, all the government of every degree, the I the refident proprictors, the managers, attorneys and agents of the merchants, the non-refidents, the foldiers, the retail dealers, the tifts, and finally, all the race of arbourers, whom the induftrious lawhom negrocs call little xubites; and want, fhame, mifconduét, fometimes the hopes of defpair, and to the country of the world making a fortune, bring deareft, where where living is the where induftry has the feweft arts are the leaft honoured, channels, the ill ufe which fôme of their and where predeceffors made of --- Page 90 --- [ 60 J hofpitality of the of the ancient and celebrated the inhabitants too circumcolonifts, has rendered admit into their houfes any but people fpect to well known, or well recommended. of remonftrances on the It was in confequence with which adventurers of all kinds paffed facility that the court made from Europe to the colonies, which obliged every paffenger to apa regulation, of the veffel, and a furcty, pcàr with the captain of the port from at the office of the admiralty this faluwhich he propofed to embark. But is evaded; becaufe few tary law, like every other, call the firft vacaptains refufe to pafs, as they it, who finds the art of interefting their pity ; gabond of their cupidity by a flight or the means tempting be the motive of fuch an retribution. Whatever it is at once a violation of the law, and a action, muft fpecies of robbery; ; fince fuch a paffenger live intirely on the fhip's ftores, and confequently of the merchants. But the agents at the expence fince difcovered, in the prinof commerce, long of thofe, ciples which direét it, the juftification which they believe themfelves exonerated from by with keeping too exact an account probity. The fecond clafs is that of the mulattos, quardemi-quarterons or metis, and all, in fhort, terons, who fince fuch a paffenger live intirely on the fhip's ftores, and confequently of the merchants. But the agents at the expence fince difcovered, in the prinof commerce, long of thofe, ciples which direét it, the juftification which they believe themfelves exonerated from by with keeping too exact an account probity. The fecond clafs is that of the mulattos, quardemi-quarterons or metis, and all, in fhort, terons, who --- Page 91 --- [ 61 3 who are called people of colour*; place the free mulattos, amongft whom I proprietors of living on their land, or free induftry ; as well as the or flaves, of both fexes: for domeftics, comes to the here the law fupport of opinion, and white to derogate from the forbids the by caufing dignity of his colour, himfelf to be ferved by a white ! four Originally and every mulatto was free at the age of law, but twenty ; not in confequence of a by the unanimous confent of the pofitive This regulation was colonifts, difproportion extremely wife; as the vaft between the number and the whites, fhewed of the blacks the the mulattos to the latter. neceffity of attaching On the however, of fome of the reprefentations, tions were planters, whofe calculaderanged by the their own flefh and blood prohibition of felling dated in 1674 ; the king, by an ediét declared that the follow the condition ofthe children fhould obferve, to the eternal mother! And I muft that if a law which fhame of the Europeans, their debafes them, by pofterity to flavery, is devoting moft rigorous exactnefs; obferved with the ; it is not fo with another, The following is an exact lour. The white and the female account of the progreffion of comulatto and the female negro the negro produce the mulatto; the mulatto the Quarteron; ; the white Grif: and the white and the female Tierceron; the white and the female the female Quarteron the white and the female Métis the Mamelouc, Tierceron the Metis, the which --- Page 92 --- [ 62 ] ordains that every mafter fhail which exprefsly and a half of give each of his flaves two pound falt mcat a week. The black clafs is the laft: it comprifes thc of land, and by free negroes who are proprictors whether no means numerous; ; and the flaves, that is, born in the colonies; or Boffales, Creoles, imported from Africa. the diftance between the flave and the Although to avoid fubdivifions, free man be immenfe, yet, the divifion and minute diftinétions, I have adopted furFor I muft of colour, as the moft fimple. and female nether obferve to you, that the male well as the male and female mulattos, groes, as of liberty, remain in a in fpite of the acquifition which not only difqualifies ftate of abjedtnefs, but forbids them them from any public employ, fufficient degree of with the whites a to contract with them, but intimacy, I will not fay to fleep If I vifit a rich mulatto, he will call even to eat. like the reft. I call him me Sir, and not mafier, &zc. he will afk me to dinfriend, dear friend, he will not prefume to ner 3 but if he be correct, fit at table with mc. is the total divifion. Each of the Such, Sir, as thofe three clafles has befides its fhades-fuch which, contract with them, but intimacy, I will not fay to fleep If I vifit a rich mulatto, he will call even to eat. like the reft. I call him me Sir, and not mafier, &zc. he will afk me to dinfriend, dear friend, he will not prefume to ner 3 but if he be correct, fit at table with mc. is the total divifion. Each of the Such, Sir, as thofe three clafles has befides its fhades-fuch which, --- Page 93 --- [ 63 ] which, in defpite of complexion, vernor- from the other feparate the gothe free whites, the mulatto from negro, &c. &zc. The compulfatory precautions prejudice of colour, have arifing from the bitants two procured for the inhaadvantages, which in fome degree compenfate for the ridiculoufnefs of it. render the government more They arbitrary circumfpeét in its colonifts proceedings; and they imprint on the a charaéter of haughty from which defpotic adminiftrators independance, once have more than experienced a refiftance fo the court has been inflexible, that whom the habit of finallyobliged to recal a governor, has daily playing the nabob in the Eaft, tempted to tranfgrefs the bounds of his authority. The natural which confequence of the order of things prevails herc, is, that all thofe titles nour which are elfewhere, the of hoof rivalry, and of pabula of emulation, pride, and create fo difcord; which infpire fo much many claims in ambition and envyin fome; fo much entirely others; fhrink to nothing, and It is by difappear before the fole title of WHITE. and your fkin, however branded it not by your parchment, however may be, that your pretenfions to worm-caten, Thus you fee that vanity, gentility are adjufted. which on your fide of the water --- Page 94 --- [ 64 3 torments and turns herfelf a thoufand ways, water and ufurp the tribute of to impofe on the public, the claims of birth, refpeét which it accords to would here lofe both her time and her labour. claffes of the inhabitants of Each of the different a St. Domingo has, as you will readily imagine, a ftile ofliving, more or lefs apturn of thinking, which, after all, has little reproximate or diftinét; becaufe femblance to what you will find elfewhere; climate, the regimen, the manners, the wants, the the degree of reciprocal depenthe occupations, of the flighteft dency, eftablifh here conneétions with different from thofe which; you, nature; very the members of the fame focicty. Sir, bind together here feize the opportunity of entering I might But as the ftudy into fome details on this fubject. in his moral capacity requires more appliof man than that of his exiftcation, and more experience influence of the climate, ence in a focial ftate; ; as the diftinét from ours, and ofa manner of living totally on his character; and finally, as too acts neceffarily conduct to method would infallibly fervile a regard I hold it to be the me to a fatiguing monotony $ judgment ; and of prudence not to haften my part obfervations, which, to accumulate On one point, the refult of time, comfhould be be conclufive, parifon, and experience. For , ence in a focial ftate; ; as the diftinét from ours, and ofa manner of living totally on his character; and finally, as too acts neceffarily conduct to method would infallibly fervile a regard I hold it to be the me to a fatiguing monotony $ judgment ; and of prudence not to haften my part obfervations, which, to accumulate On one point, the refult of time, comfhould be be conclufive, parifon, and experience. For --- Page 95 --- [ 6; ] For example: the firft thing that ftrikes traveller who arrives here with the every fervation, is, that in faculty of obfpire of the of origin, colour and interefts, the conformity whites Europe, and the white Creoles, form from which, by their reciprocal two claffes, widely fundered, that pretenfions, are fo together. The neceffity alonc can bring them politenefs, and former, with more breeding, more fect more knowledge of the world, over the latter a fuperiority which is afcontributing to unite them. far from were a little more Yet, if the Creoles in theirtoo cautious than they are at prefent cultivated early connections with women ; if with more care their they penfities to excel in all bodily extrordinary profeconded by a better method exercifes ; if they tural facility of their of education the nanot genius ; I am perfuaded, that having to ftruggle againft the influence climate under which of the the habitudes they were born, nor of a kind oflife, againft from that to which a differing effentially mit himfelf on his arrival European is obliged to fubfay, that all the here, I am perfuaded, I Nothing is advantages would be on their fide. wanting to the Creole, but a degree of good fenfe, to enable him fuflicient abufing, the faculties to ufe, without endued him. with which nature has F LET- --- Page 96 --- 66 ] LETTER IX. Jaquenel, April 178g. I HAVE been here already more than cight and yet, Sir, I have not faid a word to months, nor of. the eftatc you about the town of Jaquemel, and which, which my. landlord has juft purchafed, indeed, I have only vifited twice. the There is a difference of opinion refpedting fome maintain that it exifted origin of Jaquemel ; under the name of at the arrivat of the Europcans, de others, that it owed its rife to Jaques Taquito $ who built the firit houfe there. Melo, a Spaniard, However it bc, Jaques de Melo was very far when he raifed his humble ajoupa * from thinking, little that his name would at the bottom of a bay, and his into Jaquenel 5 be one day metamorphofed of three hutinto a commercial town, a port, capital the refidence of a Senefchal, a military parifhes, of leaves and * So they call a kind of hut, or hovel, refide compofed when they commence branches, where the planters ufually clearing a new picce of ground. chief, very far when he raifed his humble ajoupa * from thinking, little that his name would at the bottom of a bay, and his into Jaquenel 5 be one day metamorphofed of three hutinto a commercial town, a port, capital the refidence of a Senefchal, a military parifhes, of leaves and * So they call a kind of hut, or hovel, refide compofed when they commence branches, where the planters ufually clearing a new picce of ground. chief, --- Page 97 --- [ 67 ] chief, 8zc. It was thus that Dido laid the foundation of Carthage, without imagining the was about to raife a rival to Rome ! When I honour Jaquemel with the name of a town, you are not, Sir, to take the expreffion literally : for furely a few wooden barracks fpread over a beach; or fcattered up and down the acclivities of a rugged and fony eminence, ware never yet fuppofed to conftitute a town. With the exception, however, of Cape François, this is the definition of all you will find at St. Domingo. One rich planter has indeed had the temerity to build a tolerable houfe here of ftone, at the hazard of feeing it crumble to pieces the very firft earthquake. Be this as it may, this irregular group of Cafes (fo they call their houfes here) interfperfed with a few fpots of verdure, forms, as feen from the fea, an appearance extremely picturefque. A bay perfeétly fafe in the favourable feafon, good anchoring ground, and land ready cleared, which has much increafed the cultivation in this quarter, bring hither every year about twenty which are freighted with fugar, coffee, and cotton. fhips, For although Monf. Raynal gives the diftriet of Jaquemel fixty-two indigo, and no fugar plantaF 2 tions 5 --- Page 98 --- L 68 ] that there are tions *; I can venture to affure you one of three of the latter, in full bearing, and not The exceflive attention which the the former. demands, the fuccefs, at beft cultivation of indigo and the rifque of lofing in a moment uncertain, of labour, have determined the fruit of a longferies In revenge the colonifts to abandon italtogether. lefs have extended the cultivation of coffee, they that of but fubject to fewer lucrative than fugar, than and lefs dear; more expenfive viciffitudes, certain, and yiclding a that of cotton, but more greater return. cultivation of the diftriet of Jaquemel is The for, although fufceptible of a confidermableincreafes land be conceded, it is very far from being all the and what is fo, is ftill farther from all in hand ; be of to which it might brought. the flate perfeétion have been the cafe, if, by reThis, Sir, would not they had ducing the extent of the conceffions, Plantamultiplied the number of theinhabitants. fize are always beft cultivated ; tions of a moderate that the eye of the and for this fimple reafon, mafter overlooks them morc eafily t Among ct Politique des Etablifemens ct du Com- * Hifoire Philefopligue dans les Indes. Tome 7. merce des Europieus in and in Europe, fome great + a There fill remain England, in the hands of eltates which have continued without interruption the the conceffions, Plantamultiplied the number of theinhabitants. fize are always beft cultivated ; tions of a moderate that the eye of the and for this fimple reafon, mafter overlooks them morc eafily t Among ct Politique des Etablifemens ct du Com- * Hifoire Philefopligue dans les Indes. Tome 7. merce des Europieus in and in Europe, fome great + a There fill remain England, in the hands of eltates which have continued without interruption the --- Page 99 --- [ 69 ] Among the numerous caufes which retard the progrefs of planting, and fetter the the planter, there are three induftry of tation tax on pre-cminent : the capinegroes, the high price to which the commerce of France has raifed this the enormous commodily, and charges of what is called Juftice. The author of the ce cr Pbilefapbical and Political Hifory of the Indies 99 in vantages which would enumerating the adflow from tax on negroes, to the different transferring the articles which cultivate, has expofed but a fmall of they arifing from this part the evil frfficiently impolitic impoft. The objedt is important to call for a which fhall leave the developement without partifans of the capitation tax a reply. Ifan equal number of blacks, fay duces an equal quantity of they, promatter of indifference merchandize, is it not a on which the tax is impofed : This fophiftry can only perfuade the We will fuppofe, ignorant. Sir, that I purchafe to-day the fame family, fince the times of feudal anarchy. prefent condition of thofe eftates with the Compare the proprictors in their neighbourhood, and poffefions of the fmall argument to convince you, how unfavourable you will require no other perty is to improvement," Smitli's W'ealth fuch extenfive proBook: 3. Chap. 2. 9f Nations, Vols 2. ten --- Page 100 --- L 70 ] blacks: the law obliges me to regifter them ten in of it, to-morrow; and I am taxed confequence the again, what is too frequently We will fuppofc die before they are fet to cafe, that two of the ten it is true; but he work : the king lofes nothing, the workmen with an eye to profit who taxes my have not performed 5 a proof a work which they to commits a fit which alone can enable me pay, the lofs I cfpecially as he adds to glaring injuftice, of impofition, which have fuffered, an increafe of a capital alonly be taken from the interelt can diminifhed. Befides, to tax my negroready the of his purchafe, what is it but to add to price dearer the amount of the tax ? Now, the negroes lefs the lefs I fhall be able to purchafe -the are, the lefs cultivation, negrocs, the lefs cultivation; the dilemma : the the lefs produce. Reverfe I hall be able to cheaper negroes are, the more cultivation ; purchafe; the more negroes, the more the the more produce.-In the more cultivation, then, and of common inname of common fenfe, Ce If," fays a lay your tax on the produce, tereft, Cc the undermodern writer of the firft reputation, a manufaétory, who cmploys < taker of fome grcat of his mace thoufand a year in the maintenance five hunreduce this expence to cc chinery, can quantity of € dred, in purchafing an additional additional be up by an cC materials to wrought of that work, the quantity €e number of workmen; Ce therefore, common inname of common fenfe, Ce If," fays a lay your tax on the produce, tereft, Cc the undermodern writer of the firft reputation, a manufaétory, who cmploys < taker of fome grcat of his mace thoufand a year in the maintenance five hunreduce this expence to cc chinery, can quantity of € dred, in purchafing an additional additional be up by an cC materials to wrought of that work, the quantity €e number of workmen; Ce therefore, --- Page 101 --- [ 71 ] < therefore, which his <e for machinery was ufeful only performing, will naturally be c and with it all the augmented, re which the advantage and conveniency focicty can derive from that workt." If ever government thould find it lay a duty on the exportation of flour, what neceffary to wefay, if, inftead of fhould charging a certainfum on fack, it were to place the every of the mills which impofition on the wheels ground it? Another confequence of this vicious mode ofi impofition is, that the planter, to elude the it, makes falfe entries: : and fuch is the weight of concealing the number from the facility of there is fcarce an inftance of the Exchequer, that tedted. fraud's being deThus, odious for its rapacity, and contemptible for its impotence, the Colonift in the hatred of the government trains up ridicule of the laws, legiflator, and the I hope, Sir, that the importance of the will juftify the lengths to which I have fubject treating a queftion, gone in the involving at once the fovercign, colonifts, the commerce, and common good of the confequently the colonies, and the mother country ; by the latter of whom it fhould never be + Smith's Wealth 9f Nations, Vol. I. Book 2. Chap. 2. forgotten, --- Page 102 --- [ 72 ] forgotten, that fhe labours for her own advantage, while fhe endeavours to promote the profperity of the former. I Thall referve for another letter the examination objects; the price of neof two other important and terminate groes, and the expences of juftice; the prefent with an obfervation, which appears it be to me of the utmoft confequence, though connected with the preceding not immediately remarks. of increafes every day with an The price negroes who cofts at alarming rapidity. A picked negro, havebeen prefent near three thoufand livres, might *. If for three hundred purchafed a century ago they raife had inthe price of the commodities the evil would not creafed in the fame proportion, fince But this is not the cafe; have been great. who receivethepromany fates, thofe in particular, hand, duéions of the colonies at the fecond or third of fpecic, which the terrified at the exportation have taken ftill-increafing prices of them occafion, the moft juft, as well as the moft efficacious meafures to fet bounds to their confumption. then, muft finally fall the lofs which On whom, between the refults from fo ftriking a difproportion * Sec $ LesTeyages du Sicur Le Maire." Page 73expence ates, thofe in particular, hand, duéions of the colonies at the fecond or third of fpecic, which the terrified at the exportation have taken ftill-increafing prices of them occafion, the moft juft, as well as the moft efficacious meafures to fet bounds to their confumption. then, muft finally fall the lofs which On whom, between the refults from fo ftriking a difproportion * Sec $ LesTeyages du Sicur Le Maire." Page 73expence --- Page 103 --- [ 73 J expence and the profits of cultivator. cultivation?-On the From whence comes the evil ? and how can it be obviated P The firft queftion I will endeavour to the fecond muft be left to the anfiwer; difcretion of government, Nature proceeds with regularity. She balances, according to proportions which we may fometimes alter, but can never deftroy, loffès by that is, deaths by births; in fuch fupplies 5 the earth a manner that may have at all times nearly the fàme number of inhabitants. It is not her fault, if our crimes, our paflions, and our follies beautiful order;-if derarge this our avarice tempts us to ten inhabitants from one tear country, for the fake of adding one to another! Yet this is what is done by the traffic in The enormous negrocs ! confumption which the trade, a moft worthy rival of the peftilence, has occafioned the coafts of Africa, has fo on the dealers depopulated them, that are neceffitated to feek for flaves above a thoufand lcagues up the country ! That --- Page 104 --- L 74 ] That the price of ore fhould increafe as the mine becomes more and more exhaufted, is a fimple but that'it fhould be poffible to mainpropofition: between two objects of extain a juft proportion continucs to rife in value in change, one of which whilc the proportion to its ever-increafing fcarcity, bounded in its confumption, has already other; is, in my opinion, the moft reached its maximum, extravagant ofabfurdities. We muft then look forward to an epoch, which fo diftant as we may imagine :- is not, perhaps, ceffation of the flave trade. Of that of the total the either difficulty two things one muft happen: their value fo high as of procuring flaves will raife the planter from purchafing them, to incapacitate and the Africans, enlightened by experience, or which menaces a total terrified at a depopulation the traffic. deftruétion, will of themfelves renounce of either fippofition is the fame.. The confequence muft be realized fooner or It is impoffible but they have later : and I do not yet fee that any fteps the inevitable effect-the been taken to obviate ruin of the colonies. made in 1775, proves, that in a A calculation more than lapfe of two hundred and forty years, the million of negroes have been imported into ten thefe fame colonies requirc colonics. At prefent, more of themfelves renounce of either fippofition is the fame.. The confequence muft be realized fooner or It is impoffible but they have later : and I do not yet fee that any fteps the inevitable effect-the been taken to obviate ruin of the colonies. made in 1775, proves, that in a A calculation more than lapfe of two hundred and forty years, the million of negroes have been imported into ten thefe fame colonies requirc colonics. At prefent, more --- Page 105 --- [ 75 ] more than one hundred thoufand if you add to this number, thofe who annually; and perifh in the wars to which this traffic gives birth, and in the middle paffage, by ficknefs, fhipwrecks, and revolts, you will find it neceffary to double it; which in a period of thirty years, carries the confumption to the amazing fum offix millions ! I will afk you, whether it be poffible that the now of Africa fhould not be fpeedily exhaufted population ? LETTER X. THE confequences ofthe exceflive price of negroes, with refpect to the ulterior profperity of the colonics, may be underftood, Sir, without particularly infifted on. As I may not again being have an opportunity of recurring to this fubject, I will tell you what fteps I have taken relative to it. It is now more than four months ago, that, furprifed at the trifling profits the from their planters derived eftates, I fancied I muft feek for the fource of the evil in fomething befides their inattention : --- Page 106 --- [ 76'] tention: and the dearnefs of negroes was pointed out to me. refearches, I found that the Englifh Purfuing my furnifhed the of the neighbouring ifles privately hundred livres, colonifts, for twelve or fourteen a" black as they could buy of our with as good hundred. traders for feven or eight and twenty the intreaties of fome of the inhaOvercome by draw and tranfmit bitants, I took upon me to up, in which to the minifter rof thei marine, a memorial, of the introIpointed out the neccfity permitting vefduétion of four thoufand negrocs in prohibited fels: and, as I forefaw the objection of the prejudice which this act of beneficence would occafion of the mother country, I took exto the commerce that it ought to be traordinary pains to demonftrate elfematter ofi indifference to her, if I purchafed a of fupplying me where, what ihe was incapable that what with, but at a price above my means ; nehave gained on thefe four thoufand fhe might the bye, The could not have made, groes (a gain, by have becn bought of her) fince they would not by her profits on would be more than compenfated of the induftry of the four thoufand the produce that, all this well confidered, additional labourers; French commerce might it would appear that the which would prove felicitate itfelf on an idcal lofs, the that what with, but at a price above my means ; nehave gained on thefe four thoufand fhe might the bye, The could not have made, groes (a gain, by have becn bought of her) fince they would not by her profits on would be more than compenfated of the induftry of the four thoufand the produce that, all this well confidered, additional labourers; French commerce might it would appear that the which would prove felicitate itfelf on an idcal lofs, the --- Page 107 --- [ 77 ] the fource of a real gain : and finally, that the advantages of this ufeful fpeculation would all centre in itfelf, fince it could only be fupported funds ofthe French by the merchants. The minifter's anfwer was, That he fhould have been happy to have entered into he felt all the my views ; that advantages of them s-but, that he forefaw an invincible obftacle in the the trade - ! oppofition of It is difficult to conceive, Sir, why the ment, which we ought to fuppofe governby the love of the public always actuated good, does not more efficacioufly than it proteét, efts of the appears to do, the interplanter againft the of trade. And it is a ufurpation, ufurpations the the whenever you deftroy equilibrium which ought to exift between all articles of exchange, by price of forbidding me to raife the my commodity in the fame you augment the value of proportion as yours. A will be fuflicient. fingle example Toavoid fractions, I will fuppofe that the fold his coffce, ten years planter fols a ago, at the rate of five pound, to the trader, who paid him in at the rate of five hundred livres * negroes a-picce. At * The price of a negro in 1700 was fix hundred negrefs four hundred and fifty. livres, ofa prefent, --- Page 108 --- L 78 I the higheft price of coffee is from eighteen prefent, that of a negro, from two thoufand to twenty fols; hundred livres. five hundred, to two thoufand cight Thus, the trader who, to follow the proportion, and maintain the balarice, hould have merely quadrupled his price, has at leaft quintupled it; and confequentiy ufurped a fifth. We come now to what is here called Juftice, of which I Thall fay but a word ; for when you learn tribunal of compofed of a that the Jaquemel, of two attorneyfenefchal, of a deputy judge, four or generals, of a fecretary, four counfellors, and as many tipftaffs, coits one year five attorneys, thoufand with another more than four hundred to the inhabitants of its little jurifdiction ; livres, why cultivation lanyou will eafily comprehend, of the planters, guifhes, and why the greater part more than they are worth, vewho owe conftantly floth. and getate in mifery, crapulence, would be to fay any more on this It fuperfuous to know head, unlefs you fhould think it neceffary the fit in a fecular habit, with a that judges fide; and that Themis, in confiderfword by their inftead of ation of the extreme heat of the climate, which covers her eyes elfewhere, the thick bandage of with a light ftrip, plays at blindman's-buffhers, them. For the reft, you tranfparent gauzc over may be to fay any more on this It fuperfuous to know head, unlefs you fhould think it neceffary the fit in a fecular habit, with a that judges fide; and that Themis, in confiderfword by their inftead of ation of the extreme heat of the climate, which covers her eyes elfewhere, the thick bandage of with a light ftrip, plays at blindman's-buffhers, them. For the reft, you tranfparent gauzc over may --- Page 109 --- [ 79 ] may be affured, that in cftimating the juftice, I have rather expence of truth: : forI know gone below, than above, the has picked morethan one tipftaff here, who up fifty or fixty thoufand livres, ferving warrants, in what thofe facetious by men are pleafed to call, produdlive gentleyears. Do not, however, Sir, to wifh to deprive fuppofe me fo unjuft as influence commerce of its due fhare of on the habitual and general of the colonies. It is wretchednefs which does it too much an ingenious manceuvre, but which honour to be you will not fuppreffed; nifh you with the comprehend unlefs I furpurpofe it will be neceffary documents. For this expedient to look back a littlc. <c The colonies were cc of individuals: eftablifhed at the expence the of Cc it." It hiftory each clearly was neither then to the proves to the policy, nor to the foretight, nor that they owed their humanity of fovercigns, that of Saint foundation, and leaft of all, Domingo. It was to Some Frenchmen, driven accident alone. Spaniards, with from Saint Kitts by the other adventurers of their together with a few Englifh, found nation, the weftern coaft of St. themfelves on They eftablifhed Domingo, then uninhabited. themfelves there in 1627, and * Recherches fur les Etats-Unis d'dmérique. Page 118, were --- Page 110 --- [ 80 J were the original ftock of the men, Flebuftiers ; ofthofe whofeaudacity in undertaking, whofe digious courage in execucing the moft proenterprifes, reduce to the levei of dificult the fabulous childrens piay, exploits of the demi-gods of and whofe ferocity occafioned antiquity; be called MONBARS one of their chiefs to the EXTERMINATOR. Difgufted with theirvagabond and of exiftence, fome of thefe perilous mode whom the extraordinary men, of greater part were Englith, betook felves to the iflc of Tortua * themtheir > (which they had made magazine in 1630, after five and driving away about twenty Spaniards) on the coaft of Saint Domingo, where they joined themfelves to the Buccaneers, a fpecies ofhunters, whofe and precarious habits of life, ferved the wandering as an intermediate ftep in their Flebuftiers itate of failors and paflage from the foldiers; to that of planters, * At firft occupied by the Englith in of Willis. A French of 1638, under the command them out S adopted, with engineer the title the name of Le Vafleur drove tyrant, and was affafinated of prince, the manners of a by two of his fell under the command of the nephews. Tortua then ftored it to the Spanifh; when a Chevalier third de Fontenay, who reRauffet took it from them again in adventurer, Defchamps du wards, fold it to the Welt India 1669, and five years afterVoyage aux Ifles Frangeifs de I' Company. See Labat, Nouveau Amérique. Tom, 5. Chap. 6. Two tyrant, and was affafinated of prince, the manners of a by two of his fell under the command of the nephews. Tortua then ftored it to the Spanifh; when a Chevalier third de Fontenay, who reRauffet took it from them again in adventurer, Defchamps du wards, fold it to the Welt India 1669, and five years afterVoyage aux Ifles Frangeifs de I' Company. See Labat, Nouveau Amérique. Tom, 5. Chap. 6. Two --- Page 111 --- [ 81 ] Two things which will always unite men in fociety clofer together, the neceffity of order, and of perpetuating themfelves, determined thefe new inhabitants to afk for a chief, and for women. The government fent them at firft Duparquet, and foon after Bertrand d'Ogeron de la Bouére, a gentleman of Angers, who arrived on the fixth of June 1636. He was fuccceded by Ducaffe, and L'Arnage ; and the feleétion ofthefe men, worthy in every refpect to command others, proves that governments are not always deceived in the choice of thofe to whom they delegate a part of their Ce power. Mild and firm," fays a modern hiftorian, fpeaking of D'Ogeron, Ce patient and adroit ; inftruéted CE by misfortune, and the habitude of living with ce this ferocious people; cherifhed by them, and ec refpected by thofe above him, he was ftill ce fuperior to the opinion they had formed, I will 66 not fay of his virtues, but of his talents."* The choice of women was lefs difficult to make. France, at that time, abounded with poor, induftrious, and modeft femnales, whofe fweet and ingenuous difpofitions would have foftened, nay,. purificd the morals of men, rather unformed than corrupted. Hifoire Générale de PAfe, de Pafrique et de PAmérique, Tome 1 4. What, --- Page 112 --- L 82 J What, Sir, did they do? They fent them tutes from the hofpitals, abandoned proftiup from the mud of the wretches raked pounds of filth and capital, difgufting comAnd it is impurity of the groffeft kind. aftonifhing to mc, that their diffolute as their manners, as their language, are not perpetuated in pofterity, to a greater degree than they appear to be. The confideration really occafioned a of this event voyager, as fevere as that, C correct, to fay, except a few Cc in the merchants, lately eftablifhed colonies, who have cr their wives and brought with them children, and cr a decent and well regulated fet of domeftics, we cc injury to the fhould do no iflands, in ce Rome, whofe comparing them to cr founders were a rude rabble of rogues and whores, headed two by baftards." * D'Ogeron had hardly colleéted hundred togcther fifteen inhabitants, before the officious ber of Commerce, by virtue of its Chamvilege, that is, its power of exclufive priftarving the colonies t * Journald'un Voyage aux Indes Orientalés. Tome 3. + The funds of this company, which colonies fo early as 1649, amounted undertook the care of the Jivres! Now I would afk, if with fo only to forty-five thoufand permitted to engage for the exclufive inadequate a ftock, it be with an exprefs defign to ruin it P And, fupply of a colony, unlefs orcafioned, fewed the feeds of that indeed, the horrors it itill entertain for the merchants of the hatred which the colonifs mother country. took és. Tome 3. + The funds of this company, which colonies fo early as 1649, amounted undertook the care of the Jivres! Now I would afk, if with fo only to forty-five thoufand permitted to engage for the exclufive inadequate a ftock, it be with an exprefs defign to ruin it P And, fupply of a colony, unlefs orcafioned, fewed the feeds of that indeed, the horrors it itill entertain for the merchants of the hatred which the colonifs mother country. took --- Page 113 --- E 83 ] took advantage of the indifference of the minifter for this infant eftablifhment, and offered to furnifh on credit what the other fhould have frecly given ; the fupplies neceffary to enable them to begin clearing the ground. The intereft of thefe fupplies, you may well imagine, was proportioned to the uncertainty and delay of a reimburfement founded intirely on the profpect of harvefts to come. They came, indeed; but without cafing the planters : for, while the ambition of extending their cultivation created new wants ; the wellgrounded hope of fubjedting the buyer more and more to the feller, made the latter extremely ready to credit the former for whatever his neceflities required. Soon after the commencement of this traffic, the fhrewd and dextrous merchant conceived the defign of adding to the objects of neceflity, the trifing appendages of luxury, always welcome to Vanity, who cc thrufts herfelf into every fociety." The fame veffel that carried cut harchets, and hoeing irons for the men, brought caps for the mothers, and farthingales for the daughters. The youthful Creole was eafily perfuaded that a looking-glafs in a gilt frame refleéted her pretty features more faithfully than the cryftal of a fountain. Thus do ingenuous ignorance, and credulous faf-love, purchafe at a hundred times J 2 their --- Page 114 --- [ 84 ] become neceffaries; their value*, fuperfluities of who has juft enough while the wily merchant, that the debtor feldom venmetaphylics to know fixes what tures to difpute with his creditor, on the commoditics he deigns to price he pieafes what may be take in exchange; and thus acquires the aétual poffeffion of the colonies. truly called, and fupport this oppreflive meaTo ftrengthen of Commerce: added three others, fure, the Chamber yet more fo. fupplying the CO1°. The right of exclufively lonies. Creole, who did not want fenfe, and * I have feen a female others than to be duped herfelf; who was more difpofed to dupe three hundred and thirty livres, pay five Portugal pieces, that is, To exwhich did not weigh thirty! for a pair of gold ear-rings ofthe moft deteftable ufury, culpate themfelves from the reproach of commercial the merchants will tell you that the uncertainty freightage, fpeculation, bankruptcies, fhip-wrecks, do pof-duties, not permit them to goods lying on hand, and long credits, law. Be it bound their profits to the exaét fums authorifed by unknown, for a merchant, fo: but as it is a thing not altogether without any favoured by fortunc, to amafs millions, experiencing I alk ifhe be and even, in defpite of them; of thofe accidents, bound to return to each of liis purchafers, the not in confeience which he has added tothe legal price of his wares? Judaical furpius known, or heard of fuch an inftance of proIf any man has cver author. bity, I call on him to name the 2°. That a merchant, fo: but as it is a thing not altogether without any favoured by fortunc, to amafs millions, experiencing I alk ifhe be and even, in defpite of them; of thofe accidents, bound to return to each of liis purchafers, the not in confeience which he has added tothe legal price of his wares? Judaical furpius known, or heard of fuch an inftance of proIf any man has cver author. bity, I call on him to name the 2°. That --- Page 115 --- [ 85 ] 2°, That of being the fole exporters of their productions. 3°. A law which deprives the planters of the power of manufaéturing their own cotton; for the purpofe of compelling them to buy callicoes at an extravagant rate. Thefe are always of the worft quality, that they may be the fooner worn out. Forit is not enough to fell;-it is not to fell dear-No, the man who fhould enough felf with thefe content himtrifing advantages would pafs for the dupe of his own honefty. The true the merchant, merchant, par excellence, or who at leaft, believes himfelf fo, muft go farther; he muft fell bad, that he may fell as often as as Sir, the Chamber of poffible. Yes, Commerce would ereét a ftatue of gold, which fhould rival in bulk the coloffus of Rhodes, to the man who fhould difcover the happy art of compoling callico of and cloth of china ware! glafs, To fum up all, Sir, nothing is the laft hand to the wanting to put theory of its defpotifmn over the colonies, but to add to the exclufive of fupplying them with flour, the exclufive privilege vilege of baking their bread, and prigrinding their coffee. What --- Page 116 --- E 86 ] What then, after all, is the true ftate of the connection between the merchant and the planter? I fhould infinuate that it is fuch as God forbid between exifts between the dupe and the cheat, and the I fee things in a the tyrant flave*!-No, more favourable point of view. The Chamber of Commerce is the true proprithe colonifts are merely etor of Saint Domingo; what the Romans ufed to call its tenants, precifely This is fo true, and the trader, Coloni Partiarii. of it; fhat the in particular, is fo well convinced there be one of planter who owes nothing, (if who pays for every thing with that defeription t) la Colonie de Saint Domin- * See on this fubjest, Reflexions fiur and 66 The French trac: go." Tom. I. Chap. 2. pages 36 37- <e full at firft, of c6 der," adds the author, Chap. 3. page 54) the defires of the 66 zeal and complaifance, and eager to anticipate labour he is enriched ; becomes harfh, op6e planter, by whofe fuccefs ; inftead of ce preflive. and imperious after a little him which, with the moft cK redoubling his ardour to oblige, infpires the he learns to confider colony G6 ridiculous vanity. Prefently is exclufively deftined to be <e merely as an eftate, whofe produce he may name. Greedy €e put into his hands, at whatever price of the planter, Occace to take advantage of the prefling wants of the firft neceffity, or ce fioned either by the fearcity of objeéts he rarely fails c by an unfortunate concurrence of circumftances; which and avaricious inflexibility, 6 to difcover a difgraceful the bafeft of all 66 converts a ufeful and refpeétable employinto (6 profeffions." : who + I muft be underftood, to except thofe great proprietors, come never feen their own eftates, or the colonies; cannot having of planters. under thc denomination rcady ce fioned either by the fearcity of objeéts he rarely fails c by an unfortunate concurrence of circumftances; which and avaricious inflexibility, 6 to difcover a difgraceful the bafeft of all 66 converts a ufeful and refpeétable employinto (6 profeffions." : who + I muft be underftood, to except thofe great proprietors, come never feen their own eftates, or the colonies; cannot having of planters. under thc denomination rcady --- Page 117 --- [ 87 1 ready money, and who can afford to wait till the number of competitors enables him to demand reafonable price for his crops, is looked a noxious animal, which it is the upon as a ber to hunt down. duty of the ChamFor Mefieurs the merchants will tell you, and you may believe them if pleafe, that the profit of the you lonies, exports from the COfcarcely defraying the expences of the freightage, they can only indemnify themfelves that of the imports : meanwhile, by them, who carried many a one of a pack not twenty years builds a palace, and marries ago, Madenoifelle his daughter to a duke! But fince our have turned men of wit calculators, and our princes taken to their bofoms the dregs of fociety ; books, pamphlets, converfation, papers, theatres, has been devoted to the every thing Ce "Tis the praifes of commerce. corner ftone of the < fing-father of the monarchy ! the nurkingdom ! the the <r noble, the moft ufeful of firft, moft fword of the profeffions !" The warrior, the gown of the nay, the very fceptre of the fenator, down before the monarch, muft bow Caduceus of Mercury! ! I honour, Sir, an honeft merchant, as I efteem every honeft man : but I confefs I feel no inclination to join the general enthufiafm, great confider this when I nurfing-father a little more A few vifits to his counting houfe, will nearly. convince the --- Page 118 --- L 88 ] the moft incredulous, that the motto rous benefaétor of the human of this genetoo race, is, like that of many others, ce FIRST Cc PUELIC." MYSELF-THEN THE I will cite a fact which will idea of the true give you a tolerable which nature of commerce. Raw in 1682 fold for fourteen fugar, the quintal, fell in or fiftcen livres this was 1713 to five Or fix : and yet precifely the moment the pany chofe to raife the Scnegal Commous height ! price of flaves to an enorCc the Some one has faid before me, that defliny ofthe colonies is to Sc to the ferve for fport caprice, for <c for nourifhment. to - the pay to the cupidity of wants, Ce of its their mother-country, exchequer, its Cc excife, its merchants, its companics, and its favourites in power!* Here is a planter, faid I, a few days trading captain; fince, to a who, at the winding up of accounts, owes you a confiderable fum your you find : how could courage to open a frefh him? God forbid he fhould account with replied the ! finally fettle with me, nefs I captain Do you not fee, that the cafiappear to be under, with he owes me, fecures refpoét to what what is' me his next year's crop, more, fecures it to me at the and, price I thall * Hifoire Gencrale de LAfie, de Tom. 15. Lalfrigne, ct rde tAnérignes chufe courage to open a frefh him? God forbid he fhould account with replied the ! finally fettle with me, nefs I captain Do you not fee, that the cafiappear to be under, with he owes me, fecures refpoét to what what is' me his next year's crop, more, fecures it to me at the and, price I thall * Hifoire Gencrale de LAfie, de Tom. 15. Lalfrigne, ct rde tAnérignes chufe --- Page 119 --- [ 89 ] chufe to put upon it; fince, by means of fuch a trifing condefcenfion on his fide, he is fure to find on mine a readinefs to credit him for his future wants?-Ah! if you had but a fpice of the merchant in you, you would foon fee that the feffion was rather a mutual intercourfe of good prooffices, than any thing elfe!!l-And yet, Sir, in fpite of this benevolence, very good judges will tell you, that to the impolitic and barbarous avidity of the firft companies of commerce, and among others that known by the name of The Royal Company of Saint Domingo, created in 1698, we ought to attribute the ftate of languor in which this colony lay, till the final diffolution of an affociation of merchants, which, invefted with all the prerogatives of fovereignty, and faithful to the fpirit of trade, did not forget to comprehend in the calculations of its profits, the falc of every office, civil and military. LET- --- Page 120 --- L 90 J LETTER XI. Jaquenel, May 1789. THE length of my laft, Sir, ftartles me; but of as I acquire a local knowledge in proportion materials expand, my obfervathe country, my and become fo contions rife in rapid fuccellion, each other, that they neéted and interwoven with of finifhing do not always leave me the liberty where I wifh. You will not read in any of the voyagers who in written on this ifland, what you will find have Thofc who Alatter all muft needs my letters. feem to have pleafe fome ; and the greater part view than with taken up the pen more with this am not idea of infruéting. For myfelf-who any attached to either of thefe motives; to fufficiently write to tell you what I fee; facrifice truth to it-I what bad, and what I what appcars to me good, be better. I proceed then as I began. think might that the diftriét of JaqueTaking it for granted attain the degrec of profperity, mel will one day I know nothing fo cafy of which it is fufceptible; and faluto render the town the moft agrecable as refidence on the coaft. tary Alrcady to either of thefe motives; to fufficiently write to tell you what I fee; facrifice truth to it-I what bad, and what I what appcars to me good, be better. I proceed then as I began. think might that the diftriét of JaqueTaking it for granted attain the degrec of profperity, mel will one day I know nothing fo cafy of which it is fufceptible; and faluto render the town the moft agrecable as refidence on the coaft. tary Alrcady --- Page 121 --- [ 91 J Alrcady the inhabitants, ftimulated laudable ambition, have by this France; ; that is to procured a church from fay, the matcrials conftruét one ; this they mean to erect neceffàry to tre of a large in the centhe four opening, formed by the meeting of principal ftreets: all that done on the fpot, is the remains to be penter's work. foundation, and the carThis erection will probably opinion of the piety of the give you a high Do not, colonifts of our parifh. tain the however, be apprehenfive that it will atdegreeofz zeal, which conftitutes He who loves to ce woander in fanaticifm! may enter the churches of Saint ufrequented places," fear: he will not find there Domingo without €c Les dégrès de Pautel Tfés par la prière." Fronting the façadeof the temple, there an cfplanade, will be planted with trees, and extended quite to the foot of the the eye may take in mountain; ; from whence at one view, the bay, the adjacent country, and a wide cxpanfe of fea. The inconvenience of being water from a river, obliged to fetch weft of the more than half a mile to the town, has given birth to an idea of con@ruéting, in the centre of the propofed nade, a public fountain; to be cfplafupplied with water from --- Page 122 --- E 92 ] mountain, by means of a from the neighbouring canal, which can be cut at no great expence. the If it be executed, it will Such is projeét. Good,you celerity. not be with any extraordinary of a tortoife.- know, always travels with the pace another Meanwhile, I fee no great evil in propofing and lefs coftly in the execution. plan, full as ufeful, The diftance of the river obliges the inhabitants from their more profitable lato take the negroes water, of which bour, to employ them in bringing fo necefis confumed by the baths, a vaft quantity fary in a country like this. river, oT rather the torrent of Golfelines deThe from the fide of the mountain which fcends rapidly diftance from looks towards the fea: at fome for it forms an acute angle, and running Jaquemel to the fhore, falls into the a fhort time parallel river, not far from its mouth. great be more fimple than to form a new What can where it turns fhort round, bed forit, from the place line to the port? which fhall conduct it in a ftraight the nature of the ground This operation, to which water to the door oppofes no obftacle, would bring whofe corruphoufe, carry off the filth, of every and form a canal, whofe bortion infects the air, ders to the fhore, falls into the a fhort time parallel river, not far from its mouth. great be more fimple than to form a new What can where it turns fhort round, bed forit, from the place line to the port? which fhall conduct it in a ftraight the nature of the ground This operation, to which water to the door oppofes no obftacle, would bring whofe corruphoufe, carry off the filth, of every and form a canal, whofe bortion infects the air, ders --- Page 123 --- [ 93 ] ders might be planted with one or more rows of orange trees. Such a plantation would be attended with a double advantage: it would temper the fiercenefs of the atmolphere, and refrefh the fight, wearied with the everlafting profpect of a foil, at once arid, glowing, and dufty. I can fee but one objection to this projedt; 3 that of its inutility, on the fuppofition that the town itfelf mayhereafter approach the acclivities of the mountain. To this I reply, that the facility of difembarking, the proximity ofthe veffels, and the defire of employing as few hands as poffible, which make it fo expedient for the captains to have their warehoufes on the fhore, will always render it neceffary to have a lower town, which they may call, if they pleafe, the PORT, the MERCHANT's QUARTER;-and which, having a frether air, and a more lively and agreeable afpect, will be reforted to by traders in preference to any other fpot. As Lam now engaged in the career of projects, I cannot, Sir, in my quality ofa military man, decently difpenfe with a few obfervations on the means of defence I think this town poffeffed of.- But I muft firft point out to you the propriety of making it defenfive. Sain: --- Page 124 --- [ 94 I has no ftrong place on the fouth. Saint Domingo is difficult ; yet with fecrecy The country, indeed, might effect a defcent and fpeed, an aétive enemy himfelfmafter of the defiles, on that fide, and make he would then be and heights of the mountains; ; in enabled to take Léogane and Port-au-Princc, could number of troops the rear, before a fufficient Let us fupbe affembled to check his progrefs. this attack to be feconded by a fquadron, pofe Port-au-Prince, and menace which fhould block up place would it on the fea fide; and this important cut off from all communication be immediately diftrict, and from every hope with the neighbouring of fuccour. cffential to poffefs on the fouthern It is, then, from whence we may watch fide, a fortified poft, may find an afylum the enemy ; where our cruifers ferve as a ralin cafe of neceffity, and which may with the defence lying point to the troops charged of the coafts. thing neceffary for thefe Jaquemel has every line which forms different objects. The fweeping moft excelthe bay, offers to the eaft and weft, for the conftruétion of batteries, nay, lent pofitions a crofs-fire on the of forts, which might keep up bottom of the bay, In the centre of the enemy. eminence, in the form of a is a fmall, infulated parallelogram, may with the defence lying point to the troops charged of the coafts. thing neceffary for thefe Jaquemel has every line which forms different objects. The fweeping moft excelthe bay, offers to the eaft and weft, for the conftruétion of batteries, nay, lent pofitions a crofs-fire on the of forts, which might keep up bottom of the bay, In the centre of the enemy. eminence, in the form of a is a fmall, infulated parallelogram, --- Page 125 --- [ 95 3 parallelogram, on which ftand at and a few houfes: this prefenta church, fpot feems nature for the erection of a defigned by fince it would admit of the regular fortification, mates, and, being neither conftruétion of cafewould bc very little too high, nor too low, while its expofed to the enemy's own would be joined, fire, to that of the forts in the road. without obftacle, of defence, there If to thefe means were to be added an camp, for which there are entrenched tions, I fhould conceive many excellent fituabe perfectly fecure this part of the ifland to from every attempt at invafion. The rage of rifinginto notice are fuppofed to be by opinions which has lately new, becaufe they are fingular, given birth to a military with a confiderable fect, which, but no degrec of theory and talents, cxperience, declaims inceffantly fyftem of ftrong places ! It. is natural againft the the defire of feeing its enough that incline it to opinions adopted, fhould femble the exaggerate the imperfections, and dif. advantages of the fyftem it combat. profeffes to The true defence of a frontier, fay thefe lators, confifts in the art of pofitions. fpecuputes it ? But if this art Who dif aid, and ifthe can call another to its combination of the two, means of refiftance, what double the neceffity is there to feparate --- Page 126 --- L 96 J them ? to cut off the left hand which râte OughtIt the ftrokes of my adverfary, becaufe I atparries tack with the right? Let us not' adopt or rejeét It is for circumeither of the fyftems exclufively. ftances, and the nature of the ground, to decide or ought not to be forwhether a frontier ought tified. a foldier, I fhall But courage, Sirl-although farther. fpeculations any not carry my military I have fallen Without blaming what has been done, into a reveric for a moment, on what remains to do for the happinefs and fafety of this coaft. LETTER XII. Jaquenel, May 1789. I HAVE determined, Sir, to give you a defcripit will be the fimpleft metion of one ef my days; idea thod of giving you, once for all, a fummary of the manner of living at Saint Domingo, in what is called a town. When . fpeculations any not carry my military I have fallen Without blaming what has been done, into a reveric for a moment, on what remains to do for the happinefs and fafety of this coaft. LETTER XII. Jaquenel, May 1789. I HAVE determined, Sir, to give you a defcripit will be the fimpleft metion of one ef my days; idea thod of giving you, once for all, a fummary of the manner of living at Saint Domingo, in what is called a town. When --- Page 127 --- [ 97 ] When the poets of America are about to the praifes of a beauty, fréfh, chant blooming, rubycomplexioned-they muft be not a little fed to find embarrafAurora. comparifons ; fBr here we have no A fingle glance on the terreftrial will explain this globe that of the warmth phenomenon to you,, as well as difpenfed by the ftar of a warmth fo fenfible as to night: hat overi oblige me to pull my my eyes whenever I fit, or walk by moonlight.-With refpeét to the fun, he is aS much of the quefion as Aurora: for what out though he had all the fhow of the daring mortal, head, and all the ice in his Alps upon his fuftain, within heart, could hope to a few degrees of the line, a glance from his cr bel afire 2" fingle Nothing then is left us but the will furprize you, rofe.-What perhaps, is, that fhe is as beautiful, as lively, and as richly tinctured here Europe ; but, alas ! more as in the tranfitory: : hence, ofall precepts of that ingenious gallantry call love, no one is more religioufly which we than ce Toutb is brief, obferved here, bafe to enjoy it Thus, Sir, no twilight, no loitering dufk, no evening flowly dawn, no is deepening irs thades,--all precipitation 5 the day fprings from the like Pallas from the head of night of the creation.-How Jove:-itist thefiat lux beautiful an hour is loft ! H And --- Page 128 --- [ 98 ] us for the privation ! And nothing to recompence cries, and The cracking of whips, thc fmothered fee of the negrocs, who never the indiftinét groans it; who are never rethe day break but to Eurfe but by fuffercalled toa feeling of their exiftence, Sir, is what takes place of the crowing ings-this, the ftrains of this inferof the early cock ; and'by firft fleep nal harmony, was Iawakened out of my and fanat Saint Domingo. -I ftarted, fcreamed, cied that I had waked in the gulph of Tartarus, Prometheus and Ixion - And I was between Among the worfhippers of among CHRISTIANS! the forrows of a God - : who died to mitigate weakened the has already the aftidedt-Cuffom it will never obliterate it effect of the impreffion: ; altogether. A walk of an hour ferved to diffipate the chagrin I came back in time to of this gloomy awaking. lying againft fee a troop of male and female negroes and waiting, their hecls, the wall, or fquatting upon for the mafter's giving amidft a univerfal yawn, loud cracks of the the fignal of going to work, by you on their back and thoulders-for, Arceau * and indeed it coft fix months will hardly conceive, truth ofit, there obferVation to convince me ofthe before who muft abfolutcly be beaten are negroes whip, fo called in the colonies. * Akind of fhort-handled they female negroes and waiting, their hecls, the wall, or fquatting upon for the mafter's giving amidft a univerfal yawn, loud cracks of the the fignal of going to work, by you on their back and thoulders-for, Arceau * and indeed it coft fix months will hardly conceive, truth ofit, there obferVation to convince me ofthe before who muft abfolutcly be beaten are negroes whip, fo called in the colonies. * Akind of fhort-handled they --- Page 129 --- [ 99 3 they can be put in motion.- The kcy of this fpecies of arceau is the true the word of the mafters watch-If I had chofen to take no farther for the for it, I fhould have locked of the caufe of this fingular flaves, than to their natural difpofition tivity: but on floth and inacnarrowly, I fancied confidering the matter a little more tions I could fee that thefe were marvelloufly feconded difpofiand floth of their mafters, by the inactivity too ignorant and too who, forthe greater part, that the vices of education unindulgent to comprehend time and patience, find can only be fubdued by practicable than that of the plan of beating more confequence of which inftrucling! The natural cuftomed is, that the to this mode of negro, once acwrought on by rigour and trearment, can only be fifted, month after feverity. I have perwho attended month, in lavifhing on thofe me, nothing but and good oflices of patience, gentlenefs, cvery kind - vain: : the bent was taken, and all were in after all my but nothing was left mc, endeavougs, the alternative of ing on myfelf, or ofhaving recourfe waitto the arceau. They breakfaft here about eight repaft is ufually made up of the o'clock: : this the country. meat and fruits of The idle have fearcely any other up the interval between refource to fill breakfaft and dinner, but H2 writing, --- Page 130 --- [ IOO J ehni: this is mine, The writing, reading, or walking, chatting, aétive employ it in bufinefs, on, or in when they have any thing to converfe eniti. I into the bath; immediately About noon go dinner. Many people after which, I fit down to it is no themfelves to fleep after cating: accuftom the time which hangs fo bad method of killing but I have not yet adopted heavy on their hands 5 long of twelve hours are fuficiently it. Nights I converfe, when I for me. I walk in the gallery, or-I grow can find any one to join me, I read, ftupid. to three in the aftérFrom fix in the morning were it the heat would be infupportable, dunoon, by the fea breeze, which blows not tempered of this period. From whence ring the greateft part does it blow in the morning comes it? and why and in the evening from one point of the compaf, the <e Tbeory of tbe another? Look into from the author fays on the fubjeét: <e Winds' 3) for what of Ignorance: take refuge in the Theory for me,I I ihall not, while the fatisfied with the enjoyment, inflame my blood. by breeze refrefhes mc, foolifhly whence it comes, and whiattempting to difcover will fay, do you But what, you ther jt gocs. lately fpoke of?-This is mcan by the gallery you to beory of tbe another? Look into from the author fays on the fubjeét: <e Winds' 3) for what of Ignorance: take refuge in the Theory for me,I I ihall not, while the fatisfied with the enjoyment, inflame my blood. by breeze refrefhes mc, foolifhly whence it comes, and whiattempting to difcover will fay, do you But what, you ther jt gocs. lately fpoke of?-This is mcan by the gallery you to --- Page 131 --- L IOI ] to call upon me for the plan of a colonial dwelling-houfe. cafa, or A long fquare, of an arbitrary into three, by two extent, is divided partitions which run the whole length of it; each of thefe divifions is wide, more or lefs according to the fancy of the but the middle one is generally the proprietor; is left intire ; but the two wideft. This pleafure, into others, are fubdivided at two or more chambers. A ufually runs along each front, either gallery clofed with lattice-work, open or inbreaft high. One of the chambers is the eating, the other the unlefs the drawing room, company choofe to remain in the and largeft divifion. The middle gallerics of the a certain fize, terminate in cafas of ferve for clofets, of which fonye pantries, fculleries, &c. and others for flceping rooms; ; thefe are commonly to ftrangers. appropriated The dread of carthquakes has, for a long occafioned the houfes to be built of time, they have now only one ftory: walls begun to build them of two. The are formed of fquare ftakes, of an thicknefs, covered with equal with a thin coat of plariks on the outfide, or mafon's work. great number of windows, but They have a the reflexion of the none of them glazed : glafs would render the heat intolerable, Its placc is fupplied by lattices, or canvafs --- Page 132 --- IO2 ] which break and diminifh the too vafs blinds, and which, if they had but powerful glare of day, the good fenfe to paint them green, would admit into the rooms a foft and refrefhing light - - - but this is what no one has yet thought of. The fame reafon, and the violence of the hurricanes, prevent from their roofs with tiles or Oates': them covering make ufe of iffents, which are infead of thefe, they thin planks, cut into the neccffary fize. Such is the houfe of the rich. The reft have the fame interior divifion, but no mafon's work between the ftakes, no galleries, no clofets, no lattice work, and what is worfe, no floor. The inhabitants tread on the bare ground, which poor fwarms with infeêts, and fleep on the roof: They have fhutters for windows s:-wind, fun, duft, rain, innumerable multitudes of ants, penetrate and which are purpofely left to adthrough the chinks, thing is mit the light. When evening comes, every then legions ofbectles, mufquitoes, thrown open; infects, rufh into the houfes, atand other winged which they traéted by the glare of the candles, had would inftantly extinguifh, if the inhabitants to place them under glaffes connot the precaution Atruéted for the purpofe. architeéture has not yet If a more enlightened and mulintroduced the art of varying the forms, tiplying the chinks, thing is mit the light. When evening comes, every then legions ofbectles, mufquitoes, thrown open; infects, rufh into the houfes, atand other winged which they traéted by the glare of the candles, had would inftantly extinguifh, if the inhabitants to place them under glaffes connot the precaution Atruéted for the purpofe. architeéture has not yet If a more enlightened and mulintroduced the art of varying the forms, tiplying --- Page 133 --- [ I03 ] tiplying the conveniences of the buildings ; ftill lefs muft you expedt to find in the furnifhing of them (I fpeak of thofe of the rich) that tafte fo fuperior to magnificence. They have all damafk tapeftry, and gilt rods ! the damaik tapeftry to me juft as fuitable here as a gauze drefs appears would be in Norway, in the depth of winter, Tafte, is ftill Creolian at Saint Sir, Domingo; and, unfortunately, the Creolian is not the right tafte-it fmells too much of the Boucan. * The kitchens do not join the houfes : the negligence of the negroes would render the junétion too dangerous. They are, therefore, removed to a reafonable diftance. The majority of the inhabitants of the towns have no kitchen; 5 they kindle a fire, and drefs their meat in the open air. The tables are ill furnifhed. Butchers bad; ; poultry, with the meat is exception of the Pintado, not much better. The pork is excellent, and fo is the game, which confifts.of maroon, or wild hogs, * So they originally called the dwellings of the This fpecies of men have difappeared ; but the names Buccaneers. impofed on places remain, as may be feen by confulting the they Saint Domingo. There you will find numbers of Boucans, map and of of trous, (holes) fuch as Trou margot, Sale-trou, &c. Thefe low and vulgar denominations fhew to what kind of men the it's origin. It is ftill common to ufe the verb bouconer colony for rotirs owes to roaft, and --- Page 134 --- L 104 ] dear, and : exand of wood pigcons, extremely tremely difficuit to meet with. Sea fifh does not abound, and is confined to three or four forts ; frefh water fifh is ftill more fcarce. You fce, then, Sir, that Plato could not decently make the fame reproaches to the colonifts of Saint Domingo, which'he made to the inhabitants of Sicily, (I that they ate as if they had not an cc hour to live, and built as if they were never tp Cc dic." With refpcet to vegetables, they are better here but not fo various, nor fo abundthan in Europe, The country furnifhes a fpecies of fpinage, ant. make thofe calalous, fo much with which they dcvaunted by the Creoles, and which are certainly To thefc they fometimes add the buds of licious. pimento, and garlick, But the moft delicious of all vegetables is the Unfortunately, there is no method paim-cabbage. at it but by cutting down the tree on of getting extremely flow in which it growss and this trec, is one of the moft valuable coming to maturity, inhabitants. Ic is in allufion to poffeffions of the of which feveral Itravellers have fpoken, this procefs, the neceffity of it, that Montefwithout alledging the < who quicu compares the defpot to favage cc cu ts of all vegetables is the Unfortunately, there is no method paim-cabbage. at it but by cutting down the tree on of getting extremely flow in which it growss and this trec, is one of the moft valuable coming to maturity, inhabitants. Ic is in allufion to poffeffions of the of which feveral Itravellers have fpoken, this procefs, the neceffity of it, that Montefwithout alledging the < who quicu compares the defpot to favage cc cu ts --- Page 135 --- L IOS ] <c. cuts down the trée to gather the fruit."* fee, Sir, how ill the fimileapplies. You The Creoles will never in filence the forgive me for paffing over ignama, the cbonx-caraibe, or Indian kale, the patate, and above all their dear This fruit, of which banana. every voyager has is common to Afia, Africa, and South fpoken, the true manna of thefe threc America: it is The inhabitants of Madeira quarters ofthe globe. but that the have not the leaft doubt banana was the forbidden fruit; indeed its form bears a ftriking and which the analogy to that of gluttony of Eve made us the digeftion ! Hence the pay fo dearly Ovids of libertine mufe of the thecolony, introduces the banana as poffible, as the objedt of as often amatory comparifon, in her couplets ; always a little full of naïveté and of licentious, but grace. This encroachment on the d'hotêl muft have province of maitre little tedious. I appcared to you, I fufpect, a fhall, therefore, remit you for the defcription of the ignama, the choux-caraibe patate, and the to the pages of natural content myfelf with hiftory, and threc obferving (what proves thefe productions not to be natives of St. as moft peoplc imagine) that Domingo, they are never found * De VE/prit des Lois, Liv. 4. Chap. 13. in --- Page 136 --- [ 106 ] of the.ifland; with the in the uncultivated parts by no means exception of a fort of wild ignama, be applied The fame obfervation may common. the the fweet orange, to the fruits, fuch as anana, fruit trees to be found the fapatilla, 8zc. The only the bitter orange, in the woods, are the goyavier, about the fize of and the lemon-tree, whofe fruit, egg, is full of juice. a pigeon's LETTER XIII. Jaquemel, May 1789. divided my day, Sir, into two parts, I HAVE quite fo long to you, as to that it may not appear me. all but myfelf alleep ;--they get I left, I think, the reft of thc I quit my book, and we fpend the lefs up, can until the rays of fun, afternoon as we take advantage of the permit us to perpendicular, fails to rife about five or fix breeze which rarely of cxactnefs fome o'clock; but not with the degree voyagers my day, Sir, into two parts, I HAVE quite fo long to you, as to that it may not appear me. all but myfelf alleep ;--they get I left, I think, the reft of thc I quit my book, and we fpend the lefs up, can until the rays of fun, afternoon as we take advantage of the permit us to perpendicular, fails to rife about five or fix breeze which rarely of cxactnefs fome o'clock; but not with the degree voyagers --- Page 137 --- E 107 J voyagers affign it, fince there are days not blow at all. when it does This is the time for walking above all for vifiting. I abroad, and former, becaufe I have undoubtedly prefer the than more need of ufing my my tongue. Both thefe pleafures have their legs inconveniences. The hour for cifely that which the ftirring out is preevening mufquitoes choofe for their author of perambulation. the This infect, which, as the Hiftory of Louifiana * marks, ce has gravely reacquired a fc throughout prodigious reputation America; ;' gives a decided to new comers, whofe blood, lefs preference fuppofed to yield it a more delicious impoverifhed, is This diftinétion, whatever the motive nourifhment. is extremely troublefome ofit may be, with to thofe who are honoured it, and who cannot, with all their efforts, cape from the fting of the perfidious animal. efmhuft be feafoned, that is to fay, have You months at leaft, at Saint Domingo, paifed fix hope to bc delivered from this before you can peft. Nearly the fame period muft can be familiarized to the clapfe before you Society ftyle of, what is called ; efpecially if you land with the of finding it here, what you left it in expectation Europe. As See G Hifoire de la Louifane," Tome 2. Chap, 4all --- Page 138 --- E 108 ] it is extremely, all are, or pretend to be, planters, him natural that each fhould dwell on whatinterefts of have fcarcely ceafed to fpeak moft: fo that they their fugar, and their their negrocs, their cotton, their coffce, their anew on coffec, ere they begin ! their cotton, and their negrocs fugar, who lands here with a view of For a ftranger, in the fuccinéteft way, noacquiring information eternal converfathing can be fo defirable as thefe coincidc, tions : it is not always that the opinions are fometimes happen that both parties it may the collifion of two errors equally wrong 5 but as an attentive elicits fparks of truth, frequently fail to profit by them. liftener cannot imagine that each brings to the You will readily of claims : but on what do mceting his proportion on the extent of fuppofe them to be founded? has you ? on the advantages cultivation his poffeilions and on the derived from his wifdom experience? conduét has obtained him amongft reputation his of but on 2-No, Sir, on none thefe, his neighbours he raifes! So that the the fpecies of commodity fails to return to the cultivator of coffee, never with which he is cultivator of cotton the contempt The member of heard by the cultivator of fugar. influence on the negroes too, has no inconfiderable which it is to to permitted degrec of confideration afpire; derived from his wifdom experience? conduét has obtained him amongft reputation his of but on 2-No, Sir, on none thefe, his neighbours he raifes! So that the the fpecies of commodity fails to return to the cultivator of coffee, never with which he is cultivator of cotton the contempt The member of heard by the cultivator of fugar. influence on the negroes too, has no inconfiderable which it is to to permitted degrec of confideration afpire; --- Page 139 --- [ I09 ] afpire; ; fince they reckon by negroes do by tons of gold in Holland. € here, as they cc tbree hundred He has one, trwo, negroes !"-This is faying thing; the wit of man can add every culogium. nothing to this The free intercourfe of fexes, which forms the old world one of the firft charms in when neither of them of fociety, ufurps the the other, adds charaéteriftics of nothing heret to its pleafures. The European ladies feldom fee the Creolcs but to ridicule them, cfpecially when they have not been educated in France; and thefe, in their fec little in the others but creatures of turn, folly s-while the affectation and above all in the men, who feldom find, and former, the degree which the mulatto ladies offenfilility on both to lament, pique themfelves, leave the ancient amongft themfelves, the decline of good breeding, and the of taftes of our fex. depravity the The languor which this monotonous mode exiftence flings on the commerce of life, is neither of relieved by inftruction, nor by a love of reading. Several talents, nor even by cufe, in fome of the colonifts, to exmeafure, their ignorance, the have had difingenuity to give out, on their return to France, that it is impoffible to preferve books Saint Domingo, We have been in fimple enough to believe --- Page 140 --- L IIO 1 believe them, and our writers have been actively this foolifh flory, as a employed in propagating You may truft circumftance. moft extraordinary Sir, when I affure you, that the only thing me, in the matter is the facility with extraordinary credit to fo palpable a which people have given falfchood ! of books, bound and unIl have here a varicty bound, which are as free from injury now as they of arrival. It is true I took were on the day my where: care of them; but this careis neceffary cvery where, books, which are carelefsly fince every and left in the dirty corners of garrets thrown afide, become, and cock-lofts, a prey to duft and moifture, In do here, the food of moths and worms. as they books here, as well fine, the true way to preferve And after all, what is to read them. as elfewhere, they ufually import? kind of books do you fuppofe is that cc Margot la Ravadeufe," I can affure you This will convince you one of the moft decent. of filth negleéted thefe produétions that however they are ftill lefs devoured and obfcenity may be, they than their readers by the corruption by worms engender. that thofe dances take It is ufually after fun-fet in which among the people of colour 5 dances, place difcover fuch juftnefs the females more efpecially, of fuppofe is that cc Margot la Ravadeufe," I can affure you This will convince you one of the moft decent. of filth negleéted thefe produétions that however they are ftill lefs devoured and obfcenity may be, they than their readers by the corruption by worms engender. that thofe dances take It is ufually after fun-fet in which among the people of colour 5 dances, place difcover fuch juftnefs the females more efpecially, of --- Page 141 --- I III 1 of ear, fuch precifion of bility of reins, that the movement, and fuch voluculty feize a few fhades quickeft eye can with diffiof the rapid and devclopement of their lafcivious fugitive graces. Oft thefe dances, which may be raéteriftic, the truly ftyled chamoft efteemed Gragement and the Cbicca are the : never did fprcad a more voluptuoufnefs in motion feducing fnare for the eager and fupportable love of inthe cbicca, is confidered plcafure : - Hence, to dance I confefs, with as the fupreme ard no little confufion, that good; the rity of my principles never aufteinterdict me from the prevailed fo far as to enjoyment of this fpeétacle, as often as it was in fingular my power. The orcheftra is compofed of one or two much fuperior for the talents which fiddlers, tion their requires, to the majority of occupafcrapers. They have ftill another our European them ; that of never advantage over of the being the paflive inftruments pleafuré of others, for they enter into the fpirit of the fo deeply of their body which entertainment, is that the part unifon with the foot that feated, moves in perfect the hand that conduéts beats the meafuire, and the bow. Thefe female mulattoes, who dance fo fitely, and who have been exquipainted to you in fuch feducing --- Page 142 --- L II2 J are the moft fervent priefteffes 'of: feducing colours, have reduced volupVenus. They the American mechanical art, which they tuoufnefs to a kind of of perfection. In have carried to the tigheft point would be a fimple feminaries Aretine himfelf their and modeft fcholar ! fpeaking, above the middle They are, generally and fo extremely fupwell formed, fize, perfeétly as if they had ple in their limbs, that they appear to the inflamin their gait. They join in a fwinging of defire, which, ability of nitre, a petulance inceffantly urges defpite of every confideration, devour pleafure, as the feizc, and them to purfuc, while, on every other flame devours its aliment; Bacchantes who would occafion, thefe furious remains of the madly rufh on the palpitating * fcarcely feem to have ftrength wretched Orpheus > their limbs, or articulate enough to drag along their words. thefc women that the houfekeepers are It is from the that is to fay, acknowledged ufually taken ; of the unmarried miftreffes of the greateft part have fome fkill in the management whites., They honefty to attach themfelves fufficient of a family, and great goodncfs of heart. invariably to one man, conclufion of the Fourth Book of the Georgics. Scc thc More Orpheus > their limbs, or articulate enough to drag along their words. thefc women that the houfekeepers are It is from the that is to fay, acknowledged ufually taken ; of the unmarried miftreffes of the greateft part have fome fkill in the management whites., They honefty to attach themfelves fufficient of a family, and great goodncfs of heart. invariably to one man, conclufion of the Fourth Book of the Georgics. Scc thc More --- Page 143 --- [ IT3 I Morc than: one European, abandoned bréthren; thas found in them ail by his felfifh the moft tender, the moft the folicitude of zous-humanity, conftant, the moft genewithout being indebted for to any other fentiment than benevolence. it Their converfation, when.it is not infipid, which is. not fo much their licentious, is the men who frequent them. fault.as.that of cate, feelings, : they: wiant. Sufceptible of delicompletcly. nothing perhaps, to be amiable, but the. degrce of inftrustion neceffary to enablethem to turn to the the genius and the heart, that excefs advantage of which they abufe, forwant of of fenfibility its ufe., On this fubjeét, knowing how to vary to fuch as have entered however, I wifh to refer into with fufficient difcernment. connedtionswith them, part. I frecly confefs; that I do to judge-for my: own experience.. not now fpeak from ( If béauty can exift thé independent of the frefhnefs, blooin, and the hue of the carnation, ibeautiful mulattocs : and yet it will there are ifind many of them not beeafy to join who, to eyes an expreflion which renders regularly fine, if they, atone for the them ftill more fo; the delicate whitenefs want of this perfedtion, by to of their't teeth, what have dfupply the deficiency of coral they :charms in detail, of that lips, of thofe contraft of fhades, which, I from --- Page 144 --- E 114 ] fuffufion that crimfons over the from the amiable modefty, to the interefting cheek of ingenuous fenfibility of unrepalenefs that betrays the deep fource of quited affection, are an inexhauftible beautics ! mulattoes arc adroit, but indolent : The female of ccconomy to their other thofe who join a fpirit a fortunc. They talents feldom fail of acquiring but a whole month in making a fhirt, will employ of ncedle-work. then it will be the perfection drefs; it isa tribute They love expenfivenefs in truft : but you muft not implicitly to their beauty encomiums you will fometimes to the enthufiaftic Their favourite coifhear on their magnificence. which is bound round furei is an India handkerchief, derive from this the head : the advantages they they are the fimple ornament are inconceivable; ladies, who afpire to and defpair of the white envy and who do not fee that it is impofimitate them, colours, calculated to fible for ftrong and glaring and livid hue of the mulatanimaté the monotonous and the rofes of with the alabafter to, to-harmonize fhew a tafte fufficiently .correêt in Earopeti They ftuffs in which they drefs, and the choice of the adorn themfelves, and the trinkets with which they ear-rings, either which confift of little more than and atténtion to Morc nicety gold or enamelled: d al : the ible for ftrong and glaring and livid hue of the mulatanimaté the monotonous and the rofes of with the alabafter to, to-harmonize fhew a tafte fufficiently .correêt in Earopeti They ftuffs in which they drefs, and the choice of the adorn themfelves, and the trinkets with which they ear-rings, either which confift of little more than and atténtion to Morc nicety gold or enamelled: d al : the --- Page 145 --- L II5 ] the toilet would ill careleffhefs. comport with their natural If this portrait fhould chance you have feen elfewhere, to differ from thofe ber, Sir, that I fketch you will pleafe to rememmodel is before it on the ipot, that the the talént my eyes, and that I have nor the ambition of neither pictures of ideal beauties, amufing you with I leave this lith place in a few days, to go and myfelfin a fertlement, where I eftaborder of things. fhali Ondan new folitude, makes My tafte for the country and for I may give me impatient for the moment when fam myfelf up to them entircly, The going to has been hitherto place point : this will negledted in every and enable open a vaft field to my me, in fome meafure, induftry, experience the theoretical to correé by acquired. knowledge I have already I2 LET. --- Page 146 --- - 116 J LETTER XIV. Defert, July 1789. hafte to write to you, I HAVE been in no great fo I call my Sir, fince my arrival at the DESERT, fo many things habitation. Ihave therefore prefent know where to begin. to fay to you, that I fcarcely : Madame de L ** We fet out from Jaquemel: in a carriage ; one and her nurfe; her daughter, negroes, and a negro child, on male, three female foot, and myfelf on horfeback. and a half the fteep and We followed for a lcague the torrent which winding valley, through which forccs its way gives name to the quarter of Goffeline, few prefented us now with a plantations This fpace fugar one excepted, ap of which nonc, a fingle and now with wood peared of any importance; fides, and here and ther ikirting the mountains ground called interrupted by a patch of pafture Savanna. extent of country were as well pcople If this and if the proprictors knew onl as it aught to be, hot inding valley, through which forccs its way gives name to the quarter of Goffeline, few prefented us now with a plantations This fpace fugar one excepted, ap of which nonc, a fingle and now with wood peared of any importance; fides, and here and ther ikirting the mountains ground called interrupted by a patch of pafture Savanna. extent of country were as well pcople If this and if the proprictors knew onl as it aught to be, hot --- Page 147 --- [ II7 ] how to take advantage of the the ground charming fituations it is certain affords, to place their dwelling that even this flight houfes, with nature would render combination of art extremely the afpect of the whole lively and agrccable; which is far being the cafe at prefent. from : This negligence may be attributed, in the place, to a want of tafte not firft country ; and, in the uncommon in the fcarcely know how fecond, to a default which I undoubtedly to define, but to which it is citizens, owing that Saint Domingo, inftead can only boaft of of are more intent on tranfitory vifitors, who it, than on furnifhing providing the means of quitting for themfelves with the fpending there an agrecable and requifites happy lifc. This default, which, happily, is not other colonies, will for that of the this the more ever render a refidence in çumftances of unpleafant, as the difagreeable cirthe cvery kind to which the nature of flavery climate and not counterpoifed fubject the inhabitants, are by any of the a mutual and friendly advantages which habitants of every other intercourfe procures the inplace. In the Irefide, the neighbours hardly fpot where pretenfions either ill-founded know one another : loufics of each other's or ridiculous; jeaftill; difputes about fortune, more ridiculous boundaries which could not exift --- Page 148 --- [ 1i8 ] who are moft extravagantly exift if the furveyors, bufinefs better; and finally, paid * underftood theirl or the cattle, trefpaffes committed by the negroes, fuch a coolor occafion fuch a mifunderftanding, communication is out of nefs, that all reciprocal as nothing is fo Confequently, the queftion. reclufe who is not fo by choice ; nor favage as the who is confcious tenacious ofhis claims as he fo muft not be furprifed that they are unfounded ; you and that fo little fociacach owl refts in his hole, who have few or no bility reigns amongft men fociable qualities. CA When a new fettleIt was not fo heretoforc, from the ports, the the diftance ment was forming, the pleafure of fecing their paucity of inhabitants, them, the remembrance countrymen arrive amongit received from others, of the affiftance they had and thofe formed between thofe already eftablifhed, themfelves, a mutual interchange about to eftablifh whofe of good offices ; this produced a connection, cemented bafis was laid by want and curiofity, and by habitudc. A - 2 then that far-famed hofpitality reigned It was with the caufes that here, which is now vanifhed, In the it birth. Things are much changed. gave Conceffion cofts about three thoufand * The laying out each livres, old ifhed, themfelves, a mutual interchange about to eftablifh whofe of good offices ; this produced a connection, cemented bafis was laid by want and curiofity, and by habitudc. A - 2 then that far-famed hofpitality reigned It was with the caufes that here, which is now vanifhed, In the it birth. Things are much changed. gave Conceffion cofts about three thoufand * The laying out each livres, old --- Page 149 --- [ II9 J old diftricts, the inhabitants no longer the new: comer with all the fly to meet no longer reccive him eagernefs of joy ; they with the frank of former times, Even cordiality by accident. If neighbours rarely meet but you are on a journey, you are received, indeed, but no longer with if you want horfes to open arms : proceed, you muft afk - them - formerly for forced they were offered, they were upon you - now, pretences are for a refufal ! Your hoft will be Ce fought very glad 33 to fee you arrive, but he will be ce quite cbarmed 3, you depart. to fee I have pointed out to you, Sir, one of the caufes of this revolution ; the others may be vined, when you confider how much cafily diare influenced by the manners riches, and how rare it is to find a man who can fcel for wants which he himfelf experience. does not This digreflion has led me out of time to return to it. my way ; it is When we had arrived at the foot of the tains, we found the road impaffable mounfor Madame de L * * * was therefore carriages : and get on horfeback; and the obliged to alight, ried the children negro women carby turns. Thefe --- Page 150 --- 120 ] mountains have no very flattering appearThefe not covered with wood; ance : wherever they are barren furface of their abrupt acclivities prefent a they turf, or' fand ftonc 3! a certain proof,- greyilh there is below - Larthuspathis tell me, that gold conthe carthwhich deftructive metal impoverithes diftinguifhed by ecals 'it 1 the fign of our wealth-is and:the ) ftrong box ofn nature-refembles fterility! V obre that of the mifer!* No 0 : iade 1 to the tone . of colour, joined This forbidding manner in which.thefelincoconfufed and fantaftic gives them an herent mailes are thrown together, ithe and - decay, which prefents air of decrepitude diforder and defolation. painful image of univerfal of the new world has fuch an antiquated This part if Icould that I fhould not hefitatcy appeatance, to fee the author of fuch a * It is not a little extraordinary labouring to deprive Saint wvork as the Etudes de la Nature, mines. of the wretched advantage of containing gold that when Domingo whole truth 55" fays he (Tomc 2. P: 244) 65 The the Antilles hc found thc natives poffeffed 6 Columbus difcovered ftate; thefe they c: of fome pieces of this metal in a very impure the inhabitants of the c: had obrainect in the way of barter from If M. de for there were no mines on the iflands." < continent, to look a little into their hiftory, he will Saint Pierre will deign the mines of Cibao have furfind that in Saint Domingo alonc, has in circulation: How nithed more gold than Europe at prefent who had fuch rich mines- at can we fuppofe, then, that people were difcovered, were not home, and who, at the time they fhouid and trafic for gold pofleiled of the moft paltry boat, go, on the continent ? once no mines on the iflands." < continent, to look a little into their hiftory, he will Saint Pierre will deign the mines of Cibao have furfind that in Saint Domingo alonc, has in circulation: How nithed more gold than Europe at prefent who had fuch rich mines- at can we fuppofe, then, that people were difcovered, were not home, and who, at the time they fhouid and trafic for gold pofleiled of the moft paltry boat, go, on the continent ? once --- Page 151 --- I I2I ] once adopt the fyftem of Thales, to affert that St. Domingo preceded, by fome ages, the other ductions of the ocean. proFrom the foot: of the mountain to the the diftance is about three Defert, by miles : thefe we paffed, creeping along its finuofities, in a narrow or track, ill laid out, and worfe path, times kept ; which fomebrought us to the extremc verge of a precipicc, and fometimes more fortunately to a fheltered fpot, where our panting caravan might take breath. The firft view of the Defert did not quite tranf port us. - A flope for drying coffee, a hufk, or pulping-mill, ;a large cafa in ruins, two fmall ones, one-intended for the kitchen, the. other for the refidence of the overfeer, in the fame lime-kiln, condition : a fomething that was once a garden, a pigcon houfe tottering on four ftakcs jumbled 5 the whole together, without choice, without without combination order, in a tunnel, from whence the cyc could catch but one view! Such, portrait of our abode, drawn Sir, is the toita dozen from nature: : add negro huts perched on the of one of the jutting eminences fharp ridge and the of the mountain, picture will be complete. We found the ground floor of the large cafà which you already know the plan) fo (of undermined by --- Page 152 --- E 122 I that we funki to the knees at every ftep: by rats, tounpave. it and fill up the abyfs it was neceffary Madam del L ** * accuftomed with frefh carth. of Paris, although to the elegant accommodations in which fhe informed of the condition previoully had fome difficulty to would find her couintry Jeat; the kind of her téars at the view.of fupprefs ce Be of good Thebaid the was about to inhabit. of I to her; C I have not the wand ce heart," faid labour, and the cc Armida; but with trees, water, Saint ifIdo not change tr vegetation of' Domingo, into an I will at leaft engage ct the Defert elyfium, er to render it fupportable." common to all who begin a fertlement, A fault, down of every tree within two hunis the cutting eftablifhment; which is thus dred yards of their aétion of the fun; and the expofed to the double ftripped of all its reverberations of a foil, which, that of the fends' forth a warmth; equal to fhade, mouth of an heated oven. method of proceeding is juftiThis blundering abfurdity, by falfe or inconfied, like every other fay that the great clufive reafons. The planters 'materials makes difficulty of tranfporting building the that the to ufe fuch as are on fpot ; it neceffary would render the vicinity of ravages of hurricanes You fce clearly, Sir, that &cc. trees dangerous, the that of the fends' forth a warmth; equal to fhade, mouth of an heated oven. method of proceeding is juftiThis blundering abfurdity, by falfe or inconfied, like every other fay that the great clufive reafons. The planters 'materials makes difficulty of tranfporting building the that the to ufe fuch as are on fpot ; it neceffary would render the vicinity of ravages of hurricanes You fce clearly, Sir, that &cc. trees dangerous, the --- Page 153 --- [ 123 3 the firft of thefe reafons is their indolence and merely an apology for want of forefight; the for their fecond, ftupidity ; fince, to preferve the from danger by the fall of buildings would be trees, nothing more neceffary than to take their meafure on the ground the diftance elevation, and might be fuffered to remain at which they with fafety. On the day of my arrival, I obferved gular with finfatisfaction, that a moft beautiful avocatier * had efcaped the ax of the barbarians, the fpot which the nature of the precifely on ground, and the neighbourhood of water, ftrongly marked embellifhment. The out for that ftruck next morning, the firft me on opening object catier ftretched my eyes, was the avoat its length in the duft ! I flew to announce this enormity to the overfeer himfelf who had - - - it was committed it! This tree had been cut down for charming railing, to enclofe a few goats - - and within two hundred fpot, there was timber paces of the enough to conftruct a royal navy! Igive you this anecdote as a proof of what I have juft afferted. 6; See a defcription of this tree and its fruit in the 6 Voyage aux Hfes Frangoifes de l Amérique." Tome Nouveau I. Chap. 14. We --- Page 154 --- [ 124 ] had fent beforc. us a large quantity of poultry. * We arrival almoft all was gonc ! of every, kind; at our feem only to have The turkeys, which the Jefuits domefticated for themfelves, had again run. wild ; thehens, abandoned to thcirinftinét, were difperfed where they laid their about the coffee plantations, brooded and roofted : a and where their eggs, eggs, and themfelves became the prey of their chickens, The ducks fhared the rats, Inakes, and negrocs. famc fate. with thc overfcer on his 1 When I expoftulated that he had done-nothing negligence, he replied, after but what was cuftomary,. and that the looking take would interrupt the negrocs, that is, poultry effentiai occupations- I told them off from more cuftom by a him that we ought to correct a bad ftarve good one; that the prefent was calculated to that the moft effential part of the negrocs OCuss us before we thought cupation was to enable to,live, of enriching ourfelves, 8zc. this I immediately fet myfelf Full of perfuafion, an old henthe diforder. I patched up to remedy all the poultry I could during the rooft, colleéted them in it for fome days. Our night, and fhut up increafed : the hens, ftock is already confiderably times who lay without intermiflion, fit twoorthree and we have and pullcts in abundance. a ycar ; eggs Thc ive, of enriching ourfelves, 8zc. this I immediately fet myfelf Full of perfuafion, an old henthe diforder. I patched up to remedy all the poultry I could during the rooft, colleéted them in it for fome days. Our night, and fhut up increafed : the hens, ftock is already confiderably times who lay without intermiflion, fit twoorthree and we have and pullcts in abundance. a ycar ; eggs Thc --- Page 155 --- [ 125 ] The overfeer begins to and I acknowledge that I was right; can read in the fatisfied air of the cocks, that they think themfelves for having eftablifhed order obliged to me in their and good government feraglio. With refpect to the éléves of the Socicty of --by a refinement in delicacy, of which Jefus fcarcely, believe me capable, I have left you, will woods, becaufe a ftate of nature them in the the flavour of their, flefh. When mightily improves game, I take we are in want of my gur, go. into the coverts, and bring homea a turkey, juft as afportfinan, does a fnipe, or, a woodcock. with you, The fight of the dove-houfe, of actual decay, though in a ftate immediately rekindled my paflion for that branch of rural ancient to the affiftance of the ceconomy. I flew lavifhed friends of my on them all the care which the youth.; and falubrity of their ncatnefs and dwelling feemed to demand, gave myfelf-up to the employ, with all intereft attached to an amufement that the memory of fcencs moft dear to recalled the my heart. LET- --- Page 156 --- C 126 1 LETTER XV. Deferi, Auguf 1789. Ir own feclings could diétate a thought which my with I fhould might not accord your happinefs, have been tempted, Sir, to have wifhed you here at of your packet, that you might have the recéption of the joy it occafioned. The day been a witnefs as a feftival; the of its arrival was folemnized with were difmiffed from work, regaled negroes and permitted to dance a falt meat, and brandy, that it was to a Calenda-without ever fufpecting letter from Paris they owed all this indulgence. Let them dance on! while I, to fatisfy your curioemploy the day in bringing you acquainted fity, with them. You do 'not venture to reproach me for not havalrcady'done it, and you are right : many a man ing that a refidence of fome months was has fuppofed of fufficient to know them, and has in confequence undertaken to draw their portrait with a degree it, affurance that has even impofed on thofe who of whole in the midit of this fpecics have lived years it muft be confeffed, as a wood-cutof men-lived, the midft of a foreft; without fecing any ter in thing rcady'done it, and you are right : many a man ing that a refidence of fome months was has fuppofed of fufficient to know them, and has in confequence undertaken to draw their portrait with a degree it, affurance that has even impofed on thofe who of whole in the midit of this fpecics have lived years it muft be confeffed, as a wood-cutof men-lived, the midft of a foreft; without fecing any ter in thing --- Page 157 --- [ 127 ] thing but wood in the different which fpecies of trees compofe it! 5 The leaft precipitate and rafh of thofe however, :; have painters, diftinguifhed the Affican from the Creole; and this negro neceffary, diftinétion, abfolutely is.certainly fome proof of , judgment. lej UN My bufinefs will be with the firft. He is true negro : thei other is:but the black the chievous and mif. ape of-his maffer; whofe. vices-alone he copies. A flave-what has he to do with the tues of a man. ? virtoft i Abominable Chriftians 1 cries ce negroes Voltaire, C the you fell for twelve ce piecc, are worth twelve hundred livres a- €c as yourfelves P hundred times as much If this is not the only doubt the moft exaggeration, it is beyond the bilious extravagant of all thofe we owe to humanity of this great but man. mifchievous The negrô, Sir, is much more difficult than you would to define Rudy him in fuppofe. To do it well we fhould the different periods of his life; we DENyrE Comglates, Tome 58. Letorea24 fhould --- Page 158 --- [ 128 ] houldknowsfhe was; in Africa; frec, or.enflaved, hunter, hufbandman, fifheryo paftor, rich or poor, prieft, artift or warrior. Seoi orl a1 a a tal loont in his.owrt fce in his native foil, U - We fhould him habitudes of-his prie houfe a follow him into the underthe into the bofom of his family, vate life, the laws, the religion, influence of the government, fhould make the prejudices of his : country si we with his focial dependencies, ourfelves acquainted 14 his his taftes, his regimen, his employments, 5 - pleafures, and his pains. CE a o tnr We fhould then compare his prefent ftate with the influence of tranfplantation his paft ; : obferve on-his humour; on his temperament, on his ideas, of which he is and on the degrec of fenfibility. fufceptible. Even this is not cnough: we Thould diftinguith to the fpecies in general; from theparwhat belongs and lexamine ticular charaéter.of the individualis fathers whether he has left in his own country a wife, children, friends ; we thould narmother, whichrthe cocertirowly fearch into the: impreffion, that was dear tude of being torri ifor evetfronilall andy added himimay, have imade. upon.his mind ;i to: Sir, if we wifh to judge with any tolerto all this, inuft: abfolutely fepaabic degree of accuracy, we ratc Sin icular charaéter.of the individualis fathers whether he has left in his own country a wife, children, friends ; we thould narmother, whichrthe cocertirowly fearch into the: impreffion, that was dear tude of being torri ifor evetfronilall andy added himimay, have imade. upon.his mind ;i to: Sir, if we wifh to judge with any tolerto all this, inuft: abfolutely fepaabic degree of accuracy, we ratc Sin --- Page 159 --- [ 129 ] rate the man of circumftances, nature and education. from the man f This is no eafy tafk : Idoubt ever yet performed ; and I whether it was by me, who am certain it never will fufpect that I have a work above already undertaken my ftrength, in merely fimple outlinc. hazarding this One thing which clearly no better known proves the negro to be tractors, is the to'his panegyrifts than his deopinions. Hc is irreconcileable difference of their he is not with the conftantly with one, every thing refufe him other. It is fufficient for a quality or a virtue, for the one to grant it to him. The other to negroes without planters who live with the confidering giving themfelves the trouble of them, are much better them than he who defines acquainted with caufe they do not, like them fo boldly 5 befrom a few him, judge of the whole that exceptions. Be under no they will buy a for apprehenfions IUbo for an Arrada. Mondongo a Sengaleje, or an The negro, juft like ourfelves, is with all the different fhades good or bad, extremes. His that modify the two paffions are thofe of nature: he is libidinous uninformed ous without without love, and gluttondelicacy. Woman for him is merely K an --- Page 160 --- E 130 ] When he is hungry, it of pleafure. an inftrument to him whether he eats a is a matter of indifference or a pintado * e piece of carrion, or a pullet, a frog of the wants becaufe he has few He is indolent ; and becaufe labour is calculated to fatisfy which conceivethe neceflity he cither cannot, or will not, of doing it of labouring for us ; nor the juftice blows and other retribution than without any ftripes. for the fake of enjoying it He loves repofe, not of finding in as we do, nor for the epportunity which a ftate of phytranquillity the moral fruition but for the fake had deprived him of; fical activity has ever bcen nothing-for to do nothing of doing of all the people of the torrid the ruling paffion zone S. North America are not much more delicate * The favages of : fays Le Beau, 66 colleét in their taftcs. c: I have feen them, in the ftreet. One day, in and cats which lay of 6: the putrid dogs Huron take up a hog which had died c6 particular, I faw a infest the air with its ftench, 6: difeafe, and already begun thoulder. to They fwallow frogs whole ; s6 and carry it away on his cleaning, and find them as deof deer without C6 dry the entrails do thofe of the woodcock." c: licious as we du Sieur Le Beau. Tome 2. Chap- 29. Aventures climate. The Ruffian And I might add, of flaves in cvery their fefliva's in their $ for example, commonly pafs houfes: idlenefs being peafantry, before the doors of their ftoves, Or lying eequalto the moft rapturous enjoyment. for them a kind of pleafure cn Sibérie, Tome 1. Page 316, dAsteroche. Foyage He See Chappes du Sieur Le Beau. Tome 2. Chap- 29. Aventures climate. The Ruffian And I might add, of flaves in cvery their fefliva's in their $ for example, commonly pafs houfes: idlenefs being peafantry, before the doors of their ftoves, Or lying eequalto the moft rapturous enjoyment. for them a kind of pleafure cn Sibérie, Tome 1. Page 316, dAsteroche. Foyage He See Chappes --- Page 161 --- [ 131 J He neither troubles himfelf breaking, without with forming or knowing cant connections which why, thofe infignifipledge of have no other objedt or venience of concinuance, the than the intercft or conmoment. He neither loves nor hates he does cither the habitually; ; but when Some of them one or the other, it is with have by turns, the fury: vain, the fupple and grovelling and timid charaéter of the inflexible, the ferocious and brood over their defpot and the flave. They in threats; but wouldy vengeance, or fuffer it to exhale derbolts you fee thefe hurlers at your feet 2-fhew them of thunneedlc. the point of a Generally fpeaking, the nor perfidious : fometimes negrocs are neither falfe among them, who was you will find a knave fician, a forcerer, probably in Africa a tremely or a prieft-fuch a man is phy- exdangerous. To manage them them the fimpleft properly, we fhould impofe on cxact the duties, the cleareft laws; and with performance of them with a ftriét regard to rigour, though their cyes, is weaknefs; juftice : for indulgence, in judgment, which and injuftice a defeet of excites their hatred, or contempt. I have made their many trials, and the reK2 fult --- Page 162 --- [ 132 ] convinced me of the accuracy of fult has perfedtly this obfervation. it be that they have falfe or confufed Whether of meun and tuum ; that the abideas on the nature makes them carelefs or igfolute want of property a ftate of of its rights; or that they fuppofe norant them back again to a ftate of nature, flavery brings I know not-but where all things arc in common, of the negroes are fo it is, that the grcateft part thieves. is confined to a few Like all men whofe religion of a conpractices, they have no idea fuperftitious Whatever good qualities a ventional morality. from nature. The culpable negro has, he derives in giving them fome negligence of the inhabitants principles infight into the fimple and fundamental old, and allows them to live, grow of Chriftianity, When a fufficient die in their native ignorance. they are led to number of them are collcéted, they are going; church, without knowing whithcr what has been baptized, without comprehending Chriftians +! and behold, they are done to them, The in the mouth of a profane, like * This may appear thercfore fufpicious be morc curious, and more fatisfaftory myfelf: it will celebrated miflionary. 6: When I am told to hear the report of a arrived in my ditria," fays Labat, c I 46 of any flaves newly 6 go céted, they are going; church, without knowing whithcr what has been baptized, without comprehending Chriftians +! and behold, they are done to them, The in the mouth of a profane, like * This may appear thercfore fufpicious be morc curious, and more fatisfaftory myfelf: it will celebrated miflionary. 6: When I am told to hear the report of a arrived in my ditria," fays Labat, c I 46 of any flaves newly 6 go --- Page 163 --- [ 133 ] The only circumftance they can colleét from the ccremony, is that they have changed their the negro Mazimbo is told that he name : forth called muft be henceEupace; his organs accuftomed chaunt a foft and harmonious to commodate language, cannot acthemfelves to the pronunciation of this barbarous word; he forgets it as peated, and faft as it is rediftreffes himfelf, poor. wretch ! at being no longer called by the mother name which his gave him. I have taken notice that negroes, when together, the baptifmal never make ufe of their name: and, in fpitc of the kind of which they derive, as. I have been pride honour of being told, from the Chriftians, it has mc, that thofe who affect frequently ftruck do it more with to attach any value to it, a view to flatter their mafters from any other motive. than 66 go to fee them, and I €6 the crofs, guiding their begin hand by making them make the fign of C6 felf upon their forehead, myfelf: after this, I makeit my66 in the name of Jefus Chrift by and way of taking poffefion of them < comprehends nothing of what of his church. The negro who 46 u:moft aftonithment." Ifay or do, ftares at me with the The miffionary confeffes 6 fand no more what afterwards, that the negroes underK confideration they are taught than a parrot-and that would raife fome feruples in his this not for the words of rhe mind, ifit were 6 Domine, Thou, Plalmif, Hovines ct jumenta, falvabis Lordyhalifave botle man and beafl1!" 23 You 46 u:moft aftonithment." Ifay or do, ftares at me with the The miffionary confeffes 6 fand no more what afterwards, that the negroes underK confideration they are taught than a parrot-and that would raife fome feruples in his this not for the words of rhe mind, ifit were 6 Domine, Thou, Plalmif, Hovines ct jumenta, falvabis Lordyhalifave botle man and beafl1!" 23 You --- Page 164 --- L 134 1 Sir, that the negro You will eafily conceive, about the future, troubles himfelf very little from it? Hence could he derive What advantage beyond the prefent mohis forefight rarely extends and perfeverance, is dint of time ment: : it only by it is for his inthat he can be brought to believe for his garden ; and to preferve, tereft to cultivate which he Aings afide during thc night, the coyering the day, fingular, and indeed contradiétory What appears even to madnefs, he is, that, fenfible to pleafure, bordering oll of calmnefs, fupports with a degree pains. The infenfibility, the moft excruciating him him, feem to affect preparations for chaftifing itfelf. The negro than the chaftifement -more at work-while dywhile he dances-while When fings death, be laughs at it. ing. * We brave his the colonifts, are taught to * The Europeans, and (ill more in death is peculiar to the nebelieve that this cuftom of finging tellus the fame of the hatives of the groes : traveller, however, do more : an Onontague aged an hundred, de two Americas. They under the command of the Count taken bi a party of favages infieted on him with a courage, Frontenac, bore the torments they A favage, tired fererity of mind, worthy - of an Iroquois. ftabs with a knife. :I a out with his harangues, gave him feveral 46 but thou mhouldthave perc thank thec, " faid the Onontague, Frenchmen, learn of me to fuffer: 66 mitted me to perich by fire. how you ought to behave when eanid you, Indians ! remember fituation!" 4 you fnd yourfcives in my Septontrionele. Tome 3. Lettre7. ilifluire de PAmérigue --- Page 165 --- L 135 J his companion expires, he does not fay, be is fuch a phrafe would dead: mind; but, be is convey no meaning to his gone aroay, be is departed. manner of exprefling himfelf, feems This perfuafion that after death he to indicate a country returns into his own ; a prejudice which has than one negro to deftroy determined more arrive there the himfelf, that he might if to his indifference fooner--What would this man be, for life, he joined the which a contempt of death ufually virtues fuppofes ! After having pafled a certain age, the appear to pay no great attention to the ties of negrocs fanguinity. Some time fince, it confather, after a long happened that a feparation, fon in a work-fhop under difcovered his This unforefeen my own infpection. interview did not either fide, the fmalleft produce, O1l father and the fon furprize or emotion: the collect met like two travellers who rethey have fomewhere feen each other before. We find among the negroes good and bad. pofitions more or lefs favourable, render Difor lefs proper to receive a certain them more and inftruction. The degree of polifh cxample ofthe Creole capable of acquiring negro, every talent, when he finds in his mafter every virtue, low, proves that the a proper model to fol. in inferiority of the Africans many refpects, the fault of their is, education. It is who rethey have fomewhere feen each other before. We find among the negroes good and bad. pofitions more or lefs favourable, render Difor lefs proper to receive a certain them more and inftruction. The degree of polifh cxample ofthe Creole capable of acquiring negro, every talent, when he finds in his mafter every virtue, low, proves that the a proper model to fol. in inferiority of the Africans many refpects, the fault of their is, education. It is --- Page 166 --- E 136 ] the principle too far, to fay with is then' carrying kind of virtue; Ariftotle, that Alavery excludes every and 'tis furely an abufe of the faculty of reafoning, in the flight phyfical differto pretend to difcover between the negro and the white, an obftacle ence the former from attainthat muft'for ever prevent of ing the degree of intelligence and perfection; which the latter is fufceptible. - Sir, nothing but a hafty and I promifed you, word. You will imperfect fketch; ; I have kept my delineated froi the naked find that my negro, differs figure, and with the moft fcrupulous fidelity, from the negro whom writers of in many points with all the charms of célebrity have decorated Thefe gentlemen, from the bottheir eloquence. forward for the tom of their ftage have brought admiration of Europe, a negro * whom they never faw but with the eyes of the imagination--a drawhile I fhew you the negro of matic perfonage; nature and of the colonies. See the Romance in three volumes called ci The Negro Whites. >) The author had no need to fay in ce equalledby that few he had never lived among the negroes, nor inhahis preface colonics. His work, extremely interefling in other bited the abounds with errcrs and abfurdities, which prove that refpeéts, negrocs, as he does the regimen, the manners,and he knowsthe the cuftoms ofthe colonifts, merely by hearfay. LET- --- Page 167 --- 137 J LETTER XVI. Defert, September 178g. EVERY thing, Sir, has its even thofe which oughr to be leaft inconveniences; In this lift, I place the fubject to them. have rcad fuch of indulgence with which you my letters as had arrived before yours were fent off; for it has emboldened communicate the continuation of me to to you, with the fame confidence, my obfervations fervednefs, which the fame unremerit. conftitutes, in fact, their only If they do not intereft, they will at leaft ferve divert you, at a moment when France is to kind of become a amphitheatre, in which twelve hundred legiflators, fcconded by twelve hundred thoufand politicians, proclaim each, with a loud and audible voice, the principles on which he pretends the vernment, and the liberty of his gohencc be founded. country muft from Do you recolleét the time when, from the tremity of Africa, I troubled you with exrelative to thefe fublime a few ideas bcen the refultof this fpeculations? what has ungrateful and feducing employ TL amphitheatre, in which twelve hundred legiflators, fcconded by twelve hundred thoufand politicians, proclaim each, with a loud and audible voice, the principles on which he pretends the vernment, and the liberty of his gohencc be founded. country muft from Do you recolleét the time when, from the tremity of Africa, I troubled you with exrelative to thefe fublime a few ideas bcen the refultof this fpeculations? what has ungrateful and feducing employ TL --- Page 168 --- [ 138 J of all the miffions to which a reafonployt-that, bc deftined, the moft diffiable being can poffibly the fame timc, cult, the moft dangerous, and at is that of giving reafon to fools, the moft ufclefs, in other words, wife laws to men. and I think for ever, I have therefore renounced, of legillation 5 the idca of divinginto the myfteries thing confirms mc in the opinion, becaufe every who muft never that it is with us, as with animals, fubjested to an exclufive regibe indifcriminately with, thc fage of old, c I men : and I fay again, than govern men <c had rather play with children, €C in a ftate of corruption." 0 of gardener, however, I will juft In my quality the obferve 4 take carc that you do not carry, away earth with the roots of the plants you propofe to will run the rifk of being obliged extirpate: you laws on the barren fand, or the to fow your new I will add - arid gravel-ftone : and as a traveller,, it is to have beautiful theories ; 'tis not enough fhould have matured neceffary that long experience enable to variety of obfervations, to you a great do not deccive yourfelves in be certain that you feducing in proporthe application of principles, and dangerous in proportion tion as they arc new, Remember that the man as they are abftracted. for the extent of his acquirethe moft cclcbrated ments, --- Page 169 --- [ 139 ] ients; and the profundity of his metaphyfics, that LoçKE, appointed to form a code of laws for Carolina, produced a plan of legiflation as impracticable as it was ridiculous ! Above all things, be perfuaded that you do the human race a moft dangerous honour, when you fuppofe it fufficiently reafonable, or fufficiently wife, to be able to difpenfe with the neceffity of being governed longer like a fool, or an infant. any I have done -And now, Sir, for my farm. If you diflike the minutiae of a country life, them as I formerly ufed to do the of treat ity which I found in pages moraland my romances ; fkip them over, pafs to fomething more entertaining. We have three cOws herc, which yield milk an excellent quality, and in fuch of abundance, that 3 we. can fpare enough from our daily to make a little butter and cheefe. confumption But how can you make butter and cheefe without churns and without moulds? Juft as Robinfon Crufoe made cloaths without needles and without thread. The procefs for making butter is fimple the cream is agitated in a glafsjug, till the undtuous enough: part is feparated from the fluid; it is then rinced twice an excellent quality, and in fuch of abundance, that 3 we. can fpare enough from our daily to make a little butter and cheefe. confumption But how can you make butter and cheefe without churns and without moulds? Juft as Robinfon Crufoe made cloaths without needles and without thread. The procefs for making butter is fimple the cream is agitated in a glafsjug, till the undtuous enough: part is feparated from the fluid; it is then rinced twice --- Page 170 --- [ 140 ] in cold water ; by which time it twice or thrice to be formed into has acquired confiftence enough a mafs. of cheefe was rather more difficult, The making or of for want of a mould, either of earthen-ware, the place of it, as well as I rufhes. I fupplied and bottom I eould, by a canvafs bag, whofe top by the affiftance of two hoops, fupported kept open by two crofs fticks. The nature of the ground, and the fuperabunmade me defirous of adding a dance of pifturage, and I was already pleafing few goats to my cOWS : them run- in the myfelf with the idea of fecing enfkip from precipice to precipice, get woods, filaments of the liane, and extangled in the long the tufts of its tricate themfelves by fufpending horns but the çonbrilliant Aowers on their long that nothing would prevent their roving fideration and committing the through the coffee plantations, abandon all moft terrible ravages, obliged me to this of them. How many pleafures does thoughts cruel intereft annihilate ! with me a fuficient quantity of I had brought and Alowers to fow all the the fceds of vegctables neceftwo operations were previoufly garden-but the regular form which fary ; to give the ground every --- Page 171 --- [ 141 ] every kitchen garden feems to demand, and to break and pulverize the foil, much too and rich for the kind of productions compact to which it was deftined. As I had no tools with me but fhovels and hoes, I was not long in the moft perceiving that neccffary were yet wanting ; in that which is to the cultivation of particular, the comb is to the toilet of a garden what rake a fine lady; I mean a : and I fucceeded, not without hundred times the detractors of Emilius' exccrating an in education, fabricating a couple, which though not d'oeuvres of workmanfhip, cbef leis ufeful. were not for that the Almoft every thing fucceeded beyond Pulfe, hitherto unknown in Saint my hopes. root, and fhot Domingo, took up furprifingly, as did forrel, parfley, wild thyme, and creffes. We had peas almoft all the year. Flowers, till then green in thefe regions of fire; the unfeen narciffus, the the rezeda, nay the humble violet, hyacinth, embellifhed and perfumed the edges of my beds. Inftead of the box, which borders with its gloomy verdure the flower-plats with you, we make ufe of the cuana, whofe ftalks, of a moft beautiful ippecanot ferve for an afylum to the deftructive green, do infects. race of Ir . Flowers, till then green in thefe regions of fire; the unfeen narciffus, the the rezeda, nay the humble violet, hyacinth, embellifhed and perfumed the edges of my beds. Inftead of the box, which borders with its gloomy verdure the flower-plats with you, we make ufe of the cuana, whofe ftalks, of a moft beautiful ippecanot ferve for an afylum to the deftructive green, do infects. race of Ir --- Page 172 --- E 142 ] It is true that this rapid vegetation, which enables to fec, as it were, the progrefs of your you without its inconveniences : for, not plants, is not to allowing the feed time to ripen, it obliges you. fowing: it is equally truc, that all be conftantly the Alowers of the melon my endeavours to fave have been and the vine from the ravages of the ants Imuft obferve, however, that this peft ineffectual-I is merely local ; for Saint Domingo produces the part of the year, very tolerable during greateft melons. I do not know grapes, and delicious whether it be true, but I have been told that vines be cultivated here in treilage; that if an muft only a few in his grounds, inhabitant prefumes to plant Chamber of Commerce has a right to pull them the reduced and that the colonifts are confequently up, wine, which the merchant may boldly to drink fince, if it efcapes pronounce of his 07012 growutb, in the magazines of France, it is feladulteration dom but that the fame quantity of common Anjou which fets out from thence in two tuns, arwinc, here in three, under the juftly celebrated rives name of Bourdeaux. * Artichokes information in my voyages, which * The rage of acquiring thing is in hand, enabled me to difcover pufhes me wherever the any of wine is not performed at that the miracle of multiplication of Cana. It is commonly fea precifely as it was at the marriage feconded by a few trufty in the hold of the thip that the captain, A brifk wind, or a ftorm, is hands, proceeds to this operation. generally --- Page 173 --- [ 143 ] Artichokes grow here in great perfection, and to a larger fize than in France; cfpecially when is taken to give them an elevated care fituation, with a northern afpect. Afparagus requires lefs and is fooner fit for cutting here than pains, I tried potatocs, but they proved elfewhere. unproduétive, although I chofe for them the light foil which love-but I attribute this misfortune they to their having been negledted. The patate is more nutritive, replied the ters, when I propofed the cultivation of the plantoe. That is to fay, Sir, the potathe yellow patate, efpecially one, being more ftringy, and fatty, lies heavier on the ftomach, and is more dificult of digeftion. I believe, however, that the potatoe is infinitely more wholefome : if it be lefs nutritive, fupply the quality by the quantity. The only ad. vantage which the patate has over the feems to be an agrccable potatoe, perfume, which will always plead moft powerfully in its favour. The European grains which have fucceeded beft at Saint Domingo, are the mil, or millet, and the generally chofen, when all the crew are fuppofed to be feveral pofts : for the myfteries of Bacchus, like at their Bona Dea, can only be celebrated at a diftance from thofe of the the profane. the eyes of maize, has over the feems to be an agrccable potatoe, perfume, which will always plead moft powerfully in its favour. The European grains which have fucceeded beft at Saint Domingo, are the mil, or millet, and the generally chofen, when all the crew are fuppofed to be feveral pofts : for the myfteries of Bacchus, like at their Bona Dea, can only be celebrated at a diftance from thofe of the the profane. the eyes of maize, --- Page 174 --- C 144 J maize * which you are better acquainted with, under the name of Turkey wheat. It is perhaps, fize and beauty, and is here of an extraordinary eaten in the ear, before it comes to maturity, roafted under the afhes : it is alfo eaten boiled in and in both cafes is an excellent milk, or water ; food. O11 the leaves and ftalks of The cattle are kept and the on millet, Guinea grafs, the patate, green which fhould be placed in tops of the fugar cane, they have of the firft rank, for the peculiar quality The fuch animals as are fed on them. fattening verdure of the fpots which are foft and pleafing of the two laft articonfecrated to the produétion darker lovely contraft with the cles, forms a moft of the coffee of the woods, and, above all, green plantations. think of all this, Sir ? Do you not What you of the have been reading a chapter fancy you, Ihave formerly heard Rouffeau < Maifon Rufliquep" into the for his bad tafte, in entering reproached rural and domeftic ceconomy of the details of the * This muft have been one of the firft grains which the faid Euro- that introduced into the Antilles ; for in 1522, Cortez bread peans continent of America, much better Cc maixe made on the Correfpondence de Fernand Cortez avec 66 than in the iflands." L'Empereur Charles V. Lettre 2. houfe --- Page 175 --- [ 145 ] houfe of Clarens. What would thefe my letter? And yet, how could critics fay of quainted with Saint you become acothers, I had confined Domingo, if, like fo many of polity and myfelf to the mere objeéts digious number commerce ; and, adding to the of falfe ideas already formed procolony, given you exceptions for ofthis the plan of the habitation general rules, and of fome planter for the mcdel of all the great fugar Hcaven, the abode of all thofe reftt-Would to refembled the Defert! wealthy wretches ceffantly they would not then be inagitated between the ambition of ing what they are not, and the appeartaining the abfurd ftate difliculty of maininadequate they affect to difplay, with refources ! People imagine in Europe that the colony is inhabited by men only overflowing with riches; occupied with the Care of wholly wealth in employing their immenfe diverfifying and fures. Believe multiplying their pleathe me, Sir, there is no fortunes of individuals country where the anxiety of are lefs folid, and where of fecuring them from the chance, fo effeétually trouble the vicifitudes they might otherwife produce. In enjoyments world are ricbes and no part of the bappinefs lefs at Saint Domingo. fynonimous than L LET- wholly wealth in employing their immenfe diverfifying and fures. Believe multiplying their pleathe me, Sir, there is no fortunes of individuals country where the anxiety of are lefs folid, and where of fecuring them from the chance, fo effeétually trouble the vicifitudes they might otherwife produce. In enjoyments world are ricbes and no part of the bappinefs lefs at Saint Domingo. fynonimous than L LET- --- Page 176 --- 1 - 146 ] LETTER XVII. Defert, September 1789. A PREJUDICE not uncommon in Europe, among(t your half-informed writers is, that rice can only be cultivated with fuccefs in grounds capable of being overflowed *, Ifyou tell a Frenchman that this grain grows here on the higheft mountains, he will laugh in your face, becaufe his little reading has not informed him that it grows in the fame manner in Louifiana. + The pomgranate and the fig-trec were naturalized here without difficulty; as were the Albergine and the Taumate of the fouthern countries. But all thefe little articles of innocent luxury are negleéted by nine tenths of the inhabitants in a moft inconceivable manner. It is but feldom that even the orange tree receives the degree of attention neceffary to prevent it from degencrating: and yct * See on this fubject the Voyage aux Indes Occidentales, par Grofe, Chap. 5. alfo the Teurnal du Voyage de Siam, Page 230 and 273. + Hiftoire de la Louifanc. Tome I. Chap. 13. nothing --- Page 177 --- [ 147 ] nothing would be more eafy than to procure feeds from Malta, or plants from Portugal ; to gate thefe two fpecies here to the exclufion propa- of all the others, and to have at the Antilles the golden apple of the Hefperides. This long, but imperfect enumeration of the plants new to the foil of Saint Domingo, will bably induce you to afk a very obvious prowhat did this ifland produce then before queftion- the of the Europeans P arrival Nothing, Sir, or néxt to nothing. I ftrive to difcover what could have been the principal food of the natives,. and I can only find in the animal kingdom, caymans, or alligators, by no means plentiful; 3 tourlouroux, or land crabs, lizards, and a few birds - for even the rats, fo numerous here at prefent , were introduced from. Europc, The vegetable kingdom offered no refources but a few herbs, roots, and berries, (with the exception of the ananas, and the fapatilla, whofe fivectnefs, extremely cloying, furpaffes any thing known in Europe, but which I do not believe, any more than They have not only peopled the Antilles, but even Peru, and doubtlefs the reft of the new world. The Indians call in their language, Oaocha, that is to fay, Come from the fea. them, See L' Hifoire de la decouverte et de la conguéte du Perou, Augufin de Zarate, Tome I. Livre 3par L 2 the , extremely cloying, furpaffes any thing known in Europe, but which I do not believe, any more than They have not only peopled the Antilles, but even Peru, and doubtlefs the reft of the new world. The Indians call in their language, Oaocha, that is to fay, Come from the fea. them, See L' Hifoire de la decouverte et de la conguéte du Perou, Augufin de Zarate, Tome I. Livre 3par L 2 the --- Page 178 --- [ 148 ] here) a fpecics of the former, to be indigenous the wild orange, citron, very fmall but very good, Add the ignama, and perhaps the choux-caraibe. and thefe fcanty means, the fifhery on the coaft, to and you in the rivers, by no means produétive, ofa country, will ftill enquire, how theinhabitants powhich has been reprefented to us as extremely believe could be fupported ? If we may pulous, of the Spaniards, no fpot on the inflated accounts Saint Domingo on its the globe was more fo than when he marched firft difcovery 5 fince Columbus, of the ifland, againft Manicata, one of the caciques the head of found him in the plain of Viga-Real at modethoufand fighting men ! More an hundred make the population of however, rate calculations, amount to no more than twelve or the whole ifand thoufand fouls : fo that if you add thirtéen hundred thoufand who were to this number forty or fifty iflands, and thofc brought hither from the Bahama the date of its dicwho might be born here, from you to that of its complete depopulation, covery of the new world only will find that the conquerors ifland of Saint Domingo, extirminated lin the fingle of whom about TWO millions of human beings, acperifhed in the mines, where, the greater. part evidence of the traveller Boflu * cording to the which has contrasted the too famous malady they aux Indes Occidentales. Tome I. Lettre I. * Nouveax Voyage made, --- Page 179 --- L 149 ] made, and ftill makes fuch under the name of the French ravages among(t us," read, and that in a Spanifh difeafe, &c. We of Cuba, fifty familics author, that in theifland ina fingle hung themfelves in one day, village, to efcape the of barous countrymen. t tyranny his barYou will probably afk fpeculative mc, Sir, who was the genius who took upon of himfelf the care introducing among us thefe rats, which fuch devaflation, that a large field commit is fometimes devoured ofmillet or maize by them in the courfe of night ; efpecially if it be on the edge of the a where thefe animals are fo woods, traced out numerous, that they have paths as well worn as thofe acrofs our fields ? A fhort refidence which lead would have enabled at a fea port you to folve the problem. The builders have fcarce fixed the ribs to the keel, and laid on of a fhip ere the rats a part of the eftablifh themfelves in it: the fheathing, veffel is launched : the rats ftill keep poffeffion you will fay, do they live, before it is -But how, They fwim afhore at victualled? and night, eat for the next four twenty hours, and return on board. as can, get into the corn As many magazines, where they + Hfoire de la Conquête de la Floride. Livre 1. Chap.ro. briftle a part of the eftablifh themfelves in it: the fheathing, veffel is launched : the rats ftill keep poffeffion you will fay, do they live, before it is -But how, They fwim afhore at victualled? and night, eat for the next four twenty hours, and return on board. as can, get into the corn As many magazines, where they + Hfoire de la Conquête de la Floride. Livre 1. Chap.ro. briftle --- Page 180 --- [ 15O J their hair, roll themfelves amongft the briftle up with all they can accumulate ! grain, and return board with their freight, But how do they get on dock? They creep when the Aipianolongerinihe. the hawfes, or into the along the cables, through betake themfelves to port-holes, from whence they between the the hold, the bread room, the fpace without anxiety fheathing and the fides, &c. where, the claws of about for the future, or embarraffinent breed with fo much their enemy, they live and of the feamen, and rapidity, as to become the peft the terror of the cats ! very aftonifhing in an inThere is fomething of intelligent finét fupported by fuch a number combinations : but the manner in which they prowith the choiceft provifions of the vide themfelves is Atill more fo. I Ahall conclude my ftore-room, fact which I have taken from one of lerter with a our old voyagers. for fome time, that a certain Cc Wehad obferved from a fmall CC number of eggs were daily miffing and which CC barrel in which they were packed, Six of us, Cc was fecured under lock and key. was the captain, bored each a cc amongit whom this is what CC gimlet hole in the wainfcot-and CC we faw: ce Thrée --- Page 181 --- [ I5I ] CF Three large rats Ce was about approached the barrel, which half-full. Onc of them ce anothcr fixed himfelf went into it, ce ftaid on the edge, and the third below, on the c what was ground. We could not fce doing in the cr rat on the edge barrel, but prefently the cc appeared to be drawing up fomething from the infideinto which cc' while he who had ftaid he had ftooped; below ce and, got upon the hoops, ftanding, on his hind ce and received into legs, reached forward, his mouth < upon the edge had what he who ftood drawn ce go his hold, up. The latter, letting ftooped again into c drew the barrel, and up fomething which was cc taken hold in like manner ofby him on the Cc covered that it hoops ; we now difwas the tail of Cc third tug, the thief a rat; and at the < appeared with an egg between his legs, his back clafped ce infide of the refting againft the barrel, and his Cc His two head downwards. companions then <c brium placed him in equiliupon the edge of the cc below took him barre! ; he who was again the cr was above, by til; and he who by one of his cr ner, cars, and in this manfupporting and <e extremitics, conduéting him by the two they lowered him <c hoop tol hoop, till they gently down from Cr ftill placed him Cn the on his back, and ground, cr his holding the c8g betweén legs. In this manner re wards a hole between they dragged him tothe wainfcot, and the Cc fheathing was again the cr was above, by til; and he who by one of his cr ner, cars, and in this manfupporting and <e extremitics, conduéting him by the two they lowered him <c hoop tol hoop, till they gently down from Cr ftill placed him Cn the on his back, and ground, cr his holding the c8g betweén legs. In this manner re wards a hole between they dragged him tothe wainfcot, and the Cc fheathing --- Page 182 --- [ 152 ] where we loft fight of Ce fheathing of the fhip, GE thém." * have interefted me,, Sir, as much What would. would be the manher as the fight of the capture, We may be partly in which the egg was divided-tnor howerer, that it produced no difputes certain, equal in right and animofitics amongtadventurers in power. It is difficult to conceive the raTo conclude. I increafe of thefe animals in a long voyage. pid return from the Cape ofGood recolleét that on my to appear beHope, the cats ventured no longer numdecks; and that though we deftroyed tween &c. they bred fo faft that bers of them by traps, our hands. When they feemed to increafe upon to clear the there is no other way this is the cafe, unloading it on ihip of them, but by completely all the fcuttle holes your arrival at a port, ftopping with wet ftraw in the but onc, and making a fire will compel them bottom of the hold : the finoke half fuffocated, their retreat, and drive them, to quit aux Indes Orientales. Tome 2. Tournal d'une Veyage fo much interefed author might not havebeen recorder + Ouringenious ashei inigined : fince.the in the divifion of the plunder aneedote (a nan of frict honour and of this mot extraordinary faw the rats return a fecond and a third yeracity) tells us. thar that he there wasan egg a-picc. T. time to the barrel, fo to --- Page 183 --- [ 153 ] to the vent which is left open for them, where they be deftroyed, or driven with eafe into the fea. may LETTER XVIII. Defert, November 1789. You will have a very inadequate idea, Sir, of the life I lead here, if you think that my labours are confined to fuperintending the poultry-yard, and the pigeon-houfe; to cultivating the garden, and overlooking the kitchen, and the workfhop. I have extended my department over all that can contribute to the embellifhing or enlivening our folitude. My firft enterprize was to widen, for a fpace of hundred the road which leads to four or five yards, the houfe, that we might have a place to walk in with comfort. This labour, which I executed alone, and with an activity that formed a fingular contraft to my exterior appearance, gave me no fmall trouble, inafmuch as I was obliged to cut through the living rock, and difplace large blocks of ftone, with no other implements than a wretched hoe, and a lever, whofe powers I learnt to calculate by expcrience. When widen, for a fpace of hundred the road which leads to four or five yards, the houfe, that we might have a place to walk in with comfort. This labour, which I executed alone, and with an activity that formed a fingular contraft to my exterior appearance, gave me no fmall trouble, inafmuch as I was obliged to cut through the living rock, and difplace large blocks of ftone, with no other implements than a wretched hoe, and a lever, whofe powers I learnt to calculate by expcrience. When --- Page 184 --- [ 154 J. When, after long and reiterated efforts I had fucceeded in fiufpending one of thofe maffes edge of the ravine, I generally called on the L**s to fee it precipitated down Madame de a fingle exertion of my foot I it the fteep. With I faid to her, See how that put in motion; and volvesinhis fall the grandee in difgrace inWe feeble; plants which have feen the fame thing clingtohim! happen elfewhere. Two fountains, one at the bottom of the circle in which the femiother on the left, buildings are inclofed, and the them, without the gate that leads to give birth to two rivulets, of which the former, after a few meanders, marfh ; croffes the road fpreads into a little at right angles, which it undermines, and throws itfelfinto the ravine: the latter, immediately after quitting its a fecond marfh by filtering fource, forms and finally difappears. through the fame road; My firft care was to carry a ditch, ofa proportioned to the volume of the firft capacity quite acrofs the marfh, which by this rivulet, tion was changed into a charming fimple operaembellifhed ftill more meadow : this I unfightly weeds by rooting up the coarfe and that deformed it, and in their ftead the young fhoots of fubfituting whofe fpreading fltalk, furmounted the ananas, by a beautiful apple --- Page 185 --- [ 155 ] apple of gold, tufted with green, is a real decoration. I had conceived an ambitious exccution of which it projedt, for the unite the two ftreams. was previoufly neceffary to ofdifficulties; Even then my plan was full but they were not the dread of infurmountablefailing, and the hope of Madame de L * * * induced furprizing me to keep ita fecret. Although the elevation of the the flowing away of the fprings facilitated and porous foil waters, yet the chapped prefented. obftacles almoft fible to overcome. By dint of impoffeverance, induftry and perhowever, I overcame indebted to them for them; nay, I was had not reckoned, embellifhments, on which I fince they gave me an tunity of forming fome cafcades-and opporrance of the moft if my ignooccaffioned fimple principles of hydraulics me to commit many each its ufe, fince it blunders, had thus that taught me to avoid others. It is art is perfected ! In little more than a week, the united and carried acrofs the two ftreams, pacted and regular road, in a well-comchannel, formed of flat fufpended as it were, along the borders of ftones, vine, formed, under a the raof the thick tuft of canopy of verdure, cut out bamboos, a fall, which joined to ics me to commit many each its ufe, fince it blunders, had thus that taught me to avoid others. It is art is perfected ! In little more than a week, the united and carried acrofs the two ftreams, pacted and regular road, in a well-comchannel, formed of flat fufpended as it were, along the borders of ftones, vine, formed, under a the raof the thick tuft of canopy of verdure, cut out bamboos, a fall, which joined to --- Page 186 --- C 156 J to the murmur of my little cafcades, broke at length, and for ever, the long filence of our foliand ftruck with joy and wonder both the tude, the found, and Madame de cchoes which repeated L whom I had fecretly laboured to furprize, or rather to captivate and delight. It is here that wc pafs a great part of the day, I in rcading and her little girl in fhe in fewing, on but her paddling in the ftream with nothing chemife, in the bofom of nature, of innocence, This mode of life, Sir, and of friendfhip. peaceful without where every hour has its occupation, is not its charms ; however infipid it may appear to you, after that which I have led elfewhere. Undoubtedly difference between the bamboo arch there is a wide under which I now repofc, and the gilded ceiling, dome I lately occupied in the paand magnificent of the brilliant piclace of kings ; to fay nothing which then enlivened my tures with imagination even is ! but in lofing career - All, all fhipwrecked be I preferved one quality which can never hope, from me: the art of enjoying what remains. taken While I wait tillalong feries of labours, (which be executed by infenfible degrecs), fhall can only is alrcady done, the little enable me to add to what embellifhments cf which the ground is ftill fufcepat the extremity of the garden tible, Ihave planted two --- Page 187 --- r L 157 J two rows of avocatiers, which will one form day a fhady alley from the houfe to the road. The fide ofthe hill, where the negroes have fixed their and which rifes from the meadow I huts, mentioned above, has nothing at prefent to boaft of, but a few languifhing coffee plants, with here and there a gling tree. I intend to cover it with fhrubs ftrag- and buihes, fuch as the green and red pimento, thep granate, the citron, and the fweet pomThe dark fmelling acacia. green ofthe fir fhall be contrafted with the red and white of the thefrancbipanier; and by the fide of charming papayer, whofe trunk, more than that of the palm, its clegant majeftic rival, gains in grace what it lofes in grandeur, fhall bloom the queen offlowers, the flower of every climate, the rofe! Inftead of the fteep and fony road by which the negroes defcend to the houfe, abroad and path fhall wind through the eafy lianes, directed with coppice, where the fkill, ihall fufpend their COloured tufts from the branches of the the fampale, the orange tree, acajou, the calabafier, &c. If the rich European confumes a part of his fortune that he may fee the tulip tree and the magnalia of America degenerate in his garden, why fhould not I gratify a fentiment more active and more than curiofity, by pleafing of naturalizing a few of the trees my native country ? Do you think, Sir, that See the conclufion of the fecond Canto of 6 Les by M. de Lille, Jardins," my , acajou, the calabafier, &c. If the rich European confumes a part of his fortune that he may fee the tulip tree and the magnalia of America degenerate in his garden, why fhould not I gratify a fentiment more active and more than curiofity, by pleafing of naturalizing a few of the trees my native country ? Do you think, Sir, that See the conclufion of the fecond Canto of 6 Les by M. de Lille, Jardins," my --- Page 188 --- [ 158 ] would be lefs tenderly touched at findmy feclings the afpin or the birch of our ingin Saint. Domingo when he difcowoods, than the young Potavira's, vered in France the trees of Otaheite ! of his predecelfors (of whom If the experience fortune fufficient fcarce one inat thoufand realizes a die in him to return old and infirm, to to enable had not been thrown away on his native country) here ; if the abthe firft who fixed his refidence the ambiof facrificing prefent pleafures to furdity fome time hence, uncertain and tion of procuring, left the man too little faétitious ones, had not good a forthat the urgency of making fenfe to difcover exclude the power ofbeing tune does not neceffarily inftead of burying his cafa happy in the interim ; he would have in the hole where it now ftands, of the a little to the right built it on a platform, plantation. walks ufually terminate, fince I At this fpot our There, an horihave made the road practicable. fide, but broken by zon equally extended on every the of the projetions of the rocks, or tops abrupt us on the left the intire bay of mountains, prefents defiles of the vale of GoffeJaquemel, the gloomy and the line, fome of its buildings, a torrent, the beft mountain of La Selle ; on the right, onc of diftricts of the ifland, mornes lefs wild cultivated and --- Page 189 --- [ 159 ] and favage, extenfive valleys, ftreamlets which meander through them, fettlements more rich and populous, and, to fum up all, the fea of and the ifland of Gonave. Léogane, Behold, then, the limits of our walks, the theme of our regrets, and the object of our fchemes to come! It is there that we frequently linger till the return of night compels us to retire flowly to our fepulchre,-See, faid I, yefterday, at the proach of evening, to Madame de L** * how apmany men complain of their exiftence, for want of khowing how to extend and embellifh it! Bchold the moft beautiful of hours ! that in which the tears of the wretched ccafe to flow with their in which the fkies lefs fweat; breathe a frefher and inflamed, permit us to a purer air ! Why is my ear only ftruck with the fhrill and difcordant that flight of cry of parroquets, or with the of the filthy reptiles, who vegetate in the croaking bottom of theravine? Why does not the bell of the Angelus * announce to every habitation that the night repofe ? Why do not the barkings of the faithful brings dog aflure me that I may flcep in on his fidelity ? Why, inftead of the peace, dull relying notonous tom-tom, which that and monegro produces by * The fignal for Vefpers amongft the Catholics-of which firft prayer begins with the word Angelus. T. the ftriking filthy reptiles, who vegetate in the croaking bottom of theravine? Why does not the bell of the Angelus * announce to every habitation that the night repofe ? Why do not the barkings of the faithful brings dog aflure me that I may flcep in on his fidelity ? Why, inftead of the peace, dull relying notonous tom-tom, which that and monegro produces by * The fignal for Vefpers amongft the Catholics-of which firft prayer begins with the word Angelus. T. the ftriking --- Page 190 --- [ 160 ] without clafticity, do I not hear ftriking on a body flute, unite itfelf the found of the galoubet, or ruftic voices of the negreffes, to the fweet and well-timed of that troop of Nlaves, and direét the light fteps the labours of the who forget, in dancing, both await themn on the prefent day, and thofe which next? fay thofe fagacious people Ce All this is folly," and their who have their entrails in their pockets, their head! ftill nearer their wits than long ears Saint Domingo to acquire ca fortune, Ce We came to dance, nor to liften to CC and not to fee negrocs not forthe prebids us live, ce cafcades; prudence <C fent, but for the future." provident ceconomifts of Beit fo: kcep then, ye with which.ye might the futurc, keep the few flowers bierhave ftrewed your way, to fcatter over your fhall have But when a reverfe, too frequent feek here, for confolacompelled both you and me, to of forbetter than the promifes tion in fomething by late and fupertune, do not Atrive to embitter which I have fecured fluous regrets, the enjoyments in defiance of her caprice. to myfelf Sir, advance the fophifimn fo And let no one, thofe who do not believe often brought forwardl by is the famc, what they fay, that our happinefs whether --- Page 191 --- E 161 ] whether we enjoy it in the paft, the future ; for I fhall prefent, or the modes reply that, fince one of thefe does not neceffarily exclude another, there is nothing to prevent my connecting the of the prefent with the énjoyment the hope of the recolleétion of the paft, or future. ce dreadful curfe What a curfe, what a is our wealth," cries a traveller, €r when it renders modern Ce nefs * It us incapable of happiis, and ever muft be a néver.rich in what it with cupidity, c it poffeffes, always poorin what defiress;" and which takes the name of as it is with avarice, which forecaft; affumes the difguife of ceconomy S and whofe whole merit confifts in the art of living poor to die rich. Whether we fhall be feized with this mania our turn, I know not ; but, in the in have augmented our ftock with interim, we grey and white four couple of male pintados, and with a male and feHoco. The former of thofe bfrds already acquainted with you are their ; you know the delicacy of flefh, and how much their vivacity, their clear and mufical cry, their numerous broodings, &c. 66 Lettres fur guelgues parties de la Lettre 11. Suife," feconde partie, $ 6 LAmi des Hommes," Tome 1, Chap, 1,: M : enliven four couple of male pintados, and with a male and feHoco. The former of thofe bfrds already acquainted with you are their ; you know the delicacy of flefh, and how much their vivacity, their clear and mufical cry, their numerous broodings, &c. 66 Lettres fur guelgues parties de la Lettre 11. Suife," feconde partie, $ 6 LAmi des Hommes," Tome 1, Chap, 1,: M : enliven --- Page 192 --- E 162 J whenever enliven and animate the poultry-yard, they are thoroughly tamed. t tranfported hither The Hoco, Oco, or Oecot, Mexico, with a from Cayenne, and originally from which of gloffy black, except the breaft, plumage of the moft beautiful yellow, is white, and a creft is ftronger and larger than the peacock-perfedly chicken of familiar, but fo great a coward, that a old puts it to Aight; and fo grofsly ftupid, two days even of his felf-conceit, that a turkey, independant his fide. Nothing may fancy himfelf an cagle by that the filly couple have yet thougbr announces themfelves-There is no.great evil of perpetuating of fools ! check to the propagation in a temporary : letter, Sir, and find it: to be I have. read over myl Not fomewhat of the longeft. a mere rhapfody, its I will take the opto derogate from charaéter, illnefs, with which I portunity of a flight fit of by followand which I cafily removed "was fcized, of the country, to fay a few words ing the regimen I muft previoufly of its difeafes and its remedies.. minute and accurate defeription of the different + See a very in the : Recucil d' Oéfercations curicufes," fpecies of the' pintado &c. Tome I. Chap. 10. in the -6 gorrnal da # This bird is extremely well defcribed les par Ravenau de Woyage fait à la Mer du Sud,?" avec Ftbufiers. Lufan: Page 41. obferve --- Page 193 --- [ 163 ] obferve that they are poffeffed here that people of a weak and delicate with an idea fift the influence of the climate confitution rethan thofe whoa are more fuccefsfully not fo; but the ftronger. The fact is obvioufly fince the former, opinion is cafily accounted for, ger, by their inceffantly reminded of their danweaknefs, take while the latter, full of a blind every precaution; ftrength, confidence in their inconfiderately abufe it. as with fortune : 'tis not It is with this but prodigal ceconomical mediocrity, opulence that ruins itfelf. Undoubtedly, bilious and ments are more fubject here fanguine temperathe maladies than elfewhere to produced by the the humours, or the exhauftion fermentation of which of the fluids, but produces an impoverifhment of the nature has placed the remedy by the fide blood: difeafe. In very hot countries ofthe the abundance of acids peoplc eat little: : moderate ufe of allows of an habitual but blood them ; they purify and cool the ; divide and facilitate the evacuation humours-and if thofe of a of the fubject than others fanguine habit are more to inflammatory they are, in their turn, lefs fpeedily complaints, a tranfpiration, that may be faid exhaufted by Such of the to be perpetual. colonifts as have good fenfe fubmit to the mode of living the climate enough to attain to a good old age, efpecially prefcribes, when they inM 2 habit ; they purify and cool the ; divide and facilitate the evacuation humours-and if thofe of a of the fubject than others fanguine habit are more to inflammatory they are, in their turn, lefs fpeedily complaints, a tranfpiration, that may be faid exhaufted by Such of the to be perpetual. colonifts as have good fenfe fubmit to the mode of living the climate enough to attain to a good old age, efpecially prefcribes, when they inM 2 habit --- Page 194 --- [ 164 ] where the air is more habit the higher grounds, and where, when once pure, the heat lefs intenfe, from the malafeafoned, they are intirely exempt dies fo prevalent in the plains. all food of If I may truft my own experience, as too folid a nature fhould be avoided, as well too liquors. It is, doubtlefs, nefree a ufe of ftrong blood the) humidity it has ceffary to give back to the recourfe to ; but without having loft by perlpiration the balance of Cornaro, a very flight acquaintance a toconftitution will enable you to form with your of what it requires. At my firft lerable judgment with whom I was in habits arrival here, a planter, me that the ufe of water of intimacy, perfuaded of wine. I was pioully folwas preferable to that that the new lowing his plan, when I perceived from his derogated prodigioully Doctor Sangrado often as he dined abroad : from own principles, as of wine this I concluded, that his late prohibition have underftood of fuch as might muft be merely table; and I refumed my been drank at his own ufual regimen. The action of the moral on the phyfical-necef the fenfes in a climate where farily more powerful by a moft rapid circulaare fo eafily exafperated of avoiding with the tion-fhews the propricty irritating, attention, every thing that, by utmoft might --- Page 195 --- E 165 ] might give the organs a fuperabundance of and activity, which would force cnergy. quickly deftroy their It is in the negleét of this falutary we muft look for the caufe of that principle that premature exhauftment, which fpeedy, and or reduces to a degrec of weaknefs fo foon deftroys, a-kin to death, fo many of the and imbecility, Domingo. inhabitants of Sainr Ibelieve that cold, or at moft, a light and wholefome lukewarm baths, time to diet, gentle cvacuations from time, a moderate degree of labour rather calculated to amufe activity, and are all that is than to occupy, when neceffary to preferve a little one has reached a certain health, ift is commonly age. Every colonmedicines, of which provided with a fmall cheft of and rhubarb: the the principal are manna, falts, country and the leaves of the caflia itf@elfproduces tamarinds, of which, with a little tree ; a flight infufion a purge as a mixture orange juice, makcs as good Somc more feientifically compofed. fpecies of the lianc may be ufed fame purpofe; but you muft be for the guard againft others which vigilantly on your poifon. The are a ftrong and fubtle with fuch negroes are but too well as have this fatal acquainted property: : their unhappy experience ces tamarinds, of which, with a little tree ; a flight infufion a purge as a mixture orange juice, makcs as good Somc more feientifically compofed. fpecies of the lianc may be ufed fame purpofe; but you muft be for the guard againft others which vigilantly on your poifon. The are a ftrong and fubtle with fuch negroes are but too well as have this fatal acquainted property: : their unhappy experience --- Page 196 --- E 166 ] in thefe matters has produced morethan experience where the public fate one Locufta, in a country influence of morals does not neceffarily leave any to the empire of religion. LETTER XIX. Defert, December 1789, IAM wholly of your opinion, Sir-The manageof the is every where a moft importment ground therefore venture to lay before ant object. I fhall I have received on that of you fuch information as Saint Domingo. the cultivation off fugar be the firft in Although I fhall fay nothing of it at prefent, confequence, of folbecaufe I have not had an opportunity all its details. I have only lowing it through and this a fingle queftion to the planters; put not anfwered to my fatisfaction. It they have on a level, obliged to was - why, working a numfurrow the ground, and to maintain great ber of men, horfes, or mules, to carry canes, did the liquor when made, 8cc. they tranfport inftead of the hoc, make ufe of the plough, not, an --- Page 197 --- [ 167 J an inftrument infinitely morc fimple and more eXpeditious : efpecially as it would not the number of only leffen mode of negroes required by the prefent cultivation, but produce the double of a confiderable capital, and of a moveable faving perty extremely expenfive, and often ruinous prothe viciflitudes to which it is from fubject; ; fince, unlike every thing to be feen elfewherc, the fortunc of planter is founded here, much more on thofe a ables than on the produce moveraife. they are calculated to I know more than one inhabitant whom of an innovation, by fo much the the idea as it tends to fubftitute beafts more barbarous, to defpair: but if I had the to men, will drive planter, I believe, honour to be a figar (that dcaf to the of the generous proxeneta, who in remonftrances negroes my labour deftroys, return for the peopling my feraglio with undertakes the care of thing fhould African beauties,) noI prevent me from makingall the trials might judge neceffary to remove my the comparative doubts on advantages and the two methods. difadvantages of Chance, routine, and a very limited knowledge, have long prefided degree of of coffee, introduced here overthe cultivation the epoch of the forthe firft time in 1715, deftruétion of the cocoa walks. It labour deftroys, return for the peopling my feraglio with undertakes the care of thing fhould African beauties,) noI prevent me from makingall the trials might judge neceffary to remove my the comparative doubts on advantages and the two methods. difadvantages of Chance, routine, and a very limited knowledge, have long prefided degree of of coffee, introduced here overthe cultivation the epoch of the forthe firft time in 1715, deftruétion of the cocoa walks. It --- Page 198 --- [ 168 ] that, inftead of the old cuftom of It is but lately the young plants in the ground at random, fticking of giving they have adopted the more eligible plan their nurferies a regular form $ that of a quincunx moft one, as it admits certainly a advantageous free circulation of air, leaves a fufficient fpace of a without injuring each other, for the plants to fpread the labour facilitates hocing, and, finally, abridges the berries. They have a cuftom of of gathering the of four or five feet topping the plants at height in from the ground, that, by concentring the fap of the ftems, they may obtain a the lower parts the duration of quantity of fruit: I fufpect greater the ; but on this the plant is abridged by operation, point I do not fpcak with much confidence-that bc enabled to do by a long feries of I could only notwithexperiments *, I fhall only add, that, ftanding with for more information on the fubject of coffee * Thofe who have only to read, if they have patience, in I. The Treatife of Profper Alpinus, publifhed 1592. of Another Treatife of the fame author, on the Medicine 2. the Egyptians. Obfervations and the Notes of Veftigius, in 1638. 3. The third Treatife of Fauftus Nairon, in 1671. 4- A Treatife of Philip Silvefter Dufour, in 1684. 5. A fourth Treatife, by Nicholas de Blégny, in 16876 A ffth and Progrefs of Coffee, by Antoine 7: A Letter on the Origin Galland, in 1699. Treatife on the Origin and Progrefs And laily, An Hiftorical into ArabiaFclix, and of Coffec, printed at the end of a voyage publithed in 1715. It airon, in 1671. 4- A Treatife of Philip Silvefter Dufour, in 1684. 5. A fourth Treatife, by Nicholas de Blégny, in 16876 A ffth and Progrefs of Coffee, by Antoine 7: A Letter on the Origin Galland, in 1699. Treatife on the Origin and Progrefs And laily, An Hiftorical into ArabiaFclix, and of Coffec, printed at the end of a voyage publithed in 1715. It --- Page 199 --- [ 169 ] ftanding the imperfedt fyftem at prefent in ufe, the annual average produce of the coffee plantations of Saint Domingo is eftimated at the amazing fum of eighty millions ! The moft feducing article of cultivation for fuch as are lefs cager to accumulate, than to is cotton. It is not fo lucrative, enjoy wealth, reft, but its indeed, as the returns are quick, and it requires fewer hands, fewer buildings, &zc. Almoft every foil agrees with it, though there are fome, fuch as that of Gonaïve for example, which raife plants of a fuperior quality. It has to dread Io certain winds which blight its flowers. 2°A fly, which upon them. 3° The competition of the Levant preys and India cotton. Finally, the greater or lefs degree of vogue, which flackens, fufpends, and fometimcs entirely arrefts the manufacturing of it into ftuffs, and difcourages the planter, always in doubt . about the fale of a commodity which has more than once been known to fail. * Itwas Monfieur Défelieux, as is well known, Governor of the French Weft Indies, who imported into them the General fee plant-and who, in a fearcity of water, had the refolution firft cof facrifice the half of his allowance to the prefervation of to cious charge. Pietro della Vela, a Spaniard, contends his moft preftrenuoufly, that the Nepenthe ofHomerwas nothing but coffee I Itis to be hoped the Gods did not drink it without fugar. See the defcription of the cotton-tree in L'Hifoire d'un Voyage aux Ifles Malouines. Tome I. Chap. 5. I have --- Page 200 --- I 190 ] little or no information to give you ref3 Ihave indigo. I do not know a fingle planter peéting who cultivates it, and I have feen feveral eftates where it has been long given up-you will find the reafcn in a former letter. The height, the extenfive fhade, and the beauty of the fruit of the cacaoyer, or cocoa-trec, make the people of tafte regret that this article of comhas alfo been renounced. With refpect to merce tobacco, ginger, and Brazil-wood, caffia, rocou, witbin thefe hundred years, the which formed, aimoft the fole refources of Saint principal, and Domingo, they are hardly known here by name, fince the introduction of cotton, fugar, and coffee. An Academy of Agriculture has been eftablifhed to which the planters are indebted at Cape François, the for fome obfervations, which have improved reduced merely to give adart of cultivation--but, which no one is vice, and to propofe experiments, to make at his own rifque, it will never tempted attain the end of its inftitution until government thall take the expence upon itfelf. Notwithftanding the progrefs which cultivation has made here within the laft twenty years, I have taken notice of a very great error-that of employinftead of the hand : for ing the hoe in weeding, thus Cape François, the for fome obfervations, which have improved reduced merely to give adart of cultivation--but, which no one is vice, and to propofe experiments, to make at his own rifque, it will never tempted attain the end of its inftitution until government thall take the expence upon itfelf. Notwithftanding the progrefs which cultivation has made here within the laft twenty years, I have taken notice of a very great error-that of employinftead of the hand : for ing the hoe in weeding, thus --- Page 201 --- [ 171 ] thus it happens that the roots which are left in the ground, inceffantly produce new fhoots, while, if they were pulled up, Care being taken to do it before the plants had feeded, we might hope by degrees to exterminate them intirely. It is in rala wretched mode of genecalculation, always to the moft expeditious method; fince prefer confider we can never a work as finifhed, which we have confantly to begin a-new. Perhaps, Sir, it would be proper to fet afide, under the name of King's Farm, or Efale, a piece of land fufficiently fpacious, and varied, to admit of every fpecies of cultivation. There, entrufted with the care of the experience thods, verifying new memight rectify their defeéts, cftablifh their excellencies, and attempt new improvements. They are now making fome experiments of this nature in the King's Garden, at but it is neither in a Port-au-Prince, garden, nor on a few detached plants, that they can be fo effectually made as to demonftrate the eligibility of adopting this or that particular fyftem. A careful and may lavifh fuch intelligent man pains on a new plant as to make it thrive prodigioufly in a well prepared foil, without being authorized from thence to conclude that its culture would be equally fuccefsful fcale. To fay the upon a larger truth, this refiection does not feem --- Page 202 --- [ 172 ] the managers; fince they have fcem to have efcaped diftributed a number of clove-trees among lately Scveral have died ; others have fucthe planters. refpecting the ceeded : fo that the general queftion muft this valuable article poflibility of naturalizing doubtful till more extenfive trials enable us remain to decide it. Garden talk alfo of The managers of the King's breadinto the Antilies, the rima, or introducing Ifles * : but will it find fruit tree of the Socicty the foil of its native country? Will it beable there and above all, the Chamber to refift the hurricanes, ? more deftruétive of Commerce-ftill had of this counThe knowledge you previoufly what have been able to add to it try, joined to you muft have taught you from my correfpondence, induftry here. It has been that there is very little of which the four banifhed by a variety of caufcs, following are the chief. little tafte of the inhabitants for fuch I The this of the arts as depend on fecondary produétions quality. of the rima in the Nouveau Voyage à la See the defeription Mer du Sud, Page 187. 2° The what have been able to add to it try, joined to you muft have taught you from my correfpondence, induftry here. It has been that there is very little of which the four banifhed by a variety of caufcs, following are the chief. little tafte of the inhabitants for fuch I The this of the arts as depend on fecondary produétions quality. of the rima in the Nouveau Voyage à la See the defeription Mer du Sud, Page 187. 2° The --- Page 203 --- [ 173 ] 2° The fcarcity of hands, which makes article of workmanfhip extremely dear. every 3" The earneftnefs with which the Chamber of Commerce decries, fhackles, nay, even perfecutes every thing which tends to weaken its influence, by rendering it lefs neceffary. 49 The apathy which under a burning mits men to remain fky perignorant of a multitude of wants, whofe gratification, in of becoming a fource enjoyment to the rich, opens a vaft field to the induftry of the poor. Every article of furniture, whether of of comfort, or of luxury, is imported neceflity, from France, into a country which ready made offers, in great abundance, to the carpenter, the turner,, and the cabinet-maker, the different fpecies of the or mahogany, the manciniller, &cc. The acajou, purchafes thefe woods at a low rate, works Chamber them in the cheapeft manner, and fells the up for fix livres, the fame inhabitants quantity of plank the bought of them for fix fous.-You will lately that this is carrying the allow, Sir, rate of a too high ! brokerage little And what is the confequence? That inhabitants who make what is among the very improperly called --- Page 204 --- E 174-J called here a clear wvood, that is, who cut down the certain extent of country, in order to trees in a there is fcarcely a man who cultivate the foil, thinksit worth his while to feleét the valuable part, before he commits the fall to the flames; which thus devour inconceivable treafures. abounds in a very beautiful fpeSaint Domingo but that cies of fern. It is not then impofible might be made here of a fuperior quality to glafs The carth offers of itfelf to the that of Europe. and when potter a new fubftance for his ingenuity, of thefe it is confidered how vaft a confumption articles of the firft neceffity, the awkwardnefs two itis greatly to be lamented of thc. negroes' occafions, been made on thc fpot to that no attempts have procure them at a price lefs ruinous. Hitherto they have only thought of employing halters for horfes and afles. Its the pitre to make ftronger than thread, which is of a dazzling white, with and lefs brittle than hair, would fupply hemp, of thofe two fubftances, in a advantage the place folely of articles where they are at prefent variety employed. manufaéture, butin no great quantity, from They fan-tree Palm, a fort of hat, which the Latanier, or lefs retentive of the rays of is lighter than ours, and the . Its the pitre to make ftronger than thread, which is of a dazzling white, with and lefs brittle than hair, would fupply hemp, of thofe two fubftances, in a advantage the place folely of articles where they are at prefent variety employed. manufaéture, butin no great quantity, from They fan-tree Palm, a fort of hat, which the Latanier, or lefs retentive of the rays of is lighter than ours, and the --- Page 205 --- E 175 ] the fun: : it is alfo lefs liable to be fpoiled nately by alterimbibing the moifture and the duft. would not be amifs, It then, to encourage the ufe of them ; fince they are not only better the climate, but adapted to cheaper, and more durable than thofe of felt. The Palma-Chrifi, which the botanifts call the Ricimus Jmericanus, the Caraibs Carapat, and the natives of Peru Pillerilla, is a fhrub, whofe applied to the breafts of. nurfes, is faid leaf, the, quantity of milk. Icannot to increafe tainty of this vouch for the cerquality in the Palma-Chrifti, but know that its fruit, or its feed, I tremely produces an oil exfwect, which, independent of the ufes to which it may be applied, is other with the beft effeéts to children adminiftered lics or afflicted with chofubject to confumptions. * The female mulattoes fuch compofe, with a few fruits, as the citron, the ananas, &cc. a coarfe of kind fwect-meat: : the dearnefs of refined fugar, The oil is extraéed in the <6 is firft fcalded, then following minner. 66 The fruit €E It is next expofed to the fun for two or threc pounded until itis days, c: luted with water, equal in reduced to a pafte, which is di. c6 fruit ; the whole is then boiled, quantity to the mafs of pounded Cc top taken off with a and the oil which floats on the ce and a fmall quantity of fpoon, oil The fediment is again walhed, Recueil d' Offervations procured by repeating the procefs.' 2 Curieufi, Tome 1. Chap. 21. which --- Page 206 --- [ 176 ] which obliges them to have recourfe to' fyrup, or them from giving it that degree molaffes, prevents like the liqueurs of Martinico, of excellence which, and a rapid would procure it'a vaft reputation, fale. make and two trades, generally One profeflion the fortunes of fuch as exercife at Saint Domingo, fuffer themfelves to be them ; when they do not planters. feduced by the ambition of becoming and is the terrible one of phyfic, The profeffion thofe of the mafon, and above all of the trades are the carpenterSir, that neither the You will eafily imagine, with any very. exone nor the other can be gifted and fkill: An traordinary degree of intelligence furdifciple of Saint Como, a half-taught ignorant muft needs be a wretched phyfician gcon's mate, where the art of healing requires a in a country and an extenfive botanical ftudy perfectly new, and regular pracknowledge in addition to a long tice in Europe. of the mafon here, that the So little is required fufficient. labourer are amply talents of a common with him one of this defcripMonf. Cottin brought of the bufinefs was tion, whofe whole knowledge He is at confined to the art of making mortar. prefent be a wretched phyfician gcon's mate, where the art of healing requires a in a country and an extenfive botanical ftudy perfectly new, and regular pracknowledge in addition to a long tice in Europe. of the mafon here, that the So little is required fufficient. labourer are amply talents of a common with him one of this defcripMonf. Cottin brought of the bufinefs was tion, whofe whole knowledge He is at confined to the art of making mortar. prefent --- Page 207 --- L 177 ] prefent owner of two negroes, and gives himfelf airs-juft like the reft. The conftruction of cafas and mills exaéts fomething more of the carpenter. Since wehave a commerce with the United States of opened we have imported from thence frames America, which are formed with of houfes, more care, and furnifhed much cheaper than thofe made on the : the wood fpot but as employed on them is very far from as good as that we ufe here, I fhould being confideration would infure imagine this French a preference to the workman, as foon as the competition Thall havel compelled him to lower his price, to his: . materialsi - with greater care, and finifh more. taftc; and to exhibit intelligence; in putting them together. 3 r Iovaim I have abridged, as much as poflible, thofe infipid details which I fhould never have but for your queftions. thought of climate which Undoubtedly, there is no neceffarily excludes a certain of induftry: but placed hére between degrce and commerce, of which it is alternately agriculture the duce and the bond, it requires, to enable it profpread and thrive, a portion of to encouragement and liberty, without which it muft inevitably fall into languor and decay. Induftry is the fole of the poor; when it is too much patrimony cirçumfcribed, N it --- Page 208 --- [ 178 ] either deftroyed, or reduced to fupply it is intirely of thofe legitimate reby illegal means, the want fources of which it has been deprived. LETTER XX. Defert, January 1790. Sir, of two little I MUST give you an account, ; excurfions I have juft made: One to vifit a planter the maroon : for the inftant you the other to hunt it efcapes into: leave this domeftic animal at liberty the manwhere it refumes the form, the woods, charaéter of the wild boar. ners, and the Baudouin, the overfeer, and myfelf, fet Monfieur to dine at the bottom of the out before day-break, off, with his father, Goffeline, about three leagues of that quarter. an inhabitant at the foot of the morne, the track After quitting, to the Defert, we werewhich leads from Jaquemel in our obliged to put our fhocs and ftockings miles, up pockets, and to walk barcfoot near.three the ar. ners, and the Baudouin, the overfeer, and myfelf, fet Monfieur to dine at the bottom of the out before day-break, off, with his father, Goffeline, about three leagues of that quarter. an inhabitant at the foot of the morne, the track After quitting, to the Defert, we werewhich leads from Jaquemel in our obliged to put our fhocs and ftockings miles, up pockets, and to walk barcfoot near.three the --- Page 209 --- 0 179 3 the'bed of a river, being the fmootheft and moft convenient road," although the fand' which was here and there above water, was fometimes fo nfcorching as to force uS to pafs over it as if we - were treading on burning coals. The filent and gloomy defiles which prefented feveral we traverfed, - new fpecies of trecs, plants; and flowers. fhrubs, ftruck Amongft the firft; that which me the moft was the mapoit, beyond diction the largeft of all contratrees, if, as I as Ravenau de Luffàn believe, and writes, his made out of a fingle companions really one, a canoe which carried fourfcore men. * Whatever may be the refiftance which fuch enormous mafs oppofes to the action of the an I faw onc torn up by the roots in the laft hurricane. wind, We fhould deceive ourfelves, however, if we always judged of the violence of the winds fize of the trees they overthrow. by the Saint In no part of Domingo have I found the foil which covers the under ftratum of fand, fhell, or more than two or three fect thick; fo lime-ftone, that roots of the largeft trees, inftead of the wards are obliged to ftrike out thooting downa manner that a confiderable horizontally, in fuch part of them always Journal du Yoyagefait d la Mer du Sud, &c. Page A N 2 95. appcars --- Page 210 --- U1 180, ] above ground. But a more, ftriking difappears between the trees of this country, and tinétion world. is, tiat the ftrait and fmooth thofe ofthcold to puth out their, trunks of the former only begin branches towards the top, or at moft at two-thirds the underwood of their height 1 5 fo that, without foreft here which fills up the intermediate fpaces, a would refemble an immenfe collection of columns of verdure! In this refpect, fupporting a canopy between the however, there exifts a vaft difference fummits and fides of the mountains, and the botof the defiles and plains : the forefts which tom be by the affiftcover thç heights can only paffed in ance of the hatchet, the others may be traverfed direétion without much difficulty. any nic A difference of vegetation, extremely ftriking fo little removed from one another, proin fpots variety wherever it takes place. duces an agrecable mifanthropy 5 there Here is the abode of favage, of tender mclancholy. This difference the afylum that the expofurc, the degree of feems to prove the nature of the foil, clevation, and above all, on have at leaft as much influence as the latitude, of the earth. Itis to the want of not the produétions ftudied this co-operation of local having fufficiently attribute the numerous errors caufes, that we muft ambitious of rein the works of the learned, who, to one ferring the moft contradictory obfervations common age, of tender mclancholy. This difference the afylum that the expofurc, the degree of feems to prove the nature of the foil, clevation, and above all, on have at leaft as much influence as the latitude, of the earth. Itis to the want of not the produétions ftudied this co-operation of local having fufficiently attribute the numerous errors caufes, that we muft ambitious of rein the works of the learned, who, to one ferring the moft contradictory obfervations common --- Page 211 --- E 18r ] common principle, obftinately perfift in no other caufe for the difference of admitting the influence of the climate! vegetation than then, Let them tell us, why the kingdom of Cachemire, which is only feparated from other circular countries of Afia by a range of mountains, varies fo much from them in the productions of its foil, that on arriving there, a European, might almoft fancy himfelfin his own country : and why, in a part of the of Corea, fituate nearly in the latitude of peninfula winter is fo rigorous in the Paris, the ber, that the inhabitants beginning of Septemcourfe to their fur are obliged to have reat Quito, garments. Let them tell us why, immediately under the line, the heat cold are fo temperate, that and during all the trees never ceafe to be alternately year the with leaves, and with loaded with fruits, flowers * : and finally, why according Ithall only cite the three of fecondary caufes, ( The fullowing examples of the influence EE blows from the north, and wind, which during all the winter < Zembla, renders the paffes over the icy regions of Nova 6: beria fo cold, that even country watered by the Oby, and all Si6s are no fruit trees; while at Tobolfki, which lies in 57°N. there (6 latitudes, the Swedes have at Stockholm, and even in se various kinds. This not only fruit trees, but pulfe bigher of 66 fuppofed, from the fea difference of does not arife, as fome have ( the Streights,orfrom the Lapland being lefs cold than that of 66 fo than thofe of mountains of Nova Zembla being more 66 the Baltic and the Lapland, but folely from the circumfance of gulph of Bothnia tempering a little the fe4 verity (6 latitudes, the Swedes have at Stockholm, and even in se various kinds. This not only fruit trees, but pulfe bigher of 66 fuppofed, from the fea difference of does not arife, as fome have ( the Streights,orfrom the Lapland being lefs cold than that of 66 fo than thofe of mountains of Nova Zembla being more 66 the Baltic and the Lapland, but folely from the circumfance of gulph of Bothnia tempering a little the fe4 verity --- Page 212 --- [ 182 ] the of Auguftin de Zarate, according to teftimony of the air is <S the difference of the temperature from league to another, that Ce fo great in Peru onel ce thofe who are on the mountain fufferiextremely while thofe on the plain, at ce from the cold ; feek diftance, are obliged to ce only two leagues heat."* the and excellive € for fhelter from great and with that much reading, Cf -Admit, Sir, me, philolife, have made many would-be a fedentary fophers. of the north winds; while in Siberia on the cantrary, 4 verity the activity of the cold." c: there is nothing to qualify Hifoire Naturclke. Tome 2. Bufon of Athens and its diftrissanfwer by their 66 Although the city fouthern of Spain, the people < pofition on the globe to the parts air whichis that mild and temperate ce never enjoyed there of Valencia. of the kingdom 66 breathed by the inhabitants of Greece the winters on the continent c: Generally fpeaking, and the fummers exceflively hot : nor c6 are extremely rigorous, determined relation between the nature of ce does there exift any elevation of the pole, or the refpedlive c6 the feafons,. and the c6 latitude of the places." les Grecs, Tome 1. "Seet. IQ. Recherches Philofophiques fur the degree of latitude that we fhould ce It is not abfolutely by The nature of the foil, ci judge of the heat or cold of a place. external caufes, have 66 the pofition of the mountains, and many that the cold is often more €s fo much influence on the climate, and in in Piedmont, in the Milanefe, ce keen and more lafting Ce the north of Italy, than in France." M. Ducles, Pages. Voyage en Italic par la découverte et de la conquéte du Pérott. Tome 2. * Hifloire de Liv. 7: Chap. 6. I am --- Page 213 --- [ 183 ] convinced that in fpite of the labours and Iam French botanifts, there is not refearches of fome natural hiftory of Saint yet a fingle branch of the It will neither be underftood. Domingo perfedtly planter naturalift, nor an inquifitive a travelling what is deficient : the former will that will fupply health, and perfefpeedily be in want of time, the latter will neither have the knowledge, verance; which this kind of the habits, nor the enthufiafm This ufeful glory ftudy indifpenfably requires. and although muft be referved for the government ; than that of it fhould have no other end in view its influence, it might eafily accomplifh extending Royal Plantation, where its purpofe by eftablifhinga collest all the indithe directors might by degrees kingdom productions of the vegetable fcargenous be either for their which deferve to known, their beauty, or their peculiar properties-a city, of which might throw new light perfeét difcovery fo ufeful to chemiftry, on the fcience of botany, fo neceffary to phyfic! We reached the plantation of Monf. Baudouin nine o'clock. As we were expected, we about the table-no unwelcôme fight found breakfaft on firit time in his life, had juft to a man who, for the walked cight or nine miles barefoot. Monf. which deferve to known, their beauty, or their peculiar properties-a city, of which might throw new light perfeét difcovery fo ufeful to chemiftry, on the fcience of botany, fo neceffary to phyfic! We reached the plantation of Monf. Baudouin nine o'clock. As we were expected, we about the table-no unwelcôme fight found breakfaft on firit time in his life, had juft to a man who, for the walked cight or nine miles barefoot. Monf. --- Page 214 --- 184: ] Madame Baudouin appeared to be Monf. and and their converfation people of excellent fenfe, Their was at once inftructive and entertaining. which they reception, the eafe with free and open houfe, their anxictyto rendid the honours oftheir with der it agrecable to me, the complaifance anfwered my queftions, and even my which they to recal to my mind the objections, all contributed of Saint ancient franknefs, the good old hofpitality Domingo. attentively. As it I examined their plantation had hitherto feen, differed in fome degree from all I and of afking the reafon of it; I took the liberty that ftrangers to the amI learned with pleafure, land from that bition of going to die in a different I difcowhich fupported them, thei imperfedtions in vered in fome branches of their cultivation, details of their domeftic ceconomy, were lefs fome of fkill, than to the moto be attributed to want to of their defires. €c We have enough deration Baudouin to me; >9 faid Monf. c live comfortably, old age to acquire an affluCc why fhould I vex my and which I do ce ence which I have never known, We fhould Ce not find neceffary to my happinefs? children to do." c at leaft leave fomething for our is fituated in a defile, narrow, The plantation faw there for the firft time, but picturefque. I the --- Page 215 --- [ 18; J the genipa, or fablier, one of the moft beautiful trees of the Antilles. It takes its the fhape of its fruit, which I fcarce name from know how to defcribe to you, except by faying that it refembles a fand-box of the moft I elegant form. brought one away with me, which I make ufe of at prefent, but which I fear I fhall not ufe this production, this long, as fruit, this machine, or what you will, is liable to burft, and fhiver to pieces, with an explofion like that of a petard, when it is leaft expected. This fingular effect cannot be, attributed, generally fuppofed, to the fand with as is filled, but to its which it is acquiring a certain degree of marurity ; fince it fometimes takes fruit is place while the hanging on the tree. We returned to the Defert by a different but nearly in the fame road, in need of manner as we Came. Iftood a few days reft, as well to recover the fatigues of my from excurfion, as to for the chafe of a wild boar, whofe prepare myfelf feer had traces the overdifcovered, and for whom he had fet a trap from which he promifed himfelf the fuccefs. fulleft On the day appointed for the paired beforc it expedition, I 1 rewas light, to the place where the negroes need of manner as we Came. Iftood a few days reft, as well to recover the fatigues of my from excurfion, as to for the chafe of a wild boar, whofe prepare myfelf feer had traces the overdifcovered, and for whom he had fet a trap from which he promifed himfelf the fuccefs. fulleft On the day appointed for the paired beforc it expedition, I 1 rewas light, to the place where the negroes --- Page 216 --- [ 186 D affembled to work, for the purpofe negroes were friend Mazimbo, whom I of taking with me my of his gaicty, regarded with affeétion on account the fwectnefs of his difpohis readinefs to oblige, and his attachment to.his female companion fition, Fortune had put it into my power to Laoua. the life of this good and intelligent negrets, fave of it they had both conceived and in confequence that their gratitude fuch an attachment to mc, knew no bounds. Mazimbo leaning on his hoc, and lookI found the horizon, now ready ing with a penfive air on ce What are with the firft beams ofday. to kindle faid I. Ce What are <e you about, Mazimbo?" ?" C Pays moi li ce you looking at fo attentively ftetching C là," ce Mine country tbere,"- faid he, trickled towards the rifing fun, while a tear his arm cheek. Mine country tbere, too, thought down his of fecing it again; thou, poor I, but I have hopes ( Can you fhoot, negro, will fce thine n0 morc. L Good! c Mazimbo?" c Yes, Maffa, me know." and come with me." < quit your hoc, then, the overfeer came up with While I was fpeaking, into his which I immediately put a fpare gun, with this proof of confidence, hands : tranfported round to Laoua who gave Mazimbo turned proudly upon him a fmile; threw a glance of fupcriority his --- Page 217 --- [ 187 J his labouring companions, and at once both Africa and the fun. forgot We had two long miles to broken with pafs, in a country precipices, and covered with almoft impenetrable woods, before wc could reach thei tom of a fort of abyfs. botquct flung in a fhoulder Mazimbo, with his muf hand, marched belt, and a hatchet in his at our head, and freed us part of the liancs which from a followed as well obftruéted our way. We as we could, and fliding. Thanks walking, creeping, to the advice of Monf. Baudouin, who took than once efpecial carc of me, I more cfcaped mangling my hands in ing to break my defcent by the afliftance attemptof thorn, full of of a kind large prickles, as fharp as a razor. When we had reached the hollow, pected to find the where we CXpurpofe of cnemy, we feparated for the furrounding, andaffailing him in placcs at once. But whether it feveral fcented was that hc had us, or that hc happened to be juft then amufing himfelf but the elfewhere, Wc could find nothing impreffion of his body in a where he had lately been marfhy placc, feer's trap, placed wallowing, The overjuft by, was ftill untouched. Tojudgeofi his fizel by the print of his have been an cnormous feet, he muft animal. follow his track, but thc Weatreimpted to clofenefs of the under. wood, us, or that hc happened to be juft then amufing himfelf but the elfewhere, Wc could find nothing impreffion of his body in a where he had lately been marfhy placc, feer's trap, placed wallowing, The overjuft by, was ftill untouched. Tojudgeofi his fizel by the print of his have been an cnormous feet, he muft animal. follow his track, but thc Weatreimpted to clofenefs of the under. wood, --- Page 218 --- L 188 ] and the want of dogs, made us renounce all wood, hopes of coming up with him. attended with few difficulties, as Ourreturn was already cleared; and the road was, in fome meafure, and craggy heights are generally more eafyto fteep climb than to defcend. will the Caledonian boar for Let who deftroy of the hunting of Saint me ! I have had enough in the whére all the game is comprifed Domingo, the wild pintado, the wood-pigeon, maroon hog, and a few others, fuch which is a bird of paffage, and in the fize of our quail, as the turtle, nearly at which plenty; fnipes, very fcarce ; parrots, great impoffible to get a fhot ; and the palmit is almoft fleth is faid to be delicious. tree bird, whofe which I fhould be the moft curious to proThat which I dead or alive, is a humming-bird, cure, to furprize : but this have long been endeavouring that creature whirls round with fuch rapidity, little attention is barely fufficient to difcover the niceft accurately to him, without its ever being poffible much lefs to take aim at him. diftinguifh, other fpecies of birds, one of There arc yet the inhabitants with the name which is honoured by which is on account of his fong, of nightingale, not --- Page 219 --- [ 189 ] not immelodious. Very different from him name he ufurps, an enemy of whofe he never perches but filence, and of fhade, never fings but in the on the tops of trees, and injudicious middle of the day,-A moft -I have laid choice of timc, if he wifhcs to be heard myfelf undera a fevere to fhoot any of thefe injunétion never folitude : in revenge, charming I have companions of our able war againft fnakes, declared inextermin: are not venomous, which, as I am informed, moft but which are, notwithftanding, difagrecable guefts, and would be familiar, if they were once tolerated. extremely in fize; fome are not They differ while others larger than thofe with are more than a foot in us, thefe are the fcarceft and the leaft diameter: haunt the magazincs, where the noxious. They with planters fce them pleafure, as they are mortal enemies rats, which they deftroy wherever of the they come. LET- , notwithftanding, difagrecable guefts, and would be familiar, if they were once tolerated. extremely in fize; fome are not They differ while others larger than thofe with are more than a foot in us, thefe are the fcarceft and the leaft diameter: haunt the magazincs, where the noxious. They with planters fce them pleafure, as they are mortal enemies rats, which they deftroy wherever of the they come. LET- --- Page 220 --- 190 1 LETTER XXI. - T Defert, 1 February 1790. THERE is - a fort of people, Sir, who fancy it fufficient to fet foot in a ftrange country to be under the neceffity of finding every thing in it ftrange. To this we muft attribute the cxaggeration with which travellers fpeak of the rains of Saint Dominwhich, according to them, never fall from the go, clouds but in torrents. The fact is, that it feldom rains here without being attended by ftorms, and that thefe boafted cataracts have little to diftinguifh from fhowers of the famc kind which fall in them every other country. Nature, which feems to follow a much more refyftem here than elfewhere, appears to have gular invariable epoch. Nor is it diffiafligned them an when cult to difcover the caufe of this difference, confider that the proximity of the great Reguwe the lator of the feafons muft neceffarily fubjeet climate of the torrid zone to a procefs more uniform than that of the places where his influence is weakened by diftance. The --- Page 221 --- [ 191 J The rains, which are almoft always with thunder, never laft accompanied the year,' their long: : during a part of which abfence is fupplied by the fall in great abundance. It is dews, inform you, that what I faid proper to relpecting the progreffion of the feafons, is not to be regular in its moft rigorous fenfe. underftood all the rainy A fatal drought during feafon, that. is, from June to fometimes drives the OStober, at others, planter to de(pair; while heavy rains in the dry feafon, tate an unexpected and ruinous precipiclimates, all regions of the vegetation. All ner liable to globe, are in like mangencral laws exceptions, of more or leis rare, to the nature. No latitude appears fubject to invariable rules than that of the more where it is faid never torainin Delta, therc fell fuch a fummer; yet, in 1761 quantity of water, that the part of the villages of Lower greateft principally of mud, Egypt, which are built felf, were, if I may fo exprefs myutterly diffolved, and annihilated by it. * This difference of wet and dry is one which almoft the only diftinguithes the feafons. As nal courfe of the fun divides the diurthe into two parts, nearly twenty-four hours his annual equal, of day and night; revolution, in like manner, change in the produces a temperature of the air, which is Chap, Voyage en Syric et cn Egypte, par M. C.F, 14. Volney. Tome I. fcarcely refs myutterly diffolved, and annihilated by it. * This difference of wet and dry is one which almoft the only diftinguithes the feafons. As nal courfe of the fun divides the diurthe into two parts, nearly twenty-four hours his annual equal, of day and night; revolution, in like manner, change in the produces a temperature of the air, which is Chap, Voyage en Syric et cn Egypte, par M. C.F, 14. Volney. Tome I. fcarcely --- Page 222 --- [ 192 ] however, that fearcely fenfible. Iam of opinion, an incaufes have, in this refpeét, as great local motion of the globe t Auence as the rotatory difference of climate dein other words, that the fituation as on the feafon-- pends as much on the fenfible in the plains fo that the heat fhall be more in fummer ; while in winter, than on the mountains heat fhall differ little on the latter the fummer's we. may winter's cold in the formera-if fromithe word cold for a degrec of temperature ufe the a little more at your which- permits you to breathe after fun-fet a little eafe, or, at moft, to put on and linen drawers covering than the fhirt warmer clad in during the day. you were : inclined, Sir, to believe, thar much - I am very where elfe, the labours of here, as well as every carthi of the woods which mankind, in ftripping the it, and in thus exciting an extraordinary covered faline, and metallic evaporation of the aqueous, and ferve to which nourifh vegetation, particles feed, have not only develope a greater quantity.of a confiderchanged its nacure, but even.effedted aaa in the climate. LE 082 able revolution v7 advantagcous in fomes refpects, This revolution, the foil, from the becâme fatal to the fertility:of of this affertion, fee Anfon's Voyage, Chap."s. + In fupport Book II. moment --- Page 223 --- [ 193 ] moment the planter carried his hatchet into thofe parts of the woods which, placed like pumps, on the brows of the hills, and attracting the mits of the mountains, collect in fumthe fources of the vaft refervoirs fprings and rivulets trickle down their fides. * which Ihave known feveral of thefe mercilefs ers bitterly lament the lofs of the only deftroyfupplied them and their fpring which negroes with out ever git water, withfulpedting was to their own they owed this fudden privation, this imprudence rable every where elfe, but which, lofs-irrepacombination of by a fingular good and evil, is here fometimes abundantly repaired by that on account of its phaenomenon which, frequency, and its effects, is once the terror and the fcourge of the human at 1 mean an earthquake, race, In confequence of a very laudable fuch I muft call that which is curiofity (for difcoveries) directed to. ufeful. many learned naturalifts have voured to explore the caufes of thefe endeaconvulfions. Three elements, fubterrancous fire, air, and water, There is indeed an order that every Thall certain quantity of timber trees proprietor leavea ter obferved than a number of always others. growing : but it is no betexprefs and pofitive law, What is wanted is an have fuch I muft call that which is curiofity (for difcoveries) directed to. ufeful. many learned naturalifts have voured to explore the caufes of thefe endeaconvulfions. Three elements, fubterrancous fire, air, and water, There is indeed an order that every Thall certain quantity of timber trees proprietor leavea ter obferved than a number of always others. growing : but it is no betexprefs and pofitive law, What is wanted is an have --- Page 224 --- [ 194 3 furnifhed the bafis of difhave each in their turn ferent fyftems. to decide between the I am far from pretending but if I were Igmips, the Airifs, and the Aquifs: I fhould mind on the fubject, obliged to fpeak my are all wrong; fince not feruple to declare that they makes them conftantly the mania of fyftematizing of nature to an exclufive reduce the operations reafon for difallowing principle ; while I fee no contribute that different caufes may very properly effect. It of one and the fame to the production thefe three principles do conis clear that two of were tribute-fince if fome fupernatural power the moft aétive of the threc, fuddenly to annihilate fire and water, would I mean air, the other two, But remain equally inert and powerlefs. each the combination of what proves to a demonftration of volcanos, all the three elements in the produétion that the well 2s of carthquakes, is a remark as of South America, fuch as thofc burning mountains in Peru, difcharge an equal quantity of Cotopaxi of fire ; and that, in the! earthquake of water and of Jamaica, torof 1692, which deftroyed a part from' the water were feen to fpout rents of boiling fummits of the mountains : fhattered fides and effects haye been attributed to the infuence thefe in my mind, wigh fome degrec of the tides ; and, Aatitudes, at fince in the higher of probability; Kamtchatka, --- Page 225 --- [ 195 ] for example, it has been obferved Kamtchatka, frequent during the that earthquakes are moft when the equinoxes, particularly the fpring ones, * tides are at the higheft. the obfervations to which this importAmongft birth, there is one ant pheenomenon has given unknown which might lead us to conclude it was fince degree to remote antiquity, in a certain eye-brow although the mere motion of Jupiter's all allufion to earthquakes fhook the univerfe, and brilliant imafeems to have efcaped the lively abftract with whom the moft gination of a people, and covered with philofophy conftantly perfonified to the veil, every thing appertaining an allegorical vaft domain of nature and art! Inftead of a differtation fufficiently learned to of the caufe of enable you to form an opinion a I muft content myfelf with offering earthquakes, which have probably efcaped the few obfervations 5 benotice of my predeceffors : I fay, probably determined in my own mind to read caufe, having du Kamtchatka, par M. KraSee L'Hifoire et Defcription the fame volume, cheninnikow. Tome 2. Page 58. In page4oof material to the fubjeet I am the author takes notice of a fact, too lakes are always to be omitted : it is, that in Kamtchatka upon mountain, which had vomited found on the fummit ofevery high fmoke and fire. as 1e 2 , probably determined in my own mind to read caufe, having du Kamtchatka, par M. KraSee L'Hifoire et Defcription the fame volume, cheninnikow. Tome 2. Page 58. In page4oof material to the fubjeet I am the author takes notice of a fact, too lakes are always to be omitted : it is, that in Kamtchatka upon mountain, which had vomited found on the fummit ofevery high fmoke and fire. as 1e 2 --- Page 226 --- [ 196 1 as late as poflible, the travellers who have written. on Saint Domingo, that I might not prove, like fo many others, the merc echo of thofe who have determine whegone before me; I cannot poffibly ther fome of them may not have anticipated me. Of four earthquakes which I have already experienced, three took place about mid-day. The wind fell inftantancoully; a trembling, more or lefs violent, fucceeded to this paufe; immediately after which the wind began to blow as before. Each of thofe earthquakes was followed, after an interval oftwelve hours, by a kind of trepidation, which to me infinitcly lefs ftrong a fhock, appcared fenfible than that of the morning, yet fufficiently tO awaken me in a fright. Along the fouthern coaft is an opening or cavern, into which the fea penetrates to an unknown depth, and which the inhabitants call the Gulph. Every time the ifland is menaced with an carthquake, there iffues from it a decp and hollow bellowing which fcatters on every fide terror and difmay. Thanks to the eagernefs with which the Spaniards haftened to exterminate the indigenous inhabitants ofthe ifle, we know no more oftheir manners, and of their moral and religious opinions, than what of their deftruction has dicthe neceffity juftifying tated to their bafe and calumniating deftroyers: but, --- Page 227 --- [ 197 ] people on the globe but, if the moft enlightened themfelves before the oaks of Dodona, proftrated the unlettered and timid or the den of Trophonius; excufable in payAmerican muft have been highly of terror to this organ of deftrucing, the worfhip the inhabitant of New tion ; and adoring, like Zealand, HIM WHO SHAKES THE EARTH. furnifhed you with facts, Sir; leaving Ihave from them the confequences your you to deduce moft fit to found a reafonable fagacity may judge I now return fyftem on the caufe of earthquakes. efteemed to fuch of their effects as are properly of a namely, the drying up. the leaft difaftrous, of a torrent in fpring, or the fudden ingulphment while they caufe new fountains to bubone place, frefh beds for the ble up in another, or excavate rivers they have difplaced. If we muft not rank in the number of inconveniattached to the total extirpation of the woods, ences new land, the fear of one day wantin breaking up if the climate ing timber for building and firing; without danger from theaxiom allows us to derogate have lefs than a fifth, that a country fhould never it than a third ofits foil in forefts; yet nor more that there is a confideracannot have efcaped you, fometimes tion of pofitive utility, which fhould the Although deprived of arreft the axe of planter. every iattached to the total extirpation of the woods, ences new land, the fear of one day wantin breaking up if the climate ing timber for building and firing; without danger from theaxiom allows us to derogate have lefs than a fifth, that a country fhould never it than a third ofits foil in forefts; yet nor more that there is a confideracannot have efcaped you, fometimes tion of pofitive utility, which fhould the Although deprived of arreft the axe of planter. every --- Page 228 --- [ 198 ] fpecies of tafte; and infenfible to the beauties every his heart and his underftanding of rural nature, confideration but bc equally infenfible to every hiin that of his intereft, I would, neverthelefs, put him not in mind that this very intereft, obliging of with refpect to the inftruments to negleét, of the means which contribute his fortune, any this very to their comfort and prefervation; of to him the neceffity intereft, I fay, prefcribes from fpace to fpace, leaving in his plantations, where his fome handfome trees, fome fhrubberies, air, may who always dine in the open negrocs, and find under the fhade affemble and eat together, which they do not of the woods they love, repofc, labours. love lefs, and new ftrength for new 3 a la objedtions which have been The three wretched were would not deferve mentioning, made to me, will enable you to judge in fome it not that they of him who made meafure of the underftanding them. 11 . a 1 at clumps you fpeak of, faid he, though Thefe confift of three or four trees, and be they may only muft neceffarily occupy a porvery thinly fpread, befides, theywould not only tion of valitable land: to the plants which be injurious, by their fhade, would alfo hold out to ftand near them, but they an to to reft, afylum the idle negro an inducement which --- Page 229 --- [ 199 ] which he would fometimes efcape from the vigilance of the drivers, and thus fteal from your fortune fome minutes of toil. I feel all the importance of thefe objedtions ; but I confefs I have not fufficient courage to comfirft with refpect to the laft; bat the two ferioufly: the idle adwhile I allow that we fhould not offer of abufing this propenfity ditional opportunitics avaricious planter 1 if thou of nature, I afk thee, ! haft any right to complain of thy negro?--Alas with which he toils to enrich thee, the fupinenefs with the liftleffinefs with is induftry itfelf compared God which thou laboureft to render him happy! forbid that I fhould difpute thy right to accumucoffers the fweat and blood of thefe late in thy fometimes at leaft, to unhappy blacks; but deign, ofthe thyfelf in their place : venture to judge put of the yoke thou impofeft on them, by the weight which thou fupporteft that of thy impatience with in thofe moments when the hope own laws-and one day the mafs of thy enjoyalone of increafing coninduces thee to fuffer fome privations, ments, that, wherever he throws his defcend to recolleét, as well as the future, thy eyes, in the prefent, hears thofe two terrible negro only fees, only words, ALWAYS and NEVER. LET- venture to judge put of the yoke thou impofeft on them, by the weight which thou fupporteft that of thy impatience with in thofe moments when the hope own laws-and one day the mafs of thy enjoyalone of increafing coninduces thee to fuffer fome privations, ments, that, wherever he throws his defcend to recolleét, as well as the future, thy eyes, in the prefent, hears thofe two terrible negro only fees, only words, ALWAYS and NEVER. LET- --- Page 230 --- 200 ] LETTER XXII. Jaguemeh, March 1790. arrived from Port-au-Prince, Sir; i I AM juft me to acwhither my landlord had prevailed upon I him ; and, unlefs I deceive myfelf, company colleéted obfervations enough to imagine I have furnifh two new letters. attended We fet out from Jaquemel on horfeback, carpenter by trade, and raifed bya fingle negro-a of valet de chambre, and groom by us to the rank for thejourney, Our firft halt was at thehoufe of a planter, whofe where we dined : and who name I havc forgotten, than M. Baudouin received us with more ceremony done. A ftorm which came on juft as we were had determined us to ftay with him all taking leave, night. Let thofe who to feel their exiftence are obliged thofe who want the degree of to live in others ; neccffary to enable apathy; or the meafure ofreafon who for themfelves; thofe, in fine, them to fuffice have --- Page 231 --- 201 I to the cares of degieftic life; have any repugnance cautious how let all thofe, I fay, be extremely With become inhabitants of Saint Domingo. they who am never lefs alone than refpect to myfelf, know by experience that a when alone ; and who he knows perfon may live in a defert, provided his tafte; analogous to how to create occupations that in fpite of the loneliI am perfedtly convinced folitude of this abodc, the nefs, and the profound every man may be happy in it ;-as may proprictor moderate defires, who, with moderate experience, himfelf and a tafte for agricultural life, contents lies benature, and enjoying what with feconding either the without attempting to invite, fore him, of luxury of the arts, Or the chimerical pretenfions into the afylum of fimplicity and peacc. vanity, The firft dawning of day found us on horfeback, rout towards Leogane, along the diredting our in this part of the high road made by government fpeaking, it is but thinly peoifland. Generally through pled, fo that we travelled almoft conftantly and repafling more than twenty the woods, paffing the river which, times in the fpaceof a few hours, itfelfinto meandrings, emptics after innumerable the fea at Jaquenel. however wild and The country we croffed, far from being deftitute of charms. favage, was For iredting our in this part of the high road made by government fpeaking, it is but thinly peoifland. Generally through pled, fo that we travelled almoft conftantly and repafling more than twenty the woods, paffing the river which, times in the fpaceof a few hours, itfelfinto meandrings, emptics after innumerable the fea at Jaquenel. however wild and The country we croffed, far from being deftitute of charms. favage, was For --- Page 232 --- T L 202 1 one of the principal beauties of a For although of cultivated, with unlandfcape be the contraft beauties cultivated nature ; yet there are certainly excluof detail, and of charaéter, which appertain found but fively to the latter, and which are never regions, where they fpring up.at in mountainous of afpects and forms ; every ftep from the variety and from from the gradations of light and fhadc, the courfe, now flow, now rapid, of innumerable ftreams. however, have fome dificulty, What you will, fo rich as this, in its Sir, to believe of a country thatofthe two kinds produétions and its fpecie, is, which we pafTed from time to time of plantations us only the picture of in thefe deferts, onc fhewed and the indolence in the laft ftage ofwretchednefs; diforder of other, that of the negligence and contrafted with the pretenfions of opupoverty, direéted by the moft execrable tafte. Thus lence would fometimes meet an elegant carriage you horfes, or mules of different colours, and drawn by with ropes for traces, covered of different fizes, and driven by a with the moft filthy houfings, baréfoot ! bedaubed with gold, and poftilion arrived at Monf. Denis' by nine o'clock. We who had paffed a part of I found in this planter, information than ufually his youth in France, more falls --- Page 233 --- [ 203 ] the lot of his brethren. A: garden well falls to and a judicious képt, a library not ill furnifhed; his houfe, which he had formed for rebuilding us plan the approaches to it, fupplied and ornamenting and for with materials for a long converfation, many agreeable walks., handfome Creole lady of the ncighbourA very and contributed to the hood dropt in by cbance, as it was poffible pleafures of a dinner, as good which we guefts; and during to give unexpeéted merits of Monf. Denis' new talked over again the fcemed inplan. While his charming neighbour different details, tirely abforbed in liftening to the in fpite of all her manceuvres I could fee plainly, which ihe aimed--the to deceive me, the point at conqueft of our hoft. the fun, now finking in the weft, The moment we fat out permitted us to continue our journey, intended to flcep. Fauchet's, where we for Madame near the fca, on the direét Her houfe lay pretty road to Leogane, Madame Fauchet's was only a' cotton Although as thofe which a long plantation, as unprodustive exhaufted generally are ; courfe of cultivation has from the various it produced a confiderable income, always advantages which a fkilful manager may derive finking in the weft, The moment we fat out permitted us to continue our journey, intended to flcep. Fauchet's, where we for Madame near the fca, on the direét Her houfe lay pretty road to Leogane, Madame Fauchet's was only a' cotton Although as thofe which a long plantation, as unprodustive exhaufted generally are ; courfe of cultivation has from the various it produced a confiderable income, always advantages which a fkilful manager may derive --- Page 234 --- - 204 ] derive from the vent of fuch articles as garden-ftuff, wood, cattle and poultry, when placed fruit, forage, in the vicinity of a port, or a road-ftead. Thefe kind of eftablifhments have not, Imuft the eciat of an opulent fugar or coffee confels, the of requiring an plantation; ; but to advantage returns, lefs number of hands, and to thcir infinitely demand forarticles of founded on the unintérrupted and independent of the defpotifim the firft necefity, be a daily the caprices of commerce; ; may joined as fo much the more to be reckoned upon, fee profit, in this cafe, to the proprietor is not doomed, debt, or the wifh to the intereft of an énormous extricate himfelf from a burthenfome engagement, of his abforb with the fruits of his toil, the hopes fortune to come. Madame Fauchet too much engaged We found of her farm to expeét from in the fuperintendance which travellers, more parher the little attentions exaéted. Our defign ticular, might probably have horfes there her was to haveleft our in calling upon borrowed of her, actill our return, and to have to take cording to the good old cuftom, a carriage ; but her carriage was unfortunately us to Leogane black fick, and her out of repair, her At poftilion the houfe of this lady mules already engaged. Manciniller wood which, I I faw the only table of believe, --- Page 235 --- [ 205 ] be found in Saint Domingo. I defy believe, is to of all the arts to produce any the united efforts thing fo perfedtly beautiful. the cuftom of letting the horfes run Thanks to the of catching loofe in the favannahs, to difficulty always and to the floth of the negrocs, them again, than to fet out, we did not more cager to return was far advanced, get on horfeback till the morning the ufual hour yet ftill in time to reach Leogane by of this of dining. It was in the neighbourhood of the ifland inhabitants town that the indigenous under the names of Teguana had two eftablifhments of which is celebrated as and Xaragua, the latter committed the fcene of a moft atrocious barbarity them who, at a treat given by a horde of'Spaniards, ftrangled their by the pretended queen Anacoand, alive, and even in entertainer, after having burnt the where the tables were fpread, the very room he had invited to the fcaft! caciques whom built near the fea, and The town of Leogane, which terminate in a confifting of a few ftreets, refidence of the large fquare, was formerly would the be a mere defert At prefent it governors. of an anchering ground, without the advantage the fugars, which allows veffels to take on board cultivated in the plain to which it gives name. &c. We ertainer, after having burnt the where the tables were fpread, the very room he had invited to the fcaft! caciques whom built near the fea, and The town of Leogane, which terminate in a confifting of a few ftreets, refidence of the large fquare, was formerly would the be a mere defert At prefent it governors. of an anchering ground, without the advantage the fugars, which allows veffels to take on board cultivated in the plain to which it gives name. &c. We --- Page 236 --- [ 206 J received, and fet down to a very We were civilly Schiredan and Gatchair, good dinner by Meffrs. and horfes were luckily merchants, whofe carriage Port-audifengaged, and ready to convey us to which we reached about night-fall. Prince, When a perfon has been Pokr-au.Parsert and above all acquainted in France with colonifts, Port-auwith Creole colonifts, he cannot approach and become the refidence of the civil Prince, now the capital of the richeft country military powers, - the moft fertile in deon the face of the globe the center of voluplights ! the throne of luxury! that fecret fhivertuoufnefs ! without experiencing which precedes ing, that picafing and vague anxiety for enthufiafinadmiration, and prepares the foul between two rows of huts, To be brief; I entered called a ftreet, and jolting along a dufty track amongft a chaotic fearching in vain for Perfepolis, mafs of wooden barracks ! the moft volcanic imagination to I defy, Sir, In a ftate refift the firft cffects of fuch a furprize. where we I afked my companion of ftupefaction, juft as we are were? At Part-an-Prince-Yes I fupParis, in the fuburbs of Saint Marceau, at will fee that to-morrow. pofe3--You The --- Page 237 --- [ 207 ] The next day, although my cagernefs to myfelf made me get up before the fiun, fatisfy o'clock furprized me, ftill yct ten feckingin the true Portau-Prince, the Pot-au-Pince * of the without being able to find it. Ir inhabitants, deed, from time to time, fome difcovered, inmore ornamented cafas, more large, than the reft. An infulated edifice of ftone, and of a tolerably regular nounced to me the refidence conftruction, anfaw, of the governor ; I alfo, a market place, which the tendant, Monf. Barbet de prefent incorated with Marbois, has lately dewhich two fountains, in a good tafte, but are abfolutely inacceffible from the which the negroes, who come for filth to leave behind them. water, never fail rifing ground which Adjoining this place, on a overlooks it, I obferved a little efplanade, planted with a few too, rows of trees, and a bafon with a jet d'eau in the young it, deftinedto ferve for a terrace midft of to the new ment offices, which they governthis, eyen granting the ftreets propofebuilding-bera all than they are, would were more regular the third rank fcarcely confitute a city of the workof with us. Befides, moft of this is Monf. de Marbois, and of the or three years ; and clearly laft two ants of Saint proves that the inhabitDomingo fàw, and ftill the fent Port-au-Prince fee, preNew as the Jews are faid to fee the Jerufalem, in the old one. The Creolian method of pronenciation. That than they are, would were more regular the third rank fcarcely confitute a city of the workof with us. Befides, moft of this is Monf. de Marbois, and of the or three years ; and clearly laft two ants of Saint proves that the inhabitDomingo fàw, and ftill the fent Port-au-Prince fee, preNew as the Jews are faid to fee the Jerufalem, in the old one. The Creolian method of pronenciation. That --- Page 238 --- [ 208 J of the the refiThat the prefence government, a dence of the adminiftrative bodies, a play-houfe, maingarrifon, a port, aj place of commerce, fhould (the rendezvous of fpeculatain at Port-au-Prince hunters of every kind) a buftle tors and fortune of the ifland, which is to be found in no other part it is no is natural enough : but, notwithftanding, which relates lefs true, that abating fome difference and cuftoms, the comparifon merely to manners at the firft fight of which moft forcibly ftrikes one, I muft this famous city, is, that of a Tartar camp: that with the beft difpofition to favourthe add too, patriotic illufion, and withall theinduigeneewhich rcafonable man muft prejudice can warrant, every for an end to the fcel himfelf obliged to me putting and difinwith which folly abfurd exaggerations have hitherto mifled the inexperienced. genuity dined with Monf. de Marbois,. at whofe table I for fome hours, in Europe. I fancied myfelf, whofe perfonal fervices, and This gentleman, raifed him to the place he at whofe merits have fhortly to publifh a prefent enjoys, propofes of this I will endeavour to proCOMPTE RENDU : fupply whatcure you a copy ; which will amply I may have left deficient, on the population, ever commercial arrangements, 8rc. political aeconomy, of the colony. In --- Page 239 --- [ 209 ] undertakings, the ufeful În fpite of the public improvements for embellifhments, the neceffary de the inhabitants are indebted to Monf. which him with being moreminifMarbois, they.reproach than a citizen, terial than patriotic, more a courtier revenue officer than an adminifrator-and more a already begin to the two firft of thefe defignations for him who affume a meaning highly dangerous to public wifhes to found on them his pretenfions efteem. deMarbois' Compte Renda be the refult If Monf. combined ; if its end be to of all thefe qualities fubordinate officers lay open the knaveries of the to and force the blood-fuckers of his department, the beft method difgorge what they have fwallowed, and the cathe clamours of the one, of filencing will be to prove, by facts, lumnies of the other, which the fovethat without injuring the interefts has confided to his care, his adminiftration reign increafed the profperity of Saint has fenfibly Domingo. LETP to of all thefe qualities fubordinate officers lay open the knaveries of the to and force the blood-fuckers of his department, the beft method difgorge what they have fwallowed, and the cathe clamours of the one, of filencing will be to prove, by facts, lumnies of the other, which the fovethat without injuring the interefts has confided to his care, his adminiftration reign increafed the profperity of Saint has fenfibly Domingo. LETP --- Page 240 --- [210 0 LETTER XXIII. Jaquentl, March 1790. former to the Count Ir is, Sir, to a governor, of the marine, de la Luzerne, at prefent minifter du Roi, or Royal that the eftablihment of a Jardin faid to be is univerfally Garden at Port-au-Prince, reafonably It is as well fufnifhed as could owing. from its infant ftate : its declenfion or be expected in future on the degree of profperity muft depend attach to this monuimportance his fucceffors may of plants. ment of his tafte for the natural hiftory be lamented that the fate of a ufeful It is much to the inclination, inftitution fhould thus depend on I the of an individual. the caprice, or ignorance mind what a mafs of tremble whenever I call to of the favage treafurcs the fanatic and ftupid pride to the us of, when he committed Omar deprived collection of human knowflames that invaluable we have to dread ledge. HERE the inconvenience nature-from (prings from a vice of a different of the chiefs perpetual change; from the fhort ftay but imto which they bring nothing in a country perfeét --- Page 241 --- L 21I ] but which experience perfect theories ; principles to be either falfe or abfurd. Scarcely hourly proves him to be defirous of has a governor (fuppofing the local not adting at random) time to acquire of his which ought to form the bafis knowledge he fees himfelf replaced by a adminiftration, ere, fucceffor ftill more a novice than himfelf. This deteftable plan owes its origin to the rapiaccumulated a dity with which certain governors fortune. From that period, the place fcandalous that it might become ceafed to be given to merit, and the prey of the ignorance, the thoughtleflhefs, the rapacity of this or that grandec, who, arriving herea ruined man, is expeéted, under pain of paffing in for a knave or a fool, to makehis re-appearance fame France, after three years at fartheft, with the fortune which three fuccelivegenerations of fpendthrifts fcarcely fufficed to diflipate. What becomes of the public property in fuch hands ? And how, and at whofe expence, is this wealth acquired ? The governor is here prodigious nor a planter : his dignity inneither a merchant, and from all the terdiéts him from ftock-jobbing, refources which a culpable indulgence abanpetty the lefs induftry of the fubaldons to fcrupulous but his terns. His falary is in truth confiderable, are proportioned to it; and however expences ceconomical P 2 public property in fuch hands ? And how, and at whofe expence, is this wealth acquired ? The governor is here prodigious nor a planter : his dignity inneither a merchant, and from all the terdiéts him from ftock-jobbing, refources which a culpable indulgence abanpetty the lefs induftry of the fubaldons to fcrupulous but his terns. His falary is in truth confiderable, are proportioned to it; and however expences ceconomical P 2 --- Page 242 --- - 212 0 him, it is difficult to ceconomical we may fuppofe hundred thoufand believe that an income of fome faving of livres can produce in a few years, a clear add the fome millions ! When to this, Sir, we confideration that the two branches of government, with a multitude civil and military, are furcharged receivers, inof controulers, commiffaries, clerks, 8zc. who all lafpeétors, generals, commandants, the zeal and to juftify bour with equal perfeverance fupcriors have in confidence which their refpeétive to their talents, we fhall no longer be furprized found in find that the colonifts have fometimes to fend their defpair, a fufficient degrec of courage been blind who has back to France, a governor of his power by the enough to meafure the extent which feparated him from its fource. diftance - Monf. Le Comte Dua The prefent governor, in making the tour chillau, is, at this time engaged views which he has of the ifland. The beneficent him, as much as his already manifefted, diftinguifh the mais of his predemilitary reputation, from the inhabitants to ceffors. They have encouraged thing that can hope from his adminiftration every a to facrifice be expeéted from a man determined the confiderations to general number of fecondary his well known welfarc. This, and ftill more, of the colony from a part refolution to difengage the ports to the her fetters, by throwing open Americans, --- Page 243 --- [ 213 ] had already created an alarm amongft Americans, In vain do a majority of the the merchants. meafure; in vain do the blefcolonifts call for this fanétion its fings they daily invoke on his head, of interefted propricty: the minority, compofed able their men, will always be by and defigning its taking gold and their intrigues, to prevent that effect; and thus prove to Monf. Duchillau, the power of his brethren here as well as elfewhere, be-unlimited is juft the reverfe of what it fhould within the narroweft to do evil, and circumferibed bounds, when there is a queftion of doing good. Sir, that I have now told you all it is I believe, The exceflive poffible to fay of Port.au-Prince. of the air, compelled heat, and the unwholefomencfs a town us to quit, a day fooner than we intended, which had rebuilt on the brink of the very gulph fwallowed a former one. Would you bealready with which the inlieve, Sir, that the confidence the ruins habitants have ereéted a new dwelling on is the refult of a fyllogifm ! ce The of the old, cc 79 fay they ; ergo, there < mine is already fprung, who will venture to < is no more danger !" But all the affure us that the laft explofion cleared pafcommunicate with the central fire? fages which him to affert that the falling Who will take upon choaked up all the in of the earth has fo completely which fubterrancous channels, that the flames, gather ereéted a new dwelling on is the refult of a fyllogifm ! ce The of the old, cc 79 fay they ; ergo, there < mine is already fprung, who will venture to < is no more danger !" But all the affure us that the laft explofion cleared pafcommunicate with the central fire? fages which him to affert that the falling Who will take upon choaked up all the in of the earth has fo completely which fubterrancous channels, that the flames, gather --- Page 244 --- [ 214 ] ftrength from what they feed on, cannot gather In fpite of the form new vents for themfelves? admirable logic of thefe reafoners, Iam dreadfully afraid that the inhabitants of Port-au-Prince have rebuilt their town upon a fophifm ! Tothe infalubrity arifing from its pofition in the bottom of a bay, and on a burning foil, muft be which, intirely added that of an immenfe fwamp, road covered with mangroves, bordersa part of the leading to Leoganc, and communicates immediately with the fca. A mephitic vapour perpetually exhales from it, which is borne along the coaft by and with accumulated the fea-breeze, precipitated poifon direétly on Port-au-Prince. return I examined the pofition of this On my attention than when I paffed it nuifance with more of rebefore, and thought I perceived a poflibility moving it altogether, by an operation-immenfo, but certainly not impra@ticable. I if you pleafe, of confiderable elevation along would run a dyke it effectually the border, which would feparate the botfrom the fea : this would neceffarily give fufficient to enable me tom a degree of confiftence, acrofs it; and if to çarry a number of drains quite of fkill, thefe were direéted with a tolerable degree doubt but that the marih would fpeedily I have no difappear. I do --- Page 245 --- Er 215 ] Sir, to know how. many milI do not pretend, thoufand negroes lions of livres, nor how many but if fovemight require : fuch an undertaking millions of piaftres, and reigns fometimes facrifice of a millions of men in the defence, or ufurpation leis valuable than this might be made, nook of land, love of the public good, the I fhould think the and, in that prefervation of the prefent generation, cogent to of the future, to be motives fufficiently conftruéted The Dutch have juftify, the expence. and even in Holland, on at Batavia, at Surinam, much more extenfive, works this very principle, of fuccefs. and with far lefs profpect Port-au-Prince and Leoganc, We dined, between with whom I became acquainted at a fugar planter's, do not know how at the firft of thefe places.-I contrive to mathe rich inhabitants of the plain refembles a ftate of wretchednageit; but nothing nels fo much as their opulence! From thence we went to fleep at Leogane. We inn, kept by a free negro, put up at a very good old. who is more than an hundred years by no means deficient in good fenfe, This man, memory, had belonged and bleffed with an excellent He is well worth atto one of the firft governors. notions tending to by fuch as wifh to have accurate on ) mathe rich inhabitants of the plain refembles a ftate of wretchednageit; but nothing nels fo much as their opulence! From thence we went to fleep at Leogane. We inn, kept by a free negro, put up at a very good old. who is more than an hundred years by no means deficient in good fenfe, This man, memory, had belonged and bleffed with an excellent He is well worth atto one of the firft governors. notions tending to by fuch as wifh to have accurate on ) --- Page 246 --- [ 216 ] the ftate of the colony. He was prefent on early of the firft houfe in Leoat laying the foundation forit, and readily gane. I had the curiofity to look found its ruins, by the direétions he gave me. Thus the new world has already its antiquities ! At Leoganc we found our horfes, who were perrecovered from their fatigue, and brought us fedtly without baiting on the road. hither in one day, has increafed my local knowIf this expedition the aland correéted fome of my opinions, ledge, been favourable to the teration, Sir, has not always inhabitants of Saint Domingo. Amongft a variety fome ofwhich may be exaggerated or of anecdotes, which the multiplicity, and untrue, there is one me to refpedtability of the proofs do not permit call in doubt, in fpite of its atrocity. whom I have feen, a young lady, and a A lady, in the ifland, gave a grand one of the handfomeft dinner. Furious at feeing a dith of paftry brought ihe ordered her negro cook to the table overdone, and tbrowmn into the oven, yet glowoing to be feized, whofe wwilb beat- And this horrible Megaera, I out of refpeét to her family; 5 this name fupprefs cxecration ought to infernal fiend whom public from fociety ; drive with every mark of abhorrence this --- Page 247 --- E 217 ] rival of the 100 famous Chaperon * > this worthy fhe is rich and is followed, and admired-for beautiful! So much for what I have heard, and now for what I have feen. The day after my return, I was walking before the cafa of a planter with one of his neighbours, into the when we overhcard him bid a negro go inclofure of this very neighbour, pull up two young which he out to him, and re-plant trees pointed he was then formthem immediately on a terrace ing. the followed him, The negro went : neighbour him to his furprized him in the fact, and brought whom I had by this time joined, in the mafter, of confufion which prohope of witneffing a fcene mifed to bc amufing. Sir, what paffed in my mind, when, Conceive, I heard the on the complaint of the neighbour, order another of his negrocs to tie mafter coldly who, in the fame circumflances, * A planter of Saint Domingo, draw thc lips of the unhappy feeing the heat fhrivel and open negro, exclaimed in a fury, <6 The rafcal laughs." Tome 1. Nouveau Voyage aux Ifes Frangoifes de L'imérique, Chap. I. the ifed to bc amufing. Sir, what paffed in my mind, when, Conceive, I heard the on the complaint of the neighbour, order another of his negrocs to tie mafter coldly who, in the fame circumflances, * A planter of Saint Domingo, draw thc lips of the unhappy feeing the heat fhrivel and open negro, exclaimed in a fury, <6 The rafcal laughs." Tome 1. Nouveau Voyage aux Ifes Frangoifes de L'imérique, Chap. I. the --- Page 248 --- - 218 ] the pretended culprit to a ladder, and give him an hundred lafhes ! We were both of us ftruck with fuch aftonifhment, that, ftupificd, pale, and fhuddering, while the unhappy negro received the barbarous chaftifement in filence, we looked at onc another. without being able to utter a fingle word And he who ordered, he who thus punifhed his own crime on the blind inftrument of his will; at once the daftardly perpetrator and the unfeeling witnefs of the moft atrocious injuftice, is here one of the firft organs of the law, the official protector of innocence : Heavens ! if a pitiful refpeét for decorum forbids me to devote the name of this monfter to eternal infamy, let me at leaft be permitted to hope that Divine Juftice will hear the cries of the fufferer, and fooner or later accumulate on the tyrant's head, all the weight of its vengeance! LET- --- Page 249 --- L 219 ] LETTER XXIV. Defert,, April 1790. Sir, once morc returned to the BEHOLD me, Defert: but fince my expedition to Port-au-Prince, averfion for this unfortunate country has inmy fuch a that I have ferioufly detercreafed to degrec, determination has juft been mined to quit it. This ftrengthened by one of thofe events which flightly arreft the attention of the public elfewhere, but where men, lefs diftracted by the which, in places intercfted in tumult of large focieties, feel more in their little circles, leave an imprefwhat paffes as it is lafting. fion of melancholy as profound whom misfortunes (which he alA man of birth, owing to his own conlowed were in fome meafure other viétims of duét) had, in common with many brought here in the hopes too accredited an error, fortune, had veof fpecdily acquiring a brilliant of Italian, in a getated for many years as a teacher underwhere they are not over-anxious to country their mother tongue : when by dint of ftand even the rank of a repcated applications he procured fub-licutenant in the Colonial Marechauffée. It alA man of birth, owing to his own conlowed were in fome meafure other viétims of duét) had, in common with many brought here in the hopes too accredited an error, fortune, had veof fpecdily acquiring a brilliant of Italian, in a getated for many years as a teacher underwhere they are not over-anxious to country their mother tongue : when by dint of ftand even the rank of a repcated applications he procured fub-licutenant in the Colonial Marechauffée. It --- Page 250 --- [ 220 ] It is the duty of this corps to aflift in the execumeafures which the Chamber tion of the rigorous its debtors. As of Commerce. exercifes towards it, the falary is low, the individuals that compofe fome amends by their induftry endeavour to make where for the fmallnefs of their pay, in a country, fous a - - that is to fay, they bread is fifteen poundrob that they may not ftarve. to fee us. He Monf. de * * *, came fometimes well with facility, was fpoke feveral languages and had been in the acquainted with Europc, him colonies. I was fond of queftioning Englifh of the inhabitrefpedting the domeftic ccconomy than our which is much better regulated ants, own. fince, after having chatted till nine A' few days I o'clock, he left us to buy fome gun-powder. him if he was going a fhooting? Ce Tes," afked to kill a very fingular replied he, 6e 10-MOYTOWU I intend I we and the firit thing 6C animal." Here parted, that he had blown his heard the next morning was, of arbrains out; but not without the precaution his affairs in the moft accurate manner, and ranging letters in onc of which he gave an writing feveral him (e to account of the motives that determined he was rclieved." <C quit his poft before I then ooting? Ce Tes," afked to kill a very fingular replied he, 6e 10-MOYTOWU I intend I we and the firit thing 6C animal." Here parted, that he had blown his heard the next morning was, of arbrains out; but not without the precaution his affairs in the moft accurate manner, and ranging letters in onc of which he gave an writing feveral him (e to account of the motives that determined he was rclieved." <C quit his poft before I then --- Page 251 --- [ 221 ] It then called to mind that before my journey to the converfation turning on the Port-au-Prince, he refubjeét of fuicide * > on which we difagreed, with emphafis the following lines : peated tout on n'a plus d'efpoir, Quand on a perdu, quand La vie eft une opprobre, et la mort un devoir. It would have been cafy for me to demonftrate by to him that the fallacy of this thought, proving 2, does the misfortune of having 6s loft every thing deliver us up to < opprobrium,' 79 or not neceffarily which can ce make death to any kind of humiliation with anfwering €6 a duty ;" but I contented myfelf the fate of a planter who was juft then It was brought on by Itis true that his young widow is faid to have hanged himfelf. faved him the trouble, with the vehemently fufpeéted of having who has fince acquired a afliftance of a fiout and vigorous negro, ftriking afcendancy over his miftrefs. a marIn a cafa, not far from that which Iinhabit, a mulatto, him. From had taken a female mulatto to live with ried man, he became fincerely defirous of returning difguft, or repentance, Medea difembled her rage, tohis wife. The olive-complexioned She continued to the more effe@tually to fecure her vengeance. and fometimes inlive on terms of friendthip with both parties, then, where at a dinner the one day gave vited them to her houfe, and the wife. The man died with fhe poifoned both the hufband woman lives ftill, but in a lanevery fymptom of violence, the furnifhed a fubjeét of converfaguifhing ftate. The two events a flep to bring the tion for a few days; but no one evertook fingle are the morais of perpetrator of fuch an atrocity to jaftice-fuch 2 of Saint Domingo! the 66 fortunate inhabitants his day gave vited them to her houfe, and the wife. The man died with fhe poifoned both the hufband woman lives ftill, but in a lanevery fymptom of violence, the furnifhed a fubjeét of converfaguifhing ftate. The two events a flep to bring the tion for a few days; but no one evertook fingle are the morais of perpetrator of fuch an atrocity to jaftice-fuch 2 of Saint Domingo! the 66 fortunate inhabitants his --- Page 252 --- [ 222 ] another not quite fo poetical, and by his diftich by a faying of one of our old writers : <e Il eft plus grand, plus difficile De fouffrir le malheur, que de s'en delivrer." much more in wearing out the ce There is courage it." us than in fnapping se chain which confines man Here the fubjeét dropped; but the unhappy did not tell me, that after having frequently atand always in vain, to regulate his extempted, moderate falary, he had at length pences by his very do like the reft. Sent to a had the weaknefs to with a writ of arreft, he had been induced planter pieces, to fufpend the by a bribe of a few Portugal debtor was not to execution and to report that the be found! which, ftripped of its interefted This action, an official falfemotive, would have been merely and which, from the circumftances attending hood, appeared to be nothing more than taking it, aétually of fervice; was in his eyes a bafemoney for a piece but death could exnefs, an infamy which nothing needs and will allow, Sir, that if there piate: you and a moment of error, to nothing but a fophifm there is ftill more give way to a ftrong temptation, to delicacy, and probity, than courage required, onefelflike this unfortunate créature. Yes, punifh * Efais de Montaigne. Tome 2. Chap. 3. the --- Page 253 --- [ 223 ] who knew-no other refuge than the grave the man of a bad astion, was worthy againft the remorfe not to have committed it. event holds out a ftriking, but This melancholy the affociates of the poor I fear a ufelefs leffon, to wretch who gave it; and to all thofe governments, which by the moft impolitic of all calculations, for its agents to fubfift on butillicitreleave nothing the odium and fources ; and thus confent to partake never neceffitate. Will monarchs the crimes they to learn that it is altogether ufelefs to pretend pubwhile they facrifice the care of deteéting lic efteem, as barbarous and punifhing fraud, to an ceconomy is immoral ! Will they never comprehend as it fervice of knaves is precifely that the gratuitous moft dear! that for which the country pays to Saint Domingo as Determined, as I am, quit I fhall be fo much the more expefoon as poffible; with the refidue of my ditious in furnithing you of the obfervations; ; as I find that the fermentation has already reached the colonies, mother country ceafe to think the is prcwhofe ruin I fhall never until it can be proved to me that two things paring, as abfolute fublift together as incompatible may to found civil equality : on which they pretend liberty ; two kinds of equality, which fhould not be conThere are which is the true political equality ; founded; a legal equality, and ible; with the refidue of my ditious in furnithing you of the obfervations; ; as I find that the fermentation has already reached the colonies, mother country ceafe to think the is prcwhofe ruin I fhall never until it can be proved to me that two things paring, as abfolute fublift together as incompatible may to found civil equality : on which they pretend liberty ; two kinds of equality, which fhould not be conThere are which is the true political equality ; founded; a legal equality, and --- Page 254 --- L 224 ] liberty : and lavery, without which you have feen the colonies cannot poffibly exift. With a frivolity of charaéter which doubts of nothing; with a verfatility of difpofition, which attaches itfelf to all things, and fearches into none : of which fees an with an impetuofity imagination obftacle but to overleap it, without embarrafling itfelf with what may be on the other fide; you are in danger of not arriving at the truth, before you combination of error, and have exhaufted every accumulated, if I may fo venture to exprefs myfelf, on the head of a fingle generation, ALL THE EVILS fcattered over a, long fucceffion of ages 1 This is what I fear for your country- but to return to Saint Domingo. chimera which never and an abfolute, unconditional equality-a did, never can, and never will exift in any human fociety whatever! + Who of us is not at prefent perfeétly convinced that the French Revolution has violated more laws, ufurped more property, coft more tears, fhed more blood, excited more animofitics, and committed more crimes in the fhort fpace of five years, than the moft unbridled, and favage defpotifm ever committed in centuries! May this terrible example of the abufc of as the many moft facred principles, ferve for a leffon to all fucceeding times, and to every people who Chall be tempted to imitate the French! You --- Page 255 --- [ 225 ] You will find in the Compte Rendu of Marbois as exact an Monf. de tained of the black account as Can poflibly be ob. will there population of this colony. You fee, in the comparative fatement and deaths, how much the latter of births and like exceed the me, you will be former; affertion of Monf. aftonifhed at the bold the Raynal-that the flaves born on plantations are fufficient to replace thofe who perith by labour, &c. * In contradiction to this error, I can to affure you, the refearches I have venture, Sir; ject prove that out of made on the fubported, nearly every hundred negroes imfirft twenty, that is a fifth, die in the year 3 while only five, that is, a born within the fame twenticth, are period; and of leaft, is fure to perifh in the thefe, one at the fiftcen firft days, of telanos, or locked-jaw. This rapid deftruétion of the attributed negroes is not to be folely to change of climate. either to a habit of body, Owing unwholfome naturally bad, or to an regimen, the mafs of their blood is corrupt, that the flighteft fcratch fo into a moft dangerous foon degenerates wound. If to this vice, we add the infirmities original in the middle they neccffarily contraét paffage; where they are crouded *. Hifoire for merce des Eurepéeni, thilofophique dans les Ct politigue deux des Etablifenents et du ComIndes, Tome 7. months olfome naturally bad, or to an regimen, the mafs of their blood is corrupt, that the flighteft fcratch fo into a moft dangerous foon degenerates wound. If to this vice, we add the infirmities original in the middle they neccffarily contraét paffage; where they are crouded *. Hifoire for merce des Eurepéeni, thilofophique dans les Ct politigue deux des Etablifenents et du ComIndes, Tome 7. months --- Page 256 --- [ 226 J - months together, like fheep at a fair, on the boards of a clofe deck, ill dried, and worfe aired ; we fhall not be aflonifhed to find that, cruelly treated at the flighteft fymptom of impatience, wretchedly fed, wafted by chagrin, and devoured by rage, whole cargoes of thefe unhappy beings perifh before they reach the fhores where they are doomed to be fold ; and where the greateft part of them, perfuaded that they would not,be bought like flefh in a market, ifthey were not intended to ferve for the fame ufe, firmly believe they are deftined to be eaten. And, indeed, this confideration has powerfully excited, not the humanity, but the induftry of the traders. Carclefs of the lofs, for which they indemnify themfelves by raifing the price, they have fought, and at length found out the infernal art of giving the puftulous carcafes which people thofe moving fepulchres, an appearance of health and ftrength which deceives and not unfrequently ruins a planter, who is too ceconomical, or too poor (and the greater number are in this predicament) to have the negroes he purchafes vifited by an honeft furcapable of afcertaining the real ftate of their geon, health. Without this precaution, he will find, after his negroes have enjoyed a few days of repofe, the venom, become more aétive, and more virulent by repulfion, beginning to manifeft itfelf with the moft alarming fymptoms : and he may account himfelf fortunate, ceconomical, or too poor (and the greater number are in this predicament) to have the negroes he purchafes vifited by an honeft furcapable of afcertaining the real ftate of their geon, health. Without this precaution, he will find, after his negroes have enjoyed a few days of repofe, the venom, become more aétive, and more virulent by repulfion, beginning to manifeft itfelf with the moft alarming fymptoms : and he may account himfelf fortunate, --- Page 257 --- [ 227 J fortunate, if by dint of fkill, can preferve four-fifths care, and expence, he known five of his purchafe. I out of eleven die in a few have I now aik you, Sir, if Plato months ! and wifhed to punifh was wrong when he himfelf feverely every citizen who addiéted exclufively to commerce P* LETTER XXV. Ar the head of the dreadful to which the cataloguc of evils the negrocs are fubject, muft be yaws: it is, I believe, the placed communicated to their only one they have cc in good French mafters, and Cc may be called la grolle vérole ' the rend father Labat.t -fays reveI do not know, Sir, that the radical evil has yet been difcovered cure for this t any more than the Lois. Liv. 2. method t Nouocau Voyage aux Ifles Frangoifes de Chap, 5L'Anérigua Tome 2. + It may not be without its ufe to fubjoin the extracted from the Hifoire de la Louifane, Tome following recipe, 1. ce Take --- Page 258 --- L 228 D numbers of negrocs mnethod of preventing great which that depravity of tafte, from indulging devour with the moft fenfual prompts them to fnakes, 8zc. but avidity, not only carrion, toads, into a kind cven éarth. This throws them fpeedily the which bafles'all of marafmus or confumption, refources of the healing art. Death, however, is not the only event, which the planters of the capital they have fadeprives of negroes. The fpecies crificed to the purchafe is to be found of defertion, here called marooning, or lefs degree, upon every eftate; nor in a greater or iron collars will rigour, kindnefs, or chains, himcorreét the flave who has once addiéted ever to this kind of life. Their efcape is fingularly felf the woods, with which feveral cantons, favoured by thofe which border on the Spanifh and particularly while on the other, poffellions, are ftill covered 5 the want of food, compelling them to hover hand, facilitates the means of about the inhabited parts, retaking them. and paffed ce Takeiron-ruf, reduced to an impalpable with citron powder, fo that it cc through a fine fieve; moiften it fpread ip juice, on a_linen rag, < may have the confiftence of ointment, or freth lard, and apply it 66 rubbed over with wheel-greafe, O 46 night and morning.' 3) To' are ftill covered 5 the want of food, compelling them to hover hand, facilitates the means of about the inhabited parts, retaking them. and paffed ce Takeiron-ruf, reduced to an impalpable with citron powder, fo that it cc through a fine fieve; moiften it fpread ip juice, on a_linen rag, < may have the confiftence of ointment, or freth lard, and apply it 66 rubbed over with wheel-greafe, O 46 night and morning.' 3) To' --- Page 259 --- L L 229 J To obviate, as much as poflible; the ences of defertion, the inconvenibreaft with a hot negroes are. marked on thetheir iron, which imprints the.name of mafter, and, the parifh to which he When, théy are taken, belongs. goal ofthe capital of the they are: conveyed to the &cc.advertifed in the diftrict, and their marks, be reçlaimed within public papers, that they may fuffered to a term prefcribed. If this be clapfe they are fold and monly far below (not their byauction, compoflible to retain valuc, for it is fcarcely, is feldom that them,) but the market price. It: lators, fuch any but poor planters; or bad as the. greater part of mifers calcuare, fuffer themfelves to be ufually. a good bargain. tempted by the bait of It isthe cuftom ofthe colonifts income by the number of to eftimate their each at fiftcen hundred their flaves, reckoning fixty, concludes livres ; fo that he who has he has ninety thoufand year. livres a You will find, Sir,in Til and Labat,*, a lift of expences ; from which it reccipts time, that is, in appears that in his 1694, when all wasat a low rate, D a fugar work of.one colonial produce twenty negroes (the hundred and expence of which he * eftimates Nounemf'yage aux Ifes Frangaifes de Chsp. I. Libérigues Tomc 4. at --- Page 260 --- [ 230 ] livres, and the receipts at 44,640) ufually at 6,600 deduétion made, a clear annual proyielded, every But it fhould be obferved that fit of 38,030 livres. the account, the curLabat forgets to take into the wafte of negroes, who muft be replaced, rent occafioned by maladies, maroonage, &c. deficiences the mortality of the cattle fires, and daily repairs ; the in the carriage of the produce; employed and unprofitable fcafons ; ravages of hurricanes, and the difficulties of exportadelays of payment, the exceflive intion during war; and, laft ofall, which few tereft the merchants exact for advances, with. of the planters are in a condition to difpenfe Labat's From all which I conclude, (not from the net calculation, but my own, which reduces that the proprictor of fixty profit one third) thoufand livres a blacks has in fact, but fixty and I fhould efteem myfelf happy to poffefs, year : what he has lefs than this for my whole fortune, fum. that the prodigious loffes to It is extraordinary expofe the planters, which defertion and ficknefs of them to adopt fhould not yet have taught fome to meafures as have a tendency fuch precautionary of the cvils from which a part at leaft, correêt, they originate. The and livres a blacks has in fact, but fixty and I fhould efteem myfelf happy to poffefs, year : what he has lefs than this for my whole fortune, fum. that the prodigious loffes to It is extraordinary expofe the planters, which defertion and ficknefs of them to adopt fhould not yet have taught fome to meafures as have a tendency fuch precautionary of the cvils from which a part at leaft, correêt, they originate. The --- Page 261 --- - 231 ] The general praétice is to allot a piece of for the eredtion of the ground lar plan; there, negro-cafas ; here on a reguthe fcattered at random ; to caprice of the mafter, or the local according advantages. Each of thefe cafas is occupied by three flaves, abfolutely abandoned or four when the to theirown intelledts, proprietors have not the attention to mingle the new-comers with the old-for, let the gang be but a little numerous, and I will moft active defy the overfight to fucceed in order amongft them, and above all, maintaining neceffary to health. cleanlinefs, fo The improvident negro judges of the value of every thing merely by its prefent utility, without any idea of the neceflity of prolong its ufe. A taking care of it, to the ancient perfeét contraft to the man of poet Regnier, of the Dilayant gui toujours a lail fur he will break the veffel from Pavenir; which he has drank, as we break the fhell of an juft caten it. Time has no future egg after having only knows the tenfe for him, he fenfible prefent and the paft. he may be to certain However have already told privations, he is, as I forefight which you, incapable of the degree of more then, of prevents them. He will think no into repairing his cafa, yhich is ruin, than his tumbling compatriot the ape thinks of maintaining, --- Page 262 --- L 232 ] by the addition of frefh fuel, the fire maintaining, himfelf with fo much delight: at which he warms wherel the chaand fuch, or nearly fuch, is every flavery! raéter of the man of nature made perfeat by Thefe traits of the negro charaéter are fainiliar Why then do the greater part to every planter. which the inconveniences negleét to provide againtt refult from them, by a fyftem of domeftic policy: the the men, and the circumadapted to country, ca ftances ? deal On the beit mode of I have refieéted a good and in fpite of its eftablifhment for the negroes 5 bettér. than inconveniences, have hit on nothing which I fhould, at leaft, have, atthe following ; if fortune had ever tempted to put in praétice, deftined me to become a planter. I lay it down as an axiom, that a gang of negroes of foldiers, who can' muft be looked upon as a body effcét and renderedi only be affembled, fupported; and ivè, by means of a uniform plan of proceeding, an exact difcipline. of difperfing my negrocs in an 1 Inftead, then, of cafas, I would unite them indeterminate number commodione; which fhould be large, in a fingle well aired. I would fubjedt theni to ous, néat and a proper axiom, that a gang of negroes of foldiers, who can' muft be looked upon as a body effcét and renderedi only be affembled, fupported; and ivè, by means of a uniform plan of proceeding, an exact difcipline. of difperfing my negrocs in an 1 Inftead, then, of cafas, I would unite them indeterminate number commodione; which fhould be large, in a fingle well aired. I would fubjedt theni to ous, néat and a proper --- Page 263 --- L 233 J obliging them to mefs together a proper regimen, like foldiers and failors. in fmall parties, they would be under the imme-: Thus colleéted, of the driver, the diate and conftant infpedtion confequently, overfeer, and even the mafter: and, of their to way to the depravity lefs at liberty give fo natural to tafte, to the fpirit of independence of infulated being, and to thofe impreflions every which folitude is fingularly grief and melancholy, and which bring on a difguft calculated to favour, wollel Devr of life in too many of them. them, as is generally the Inftead of allotting cultivate for theirown cafe, a portion of ground to I would ufe; at the cxtremity of my poffeffions, round their' fet out; affign them a fpot regularly of little" gardens habitation, which this enclofure embellifh ; to-which, if the nature would fingularly it, I would add a bafon, or of the ground permitted bathe themwherethey fhould be obliged'to canal, fince I am perfuaded felves at leaft once a day: difeafes to that the greateft part of the cutaneous degree, which they are fubject, arifes, in a certain fo necefary to from the negleét of a precaution of health in every hot country, that the legiflators Even the Eaft have made it a religious duty. that of although it had no other advantage than from the the rank odour which exhales leffening negroes --- Page 264 --- L - 234 J negroes fkins, and which the mette compare to that of the connoiffeurs in fuftill be with me a fufficient houfe.leck, iti would to it. reafon for attending felves Themarried negrocs alone, or fuch as fo, fhould have the ftyleghemfeparate cafa, without privilege of inhabitinga are, to change their wives being permitted, as they now fhirts. This much oftener than their would prerogative in fàvour of marriages would neceffarily encreafe them, and follow. population Befides Saturday, which is as a day ofrepofe, Iwould given up to the flaves vals, fometimes confecrated inftitute periodicalfeftiare fo to dancing, which they paffionately fond of; and lic fports, in which fometimes to pubthe prizes fet emulation fhould contend for apart for the reward of ftrength and dexterity. Iwould fuperior purpofes, the day of choofe for thefe arrival in the ifland, my birth, my marringe, my that 8cc.; and doubt our common intereft would not, Sir, but relations of kindnefs, be flattered by the which the and reciprocal. attachment, conneding of. their moft. interefting pleafures with the between epochs of my life would eftablifh us. Independent apart for the reward of ftrength and dexterity. Iwould fuperior purpofes, the day of choofe for thefe arrival in the ifland, my birth, my marringe, my that 8cc.; and doubt our common intereft would not, Sir, but relations of kindnefs, be flattered by the which the and reciprocal. attachment, conneding of. their moft. interefting pleafures with the between epochs of my life would eftablifh us. Independent --- Page 265 --- [ 235 J Independent of the motive of fecurity which pleads powerfully for the fyftem of lodging the negroes in a fingle houfe, it may be looked as an additionàl upon obftacle, not only to the nocturnal vifits which fome of them are in the habit of making to the neighbouring plantations, but alfo to thofe fittings up which engrofs a great of the night, deprive them of the repofe part recruit their wafted neceffary to frength, and. in a fhort time completely: exhauft them. Humanity undoubtedly revolts againft this ceffive precaution (of which it is but too often ex- the pretext) when we reflect that the night is the time we. allow the negro to enjoy only fhould fee with what guft he relifhes thofe himfelf-We of tranquillity and freedom! We fhould moments what warmth, with what hear with fame time, with what volubility, and at the rectitude precifion ofidcas, with what of judgment, this being, gloomy and taciturn: a during the day, and now his fire, recites, talks, cowering over gefticulates, approves, or reafons,judges, condemns; both his mafter and cvery thing around:him ! P3 Itis here that we fhould obferve the we would learn to appreciate him by his negro, if fions. Although thefe nocturnal own decinot to be tolerated without the meetings ought greateft precaution, Iconftantly --- Page 266 --- [ 236 ] Id conftantly attend them, not to interrupt them, nor to influence their opinions byl my prefence, but to collect, under favour of the night) original traits of the charaéter of a fpecics. of men, which, to be well governed, has as much need tastour own of being well known; andt although, clikem moft other eave-droppers, I have feldom hadithe good fortune to hearmy own culogiam, Thavé more than once difeovered; in the principles by which theyjudged me, thofe by which à my conduct towards them might conveniently be regulated. It is herc, that, fully informedli my kihdnefs fometimes paffed amongft them for weaknefsgl I'conceived the neceflity of réplacing it, not by rigour, but by the moft ferupulous juftice. It is here, that inftructed of the extravagant opinioni they had formed ofithe infallibility of my judgment, I difcoverédi in their very error, the fecret of inforcing it, by fuffering them to believe I had found THATI outr by mere dint of genius, for which I was folely indebted to myears:: in a word, Sir, it is here thata. voice; withconfcious of it, hastold mel ini athoud out being that FORCE, MODERATED BY. fand different ways; INDULGENCE, AND DIRECTED BY JUSTICE,1IS4 THE ONLY EFFICACIOUS METHOD OF CONDUCTING WEX,-WHATEVER RBRITHEIRICONT DITION OR THEIR COUSTRY ! an vd rmd Stporggs lod matbtow 07 sot or padt MalA 1O0 modinn Ddx or Joul LETe au Ate2 a. voice; withconfcious of it, hastold mel ini athoud out being that FORCE, MODERATED BY. fand different ways; INDULGENCE, AND DIRECTED BY JUSTICE,1IS4 THE ONLY EFFICACIOUS METHOD OF CONDUCTING WEX,-WHATEVER RBRITHEIRICONT DITION OR THEIR COUSTRY ! an vd rmd Stporggs lod matbtow 07 sot or padt MalA 1O0 modinn Ddx or Joul LETe au Ate2 --- Page 267 --- L 7237 J LETTER XXVI. Defert, April 1790. I FANCIED, Sir, when I fent off the preceding letter, that-I had fpoken to you, for the laft time, of the negroes, hoping that what Ihad faid in the courfeof my correfpondence, was fufficient to enable you to form a decided opinion upon them; but obferving that you infift at fome length, in one of your lateft letters, Io, On the ideas upon which the negro founds his opinion of the principles of juftice and injuftice : 2°. Ont the true point of view in which we fhould confider his model of exiftence: and 3°. On the ufe which Iimagine he would make of his liberty; I thought it right, inftead of amufing, and probably mifleading you by abftract and metaphyfical fpeculations, to hazard an riment, which fhould put itin my power to decide expethe firft queftion by what may be called material proof. For this purpofe, I took advantage of the abfence of the overfeer to announce to the that I would take his functions negro driver, upon myfelf, and confequently fuperintend the works. I could not refrain --- Page 268 --- [ 238 ] refrain from fmiling at thejoy this news occafioned amongft the negroes 5 for you will readily fuppofe of the motive. that I was not altogether ignorant As it was now crop time, the engagement I had entered into fimply confifted in examining, at the of the from the plantation, if each return negroes of them had brought home in his baiket the quanwhich had been fet himasa tity of coffec-berries tafk. what happened the firit day. I fully expeéted lefs than my My friends the blacks are no fubject weaknefs with friends the whites to confound With the exception of Mazimbo, none goodnefs. home a third of their conof the others brought Without launching out into reproaches, tingent. that every one of them fhould receive I ordered executed under my five fmart lafhes : this was and I then declared the punifhment own eye; for thofe that failed on the fhould be doubled tripled for the day after, and fo on in morrow, progreffion. All but-lix took the hint; and thefe received the ten lafhcs amidft the hiffes of their companions. The third day there were only three who were curious enough to try if I would adhere to my recould no longer doubt it after folution : they receiving ordered executed under my five fmart lafhes : this was and I then declared the punifhment own eye; for thofe that failed on the fhould be doubled tripled for the day after, and fo on in morrow, progreffion. All but-lix took the hint; and thefe received the ten lafhcs amidft the hiffes of their companions. The third day there were only three who were curious enough to try if I would adhere to my recould no longer doubt it after folution : they receiving --- Page 269 --- L 239 J receiving fifteen lafhes each for theirand an additional five for their negligence, obftinacy. plan, Sir, operated beyond my My now who fhould hopes ; for it was exceed the prefcribed meafure: I therefore thought it neceffary to recompence docile pupils for their zcal, by an extraordinary my allowance of fpirits; and ftill more by fo much confidence in them as to pafs their placing bafktets thenceforward, with a very fuperficial fully perfuaded that whoever fhould infpection ; have been tempted to abufe it, woald have found an informer in each of his companions. You will eafily comprehend, that the which I exercifed this correétive manner in them with ample materials for their polity, farnifhed verfations : from this period, nocturnal conhowever, I could thought I perceivethat to the benevolence which of them already felt for me, was joined a fentiment many of refpect, intirely independent of the colour which diftinguifhed us. Undoubtedly, if thefe poor creatures had been defirous of tracing matters to the fource, and difcuffing the right by virtue of which I eredted felf into a fupreme arbiter of the ufe of their myties, they would have difcovered faculthat I was ftill very unjuft in my juftice: but, more reafonable their ignorance, than we in our in knowledge, and confounding --- Page 270 --- L 240 J confounding power with- right : the fentiment of fo they cfteem it) to fhake théir utter inability (for off a yoke which they' deem, if not legitimatc, at the place of that rational leaft inevitable, fupplics individual wills to calculation which fubjects our the expreflion of the general will, to the law. A few days after I rifked an expcriment, not ill to afcertain the degree of impreflion made adapted the to which I had feen myfelf on them by rigour alteration it had fyftematically driven ; and the produced in the attachment they had hitherto'borne me. The architeét had left fo fmall an interval beand the fteep acclitween the cafa we inhabited, of the mountain to which it was, as it were, vity the leaft rain, the water which fixed, that upon inundated us. trickled down its fides completely It became then indifpenfably neceflary to remedy which could this inconvenience as foonas poffible, only be done by removing, for a fpace equal tothe wholelength oft the câfa, a portion of the flope not lefs than ten or twelve feet in thicknefs. I was the better pleafed with my plan, as it gave me an which I refolved to feize, of transopportunity, and arid gained by the forming the dry ground between the mountain and the houfe, operation, into a parterre of flowers and verdure. As flary to remedy which could this inconvenience as foonas poffible, only be done by removing, for a fpace equal tothe wholelength oft the câfa, a portion of the flope not lefs than ten or twelve feet in thicknefs. I was the better pleafed with my plan, as it gave me an which I refolved to feize, of transopportunity, and arid gained by the forming the dry ground between the mountain and the houfe, operation, into a parterre of flowers and verdure. As --- Page 271 --- [ 241 ] time fell in the rainy feafon, the necefAs crop coffee before it was ftowed away, fity of drying the of this precious required us not to lofc a moment we were obliged to fuppre(s time : confequently where allowed the weekly holiday which is every the negroes. The work which I had projeéted might be exeI ordered then the driver to cuted in half a day. of the to the morning propofe to them, employ the earth, &c. enfuing Saturday in clearing away the reft of in return for which, they were to have of ; and feven or cight hours the day. to themfelves boon to a flave! my proliberty are not a trifling : but it was pofition was unanimouly-rjcded that inftead of rerefolved, juft as unanimoufly when the labours of the day turning to their cafas and work were over, as ufual, they would come, of the bois-cbandelle * (the wood-canby the light as many hours as I thought prodle) on my flope, fhould be neceffary. nay, all the night, ifit per, botanifts, &c. very much aftonIhave feen many told naturalifts, them ofthe fine fir trees ofSaint Domingo. ithed, when I have convinced that this fpecies of tree was They were f perfeély and polar regions, that they only to be found in the temperate, from in my face. "Tis the had fome difficulty to refrain laughing call bois chandel't, and of wood of this tree which the negroes For the reft, Ican venture to which they make their torches. refinous wood appears to belong fo peaffure the gentlemen that that moft ofthe trees ofSaint Domingo culiarlyto the torrid zone, yield great quantities of gum. R If --- Page 272 --- [ 242 ] If I was affected by this proof of a devotion to interefts, which I had no right to expeét; I was my ftill more fo, by the alacrity with which they undertook, and the promptitude with which they executed the work. Neither the driver, nor myfelfhad any occafion to urge them on :. it was who fhould do the moft, the beft, the quickeft-fo that what I had imagined would be the labour of more than half a day, was completed in two hours. Examine well, Sir, whether among the generous actions with which you are acquainted, there are to be found which furpals, in true delicacy, many of a parcel of poor flaves ; calling this proceeding that their natural indoto mind at the fame time, labour lence, and the force whichi fubjects them to without pay, incline them to look upon every kind ofwork as a punifhment. With refpeét to your fecond. queftion 5 an enthufiaft would not hefitate. to anfwer it by the fingle word SLAVERY. however, certain that, thanks to the cliIt is, which reduces their wants to a mere trifle'; mate, which leaves them ignorant thanks to education, of rights and enjoyments, of which they can form thanks to the thoughtlefinefs of their no idea; character, fubjects them to without pay, incline them to look upon every kind ofwork as a punifhment. With refpeét to your fecond. queftion 5 an enthufiaft would not hefitate. to anfwer it by the fingle word SLAVERY. however, certain that, thanks to the cliIt is, which reduces their wants to a mere trifle'; mate, which leaves them ignorant thanks to education, of rights and enjoyments, of which they can form thanks to the thoughtlefinefs of their no idea; character, --- Page 273 --- [ 243 ] character, and the ficklenefs of their humour laftly, to the intereft which their ; and, their owners have in well-doing, the loë ofa negro flave, all confidered, and efpecially when he has the things nefs of belonging to a mafter, who does happifure his humanity by his not meathat of the avarice, is preferable to peafantry of a great part of Let us defcend to particulars. Europe.- Without any other property than the uncertain retribution of an uncertain labour; or with a property which nothing but the moft active induftry can render cqual to his neceffities, the fubfiftence of the peafant, and a family, numerous, depends from day to day on frequently on the ftate of his health, and accident, on a number of circumftances, which it either is not in his forcfee, or which, if forefeen, power to of wretchednefs. prove a new fource View him alternately humbled the profperity, always by humiliating, of his by the pride of his equals; of his fuperiors ; by the comparifon poverty with their opulence; and, by all the diftinétions which finally, chain of compofe the long fubordination, of which he is laft link. always the He is free, it is true, at leaft he is lieve fo; but what is this taught to beliberty for a man, who, R 2 in --- Page 274 --- 244 ] whatever dircêtion he attempts to move, is either in back into the circle of wretchdetained, or pufhed now by ednefs from which he hoped to cfcapc; of which only renders his poverty the want means, the of the doubly poignant: ; and now by opinion of which makes him but the more fenfible world, his own nullity. certainly, if not better, at leaft more clad Heis, but the negro has no need of than the negro : which with the one is merely cloaths. The habit of article of luxury, is with the other an object an indifpenfable neceflity. and better furThe cottage of the one is larger, nifhed than the cafa of the other ; but its reparaand its moveables alone abforb no inconfidertions, of his earnings : it muft be repaired in able part it muft be warmed in winter. fummer, food and raiment, difThe one can only provide difficult to be, charge his taxes, &c. with fpecie, but of which the other has no need. procured ; dint of labour, of numerous The European by has fcarcely privations, and of unremitting induftry, fucceeded in acquiring a moment's cafe, before a of the future interyenes, and melancholy prefage He muft think of his blafts his fugitive delights. children, able part it muft be warmed in winter. fummer, food and raiment, difThe one can only provide difficult to be, charge his taxes, &c. with fpecie, but of which the other has no need. procured ; dint of labour, of numerous The European by has fcarcely privations, and of unremitting induftry, fucceeded in acquiring a moment's cafe, before a of the future interyenes, and melancholy prefage He muft think of his blafts his fugitive delights. children, --- Page 275 --- C 245 ] children, who are growing up, and of old which is faft approaching. If he looks age fecs his own wants round he multiplied in cach of the individuals who call upon him for fhelter, food, and raiment. If he turns an eye upon himfelf, he beholds the enervated arms which will fhortly him no more in the combat he has ftill fupport with to wage poverty-even after a ftruggle of threcfcore years ! The negro, too, has his wifh fufferings ; I do not to deny it : but, exonerated of the providing for himfelf for the care of prefent, and for his family hereafter, he fuffers lefs from the neceffarily attached to his hardfhips condition, than from the privation of certain enjoyments. The unhappinefs of the latter therefore may fo exprefs myfelf, local and is, if I the former univerfal negative : that of and pofitive. It is over all his exiftence, and over all his diffufed over the future as well as the connestions; ; prefent. The ception of what he fuffers, and the perof what he has fuffered, remembrance of the inceffantly admonifh him fufferings he has yet to undergo ! When the negro has eaten his banana he fleep--and though a hurricane goes to the planter; deftroy the hopes of though fire confume the buildings ereéted --- Page 276 --- L 246 ] ereéted at a vaft expence ; though fubterrancous commotions ingulph whole cities; though the devaftation over our plains, fcourge of war fpread fcattered the ocean with the wrecks of our or ftrew ! in his fleets-what is all this to him Enveloped and tranquilly feated on the ruins, he blankct, fees with the fame eye, the fmoke which exhales his and the torrents of flame which defrom pipe, ! vour the profpeéts of a whole generation I come, Sir, to your laft queftion. You afk me what ufe I think the negroes would make of their liberty if it were refored to them ? Refored does not appear to me to be the proper word. All I know, or can difcover of the natives of convinces me that they vegetate under a Africa, lefs or in the.moft dcdefpotifm more or abfurd, plorable anarchy. I believe then, Sir, that every people whom education fhall not have brought up for liberty, make an ill ufe of that which they will neceffarily of circummay owe to a fortuitous concurrence with ! ftances. See, what you have done yours habituaand enlightened pcople, You, a civilized, ted . All I know, or can difcover of the natives of convinces me that they vegetate under a Africa, lefs or in the.moft dcdefpotifm more or abfurd, plorable anarchy. I believe then, Sir, that every people whom education fhall not have brought up for liberty, make an ill ufe of that which they will neceffarily of circummay owe to a fortuitous concurrence with ! ftances. See, what you have done yours habituaand enlightened pcople, You, a civilized, ted --- Page 277 --- [ 247 ] ted to refleét on a faculty, to whofe ufe not been altogether you have ftrangers; ; and then take uponyourfelves the tafk of refolving, in the beft, you can, the problem manner. folution. you propounded for my LETTER XXVII. Defert, April 1790. To exculpate myfelf, Sir, from the having bounded my obfervations reproach of on Saint to futile details, to moral and critical Domingo and to imperfect fketches of cultivation, fpeculations, and population, I have thought it commerce, tend more neceffary to atferioufly to thefe three laft to treat of them more at objects, and large : for furely, Sir, if it imports us to know man, confidered as a moral and metaphyfical being, it is not of lefs importance to acquire juft ideas of what conftitutes his and material exiftence, and of his relative political as a citizen, planter, proprietor, interefts trader, &c. Let --- Page 278 --- E 248 ] then, with forming'a precife noLet us begin, his aétivity, tion of the ground on which he difplays his intelligence, and his induftry. The furface of the French part of Saint Domingo meafures from 1900 to 2000 fquare lcagues. This extent is divided into three parts or Coafs, named Bands, from the little breadth of heretofore in the origin of all the firft eftablifhments; ; which, ftretched along the fhore without the colonies, penetrating into the interior of the country. to the number of Thefe coafts, or departments, i.e. that of the North, that of the Weft, three, that ofthe South, are divided into Chefs-Lieux, and which, in their turn, are fubdior Jurifdiétions ; as will fee in vided into quarters, or parifhes, you the following Table. TABLE. ofore in the origin of all the firft eftablifhments; ; which, ftretched along the fhore without the colonies, penetrating into the interior of the country. to the number of Thefe coafts, or departments, i.e. that of the North, that of the Weft, three, that ofthe South, are divided into Chefs-Lieux, and which, in their turn, are fubdior Jurifdiétions ; as will fee in vided into quarters, or parifhes, you the following Table. TABLE. --- Page 279 --- E 249 J TABLE. CHxps-LiEex, or QUARTERS JUXISDICTION, or PARISHES. [Le Cap et dependances Partie L'Acul, La petire Ance et la plaine du Nord 21,613 II. 122 Nord. du Le Cap. S Morin et Limonade, la Grande et Rivière Sainte Sufanne 19,376 Le Dondon et Marmelade 18,554 Le Limbé, et le Port Margot 17,376 (Plaifancect le Borgne 15,978 15,018 Le Fort Le Fort Dauphin Dauphin, Ousnaminthe Lc Terrier et Vallière - 10,004 Idem. Le Port Le Port de rouge et le trou 15,476 9,987 de Paix. ( Jean Paix, Le Petit St. Louis,? Rabel, et. Le Gros Le Mole. Le Mole et Bombarde Morne, ) 29,540 3,183 Port-au- (Le quets Port-au-Prince et la Croix des BouU Prince, L'Arcahaye 42,848 Partie Léogane, (Mirebalais 18,553 de 1' S S Saint Léogane 10,902 Oueft. St. Marc. / Vercttes Marc, la petite Rivière, Les ( 14,896 et les Gonaives Lel Petit Le Petit Goave, le Grand 57,216 Goave. le fond des négres Goave, et 18,829 Jeremie, (L'Ance a Vaux et le petit trou Jérémic, et le Cap Dame Marie 13,229 20,774 Partie I Les Cayes, Les Cayes et Torbeck du < Cap St. Louis. Tiburon. Le Cap Tiburon et les Coteaux 30,937 Sud. Jacmel. St. Louis, Cavaillon, et Aquin 8,153 Jacmel, les Cayes, et Baynei 18,785 Total. 21,151 51 Parithes. 450,000 The population of the French from an enumeration territory appears, made this year, exclufive of the le Cap Dame Marie 13,229 20,774 Partie I Les Cayes, Les Cayes et Torbeck du < Cap St. Louis. Tiburon. Le Cap Tiburon et les Coteaux 30,937 Sud. Jacmel. St. Louis, Cavaillon, et Aquin 8,153 Jacmel, les Cayes, et Baynei 18,785 Total. 21,151 51 Parithes. 450,000 The population of the French from an enumeration territory appears, made this year, exclufive of the --- Page 280 --- [ 250 1 the whites, and negroes, of whofe refidence, 8c. there were no legal documents, to amount to whites; 8,370 people of colour; and 38,360 blacks : to which if we add the crews of 455,000 the veffels, the garrifons, 8cc. we may fairly carry the total of the population to 506,000 fouls. In the five laft years the progreflive augmentation has been more than I 50,000 negroes, fince at the end of 1785 the colony poffeffed only 300,000. whatever confidence we may have in the But Adminiftrator, we muft accuracy of an enlightened ftill, be perfuaded that there are things with regard his cannot be looked upon asinto which judgment becaufe he is forced to fee fallible: in the firft place, things by the eyes of others, and confequentmany the fidelity of which he cannot ly, to make reports in fpite of always verify ; in the fecond, becaufe, and he cannot determine all his cares watching, exaétnefs, the pofitive quantity with perfeét of and exportations of the legal importations trade, forcigners, nor the amount of the contraband the frauds of the French merchants themfelves nor Add to this, that as none but an odious, perhaps I might almoft fay, an impraéticable inquifition, lift of ever fucceed in obtaining an accurate can charged the black population; : the adminiftrator with fo --- Page 281 --- [ 251 ] with the enumcration, will always find himfelf obliged to eftablifh his eftimate on calculations. approximate He may, undoubtedly, cértify himfelf from year to another, of the geometrical one ground in extent of the culivation; but it will be abfolutely impoffible for him to fpcak cies of decifively on the fpeculture, the quantity of pofitive value of the produce, or the two firft exports ; becaufe that, the are fubjeét to great variations, that the buyer and the feller have an intereft in the cuftoms; that in fo immenfe defrauding that of Saint a line of coaft asDomingo, it is as impoffible to vent fugars, &c. from being preto obftruét the privately fhipped, as landing of different articles frominterlopers; and, finally, that however carefully the commandants of the different diftriats, planters themfelves, generally may procced to the ing the plantations, enregiftermoft they are always deceived, and commonly-I fpeak from own confent! After this, authority-by their of the can you doubt the fource errors which are found in the ofthe moft clear-fighted computations are all to the adminiftrators ; and which advantage of the population, the cultivation, and the commerce of the colony ? IfI were obliged, with banders for refpect to the contraexample, to fupport my affertion by facts, ed to the ing the plantations, enregiftermoft they are always deceived, and commonly-I fpeak from own confent! After this, authority-by their of the can you doubt the fource errors which are found in the ofthe moft clear-fighted computations are all to the adminiftrators ; and which advantage of the population, the cultivation, and the commerce of the colony ? IfI were obliged, with banders for refpect to the contraexample, to fupport my affertion by facts, --- Page 282 --- [ 252 J tcll Sir, that amongft the artifacts, I could you, and linger in fices they make ufe of to approach, road-fteads of Saint Domingo, there is onc, the ftale, is not for that the lefs fucwhich, although cefsful. arrives under a pretence of diftrefs ; has A thip verbal-procefs, and obher'cafe ftated in a regular time for tains in confequence of it the neceffary of which the is fuppofed to fand in the repairs in the friendly veil of night, the necd. Enveloped underand the Verbalifee come to a proper Verbalifer in public a maft or ftanding: the captain purchafes of which he does not want-and a troop a yard, do the reft. The contrabander now trufty flaves and Monfieur the Inrepaired, continues her rout, of the tendant knows, you may be fure, as little fhe has brought, as of what fhe has value of what taken away. undoubtedly, to cheat the It is very wicked, of his dues, and to givc, for king in this manner to Atranthe fake of a paltry intereft, a preference that It muft not, however, be concealed gers! not wholly unknown there exifts one confideration, which to the Chamber of Commerce, I fufpedt, the even the moft fcrufometimes induces planter, with refpeét to the tran(greffion ofprohibitpulous without much regret, his rcory laws, to forego pugnance --- Page 283 --- - 253 J pugnance to deceive in this manner his liberal bencfugtor-and this confideration is ftill Ce c interef." For that paltry; example, codfifh is an article of great confumption amongft the thercfore, of negroes : it is, be cohfequence that the colony fhould always fupplied with it. The is from average demand 27,000 to 30,000 quintals; and the French merchants having only imported this feafon the government, which 2,610, the general begins to comprehend that good fhould not be always facrificed particular advantages, to port 25,276. This permitted foreigners to imreafonable fo much the more indulgence has been beneficial to the colonift, as the fubjests ef the United States, on account of their proximity, can fell their fifh bere in a better dition, and at. a much lower con. merchants *: the price than the French latter, therefore, alarmed, and fearing neceflarily condefcenfion for the government might carry its from the fame colonies fo far as to permit, motive, the impertation of falt vifions, have eagerly fet themfelves proof North America; to decry thofe like whofe brine, fay they, has ours, the qualities not, neccffary to preferve what If thefe people would take direét rout from proper meafures for equal to the Newfoundland to the colonies, a quantity fendingbys demand, the planters might offth cheaper and of a better quality: but the undoubtedly have it confidering the iflands as mere drains for unfortunate habitude of mother counrry, makes them fee the corruptions of the' fewers deftined to abforb the refufe nothing of their in them but common magazines, is ours, the qualities not, neccffary to preferve what If thefe people would take direét rout from proper meafures for equal to the Newfoundland to the colonies, a quantity fendingbys demand, the planters might offth cheaper and of a better quality: but the undoubtedly have it confidering the iflands as mere drains for unfortunate habitude of mother counrry, makes them fee the corruptions of the' fewers deftined to abforb the refufe nothing of their in them but common magazines, is --- Page 284 --- L 254 ] in it! It is clear to me that if among is pickied articles of American comthe number of other 8zc. lumber merce, fuch as iron, flour, cattle, fentence of our alone has efcaped the depreciating to the traders *, the indulgence is intirely owing the indifliculty of fupplying the demand, which cultivation of fugar has nearly doubled creafed within the laft fifteen years. The number of forcign fhips, principally Amewhich in 1788 aflifted in furnifhing Saint can, Now, Domingo with provifions, was confiderable. to the wifhes of the Chamber Sir, ifin conformity of the ifland had been of Commerce, the ports have been the confefhut to them, what would would have to the inhabitants?-thar they quence abfolute want of many articles of the firft been in the whole cargoes of neceffity, which compofed thefe veffels. that to the French merCC And what is us," fay few imaa chants? ic Can the pleafure ofgratifying the Genius of commerce, perfeated to a certain point, Itisto for the fource of thofe vices whofe origin has fo that we muit look It is this which, having ruined Tyre, Carthage, long puzzled us. and brought us from Florence that mifer- &c. took refuge in Italy, which after having taught us to fpeculate on able Italian policy, virtue and on vice, has ended with precipievery thing, even on of corruption, into tating Europe into the profoundelt abyfs egoifm.! ginary --- Page 285 --- [ 255 ] ginary wants be fuffered to enterinto with the real wrong which is done competition country, in thus to the mother muft have made depriving her of the profits the of the merchandize to foreigners? How you have fold fafhion to long, pray, has it been the And frip the mother to clothe the are not the colonics the daughter! Befides, there is daughters of France? a commercial maxim we cannot from which derogate, and which, in fpite of ability to take off all your ourin. produce, makes it necefiàry that it fhould be offered highly this maxim is, that the to no one elfelefs pens to be, the more the competition there hapthe foil will accumulate various productions of planter, and in the magazines of the down themore it will be in our powerto beat their price "-For the reft, Sir, whatever Avidity, which always fancies it has loft ther has gained, may be what ano. that the want of pleafed to fay, it is certain fpecie, which is felt ever in the United States more than count oftheir direét at this moment, on acEaft Indies; it is commerce with China and the certain, I fay, that this obliges the Americans to take want commodities in piaftres for their iflands; of which preference to the produce of the abfolutely they carry off no more than is neceffary for ballaft. that the injury they do Thus, it appears worth our carrying trade is fcarce noticing-bur were it as momentous as it is faid greater, were it even to be, 1 fhould think it more Indies; it is commerce with China and the certain, I fay, that this obliges the Americans to take want commodities in piaftres for their iflands; of which preference to the produce of the abfolutely they carry off no more than is neceffary for ballaft. that the injury they do Thus, it appears worth our carrying trade is fcarce noticing-bur were it as momentous as it is faid greater, were it even to be, 1 fhould think it more --- Page 286 --- [ 256 ] more than compenfated by the advantages the colonics derive from them.-But tell me, Sir, ifit does not appear ftrange to you that a body of fpeculators;i who are inceffantly claiming for themfelves the moft unbounded privilcges, fhould recognize no other rule of action than that of the moft revolting defpotifm in their dealings with the planter, or the manufacturer, who is not abfolutely their flave L Jt is neceffary to comprehend thoroughly how aftonifhingly perfonal intereft perverts every idea ofjuftice and injuftice, to enable us to fee nothing in all this but the inevitable effedt'of its influence on our feeble reafon. LET- --- Page 287 --- 257 1 LETTER XXVIII. Deferts April 1790. objeéts, Sir, will-furnifh mateFivE important ; 2°. The rials for this letter: 1°. The exportation manuto cultivation, eftablifhments appropriated The produce of the factorics, and induftry ; 3". active and paflive.: taxes in general ; 40. The debts and its diftriand 5". The revenue of the treafury, bution into different departments. tedious calculation of fractions, the Toavoid the cannot be of any importrefult of which after all, the fous and I fhall difpenfe with adding ance, the total of each article. I fhould predeniers to the valuation is made on vioufly inform you that exchange at prefent, the footing of the colonial livre muft be eftimated that is, at 333: fo that the at thirty fous. * As it would be difficult to find in which Englifh repeatedly correfponding occurs terms for the legal and official phrafeology himfelf with merely in this letter, the tranflator bas contented copying the original. S and I fhall difpenfe with adding ance, the total of each article. I fhould predeniers to the valuation is made on vioufly inform you that exchange at prefent, the footing of the colonial livre muft be eftimated that is, at 333: fo that the at thirty fous. * As it would be difficult to find in which Englifh repeatedly correfponding occurs terms for the legal and official phrafeology himfelf with merely in this letter, the tranflator bas contented copying the original. S --- Page 288 --- - 258 ] EXPORTATION Average 1789. Value. 1788. lbs. Mufcovado Sugar 93:573-300 55.000.000 93,177:512 Clayed Sugar 47-916.531 67.670,781 70,227,709 Coffec 76,835.210 51,890,748 68,151,181 Cotton 7:004.278 17.575,252 6,486,126 Indigo 758,628 10,873:120 930,016 Cocoa 120,000 150,000 29:530 hhds. Molaffes 1.947:132 21,816 303 Cafks Rum 172,218 12,995 No. Hides Woods 40,000 1,500,000 lbs. Dying Tortoife ihell 50,000 5,000 Total 205.370,067 ES STABI L I S H M E N T S. which is produced by The mafs of commodities and the joint efforts of cultivation, commerée, induftry, arifes from 1788. 1789. Eftimation. 451 Plantations of Clay- 3 451 103:730,000 ed, or White ditto Sugar 362 100,000,000 341 Mulcovado Coffee eftates 70,200,000 2,810 Cotton ditto : 30,000,000 705 Indigo works 3151 100,000,000 3,097 09 Cocoa groves 18s 54 goo,000 200,000 173 Diftilleries 950,000 3 Tan Limc-kilns pits 3 Pottcries 6,600,000 33 Brick-kilns 1,400,000 12,000 Horned and Cattle Mules" 6,440,000 16,000 Horfes Total 450,420.000 If --- Page 289 --- [ 259 1 Ifweadd to thefe different items, 1,137:500,000 the whole livres, for the value of 455,000 flaves, of- the planters of the fixed and moveable property the furprizing will amount to of Saint Domingo livres. fum of 1,557,870,000 PRODUCE. AMOUNT OF THE TAXES ON COLONIAL Livres. Of that on White Sugar 1 2,528,197 Brown Sugar - 1,6773195 Coffee 1,226,720 Indigo 465,000 Cotton: 785.766 Molaffes 221,275 Rum 1,821 Hides 18,184 Dying woods, &cc. Total 6,924,166 in the receipt of the Caifje de which are comprifed la Marine, or Marine Cheft. and indeed a needlefs It would be a tedious, article by article affectation of accuracy, to enter of the into all the details of the General Receipt with I fhall content myfelf, therefore, Treafury. the total of the fums received, laying before you feveral Offices. If I enter at and paid into the of it will length into the article expence, be greater S 2 6,924,166 in the receipt of the Caifje de which are comprifed la Marine, or Marine Cheft. and indeed a needlefs It would be a tedious, article by article affectation of accuracy, to enter of the into all the details of the General Receipt with I fhall content myfelf, therefore, Treafury. the total of the fums received, laying before you feveral Offices. If I enter at and paid into the of it will length into the article expence, be greater S 2 --- Page 290 --- r L 260 J be merely to do juftice to the views of Adminithe fums employed by it ftration by diftinguifhing in works of public utility, in various inftitutions, or in acts of juftice and benevolence. GENERAL RECEIPT. Livres. * La Caiffe de la Marine has received 10,838,348 Generale 1,171,290 des Libertés 694.906 des Droits Domaniaux 780,300 des Confignations 184,500 de L Entrepôt 459,078 des Invalids, et fonds 2 d'Armements Total 14,673:014 As the real ftate of the aétive and paflive debts is indifpenfably neceffary to enable of a country of its commercial, you to form a correct opinion and financial fituation, I have joined agricultural, an exact lift of thofe of the colony. difference between the refult of the * As there is a fenfible Rendu of M. de Marbois, and the Tables of totals of the Compte followed thelaft as being the lateft in time. hisfuccelfor, I have ACT- --- Page 291 --- 261 I ACTIVE DEBTS, or OWING TO THE DIFFERENT CAISSES, MONIES from 1788 to 1791. credit ftood. in The total amount of the public livres, 1788. at 14.927,030 in 1789 and 1799 the Of this there was paid which. reduccd the debt fum of 5-730,901 livres, livres. to 9,196,129 a f musint PASSIVE DEBTS, or MONIES OWED ' BY THE DIFFERENT CAISSES. Livres. debt amounted in 1788'to 4:942,416 The public in 1789 and 1790 3.580,480 There were paid Will remain due in 1791 1,361,936 Sir, that in the natural enough to fuppofe, - It is the Adminiftrators, the accompts delivered in by feldom fails to tally extotal of the difburfements : this is in the actly with the total of the receipts where of it is not every regular courfe things-and one --- Page 292 --- E 262 ] one has the fatisfaction of feeing the public revenues fo well adminiftered as to leave, as they did here, a furplus of 1,614,888 livres, at the year's end. If you now afk me, where the agents of government find the means of'acquiring fuch rapid fortunes, I fhall ingenuoufly own to you that I know not : but at the fame time I have very little doubt if the Direétor of the Fortifications, and other works, were, for example, to receive 9'7,560livres for thofe objeéts, but that the total of his expences would alfo amount to 917,560 livres! ! TU It may be a matter of indifference to you to be informed that the military, civil and judicial adminiftration of the colonyabforbs, in falaries alone, 3,349,550 livres; but you will fee with pleafure, that of the overplus of the general receipts of 14.673.014 livres, there have been expended, either in public works, or in donations of juftice and benevolence, the following fums. On but that the total of his expences would alfo amount to 917,560 livres! ! TU It may be a matter of indifference to you to be informed that the military, civil and judicial adminiftration of the colonyabforbs, in falaries alone, 3,349,550 livres; but you will fee with pleafure, that of the overplus of the general receipts of 14.673.014 livres, there have been expended, either in public works, or in donations of juftice and benevolence, the following fums. On --- Page 293 --- [ 263 I 196,000 livres. On.the Hofpitals Canals and Fountains 331,299 Indemnities and Gratifications 109,575 Penfions to the fathers and mothers of IO and 12 children - Expences of a Quay at Port72,731 au-Prince 86,621 The Road at Jaquemel The King's Garden 50,912 Works done at the Cape 70,464 Watering and Wafhing 651,058Places Gifts and Gratifications 40,956 Reclaiming run-away negroes 46,521 Total 1,727902 LETTER XXIX. Defert, May 1790. AMONGST the queftions, Sir, which philofoamufes itfelf with difculling, one of the leaft phy that of the influence which idle is undoubtedly fucceffively education, climate, and government But it is with this, as with the caufe have on man. of --- Page 294 --- L 264 ] of earthquakes: Iet us have nothing exclufive, and we fhaHl underftand one another. Man is at one and the fame time a moral, phyfical, and focial being; and, as fuch, directly fubject to the influence of education, climate, and government, It is' always then, not under the one or the other of thefe relations, but under the three united, that he fhould be confidered: for, if he be no where exclufively the man of nature, education, orlaws, he is however, every where, more or lefs, the one or the other. What is then the inhabitant of Saint Domingo? That which every man muft be who is born under a burning armofphere, with a vicious education, and a feeble government, His character has no decided traits 5 he is neither corrupt, nor virtuous ; neither citizen, nor flave. But this character will form itfelf the inftant education and government, in concert with nature, fhall occupy themfelves with the carc of giving him morals. At prefent we ought to fet the higher value upon his good qualities, as his eduçation has hitherto been calculated to give him none but bad ones. I fhould --- Page 295 --- [ 265 ] Tfiould erigage myfelf in a very long, a very abitrufe, and a very ufelefs work, if I undertook to fay how education and government, in ftriét conwith nature; ought to labour to form' the formity and decide the political exiftence moral character, founded on of the colonifts, agrecable to principles the the inevitable influence of the climate, and on which flings difhonour here on the odious fyftem the moft univerfal of the arts; that moft ufeful; author ofthe Ami des Howmes* calls, which the and with fo much reafon, the Ce art of innocence ce virtue ;" by confiding it to degraded beings, whofe labours, on that very account, it becomes without participating at impoflible to participate, the nullity, the fame time, (ât leaft in their opinion) and difgrace to which théy are conmeannefs, sag mont demned. Krilt - No one has ever denied agriculture the precious of maintaining the morals which a fedenadvantage life, luxury, and floth, neceffarily corrupt. tary then, is a refource already loft to the legillaHere, a new motive for fupture ; and; confequently, plying its abfence by education. contradictions have not longer The moft thocking has once thing ftriking in them, when a perfon any Tome 1, Chap. 7. loft fs, sag mont demned. Krilt - No one has ever denied agriculture the precious of maintaining the morals which a fedenadvantage life, luxury, and floth, neceffarily corrupt. tary then, is a refource already loft to the legillaHere, a new motive for fupture ; and; confequently, plying its abfence by education. contradictions have not longer The moft thocking has once thing ftriking in them, when a perfon any Tome 1, Chap. 7. loft --- Page 296 --- [ 266 ] loft fight.of a certain number of, immutable truths. Hence the colonift who would bluth to.work with his negrefs, does not blufh to. live with her in a ftate of intimacy, which neceffarily eftablifhes between them a kind of equality, at which prejudice exclaims in vain : L'âne repond, Pamour égale toul41 if JA U To.no purpofe! did the legiflator, in the, origin of the colonies, attempt to obyiate one. of the moft fatal confequences, of flavery, by. fubjecting to a penalty of two, thoufand pounds of refined fugar, white, convicted of having a child by, a neevery and immoral law was greis. This inconfequent of the abortions it quickly repealed on account accafioned : but I am ignorant whether government drew from the tranfaction the proper inference-that it is abfurd to think of applying laws prefervative of good morals to an order of things againft nature. e Suppofing, for a moment, this abufe ofintimacy between the mafter and the flave fhould have no other inconvenience than weakening the firft printhe refpect of the fubciple of all fubordination, ordinate, it. would even then be a great calamity. Elfewhere this refpeét might be replaced by efteem; but efteem.is the firft ftep towards equality. To efteem, --- Page 297 --- [ 267 ] to judge, and the flave ought efteem, it.is neceffary not to judge. his mafter. confequence of this But a far more pernicious of the childabufe is its influence on the education is a aleffon much more cafy ren, for whom example variance with to beretained than precepts, always.at conduct of him who gives them. If, as they, the rule," much lefs can fay, C wit cannot be taught by virtue. Sir, in which we are not much It is a matter, virtuous to know whether we are born interefled, real importance is to enaor'vicious : the pointof of the ble education to favour the developement that of the bad, good, in proportion as it repreifes themwhofe feeds, however they come, manifeft felves in us from the moment of our birth. even with the affiftance of the Very few fathers, to beft treatifes on education, are in a condition that of their children. The greater fuperintend ones without embarrafling part of them beget young men. Add themfelves about making them one day that I do not know, with the exception of to this, which goes beyond a mere phyEmilius, any theory fecret of moral educafical education. The true offerdivined*: it confifts in never cation is eafily ing What in the name of wonder can the Marquis de 4 Langle mean to beft treatifes on education, are in a condition that of their children. The greater fuperintend ones without embarrafling part of them beget young men. Add themfelves about making them one day that I do not know, with the exception of to this, which goes beyond a mere phyEmilius, any theory fecret of moral educafical education. The true offerdivined*: it confifts in never cation is eafily ing What in the name of wonder can the Marquis de 4 Langle mean --- Page 298 --- E 268 J any but good: models to follow. ing to our children adopted, it muft If this principle were generally of manneceffarily enfuc, as it is the difpofition that the kind to improve on what is already done, of' the human race would: be ameliorated. manners - Te : Ke - ) fhould be done to infure the: d1 To'tell you" what education, would childrenof Saint Domingo a good done precifely every thing that is not betotell you for example, can we expect at prefent. What, of giving them to be from the impious cuftom however well chofuckled by negro women, who, however carefully them, and fen we may fuppofe of weaning withwatched, feldom reach the period nourith; the to the infant thcy out communicating milk, and the: vices of a, temvenom ofa corrupted lafcivious and fiery nature, a perament to whofe but added: frefh fuel ! a The forced continence has Latium necelfarily became nurfling of the wolf of robbers who preluded, by the leader of a band lof of the of the Sabines, to the conqueft the rape Sir, from the univerfe: 1 What can- we expedt, the children culpable negligence which abandons domeftic flaves) who to the focicty of:a troop of the fenfe attached have not the moft diftant idealof. from modefty ! What can we expect to the word - - 151 education is an impofibility, a mean by faying, that a idea." moral See < Mon Voyage ent Epigne" 66 wild and extravagant the Tome 2. Page 139; --- Page 299 --- [ 269 ] of public morals; the licentioufnefs of the diforder and the daily habitude of fecing punconverfation, of.which the leaft fhocking part ifhments inflicted, ! To fum all, - what can we expect is' the barbarity education begun and from the influence of an finifhed in places where modefty, goodnefs, juftice, founds; and where the firft and mercy are empty Creole learns to lifp, are words which the young the bofom of his a command to lacerate with whips nurfe ! Thefe confiderations have not efcaped fuch of of the adthe colonifts as are capable appreciating invantage of a better education : but, either from have difcovered no better capacity, or idlencfs, they their children to remedy for the evil than fending France; as ifit was not juft as improperto educate the children of Saint Domingo at Paris, as it would be to educate the children of Paris at Saint Domingo! This is furely running upon Sylla to avojd What has the French education in Charybdis. with the kind of life which is led in the common where thefe children colonies ? The plantations differ are born, and where they are deftined to live, as much from the convent or collegeto which they of the new world from are fent, as the productions thofe of the old. How is it pollible that their conftitutions, would be to educate the children of Paris at Saint Domingo! This is furely running upon Sylla to avojd What has the French education in Charybdis. with the kind of life which is led in the common where thefe children colonies ? The plantations differ are born, and where they are deftined to live, as much from the convent or collegeto which they of the new world from are fent, as the productions thofe of the old. How is it pollible that their conftitutions, --- Page 300 --- L 270 ] fitutions, formed by a mode of living, and under fo different from thofe which await an atmofphere this them, fhould not fuffer a material change by fudden tranfition from one to the other? I look, of to a certain Sir, on the practice generalizing, degree, the principles of a phyfical education, as a direét violation of nature. Allowing it to be advantageous for a vagabond to habituate himfelf to climate ; ftill the man who is doomed to live every foil which his anceftors have cultivated; and on the other to die where he was born, ought to have no regimen, no other temperament than thofe of his native country. How would the Laplander, brought under the equator, be able to live amidit the up eternal ice of the pole2-Wretched, alas ! isr he, whom his mother placed in an oaken cradle; and whom mercenary hands have buried in a coffin of mahogany ! What may ferve to juftify in fome meafure the inhabitants of Saint Domingo on this head, is the privation of every kind of refource, of evcry eftablifhment adapted to give their children a certain portion of inftruction, of ufeful knowledge, of agrecable accomplifhanents. However fuperfuous thefe acceffory ornaments of the education of the rich may be efteemed cliewhere, I regard them as highly. neceflary in a country where population, thinly fcattered, compels the greateft part --- Page 301 --- [ 271 ] of the colonifts to live in a kind of folitude, part them to all the evils of liftleffnefs which expofes and ennui. refleét, Sir; on the People do not fufficiently exercife thefe two pefts of human kind tyranny They forget that it was for the over the morals. the croud from their influpurpofe of withdrawing inftituted fo many ence, the legiflators of antiquity feafts and public games. On the other hand, when aétivity, which is one firft can find no other object than of our paffions, it will change the pleafure, the abufe of fpeedily into habit, and give birth to difguft, and paflion and to all the turpitude of a depraved and fatiety, mind. It is then the déareft of our interefts, fickly which points out to us the our proper happinefs, morals as the fource of all our prefervation of good enjoyments. recommend, however, the cultivation, of the To of talents, of ufeful knowledge, arts, agrecable ftrange to the feétaries of that will probably appear of celebrated man who, in the too famous queftion their influence on the happincfs of fociety, boldly declared for the negative-But let not the partifans that arts corrupt the morals, bc too of the opinion, much out to us the our proper happinefs, morals as the fource of all our prefervation of good enjoyments. recommend, however, the cultivation, of the To of talents, of ufeful knowledge, arts, agrecable ftrange to the feétaries of that will probably appear of celebrated man who, in the too famous queftion their influence on the happincfs of fociety, boldly declared for the negative-But let not the partifans that arts corrupt the morals, bc too of the opinion, much --- Page 302 --- [ 272 3 much alarmed: there is nothing to corrupt at Saint Domingo ! Thofe who affeéted at the time to confider the fentiment of the citizen of Geneva as a- paradox, no lefs new than fingular, muft furcly have defignedly forgotten that Solon, happening to be prefent at - the reprefentation of. one of Thefpis' pieces, cried out, long before him, Cc I am afraid thefe will < poetic fictions, thefe ingenious deceptions, ce fpeedily pafs from the ftage into real life;" and that Xenophon had written two thoufand years before Rouffeau was born, €e that the greater part of < the arts enfeeble the bodies of thofe who exerc cife them, by compelling them to fit in the fhadc, c or by the fire; and that they have neitherleifure c for their friends, nor for the republic, The confufion this famous queftion occafioned, muft be wholly attributed to the incorrect manner in which it was ftated by the academy of Dijon. I am ignorant, for my own part, of the tendency which arts and fciences have to corrupt the morals; : but I well know, that, caufe or effect, they are no where in eftimation but amongft nations already much corrupted. In this cafe, they muft be looked upon as ufeful, becaufe, being unable to deteriorate Memorabilia, Liv. 5: the --- Page 303 --- [ 273 ] ferve, if not to amend, at leaft the manners, they to foften them. the moft rational view of the This is, I believe, whofe fubject: at any rate it is that of Cicero, be Give the moft teftimony cannot fufpected. ftoic, the the moft inflexible auftere philofopher, the choice of living with moft impudent cynic, or with men unpolifhed, ignorant and corrupt, will and well informed, and he men corrupt, polite, *Ifaw," not hefitate a moment to take the latter. Ce I fays the fucceffor of the unfortunate Marion, at once cruel and : < faw him maffacred by a people who and ungrateful ; and < cowardly, treacherous but benefits. I Ce had received from him nothing is but ce, have feen that reafon without cultivation more brutal and ferocious than C a mere inftinét, found nothing in thefe Cc that of beafts : I have but mifchievous children, fo much cc men of nature c the more dangerous as they are ufually ftronger of the moft robuft Europeans. < than the generality them in the fpace of a few miC I have obferved moft childifh to the the joy (e nutes, pafs from and from c deepeft grief; from tranquillity to fury, moft immoderate laughter. Ihave < thence to the and with no perceptible c feen them, alternately, then ftern and c 'interval, gentle and fawning, T threatening : the more dangerous as they are ufually ftronger of the moft robuft Europeans. < than the generality them in the fpace of a few miC I have obferved moft childifh to the the joy (e nutes, pafs from and from c deepeft grief; from tranquillity to fury, moft immoderate laughter. Ihave < thence to the and with no perceptible c feen them, alternately, then ftern and c 'interval, gentle and fawning, T threatening : --- Page 304 --- [ 274 1 Ee threatening $ never long in the fame frame ce of mind, but always dangerous,. always trea- ( cherous." * After this digreffion, which is not altogether foreign to the fubjeét, I think, Sir, you will not hefitate to agrec with me, that it is almoft impoffible the young Crcoles of either fex fhould receive in their paternal habitations, or even in France, an education which fhall at once unite the advantages ofthe phyfical and moral-What can be done then fometo obviate the evill-Something very fimple; thing which would have been done long fince, if the leaft fpark of public fpirit had exifted in the country. Let there be founded in Saint Domingo itfelf, eftablifhments for the education of the children of Saint Domingo. The advantages of thefe kinds of eftablifhments numerous and fo decifive, that nothing but are fo united to theblindeft the notcalpabicinliftcrenee could have prevented the inhabitants ignorance, ago, their indifpenfrom recognizing, many years fible neceffity. * Nouveau Veyage à lc Mer du Sudl, Page 129. LET- --- Page 305 --- I 275 ] LETTER XXX. Defert, May 1790. Iriv with the inhabitants of our colonies, Sir, as with the foldiers with whom Alexander over-ran Perfia; the conquerors have affumed the manners The colonifts have preferred of the conquered. thofe of the flaves to the. the difgrace of adopting affertion of merit of giving them better. But an this nature will bring upon me a charge of calumny unlefs fubftantiated by facts. for example, the mafter of a houfe In France, if his will look upon himfelf as infulted you get maid with child; here he will thank you, as for the beft piece of fervice you can do him: for this child becomes his property, and confequently adds fomcthing to his capital. Should the feclings of a father operate fo ftrongly incline to withdraw your fon from the as to you the Roman Law, flavery to which he is deftined by venirem, he will fell him to you for Partus fequitur fo much down upon the nail, but with the efpecial T 2 precaution ; here he will thank you, as for the beft piece of fervice you can do him: for this child becomes his property, and confequently adds fomcthing to his capital. Should the feclings of a father operate fo ftrongly incline to withdraw your fon from the as to you the Roman Law, flavery to which he is deftined by venirem, he will fell him to you for Partus fequitur fo much down upon the nail, but with the efpecial T 2 precaution --- Page 306 --- [ 276 ] the price by the anxicty precaution of regulating him. If you do not buy him, you fhew to obtain him brought up to his mafter will not fail to have which he may be fome occupation; by means of him cnabled to let him out, or fell him, or to put of buying himfelf on fome future in a condition the price of his liberty. day, that is, of paying The girls are a more valuable commodity than exclufive of the trades they the boys, becaufe, be taught, if they have the fmalleft pretenfions may have no great necd of abilities to to beauty, they unmarried whites, an emulaexcite, amongft the to afcertion which affures them a price impoffible felf-love, tain, fince it is love, and what is morc, fon of determines it.- _Rivals of the which Alcmena! would you fee the Genius of commerce fhores of Saint Domingo with altars to cover the then, that labour of the your name? Imitate, the good old hero's, which in one night gave Danaus fifty grand-children 1 thing that aftonifhes fuch as experience The only refources ftruck has apprifed of the innumerable is-that it has out by a certain kind of induftry, entered into the head of fome ingenious not yet under the name of Etalon fpeculator to monopolize, the fabrication of all the Banal, Colonial Stallion, Perhaps they people of colour at fo much a head. are --- Page 307 --- [ 277 ] afraid left the Chamber of Commerce fhould are of the luminous idea, and add to take advantage that of manufaéturing their other exclufive privileges, think their fears are althe human race. Ido not there would be no together without foundation, for from bein preventing the colonifts more injuftice than in prohibiting getting their own children, from their own fugar, or fpinning them refining their own cotton ! From what I have faid, Sir, you muft be fully the rich with convinced that what impoverifhes which enriches the poor with us 5 that lechery, you fin, and a ruinous in France is at once a mortal fource of is metamorphofed here into a paflion, that one of the methods of lucrative fpeculations 3 is to beget acquiring a fortune at Saint Domingo, branch of baftards; and, finally, that this a number is founded on the very of the public profperity of all fociety elfevice which faps the foundation where--on the want of good morals ! in the There are to be found herc, particularly of whites, and free mulattoes port-towns, a number by letting who make a great deal of money, merely has Avarice out their male or female negroes. of love; even extended its power over the pleafures mifin Europe afks her for juft as a fervant-maid woman to walk out, fo a negro trefs's permiffion here, of all fociety elfevice which faps the foundation where--on the want of good morals ! in the There are to be found herc, particularly of whites, and free mulattoes port-towns, a number by letting who make a great deal of money, merely has Avarice out their male or female negroes. of love; even extended its power over the pleafures mifin Europe afks her for juft as a fervant-maid woman to walk out, fo a negro trefs's permiffion here, --- Page 308 --- E 278 ] here, afks leave to go and fleep with fuch or fuch a white: and as the is obliged, in many houfes, to pay her miftrefs a certain fum out of the produce of her nocturnal labours, you will conceive that the miftrefs, who, from a principle of decency, refufes fuch a permiflion, would expofe herfelf to the weighty reproach of being a bad ceconomift; fince the negro fervant-girls have nothing but what they gain by their cbarms to cover then from the public eye.--Thus modefty is indebted here for its veil to lafcivioufncfs ! Let us, however, be juft, Sir.- -This.vice cannot be looked upon as peculiar to the French colonies, nor as a confequence ofthe ftill-increaling depravity of our morals. Morc than a century ago, the traveller Dellon found the fame praétice completely eftablifhed at the Bay of All Saints ; < where, " fays he, c even the women who pafs for virtuous, make no CC fcruple to trick out their flaves for the purpofe <e of enabling them to fet a higher price on the <C infamous plcafures in which they traffic." * When avarice is the firft principle of the depravity of morais, nothing but the intervention of thc government and of religion can poflibly fet bounds to it; and when thefe two are arrived at fuch a * Relation d'an Voyage aux Indes Orieniales. Tome 2. Chap. 28. pitch --- Page 309 --- L 279 ] of blindnefs as not to fee that their exiftence pitch conneéted with the exertion of this is infeparably necdlefs to look for the prime duty, it is perfeétly without morals, folution of the problem of a fociety where but in Bareme, * any effentially charged Thatthe CivilAdminitration, itfelf with every thing with the police, fhould bufy the ftate of morality, but the care of fuperintending Governments have never ought to aftonith no one. medjum between the known how to preferve a juft thing to run to indifference which fuffers every thing which takes every decay, and the inquifition the Abbé hands. c And yet," fays into its own may Cc whatever our great philofophers de Mably, the morals; 5 and the <e advance, all depends upon of politics, fearch into the operations Ce deeper you will be convinced of it." t < the more you or rather its minifters, fhould But that religion, is what could hardly confent to fhare this reproach, confider with what have been expected, when we with what eageranxicty they havealways watched, opportunity of nels they have always feized, every miniftry, with the influcnce of their extending, * A celebrated Calculator. Tome I. Liv. 2. + De la Legiflation, 016 Principes des Lois. Chap- 4. the deeper you will be convinced of it." t < the more you or rather its minifters, fhould But that religion, is what could hardly confent to fhare this reproach, confider with what have been expected, when we with what eageranxicty they havealways watched, opportunity of nels they have always feized, every miniftry, with the influcnce of their extending, * A celebrated Calculator. Tome I. Liv. 2. + De la Legiflation, 016 Principes des Lois. Chap- 4. the --- Page 310 --- E 280. ] of which it is the refult, and the degree the power attached to that power. t of confequence The clergy of the colony feerh to have voluntarenounced the advantages which this fyftem of rily them elfewhére. Tranquil in condust procures they fpend in peace an in- * their parfonage-houfes, them to live comcome fufficiently large to enable Mafs is cclebrated one way or other,. in fortably. churches where none go to hear it-fo thattoavoid of in the defert they do not the reproach preaching at all. Still leis do they exert themfelves preach exhortations, the languifhto awaken, by private of: itheir fiocks. ing, not to fay the expiring zeal Sir, that there are to be found Iam perfuaded, of real merit: at the fame time among(t them men truth obliges me to avow they are not numerous; clergy, who nominate to the becaufe the fuperior this ambition, ill difguifed, that we muft attribute tI Itisto in which after a long toleration, the Jefuit the difgracefal manner driven from China. We may fee, in the mifionaries were finally Gerbillon, with what infolence men who fccond voyage of Father to have known, no other repreached, and who, in effedt, ought after recciving from the governvenge than pardoning fatisfaction injuries, they could defire for a Night inment every kind of ftill dared to demand of the emperor, fult offered to one of them, the ofthe who had overwhelmed them with kindnefs, punithment who was conmunicipal officers of Canton, even to the mandarin fenfe to refufe innocent,-But the monarch had the good feffedly them. vacant --- Page 311 --- [ 281 J have contracted the pernicious vacant benefices, thither but fuch intriguing habit of fending none wifh to be rid of. charaéters as they or fufpicious entrufted to fuch The Aambeau of faith, therefore, in fhed a faint and doubtful light hands, can only inflames with all its fires 1 regions which the South nothing, To fpeak my mind freely on the fubject, the fpeaking, can be more irregular than generally compofed, in a regular clergy of Saint Domingo, their meafure, of monks who have renounced great Never did the cclebrated faying of Saint order. in weaknefs," Paul, that cC Strengtb is made perfea the offer to true picty a more confolatory hope for future 1 In the interim, the conjeêtures which fcandal delights to indulge on the children public mulatto of Monf. the Rector with which the female their have peopled the parfonage-houfe, keep may this increafe of family is for his courfe ; and as for the reft of the colonifts, Reverence, as well as increafe.of fortune, you may eafily coma fenfible the interefted age in which we prehend, that in he is live, few will have the candour to fuppofe indebted for them folely to the good will of his parifhioners. if indifference, the I do not know, however, the force of habit, that of example, and above all, of opinion, which looks upon continence power virtue fo fo foreign from the manto be a painful, ners, verence, as well as increafe.of fortune, you may eafily coma fenfible the interefted age in which we prehend, that in he is live, few will have the candour to fuppofe indebted for them folely to the good will of his parifhioners. if indifference, the I do not know, however, the force of habit, that of example, and above all, of opinion, which looks upon continence power virtue fo fo foreign from the manto be a painful, ners, --- Page 312 --- [ 282 ] ners, and climate of Saint Domingo, that impotence itfelf difbelieves in it; I do not know, I fay, whethera all this united, may not balance the effect of a fcandal, (which one has always the refource of attributing to calumny) fufficiently fo, at leaft, to enable the clergy to preferve fome portion of the veneration of which they ftand fo much in nced, by permitting us to fuppofe that the reft of their conduct correfponds to the dignity and importance of their holy profeffion. N People are too, much engaged here with their own affairs, to inquire mi nutely into what pafTes with others. Slander is the danghter of Idlenefs. One thing, however, no perfon can be ignorant of-that amongit the minifters of the God of Truth, men are to be found wicked enough to difpute the palm of cunning with the African jugglers, by perfuading the credulous negro, that for a certain fum, which is albeforehand, they can enable him to reways paid cover the moveable he has loft, or the pullet which the rats have long fince devoured. There is no opinion, Sir, of a more deceitful and fatal nature than that which maintains the poffibility of a fociety having a code of morality which fhall fupply the place of religion. It is the abufc of the latter joined to a fpirit of independence, which has given birth to an error as novel as it is alarming. The moft enlightened nations, the moft perfeét --- Page 313 --- [ 283 ] have from the beginning of time, fect focietics, and from one end of the world to the other, recognized the neceflity of a mode of worfhip, fupported adopted. by a fymbol of faith, or creed, implicitly of did not rely fo intirely on the goodnefs Sparta the virtues of her citizens, but that fhe her laws, on have the Gods for her proteétors. was ftill anxious to The laft act of the wifeft of men was a religious believe. is as neceffary to us all, as it is onc.-To reafon well is the lot of few : and natural ; but to of whofe fundamental I know of no fyftem religion accord with univerfal principles do not perfeétly Fanamorality, or the deareft interefts of fociety. ticifm, which has armed one form of worthipagainft intolerance, which has given birth to fo another ; had, from the firft, any other many fects, never which have ftruggled origin than pride or felf-love, their opinion for that of the legiflator, to fubftitute of intereft for the general good and their particular the whole. It is then the duty of government to take care, that religion be maintained and reon one fide, that it nevér become, fpedted 5 and on the other, in the hands of its minifters, a means of oppreffing legiflator who the people. Every or mifleading morals to be in open contrapermits the public diétion with the principles of religion, infallibly both the one and the other, and with them deftroys himfelf, ereft for the general good and their particular the whole. It is then the duty of government to take care, that religion be maintained and reon one fide, that it nevér become, fpedted 5 and on the other, in the hands of its minifters, a means of oppreffing legiflator who the people. Every or mifleading morals to be in open contrapermits the public diétion with the principles of religion, infallibly both the one and the other, and with them deftroys himfelf, --- Page 314 --- L 284 J himfelf. But how much more dangerous muft this depravation of morals be, when the clergy themwith it ! Itisthen that the mulfelves are tainted from titude paffes, without any intermediate ftep, of the minifters to that of the worfhip; contempt of the worfhip to that of the and from contempt laws. Every fcandalous pricft is a confpirator.- It is true, that an apoftolic vicar is fometimes rarely) fent to infpect the conduct of (though very minifters: : but this infpector may be a very worthy and ingenious man, and yet his authority, which the of his miffion, does not extend beyond period be infufficient to remedy the original defect, which I conceive to be the want of proper care in the choice of the colonial clergy. inftitutions, it is With refpeét to religious Sir, that. the principles be good, and not enough, the dogmas pure: he who labours to propagate them, muft alfo fhew, in his own perfon, an exof the ftriéteft conformity to them : for ample in general believe no more in the doétrines people to difregard them, of thofe who affect, themfelves, than in the virtues which are preached by men tainted with every vice. As long as I fhall fee the fifberman's ring on the finger of a fovereign prince, and thc bald front of the Servant of tbe Servants of God, --- Page 315 --- [ 285 J crown *, it will be God, decorated with a triple me that humility is a quality difficult to convince neceffary to falvation. LETTER XXXI. Defert, June 1790. Your laft pacquet, Sir, inclofing the minifter's for Monf. de Marbois, was juft put into my letter I learned that, having received inhands, when mob was haftening formation that an exafperated for the exfrom Cape François to Port-au-Prince, of feizing his perfon, he had judged prefs purpofe himfelf, and accordingly it prudent to withdraw embarked with his family for France. t His * XXII. who firft affumed the Tiara, or triple It was John Dominator cacleftium, terreltrium, crown, in virtue of his being et infernorum. + The conduét of this Monf. Barbé de Marbois affords a fininftance of the verfatility of the huma mind. Execrated gular which he adminiftered, for his fervile attachment to in the colony what e himfelf, and accordingly it prudent to withdraw embarked with his family for France. t His * XXII. who firft affumed the Tiara, or triple It was John Dominator cacleftium, terreltrium, crown, in virtue of his being et infernorum. + The conduét of this Monf. Barbé de Marbois affords a fininftance of the verfatility of the huma mind. Execrated gular which he adminiftered, for his fervile attachment to in the colony what --- Page 316 --- [ 286 1 His oppofition to the beneficent views of Monf. du Chillau, by compelling that governor to return to Paris, for the defence of a caufe fuppofed to be infeparably connected with the public profperity, had long fince raifed a general indignation againit him. Iam very much afraid that the confequences of this mifunderftanding between the two Adminiftrators will be extremely prejudicial to the country. Monf. Du Chillau, perhaps, has been a little too precipitate; fince it is univerfally agreed that if he had chofen to avail himfelf of the confidence he had infpired, hc might have forced his competitor to retire; and there can be no doubt but that in the prefent ftate of things, the falvation of the colony imperioufly requires the whole power to be concentered in the hands of a man, who to the advantage of being already poffeffed of what is called, and frequently with too much juftice, minifterial defpotifm : hated to fuch a degree as to provoke, at this early period, a kind ofiniurrection, of which he was the fole objeet; this fame Monf. de Marbois has a featatp prefent in the Council of Five Hundred, that is to fay, in the midit of the affaffins ofa citizen king, if there ever exifted one who deferved that title; and in whofe name he governed in a moft defpotic manner, while his brotner-in law, Kellerman, commanded the armies of the Republic. Citizen Barb: muft furely be endowed with a very extraordinary degree of patriotifm, fince he finds no repugnance in fitting amongft the murderers of a prince who was certainly his benefactor in naming him to a fituation which gave him fortune, power, and confequence; ; and whom, on that acc ount, if on no other, he certainly muft allow to be a juft and wife appreciator of merit the --- Page 317 --- I 287 ] efteem, joins a firmnefs of character the general have made him mafter of which would inevitably the public opinion. If France wifhes then to prevent the calamities her which Saint Domingo is menaced, let with the unity of power and of haften to re-cftablifh by reftoring will on which its falvation depends, the Monf. Du Chillau to the prayers of colony. circumftances, wherever the wrong In the prefent with him who can may be, the right is evidently who am refpect to myfelf, favethe country.--With will prevail, apprehenfive that the contrary opinion to quit, at leaft for a time, a country I am preparing divided in their fentiwhofe inhabitants already authority, and deprived of the tutelary ments, might have rallied, are on the around which they the authors and the point of becoming alternatcly threatens them with viétims of an anarchy, which univerfal, and inevitable deftruétion. rendered more atrocious Already an affaffination, which it was conduéted * > by the regularity with of that fanguinary has given the colony a fpecimen firft fteps of the enthufiafm which marked the then, Revolution. Have you conceived French fenefchal of Petit-Goave, tried, * M. Ferrand de Baudières, as tumultuous asi it was condemned, and. executed by an affembly illegal, Gentlemen, , which univerfal, and inevitable deftruétion. rendered more atrocious Already an affaffination, which it was conduéted * > by the regularity with of that fanguinary has given the colony a fpecimen firft fteps of the enthufiafm which marked the then, Revolution. Have you conceived French fenefchal of Petit-Goave, tried, * M. Ferrand de Baudières, as tumultuous asi it was condemned, and. executed by an affembly illegal, Gentlemen, --- Page 318 --- 0 288 I Gentlemen, the horrible defign of verifying by your own experience, whether it be not poflible to attain by crimes, what has hitherto bcen looked upon as folely to be acquired by virtucs? I will venture to prediét to you, that it is not; and that the Phantom, adorned with the attributes, and COvered with the mafk of Equality, which with a poignard in its hand, fhews you the Temple of Liberty beyond that river of blood, through which it incites you to wade, is nothing but DESPOTISM IN DISGUISE. I hope, and would fain believe, Sir, that efficacious meafures are already taking for repreffing the excefs of this firft movement of cffervefcence. It is not, certainly, by attacking in' their principle, the lawsofjuftice and humanity, the bafis of every focial contraét, that you can expect to fucceed in fixing the rights ofthe man, and the citizen. Ce Our ce nation," faid Voltaire, CC is frivolous, but cruel." Strive to convict the Lord of Ferney of a double falfchood, by proving to Europe, which has her eyes attentively fixed upon you, that the French nation, frivolous while the was not permitted to be any thing elfc, and cruel while the ambition ofher chiefs precipitated her into all the exceffes of civil difcord, can difplay a very different charaéter when Qeuures Complettes. Tome 60. Lettre 119.. there --- Page 319 --- [ 289 ] a of deciding between there is no longer queftion deliberating the choice of factions, but of calmly and the laws from which her future happinefs on derived. Now, now is the moliberty are to be thought that exquifite ment to call to recolleétion of <c In the times of the profound Montefquieu, evils commit the greateft < ignorance legiflators age they rc without fcruple ; but in an enlightened blefthe greateft cr even tremble while conferring €c fings.". Sir, and more than enough, for a man Enough, fuch a diftance, to people who do who fpeaks, at to the voice of over and above attentive not appear I frankly conreafon: and it is this confideration, determined fels, which has more than any other, retire to North America. Believe me,-- me to the fhore, to which you are tranquilly feated on to fteer the veffel, whofe management endeavouring and where embarraffes as much as it fatigues you, that to find a fafe retreat from the ftorm you hope I fee diftinétly all the is blackening around you; which threaten perils, the rocks and quickfands, feem to have atand which do not your approach, traéted your notice. I Thall fet out If nothing happens to prevent me, towards the end of the enfuing month, or, at lateft, De. L'Efprit des Lois. Tome 1. Preface. in U and where embarraffes as much as it fatigues you, that to find a fafe retreat from the ftorm you hope I fee diftinétly all the is blackening around you; which threaten perils, the rocks and quickfands, feem to have atand which do not your approach, traéted your notice. I Thall fet out If nothing happens to prevent me, towards the end of the enfuing month, or, at lateft, De. L'Efprit des Lois. Tome 1. Preface. in U --- Page 320 --- - 290 ] And where could I in the beginning of Auguft. and to judge find a fpot bétter adapted to obferve, after Revolution, than thé country, which, of your effeéted its own, and afforded having fo prudently model to follow, you, in fome refpects, a proper whofe names I has been the fchool of feveral men, lefec with unaffected pleafure in the lift of your becaufe I hope the experience of things gillators ; to them, that of age and will fupply, with regard be refection-if, after all, fuch a thing poffible. The little time I have to remain here will render obfervations more fugitive and defultory my future We do not dwell with much intereft than ufual. about to for everi I confefs on what we are quit fpeaking, that my letters are little more, properly be albut, I muft than notes on Saint Domingo: this I lowed to fay, at the fame time, that was.all promifed. then, a paffing glance on the phyLet us throw, fyftematic obferver, fical, which, with a more would have preceded the moral, education. more to be faid of the one There is much good to bed than the cther. As the women are brought with more facility than elfewhere, here infinitely the children have, even in this, no inconfiderable fince they are not liable, to be injured advantages by --- Page 321 --- [ 291 ] the unfkilfulnefs of the by difficult labours, nor by midwife. immediately into the From the mother they pafs mat of the nurfe, who places them on a large arms room. There, naked from in the middle of the in cold, or at head to foot, and bathed twice a day lukewarm water, a fimple clout to dry them, moft, the whole fock of their fwaddlingcompofes proferibed by Buffon * and Roufclothes-foj juftly feau. t that I found the little It was in this cquipage then only two Paulina at my arrival. She was about months old, and had already begun to creep At four months the could ftand upon her mat. fell, and got up again, upright; at fix fhe ran, her or one's being alarmed at falls, without any inconvenience attempting to allift her. The only is the difthis natural mode of education attending children to clothethemfalves. ficulty of habituating accuftom Paulina to Much time was required to when fhe wakes in wear fhoes. Her firft employ which was morning, is to take off the chemife a her in the evening; as one of her greateft put on about nakèd in the rain: and pleafures is to run * Hifoire Naturelle. Tome 4- + Emile, 02t de L'Education- Tome 1. this U 2 education attending children to clothethemfalves. ficulty of habituating accuftom Paulina to Much time was required to when fhe wakes in wear fhoes. Her firft employ which was morning, is to take off the chemife a her in the evening; as one of her greateft put on about nakèd in the rain: and pleafures is to run * Hifoire Naturelle. Tome 4- + Emile, 02t de L'Education- Tome 1. this U 2 --- Page 322 --- [ 292 1 this is a pleafure in which the is conftantly infor has fhewn that thefe kind dulged ; experience Thus Paulina is of baths are extremely falutary. as ftrong and as well formed, at two years old, as children with you are at the beft conftitutioned even at the five; without ever having experienced, critical period of dentition, any of thofe evils which in She will aftonith torment our infancy Europe. ifI fhould ever fee her, me in no trifing degree, delicate and vapourifh, teaze, and put to the proof, even the tendernefs of her lover, by the capricious fenfibility of her nerves. Sir,, conclude from what Let us not, however, education has been faid, that this kind of phyfical for all countries. Some regard muft be is proper the and to the variations oftemperpaid to climate, which mark in a degree more or lefs fenfible; ature, difference of the feafons ; as well as to the the cuftoms, and wants which habitudes, regimen, await the children in the life to which they arc deftined. Thus there would be as much imprudence in not cloathing them at all in Europe, as there is in cloathing them too much ; in bathing diftinétion in all feafons, as in never them without bathing them at all, &c. There exiftsan abufe, however, at Saint Dominwhich the negro women have introduced, and go, the --- Page 323 --- [ 293 ] adopted: inftead of carrythe Creoles too generally them aftride ing the children as we do, they carry much more haunches *. This is certainly on their for the mother or the nurfe, who preconvenient the free ufe of one of her ferving by this means without being incomarms, mây walk, nay run of moded by her burden : but ftill the advantages of this method are balanced by the inconvenience of and deforming the thighs fwelling the bellies, but this, can attribute to nothing the children--I and the want of proporthe bending of the tibia, in the flim legs of the greater part tion obfervable of the negroes. fomewhat extraordinary to you It muft appear here at their birth. that children are not baptized deferred for ten years ; The ceremony is fometimes to this fort of and the clergy make no oppofition muft not be anabaptifm. This delay, however, of view; ; being : looked upon in an heretical point calculation. little more than an affair of at bottom rich, and unThe bufinefs is to find a god-father, of who, while he renounces in the name married, ce tbe devil and all bis works : his adopted god-fon, tbis wicked wvorld," may s tbe pomps and vanities of leave him his eftate, and make a handfome prefent in Africa : it prevails alfo at the * This cuftom is univerfal des Voyages. Tome 4. Chap. 8. Moluccas. Hifloire Generale to bottom rich, and unThe bufinefs is to find a god-father, of who, while he renounces in the name married, ce tbe devil and all bis works : his adopted god-fon, tbis wicked wvorld," may s tbe pomps and vanities of leave him his eftate, and make a handfome prefent in Africa : it prevails alfo at the * This cuftom is univerfal des Voyages. Tome 4. Chap. 8. Moluccas. Hifloire Generale to --- Page 324 --- [ 294 ] Monficurthe Reétor; who thus lofes nothing by to waiting: off here, Sir, to the cpoch when innoIf we put the precaucence begins to bluth at its nakednefs, of a veil to the modefty of the daughtion giving mothers has merely what is necefters ; that of the without hiding the fary to conceal the nudity, a loofe fhape, of their limbs. A fingle petticbatand drefs of the fineft muflin compofe their: ufual gown occafion for ailong and narrow exthere is no acrofs-the faint carnation amination to diftinguifh vefture, the imtinge which floats along this airy of nature ! poftures of art from the real treafures circumftances require them to: be dreffed When a coloured under-pettiwith moré care, they-add who have the coat, and: a corfet : if there be any to fet themfelves out with more folly of attempting are cerfo much the worfe for them-they parade, the moft handfome ; and the art which tainly not of fome of its charms; can never deprives beauty With refpect to the face, that embellifh uglinefs. as it came out of the hands muft be left at all events bc for however (kilfully the paint may of nature 5 fce in a few minutes the charms applied, we fhould face melt away. with the of the prettieft made-up it. cerufe, and the carminc that compofed A female --- Page 325 --- [29s 1 who has never been out of Saint A-female Creole, would be a creature of a particular fpeDomingo, which an educies, were it not for the conformity eftablifhes dimilar in almoft every, inftance, cation, the female mulatto. Let this; between her and between us: for you will eafily however, be a fecret which exift comprehend that with the prejudices. muft be an inexpiable here, fuch. a comparifon whofe dignity it comcrimein the cyes-of thofc promifes3n :0 tlor fpeak of their morals, yetI I Thavenoinrentiontol that the female Creoles have cannot help obferving chafte, as the exfo much the more merit inl living they receive, ample of the males, and the education againft the abfolutely without refource leaveithem and the dangers of an influence jof the climate, their lives either eternal idlenefs. They pafs that is, fitting in ftretched at length, or cbinta, their fupreme the oriental manner on mats, where, tickled by delight is to have the foles of their feet little flave. With the exception of a a female themfeives in the OCcookery, they never. employ all of the world, cupations of their fex: forin parts idlenefs is where labour is the lot of the flave, mafter. cffential pierogative of the necellarily an which they excel, the only one in The only art in equals their knowwhich, I am told, their diligence not the leaft inledge, is the art which conftitutes different is to have the foles of their feet little flave. With the exception of a a female themfeives in the OCcookery, they never. employ all of the world, cupations of their fex: forin parts idlenefs is where labour is the lot of the flave, mafter. cffential pierogative of the necellarily an which they excel, the only one in The only art in equals their knowwhich, I am told, their diligence not the leaft inledge, is the art which conftitutes different --- Page 326 --- [ ag6 ] different part of the Ars Amandi of Ovid Bernard. or of I fhould haveno to you that idlenefs, great difficulty, Sir, to prove and above all, a contribute, in an extraordinary fedentary life, the voluptuous degree, to ftrengthen paffions, which mate than is depend lefs on clidid not threaten generally fuppofed; if the difcuffion might to lead me into details; which approach a little too near to the philofophy of Doctor experimental myfelf, then, with Panglofs, I fhall content felf from all one remark ; and to fecure myreproach, give it in the words grave and fcientific traveller. of a fe The obfervations which tc Ruffia," I have made in fays the Abbé ec are in direét Chappe d'Auteroche, ce conftitution oppofition to the opinion that the is leis active in Ce the fouthern the northern than climates. The Ce excepted from the Ruffians muft be Cr can find in moral general law ; and I think I caufes the ce parent contradiction. folution of this apce doned to The women being abanthemfelves, and to Ce trifling indolence, the moft paffions are ce naturally ftriking effects, '3 * --But is there produétive of want ofjuftice, Sir, in not a fingular attributing, in almoft every Voyage en Sibérie, Tome 2. obfervation --- Page 327 --- [ 297 1 of this nature, to the women alorie the obfervation fuch ? As if defective morals of fuch or country ought not in every kind of combat, the aggreffor, the firft author of the defeat of to be confidered as the vanquifhed ! which I am forry to be under the One remark that the flaves are much necellity of making, is, than the men. - treatéd by the women more harfhly contraft of cruelty with weaknefs; This difgufting the latter has always been the is a' frefh proof that ; as the abufe effential characteriftic of defpotifm confequence of power will always be the neceffary hand of impoofits ufurpation. The trembling the fceptre; with increafing violence TII tence grafps danger of lofing. which it is'in momentary C making, is, than the men. - treatéd by the women more harfhly contraft of cruelty with weaknefs; This difgufting the latter has always been the is a' frefh proof that ; as the abufe effential characteriftic of defpotifm confequence of power will always be the neceffary hand of impoofits ufurpation. The trembling the fceptre; with increafing violence TII tence grafps danger of lofing. which it is'in momentary C LET- --- Page 328 --- E 298: I issois admow sitr ( Losatert airin 0 moit BU YunOD dot TO Hout o nnom r: son V0 andunos lo bnit 715V5 ni oona a d - à I LETTER Xxextt.akase bodiloyne Defert, ods uie a 01 17une.1790. O I HAVEme forgot, Site that in the. converfations 1 for Saint which immediately preceded my departure L L me, to nes be upon Domingo, YONT frequently conjured 165 my-guard againét an errors common, to the, the and.not to confound 197 EORE part.of Emoy,brethren, riches of a country pinefs tihneanansnansabater who -And, in eflecks what isricher than, Potoli? than thofc; who inhabytit? Ido not more miferable out at random believe the obfervation was thrown traveller who took notice, that Ce thofe who by the de la Condace fhewed the gold mines to Monfieur €e mine were without fhoes or ftockings." fentiment which meafures the The erroneous is conneêted with happincfs of a ftate by its power, of its the opinion, no lefs falfe, which judges by its extent. Let us be well perfuaded ftrength it is with focieties as with individuals ; and that of the cvils which afilict, and that-the greater part Yoyage en Italie par L'Abbé Ceyer. of --- Page 329 --- [ 299 ] vices which corrupt them, fpring from the ofthe their and their power : we fame fource as opulence medium between then conclude that the juft may and riches is, for the happinefs of focieties, poverty defires are for that of individuals. what moderate u tini 1 63 of the colonifts'of Saint Domingo If the felicity which they pour into depended on the- contingent would balance.of the riches of the ftate, they the the moft enviable of be, without contradiction, exempts them human beings : but as nothing their prifrom the generalilair which proportions' the evils which vations to their enjoyments ; and as of their they fuffer are ther neceffary confequences follows that their means of profpérity, itinevitably in inverfe fâtio to:their happinefs muft be always T5p wealth. - It is not that the colonifts do not enjoy many unknown to the people of Europc. advantages which neceffarily prevails in a country The equality confifts in becoming where the fullnefs of honour inadcftablifhes a fort ofindependence, a planter, where ambitionand vanity miffiblein every country which fpring from open a career to the paffions !. Free alternately humbled and triumphant pride, of the fetters which make theexercife from a part emof what is called good-breeding a very painful the colonift who is content to ftay at ployment, home, advantages which neceffarily prevails in a country The equality confifts in becoming where the fullnefs of honour inadcftablifhes a fort ofindependence, a planter, where ambitionand vanity miffiblein every country which fpring from open a career to the paffions !. Free alternately humbled and triumphant pride, of the fetters which make theexercife from a part emof what is called good-breeding a very painful the colonift who is content to ftay at ployment, home, --- Page 330 --- [ 300 ] home, enjoys there a degree of liberty and ofpower themfelves might envy ; fince he which fovereigns toi the influence of is not, like them, fubjected it moft affuredly is opinion. Ifhe ruins himfelf, for facrificed to the.laws ofa appearances, not having nowhich no one obliges him to maintain-and but an excefs of vanity, or of folly, can pofthing induce him to fwell his expences béyond his fibly his as well acquainted means $ fince neighboursare with his affairs as himfelf. H however moderate his fortune may: be, After all, is ftill favourable to n it: by producing the climate reducing toia mere trifle the at two-fold faving--in at all, that, of cloathing, and to nothing expence of all the various articles of, the firft newhich is the moft cruelly felt by the poor, I mean ceffity firing. oC 5 . Sir, what very rarcly hapAnd even fuppofing, do not cnable that the profits of a plantation pens, the threc articles of animal a planter to purchafe falt-mcat; life which are here the moft. expenfive, of the bread, and wine ; he may fupply the want which cofts him nothing to keep > firft by poultry, and of the third by tafof the fecond by bananas, which drank diftilled from molaffes, fiat * a liquor An inferior fort of rum. pure, --- Page 331 --- [ 301 J but with moderation, or tempered with water, pure, is no unwholefome beverage. inconveniences: are not thefeadButby how many balanced ! What an infinity of privations vantages What in that fingle one of all fociety! repugnances him who to fubdue, what difgufts to overcome, for without putting his fortune to the hazard, cannot, with being at one and the fame time, difpenfe overfeer, driver, (though fick and weak himfelf)the and nurfe of his negroes ; in a word, apothecary of his flaves ! How many planters are the flave few hours the fruits of a there, who have loft in a feries of laborious folicitudes! I have juft long men-After having feen one of thefe unfortunate of his life in facrificed twenty of the beft years eftablifhing a coffee plantation, which was managed he faw himfelf on the point of by forty negroes, of his crop, and the fale realizing, by the profits thoufand of his flaves, a capital of two hundred livres, with which he propofed returning to his native country ; when on the eve of the very day he had fixed for gathering in the berries, his black driver poifoned feven and thirty of the negroes, and thus reduced him to the fad neceflity of beginthe world again-for not only the berries, but ning themfelves, will become the immediate the plants of the liane; which unlefs kept perpetually prey the hoe, over-runs and fuffocates them. under by Every , a capital of two hundred livres, with which he propofed returning to his native country ; when on the eve of the very day he had fixed for gathering in the berries, his black driver poifoned feven and thirty of the negroes, and thus reduced him to the fad neceflity of beginthe world again-for not only the berries, but ning themfelves, will become the immediate the plants of the liane; which unlefs kept perpetually prey the hoe, over-runs and fuffocates them. under by Every --- Page 332 --- [ 302 3 Every thing, Sir, every. thing-the future itfelf, the prefent. The incontributes here to cmbitter beauty of habitants execrate even the monotonous the fky, of which the conftant ferenity appears, a bencfit, but which is in reality perhaps, to. you, fource ofennui. Nothing little more than a lafting to me fo completcly, that ninc-tenths ever proved fet of and infipid driof our poets were a ignorant with which thefe vellers, than the enthufiaim of their Ce eternal blockheads cclebrate the charms that ennui ( fpring." Tell them from me, Sir, where hope ends ; and that the fpring owes begins of winter. Tell them half its beauties to the rigour the ufe the feeblenefs which fufpends that as very adds to the fentiment of onc part of our powers, fwecteft of our, pleafures of our exiftence, fo the and pains. are thofe which are bought tby privations Teli them that I have no difficulty in concciving fatiated with celeftial manna, might how the Jews, of Egypt: and, fometimes regret the flefh-pots and its definally, put them in mind that eternity calculated for immortality. lights are only. there is no where to be found a foil.fo Affuredly You fertile in infects as that of Saint Domingo. every. drop of rain, would fay that every fun-béam, them by thoufands. "Tis a peft againft produced Every traveller is which there is no prefervative. innumerable bodics of full of the ravages of thofe ants, --- Page 333 --- [ 303 1 not: content with laying wafte the ants, Whith, that énter the cafas in fuch multitudes, gardens, have been obliged to conftruct the inhabitaats where they fecure their drawers with legs to them; a themin little troughs filled provifions; by placing is fafe from their aétive vOwith water. Nothing ink itfelfbecomes their prey, ifI forget racity 5 my Ihave feen for aninftant to fhut my writing-defk. them attack, fubdue, and devour the moft venomous infects, fuch as the red-tailed fpider, the fcorpion; 8zc. * atlute 01T the mille-pedes, found in the houfes a lizard There is frequently ftréaked with rofe-coloured rings, of a light green, of Lizardwhich has procured it the pleafing name anoli. This beautiful little animal is become very from the kindnefs with which it is treated, familiar, which it docs notowe to its. beauty alone- fince and it is really a ufeful gucft, being a great deftroyer of infects. At the Ifle de France, they have naturalifed a bird named the Martin, a native of the Indies, which frees the cattle from the vermin that torment them. Why Thould not the inhabitants of endcavour to naturalize amongt them, the Saint Domingo equally which, multinatural encmies of the ant, fuch as the formicaleo, plied to a certain degree, might fuccecd, if not in exterminating, vicertainly in diminithing the fpecies confiderably, in the yet cinity of the fettl-ments. One le de France, they have naturalifed a bird named the Martin, a native of the Indies, which frees the cattle from the vermin that torment them. Why Thould not the inhabitants of endcavour to naturalize amongt them, the Saint Domingo equally which, multinatural encmies of the ant, fuch as the formicaleo, plied to a certain degree, might fuccecd, if not in exterminating, vicertainly in diminithing the fpecies confiderably, in the yet cinity of the fettl-ments. One --- Page 334 --- [ 304 ] of Minyas has alfo arOne of the daughters brood of bats. rived here to eftablifh the villainous has fent us the I would fain believe that Jupiter The fpeand moft impious of the family. uglieft have been able to judge, does not cies, as farl as I differ from our own. which they call It is not fo with the fhining fly, : coucouies from the Spanifh cucuios, or cuyeros here of Jearabeus, and is diftinit belongs to the fpecies its fize, which is guifhed from ours not only by which that of the May-bug, but by the light nearly I have verified the obfervait emits from its eyes. read by the luftre they tion that it is pofmible to in any number, fhed around them when placed, under a glafs. brute and human, which have Of all the beafts, none have fucbeen tranfported to the colonies, domeftic, cceded better than the affes. Always has defpifed, and fober, if their tranfplantation it has to their intellectual facultics, added nothing from their phyfical ones. certainly taken nothing who enjoy the priviI know only the afs and man under every lege of living, without degenerating, is, latitude. The only difference I can perceive probably that the affes of this country, improved thofe of do not bray fo frequently as in modefty, yours. Amongit --- Page 335 --- [: 305 1 Amongft the produétions of theanimal kingdom, be now and then allowed to be that which we may is the a little offended with nature for producing, called here Cbique, at Peru, Pique, and at infect the Ifthmus of Panama, and Brazil, Nigua. Mexico, which in Virginia and It is the fame, I believe, of the feedthe Carolinas is known by the name This creature makes a more direct attack tick *. which aims only at his fubon man than the ant, with his fiftence, or the worm, which is content carcafe: it devours him alive. every where but in the fkin where Imperceptible the leather, or it lodges, the chique eats through itfelf in its the feams of your fhoes, to eftablifh under the toe-nail. Here it anfavourite pofition moft violent itching ; and if it. nounces itfelf by a in hafte, extirpated, or if, your be not immediately which forms the fack that you break the pellicle to rid of contains its eggs, you muft not hope get fecing the foot reduced to a ftate of fupit without puration. the chique, which is only diftinThe longer black fpeck, remains in the guifhable as a little there fleth, the deeper it penetrates. It multiplies dans lInterieure de L'Amérique * See Le Tournal d'un Voyage Septentrionale. Tome 2. Lettre 65. X fo the fack that you break the pellicle to rid of contains its eggs, you muft not hope get fecing the foot reduced to a ftate of fupit without puration. the chique, which is only diftinThe longer black fpeck, remains in the guifhable as a little there fleth, the deeper it penetrates. It multiplies dans lInterieure de L'Amérique * See Le Tournal d'un Voyage Septentrionale. Tome 2. Lettre 65. X fo --- Page 336 --- [ 306 J fo rapidly, thatif it were left undifturbed, the progeny of this little black fpeck alone, would devour, ina given time, the ftrongeft man on earth. Father Labat relates that a Capuchin, being defirous of conveying a chique to the European naturalifts, had the refolution to preferve it till the moment that it became abfolutely neceffary to cut off his leg, to ftop the progrefs of a mortification *, You will agree with me, Sir, that this was devoting himfelf with a vengeance to the caufe of Natural Hiftory! In vain do you hope to preferve yourfelf from their attacks, by keeping your cafa perfeétly neat and clean; for if you have no chiques them from other people, or at home, you bring other people bring them to you. The only precaution you. can take is to have your fleth pinked, the inftant the itching begins to be or flafhed, troublefome, or even before, if you have leifure. The negro women, who are ufually employed on thefe occafions, acquit themfelves very adroitly, with no other inftrument than the point of a needle. * Nouveau Voyage aux Ifles Frangoifes de LAmérique. Tome 1. Chap. 6. LET- --- Page 337 --- 307 ] LETTER XXXIIL. Defert, July 1790. YEs, Sir, man is, was, and always will be an cnigma, as difficult to be folved by himfelf as by others. It is hardly a month fince, that nothing but the hope of quitting this country could have rendered it fupportable to me 3 and now, that this hope is changed into certainty, I know not whar involuntary gloomoppreffes my mind at thethought that I am on the eve of leaving for ever a fpot, which I wifh I had never feen, which I have execrated a thoufand times, and to which I would not willingly fend even an enemy-But do not, rich and unhappy country ! ufurp a tribute of fenfibility which is not due to thee. It is not thou, toils, which relieved me fo often it is you, ye earth, whofe from the weight of ennui; and thou, aridity I chafed away ; it is you, ye days of unihours of folitude and meformity and peace ; ye ! Alas ! thofe lancholy mufing, which I regret which hand has planted, which my care trees my has foftered, and of which my eye has anxiouily watched the increafe; thofe paths traced with fo much pain; thofe rivulets, thofe flowers, that verX 2 dure-- from the weight of ennui; and thou, aridity I chafed away ; it is you, ye days of unihours of folitude and meformity and peace ; ye ! Alas ! thofe lancholy mufing, which I regret which hand has planted, which my care trees my has foftered, and of which my eye has anxiouily watched the increafe; thofe paths traced with fo much pain; thofe rivulets, thofe flowers, that verX 2 dure-- --- Page 338 --- [ 308 1 all will difappear. As a torrent fwelled dure-all, rains fwecps av way every trace of the with fudden embellifhed its banks, fo culture which fo lately. veftige of will a few fhort months obliterate every without the innocent art which controuled nature, her! violating, which adorned without difguifing for the United States of America My departure month. La Condamine is fixed for the enfuing from the fatigues fays herecovered amongit favages with men ; and I am going to recover of living from the fatigues of living with amongft men flaves. I truft the reports of travellers, my reIf may will give me a foretafte of moval to Penfylvania from the flames of what he experiences who paffes The nearer the purgatory to the joys of Paradife. anxious I feel to fee moment approaches, the more térmed the a country which they have at length *. I accept the omen-but cbef-lieh of bumanity the land of prorefidence in pretended two year's has fo much weakmife which I am about to quit, confidence in the reports of thefe gentleened my countries, I that with refpect to unknown men, ih future but my own expefhall truft to nothing blamed the want of faith in rience. I have always et de L'Amérique. Tome 13. * Ilifoire de l'4fe, de L'Afriques the --- Page 339 --- [ 309 ] before he the difciple who infifted on touching, debelieve in the Mafter who had never would I, who have been deceived fo often, ceived him. of belief; I only afk to fee-till am not fo hard value, that then, I reduce, before hand, to théirjuft marvels we lefs than one half, the is, to fomething country. have been toid of this extraordinary of the Befides, Sir, < novelty," as the author agréables * well obferves, ce has Tbéorie des Sentimens charms for the old ; they < no longer the fame ;" and if I de have learned to diftruft its promifes not old in years, I am at leaft in experience. am known the conflict of two fuch If you have ever and joy, both flowing oppofite paffions as grief the from the fame fource, you will comprehend ftate of my mind : yes, Sir, my happinefs prefent when I refleét that it diftreffes me exceedingly, it! diftrefs thofe who cannot pollibly partake may the tender One muft be on the eve of breaking habitude to feel all its power. Do not, ties of offelf-love, however, confound with the pretenfions increafed by every the avowal of an attachment exiftence can thing which a perfect uniformity of fentiments. lefs uniformity of add to a no perfeét himfelf on the privaLet the coxcomb who prides betions with which his retreat menaces focicty, * Chapter 4come, partake may the tender One muft be on the eve of breaking habitude to feel all its power. Do not, ties of offelf-love, however, confound with the pretenfions increafed by every the avowal of an attachment exiftence can thing which a perfect uniformity of fentiments. lefs uniformity of add to a no perfeét himfelf on the privaLet the coxcomb who prides betions with which his retreat menaces focicty, * Chapter 4come, --- Page 340 --- 310 ] çome, andjuftly, the object of derifion ; but letnot me, on, that account, be prohibited from finding in the grief of thofe, from whom fortune is about to tear me, a counterpoife to thc fentiment of my. happincfs. Since my departure has been irrevocably determined, every day, brings up the queftion fo often debared-Who is the moft to be pitied, he who retires, or he who fiays? The decifion of this melancholy controverfy isalways the fame-namely, that, if the- one, carries with him thofe indelible regrets a and remembrances, which, whereyer he goes, compel himtolook upon himfelfasa ftranger, a forlorn and infulated being ; while the other fees in every object around him, a monument, that while it wakens his recolleation, ferves only to cmbitter his lofs; death, which precipitates into the fame tomb two friends, levelled. by the fame blow, is infinitely preferable to fuch a feparation. It is'at prefent with ms, Sir, as with him, who, on the point of dying, regrets he has not made a better ufe of life. I reproach myfelf for my negligence in not entering into a variety of details, which might have ferved to give you a more complete knowledge of the colony. Although the judgment which one forms of a country, from a refidence in the grcat towns, and from the manners of thofe who inhabit them, is almoft --- Page 341 --- E 311 J erroneous; it was nevérthelefs a part almoft always and the to terminate with Cape François, ofmy plan my obfervations on diftricts in its neighbourhood, of Port-auSaint Domingo : but the proximity there a veffel Prince, and the certainty of finding joined which would fail in the beginning of Auguit, the unof travelling, increafed by to the difficulty of a revolution ready to favourablé circumftance otherwife; and I fhall burft forth, have decided feen the fineft city, and the fet out without having the ifland. It will be no moft beautiful part of to judge of misfortune if I may yenture very great the unknown by the known. François is built of ftone; becaufe its terCape that has hitherto been frec ritory is the only one told that there is I have been from carthquakes. difference between the ftyle and manjuftas much and the others, as thereis in their ners of this town, the mental qualitics of architeéture; that is to fay, houfe the former are to thofe of the latter, what a hut. I can believe that local or,acis to a paltry fome fenfible differcidental caufes may produce the Atyle of fociety, ence in the cuftoms, or in effential without effeéting on that account, any of in the manners, or in the mafs of ideas, change decided which the charaéter is always imperioufly however by the fubfifting order of things. Thus, lcaft doubt old that order may be, I have not the but the latter, what a hut. I can believe that local or,acis to a paltry fome fenfible differcidental caufes may produce the Atyle of fociety, ence in the cuftoms, or in effential without effeéting on that account, any of in the manners, or in the mafs of ideas, change decided which the charaéter is always imperioufly however by the fubfifting order of things. Thus, lcaft doubt old that order may be, I have not the but --- Page 342 --- L 312 I but talents and virtues may be found here, juft as candour and modefty may. at the court of a good without courts being, for thofe exceptions, prince, the abodes of lefs generally or lefsjuftly reputed duplicity, and pride. If the kind of life which the colonifts lead preferves them from the little thuffling, intriguing the vain and paltry fquabbles of our Eupaffions, this advantage is more than baropean coteries, of that kind of wit lanced by the total privation conftitutes urbanity, wherever the ambition which neceffitates an attempt to pleafe. of fucceeding a fortune without the Every man who can acquire affiftance of his neighbour, inevitably lofes a part of his focial qualities ; and fuch is at this moment, of the colonies. Lefs infulated by the inhabitant his the woods which furround him, than by intereft, his firit ambition is to acquire a fortune, his fecond it in the fpeedieft manner; ; that he may to acquire as a country be enabled to quit as foon poflible, the dewhere gold but very imperfedly gratifics but and where avarice makes mands of vanity ; few facrifices to felf-love. natural that men, always - It is, then, extremely with little anxiety ready to return, fhould receive feel Atill lefs and that they fhould fuch as arrive, themfelves, any anxious to eftablifh, even amongft connection --- Page 343 --- E 313 ] intimate than that which exifts connedtion more to feparate for travellers who are fpeedily among that fuccefs rarely juftifies the ever. It is true, with fomuch the more hopes which the mind forms that fole object diverts it from avidity, as nothing But what of that! Experience of its attention. once reccived. againft an opinion can do nothing in the mother country It is fo well eftablifhed, is neceffary to become efpecially, that nothing more the air of the colonies ; a Crcefus than to breathe themfelves with the fates that without embarrafling it is fufficient for them of thofe who die in mifery, who, to fee from time to time, fome one return, has acparticularly favoured by circumftances, all the conquired a fortune ; to give this prejudice Wef demonftration.-A fiftency of a mathematical in Indian and a Millionaire will be long fynonymous France. after an experience of two Ready to renounce, hour proves to be years, expeétations which every determined not to more and more illufory, I am of who with a peradd to the number impoftors, difingenuity, nicious levity, or â moft culpable to of the credulity of ignorance take advantage ruined thoupropagate an error which has already that the time fands. Know then, Sir, once for all, fortunes is to the hiftory of Saint Domingo, of rapid knights conquered what the ages when fimple kingdoms, , hour proves to be years, expeétations which every determined not to more and more illufory, I am of who with a peradd to the number impoftors, difingenuity, nicious levity, or â moft culpable to of the credulity of ignorance take advantage ruined thoupropagate an error which has already that the time fands. Know then, Sir, once for all, fortunes is to the hiftory of Saint Domingo, of rapid knights conquered what the ages when fimple kingdoms, --- Page 344 --- [ 314 ] kingdoms, are to the annals of France *r: that if the foil of the colonics, like mines newly difcovered, enriched the firft who cultivated it, that foil, after attaining the maximum lof itsi value, lofes every day fomething of its fertility t: and that the proportion between its produce, and the expence of cultivating it, becoming, as' I have proved, momentarily more difadvantageous to the cultivator, the epoch cannot be far diftant, whenhe will fee the fruits of his labour fcarcely fuffice for his fubfiftence. Calculate, now, the privations of every kind, thc commercial viciflitudes, the perpetual apprehenfions; the difgufting details, infcparable from the nature of flavery ; the ftate of languor or anxiety in which he vegetates between a burning iky, and a foil always ready to fwallow him up, and you will allow with me, that there is * Such as Gui de Lufignan, king of Jerufalem ; Tancred de Tancarville king of Sicily; 5 Jean de Brienne, emperor of thc eaft, &c. + We muft not compare the lands of the colonies with thofe of Europe; the principle of vegetation in the latt. r being conftantly renewed by manure, which the others never receive. Every kind of foil fuffices for its natural producions, when thefeproductions of themfelves fupply vegetation with a part of what they abforb ; fuch as the leaves of trees, moffes, dead W ood, the dung of animals, &c. but there is no foil, however fertile, which will not be exhaufted, efpccially if it be compelled to bear what is foreignto if, without it be from time to time heartened with manure. That of Saint Domingo rarely refifts more than twenty, or five and twenty years of cultivation. no --- Page 345 --- [ 315 ] in Europe, whofe conno peafant, no day-labourer that of a of Saint dition is not preferable to planter La Fontaine fomewhere fays Domingo. 66 Aucun chemin de feurs ne conduit à la gloire." fame Sir, may be faid of riches. Precifely the thing, fuffer to be impofed on by the Do not yourfelf which certain planters puerile and ridiculous pomp refidence at Paris, or in difplay in their tranfient in the fecret of thefe the maritime towns. I am WorThis coach in which his Weft Indian quacks. that wardrobe of the ihip fo awkwardly parades, which fparkle Marquis de Mafcarille, thefe jewels are the profits of many crops, on his tawny fingers, number of his flaves. and the price of no fmall will fend the while, and hard neccfity Yet a little half civilized, and wholly clownith niggard back, of his borrowed ftript, like the daw in the fable, thofe with an aching heart, plumes, to begin again, in ten years, as labours which fcarce produced with no other much as hc has fpent in ten months, his than having raifed a laugh at expence, advantage d'Induftrie, who ftripped him from the Chevaliers who fhared with of his wealth, and the proftitutes them in the fpoils, Weft Indian in France who did.not Inever met a than accuenumerate to me, with more emphafis racy, aching heart, plumes, to begin again, in ten years, as labours which fcarce produced with no other much as hc has fpent in ten months, his than having raifed a laugh at expence, advantage d'Induftrie, who ftripped him from the Chevaliers who fhared with of his wealth, and the proftitutes them in the fpoils, Weft Indian in France who did.not Inever met a than accuenumerate to me, with more emphafis racy, --- Page 346 --- [ 316 ] the charms of a refidence at Saint Domingo: racy, fince I have been here, I have not found a fingle one who has not curfed both Saint Domingo, and eternally reviving, which,, from one the obftacles, his ftay in this abode of year to another, prolong the damned. LETTER XXXIV. Defert, Jily 1790. IHAVE perceived, Sir, what in fact you muft that in my obfervations have perceived yourfelf, material on this country, I have omitted,a very, circumftance. You know the kind of life led by the colonifts, their modes of cultivation, their means of acquiring &c. but you have hitherto found little a fortune, in letters to enable you to form an or nothing my in which New Eftablifhments arc idea, of the way order of things, this fet on foot. In the natural ofinformfhould have preceded every other fpccies ation : --- Page 347 --- [ 317 ] to give you none but juft ation : but my anxiety to defer it, until ideas on the fubject induced me made me intitime and perfonal experience had details of this firft, acquainted with all the mately and moft important operation. of the inevitable inequality with In confequence we which the goods of this world are diftributed, the new colonift placed muft begin with fuppofing of riches and poverty ; between the two extremes the bufinefs that is, in a condition to enter upon with his own refources. which I eftimate at four I His firit difburfement, of the concefthoufand livres, will be the charges and the fetting it out : and his firft employ, fion, with the furveyor, the to examine, in company being well affituation, 8zc. of the ground-after has conceded before (which fured that it was never be the cafe) or if it was, fometimes been found to the domain. that it has been legally reunited to He will then mark out the boundaries diftinétly, he exact to be made of it, that and caufe an plan avoid all difcuflions with his neighbours. may the cuftom for thefe fame neighIt was formerly to affift bours to lend the new comer a few flaves, down the trees which occupied the fpot in cutting of his dwelling houfe, and deftined for the fite clearing the cafe) or if it was, fometimes been found to the domain. that it has been legally reunited to He will then mark out the boundaries diftinétly, he exact to be made of it, that and caufe an plan avoid all difcuflions with his neighbours. may the cuftom for thefe fame neighIt was formerly to affift bours to lend the new comer a few flaves, down the trees which occupied the fpot in cutting of his dwelling houfe, and deftined for the fite clearing --- Page 348 --- [ 318 D of fufficient for planting clearing a quantity ground of bananas, 8c. for the immediate fupport a few to found his negroes : but I would not advife'him hopes at prefent on this refource. It any mighty of circumftance. was at firft but a virtue If his means allow of it, the wifeft ftep the can take will be either to buy a few young planter accuftomed to the breaking up of negroes, already batcbet and who new ground, called here negroes, ierve to inftruét the reft; or to hire a vacant may that is, a fet of flaves let out by their mafter, gang; after he has difpofed of all hisimmoveable property, limited time. If he does not adopt one of for a hemuft repair to the fea-ports, and thefe refources, which puts in, the requibuy ofthe firft flave-fhip number of hands, which I fhould fix at ten, fite of his and which, with the neceffary expences the purchafe of working tools, and projourney, of &c. will ftand him vifions, the charges carriage, ten thoufand livres, fuppofing that he buys in near to the prevailpicked negroes, and pays according ing cuftom, only a third in ready money. Neceffity fometimes obliges the poorer planters at a much lower pricc, what is called to purchafe, : but of the fag-end of the cargo, or refufe negroes bargains which a want of all the difadvantageous money working tools, and projourney, of &c. will ftand him vifions, the charges carriage, ten thoufand livres, fuppofing that he buys in near to the prevailpicked negroes, and pays according ing cuftom, only a third in ready money. Neceffity fometimes obliges the poorer planters at a much lower pricc, what is called to purchafe, : but of the fag-end of the cargo, or refufe negroes bargains which a want of all the difadvantageous money --- Page 349 --- [ 319 ] induces people to makc, this is money fometimes one of the moft ruinous. however, the new colonift At all adventures, his cares, in the firft cannot do better than apply to both himfelf and his negrocs, place, to lodge the ground allotted break up as foor as poffible, 8cc. profor bananas, manioc, patates, ignamas, kinds and, yard, cattle of various vide a poultry of thefe differuntil he can fubfift on the produce bifcuit, furnifh himfelf with falt-meat, ent objects, believe all this can be done under &cc.--I do not four thoufand livres. oforder is lefs common than is ufually A fpirit extremely neceffary to imagined 3 it is, however, To fay attend to it in beginning an eftablifhment. nothing of the lofs of time, therefore, occafioned by ill-direéted labours, I look on it as a precaution indifpenfably neceffary to place the dwelling-houfe near the water, as poffible, in an airy fituation, as the centre of the conceffion S from thence and in fhould diverge, that the works may every operation as the means of cxtend along the circumference, that the time cultivation increafe ; and, aboveall; abforbed by long routs may be acconomized. Sir, that the mode I have 1 I ought to obferve, recommendedi is not applicableto a fugar plantjuft ation, --- Page 350 --- [ 320 ] which requires very different meafures, and ation, much more confiderable ; and which cancapitals be entered upon but by a rich man, not, in fact, defirous to become ftill more fo. Almoft all new planters clear more ground than cultivate at firft; this is attended with the they can inconvenience of depriving the ground two-fold of its fecundity, and of of a part of the principles be much more prowafting the time which might employed. I have more than once regretted fitably has not produced a fingle planter that this country on ; - fufficiently informed to write a traét agriculture; executed, would be an infuch a work, if properly colonift. If I have eftimable treafure for the new idea of the duties which the public not a wrong I cannot avoid good impofes upon government, thinking it its peculiar province. to command, and for, the writing of fuch an elementary treapay tife. fuppofed, and I believe with reaIt is generally fire to the wood fon, that the cuftom of fetting beft that could have which has been felled, is the for manure to been adopted ; fince the afhes ferve forefts. the chill and humid foil of thefe ancient of Sir, in this inftance, the advantage Happily, andinvincible neceflity accord-for by the planter, than fire could he poflibly clear what other agent away treapay tife. fuppofed, and I believe with reaIt is generally fire to the wood fon, that the cuftom of fetting beft that could have which has been felled, is the for manure to been adopted ; fince the afhes ferve forefts. the chill and humid foil of thefe ancient of Sir, in this inftance, the advantage Happily, andinvincible neceflity accord-for by the planter, than fire could he poflibly clear what other agent away --- Page 351 --- L - 321 1 thofe immenfe falls? I only wifh he would away with a little more fore4 proceed to the operation obferved, he thought ; for then, as I have already might fclect a certain quantity of the more precious woods,and above all, not burn, as he does now, of foreft, for the fake of clearing ten fixty, acres ! There is fcarce a man in eafy acres of ground Holland, whofe circumftances either in England or while in furniture, is, not made of mahogany ; be feen France it is a kind of curiofity, rarely to but in the boudoirs of the pretty creatures of both fexes. Hence it is but reafonable to conclude that ftill bears the impreffion of that puerour induftry with the ile character which is much more engaged multiof vanity, than the wants of the caprices tude; while it neglects an infinite number of refourees from which our commercial neighbours draw, individual as well as general advantage. the commodity which the Coffee is at prefent attach themmajority of the colonifts principally fet out with a felves to raife. Thofe who do not fufficient to enable them to wait three years, capital of a coffee-walk may enable them till the produce and free themfelves from to extend their labours, have contraéted, a part of the engagements they of cotton to will do well to join the cultivation avoid the that of coffee: but. let them carefully error of indifcriminarely mixing two procommon duétions, Y --- Page 352 --- [ 322 ] duétions, of which one requires a light and warm, the other a dry and fatty foili vod 1 - er The appetite," fays an old proverb, comes with ce eating :"fromh hence, I fuppofeit is, that thegreat: eft part of. the colonifts, inftead of employing the price of their firft crops to pay their ruinous debts, make ufe ofit to purchafe a greater number of negrocs; ; that is; to contract new debts without previoufly calculating whether the benefits they expect to derive from the produce of a more extended cultivation will make up for the difference; always confiderable, between their credit, and their very means of acquittal. I have faid above Ce the greateft part?" for there ftill, perhaps, be found a few whom nature may has endowed with a folidity of underftanding never mifled by falfe calculations, and a degrecof moderation which preferves them from every unneceffary But what an inextricable labyrinth of expence. embarraffiment and penury does not heinvolvé himfelf in, who with more vanity than prudence, has fcarcely advanced a ftep in the road to fortune, ere, dazzled by the blaze of the riches he fees in the diftant view, and believing he may from that inftant anticipate on the future, he haftens to exhauft his means of fuccefs to purchafe new ones, and in his prefent from every unneceffary But what an inextricable labyrinth of expence. embarraffiment and penury does not heinvolvé himfelf in, who with more vanity than prudence, has fcarcely advanced a ftep in the road to fortune, ere, dazzled by the blaze of the riches he fees in the diftant view, and believing he may from that inftant anticipate on the future, he haftens to exhauft his means of fuccefs to purchafe new ones, and in his prefent --- Page 353 --- [ 323 ] indulges himfelf in pleafures prefent mediocrity, would fcarcely fupport 1 which his future opulence And if we reflect but a moment, Sir, on the which the colonies, we Thall kind of men frequent Poor, and fee that it can hardly be otherwife. unacquainted with the ceconomy confequently which they have never poffeffed, of a property as they have been gredy of pleafures, in proportion acceffible fenfible of their privation, and extremely which poffeffes every fpecies of parvent, to pride, will be always to enjoy, and their their firft care themfelves with enjoyment, that of furrounding which by flattering their defpicable every thing, all memory of vanity, may contribute to diffipate wretchednefs. For do not imagine, their former between avarice and' felfSir, that in the ftruggle falls to the firft. The Iove, the victory always former nullity, the they have felt their more deeply whatever hafte they will make to procure more What! do you imaginé givesthem confequence. encountered they have abandoned their country, braved the fires of the tempefts of the ocean, and world, upon a the torrid zone to enter, in the new new courfe of aeconomy!. Sir, what I have faid in the preFor the reft, underftood to be levelled ceding pages muft be fince I cannot be igmerely at the abufe of credit: norant Y 2 --- Page 354 --- [ 324 ] norant that the thing itfelfis equally advantageous when it has forits to both the parties concerned, of which the profits object a ufeful enterprize, I know well finally promife to exceed the intereft. that credit is the foul of commerce, and that comprinciple of political focicmerce is the vivifying between ties ; I know, too, that the proportion borrowed, and the intereft of the fum the profits, fince there are planters is not always difregarded, and fill make prodito be found who have made, thefe fortunes fortunes-but befides, that gious been acquired by commerce, and have not always deduction the credit attendant on it; the general of this fort are is not the lefs true, that examples and that here much rarer than is ufually fuppofed 3 wilh to it is neceffary, if you as well as elfewherc, of profperity, to join a attain a certain degree of fgood fhare of good fortune to a greatthare great fenfe. and ridiculous, is the What is at once pleafant, claim to the ferious air with which the trader lays of the colonift on the fcore of exacting gratitude the advances he is in the habit of no intereft for the cuftom to fipulate making: g:-it is, in fact, bein the tranfactions which take place for none, and the planter : but where is tween the merchant of affairs, as not the novice fo completely ignorant to know that the fecret of this pretended generofity confifts ridiculous, is the What is at once pleafant, claim to the ferious air with which the trader lays of the colonift on the fcore of exacting gratitude the advances he is in the habit of no intereft for the cuftom to fipulate making: g:-it is, in fact, bein the tranfactions which take place for none, and the planter : but where is tween the merchant of affairs, as not the novice fo completely ignorant to know that the fecret of this pretended generofity confifts --- Page 355 --- [ 325 ] the intereft in the princonfifts in comprehending is little better than a cipal, and that the whole which the lender enmiferable fubterfuge, behind of fecure himfelf from the reproach deavours to the moft fhameful ufury! Sir, the profits' of the firft I have appropriated, for the obfervation crops to the payment of debts ; that he who is no lefs true here than in Europe, however, his debtsis growing rich. This ftep, pays: the new colonift from withholding willnot prevent enough to enable him to live from thofe profits, than he could at firft, to promore commodioully of drying-flopcs, magaceed to the conftruétion furnifh his houfc, and zines, mills, cafas, &c. to expenfive fome domeftic negrocs-moft to procure fituation: : fince, if he takes articles for a maninhis fay nothing of the them from out-lying flaves, (to fervice of the of forming them to the difficulty labour of a negro being eftimated at - houfe) the livres, cach of them will twelve or fifteen hundred thoufand livres, to reprefent a fum of forty or fifty fortune: and from the capital of his be withdrawn formed, it is to be prefumed if he buys them already make hini pay the the feller will not forget to think it. pofof their education. I do not charges the two laft articles for fible for him to procure thoufand livres. lels than five and thirty, or forty Undoubtedly, --- Page 356 --- [ 326 J look Undoubtedly, when he is got thus far, hei upon himfelf as eftablifhed, and may fonable hopes of the future: indulge reaarrive at this point,. that but, obferve, Sir, to has coft him is, at his fourth year, it near fifty thoufand livres, reckoning the twenty thoufand without for the purchafe of his firft which he ftill owes if by their means he has ten negroes 5 and that, plant a hundred been enabled to clear and fquares of ground, the labour getting in the crops will from of much greater number of thenceforth exacta call on him for hands, and new difburfements, confequently fafely be eftimated at lefs than which cannot 100,000 livres. Often A - Europeans who fettle at Saint feven at. leaft will return home the Domingo, have acquired moment they ienough to live there in Thofe whofe comfort. icharacters, or whofeltaftes arel fo pugnant to colonial manners as to induce rebreak off all connection with the them to for a refponfible purchafer, toj colonies; look out of. their whom they difpofe propertyfor: ai certain fum, to be iright, or by paid outinftalments, 3 You muft not however, that the price of an' eftate is imagine, its annual income here as withay regulated by cordingly-inoyr youj andofold act Sirl-and I think Iohave mentioned the reafon ofrit D Others) already retain a valuablel property, confide anxions to of their affairs to an agent, who has the management either a fixed falary, e propertyfor: ai certain fum, to be iright, or by paid outinftalments, 3 You muft not however, that the price of an' eftate is imagine, its annual income here as withay regulated by cordingly-inoyr youj andofold act Sirl-and I think Iohave mentioned the reafon ofrit D Others) already retain a valuablel property, confide anxions to of their affairs to an agent, who has the management either a fixed falary, --- Page 357 --- [ 327 ] fhare of the profits; and appoint a falary, or a proctor to overlook him. themfelves to a world of trouThis is expoling the moft honeft of bles'; for if the agent be not his will prevent his making men no. overlooking of his principal. You may fortunc,at the expence choice of a proctor is not fuppofe, too, that the, 'take him from withourits difficulies; fince, nfyou from that of the the clafs of your equals, that" is; allow him to give plancers, his own affairs will and if you attention to yours'; but à fuperficial man "of the law, to a proctor by addrefs yourfelftoa be honeft people profelion-athough there may know the inveterate prejudice every where-you of men ; and in fuch a' cafe, againft thisdefcription but that yourinterefis it is not. abfolutely impollible the collufion which may might fuffer a little from the se I appcal between him and agent. take place of the'greater part on this heady to the expérience For myfelf, refident in Europe. of theproprictors the choice of meafures, all of Sir, placed between I am inclined to which have their inconveniences, the agent a fhare in think that the plan of giving he adminifters, of the eftate which the produce of attaching him, would at leatt have the advantage of his duty. by his own intereft, to the performance N au LETaate 4 --- Page 358 --- [Bas J :: LETTER XXXV. Port-au- Princs, Juby 1790, 1 HAVE been fo no 0 0 arrival here, a veffel happy, which Sir,s as to find, onimy which I Thall fets fail, to-morrow, and charge with my Ihave no idea where I fhall be lalt-dleters to you, you; moft certainly not when they, reach embark in three at Saint Domingo,: for I days, Detong The defire of examining wen - 7 tween the.two. coafts; the accurately the (pace bedetermined South and. Well, me to take a chaving practicable different, buti - much lels rout than the common onc, I fent baggage before me, and. -fet: out my tended by the fame negro that on-horfeback, ata former journey, accompanied me OR Ip purpofed to reach Leoganc without - 21 and nothing would have prevented ftopping F violent ftorm, which came on about mc, had,not a fwelled the torrents L had to noon, fuddenly that I was pals to fuch a degree, obliged to wafte a good deal of time in fearching, along their borders, for fords where I ran me, and. -fet: out my tended by the fame negro that on-horfeback, ata former journey, accompanied me OR Ip purpofed to reach Leoganc without - 21 and nothing would have prevented ftopping F violent ftorm, which came on about mc, had,not a fwelled the torrents L had to noon, fuddenly that I was pals to fuch a degree, obliged to wafte a good deal of time in fearching, along their borders, for fords where I ran --- Page 359 --- [ 329 ] rifk of being drowned, or fwept away by ran no gheimpetuofity of the currents. 010 NG : me inthe midit of thefc deferts, Night furprifed from drenched with rain, and utterly incapacitated Our horfes journey till day break. continuing my exhaufted with hunger and too, were fo much them into the firft fatigue, that Iconcluded to turn and to pafs the night myfelf favanna we reached, under the fhelter of fome tree. was far from being agreeable to my This plan of the ftorm, and negro, who, at the approach had on the clofing in of the evening, afterwards, feveral habitations at a diftance, pointed out to me I thould be well received; wwhere he would engage in the but which I conftantly refufed to approach, reafons to fear that I fhould only find there new the decay of hofpitality at Saint Domingo deplore Sir, that this will al fford an amDo not you fee, who theme forthe eloquence of my panegyrift, ple hereafter fay < fuch was the favourable opiwill of his contemporaries, that < nion he entertained his delicacy fo far as < he would frequently carry rather than prove ce to take their virtues on truft, ce' them by his own experience !" the and left to find a In groping about to right fituation favourable to my defigns, I was fuddenly ftruck -5 --- Page 360 --- [ 330 ] ftruck with ar gleam of light, tois which inftantly. It proceeded froma little coundireéted my fteps. of Leogane ; in try houfe belonging to a proctor who took care which-I found only a female negro, and who received me with a degree of hofpiof it, looked for in the houfes tality I might have vainly of many: whites. D9 Gnalis deom dl 31 orin 0dd - nno: - of linen with me, As I had not; : even a change I had the abfolute neceffity of drying every thing would have compelled me to pafs the reft of on, in the perfect fate.of innocence of our the evening kind-hearted negrefs had not firft father, ifi the with an old flown to the fuccour of myi modefty anda waiftcoat, which compofed pair of pantouffles, wardrobe ofr thei proprietor: to the wholeirural of her own,.to thefcifhe added: anunder-petticoat middle. ratron tcani IA wrap round my 0'rcsb 16 unfastoent habiliment that Il fat eIto was in this-Amazonians while the houfedown to fupper before a good fire, fhould have bed readysin which I keeper gotimy profoundly.thtani did,ifI had fufSlept.muchiefs to be alarmed by the univerfal opinion, fered myfelft the traveller, when they that rains are: fatal to reach a place of pierce to the fkin before he çan natural that, as their fhelter. I can eafily imagine they are fomecffect is to check the: perfpiration, but times attended with dangerous confequences; Ia am upper before a good fire, fhould have bed readysin which I keeper gotimy profoundly.thtani did,ifI had fufSlept.muchiefs to be alarmed by the univerfal opinion, fered myfelft the traveller, when they that rains are: fatal to reach a place of pierce to the fkin before he çan natural that, as their fhelter. I can eafily imagine they are fomecffect is to check the: perfpiration, but times attended with dangerous confequences; Ia am --- Page 361 --- [ 331 ] that nothing more is neI - ami equally perfuaded, innoxious, than to ceffary.to: render them perfedtly that perfpiration as foon as poffibles re-eftablifh like this, is a matter of no great which in a climate difficulty. Crs 1 ui and proceeded on my I got up before day-break fine as the evening journey: the morning was as carried Twohours riding before was difagreeable. from thence a gentle deme acrofs the mountains ; terminated by the fcent led to the plain, which, afforded from fea, and enlivened by the rifing fun, fpectacle. the fpot where I ftood, a moft charming all the road a vaft number of toura 1 found along who had ftationed themlouroux, or land crabs; hole which ferved them felvesat the mouth of the the mornand appeared to be enjoying for a retreat, immediately retire at the ing air: thefe animals making a kind of clicking approach of travellers, the noife with their claws, as if to warn neighbourthe advance of an enemy. I have great hood'of what I have heard be true, that doubts whether men alive; but I they have been known to devour numbers fure thatthey refort in great am perfeatly for the fake of to the vicinity of burying grounds, does feeding on the dead bodies : this, however, the negroes from eating them. not prevent Leis --- Page 362 --- [ 339 ] Lefs occupied now than at my firft fortie from when the habitude of fecing nothing the mountains, and woods, made.me run but rocks, precipices, lover al landmy eyes leagerly, and indifcriminately leifureito conaltogether new to me; I had fcape on the right of template a group of fuperb palms, from five and the road; intirely infulated in à plain miles in length, and from. ten to thirty to forty twelve in breadth. -ab sisng sno ua - 1 colonade, it is aiAt the fight of fuch a beautiful necclfary to enquire where the fculptors no longer found the model, and the proportions of antiquity decorated the palaces of kings, and of thofe which Gods I ihave never had the the temples of the chef.diceuvres, whole good fortune to fee thofer them ruins render the country: whichipoffeffes very thofe fcattered fragments JoN illuftrious ; sult 30 Oidans " tout vis fon N So orgueil git le néant de Thomme; n %9 IC hCia S L 275 of grandeur and mabut ftruck with the character monuwhich nature impreffes on her own jefty avoid; exclaiming, Where is the ments, lcould not Palladio who would underMichael Angclo, or the this colonade takc, to build a temple, to which Ahould ferve for A periftyle-rus Rootiol I found a onl aids : 1 , - : the moft complicated, borrow * Itis fo true that, the arts, even. that thethree architeéts who conall their principles from nature, of Balbec, the other that of Palmyra, ftra@ted, the one the temple the ; exclaiming, Where is the ments, lcould not Palladio who would underMichael Angclo, or the this colonade takc, to build a temple, to which Ahould ferve for A periftyle-rus Rootiol I found a onl aids : 1 , - : the moft complicated, borrow * Itis fo true that, the arts, even. that thethree architeéts who conall their principles from nature, of Balbec, the other that of Palmyra, ftra@ted, the one the temple the --- Page 363 --- L 333 ] the twothingswhich n I foundat Port-au-Prince, to the United a veffel to take me I expected: inflamed by the proStates, and minds exceflively DominIarrived at Saint grefs of the Revolution. it in the Flora: thefe in the Venus, I fhall quit go well-yet I found charming names feem to augur of the the ifland attacked by the firft fymptoms you, and I leave political fever which preys upon Neither it in the firft convulfions of a delirium. Monf. de the colonial affembly, nor the governor, the appears to me in the principles which Peyniers The one wifhes to exigencies of the time require. which an extent to the power with give too great invefted it; and the other, ill cireumftances have violent and hotadvifed' by a young man more exhibits fuch an incoherent headed than wife*, infalmixture of obftinacy and pliability, as muft correfpond in the the third the colonade of the Louvre, perfealy although neither number and order of this fp:cies of decoration; of the work of the two of the three could have any knowledge in Syria and Egypt. Vol. 2. others. See Volney's Voyage Chap. 20. Colonel of the regiment of PortThe Chevalier de Mauduit, who ferved with au-Princes an oficer full of zeal and courage, in America, but much too diftinaion in the army of Rochambeau critical fituation in which he ftood. rath and inexperienced forithe the very foldiers with He was murdered fometime afterwardsby and in the bofom whom he had broke up the Colonial-Adfembly, from the he was fecking an afylum of that very aflemibly-where fury of his troops. libly --- Page 364 --- [ 334 ] libly tend to encourage the fastious, and difguft the well-intentioned. I fee but one way of faving the colony : it is to bring about the revolution by the hands of thofe who are ineffectually employed in endeavouring to retard its progrefs. They can no longer check; they may Aill direét it. * The bulk of the colonifts, the merchants, the different departments ofadminiftration, have allan equal intéreft to maintain order: let themifpeedily join themfelves to the governor, to baffle and counteract the dark intrigues carrying on by the difaffected to: excite an infurredtion of the people of colour, and the negroes. Thefe culpable perturbators are perfedtly well known to be the fecret emiffaries of the fect called, or calling itfelf, the FRIENDS OF THE BLACKS. What would thefe peoplc have?-Suppofe they fhould fucceed in eftablifhing their principles, what advantage do they expeét to derive from their viétory? Isl it the abolition of flavery? But this would bring on the ruin of the colonies: and in what way can this ruin, It was precifely fo in the mother country, where the Court fell into the fame error as-the adminiftrators of Saint Domingo. Nothing would have been, originally, more eafy than to direci the Revolution : but they no fooner faw the torrent ready to burft forth than, blindly attached to the old and trivial fyfem ofcourt hydraulics, inftead of digging for it a broad and drep channel, they attempted to confne it by a dyke, and--all was fwept away! which in what way can this ruin, It was precifely fo in the mother country, where the Court fell into the fame error as-the adminiftrators of Saint Domingo. Nothing would have been, originally, more eafy than to direci the Revolution : but they no fooner faw the torrent ready to burft forth than, blindly attached to the old and trivial fyfem ofcourt hydraulics, inftead of digging for it a broad and drep channel, they attempted to confne it by a dyke, and--all was fwept away! which --- Page 365 --- [ 335 1 draw after it thatrof the which would inevitably intereft either the commerce of France, poffibly Paris? happinefs; or the liberty of theinhabitants-of Oriis it the hope of putting a ftop to the confumpcolonial with the flavery which tion of producc, know little . of the produces it? 1 But they muft of habit, become a kind of fecond nature, power fool themfelves with fuch a chimera. who can this abferd What name, then, fhall we give'to policy, this frantic civifm, this barbarous humanity, which for the fake of withdrawing fome Africans from a ftate of flavery daily becoming more toleranothing of the torrents of blood it muft ble, (to fay condemn France to lofe the imoccalion) W ould with which it would be menfe mafs of fpecie thenceforth neceffary to purchafe from foreigners, had hitherto bought of us ! And do what they: then, the three hundred they reckon for nothing, million livres which the colonies pour annuallyinto the ports of the mother country, where thcy give bread to more than five millions of people ! Ia NML I fee with pain, Sir, that the revolutionary vertigo has already made fuch progrefs amongft the inhabitants, that even at tabie, furrounded by mu. . lattoes and negroes, they indulge themfelves in the moft imprudent difcuffions on liberty, &c. Very foon the flaves of the neighbouring plantations, connected with thofe of the town, will carry home the --- Page 366 --- [ 336 I they have heard, and comment upon the difcourfes c Ifthefe whites are only them in their own way. will fay, Ce what were they €e free to-day," they like ourfelves >-and ce then yefterday ? Slaves of the confeGod preferve me from being a witnefs To difcufs of this mode of reafoning! quences Men before fuch people, what is it the Rigbts of dwells with ftrength, but to teach them that power and ftrength with numbers! Will have, Sir, my parting word on this you It is that the more I know the inhabitcountry? I felicitate myfcif on quitting it. ants, the more of occupying I came hither with the noble ambition folely in acquiring a fortune; but deftined myfelf and confequently to poffefs to become a mafer, of living with them, Qaves, I faw, in the neceffity them them with attention to know that of ftudying much lefs efteem for the one, -and I depart with is what and pity for the other. When a perfon to of the planters are, he is made the greater part he is what the greatér part of have flàves : when TouT the flaves are, he is made to have a mafter: LE MONDE EST ICI A SA PLACE. LET- a mafer, of living with them, Qaves, I faw, in the neceffity them them with attention to know that of ftudying much lefs efteem for the one, -and I depart with is what and pity for the other. When a perfon to of the planters are, he is made the greater part he is what the greatér part of have flàves : when TouT the flaves are, he is made to have a mafter: LE MONDE EST ICI A SA PLACE. LET- --- Page 367 --- L E 337 1 LETTER XXXVI. At Sta, Guly 1790. I LITTLE expedted, Sir, that the laft moments were to be of my 'refidence at Saint Domingo have of which the iffue might marked by an event, than I wiflied, if I had detained me there longer active in a it improper to take an part not judged both fides feem to have carried too difpute which with the greateft pleafar. Not that I would not, to the with all my might fure, have contributed capable of re-eftablifhing fuccefs of any enterprize after waiting the public concord : but fecing, and that, feveral days, that nothing was decided; they begun by a rafh and inconfiderate ftep, having meafures to fuftain took no prompt and vigorous of the 1oth, it, I went on board on the evening and fet fail immediately after. -BW 1 relations of the two Tlcave the gazettes, and the to inform you of what paffed; ; obferving parties, prefage from it, only thât I draw a very melancholy of the future deftiny of the colony. in an work lately publifhed * The reader will find, interefling that I was but too at Paris, intitled Défaftres de Saint Domingue, true a prophet. Z Whatever, --- Page 368 --- L 338 ] Whatever, Sir, may be the motives which determined the conduct of the two partics, both appear been deficient in prudence and moderation. to have affembly. in taking the military habit, The colonial charaéteriftic of a dark confpiracys the inaufpicious in oppoling it by an. armed and the government occafioned the thedding of blood; force, which has influence, by the while, fupported by its ancient of opinion, and by the beft wifhes every public it might have eafily difperfed, without honeft man, which by its ftriking a finglc blow, an affembly, compofition, its refractory fpirit, heterogeneous avowed hoftility to lenient meafures, had and its, itfelf of the fuccour of opinion, alrcady deprived declared in favour of; any prudent pretty generally which promifed to maintain tranand decifive ftep das J quillity and good order. le e be TT Sir, the tutclary force from whençe Unhappily, was compofed this bleffing ought to have flowed, has always whofe combination of two elements, doubt and irbeen produétive of misfortunes;- out his orders-; refolution in him who ftammers, folicits, them çonfidence and rafhnefs in him who warmth than refledtion, and exccutes with more than prudences pang them with more impetuofity. 53 en 12 the white over € the triThe preference given to meritorious. in coloured çockade, might poiibly be him bleffing ought to have flowed, has always whofe combination of two elements, doubt and irbeen produétive of misfortunes;- out his orders-; refolution in him who ftammers, folicits, them çonfidence and rafhnefs in him who warmth than refledtion, and exccutes with more than prudences pang them with more impetuofity. 53 en 12 the white over € the triThe preference given to meritorious. in coloured çockade, might poiibly be him --- Page 369 --- [ 339 ] wholooked upon it as the fignal of his devotehim he had joined to fome ment-but, in fuppofing a firm declaration flight conceffions on this head, the order which culpable to maintain, at all events, I have to deftroy, perturbators were endeavouring but that fuch an act of comnot the fmalleft doubt could not in this inplaifance, (which certainly would ftance be regarded as a proof of weaknefs) his have had the happieft cffedt, by depriving his'i inenemies of the opportunity of calumniating 1 am in the Time will fhew whether tentions. right. believe that, waked in a fright by Would you of tumultuous cries, vague the confufed mixture fhrieks, interrupted interpellations, and indiftinét the clafh of arms, and the noife of mufquetry by believe that, in the midft and cannon $ would you the darknefs of the of the diforder, increafed by of the inhabitnight, of a city, of which one part fought to into the danger they ants ran headlong ftupified with fear, fcarce fhun, while the other, to conceal themretained prefence of mind enough fmile felves:: would you believe that a culpable me at the fight of certain men, long indigefcaped uniting to the treafures of opulence, nant at not which confole nobility for the trifing prerogatives where been the its poverty, and who have every fire, which Srftto blowup the coals of a devouring after Z a --- Page 370 --- L 340 J after having confumed thofe fantaftic poffeilions, in more fubftantial ones will not be long involving believe, I fay, that I in the blaze ; would you of LIBERTY fmiledat fecing thofe fervent promoters and EQUALITY, trembling at the prefent moment for property more folid than. vain titles of honour, themfelves to the ARISTOCRACY, which had join fave their and their acftill power to magazines, of compt-books from the gripe of the EQUALITY fortune, and from the LIBERTY.Of feizing it! C - know whether this firft leffon will I do not and vanity henceforth render egoifm more wife, modeft-but in cafe the progrefs of events more neceflitate the facrificeof a victim, I do not fhould would be much to regret if the rafee that there of the flames, kindled by the pricfts of Plutus, yages terminate with the confiagration . of his fhould temple. sae br 62 However this may be, SiryI leave the legiflative difperfed and put to flight by the fire of affembly thescannon; the power a little too executive, embarraffed with its. viétorys and 0 doubtful what it its neceffity, and turniit to the fhould do.to.juftify the public.in that fate of ftupor beft advantage: which ufually fucceeds a violent and incertitude. old friend the Chamber of commotion ; and my its magaCommercé yery. happy at. having faved zines, legiflative difperfed and put to flight by the fire of affembly thescannon; the power a little too executive, embarraffed with its. viétorys and 0 doubtful what it its neceffity, and turniit to the fhould do.to.juftify the public.in that fate of ftupor beft advantage: which ufually fucceeds a violent and incertitude. old friend the Chamber of commotion ; and my its magaCommercé yery. happy at. having faved zines, --- Page 371 --- [341 J fecuring, them from the zincs, and very bufy-in of the fovereign people. next attempt was fo far reftored as Although the public peace long cnough at Port-auto allow of my ftaying the plain of the CulPrince to make an excurfionin which I purpofed to puth as far as poffible, de-Sac, Captain of the Flora, manifefted Monf. Lynham, the coaft, although his fo much anxiety to quit that, uncerveffel had not all her cargo on board, the fame whether I fhould find with another tain which his fhip, his fociety, and the conveniencies fcemed to promife, I arrangements we had made, determined to embark with him, finally then, as I have already faid, I went on board, We took advanon the tenth, about midnight. and in a few hours tage of the morning breeze, the uncultivated had made a good offing, leaving The next day we ifland of Gonave to leeward. of which did not appaffed the Lucayes, feveral they were. as I had been.told pear fo uninhabitable it is true, but with They want wood and water, be made rains, and cifterns, amends may regular Forthe former, for the latter of thefe privations. find a refource : but, indecd, it is not fo cafy to feldom that the natural fterility of any fpot - befides oppofcs --- Page 372 --- [ 342 ] an invincible obftacle to human induftry*; oppoles would admit of the proximity of Saint Domingo which is the importation of an article, the want of felt in thefe climates. And I not very imperioufly fhould ever become do not doubt, if that ifland fo populous as to oblige a part of its inhabitants abode elfewhere, but the induftry of to feek an laborious, active, and emigration, always extremely what it has ingenious, would do at the Lucayes often done in other places. There is, Sir, in every man, whofe deftiny tranfhim to a new and virgin foil, a principle ofinports which may be reckoned upon, telligenceand energy when feconded and which is capable ofevery thing, the adminiftration. This principle is by a good what fentiment of property, which is to our civil, of our virtues is to our moral exthe confcioufnefs iftence; that is to fay, the key-ftone which fupports It is this the fentiment of our proper dignity. which almoft every where in the new world, and in the country where I am going, has efpecially hordes of malefactors, of indolent and transformed à : Dutch, and Auftrian * I fhall cite, by way ofexample, faw the Prufian, fame heaths which I had left Guilders, where, in 1793, I the perfealy : erile in 1776, covered with woods, by provident which induftry of the inhabitants. Now it is certain that a foil produces an oak or a fir, may be equally made to produce an ear of corn or a potatoe. thoughtlefs of malefactors, of indolent and transformed à : Dutch, and Auftrian * I fhall cite, by way ofexample, faw the Prufian, fame heaths which I had left Guilders, where, in 1793, I the perfealy : erile in 1776, covered with woods, by provident which induftry of the inhabitants. Now it is certain that a foil produces an oak or a fir, may be equally made to produce an ear of corn or a potatoe. thoughtlefs --- Page 373 --- [ 343 T into a race of men, prudent, thoughtlcfs vagabonds, honeft and laborious. Aatters whom I like exccedingly, M. Lynham, ihall be at Norfolk in little more himfelf that we Tne wind, however, bethan ten or twelve days. thickens with blackand gins to fhufile, the horizon hollow; ; in a word, louring clouds, the fea, grows miftake, announçe figns, which I think I cannot either fo foon that we fhall not reach Virginia certo me My conduétors as I expedted. or fo tranquilly of the matter than myfelf; and tainly know.more I have often feen the preyet; on thefe occafions, mariners intirely baffled; fcience of the moft fkilful the moft ofall mankind, they are perhaps becaufe, the monitions of Texperiencetothe fubjedt to facrifice Ihave feen enough to convince illufions of hope. or unlucky accime that, out of ten fhipwrecks, either to the dents, five at leaft may be attributed, the avarice of the imprudence of the failors, or the crews to merchants, who feldom proportion the of two captains, the fize of the fhips-Thus, the former will lofe one rath, the other cautious, the latter, fomething mafts, fails, men, and fhips; 5 trader, and for which to the ftill more precious time, irreparable time ! nothing can compenfate, LET- --- Page 374 --- - - 344 J LETTER XXXVII. At Sea, July 1790. Ir has nearly happened to me, Sir, as to. the poor Caffandra. In vain did I prophefy 5 every one laughed at my predictions ; and yet we owe our fafety folely to the ftrength of our fhip. We paffed two days in that fort of ftormy calm which I mentioned in my laft. Thick and gloomy clouds accumulated in every point of the horizon : already the indiftinét and lengthened muttcrings of thunder ftruck the car from thofe obfcure and immoveable maffes, which wcre croffed from time to time by long fafhes of pale and fickly fire. Not a breath of air indicated from what quarter of the globe its relaxed fpring would finally impel and fet in motion this tremendous apparatus. Never did ftorm prefent a more alarming fpeétacle than this, of a calm, which joined all the fymptoms of fury to the immobility of death! Each of us was contemplating it with a fad and filent inquietude, when, a little before midnight, the fky feemed to clcar up in the South-Weft, from whence the wind fuddenly hes of pale and fickly fire. Not a breath of air indicated from what quarter of the globe its relaxed fpring would finally impel and fet in motion this tremendous apparatus. Never did ftorm prefent a more alarming fpeétacle than this, of a calm, which joined all the fymptoms of fury to the immobility of death! Each of us was contemplating it with a fad and filent inquietude, when, a little before midnight, the fky feemed to clcar up in the South-Weft, from whence the wind fuddenly --- Page 375 --- [ 345 ] fome invifible hand had refuddenly blew as if moved the valve which detained it in captivity. on our rout, at firft with caution, We proceeded of courage to afterwards with a fufficient degree the main-fail and the mizen. jpin to the top-fails, that this was placing Although I apprehended whofe abrupt rather too much confidence ina wind, filled me with fufpicion 5 yet as commencement the I went to lie Captain Lynham fet me example, like him, and like him, too, fhould have faldown if the violence with which the waves len afleep, the fides of the veffel had not addafhed againft with the wind. vertifed me that the fca was rifing taken notice that our firft mate was one of I had kind of thofe men with whom an inconfiderate and the place of courage, careleffnefs fupplics to the routine of an whofe whole theory is confined fort far from extenfive. Urged by a experience, venture to attribute of activity which I can hardly I went nobler motive than mere reftleffncfs, to a aftonifhment to find upon deck-What was my amidft the body in the moft perfect fecurity, every ; and moft decifive marks of an outrageous tempeft; in hoifting the a part of the crew gaily employed under the top-gallant-fails, as if we had been influence of the trade winds! peaccable Good --- Page 376 --- [ 346 ] Good God, Sir! faid I to the firft mate, who was carelcfsly ftretched on the quarter deck, what are you thinking of--to carry fo many fails-in fuch weather as this! ce Tis nothing," faid he without ftirring from his place. Thinking'it, however, a great deal too much, I went below to inform the captain ofit, who was ftill aileep, and whom I had fome little difficulty to wake. While he was putting on his clothes, and I was preparing to follow him, a dreadful crafh madeus run to thecabin ftairs it was too late ! a torrent of water rufhing down the narrow pailage, dafhed us both backwards upon the floor. an Recovering from the blow, which had ftunned us, we fprang upon the deck, ftruggling with the fury of defpair againft the waveswhich.affailed us : but, O God ! what la fpectacle! Our two mafts, loaded with all their fails, and broken, the one lying acrofs the deck, the other hanging fromthe iron work of the main-top, kept the veffel fo completely under water, that we had the utmoft difficulty to reach the aft part of the quarter deck, the only part of the hulk that was. not fubmerged, and to which I immediatcly lafhed myfelf with one.of the broken halyards. - t0: Of feven feamen, including our rafh and improvident mate, this laft in attempting, when too late, to fails, and broken, the one lying acrofs the deck, the other hanging fromthe iron work of the main-top, kept the veffel fo completely under water, that we had the utmoft difficulty to reach the aft part of the quarter deck, the only part of the hulk that was. not fubmerged, and to which I immediatcly lafhed myfelf with one.of the broken halyards. - t0: Of feven feamen, including our rafh and improvident mate, this laft in attempting, when too late, to --- Page 377 --- [ 347 ] the fails, had fallen from the maintoaffiftin furling his back ; another had top-maft-yard, and fprained broken his right arm ; and a third, in endeavouring had been precipitato furl the fore-top-gallant-Ail, the fea. There remained then ted with the maft into Never did intrebut four men-but fuch men ! of pidity and coolnefs perform greater mind prodigies ! Asoft ftrength, and prefence of courage, with which the enormous mountains as the rapidity overwhelmed us, left of water that fucceflfively and think of our us a moment to take breath, interval to clear fafety, our failors feized the lucky that ftill with their hatchets the rigging away, mafts attached to the fhip. We were kept the hour in the dim and doubtful more than half an death, as the dawn twilight which divides life from beams of of a cloudy day feparates the uncertain the morning from the fhades of night. confefs weaknefs, Sir. Not relying Let me my means, I for our fafety altogether on ordinary it neceffary to have recourfe to a power judged intervention has always been efficacious. whofe myfelf, therefore, to the crew, I proAddrefling among nounced aloud the vow of-diftributing if of which I held in my hand, them a bag piaftres redoubled they fucceeded in faving us : and they their efforts. At ades of night. confefs weaknefs, Sir. Not relying Let me my means, I for our fafety altogether on ordinary it neceffary to have recourfe to a power judged intervention has always been efficacious. whofe myfelf, therefore, to the crew, I proAddrefling among nounced aloud the vow of-diftributing if of which I held in my hand, them a bag piaftres redoubled they fucceeded in faving us : and they their efforts. At --- Page 378 --- E 348 ] At length the Flora, difembarraffed. from the wreck which incumbered her, righted with every fhock, and, in a fhort time, recovered her proper trim. This moment, which we awaited witha kind of religious horror, and which was furely for us the moment fuprême, was the fignal of our falvation, and of a fentiment more fweet than that ofjoy-for joy has a voice, and,we had, only tcars. I now, for the firftime, perceived that Jome One, enveloped in: the fkirts of a riding-coat which I had flipped on in my hafte, was clofely embracing my legs. This fome one was al large ape, who, having in the tumult broken the rope that attached him to the ftern, had taken refuge with me. Thus I had ftill ferved for an afylum to an unfortunate being, when I no longer faw any for myfelf! Hitherto we had not found that any perfon was but in calling over the names, we mifling 3 now, found that we had loft our youngeft failor; and we concluded that he muft have fallen over-board with the top-gallant-fail he was furling. The crew immediatcly had recourfe to their (peaking-trumpetss at length fome one tranquilly replied (in. his own language) < I am coming." This vigorous young man had clung faft to the wreck of the maft, where, when --- Page 379 --- [ 349 J he had ftruggled fo when he faw his opportunity, of and fhifted with fo much prefence eflicacioufly, to.fragment, and from ropc. to mind from fragment >9 on deck. if that he finally ce came Judge rope, he was well received ! - - far from being in a profWe were ftill, however, and ftate; but we were fafe for the moment, perous Ce the unfortunate has well obferved, as a traveller *:" we therefore indulged ce are not flow to hope nothing anthat of extricating ourfelves, though that the winds and waves would fo fpeedily nounced think you, was our hope abate--and on what, caufes the defpair of founded? On that. which nothing more to lofe. others; on our having - 10930 11 and found that the fhip We tried the pumps, this, in our made no more water than ufual ; than fordiftrefs, was a circumftance no leis rare All our maits were reduced to the ftump tunate. the wind therefore had no longer of the mizen : down the hold of usp-foi that by nailing any like the family of Noah, have hatches we might, of the ocean. And, braved in our ark, all the fury the labours, indeed, it was by this we terminated of a I fhould rather call them, the combats or, as and during which I had night as long as difaftrous, * Naufrage ct Auentures de Pierre Yiaud. more to the ftump tunate. the wind therefore had no longer of the mizen : down the hold of usp-foi that by nailing any like the family of Noah, have hatches we might, of the ocean. And, braved in our ark, all the fury the labours, indeed, it was by this we terminated of a I fhould rather call them, the combats or, as and during which I had night as long as difaftrous, * Naufrage ct Auentures de Pierre Yiaud. more --- Page 380 --- [ 350 J more than once repeated, from I know not poet, what 46 O! que la nuit eft longue à la douleur qui veille ! The day brought back fair weather fooner than we expected, and with it the much recovering fuch parts of the wreck of mcans of as the fea had not fwept our rigging away, i. e. fome of the halyards, the mizen-yard with the fail ftill and the top, which we fucceeded, fixed, efforts, in replacing. after incredible Unhappily, fhips not deftined for are feldom provided with long voyages This was the cafe with (pare mafts and fails. ours. The fecond our difafter, when it became day after neceffary to think of repairing our lofles, we could find fail-room but a nothing in the few ells of new main-top-gallant-fil, a ftay-fail, a canvafs, and a little the deck' we had only a top-maft. cordage : on I will fpare you, Sir, the of the refources we found in long enumeration recital of the our induftry. The perils of a man, fruggling againft nature, adverfity, and death, may. have an with his fellow intereft for from creatures, which cannot be a detail of the efforts of his hoped only-I fhall content myfelf, then, with intelligence laying that' àU the --- Page 381 --- [ 351 3 fixed to the: ftump of the main-maft, the top-maft; ftood in its ftead ; that the main-top-gallant-fil ferved enlarged with a few breadths of new canvals, furnifhed that the fhcets of my bed for a main-fail; fupported by a maft made a.fore-topfail, which was,i that of a bundle of. laths. unfold at. Saint. Domingo; of bed, joined to that of Captain the coverture my which was hoifted Lynham's, madea kind of mizen, and that by means of this apon the enfign-faff; finithed than that ofthe paratus, a little lefs highly had the fatisveffel which carried Cleopatra, we ourfelves in a condition to run faction of finding moderate wind. three or four knots an hour with a we were not more than two By our reckoning land. We had feen feveral hundred leagues from for a fhips, who taking usat a diftance, perhaps, us-but Barbary cruizer, drew near to reconnoitre themfelves that inftead of pirates after certifying in diftrefs, no fignals that we we were only people induce them to offer us the could make, could fo much in need, One affiftance of which we ftood but in of them camc clofe enough to be hailed, inftead of condelcending to anfwer us, bore away different tack--at this bafe and unfeeling egoon a Sir, the worthy inftruwill recognize, ifm.you, D of the avarice which, employs them. Had ments :. Lynham been more prudent than mynot Captain with the affiftance of our four felf, we fhould, - pieces make, could fo much in need, One affiftance of which we ftood but in of them camc clofe enough to be hailed, inftead of condelcending to anfwer us, bore away different tack--at this bafe and unfeeling egoon a Sir, the worthy inftruwill recognize, ifm.you, D of the avarice which, employs them. Had ments :. Lynham been more prudent than mynot Captain with the affiftance of our four felf, we fhould, - pieces --- Page 382 --- E 352 J pieces of cannon, have fent this hard-hearted Pharifec all the langridge we had on board. Asicruelty is always cowardly, I do not doubt but our bold= nefs would have made him give to fear. what he denied to humanity-and, perhaps, I fhould have done right : for a contrary wind, by prolonging our voyage, may ftill reduce us to dreadful extre mities; or blowing weather deprive us, piece by piece, of our wretched rigging; andi then-what will become of us! AAG D LETTER XXXVHII. Norfolk, in Virginid, Auguf 1 1790. ONE would think, Sir, that wherever I went, fhips were purpofely ftationed to receive and carry - : you my letters. Ifound three here on the point of failing for France, with almoft the whole of the cargoes they brought out. I will tell you another time, the caufc of this error in the fpeculations of the --- Page 383 --- L I 353 1 at I muft finifh the the French merchants ; prefent harrative of our ill-omened paflage. than we had any reafon to expect, More lucky and favourable; althe wind, conftantly moderate fails. We had lowed LIS to make ufe of all our need of them to ftem a current two or three leagues extent; and of a wonderful rapidity 5 which, in of Mexico, croffes the running from the gulph direétion diaftreights of the Bahama iflands, in a to the wind, and produces a metrically éppofite occafioned our fhip to roll fo kind of race, which would thatif wehad carried top-mafts prodigioully, them to the board. probably have brought feven hours in croffing this fpeWe were near line and I know no cies of : torrent in a diagonal ; than that of expcriencing contraft more difagrecable favourable wind, all the with a ferene fky, and a moft laborious circumftances of the difgufting It would not be impoffible, Sir, for navigation. fhould follow our track with the wind the pilot who fuppofing himtobe in the direction of the current, knowfurnifhed with the neceflary not altogether the end of twenty-four hours, a ledge, to find, at unaccountable fo much the more mif-reckoning, of the wind and in his opinion, as the agreement of the latter rendering the exiftence the tide, fcarce A a ftances of the difgufting It would not be impoffible, Sir, for navigation. fhould follow our track with the wind the pilot who fuppofing himtobe in the direction of the current, knowfurnifhed with the neceflary not altogether the end of twenty-four hours, a ledge, to find, at unaccountable fo much the more mif-reckoning, of the wind and in his opinion, as the agreement of the latter rendering the exiftence the tide, fcarce A a --- Page 384 --- [ 354 ] he would not even I think of calfcarcé perceptible, culating his drift toleeward. the obfervations of many wellNotwithfanding I am inclined to think we have informed marincrs, theory of the, currents : yet but à very imperfeét advantage of this and our merchant-fhips taking the circumftance, never fail to attribute to them which refult from their own negnumerous errors however, is ligence or incapacity. : Such a thcory, habitude of and if the of the utmoft importance; could give any weight to my obferving every thing that.M. de Saint Pierre feems opinion, I fhould fay in the career of to have made a decided progrefs melting of nature, by attributing to the periodical adverfafnows thofe currents, which his the polar of probability, go ries; with much lefs appearance thanks to look forin the moon. At prefent, when, author of and luminous fyftem of the to the fimple is no longer the Etudes de la Nature, Experience fearch oft the caufe obliged to mount to the ftars in effect which lies dircétly before us, we may of an that fhe will at length give us a reaindulge a hope and thus contribute fonable folution of a problem, without to the perfection of an art, dangerous attended doubt, but where the llighteft error may be with the moft deplorable confequences. Navigation, --- Page 385 --- [ 355 ] in this part of the new world, is Navigation, weather, rendered dangerous in foggy or bluftering lownefs of the land. Itis particuby the extreme two difwhere, at only leagues larly fo in Virginia, the firs which grow along tance, you diftinguith the fhore itfelf; fo that the fhore, without fecing which has a finthey feem to rife out of the ocean, however, of the gular and ftriking effect. Aware, careful to fend out danger, they are extremely to meet fuch veffels as are expected; coafting pilots not even in England, have and in no country, no or more clegantly I feen this fpecies of boat better, to conftructed. It would be no great cxaggeration of them, that they fwim like fifhes. fay boarded us in the morning of the The firft that by a negro-Arange goth of July, was commanded arrived from revolution of principles for a man juft We engaged him to pilot us beSaint Domingo! and Cape Henry, fo baptized tween Cape Charles Smith, furnamed, by way by the celebrated John Thefe two Capes, 4be Nevigator. of diftination, 1607, by Captain Newport, difcovered in May in 37° of form the entrance of Chefapcak-Bay, the fecond to the latitude, the firft to the North, channel of eighteen feparated by a South. Theyare midft of which we caft anchor miles wide, in the the ebb, ftrengthened about five in the morning: which, in Euthe acceffion of feveral ftreams, by A a 2 rope, es, 4be Nevigator. of diftination, 1607, by Captain Newport, difcovered in May in 37° of form the entrance of Chefapcak-Bay, the fecond to the latitude, the firft to the North, channel of eighteen feparated by a South. Theyare midft of which we caft anchor miles wide, in the the ebb, ftrengthened about five in the morning: which, in Euthe acceffion of feveral ftreams, by A a 2 rope, --- Page 386 --- [ 356 ] might pals for rivers, not permitting us to rope, make Norfolk till the turn of the tide. which condemned. us to -pafs another A delay, Lynham as little as night at fea, fuited Captain afhore on the myfelf. - We were therefore put of a fort of fide of Cape Charles, at the extremity formed by the Delaware on the north, peninfula; and the Chefapeak on the fouth. for thofe who arrive from Saint 24 Affuredly, Sir, country is a Domingo, the fight of this happy fpettacle ! I was never weary ofcompacharming habitations I had juft left, with the ring the gloomy fide of me, and the neat and clegant houfes on every of general eafe and comfort withthe preappearance of thofe, whofe moft fervent wifh tended opulence which draw their fufit is'to quit the foil from they ftrive in vain to ftenanceand their wealth! I thould the I felt on coafting along defcribe to you pleafure flore at the decline of a fine day: itis beyond my the if any one at that moment had propofed power-but board to feck, only at the to me to go on again, fleeces as diftance of a few leagues, as many golden fhould on all the trees of Colchis, I there are leaves with a fmile of contempt. have anfwered him only T6 pur MEnD to: make feveral detours. to As we were obliged with bridges, pafs fome little crecks, unprovided we --- Page 387 --- E 357 ] Hampton till night. It.is avilwe did not reach moft of thofe I fawrin North lage, compofed, like and decent houfes. America, of regular ftreets, waited for the paffage Here we drank tea, while we diftant about boat which was to take us to Norfolk, fixty miles. between feven and cight o'clock. We embarked but a ftorm which was. The wind was fair at firit, becalmed us, gathering on the coaft, having nearly home, Lynham, who was anxious to get Captain little fkiff we had in tow, and landed on got intoa River, from whence he the right bank of James' proceeded on foot. of my voyage were three failors, The companions laid down the inftant we came on and a Jew, who After an hour's calm, board, and fell faft afleep. wind from us, reftothe ftorm which had taken our it bent the two long red it with intereft. Although fquare fails, no premafts which carried two large while the were taken to reduce them ; cautions himfelf with detailing to me at great mafter amufed of feveral boats like his own, length, the hiftory for want, as he which had been loit in the paffage, winds from the faid, of attending properly to the This was a hint which was nor thrown ihore. took feat at the foot of one away upon me: I my of bent the two long red it with intereft. Although fquare fails, no premafts which carried two large while the were taken to reduce them ; cautions himfelf with detailing to me at great mafter amufed of feveral boats like his own, length, the hiftory for want, as he which had been loit in the paffage, winds from the faid, of attending properly to the This was a hint which was nor thrown ihore. took feat at the foot of one away upon me: I my of --- Page 388 --- L I 358 ] of the maits, with my knife in my hand, ready to cut the halyards if the (quall-increafed. Neither the redoubled claps of thunder, nor the dafhing of the waves, could prevail upon the Ifraelite to get up. It was to no purpofe to wake him, he dropt afleep again in an inftant. If fecurity in danger be the fruit of experience, it may be prefumed that this fprig of Abraham was with Mofes at the paflage of the Red Sea. About one in the morning we arrived at Norfolk : at landing I found Captain Lynham and his brother, who had been civil enough to provide a bed for me at their houfe: but, as I purpofed ftaying here a few days to recover from my fatigues, I took up my lodgings at the inn, where I received a vifit the next morning from our vice conful, Monf. Ofter, at the moment I was fetting out to call upon him, and with whom I dined in company with Captain Lynham and his brother. Norfolk will be a tolerable town when it has repaired fome ruins which ftill atteft that it fuffered in the revolution. The tradition which informs us it was called Poubatan by the favages, proves it to be an ancient eftablifhment of a pcople, who, in fuch afituation could be little more than fifhers. It is at prefent the chief town of a county of its own --- Page 389 --- [ 359 ] by name in.the State of Virgnis-furoundeal own which muft render it barren fands, and marfhes, it would never have ob= very unhealthy in fummer, favourable tained its prefent rank, if its fituation; of all the it the mart for trade, had not rendered produations of lower Virginia. long and very inftructive. conIhave had a very which fhall be the verfation with Monfieur Ofter, fubject of my next letter. LETTER XXXIX. Norfolk, Augaf 1790. MoNSIEUR Ofter, who unites a great degrec and civility, to all the knowledge of complaifance has had the neceffary for a man in his fituation, Memoire which to me a goodnefs to communicate on the Commercial he has fent to the Miniftry, Relations of France and America. This uctive. conIhave had a very which fhall be the verfation with Monfieur Ofter, fubject of my next letter. LETTER XXXIX. Norfolk, Augaf 1790. MoNSIEUR Ofter, who unites a great degrec and civility, to all the knowledge of complaifance has had the neceffary for a man in his fituation, Memoire which to me a goodnefs to communicate on the Commercial he has fent to the Miniftry, Relations of France and America. This --- Page 390 --- [ 360 ] This Memoire is full of the moft judicious obferyations, the moft inftructive details, and the moft extenfive views : but I have ventured to dict to the author that it will have:no effect--bc- precaufe the French miniftry is yet far from comprehending the nature of the tics, which, fince the difcovery of the two Indies, connect the commerce of a ftate to its government; ; ties which: England alone feems fully to have underftood, and of which France and Holland appear to have been cqually ignorant; ; fince one has facrificed commerce to power, that is, the profperity ofher cftablifhments to a military force ; and the other every precaution of ftrength and fecurity to the extenfion and activity of her commerce. Both you and I, Sir, have more than once regretted when together, that in the number of offices which compofe thé different departments of ad. miniftration, there was not one fpecifically charged with the examination of Prajeéls: and my regrets have been renewed fince I read the Memoire of Monf. Ofter. * According It is curious to obferve at the prefent moment, that Mirabean the father wrote more than thirty years ago- 6 There 66 fo mad and extravagant that human reafon is nothing de to look upon as wifdom. The time will may not be induced 6r fee offices opened, whofe functions come be when we Ahall may exprefed by this : title, --- Page 391 --- [ 361 ] this France has let Nlip According to gentleman, her moft favourable opportunity of fubftituting a here in the place of that of England, at commerce ofthe revolution. Shehad then, the commencement advantage of being over her rival, the prodigious the United States with the principal able to furnifh wines, &c. of a articles, fuch as cloaths, cottons, quality, and at a lower price than England fuperior afford them, But, withheld by their could poffibly the fuccefs of the revolution, and doubts refpeéting the Americans the by the impoffibility of granting credit which they obtained from the Englifh, our confined themfelves to a few timid effays, merchants which, together with a few partial confignments, becaufe they their abfurd combimations-(abfund, of their fhocked the prejudices, habits, and taftes foon fickened both parties of a new cuftomers) the continuance could only be purtrade, ofwhich chafed, on the fide of the French, by expenfive and reiterated facrifices. This did not efcape the notice of the Englifh ; the communication was no fooner and accordingly and opened between the ci-devant mother country than, far from calling in their old her colonics, !' The fon has not a little contri4 title, Tribunal of Devaflation ofthe father's prediction: and buted to advance theaccomplilaiment the the Committee of Public Sefety does not ill refemble Tribunalef Devaftation. See L'Ami des Hommes. Tome 1. Chap. 3debts, did not efcape the notice of the Englifh ; the communication was no fooner and accordingly and opened between the ci-devant mother country than, far from calling in their old her colonics, !' The fon has not a little contri4 title, Tribunal of Devaflation ofthe father's prediction: and buted to advance theaccomplilaiment the the Committee of Public Sefety does not ill refemble Tribunalef Devaftation. See L'Ami des Hommes. Tome 1. Chap. 3debts, --- Page 392 --- [ 369 ] debts, they haftened to offer additional credit to their debtors-and from that moment all was loft to France! To this major confideration may be added a few others of little lefs importance : for firft, the French merchants no fooner fancied themfelves in a fituation to trade here without the danger of a competition, than they raifed the price, and debafed the quality of their merchandize: then, fpeculating with no lefs heedleffnefs than avidity, more on the refources which French induftry feemed to hold out to them, than on the fimplicity of manners of a people too prudent to gratify their whims before they had provided for their wants, they poured in a prodigious quantity of thofe gewgaws of luxury and > tafte, which found as few purchafers as admirers. The refult was a triple deficit ;1 I°, The expences of fitting out; 2°. The merchandize, which was either fold at a great lofs, or carried back, and, 3°. The profits they expected to derive from their imports-for the purchafe of which they had reckoned intirely on the produce of the wares which remained unfold. But independent of the rcafons drawn from the infufficient means, and erroncous fpeculations of the French merchants, there arc confiderations totally independent of policy and intercft, which muft and --- Page 393 --- [ 363 ] affure the Englifh the almoft exand will for ever United States : thefe are, clufive commerce of the of the two peoin the firit place, the confanguinity of religion, and, in the fecond, the fimilarity ple, taftes, &c. language, manners, herefy, the general I regard, then, as a political mortal blow to the that France has given a opinion of England, by fetting on commerce and power of effecting the independence foot and actually miniftry have America *, It is true, the Englifh and of a number of civil loft the right of difpofing which never employs; of receiving taxes, military of the adminiftration ; of defrayed the expences it has no occafion fince levying troops, for which failors ceflion of Canada ; and of procuring the ifit does, it can whom it docs not want, or whom, always have for money. I believe I may But what is the effect generally, of expeéted from the independence fay univerfally, de Choifeuil who not only conceived, but * It was the Duke Colonies. Since I have prepared the infurrection of the Englifh undoubted proofs, that, fo been here I have received the moft the Baron de Kalbe to early as the year 1766, he difpatched and end:avour, to detach Philadelphia, to found the inhabitants, This minifter had very little them from the mother country. the foundation of the French idea that he was thereby that laying Fortune amufes herfelf with conRevolation-And thus it is of eourts! of the fublimepolitics founding the calculations the ies. Since I have prepared the infurrection of the Englifh undoubted proofs, that, fo been here I have received the moft the Baron de Kalbe to early as the year 1766, he difpatched and end:avour, to detach Philadelphia, to found the inhabitants, This minifter had very little them from the mother country. the foundation of the French idea that he was thereby that laying Fortune amufes herfelf with conRevolation-And thus it is of eourts! of the fublimepolitics founding the calculations the --- Page 394 --- [ 364 ] the United States ? A fenfible increafe of population, territory, and cultivation, which is every day juftified by facts. And what will be the confequence ? * That the confumption of the manufactures of Europe will neceffarily keep pace, with the progrefs of cultivation and population, until the period, yet extremely remote, when agriculture and commerce fhall reftore to induftry and the arts, the fuperabundance of population. And, as I have mentioned the reafons why Englandmuft neceffarily poffefs the exclufive commerce of the United States, it will be that country which, in the end, inftead of lofing, will have gained every thing by a revolution from which we fondly prediéted her ruin! a I will fay more, Sir;--I svill fay. that if ever the chance. of political revolutions fhould bring about an event which might compromife the exiftence of England, fhe will inevitably find in the alliance of her ancient colonics, all the affiftance the may need to enable her to preferve her due weight in the balance of Europe. Yes, Sir, the fame country which formerly fupplied her only with foldiers and failors, will then fupply her with flcets anda armies, Undoubtedly, if we were to form our opinion from that which perfonal animofities*, and the recollection Several inftances of the falfe and calumnious judgments, diétated --- Page 395 --- [ 365 ] of civil difcords have generated in the collection ofboth nations, we might minds ofa fewindividuals would never be fancy that England and America are united. But thefe kinds of feelings fincerely Nations muft be looked upon as comtranfitorywhofe animofity never furvives batants for hire, who knows how the event : and the philofopher caufes, pierces to make allowance for accidental which the through the mift, prewith a fteady cye raife between him and the judices of the moment natural order of things. be concealed, however, that they It muft not communihere to open a direét are endeavouring confequently, to deprive cation with China, and, of this branch of Great Britain of the advantages They muft be confiderable, if we may commerce. with which the Englith judge from the obftinacy the duty on perfifted in maintaining government rather to run the expence of a war, tea; choofing of America, than relax an iota on and rifk the lofs the point. that England (for the American çomIprefume and will be for many years to come, tomerce is, injuftice to. the fpirit of party, may be found in a diétated entitled by c Travels into the Interior parts of North America work two volumes. 4 by an Englifh Oficers"in tally judge from the obftinacy the duty on perfifted in maintaining government rather to run the expence of a war, tea; choofing of America, than relax an iota on and rifk the lofs the point. that England (for the American çomIprefume and will be for many years to come, tomerce is, injuftice to. the fpirit of party, may be found in a diétated entitled by c Travels into the Interior parts of North America work two volumes. 4 by an Englifh Oficers"in tally --- Page 396 --- [ 366 ] tally inadequate to the demands of the home confamption)I prefume, I fay, that England will fill fupply no inconfiderable part of it; and that the lofs fhe may fuftain in this fingle inftance, will be more than balanced by the profits fhe will continue to make on the different articles of her manufactures, and on a confumption which the will always have the addrefs to fupply. Notwithftanding my grave refolution to tempt no more, unlefs in cafe of abfolute neceflity, the dangers of the fea, I have taken a paflage in an American veffel, bound diredtly for Philadelphia. My-luggage is already on board; I thall follow it this evening, and in the courfe of the night we fhall fet fail. - LETTER XL. Norfoli, September 1790, THE wind, which was contrary the whole of yefterday, prevented us from failing: after fleepI went a-fhore in the ing on board, therefore, morning --- Page 397 --- L 367 3 vifit Lynham, who made me morning to Captain the dircétion which has totally changed a propofal Having hired a bark, which he of my itinerary. himfelf, to carry a part of his intends to command me with a kindnefs cargo to Alexandria, he preffed him. which I could not refift, to accompany aV trunks aboard the AmeriI have left, then, my for a taking with me but a few neceffaries can, weck's expedition. is by foi much. the more 19 This new arrangement difpofition, as it will flattering to my inquifitive a part of the give me an opportunity of traverfing otherwife have feen. country, which I fhould not We fhall fail up the Chefapeak along the coafts and Maryland, to the mouth of the of Virginia Potomack, and up this river to Alexandria-from thence I fhall pafs, through Anapolis and Baltimore, to Philadelphia. IfI thus make a deiour of fome hundred miles, I Chall at leaft have the pleafure of fubftituting, for fca, always tedious, and fometimes a voyage by whom I do not know, a dangerous, with pcople fafe and agrecable navigation with a fociable man, whom I may queltion as much as I pleafe, without any the of Virginia Potomack, and up this river to Alexandria-from thence I fhall pafs, through Anapolis and Baltimore, to Philadelphia. IfI thus make a deiour of fome hundred miles, I Chall at leaft have the pleafure of fubftituting, for fca, always tedious, and fometimes a voyage by whom I do not know, a dangerous, with pcople fafe and agrecable navigation with a fociable man, whom I may queltion as much as I pleafe, without any --- Page 398 --- [ 368 ] any fear of exhaufting, either his politenefs, or his good nature. I Thall not yet, Sir) venture to give you my opinion on the hew people with whom I am about to refide. The effedt of the firft impreflion will probably be different here, from what it was at Saint Domingo; for I have yet feen nothing to affect the favourable prejudices with' which Iarrived. I confefs, however, that what we vulgarly call manners, forms in this country, in fome inftances at leaft, a very fingular contraft to the good-breeding of Europe. I was, for example, two days ago, dining at a table dhôte with a pretty numerous party, when a perfon, who fat at my right hand, fuffered one of thofe fighs to efcape from his breaft, to which the delicacy of our language will not permit me to give its real name. I fhouldhave looked upon it as an accident, or a liberty allowable in an old man, if he had not been fucceflively imitated by the reft of his countrymen, who gave themfelves up to the bufinefs with a gravity which I had the utmoft difficulty to withftand-you would Have them. fworn there was - an emulation amongft Happily the evacuation of thefe fpecies of Eolipyles was confined to the fuperior organ ; and I was falling into a reverie on the extraordinary cuftom I had witneffed, when my attention was roufed anew by --- Page 399 --- [ 369 ] by a circumitance which to my reflections. gave a very different turn Thad juft called for large bowl of punch fomething to drink, when a by the waiter. to the wasintroduced, and The old eldeft perfon in the prefented his gentleman drank out company. next neighbour, who ofit, and paffed it to from hand to hand it had paffed it to the next, till table. Great, made the tour of Sir, as my the cuftom, I did not fail to aftonifhment was at this with drink out refpedt, as out of the of the bowl quity. With us, a delicate hofpitable cup of antias unfound in body nation, and would be as in mind, frequently no lefs dangerous fuch a practice here, than amongft a pcople ridiculous ; but the evidence of a equally found in both, it is us to admire in it confidence that too rare not to induce ners, of which it recals precious fimplicity of manthe remembrance * * It was well obferved of their Aricures by the Monthly that if our on fome French Travels Revieners in the courfe embarked neighbours would into North for that condefcend to vifit us America, it. The cuftom which country, they would find but little before they Wimpffen, and which he appeared fo frange to the novelty in ancient fimplicity, appears to value Baron de believe, from a want prevails of in every village fohighly, in asa relique of fideration, focial or moral. cups and glaffes, than from Eaghand-mors I . any other con. B b On fe embarked neighbours would into North for that condefcend to vifit us America, it. The cuftom which country, they would find but little before they Wimpffen, and which he appeared fo frange to the novelty in ancient fimplicity, appears to value Baron de believe, from a want prevails of in every village fohighly, in asa relique of fideration, focial or moral. cups and glaffes, than from Eaghand-mors I . any other con. B b On --- Page 400 --- [ 370 - ] into the continent of On the eve of plunging to be fome time without the new world, I expeêt of writing to you: I fhall finding an opportunity for that be the more inactive; for,. when . we not find reafons for our judgments, and to aclove to to and count to ourfelves for our enjoyments, enjoy obferve become of themfelves occupations. depend in any degree on the If our judgments I fear. I am good or bad difpofition, of our minds, of viewing things with too fain no fmall danger I will do all I can, however, to vourable an eye. with fo. much the more avoid it; and, I hope, chance of fuccefs, as one muft be born, in my.opiforce of which I am. far nion, with a imagination in the infrom poffeffing, to fee any thing more habitants of this new ftate, than men who have the purity of their manners amidft the preferved and not fuffered the coudiforders of a revolution, the with which they fecured their rights, nor rage defended their liberty, to vigour with which they the other into degenerate, the one into fanaticifm, affuredly this is a great deal. fcrocity-and that pofterity may one. day . Would to God, Sir, it the fame thing of you ! Here they believe fay of others by ourwill; becaufe we generally judge Americans and becaufe the felf-love of the felves, the thought of having been your is fattered by mafters --- Page 401 --- [ 371 ] art de ravir la foudre au Ciel, mafters in the twofold But when we compare, et le Sceptre aux Tyrans*. and the the manners, however, the inftitutions, we are tempted ofthinking of the two nations, ways rather than to expect it. to wifh, enthufiafm of one of our poets inthat the time be- * Itis well known of Franklin. A fhort fcribed this verfe under the portrait him of the revolution which was fore his death fome one talked to < FRANCE," faid he, to break out in France. : THE REMEDY then beginning AND NOT REVOLUTIONS: G WANTS REFORMS, THA) N THE DISEASE!" i WILL BE WORSE F I N I S. --- Page 402 --- ETE 3 MRL soaa Ns 31s 138 blado 3 at PILEUEMOO5N trddw 100 vn ineu ot e13.5u10g sdi e botoy 193 D1R a N DuRp - i poqae U na adu W al Aou T:O loono Ra WAbans ail anr rzoa Toi smit tvodr 4 3 LAo 36 piutnog 1 malina Ois: bodin T nobrelovrt adet mof 01 Mine Saol ss - a ni 10O uond aninals 1/ VS JJ --- Page 403 --- --- Page 404 --- --- Page 405 --- ETAT 2 757G --- Page 406 --- --- Page 407 --- C793 WJ S 7vt --- Page 408 ---