Cape Francois

A letter written from Cape Francois (St. Domingo/Hayti) dated March 22, 1801 and published in the May 2, 1801 issue of Poulson's American Daily Advertiser (Philadelphia). Here's what the letter said, "An agent from France, by way of New York, brought an appointment to General Touissant, empowering him to act as prefect over the whole island.  The Blacks are now so numerous and powerful, that they will continue to appoint chiefs of their own.  It is certainly their intention to hold the Island independent of the French, which I think they will be able to do."
-- August 15, 1801 American Citizen newspaper article about Touissant Louverture. Utilizing three columns, the "Promulgation of the Colonial Situation in Cape Francois, (St. Domingo/Hayti) is described. The article is a direct translation from the "Bulletin Officiel de Saint Domingue" and it provides an overview of the make-up of the military and a description of the man who had risen to leadership, "Touissant Louverture, this extraordinary man, whose noble actions commanded your admiration and your gratitude, has risen like a Phoenix from the midst of ashes, and has wholly devoted himself to the defence (sic) of your country, of your persons and property.

In the midst of the convulsive throes of anarchy he has had the generosity and the courage to assume the government of an abandoned colony, without any defence (sic) but that given by nature, and destitute of every means to protect agriculture and commerce. You know, he has every where upheld the French character by causing the French flag to be respected. He has filled your ports with provisions, he has enlivened your agriculture, he has rebuilt your cities, and disciplined your troops. He has done still more -- he has conquered inveterate prejudices, he has strengthened the bonds of the tenderest (sic) fraternity, those bands which the old colonial system had so cruelly broken and which anarchy, in order to maintain its odirus (sic) empire, so inhumanly sported with. The proclamation of the general in chief, who has convoked your representatives, proves to you his desire for your happiness, it announces to you that the period of convulsion is [assed. It demonstrates to you the necessity pf forming proper laws, and adopting this constant maxim that laws are conventions  established by men, who ought to conform themselves thereto, to regulate the order of society; it discovers to you, that it is with laws as it is with the production of the earth, that each country has its peculiar manners and its statutes, as it has its peculiar productions...-- order postcard of Toussaint L'Overture