1767-Feb. (approx.): Valerius, a 45-year-old enslaved “Commandeur” (driver) branded “DUMENY,” was listed as a runaway in the district of Coupe-à-David.

1767-Feb. (approx.): Valerius, a 45-year-old enslaved “Commandeur” (driver) branded “DUMENY,” was listed as a runaway in the district of Coupe-à-David. He was described as a habitual drinker who made a living trading poultry while claiming to be a free man during his travels. M. Dumeny, who claimed to own him, used the colonial press to notify authorities of his three-month absence. Drivers held positions of authority within the plantation hierarchy, and their flight often signaled significant disruptions to the internal management of an estate.