1779-October-09: During the American attempt to recapture Savannah from the British, a contingent of over six hundred free men of color from Saint-Domingue t…

1779-October-09: During the American attempt to recapture Savannah from the British, a contingent of over six hundred free men of color from Saint-Domingue took part in the assault. These soldiers, known as the “Chasseurs-Volontaires,” were reported to have displayed “conspicuous courage” when they covered the retreat of the French and American forces. Their intervention saved the retreating patriot army from a potentially devastating British pursuit after the failed attack. Future Haitian leaders such as Henri Christophe and Martial Besse were among those who gained their first military experience during this campaign. Logan suggests that the experience of fighting for the independence of the United States helped awaken a desire for liberty among the non-white population of Saint-Domingue.