1793 (The Sanction of Universal Liberty): King Christophe’s manifesto reflects on the 1793 period when universal liberty was first proclaimed by agents of th…

1793 (The Sanction of Universal Liberty): King Christophe’s manifesto reflects on the 1793 period when universal liberty was first proclaimed by agents of the French government and subsequently “sanctioned by France herself.” The Haytian people are described as having merited this liberty through their “loyal attachment” to the mother country during years of uninterrupted correspondence. Even when reduced to their own resources and deprived of communication with the parent state, they resisted every seduction and “triumphed over numerous enemies.” The narrative underscores that the Haytians were far from anticipating that France would later attempt to “ravish” this precious possession from them. This historical context was used to highlight French treachery and the moral right of the Haytians to maintain their freedom.