1796-Dec.-31: Juan Nepomuceno de Quintana reported on the continued presence of large numbers of runaway slaves and “vagabonds” in the backcountry of eastern…

1796-Dec.-31: Juan Nepomuceno de Quintana reported on the continued presence of large numbers of runaway slaves and “vagabonds” in the backcountry of eastern Cuba. He described these mobile bands as being “encouraged by the example of the French” to raid plantations and engage in other forms of resistance. Quintana warned that these groups acted as conduits of information between the coast and the inland slave populations. The Spanish authorities struggled to maintain control over these rugged areas, which provided a refuge for those who rejected colonial labor. The report confirmed that the influence of the Haitian Revolution had created a persistent internal security crisis in Cuba.