1802 (Coerced Appeals from Enslavers): A letter from the Sieur Vilton, a local enslaver, was sent to General Christophe as part of a French-directed effort to …

1802 (Coerced Appeals from Enslavers): A letter from the Sieur Vilton, a local enslaver, was sent to General Christophe as part of a French-directed effort to secure a surrender through personal connections. Vilton argued that by resisting the French squadron, Christophe was renouncing his “personal happiness” and the “splendid establishment” he could have secured for his family. He claimed that Christophe’s “good intentions” were being overruled by “some black chiefs” who were providing him with evil counsel. The letter informed Christophe that General Leclerc was “ready to pardon” him if he reduced his troops to obedience and surrendered his posts. Prince Sanders notes in the text that Vilton only signed such letters because he was “forced by the French government” to act as their intermediary.