1811, April 4 (The Promulgation of the Constitutional Act): Following the formal address to the King, the Constitutional Act was read aloud to the people of …
1811, April 4 (The Promulgation of the Constitutional Act): Following the formal address to the King, the Constitutional Act was read aloud to the people of Cape Henry, who received it with “loud and repeated acclamations” of loyalty to the Royal Family. The Council of State declared that they would be “abundantly rewarded” for their toils if the citizens found new motives for attachment to the government through the secure possession of their rights. King Henry Christophe’s administration immediately began publishing a series of public edicts to organize the new monarchical structure. The narrative emphasizes that the “celerity” of these publications did not detract from the wisdom and depth of their contents. This public ceremony served to officially transition the nation’s identity from a republic to a hereditary kingdom.