1812, January 30 (Establishment of the Royal Order of St.
HT-HAPA-1816-000106
1812, January 30 (Establishment of the Royal Order of St. Henry): On the 30th of January, 1812, King Henry founded the Royal and Military Order of Saint Henry to reward “merit, virtue, and bravery.” The order consisted of three classes—Grand Crosses, Commanders, and Knights—and was bestowed upon those who had rendered “eminent services” to the state. The King served as the Grand Master of the order, which was intended to provide a “fount of honour” for the Haytian elite. Members were required to swear a special oath of fidelity to the King and the Constitution of the Kingdom. This institution further formalized the social and military hierarchy of the Haytian state as it sought international prestige.
Source · HT-HAPA-1816-000106 · p. 85
Sanders, Haytian Papers, 85 / Bates: HT-HAPA-1816-000106