1816 (Accusations of Pétion’s Collaboration with France): The Haytian Papers leveled severe charges against Pétion, alleging that he had become a “Haytian ag…

1816 (Accusations of Pétion’s Collaboration with France): The Haytian Papers leveled severe charges against Pétion, alleging that he had become a “Haytian against his will” and was secretly conspiring to return the nation to French control. He was accused of furnishing the French agent Dauxion Lavaysse with plans for a conquest intended to reduce the population to slavery. The text questions whether Pétion had once proposed sending the Haytians to the Island of Ratau as part of a scheme to vacate the land for French interests. These accusations were intended to brand Pétion as a traitor who used republican rhetoric to “mask his criminal intentions.” By linking the Southern leader to French espionage, the King’s supporters aimed to unite the people through fear of a renewed colonial yoke.