EXTRACT from the Letter of the Minister to M. DE PHELYPEAUX, Gouverneur-Général of the Islands, concerning, 1°. the Hunts for nègres Marrons; 2°. the freedom left to the truce Officers; 3°. the Militias; and 4°

M. de Vaucresson has informed me that the little attention paid for some time at the Islands to holding general Hunts for nègres marrons has made them so insolent that their number grows daily, and that they even attack settlers who, out of the necessity of their affairs, are obliged to travel by night. As such license could have very dangerous consequences, on the account I gave of it to the King, His Majesty ordered me to let you know that his intention is that you have general Hunts for these nègres marrons held regularly at least three or four times a year, and that you also take every precaution to suppress their insolence and their lawlessness. And since the lack of attention that the enslavers give to restraining them may be in part the cause of this disorder, you must make them understand that if they do not take more care, you will hold them responsible for the conduct of their nègres, and will even have them severely punished. This is the only means of reviving the attention of the settlers.