Jérémie. Geffrard wrote from here on its forts and abandoned plantations.

“Liberty or Death. Jérémie, 5 August 1804, Year 1 of the Independence of Haiti. Nicolas GEFFRARD, general of division commanding the department of the South, to the Governor-General. Citizen Governor, In my last I informed you that I was about to set out to inspect the fortifications of this arrondissement. I am back, and I hasten to give you my account. The forts that General Férou is now raising are four leagues from the town; the site, although it may be commanded by heavy guns, is very well chosen, and with few forces the enemy can be prevented from coming to set up his batteries; I therefore judged it proper to let this fortress be finished, and I have had other reserves built in the hills. On leaving there I went over the plantations and found them abandoned; the coffee is entirely overgrown with creepers. Last year’s crop, which lies in the warehouse, is disposed of by anyone and everyone. Insubordination is at its height, my dear governor; measures of severity are what the moment requires; all the military chiefs neglect their corps and leave the soldiers free to do as they please, so as to give themselves wholly to trade. All this produces the worst effect; it is time to remedy it. I shall contrive to be at Les Cayes as soon as I can, to prepare for your arrival and to have the honor of going out to meet you. Until that pleasure, I wish you the most perfect health. I have the honor to salute you with respect. (Signed) N. GEFFRARD.”