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1806-10-13

The chiefs of the army of the South wrote to Christophe from Les Cayes and proclaimed him supreme chief of the island.

Haitian

“At Les Cayes, 13 October 1806.

“The chiefs of the army of the South to the general in chief.

“They are known, then, these secrets full of horror (1).

“Brigadier general Moreau and his adherents, worthy satellites of the tyrant, were the bearers of his written orders to exterminate the unhappy class of the {{formerly free|*anciens libres*: those who were free before general emancipation}} of all colors. Dessalines, who owes them much, now wishes to break the instrument which he has in part used to reach the summit of greatness; he has annexed to the domain the most unquestionable properties; he has made levies of troops, he has had levies of money made. All hearts were ulcerated; indignation was at its height.

“The people in a mass has risen; we have drawn the sword, and we shall not return it to the scabbard until you order us to.

“We shall not conceal from you, worthy general in chief, that we believe your indignation at least equal to our own, and we proclaim you with joy and unanimously the supreme chief of this island, under whatever denomination it may please you to choose; all hearts are yours; we swear before God to be faithful to you and to die for liberty and for you.

Source  ·  p. 125 Joseph Saint-Rémy (des Cayes), Pétion et Haïti: étude monographique et historique, tome 4 (Paris: Auguste Durand, 1857), p. 125; English translation, Rasanblaj.