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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..357e428 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #50076 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/50076) diff --git a/old/50076-0.txt b/old/50076-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 9fd7582..0000000 --- a/old/50076-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,994 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Memoir of Transactions That Took Place in -St. Domingo, in the Spring of 1799, by Marcus Rainsford - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: A Memoir of Transactions That Took Place in St. Domingo, in the Spring of 1799 - Affording an Idea of the Present State of that Country, - the Real Character of Its Black Governor, Toussaint - L'ouverture, and the Safety of our West-India Islands, - from Attack or Revolt - -Author: Marcus Rainsford - -Release Date: September 29, 2015 [EBook #50076] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MEMOIR TRANSACTIONS--ST. DOMINGO, 1799 *** - - - - -Produced by readbueno and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - A - _MEMOIR_ - OF - TRANSACTIONS - - THAT TOOK PLACE IN - - _ST. DOMINGO,_ - - IN THE SPRING OF 1799; - - AFFORDING AN IDEA OF THE - - PRESENT STATE OF THAT COUNTRY - - THE REAL CHARACTER OF ITS BLACK GOVERNOR, - - =Toussaint L’ouverture,= - - AND THE - SAFETY OF OUR WEST-INDIA ISLANDS - FROM ATTACK OR REVOLT; - - INCLUDING - - _THE RESCUE OF A BRITISH OFFICER - UNDER SENTENCE OF DEATH_. - - ------- - - Inest sua Gratia parvis. - - ------- - - BY - CAPTAIN RAINSFORD, - TWENTY-FOUR YEARS AN OFFICER IN HIS MAJESTY’S ARMY. - - -------------- - - _LONDON_: - - PRINTED BY R. B. SCOTT. - At his Office In St. Clement’s Lane, Strand. - - SOLD BY EDWARD LAWRENCE, IN THE STRAND, - NEARLY OPPOSITE BEAUFORT BUILDINGS. - 1802. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - ADVERTISEMENT. - - -------------- - - -Very little will be expected in the following pages when coming from the -pen of a Soldier; but that little will be found to be _his own_; and -this on a Subject of much doubt and importance may possibly protract its -existence in an age of compilation! He is however, better satisfied to -consider it as a small emanation of gratitude to a singular man, who in -the possession of extraordinary power, did not use it unworthily. - - London, January, 6, 1802 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - A - - MEMOIR, - - _ETC._ - - -------------- - - -The object of public attention is ever the sport of public rumour; and -truth is not infrequently affected by the fabrications of the idle and -the ignorant, when men and things are misrepresented by popular -prejudice. - -The present armament of Bonaparte against St. Domingo, and the general -alarm for the safety of our colonial possessions from the powerful -situation of the Brigands in that island, have occasioned much -conjecture, but produced no authentic information, while on a subject of -such importance it becomes a duty in those competent in any degree, to -relieve the anxiety of the public mind. Had Bryan Edwards lived, we -should not so long have fluctuated in uncertainty. - -The present writer has by no means presumed to increase the number of -ephemeral details, as contradictory as untrue, which have been offered -to the public, of transactions that have now too long deformed this -delightful country. In the dangerous duties of his profession, the -common accidents of war afforded him a peculiar opportunity of judging -(among other affairs) of the present state of St. Domingo, of its -defence, and of the character of its extraordinary Governor. - -The events themselves, with the opinions resulting from them, form, -then, the subject of these pages; and authenticity will supply the place -of the decorations of style. To preclude, however, the possibility of -doubt, I think it necessary to say thus much of myself:— - -Born of a respectable family in the kingdom of Ireland (where my elder -brother, Counsellor Rainsford, now enjoys the liberal fortune of our -ancestors)[1] I early embraced the military profession, and joined a -regiment under the command of the Earl of Moira, in which I served -during the American war. Our corps was considerably employed during two -campaigns, and was in the memorable battles of Camden, &c. I afterwards -unfortunately left that regiment to enter into a provincial one, -commanded by the late Lord Charles Montague, and served in Jamaica four -years. On the commencement of the present war, I went to the continent -in the corps of Royal Fusileers commanded by Colonel Hardy, and shared -its complicated hardships during the retreat.[2] - -I was removed in May, 1795, through the interest of my inestimable -brother-in-law, General Doyle, to a black corps, to be raised in the -West Indies, under the command of General Keppel. I went to Barbadoes, -and from thence to Jamaica, where the corps was to be raised. I arrived -on the 17th of August, and continued on duty till a severe attack of the -yellow fever compelled my return in his Majesty’s ship, Sampson. After -recovering in England, at the instance of his Royal Highness the Duke of -York I went to Martinique in 1798, but it not being understood by -General Keppel that his corps was to be levied there, he ordered me back -to Jamaica, from whence, I found on my arrival, the officers had sailed -for England. - -Desirous, as I always am, of being with my regiment, to facilitate that -object I undertook the mode of returning to Martinique by beating up to -the island of St. Thomas, an exertion of considerable difficulty and -danger. This, however, I but little regarded; and Admiral Smith, with -whom I had been long acquainted, kindly accommodated me in his cabin on -board the Hannibal to the Mole St. Nicholas. Losing no opportunity of -proceeding on my voyage, I went on board a little Danish schooner, -commanded by Mr. Frazer. - -We had not been many days at sea, when a violent hurricane having -dismasted the vessel, drove us under the walls of Cape François. Thus -unfortunately commenced the opportunities of obtaining that information -and forming that judgment of the Present State of St. Domingo, which I -am about to submit to the public. Had I conceived it possible, at that -time, that a relation of facts respecting that unhappy country would -have become so interesting to my friends, I might from these -opportunities have collected much respecting it, and been enabled to -communicate what I collected in a better form. - -Thus situated, the Brigand boats soon came out to meet us; and it was -recommended to me, as the only means to prevent the confiscation of the -vessel, and avoid becoming myself a prisoner of war, to pass for an -American. - -We were permitted to land at the once famous city of the Cape; and the -first object that excited our attention amidst thousands of People of -Colour of every description, was the respectable TOUSSAINT in familiar -conversation with two private Brigands. He very civilly came up to -us—enquired the news—from whence we came? and our destination. I -accommodated my answers to the occasion, and to the character I was to -support, and complained of severe treatment from the English! to which -he replied, “_Je pense que les Anglois y sont bien malade à la Mole_”—he -believed the English were very sick at the Mole—and we took our leave. - -I then retired to the American hotel, and was introduced to the table d’ -hote—to behold for the first time a _perfect system of equality_! - -Here were officers and privates, the general and the fifer, at the same -table indiscriminately. I had the honour of sitting near a fat drummer, -who very freely helped himself from my dish, and addressed me with -frequent repetitions of “_A votre Santé bon Americain_.” Here also -TOUSSAINT dined, but did not take the head of the table, from the idea -(I was informed) that no man should be invested with superiority but in -the field. In the evening I went to the billiard table, where TOUSSAINT -also came. Much hilarity prevailed, and his affability highly increased -the satisfaction of the company. I played with him, and found nothing to -dissipate the pleasure which the novelty of the scene inspired. There -were several tables in the same room, at which all played with the same -familiarity with which they dined. - -I was here informed that a review was to take place on the following -day, in the plain of the Cape; and desirous of being present at such a -spectacle, I was accompanied by some Americans, and others of my own -country who resided in the island under that appellation. - -In traversing this once superb town, what a scene of desolation every -where presented itself to my contemplation! On the site where elegance -and luxury had united all their powers to delight the voluptuary, -remained nothing but ruins. On these were erected temporary houses for -the American merchants and little shops of the natives, which but -exhibited the devastation with additional horror. The great street still -contained the walls of many superb edifices of five and six stories -high, and most beautiful structure; highly-finished gilt balustrades, in -some instances, yet remained. Nor was this all—in different parts of the -general ruin the skeletons of their possessors were mingled with the -broken walls— - - “There in the ruin, heedless of the dead, - “The shelter-seeking peasant rears his shed; - “And, wondering man could want the larger pile, - “Exults, and owns his cottage with a smile.” - -Through this dreadful scene I passed to behold a review, of the real -grandeur of which I had not the least conception. There were two -thousand officers out, Generals and Ensigns, all carrying arms—yet with -the utmost regularity and attention to rank—none of that disregard which -had marked the leisure of the preceding day being the least evident. -Each general officer had a demi-brigade, which went through the manual -exercise with a degree of expertness I had seldom before witnessed, and -they performed excellently well several manœuvres applicable to their -method of fighting. At _a whistle_ a whole brigade ran three or four -hundred yards, and then, separating, threw themselves flat on the -ground, changing to their backs and sides, and all the time keeping up a -strong fire till recalled—after this they formed again into their wonted -regularity; and this manœuvre is executed with such facility and -precision, as totally to prevent cavalry from charging them in bushy and -hilly countries. Indeed, such complete subordination prevailed, so much -promptness and dexterity, as must astonish an European who had known any -thing of their previous situation. - -After the review I returned to the city, to continue my solitary walk -through the remaining monuments of human ferocity, and indulge in -contemplating the vanity of all sublunary establishments. - -I was brooding over scenes where Fancy herself had once been satiated, -when I arrived at a large square, in the centre of which was a -considerable eminence, and a seat on the top;—there were two centinels -to guard it—of whom I enquired if I might ascend the steps? They -answered in the affirmative, but cautioned me not to touch the _Cap of -Liberty_ which crowned it, for it was SACRED TO SANTHONAX AND POLVEREL! -My curiosity induced me to ascend; when I perused, immediately under the -cap, a showy inscription in French, of which I do not exactly recollect -the idiom, not daring to take a copy, but it was to the following -purport— - - My Friends, - We came to make you free. - The French Nation gives liberty to the World. - YOU ARE FREE. - Guard your Freedom. - Vive la Liberte—Vive la Republique. - Vive Robespierre! - -This inscription, I understand, formed a part of their speech in 1793, -when the Blacks and the Mulattos carried them in triumph to the -Government-House, and afterwards set fire to the city in eight different -places. They used every woman with savage barbarity, and then murdered -with the bayonet, man, woman, and child. Sixty-two thousand inhabitants -left the city. They exterminated the Whites, and revelled in their -cruelty eighteen days! Such is man when in the possession of power! and -happy would it be for the human race if the Insurgents of St. Domingo, -so little removed from savage life, were not countenanced by those who -have partaken of the felicities of civilized society. Of the carnage -that flew through this island enough has already been said; but it is -yet in the recollection of many Americans, that the view of the city in -flames, the adjacent sugar works, &c. was the most dreadful ever beheld. - -After a long perambulation over these scenes of former horrors, I -returned to the hotel, but with a mind so much impressed with what I had -seen, that for a considerable time I could not divest myself of the most -terrible ideas:—my imagination was haunted with the shades of those who -had fallen, and murdered worth and innocence were ever before my -eyes.——I was also dissuaded from walking too much, lest by some -observation I might be suspected not to be an American. - -For three weeks I continued among these people; and, except the -recollection of what _had_ been, without any other sacrifice than my -wish to be on duty, and the necessity of subscribing to every sentiment -hostile to my country, I enjoyed the amusements and the habits of a -capital. I remained unmolested and comfortable. - -On the topography of the island, I shall not retail what is told by -those who recite its history, nor have I ever had leisure to inspect it. -It is, I believe, considered the richest, as well as the largest of all -the islands, except Cuba; and nature seems to have lavished on it the -advantages which are but partial in the others. It extends about 400 -miles in length, and is more than 70 in breadth, yet completely peopled. -Its natural defence is unequalled, being entirely fortified by vast -rocks and extensive shoals. It contains gold (perhaps _really the least_ -valuable of its productions) and the most charming rivers meander -through its variegated soil. - -From these reasons, labour is so much abridged, that no want of leisure -is felt through the pursuits of business, of pleasure, or of arms. It -would be no small gratification to the feeling heart, to perceive the -peasant in other countries, enjoy a portion of the ease of the labourer -of St. Domingo. - -The present productive system seems to be founded in a reference to -first principles. Every soul employs a certain portion of their time to -labour, which is chiefly agricultural; and all take the field from a -sense of duty to _themselves_. A perfect consolidation appears in all -their conduct, and I never saw a concession in them which did not come -from the heart. I have more than once seen sixty thousand of them -reviewed, at one time, on the plains of the Cape, in complete -subordination _in the field_, and whose united determination against an -invading enemy, would be victory or death! No coersion is necessary -among them, and it is of course unattempted; the only punishment -inflicted, is a sense of shame produced by slight confinement. - -Amongst a people thus hardened into an _orderly_ ferocity—trained from -inclination—impenetrably fortified on the finest territory on earth, and -next to inaccessible to external attack, what hopes are entertained of -the success of the present armament I know not; but, whatever might be -expected from a _compromise_ with TOUSSAINT, I feel perfectly convinced -no other means will succeed in the subjugation of St. Domingo. United as -are the blacks and mulattos, _fifty thousand_ men would ere long be -dissipated in such an attempt; and if the number now sent against them -_could_ be found sufficient to effect a temporary conquest, what number -of men would continue to keep them in subjection? - -And with respect to any views they may be imagined to contemplate of -extending their possessions, none who know the respectable state of -defence in which our Islands are kept, will ever entertain the smallest -fear respecting them. Of a territory the extent of Cuba, I would not -hazard so much, but in the present situation of our islands, so -comparatively small, possessed by Planters of distinguished humanity and -talent,[3] defended by a militia, prompt on all occasions; with an army -well appointed on their shores, under the superintendence of ability, -experience, and power at home; and a vigilant navy round their coasts, -the wonder of the world—few will have sufficient temerity to suggest -that the people I have been describing, will leave their favourite and -favoured island for the mere purpose of a vain gasconade—and against -those whom I am persuaded they would rather conciliate as their friends. - -Before I proceed to state the dreadful occurrence which nearly -terminated my existence, on the island whose unfortunate situation I -have been so candidly describing, I shall give a sketch of the man who -holds so conspicuous a situation, and of whom so little is really known. - -TOUSSAINT L’OUVERTURE, the present Commandant of St. Domingo, is one of -those characters, which contentions for power and the extention of -territory, as well as the jars of individual interest have not -infrequently introduced to astonish the World. - -Born a Slave, in which capacity he continued till the revolution, it is -hostile to _received opinions_ to consider him in any other light than -as a fortunate Brigand; but chance has directed that the present writer -should be constrained to acknowledge—he is worthy of imitation as a -man—he excites admiration as a governor—and as a general, he is yet -unsubdued without the probability of subjection! His regard for the -unfortunate appears the love of human kind; and, dreaded by different -nations, he is the foe of none.—To the English he is by no means -inimical, and, in possession of many of the blessings of humanity, he -courts the acceptance of the world. - -He is a perfect black, at present about fifty-five years of age—of a -venerable appearance, but possessed of uncommon discernment. Of great -suavity of manners, he was not at all concerned in the perpetration of -the massacres, or in the conflagration. - -He is stiled the _General en Chef_, and is always attended by four -Aids-de-Camp. He wears as a uniform, a kind of blue spencer, with a -large red cape falling over his shoulders, and red cuffs, with eight -rows of lace on his arms, and a pair of large gold epaulettes thrown -back on his shoulders; a scarlet waistcoat, pantaloons and half-boots; a -round hat with a red feather and national cockade; and an extreme large -sword is suspended from his side. He receives a voluntary respect from -every description of his countrymen, which is more than returned by the -affability of his behaviour, and the goodness of his heart. Of his -civilities to myself, I have sufficient reason to be proud. - -I met him frequently, during my stay in his _dominions_, and had no -occasion of complaint, even from human errors. - -After the vessel in which I arrived had undergone a thorough repair, at -the Cape, we cleared out of the harbour, and I once more set sail, -flushed with hopes of a speedy arrival at St. Thomas’s; but— - - —“Heav’n from all creatures hides the book of fate.” - -On the third day after we left the Cape, our unfortunate vessel sprung a -leak, and we were obliged to put into Fort Dauphine, now called Fort -Egalite, about forty miles from the Cape. - -In this situation, the master of the vessel, as well as myself, -apprehended no danger or impropriety in our going on shore; and, -hoisting Danish colours, we came to anchor under a small fort. I -unthinkingly landed with the master, and in less than half an hour was -arrested by four Blacks, and a Mulatto Officer of great ferocity. They -returned with me instantly on board, and placed two centinels over me. I -was informed that suspicions had arisen of my being a spy, and that my -trial would be prompt and decisive. On the morrow I was to be tried _and -condemned_. - -Under these apprehensions I was to pass the night, and to prepare for my -appearance before certainly the _blackest!_ tribunal that ever sat in -judgment. I, however, confined my reflections to the best means of -destroying my baggage, including my military appointments; which I -happily effected by putting trunks and all out of the cabin window in -the dead of the night, with a weight attached sufficient to sink them. - -The silence of the night, interrupted only by the murmurs of the -ocean—the clamours of the guard, and the distant sounds from the shore, -induced a stronger degree of melancholy than I, perhaps, ever -experienced.——A confused idea of my fate, with the _shame_ rather than -the terrors of an ignominious death, revolving in my mind, deprived me -of the possibility of rest, or the smallest preparation for the event so -soon and so harshly announced. - -In the morning I was taken before a black general, named Muro, whose -appearance augured well, for he bore the principal mythological -characteristics of justice—he was _blind of an eye_. He interrogated me, -and insisted I was not an American, but an English spy reconnoitering -the coast. He informed me, that on the morrow I should be tried by a -General Court Martial—and dismissed me. - -I was then conducted to a dark prison, with the usual concomitants of -wretchedness, and treated as one who meditated some dire plot against -the happiness of their country. I had no bed, nor other provision but -some coarse dry fish which I could not eat. Next morning, at ten -o’clock, I was regularly brought before a military court, composed of -twelve general officers.—All I could plead in my behalf would not avail -me, not having the proper passports, or American certificates; in fact, -my trial _was prompt and decisive_—I was condemned to suffer DEATH on -the next day! - -The master of the vessel, poor Frazer, with great dignity of character -and the most affectionate solicitude, exerted the utmost of his little -power by protesting against the judgment, and insisting I was an -American—but it was without effect, and I was remanded to my cell, -loaded with chains, and consigned to misery, till the sentence of the -Court should be transmitted to TOUSSAINT, without whose sanction it -could not be executed. - -For fourteen days I lay suspended between life and death, without any -other consolation than the kindness of my gaoler, whose taciturnity -extended to inform me, every night, I should be _hanged_ on the next -day. To afford me repose, I was furnished with dried sugar-canes, and -was ill supplied nightly with coarse flesh and water—the cheering -delusions of hope no longer lightened my imagination, and I abandoned -all human projects for ever.[4] - -At the expiration of that period, the answer of TOUSSAINT arrived; but, -instead of confirming my sentence, that truly great man, although I have -since been convinced _he had ascertained the fact_ of my being a British -Officer, disdained to triumph over an individual whom misfortune had -thrown in his way. He ordered me to be released and suffered to proceed -on my voyage, with the greatest magnanimity adding, “You must never -return to this island, _without the proper passports!_” - -To describe my feelings on such an unexpected reverse, would be -difficult and useless. Restored to myself once more, I did not long -remain on a part of the island where my sufferings would have tended to -efface the agreeable impression I had received at Cape François; but -cheerfully bidding adieu to this interesting soil, sailed for St. -Thomas’s on the next day, and very soon reached my long desired -destination, the island of Martinique. - -On my arrival, I met with a reception marked with the usual kindness and -urbanity of the commander in chief, General Cuyler, who ordered me the -usual remuneration for the loss of my baggage. I am also informed that I -was honored with a congratulatory letter from his Royal Highness the -Duke of York, which from some unaccountable accident I did not receive. - -Much would remain to be said, were I to obey a natural impulse; but the -pen, though often a deadly weapon, is one I am but little accustomed to, -I shall therefore lay it down, at least for the present, with the -confidence that if I have contributed but little advantage, I have -effected as little injury. - ------ - -Footnote 1: - - My eldest sister, now Princess of Monaca, was married to the late - Lieutenant General Doyle. - -Footnote 2: - - In this arduous situation I had the happiness to effect two orders, - which, as they exhibit the hardships of that period, I subjoin:—Being - commanded by my ever-regretted Colonel to bring up the cloathing of - the troops, I found it only to be effected by cutting my way with - three boats through the ice for twenty miles. We, however, succeeded, - happily, and saved to Government at least ten thousand pounds. - - Another night, during the retreat, twenty-one of our waggons, with - sick and wounded men, arrived very late at a town called Zwoll, where - my corps was quartered, but were refused admittance by the Dutch - guard, who kept the gate. It was a dreadful night, and many absolutely - died from the cold of the men under the command of Colonel Drummond of - the Guards. I was ordered to compel their admission, and effected it; - but not till after many threats, and I had left them three minutes - only to consider, before I should attack them, which in such a cause, - and at such a time, must have been done with energy. - -Footnote 3: - - Notwithstanding it has been of late years the fashion to consider the - character of a planter as derogatory to humanity, and incapable of - being blended with any of those qualities that ameliorate the - condition of the species, every opportunity which I have been afforded - of judging has tended to convince me of the contrary. Nothing indeed - can be more cruel than to single out any description of persons for - public reprobation, as best suits the purpose of the fanatic or the - partizan; and nothing is more fatal to the cause of truth than an - implicit reliance on the vague reports of their enthusiasm, which must - inevitably preclude the possibility of acquiring correct information, - or adhering to facts if produced to their notice.—If the young and the - thoughtless squander the accumulations of their ancestors, it is - certainly no evidence of general voluptuousness.—If there be - circumstances exceptionable in the conduct of the Slave Trade, does it - follow that the planter is a merciless executioner? certainly not—it - would be hostile to his interest, and inexpedient in his situation.—As - merchants and as men, many are highly and extensively esteemed and - regarded; and instances of affection and regret in the slaves they - have been described to torture, are neither infrequent nor unrecorded. - -Footnote 4: - - I cannot omit here to pay the tribute of gratitude to a poor unknown - Female of Colour, whose pity, more extensive than her power, would - have alleviated the horrors of my situation. She came occasionally in - the night to the window of my cell, which looked into a court to which - she found access by an avenue that was unguarded. She brought me food, - and wine or spirits, the remains of which, to prevent enquiry, she was - anxious should be destroyed. The humane sympathy expressed by her in - these nocturnal offerings to misery, have repeatedly brought to my - remembrance the eulogium of Lediard on a sex ever prone to tender - offices. In compliment to my humble benefactor I quote the passage, - and heartily subscribe to the sentiments:— - - “I have,” says he, “always remarked that women, in all countries, are - civil, obliging, tender, and humane: that they are ever inclined to be - gay and cheerful, timorous and modest; and that they do not hesitate, - like men, to perform a kind or generous action.—Not haughty, nor - arrogant, not supercilious, they are full of courtesy, and fond of - society—more liable in general to err than man, but in general, also, - more virtuous, and performing more good actions than he. To a woman, - whether civilized or savage, I never addressed myself in the language - of decency and friendship—without receiving a decent and friendly - answer—with man it has often been otherwise. - - “In wandering over the barren plains of inhospitable Denmark, through - honest Sweden, and frozen Lapland, rude and churlish Finland, - unprincipled Russia, and the wide-spread regions of the wandering - Tartar,—if hungry, dry, cold, wet, or sick, the women have ever been - friendly to me, and uniformly so; and to add to this virtue, (so - worthy of the appellation of benevolence,) these actions have been - performed in so free and so kind a manner, that if I was thirsty, I - drank the sweetest draught, and if hungry, I ate the coarse meal with - a double relish.” - -[Illustration: FINIS] - - Printed at the office of R. B. Scott, 27, Clements lane. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE - - -Punctuation has been normalized. - -Variations in spelling and hyphenation, as well as some instances -of obsolete spelling (such as “cloathing,” “centinel,” etc.) were -maintained. - -The following typographical or printers’ errors have been corrected: - - Page 9: “Touissant” changed to “Toussaint” - Page 9: “familiary” changed to “familiarity” - Page 18: “mulattœs” harmonized to “mulattos” - Page 21: “acknowlege” changed to “acknowledge” - Page 21: “sa” changed to “as” - Page 22: suspended from (removed duplicate “from”) - Page 23: “Fort Egaiite” changed to “Fort Egalite” - Page 24: danger or impropriety in (removed duplicate “in” ) - End of Book: Footnote 3: “a planters” changed to “a planter;” - “voluptiousness” changed to - “voluptuousness” - -Italicized words and phrases are presented by surrounding the text with -_underscores_; bold text is symbolized by using =equal signs=. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Memoir of Transactions That Took -Place in St. Domingo, in the Sprin, by Marcus Rainsford - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MEMOIR TRANSACTIONS--ST. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: A Memoir of Transactions That Took Place in St. Domingo, in the Spring of 1799 - Affording an Idea of the Present State of that Country, - the Real Character of Its Black Governor, Toussaint - L'ouverture, and the Safety of our West-India Islands, - from Attack or Revolt - -Author: Marcus Rainsford - -Release Date: September 29, 2015 [EBook #50076] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MEMOIR TRANSACTIONS--ST. DOMINGO, 1799 *** - - - - -Produced by readbueno and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/cover.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div> - <h1 class='c000'><span class='small'>A</span> <br /> <span class='xxlarge'><em class='gesperrt'>MEMOIR</em></span> <br /> <span class='small'>OF</span> <br /> <span class='xlarge'>TRANSACTIONS</span> <br /> <br /> <span class='small'>THAT TOOK PLACE IN</span> <br /> <br /> <span class='xxlarge'><i>ST. DOMINGO,</i></span> <br /> <br /> <span class='large'>IN THE SPRING OF 1799;</span></h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div><span class='small'>AFFORDING AN IDEA OF THE</span></div> - <div class='c002'><span class='xlarge'>PRESENT STATE OF THAT COUNTRY</span></div> - <div class='c002'><span class='small'>THE REAL CHARACTER OF ITS BLACK GOVERNOR,</span></div> - <div class='c002'><b><span class='xlarge'>Toussaint L’ouverture,</span></b></div> - <div class='c002'><span class='small'>AND THE</span></div> - <div><span class='large'>SAFETY OF OUR WEST-INDIA ISLANDS</span></div> - <div><span class='large'>FROM ATTACK OR REVOLT;</span></div> - <div class='c002'><span class='small'>INCLUDING</span></div> - <div class='c002'><span class='large'><i>THE RESCUE OF A BRITISH OFFICER</i></span></div> - <div><span class='large'><i>UNDER SENTENCE OF DEATH</i>.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c003' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='small'>Inest sua Gratia parvis.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c003' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='small'>BY</span></div> - <div><span class='large'>CAPTAIN RAINSFORD,</span></div> - <div><span class='small'>TWENTY-FOUR YEARS AN OFFICER IN HIS MAJESTY’S ARMY.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c004' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><i>LONDON</i>:</div> - <div class='c002'>PRINTED BY R. B. SCOTT.</div> - <div><span class='xsmall'>At his Office In St. Clement’s Lane, Strand.</span></div> - <div class='c002'><span class='small'>SOLD BY EDWARD LAWRENCE, IN THE STRAND,</span></div> - <div><span class='small'>NEARLY OPPOSITE BEAUFORT BUILDINGS.</span></div> - <div>1802.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c005' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c006'><span class='xlarge'>ADVERTISEMENT.</span></h2> -</div> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<p class='c008'>Very little will be expected in the -following pages when coming from -the pen of a Soldier; but that little -will be found to be <i>his own</i>; and -this on a Subject of much doubt and -importance may possibly protract its -existence in an age of compilation! -He is however, better satisfied to consider -it as a small emanation of gratitude -to a singular man, who in -the possession of extraordinary power, -did not use it unworthily.</p> - -<div class='c009'><span class='small'>London, January, 6, 1802</span></div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c005' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <a id='Page_1'></a> - <h2 class='c006'><span class='small'>A</span> <br /> <br /> <span class='xxlarge'>MEMOIR,</span> <br /> <br /> <span class='small'><i>ETC.</i></span></h2> -</div> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<p class='c008'>The object of public attention is ever -the sport of public rumour; and truth is -not infrequently affected by the fabrications -of the idle and the ignorant, when men -and things are misrepresented by popular -prejudice.</p> - -<p class='c010'>The present armament of Bonaparte -against St. Domingo, and the general alarm -for the safety of our colonial possessions -from the powerful situation of the Brigands -<a id='Page_2'></a>in that island, have occasioned much conjecture, -but produced no authentic information, -while on a subject of such importance -it becomes a duty in those competent -in any degree, to relieve the anxiety -of the public mind. Had Bryan Edwards -lived, we should not so long have fluctuated -in uncertainty.</p> - -<p class='c010'>The present writer has by no means -presumed to increase the number of -ephemeral details, as contradictory as -untrue, which have been offered to the -public, of transactions that have now too -long deformed this delightful country. In -the dangerous duties of his profession, the -common accidents of war afforded him a -peculiar opportunity of judging (among -other affairs) of the present state of St. -Domingo, of its defence, and of the character -of its extraordinary Governor.</p> - -<p class='c010'><a id='Page_3'></a>The events themselves, with the opinions -resulting from them, form, then, the subject -of these pages; and authenticity will supply -the place of the decorations of style. -To preclude, however, the possibility of -doubt, I think it necessary to say thus -much of myself:—</p> - -<p class='c010'>Born of a respectable family in the kingdom -of Ireland (where my elder brother, -Counsellor Rainsford, now enjoys the liberal -fortune of our ancestors)<a id='r1' /><a href='#f1' class='c011'><sup>[1]</sup></a> I early embraced -the military profession, and joined -a regiment under the command of the Earl -of Moira, in which I served during the -American war. Our corps was considerably -employed during two campaigns, and -was in the memorable battles of Camden, -&c. I afterwards unfortunately left -that regiment to enter into a provincial -<a id='Page_4'></a>one, commanded by the late Lord Charles -Montague, and served in Jamaica four -years. On the commencement of the present -war, I went to the continent in the -corps of Royal Fusileers commanded by -Colonel Hardy, and shared its complicated -hardships during the retreat.<a id='r2' /><a href='#f2' class='c011'><sup>[2]</sup></a></p> - -<p class='c010'><a id='Page_5'></a>I was removed in May, 1795, through -the interest of my inestimable brother-in-law, -General Doyle, to a black corps, to be -raised in the West Indies, under the command -of General Keppel. I went to Barbadoes, -and from thence to Jamaica, where -the corps was to be raised. I arrived on -the 17th of August, and continued on duty -till a severe attack of the yellow fever compelled -my return in his Majesty’s ship, -Sampson. After recovering in England, -at the instance of his Royal Highness the -Duke of York I went to Martinique in -1798, but it not being understood by General -Keppel that his corps was to be levied -there, he ordered me back to Jamaica, -from whence, I found on my arrival, the -officers had sailed for England.</p> - -<p class='c010'><a id='Page_6'></a>Desirous, as I always am, of being with -my regiment, to facilitate that object I undertook -the mode of returning to Martinique -by beating up to the island of St. -Thomas, an exertion of considerable difficulty -and danger. This, however, I but -little regarded; and Admiral Smith, with -whom I had been long acquainted, kindly -accommodated me in his cabin on board -the Hannibal to the Mole St. Nicholas. -Losing no opportunity of proceeding on -my voyage, I went on board a little -Danish schooner, commanded by Mr. -Frazer.</p> - -<p class='c010'>We had not been many days at sea, -when a violent hurricane having dismasted -the vessel, drove us under the walls of Cape -François. Thus unfortunately commenced -the opportunities of obtaining that information -and forming that judgment of the -Present State of St. Domingo, which I am -about to submit to the public. Had I -<a id='Page_7'></a>conceived it possible, at that time, that a -relation of facts respecting that unhappy -country would have become so interesting -to my friends, I might from these opportunities -have collected much respecting it, -and been enabled to communicate what I -collected in a better form.</p> - -<p class='c010'>Thus situated, the Brigand boats soon -came out to meet us; and it was recommended -to me, as the only means to prevent -the confiscation of the vessel, and -avoid becoming myself a prisoner of war, -to pass for an American.</p> - -<p class='c010'>We were permitted to land at the once -famous city of the Cape; and the first -object that excited our attention amidst -thousands of People of Colour of every -description, was the respectable <span class='sc'>Toussaint</span> -in familiar conversation with two private -Brigands. He very civilly came up to -us—enquired the news—from whence we -<a id='Page_8'></a>came? and our destination. I accommodated -my answers to the occasion, and to -the character I was to support, and complained -of severe treatment from the English! -to which he replied, “<i>Je pense que les -Anglois y sont bien malade à la Mole</i>”—he -believed the English were very sick at the -Mole—and we took our leave.</p> - -<p class='c010'>I then retired to the American hotel, -and was introduced to the table d’ hote—to -behold for the first time a <i>perfect system -of equality</i>!</p> - -<p class='c010'>Here were officers and privates, the general -and the fifer, at the same table indiscriminately. -I had the honour of sitting -near a fat drummer, who very freely helped -himself from my dish, and addressed me -with frequent repetitions of “<i>A votre Santé -bon Americain</i>.” Here also <span class='sc'>Toussaint</span> -dined, but did not take the head of the -table, from the idea (I was informed) that -<a id='Page_9'></a>no man should be invested with superiority -but in the field. In the evening I went to -the billiard table, where <span class='sc'>Toussaint</span> also -came. Much hilarity prevailed, and his -affability highly increased the satisfaction -of the company. I played with him, and -found nothing to dissipate the pleasure -which the novelty of the scene inspired. -There were several tables in the same -room, at which all played with the same -familiarity with which they dined.</p> - -<p class='c010'>I was here informed that a review was -to take place on the following day, in the -plain of the Cape; and desirous of being -present at such a spectacle, I was accompanied -by some Americans, and others of -my own country who resided in the island -under that appellation.</p> - -<p class='c010'>In traversing this once superb town, -what a scene of desolation every where -presented itself to my contemplation! On -<a id='Page_10'></a>the site where elegance and luxury had united -all their powers to delight the voluptuary, -remained nothing but ruins. On these -were erected temporary houses for the -American merchants and little shops of the -natives, which but exhibited the devastation -with additional horror. The great -street still contained the walls of many -superb edifices of five and six stories high, -and most beautiful structure; highly-finished -gilt balustrades, in some instances, yet -remained. Nor was this all—in different -parts of the general ruin the skeletons of -their possessors were mingled with the -broken walls—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c001'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='small'>“There in the ruin, heedless of the dead,</span></div> - <div class='line'><span class='small'>“The shelter-seeking peasant rears his shed;</span></div> - <div class='line'><span class='small'>“And, wondering man could want the larger pile,</span></div> - <div class='line'><span class='small'>“Exults, and owns his cottage with a smile.”</span></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>Through this dreadful scene I passed to -behold a review, of the real grandeur of -<a id='Page_11'></a>which I had not the least conception. -There were two thousand officers out, -Generals and Ensigns, all carrying arms—yet -with the utmost regularity and attention -to rank—none of that disregard -which had marked the leisure of the -preceding day being the least evident. -Each general officer had a demi-brigade, -which went through the manual exercise -with a degree of expertness I had seldom -before witnessed, and they performed excellently -well several manœuvres applicable -to their method of fighting. At <i>a whistle</i> -a whole brigade ran three or four hundred -yards, and then, separating, threw themselves -flat on the ground, changing to their -backs and sides, and all the time keeping -up a strong fire till recalled—after this they -formed again into their wonted regularity; -and this manœuvre is executed with such -facility and precision, as totally to prevent -cavalry from charging them in bushy and -hilly countries. Indeed, such complete -<a id='Page_12'></a>subordination prevailed, so much promptness -and dexterity, as must astonish an -European who had known any thing of -their previous situation.</p> - -<p class='c010'>After the review I returned to the city, -to continue my solitary walk through the -remaining monuments of human ferocity, -and indulge in contemplating the vanity of -all sublunary establishments.</p> - -<p class='c010'>I was brooding over scenes where Fancy -herself had once been satiated, when I arrived -at a large square, in the centre of which -was a considerable eminence, and a seat on -the top;—there were two centinels to guard -it—of whom I enquired if I might ascend the -steps? They answered in the affirmative, but -cautioned me not to touch the <i>Cap of Liberty</i> -which crowned it, for it was <span class='sc'>sacred to -Santhonax and Polverel</span>! My curiosity -induced me to ascend; when I perused, -immediately under the cap, a showy inscription -<a id='Page_13'></a>in French, of which I do not -exactly recollect the idiom, not daring to -take a copy, but it was to the following -purport—</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='small'>My Friends,</span></div> - <div><span class='small'>We came to make you free.</span></div> - <div><span class='small'>The French Nation gives liberty to the World.</span></div> - <div><span class='small'>YOU ARE FREE.</span></div> - <div><span class='small'>Guard your Freedom.</span></div> - <div><span class='small'>Vive la Liberte—Vive la Republique.</span></div> - <div><span class='small'>Vive Robespierre!</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>This inscription, I understand, formed a -part of their speech in 1793, when the -Blacks and the Mulattos carried them in -triumph to the Government-House, and -afterwards set fire to the city in eight different -places. They used every woman -with savage barbarity, and then murdered -with the bayonet, man, woman, and -child. Sixty-two thousand inhabitants left -the city. They exterminated the Whites, -<a id='Page_14'></a>and revelled in their cruelty eighteen days! -Such is man when in the possession of -power! and happy would it be for the human -race if the Insurgents of St. Domingo, -so little removed from savage life, were -not countenanced by those who have partaken -of the felicities of civilized society. -Of the carnage that flew through this island -enough has already been said; but it is yet -in the recollection of many Americans, -that the view of the city in flames, the -adjacent sugar works, &c. was the most -dreadful ever beheld.</p> - -<p class='c010'>After a long perambulation over these -scenes of former horrors, I returned to the -hotel, but with a mind so much impressed -with what I had seen, that for a considerable -time I could not divest myself of the -most terrible ideas:—my imagination was -haunted with the shades of those who had -fallen, and murdered worth and innocence -were ever before my eyes.——I was also -<a id='Page_15'></a>dissuaded from walking too much, lest by -some observation I might be suspected not -to be an American.</p> - -<p class='c010'>For three weeks I continued among -these people; and, except the recollection -of what <i>had</i> been, without any other sacrifice -than my wish to be on duty, and the -necessity of subscribing to every sentiment -hostile to my country, I enjoyed the -amusements and the habits of a capital. -I remained unmolested and comfortable.</p> - -<p class='c010'>On the topography of the island, I shall -not retail what is told by those who recite -its history, nor have I ever had leisure to -inspect it. It is, I believe, considered the -richest, as well as the largest of all the islands, -except Cuba; and nature seems to have lavished -on it the advantages which are but -partial in the others. It extends about 400 -miles in length, and is more than 70 in -breadth, yet completely peopled. Its natural -<a id='Page_16'></a>defence is unequalled, being entirely -fortified by vast rocks and extensive shoals. -It contains gold (perhaps <i>really the least</i> valuable -of its productions) and the most -charming rivers meander through its variegated -soil.</p> - -<p class='c010'>From these reasons, labour is so much -abridged, that no want of leisure is felt -through the pursuits of business, of pleasure, -or of arms. It would be no small -gratification to the feeling heart, to perceive -the peasant in other countries, enjoy -a portion of the ease of the labourer -of St. Domingo.</p> - -<p class='c010'>The present productive system seems to -be founded in a reference to first principles. -Every soul employs a certain portion of -their time to labour, which is chiefly agricultural; -and all take the field from a sense -of duty to <i>themselves</i>. A perfect consolidation -appears in all their conduct, and I -<a id='Page_17'></a>never saw a concession in them which did -not come from the heart. I have more -than once seen sixty thousand of them -reviewed, at one time, on the plains of -the Cape, in complete subordination <i>in -the field</i>, and whose united determination -against an invading enemy, would be victory -or death! No coersion is necessary -among them, and it is of course unattempted; -the only punishment inflicted, is -a sense of shame produced by slight confinement.</p> - -<p class='c010'>Amongst a people thus hardened into -an <i>orderly</i> ferocity—trained from inclination—impenetrably -fortified on the finest -territory on earth, and next to inaccessible -to external attack, what hopes are entertained -of the success of the present armament -I know not; but, whatever might be -expected from a <i>compromise</i> with <span class='sc'>Toussaint</span>, -I feel perfectly convinced no other -means will succeed in the subjugation of St. -<a id='Page_18'></a>Domingo. United as are the blacks and -mulattos, <i>fifty thousand</i> men would ere long -be dissipated in such an attempt; and if -the number now sent against them <i>could</i> be -found sufficient to effect a temporary conquest, -what number of men would continue -to keep them in subjection?</p> - -<p class='c010'>And with respect to any views they may -be imagined to contemplate of extending -their possessions, none who know the respectable -state of defence in which our -Islands are kept, will ever entertain the -smallest fear respecting them. Of a territory -the extent of Cuba, I would not hazard -so much, but in the present situation -of our islands, so comparatively small, -possessed by Planters of distinguished -humanity and talent,<a id='r3' /><a href='#f3' class='c011'><sup>[3]</sup></a> defended by a -<a id='Page_19'></a>militia, prompt on all occasions; with an -army well appointed on their shores, under -<a id='Page_20'></a>the superintendence of ability, experience, -and power at home; and a vigilant navy -round their coasts, the wonder of the world—few -will have sufficient temerity to suggest -that the people I have been describing, will -leave their favourite and favoured island -for the mere purpose of a vain gasconade—and -against those whom I am persuaded -they would rather conciliate as their -friends.</p> - -<p class='c010'>Before I proceed to state the dreadful -occurrence which nearly terminated my -existence, on the island whose unfortunate -situation I have been so candidly describing, -I shall give a sketch of the man -who holds so conspicuous a situation, and -of whom so little is really known.</p> - -<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Toussaint L’ouverture</span>, the present -Commandant of St. Domingo, is one of -those characters, which contentions for -<a id='Page_21'></a>power and the extention of territory, as -well as the jars of individual interest have -not infrequently introduced to astonish the -World.</p> - -<p class='c010'>Born a Slave, in which capacity he continued -till the revolution, it is hostile to -<i>received opinions</i> to consider him in any other -light than as a fortunate Brigand; but -chance has directed that the present writer -should be constrained to acknowledge—he -is worthy of imitation as a man—he excites -admiration as a governor—and as a general, -he is yet unsubdued without the probability -of subjection! His regard for the unfortunate -appears the love of human kind; and, -dreaded by different nations, he is the foe -of none.—To the English he is by no -means inimical, and, in possession of many -of the blessings of humanity, he courts the -acceptance of the world.</p> - -<p class='c010'><a id='Page_22'></a>He is a perfect black, at present about -fifty-five years of age—of a venerable appearance, -but possessed of uncommon discernment. -Of great suavity of manners, -he was not at all concerned in the perpetration -of the massacres, or in the conflagration.</p> - -<p class='c010'>He is stiled the <i>General en Chef</i>, and is -always attended by four Aids-de-Camp. -He wears as a uniform, a kind of blue -spencer, with a large red cape falling over -his shoulders, and red cuffs, with eight rows -of lace on his arms, and a pair of large -gold epaulettes thrown back on his -shoulders; a scarlet waistcoat, pantaloons -and half-boots; a round hat with -a red feather and national cockade; and -an extreme large sword is suspended from -his side. He receives a voluntary respect -from every description of his countrymen, -which is more than returned by the -<a id='Page_23'></a>affability of his behaviour, and the goodness -of his heart. Of his civilities to myself, I -have sufficient reason to be proud.</p> - -<p class='c010'>I met him frequently, during my stay -in his <i>dominions</i>, and had no occasion of -complaint, even from human errors.</p> - -<p class='c010'>After the vessel in which I arrived had -undergone a thorough repair, at the Cape, -we cleared out of the harbour, and I once -more set sail, flushed with hopes of a speedy -arrival at St. Thomas’s; but—</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='small'>—“Heav’n from all creatures hides the book of fate.”</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>On the third day after we left the Cape, -our unfortunate vessel sprung a leak, and -we were obliged to put into Fort Dauphine, -now called Fort Egalite, about forty miles -from the Cape.</p> - -<p class='c010'>In this situation, the master of the vessel, -<a id='Page_24'></a>as well as myself, apprehended no -danger or impropriety in our going on -shore; and, hoisting Danish colours, we -came to anchor under a small fort. I unthinkingly -landed with the master, and in -less than half an hour was arrested by four -Blacks, and a Mulatto Officer of great -ferocity. They returned with me instantly -on board, and placed two centinels over -me. I was informed that suspicions had -arisen of my being a spy, and that my trial -would be prompt and decisive. On the -morrow I was to be tried <i>and condemned</i>.</p> - -<p class='c010'>Under these apprehensions I was to pass -the night, and to prepare for my appearance -before certainly the <i>blackest!</i> tribunal -that ever sat in judgment. I, however, -confined my reflections to the best means -of destroying my baggage, including my military -appointments; which I happily effected -by putting trunks and all out of the -cabin window in the dead of the night, -<a id='Page_25'></a>with a weight attached sufficient to sink -them.</p> - -<p class='c010'>The silence of the night, interrupted -only by the murmurs of the ocean—the -clamours of the guard, and the distant -sounds from the shore, induced a stronger -degree of melancholy than I, perhaps, -ever experienced.——A confused idea of -my fate, with the <i>shame</i> rather than the -terrors of an ignominious death, revolving -in my mind, deprived me of the possibility -of rest, or the smallest preparation for the -event so soon and so harshly announced.</p> - -<p class='c010'>In the morning I was taken before a -black general, named Muro, whose appearance -augured well, for he bore the -principal mythological characteristics of -justice—he was <i>blind of an eye</i>. He interrogated -me, and insisted I was not an -American, but an English spy reconnoitering -the coast. He informed me, that on -<a id='Page_26'></a>the morrow I should be tried by a General -Court Martial—and dismissed me.</p> - -<p class='c010'>I was then conducted to a dark prison, -with the usual concomitants of wretchedness, -and treated as one who meditated -some dire plot against the happiness of -their country. I had no bed, nor other -provision but some coarse dry fish which I -could not eat. Next morning, at ten -o’clock, I was regularly brought before a -military court, composed of twelve general -officers.—All I could plead in my behalf -would not avail me, not having the proper -passports, or American certificates; in -fact, my trial <i>was prompt and decisive</i>—I was -condemned to suffer <span class='fss'>DEATH</span> on the next -day!</p> - -<p class='c010'>The master of the vessel, poor Frazer, -with great dignity of character and the -most affectionate solicitude, exerted the -utmost of his little power by protesting -<a id='Page_27'></a>against the judgment, and insisting I was -an American—but it was without effect, -and I was remanded to my cell, loaded -with chains, and consigned to misery, till -the sentence of the Court should be transmitted -to <span class='sc'>Toussaint</span>, without whose sanction -it could not be executed.</p> - -<p class='c010'>For fourteen days I lay suspended between -life and death, without any other -consolation than the kindness of my gaoler, -whose taciturnity extended to inform me, -every night, I should be <i>hanged</i> on the -next day. To afford me repose, I was -furnished with dried sugar-canes, and was -ill supplied nightly with coarse flesh and -water—the cheering delusions of hope no -longer lightened my imagination, and I -abandoned all human projects for ever.<a id='r4' /><a href='#f4' class='c011'><sup>[4]</sup></a></p> - -<p class='c010'><a id='Page_28'></a>At the expiration of that period, the -answer of <span class='sc'>Toussaint</span> arrived; but, instead -of confirming my sentence, that truly -great man, although I have since been -convinced <i>he had ascertained the fact</i> of my -<a id='Page_29'></a>being a British Officer, disdained to triumph -over an individual whom misfortune -had thrown in his way. He ordered me -to be released and suffered to proceed on -my voyage, with the greatest magnanimity -adding, “You must never return to this -island, <i>without the proper passports!</i>”</p> - -<p class='c010'><a id='Page_30'></a>To describe my feelings on such an unexpected -reverse, would be difficult and -useless. Restored to myself once more, -I did not long remain on a part of the -island where my sufferings would have -tended to efface the agreeable impression -I had received at Cape François; but -cheerfully bidding adieu to this interesting -soil, sailed for St. Thomas’s on the next -day, and very soon reached my long desired -destination, the island of Martinique.</p> - -<p class='c010'>On my arrival, I met with a reception -marked with the usual kindness and urbanity -of the commander in chief, General -Cuyler, who ordered me the usual remuneration -for the loss of my baggage. I -am also informed that I was honored with -a congratulatory letter from his Royal -Highness the Duke of York, which from -some unaccountable accident I did not receive.</p> - -<p class='c010'><a id='Page_31'></a>Much would remain to be said, were I -to obey a natural impulse; but the pen, -though often a deadly weapon, is one I -am but little accustomed to, I shall therefore -lay it down, at least for the present, -with the confidence that if I have contributed -but little advantage, I have effected -as little injury.</p> - -<hr class='c012' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f1'> -<p class='c010'><a href='#r1'>1</a>. My eldest sister, now Princess of Monaca, was -married to the late Lieutenant General Doyle.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f2'> -<p class='c010'><a href='#r2'>2</a>. In this arduous situation I had the happiness to -effect two orders, which, as they exhibit the hardships -of that period, I subjoin:—Being commanded by my -ever-regretted Colonel to bring up the cloathing of -the troops, I found it only to be effected by cutting -my way with three boats through the ice for twenty -miles. We, however, succeeded, happily, and saved -to Government at least ten thousand pounds.</p> - -<p class='c010'>Another night, during the retreat, twenty-one of -our waggons, with sick and wounded men, arrived -very late at a town called Zwoll, where my corps -was quartered, but were refused admittance by -the Dutch guard, who kept the gate. It was a dreadful -night, and many absolutely died from the cold -of the men under the command of Colonel Drummond -of the Guards. I was ordered to compel their admission, -and effected it; but not till after many -threats, and I had left them three minutes only to -consider, before I should attack them, which in such -a cause, and at such a time, must have been done -with energy.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f3'> -<p class='c010'><a href='#r3'>3</a>. Notwithstanding it has been of late years the -fashion to consider the character of a planter as derogatory -to humanity, and incapable of being blended -with any of those qualities that ameliorate the condition -of the species, every opportunity which I have -been afforded of judging has tended to convince me -of the contrary. Nothing indeed can be more cruel -than to single out any description of persons for public -reprobation, as best suits the purpose of the fanatic -or the partizan; and nothing is more fatal to the cause -of truth than an implicit reliance on the vague reports -of their enthusiasm, which must inevitably preclude the -possibility of acquiring correct information, or adhering -to facts if produced to their notice.—If the -young and the thoughtless squander the accumulations -of their ancestors, it is certainly no evidence of -general voluptuousness.—If there be circumstances -exceptionable in the conduct of the Slave Trade, does it -follow that the planter is a merciless executioner? -certainly not—it would be hostile to his interest, and -inexpedient in his situation.—As merchants and -as men, many are highly and extensively esteemed -and regarded; and instances of affection and regret in -the slaves they have been described to torture, are -neither infrequent nor unrecorded.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f4'> -<p class='c010'><a href='#r4'>4</a>. I cannot omit here to pay the tribute of gratitude -to a poor unknown Female of Colour, whose -pity, more extensive than her power, would have -alleviated the horrors of my situation. She came occasionally -in the night to the window of my cell, -which looked into a court to which she found access -by an avenue that was unguarded. She brought me -food, and wine or spirits, the remains of which, to -prevent enquiry, she was anxious should be destroyed. -The humane sympathy expressed by her in these nocturnal -offerings to misery, have repeatedly brought to -my remembrance the eulogium of Lediard on a sex -ever prone to tender offices. In compliment to my -humble benefactor I quote the passage, and heartily -subscribe to the sentiments:—</p> - -<p class='c010'>“I have,” says he, “always remarked that -women, in all countries, are civil, obliging, tender, -and humane: that they are ever inclined to be gay -and cheerful, timorous and modest; and that they do -not hesitate, like men, to perform a kind or generous -action.—Not haughty, nor arrogant, not supercilious, -they are full of courtesy, and fond of society—more -liable in general to err than man, but in general, also, -more virtuous, and performing more good actions -than he. To a woman, whether civilized or savage, -I never addressed myself in the language of decency -and friendship—without receiving a decent and -friendly answer—with man it has often been otherwise.</p> - -<p class='c010'>“In wandering over the barren plains of inhospitable -Denmark, through honest Sweden, and frozen -Lapland, rude and churlish Finland, unprincipled -Russia, and the wide-spread regions of the wandering -Tartar,—if hungry, dry, cold, wet, or sick, the -women have ever been friendly to me, and uniformly -so; and to add to this virtue, (so worthy of the appellation -of benevolence,) these actions have been -performed in so free and so kind a manner, that if I -was thirsty, I drank the sweetest draught, and if -hungry, I ate the coarse meal with a double relish.”</p> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/finis.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>FINIS</p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='small'>Printed at the office of R. B. Scott, 27, Clements lane.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c005' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c006'> - <div><b><span class='large'>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE</span></b></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>Punctuation has been normalized.</p> - -<p class='c010'>Variations in spelling and hyphenation, as well as some instances -of obsolete spelling (such as “cloathing,” “centinel,” etc.) were -maintained.</p> - -<p class='c010'>The following typographical or -printers’ errors have been -corrected:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Page 9: “Touissant” changed to “Toussaint”</div> - <div class='line'>Page 9: “familiary” changed to “familiarity”</div> - <div class='line'>Page 18: “mulattœs” harmonized to “mulattos”</div> - <div class='line'>Page 21: “acknowlege” changed to “acknowledge”</div> - <div class='line'>Page 21: “sa” changed to “as”</div> - <div class='line'>Page 22: suspended from (removed duplicate “from”)</div> - <div class='line'>Page 23: “Fort Egaiite” changed to “Fort Egalite”</div> - <div class='line'>Page 24: danger or impropriety in (removed duplicate “in” )</div> - <div class='line'>End of Book: Footnote 3: “a planters” changed to “a planter;” - “voluptiousness” changed to “voluptuousness”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Memoir of Transactions That Took -Place in St. Domingo, in the Sprin, by Marcus Rainsford - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MEMOIR TRANSACTIONS--ST. 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