| St John's Library/Clarkson contains: |
|---|
| Folder 1-5 |
Slave Trade |
| Folder 6 |
Haiti |
| Folder 7 |
Clarkson Family |
| Folder 8 |
Miscellaneous Papers |
| Uu.25.61 |
Autograph letter, signed, from Catherine Clarkson, headed 'Dear Sir' (probably Henry Room) |
|
Papers of Thomas Clarkson
| Title |
Haiti |
| Reference |
Folder 6 |
| Covering Dates |
1796–1844 |
| Extent and Medium |
20 items; paper |
|
| Content and context |
Papers relating to the revolution in Haiti and the subsequent Republic of Haiti and Kingdom of Haiti |
| St John's Library/Clarkson/Folder 6 contains: |
|
Doc 158
|
Copy of proclamations to his troops by Toussaint Louverture, in French. First proclamation gives a general exhortation to attribute the deliverance from slavery to God, and to cultivate religion and virtue and the laws of the Republic; detailed orders to improve the moral instruction and conduct of the troops with respect to not molesting the civil population. Second proclamation announces the complete evacuation of St. Dominique by the English and émigrés, a testimony to his own loyalty to France and the Republic. He recalls the army once more to render thanks to God, and to obey divine and civil laws to help restore tranquility to the country. Detailed requirements for religious observance are laid down.
12p; paper. |
29 Brumaire |
|
Doc 159
|
Copy letter from Toussaint Louverture to Citizen Gregoire. Copy, sent to Thomas Clarkson, of letter, in French, from Toussaint Louverture, General of Division, Commander in Chief in the Department of the West, to Citizen Gregoire, Representative of the People and Bishop of the Department of the Loire, dated 9 Frimaire (29 November) 1796. Toussaint describes the lack of moral guidance for the people of St. Dominique in the wake of the conditions following breakdown of the colonial regime, and requests that priests be sent out to help to remedy the situation. 2p. Copies of four more letters in French from Toussaint to the Bishop on a similar theme as above, and the relations between St. Dominique and the Revolutionary Government in France, dated: 15 Prairal (3 June) 1798, 23 Brumaire (13 November) 1798, 3 Vindemaire (24 September) 1798, 16 Germinal (6 April) 1800.
10p; paper. |
9 Frimaire |
|
Doc 160
|
Two copies or drafts of letters from Thomas Clarkson to Baron Turkheim. Praises King Henri 1st of Haiti (1) and gives an account of the efforts to 'civilise a barbaric people' through education. Notes that due to his fear of a French invasion, Henri has retained a large standing army and this is hindering his attempts to improve his country. Understands that France has suffered greatly from the loss of its colony and also has to cope with the return of its colonials. Wishes to bring Haiti and France together for mutual benefit and thinks that Turkheim, as a French legislator, is in a position to help. Realises that France is much despised in Haiti due to the recent conflagration, in spite of the benign influence of Louis 18th. Discusses the treaty signed in 1814 between Britain and France which stipulated that France should end the slave trade in five years and the plan, devised by the French minister for marine and colonies, M. Malouet, to massacre the inhabitants of Haiti and import 300,000 Negroes from Africa. States that the discovery of this information by King Henri, and also the fact that France tried to coerce Petoin (2) into conquering Haiti, and his dissemination of this information amongst his people has further aroused suspicions of French animosity. Believes that King Henri is a straightforward man who will deal with a French officer sent straight to him, but will not stand for any intrigue. Offers his service to France to enable the two countries to come to agreement and notes that he has already sent proposal to Henri. (1) Formerly General Henri Christophe. (2) Alexander Petion, president of the Republic of Haiti (present day Dominican Republic).
Creator: Clarkson, Thomas (1760-1846).
8p; paper. |
11 March 1820 |
|
Doc 161
|
Fragment of an autograph letter, signed, by William Wilson, to ?, undated, probably from Haiti. Suggests that Haiti is a land of truly free people. Briefly describes voyage and arrival in Haiti.
1p; paper. |
21 March 1820 |
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Doc 162
|
Autographed letter from Thomas Clarkson to William Wilson, tutor to the King of Haiti's son. Pleased that recipient arrived safely in Haiti and found letter to a Mr. Biddle useful. Gives advise on the education of the King of Haiti's son. Suggests that it cannot be carried out as in England, especially as the Prince at the age of sixteen is old to be starting his schooling. Recommends a course of Latin, of ancient and modern history and chronology, and the sciences of astronomy and mechanics. Suggests that education should be directed towards moral improvement. Emphasises the use of the Bible to teach history and as a way of demonstrating that all of mankind are from the same stock. Discusses possible objections to biblical tales and how these can be answered. Recommends the use of the New Testament as a way of teaching morality. Will order the books which have been recommended, stresses that the Prince should be taught to be tolerant of all religions and intimates that he will write to the King suggesting he starts a library.
Creator: Clarkson, Thomas (1760-1846).
8p; paper. |
8/9 September 1820 |
|
Doc 163
|
Fragment of autograph letter by William Wilson to a friend, probably from Haiti. Expresses concern in not receiving letters and advises that severe illness had been the reason for his failure to correspond. Describes his recuperation at a country house, the activities of the King [of Haiti] during the last few months and the circumstances surroundings the King's collapse.
4p; paper. |
1 January 1821 |
|
Doc 164
|
Autograph letter, signed in French, from General Vincent [Louis Charles Marie, Baron de, b. 1793?] to Thomas Clarkson, from Paris. Informs Clarkson that he knows from a visitor, M. Morannas, formerly employed by the French government of Senegal, of a letter of Clarkson's to M. Coquerel in which he has made honourable mention of Vincent and, from the same source, that he knows of Clarkson's visit to his abode while he was away in Italy. He regrets not having seen Clarkson, for he is aware of Clarkson's belief in Vincent's sincere attachment to his old friend Christophe [Henri Christophe, ruler of Haiti]. He was in Haiti fifteen years amid revolutionary turmoil and at the time of his last departure from Cap Henry owed his life to Christophe's zealous intervention when pursued by the false accusation [or manoeuvre or similar] of ' le general en chef Toussain' [Toussaint de Louverture??]. Discusses his literary efforts, now in England in the hands of Mr Foulerton [Fullerton?], on behalf of Christophe against a pamphlet attack on him and the blacks of Haiti. He has traveled to Italy and sought friends for Haiti with some success, but has heard nothing from this country which has preoccupied him for forty years. He begs Clarkson to forward him any communication intended for him from Haiti, which he may have in his hands.
4p; paper. |
27 October 1820 |
|
Doc 165
|
Autograph letter, signed, in French, from General Vincent [Louis Charles Marie, Baron de, b. 1793?] to Thomas Clarkson, from Paris. Acknowledges his letter of the 14th, discussing the return of Mr. Foulerton [Fullerton?], and the news he has brought of the fate of Christophe and of the country of Haiti. Vincent expects that the government of the North will be assimilated to that of the West, and that Paul Romain will be elected President at Cape Henry (1). He comments on the suitability of Romain for the task, and elaborates the differences between the situation in the North and that in the South and West, where there are a greater proportion of coloureds ('hommes de couleur'). He considers the attitude of the censored press towards a black ruler, and the unreasonable charges leveled at Christophe in the same way as was the case with Toussaint, now universally admired by any reasonable person. He encloses his Observations on the two great leaders of Haiti (Toussaint and Christophe?), so slandered by ignorant opinion, which no journal in Paris will be able to publish, but which might do better in England. He solicits Clarkson's information on the situation in Haiti. (1) If this was right it did not happened. Boyer was made president (Clarkson Biography p. 151).
5p; paper. |
23 or 24 January 1821 |
|
Doc 166
|
Autograph letter, signed, in French, from General Vincent [Louis Charles Marie, Baron de, b. 1793?] to Thomas Clarkson, from Paris. Acknowledges his of the 16th June received yesterday, and explaining that he has delayed writing himself until he should receive news from Haiti. Mr. Foulerton's [Fullerton?] son was due to return in May and accompany Vincent to England, taking advantage of Clarkson's invitation, but young Foulerton has not arrived. Vincent thinks that Clarkson has overestimated the worth of his Observations, but has no objection to the publication of something of which Clarkson evidently approves. Sends regards to Mrs. Clarkson.
3p; paper. |
22 July 1821 |
|
Doc 167
|
Autograph letter, signed, in French, from General Vincent [Louis Charles Marie, Baron de, b. 1793?] to Thomas Clarkson, from London. Announces his pleasure that with the arrival of Mr. Foulerton [Fullerton], junior he has been able to make the journey to London, but excusing himself for reasons of fatigue from making the journey to Ipswich to see Clarkson. He spoke with Gregoire before he left, who was very anxious to be remembered to Clarkson, and Vincent attaches a writing of Gregoire's to this letter [not here]. He discusses in detail the disordered condition of Haiti as relayed by Foulerton, which he does find reassuring.
4p; paper. |
18 August 1821 |
|
Doc 168
|
Autograph letter, signed, in French, from General Vincent [Louis Charles Marie, Baron de, b. 1793?] to Thomas Clarkson, from Paris. Acknowledges, on his return to Paris, Clarkson's of the 2nd September, thanks Clarkson for his renewed invitation, and expresses his regrets at not having been able to see him at his (Vincent's) last visit. He also regrets not having made the acquaintance of Benjamin Laroche, whose work he admires and considers worthy of writing a history of the Haitian revolution, for which Vincent has materials which he would be happy to make available to Laroche. Thanks Clarkson for the return of his little manuscript on the two black leaders of Haiti, which he does not think was approved by Fullerton senior and junior. They were at first zealous admirers of King Henry, who presented them with great commercial opportunities which have vanished with his death; Vincent regrets the change in opinion concerning the King he so much respected. He has learned with pleasure that the Queen and her children have retired to England, and asks Clarkson to relay his devotion to her should he correspond; he has already asked Fullerton junior to do so, and has confided to him a token of his remembrance to be resented to her. He has brought back from England information about the last revolution in Haiti, and the character of the King, not favourable to King Henry, which he will pass on when he finds the opportunity, and he asks Clarkson for any that he has. Clarkson has noted the main themes in pencil in the margins.
4p; paper. |
19 October 1821 |
|
Doc 169
|
Autograph letter, signed, (Postscript to the Item 168), in French, from General Vincent [Louis Charles Marie, Baron de, b. 1793?] to Thomas Clarkson, from Paris. Vincent has just read in the Paris Gazettes that the former Queen of Haiti and her two daughters are at present at Playford Hall, and he considers it typically worthy of Clarkson to have discharged a debt which lies rather more at the door of a government [i.e. than at that of a private individual]. He hopes that his letter (i.e. the one following) finds them still at Playford, and will be glad to learn that they receive with especial grace ('avec quelque distinction') his protestations of devotion.
1p; paper. |
20 October 1821 |
|
Doc 170
|
Autograph letter, signed, in French, from General Vincent [Louis Charles Marie, Baron de, b. 1793?] to Thomas Clarkson, from Paris. Acknowledges Clarkson's letter of 30 November which has dispelled his misgivings at Clarkson's previous lack of response. All that he has written of the merits of King Christophe, and his praise of his wife and the education of his two daughters, makes Vincent regret the more not having been able to stay with Clarkson, who had included Madame Vincent in his invitation. Vincent's initial fears about the Queen's high expenses in London have been relieved by Clarkson's excellent planning: she has nothing to fear from the winter lodged at Playford , and she and her daughters may return to their own sweltering climate when the fine weather comes. Vincent is contemplating with pleasure taking up in the Spring Clarkson's invitation to visit. He will bring materials concerning Haiti. He is accused of prejudice in favour of the blacks, and Clarkson's last letter, passed on to moderate people, has produced the same effect. In France, he is convinced, they are subject to greater prejudice, and accounts of the history of the Haitian revolution may not be published without awakening great antagonism. Nevertheless he believes that the Slave Trade is on the verge of being abolished, and that a new minister will adopt the opinion that it can no longer be tolerated, let alone encouraged. He looks forward to a reunion at Playford Hall, and a discussion of how to write the history of the Haitian revolution, at which prospect Clarkson's friend Greg[?oire] himself is dismayed. Vincent considers himself surrounded by enemies of truth, and in opposition to their prejudices and interests; this makes him the more desire the visit to England. He sends respects to Mrs. Clarkson and the family of Christophe.
4p; paper. |
18 December 1821 |
|
Doc 171
|
Autograph letter, signed, in French, from General Vincent [Louis Charles Marie, Baron de, b. 1793?] to Thomas Clarkson, from Paris. Describes his ambitions to visit England with the coming of spring, but excusing himself due to age (he is seventy) and incapacity, being bound not least by the worsening illness of his wife. The imminent departure of Madame Christophe and her daughters from Playford awakes further regrets at not having been able to retrace the past in their company. Vincent wishes that the King's son, Ferdinand, (who had been confided through Vincent's offices to his worthy friend Des Guieux) might have been sent to France for an education which would have stood him in good stead for service to his father (1). Vincent asks that his good wishes and devotion be conveyed to Madame Christophe, and presents his compliments to Mrs. Clarkson. (1) The prince was in fact murdered by the revolutionaries at the time of the suicide of Christophe.
3p; paper. |
21 May 1822 |
|
Doc 172
|
Autograph letter, signed, in French, from General Vincent [Louis Charles Marie, Baron de, b. 1793?] to Thomas Clarkson, from Paris. Recounts a meeting with Gregoire at which Clarkson was talked of and Vincent took to Gregoire ' an excellent account of Senegal and especially the slave trade which is still carried on there, though less actively ' He expects Gregoire to publish something in consequence, worthy of both of them. He asks news of Madame Christophe and her daughters, and proposes to facilitate with all possible conveniences their reception in Italy, should they dread the English weather too much. He has written to them via a friend of the daughters, but does not know whether his letter reached its destination. He requests Clarkson's care for another refugee, M'selle Toussain[t], grand-daughter of Toussaint Louverture, who is about to land in England. Vincent assures Clarkson of the great admiration he inspires in him, and wishes that on this New Year he may find in this life - as he is sure to do in a better - recompense for his unwearying labours for the human race.
3p; paper. |
31 December 1823 |
|
Doc 173
|
Autograph letter, signed, from Catherine Clarkson to William Wilson, from Playford. Informs Wilson that Mr. Burton has been given an introduction. Discusses news of mutual friends.
2p; paper. |
4 March 1833 |
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Doc 174
|
Autograph letter, signed, from Catherine Clarkson to William Wilson, from Playford. Expresses pleasure in receiving news from Wilson but also sorrow in hearing of his situation. Has contacted a member of the Government to push for a post for Wilson but intimates this may not be forthcoming. Discusses mutual friends and husband's health.
2p; paper. |
14 February 1841 |
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Doc 175
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Fragment of an autograph letter, signed, from Catherine Clarkson to William Wilson, from Playford. Discusses a request Wilson wishes to make to Madame Christophe (1) and suggests that it is ill founded. Gives news of the hard times that Mme. Christophe has fallen on and suggests that any proposition would be inappropriate. Gives condolences for Wilson's circumstances. (1) The widow of the King of Haiti.
2p; paper. |
22 February 1842 |
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Doc 176
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Autograph letter addressed to 'My Dear Madam' (Catherine Clarkson?). The sender's signature has been erased, as has the address apart from the country, Dominica. Gives a description of riots in Dominica with the intention of detailing the actual events, rather than the impressions generated by those against the emancipation of slaves. Claims that a census collection led to a fear of a return of slavery which in turn led to rioting. States that there were only a few people involved, few deaths and that order was restored quickly. Makes information known with the understanding that the senders name would not be mentioned publicly.
4p; paper. |
11 June 1844 |
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Doc 177
|
Independence of Haiti. List of dates and events of the Independence of Haiti and aftermath, 1793 to 1818, in Clarkson's hand ?.
1p; paper. |
1818 |
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