Born a slave in Haiti, L'Ouverture learned to read and write and led a slave revolt against the French in 1791. He joined the Spanish forces that invaded Haiti from the east, but rejoined the French when the English threatened. The most powerful military leader in the colony, he defeated the British, then unified Haiti and successfully invaded the Spanish half of the island. Napoleon sent his brother to recapture the island, which they did, and L'Ouverture was arrested and died in a French prison. DS in French, one page both sides, 7.5 x 13.25, no date. Untranslated document, signed in the left border by L'Ouverture, who also adds two lines of text. In very good condition, with tape remnants to left edge, uneven right edge, heavy horizontal fold and some light toning. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
