Haitian military and political leader who led a successful slave insurrection and helped the French expel the British from Haiti in 1798. In 1801 he invaded Spanish Santo Domingo and freed the salves there. He briefly maintained control over the entire island, establishing the first Black-led government in the Americas, before being arrested by Bonapartist agents in 1802 and deported to France. DS, in French, one page both sides, 7.5 x 9, Toussaint Louverture, General en chef de Saint-Domingue letterhead, August 19, 1800. In part: “It is necessary to appoint a military governor of the Petit Goave Commune, of Regime arrondissement, Department of the West. Knowing the zeal, the patriotic fervor, and the military skills of citizens de Gueche, captain, 4 1/2 brigade of the colonial infantry, we therefore appoint said citizen de Gueche military governor of the Petit Goave Commune under the direct orders of General Dessalines, commander-in-chief of the brigade of the department of the west. We require that the provisional commander Berthome transfer the said command with all related accounts to him and have him recognized as such.” Bold, dark signature, almost three inches long. Accompanied by a book engraving of Louverture. In very good condition, with vertical fold through first stroke of signature, scattered toning not affecting legibility, ink notations in another hand, a portion of the appointment has been crossed out in ink. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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