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. LS, one page, 8 x 12, July 17, 1800, on “General en Chef de l’Armee de St-Domingue” letterhead. The letter, written in French, reads: “Allow the Citizen Patrice O’Rourke, residing in St-Domingue, living at this time in the United States, to return to his property with his sons; it being their responsibility to obtain a passport…We pray those concerned to allow them to reach their destination freely.” This letter is proof of Toussaint L’Ouverture’s brilliant administrative skills. In 1791, he led a slave revolt that took several years to complete. After gaining control of the entire island, he asked the French colonists to return to their estates, although this led to returning the peasants to the plantations under military rule. Subsequently, commercial trade with Great Britain and the United States resumed. The distinct signature is large and dark, and the letter is in fine condition, despite minor chips to edges, some scattered light foxing and some light overall soiling. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
