King of Haiti. After purchasing his freedom from slavery, he played a prominent part in the insurrection against the French and the rising of 1803. Appointed president of Haiti in 1807, after the ensuing civil war, he was crowned King in 1812. Under his rule the country prospered, but his cruelty led to another insurrection. After being deserted by his troops, he shot himself in 1820. LS in French, one page both sides, 7.25 x 12, personal letterhead, February 4, 1802. Christophe writes to Citizen Gustave, Commander of Oranauminthe. In part: “You report that the forts Labouque and the Anse battery have been taken, and that you were obliged to draw back from the station and the pass. If you are not able to repulse that attacks ... take to the mountains, bring all the farmers, men and women, up there, and have them drive along all the livestock, put all that they must leave to the flame denying ... our pursuers ... with one hand they are being offered the most specious promises, and with the other they are being stabbed with the dagger that murdered Liberty.” The second integral page bears the address panel. At the time of this letter, Christophe was fighting against Leclerc, who had been sent by Napoleon to conquer Santo Domingo. On the same day this letter was written, Christophe set Cap-Francais on fire to resist against the French troops. In fine condition, with intersecting folds, slight show-through from text on reverse, and small area of paper loss to second page. JSA/John Reznikoff Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
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