Military and political leader of the Haitian Revolution, born a slave, who delivered both emancipation and independence to his people (1743-1803). Manuscript DS in French, signed “Toussaint Louv…,” one page, 7.75 x 12.5, Germinal [April] 7, 1798. An official letter from Louverture as General-in-Chief of the Army of Saint-Domingue, issued from Port-Républicain to Citizen Létombe, chargé d’affaires and general commissioner for commercial relations of the French Republic in Philadelphia. In full (translated): "I have received the honor of your letter dated 9 Ventôse last, by which you confirm that I should have been sent instructions by the minister of the navy for the purpose of acquainting me with the convention of friendship and commerce established between the French Republic and the United States, as well as the communication that you have made me of it in sending me an extract from the London newspapers. I thank you for the details that you add concerning the measures subsequently taken by the government of the United States and at the same time for the newspaper clipping by which you make me aware of how part of the French Antilles has already implemented this convention as far as concerns it." In very good to fine condition, with a small repaired edge tear, and toning from prior display. Accompanied by an engraving bearing a facsimile signature.
Due to increasing tensions between the American and French governments over the issue of privateering, the United States had suspended trade with France in 1798 and the two countries soon entered into the so-called Quasi-War. However, trade between Saint-Domingue and the United States was desirable to both Louverture and the United States, and with Commissioner Gabriel Hedouville returned to France, Louverture sent Joseph Bunel to negotiate with the administration of John Adams. The treaty's terms were similar to those already established with the British, but Louverture continually rejected suggestions from either nation that he should declare independence. He appeared to be content to have the colony remain French, at least in name, as long as France maintained the abolition of slavery.
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