HAITI. L.A.S. by Laforest, Jérémie, island of Haiti January - Lot 635

Lot 635
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Estimation :
300 - 400 EUR
HAITI. L.A.S. by Laforest, Jérémie, island of Haiti January - Lot 635
HAITI. L.A.S. by Laforest, Jérémie, island of Haiti January 5, 1817, to Mr. Estienne at Le Plessis near Châteaudun; 12 pages in-4, address with Colonies postmark by Nantes, black wax stamp. Interesting testimony on the independence of Haiti. Independence has just been proclaimed by General Pétion: all the properties of the colonists (including those of Estienne) have been confiscated for the benefit of the Haitians: "General Pétion, known as President of Haiti, receives with candor [...] all the nations that come from the colony to begin with; the French are part of it, as long as they do not come under the French flag. The French, according to our constitution, cannot reside there as masters or owners. All the property of the former colonists has been sold for the benefit of the government; no one has the right to claim it." The houses in the district of Jérémie have been burned down "by the insurrection that has been going on for ten years; however, it is beginning to be rebuilt"... The island has been doubly battered, because in addition to the arson and the despoiling of the land, a hurricane has ravaged the houses and the crops. In fact, "foodstuffs are extremely expensive this year"... In spite of this and especially in spite of the revolutionary troubles, trade seems to be doing well: "There are often ships from all nations in the port, such as English, Americans, Spaniards, Dutch, Prussians, they all do their business well and enjoy the protection of the government"... Etc.
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