Haitian Collection, 1714-1916 | Boston Public Library Archival and Manuscript Finding Aid Database

By Rare Books and Manuscripts Department staff, November 2011

Collection Overview

Title: Haitian Collection, 1714-1916

Predominant Dates: 1783-1839

Collection Identifier: MS Haiti

Extent: 2000.0 Items

Subjects: Dessalines, Jean-Jacques, 1758-1806., France — Colonies, Haiti -- History -- Revolution, 1791-1804., Haiti — Civilization, Haiti — Politics and Government — To 1791, Haiti — Relations — United States, Haiti — Social Conditions, Slavery — Haiti — History, Toussaint Louverture, 1743-1803

Languages: French, English

Abstract

Scope and Contents of the Materials

This collection dates from 1714 to 1916 (with gaps) and documents French colonial rule of Saint Domingue, the slave insurrection, the beginning of Haitian self-rule, and the development of the Republic. Important figures include Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Toussaint Louverture, Henry (Henri) Christophe, Alexandre Pétion, Jean Pierre Boyer, Donatien-Marie-Joseph de Vimeur, and Julien Raimond. Among the most common topics covered are slavery and the slave trade, commercial activities, and colonial life. In addition, there are several letters that contain events that occurred during the American Revolution. Included are correspondence, financial records, and legal documents.

Collection Historical Note

From 1660 to 1804, Haiti, then known as Saint Domingue, was a French colony located on the island of Hispaniola where African slaves were used to work on the plantations that produced tobacco, indigo, cotton, and cacao. Inspired by the French Revolution, Toussaint Loverture, a freed slave, led an insurrection in 1791 that put an end to slavery in Saint Domingue. In order to maintain French control, in 1801 Napoleon Bonaparte sent an invasion force, but all attempts failed. On January 1, 1804, Jean Jacques Dessalines, leader of the rebels, declared independence from France. In 1806, after the assassination of Dessalines, the country was divided in two: a kingdom in the north led by Henri Christophe and a republic in the south ruled by Alexandre Pétion. In 1821, Jean Pierre Boyer reunified Haiti and in 1825, negotiated an agreement with France which stipulated that France would recognize Haiti as an independent nation in return for 150 million francs (later reduced to 90 million francs). A revolt led by Charles Rivière-Hérard overthrew Boyer in 1843 and a long period political and economic instability ensued that ended with the occupation of Haiti by the United States in 1915.

Subject/Index Terms

Dessalines, Jean-Jacques, 1758-1806.
France — Colonies
Haiti -- History -- Revolution, 1791-1804.
Haiti — Civilization
Haiti — Politics and Government — To 1791
Haiti — Relations — United States
Haiti — Social Conditions
Slavery — Haiti — History
Toussaint Louverture, 1743-1803

Administrative Information

Repository: Boston Public Library Archival and Manuscript Finding Aid Database

Access Restrictions: Collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions:

Items in this collection may be subject to copyright restrictions. The Boston Public Library does not hold copyright on the material in this collection. Researchers are responsible for identifying and contacting the persons or organizations that hold copyright.

When reproducing material from this collection please include the credit line "Courtesy of the Trustees of the Boston Public Library/ Rare Books."

Acquisition Method: The collection was purchased with various funds.

Related Materials:

Rochambeau, Donatien Marie Joseph de Vimeur, vicomte de, 1750-1813. MS 3127

Rochambeau, Donatien Marie Joseph de Vimeur, vicomte de, 1750-1813. MS 3128

For books and pamphlets on Haiti, please consult the Hunt Hispanola History Collection finding aid located in the Rare Books and Manuscripts Department.

Preferred Citation: Haitian Collection. MS Haiti. Rare Books and Manuscripts Department, Boston Public Library. Courtesy of the Trustees of the Boston Public Library/Rare Books.

Processing Information: Finding aid written by Rare Books and Manuscripts staff.

Finding Aid Revision History: Updated by Tara Maharjan, November 2011.

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Item:

[Item MS Haiti 1: see Item Oversized],
[Item MS Hat2-1: see Item Oversized],
[Item MS Hai2-2: see Item Oversized],
[Item MS Haiti 3: see Item Oversized],
[Item MS Haiti 4: see Item Oversized],
[Item MS Haiti 5: see Item Oversized],
[Item MS Haiti 6: see Item Oversized],
[Item MS Hait 7: Toussaint Loverture, Pierre Dominigue, 1764-1803. Ms. L.S. to Gen. Laveaux; Petite Rivière, 17 September 1795],
[Item MSHait 8-1: Vincent, Charles de. Ms. L. (copy) to Toussaint Louverture arguing against Haitian independence and promulgation of constitution; Alexandria, Va., 7 aout 1801., 7 August 1801],
[Item MS Hait8-2: Vincent, Charles de. Ms. L. (copy) to Toussaint Loverture describing prejudice against blacks in United States and chiding him for allowing others to delude him into issuing constitution and breaking with France; Phildelphia, 17 aout 1801, 17 August 1801],
[Item MS Hait 9: France. Armée. Direction de St. Domingue, Division du nord. Rapport d'une reconnaissance faite depuis le village de la Vega jusqu'a baye de Samanah par les citoyens Barre & Lacroix, ingénieurs de l'estat; Samana, 19 juin 1801, 19 June 1801],
[Item MS Hait 10: France. Commission à Santo Domingo. Premier rapport des naturalistes employés par la commission du gouvernement francais à St. Domingo en mission dans la partie espagnole de Saint Dominque; San Juan de Maguana, 9 janvier 1799. Prepared by Augard, botanist and Advonier, mineralogist., 9 January 1799],
[Item MS Hait 11: France. Armée. Armée de St. Domingue. Génie militaire. Suite de la correspondance de service. Direction de Moulut; Port Républicain [i.e. Port-au-Prince] 24 novembre 1802-12 avril 1803. Ms.D., 24 November 1802-12 April 1803],
[Item MS Hait 12: Tempete, Louis. Testament giving all his property to his former master Louis Barbaut of Paris; Léogane, 12 decembre 1742. Ms.D. (copy), 12 December 1742],
[Item MS Hait 13: France. Armée. direction de St. Domingue. Reconnoissance de la coste depuis le Port-au-Prince jusqu'a L'Anse à Veau; Port-au-Prince, 9 avril 1789. Ms.D.S. (de Vilaire) On condition of coastal fortifications., 9 april 1789],
[Item Hait 14: Meriam. Francis J. Notes on Haitian history and bibliography; Port-au-Prince, etc. [18-?] Ms.DD.],
[Item MS Hait 15: Meriam, Francis J. Notes on bibliography of Haitian constitution; [Port-au-Prince? 18--?] Ms.D.],
[Box 66],
[Box 67],
[Box 68],
[Box 69],
[Box 70],
[Box 71],
[Box 72],
[Item Oversized],
[All]

Box 72

Folder 1: See Item Oversized

Folder 2: See Item Oversized

Folder 3: Toussaint, Louverture, Pierre Dominique, 1746-1803., 5 June 1798

Ms.L.S. to Létombe relating news from St. Domingue concerning defeat of English and changes in administration; Cap Français, 5 juin 1798.

Folder 4: Jauge & fils, merchants, Bordeaux, 31 January 1781

Ms.L.S. to Garesché et Billoteau, merchants, Port-au-Prince, on price of coffee, sugar, etc. & announcing safe arrival of ships and departure of Guichen's convoy; Bordeaux, France, 31 janvier 1781. Postal markings.

Folder 5: Poupet frères, merchants, Cap Français, Haiti., 19 September 1781

Ms.L.S. to Garesché & Billoteau, merchanges, Port-au-Prince, on shipping & expecting Le Bonhomme Richard in convoy from Martinique; Cap Français, 19 septembre 1781. Postal markings.

Folder 6: Cousin, Vincente, 22 August 1789

Ms.N.S. to Foache fréres, merchantsm Havre, sending coffée on consignment for account of m. Derré; Cap Français, 22 août 1789. Postal markings.

Folder 7: Boyer, Jean Pierre, Pres. Haiti, 1776-1850., 9 June 1818

A.L.S. to [?] thanking him for anti-slavery tract and commending his efforts in anti-slavery movement; Port-au-Prince, 9 June 1818.

Folder 8: Chanlatte, Juste, comte de Rosier., 28 October 1820

Henry Christophe; Cap Haitien, 28 octobre 1820. A.Ms.

Biographical sketch.

Folder 9: See Item Oversized

Folder 10: Foucaud, A. A.L.S. to Toussaint Louverture, Cap-Français, Haiti, 21 May 1801

A. Foucaud to Toussaint Louverture, Cap-Français, 21 May 1801. Foucaud requests payment for provisions supplied Louverture. 1s. (2p.)

Folder 11: Forbes, John Grant and Co. A.L.S. to Captain Stephen Homer, Port-au-Prince, 17 February 1793

Forbes provides a list of supplies including foodstuffs and building materials. He notes that “rebellious negroes” in the plains have interfered considerably with trade and are being destroyed, but advises Homer not to leave, although some small vessels are still able to travel if need be. 1s. (4p.)

Folder 12: Barré, Henri. A.L.S. to Commodore Loring, on board the frigate Surveillante, 1 October 1803

Barré petitions Loring to grant the ship Mars of Bordeaux passage to France to return the sick and wounded, promising that there should be nothing abroad but the flags of truce. Returned to Barré with a note from Loring expressing his regret that it is beyond his power to comply with Barré’s request. 1s. (4p.)

Folder 13: Légitime, François Denys. A.L.S. to J. E. Fenton, Port-au-Prince, 10 December 1888

Légitime (President of Haiti from 1888-89) appoints Fenton first officer of the steamer Belize, renamed Defense and expresses his hope that Fenton will perform well. 1s. (2p.)

Folder 14: Boyer, Jean-Pierre. A.L.S. to John Brown, Port-au-Prince, 3 June 1818

Boyer (President of Haiti 1818-43) sends authorization for the treasury to pay the rent for his school house. He also commends Brown for his good works and philanthropy in instructing the Haitian youth. 1s (2p.)

Folder 15: Louverture, Toussaint. A.L.S. to Commissaire Raimond, 1 October 1796

Louverture writes to the commissaire of the French Government and assures him that he has no fears regarding the departure of General Desfourneaux for France. He also worries that the general harbors resentment against him, but claims that he has not merited it and in fact would be willing to hold him as a friend. 1s. (2p.)

Folder 16: Document describing outfitting of French Republic ship, 18 April 1802

D. Ms. S. detailing the outfitting of a ship, including the crew, the captain, and the rights the captain has paid for (right to discharge, permission for shipment, and expeditition of receipt); n.p. 1s. (2p.)