Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1809-06-21
Fran the Norfolk Ledger.

10 The EDITOR,
In your paper Of Friday last, you notice
the case of the Haytian brig Victor, which
you say has been seized as French ship
The facts, that she has not been libeAea,
but her case is referred to the treasury de-
partment. will consider this subject as
tho the vessel had been seized, as case
likely to present some difficulty.
1t is certain that the act of Congress, pro-
hibiting intercourse vita the island Of Saint
Domingo, will favour the construction that
this vessel ought TO be considered asFrench,
but as that act might have been dictated by
considerations of policy, the subject will
now be be examined by considerations of
Justice, growing out of natural and political
rights.
1t will be necessary as preliminary
question, which must be first settled,.to de
termine whether the inhabitants of St. Do
mingo, are slaves, who have reyolted, or
whether they are subjects Of France, who
from oppression or motives Of policy, have
declared themselves independent, and have
maintained their independence.
In regard to their being slaves, I would
be distinctly understood as not inclined to
combat the arguments of those who deny
that there should be any slavery. am Of
the class of practical politicians who take
things in some degree as I find them. 1t is
enough for me to know that slavery has ex-
listed from the earliest history OF man that
il was tolerated among people, who by
way Of distinction were termed Gods cho-
sen people that it existed in the free states
of Greece and Rome, and that it existed in
Saint Domingo. If then the people of that
island are slaves, who have rcvolted from
their masters, it would be an act of offence
to France and .ustifable cause of war, if
the u. States were to hold an intercourse
with them as an indepen,len nation.
But | think there is al5undan. evidence to
shew that by France herself, the people of
that island are consdeied as citizens hav-
ing shewn that to be tn. case, the next CUES
ton that presents itself, is their indepen-
dence--l will not upon this occasion avail
myself Of the fantastic diets passed by the
assemblies and coventions of France, while
under the guidance Of their Brissots, G9n-
dorcsts, and their philosophical associates,
nor yet Of their Santerre's, Robespierre's
Legandres, and the host Of crime trained
rufians, who succeeded each other in their
bloody course bun | wiki appeal to the acts
of the French government, after it had been
aeitated and tossed in "the tempestuous
sea of liberty" and was quietly reposng in
the 6 calm of despotism" under the great
Napoleon.
INN ediately after the peace of Amiens,
France turned her attention to St. Domingo
and dispatched mighty feet and army to
that colony, the army under LIE G2lyc, the
brother in law of Napoleon Bonaparte, then
first consul.
Upon landing LIE Clerc circulated the fol-
lowing proclamation:
!" The first consM to The Inhabitants Of ST.
Domingo.
" Paris, tie II Bauuaire.
Inhabitants of St. Domingo.
Whatever your origin, or your co
lor, you are fall French, you are all free,
and all equal before God add before the re.
public.
France has been, like St. Domingo,
prey to factions, torn by civil and foreign
wars. But all has changed all people have
embraced the French, and have sworn to
them peace and amity; all the French have
embraced each other also, and have sworn
to be all friends and brothers. Come also,
embrace the French, and rejoice to see a
gain your friends, and your brothers Of Eu-
rope.
the government sends you the captain
general Leclerc: he has brought with him
great forces for protecting you against your
enemies, and against the enemies of the
republic. FIT De said to you these forces
-. lot:,,oJ Tn roz,;eh firm, nm, ,,o,,r J;bert,,