American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1822-11-29
HISTORY OF HAYTI.


When the Spaniards first arrived at this island
called by the natives Ayti Haiti it vas divided in
to FIVE Kingdoms, under as many caciques, and was
exceedingly populous. III treatment, however, and
fatigue, to which their invaders subjected them in
the mines, for the purpose Of gratifying their ava
rice, and broken spirits. soon wasted the numerous
and happy people The Spsnsrds then had recourse
to neighooring isles for supply OF men to labor in
their stead. They first seduced about lorty thous-
and rom the Lucaros, by representing to them that
they would lead them to delightful region the re-
sdence OF their departed friends and relatives Soon
harsh treatment carried Oft the supply they had
thus received and they adopted other expedlens to
furnish diggers in the mine. They visited Gauda
coupe, but found the natives their guard, and able
80 defend themselves, and they therefore made a
voyage to Africa, and procured there the recruits
they desired This was the commencement OF The
modern traffic in African slaves and the success
sors aud descendants Of these FIRST sufferers have
been the first to rise and subdue their masters and
tyrants, and declare themselves independent. Since
che commencement ofthis trade it is estimated that
over twenty millions Of people have been victims to
the cruel avarice OF man. The coasts of Africa, 7
says the Baron de Vastey, Hayten writer, 6 once
30 populous, have become deserted, this mine oil
men is exhausted; and slaves are now taken from
the interior. OF this immense number Of victims,
lions of our fellow countrymen have been sacrificed
by the murderous bsrbarity Of tyrant masters "
The Island Of Hayti is four hundred leagues in
compass one hundred and fifty in length, and sixty
in breadth at the widest parts; in some places not
more than thirty. II contains about as many square
miles as England and Wales. 1t has undergone
lnany political changes, having been in possession
Of the Spanish, French and English, two several
times each 4 had, more than century and hal
ago, several monasleries, college, with revenue
Of four thousand ducats, and hospital with twenty
two thousand
In the year 1891, the Island being then divided
between the French and Spanish, an instruction o
the negroes broke out in the French colony ant
In '95. about FIVE thousand OF them assisted by til,
fnuIaloes entered Cape Francois the capital OF tina
Island, and massscred all the inhabitants, excep
those who had noted for their humanity. They
continued for some time in state OF lHsurrection
war. till they succeeded expelling the French,
establishing an independent empire Of their own.
This was accomplished in sos, and was declar
ed lst January, 804. Since this PERIOD and unit
within few years, the northern and southern part
Of the island we're divided under Two forms of go
vernment, the north being monarchcal and tn
south republican. On the death Of Christophe, VIII
ruled the north, where the black population is prin
cipay centered the people voluntarily relinqusht
the i'll administered government oil their late chei
and formed union with the more benehcient, ye
we'll conducted and Efficient government of Boyer
whose command in the south, under the title OF pre-
sident had become extremely popular. This unto
has produced the happest consequences 10 Hayt
by calling forth the resources Of the country to on
obect-and that object directed to the increase
agriculture and the habits of civil life.
The blacks who nhabit the island of Hayti, an
who form large majority, have much highe
mental cultivation tha> is generally credited
them by foreigners. Not only schools, we'll regu
lated and having well organized committees ofsl
pervision and the regular issue Of newspaper fror
free press, attest this; but written bill OF right
exceedingly well Defined and minute in detail, an
some able political writings give evidence OF muc
wisdom, in the science of government.
Their commercial importance is 100 well know
10 require any notice in this place. The necessi
of keeping an aimed force in the West Indian sea
will probably require some pert tor the rendeyo
and repair OF our public vessels Of war; and this
land will afford one well suited to he convenient
and safety OF these ships in that quarter, as beir
the healthiest of any to be found in the greater
lesser Antilles.
For their military skill, the long struggle for
berty. and the successful issue of that strugg
speak louder and clearer than any writing can
But still knowing all this, Our countrymen seem r
ready, at present, to acknowledge their indepe
dence. Preiudices have been long fixed in q
minds against this Of people, which will requ
some further time to eradicate. But. Tor ourselv
we must confess that we have not learned any pr
eipIe in philosophy, that shows natural incoml
ability Of black skin, any other feature OF I
neople, f2g excellence in government or science,