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The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
Letter from Cape-Français, Sept. 7, 1791, details French colonial forces' struggles against Negro insurgents in Saint-Domingue: massacres of whites, female prisoners forced into servitude, over 200 sugar plantations burned. Writer escaped with losses; engagements inconclusive, commanding officer killed; M. de Rouvray now commands.
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"Since my last I have not been able to leave the army for a moment, which is actually employed against the Negro insurgents--They have massacred a great number of the whites, and have taken prisoners, some females of that complexion, whom they force to do the duties of servants--They have burned more than 200 sugar plantations.--I was compelled to escape by flight, and could save nothing--My wardrobe, my furniture and plate are all in their possession--We have had several engagements with them, but without any decisive success;--Our commanding officer was killed by my side, as well as several officers, who were planters in the district.--I hope we shall be more fortunate in our next attack---M. de Rouvray, whom you are acquainted with, is commander in chief---The time is pressing, and I cannot give you a more particular detail at present."
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Where did it happen?
Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Cape Francois
Event Date
Sept. 7, 1791
Key Persons
Outcome
great number of whites massacred; some white females taken prisoner and forced into servitude; more than 200 sugar plantations burned; commanding officer and several officers killed; several engagements without decisive success
Event Details
The army is engaged against Negro insurgents who have massacred whites, taken female prisoners to serve as servants, and burned over 200 sugar plantations. The writer escaped by flight, losing personal possessions. Several engagements occurred without decisive success; the commanding officer was killed alongside the writer, as were several planter officers. M. de Rouvray is now commander in chief. Hopes for better fortune in the next attack.