Alexandria Gazette, Commercial And Political

ST. DOMINGO
We are indebted to a respectable
gentleman, recently from the West
Indies, for the subsequent information:
Amongst the French forces arrived
in the West Indies, at the Islands
of Guadaloupe & Martinique, (which
Islands were surrendered to France
about the eighth of Nov.) are two
divisions of the French army, destined
for the conquest of the Island of
St. Domingo; which it is said will
be undertaken in the spring, provided
the agents of that government,
who are coming out to ascertain the
disposition of the Chiefs of Hayti re-
lative to pacification with France,
shall conceive such a conquest prac-
ticable—in the event of the said
chiefs not agreeing to place them-
selves and subjects under the mild
and friendly protection of France.
One of the French Generals, com-
manding in the Expedition, left
Guadaloupe about the first of Nov.
last, for Jamaica—the object of his
visit to that Island, was understood
to be for the purpose of consulting
the governor General, and making
the necessary arrangements prepara-
tory to carrying offensive measures
into execution, should such be deemed
necessary, in promoting the interest
of France.
The two Chiefs of St. Domingo,
Christophe and Pétion, have, for a
considerable time past, been apprised
of the intention of the French Go-
vernment, and, the more effectually
to resist the common Enemy,
(France) have entered into a confed-
eration, and formed a treaty offensive &
defensive, by which they jointly ob-
ligate themselves, that, should
France attempt a reduction of any
part of their possessions, each shall
call out the whole of his physical
forces, and unite in resisting the ene-
my to the utmost of their ability.
But to prevent the effusion of hu-
man blood, they (Christophe and Pétion)
are desirous of coming on-
amicable terms with France. And do
agree, that should she relinquish
the intention of subjugating Hayti,
that they will grant to France, the
exclusive trade of said island, (so far
as they at present possess) prohibiting the same to every other nation,
except in such articles of necessity,
as France cannot supply.
That French American citizens will be
permitted to reside and settle a-
monst them: subject, nevertheless,
to the laws of the territory under
which they may live.—that their
persons and property will, at all
times, be respected and protected.
The Chiefs of Hayti have agreed,
in case France persists in the invasion
of their dominions, to burn, lay waste,
and destroy every City, Town, Forti-
fication and place they by force of
arms, may be compelled to retreat
from, and finally to take refuge in the
mountains.
Christophe has observed, "that it
must cost France much money (not
to mention lives) before she can ac-
complish the destruction and capture
of his possessions."
"If," said he,
"she is bent on this, let her give
me one half the sum such prepara-
tions will cost, and I'll save her the
loss of many valuable men and much
trouble—for if she compels me, I
have determined on destroying every
inhabitable place within my do-
minions, rather than they should fall into
her hands."—Pouisson.