Page 19 - 2021-bfw-henretta-10e

A M E R I C A I N T H E W O R L D
AMERICA IN THE WORLD

The slave uprising on the French island of Saint-Domingue triggered international
The Haitian war, created a refugee crisis, and ended with the creation of a new republic. The
American Revolution did all these things as well, yet the United States did not sup-
Revolution and the port either the rebellion or the republic of Haiti. Some 25,000 refugees from Saint-
Domingue arrived in American ports between 1791 and 1810, about two-thirds of
Problem of Race them black. Though all were fleeing the insurrection, many Americans feared that the
new arrivals might carry the contagion of slave rebellion. Yet the refugees were also
objects of charitable relief, and many were welcomed in their adoptive communities.

SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL’S RESOLUTION IN RESPONSE everything. Some French patriots here, and a number of
TO THE HAITIAN UPRISING, 1795 Americans, have already made up a small sum of their
Whereas, from the mischiefs which the people of relief; no doubt the generosity of the Philadelphians and of
St. Domingo, and other French islands, have experienced, the inhabitants of every city on the continent will prompt
from the insurrection of their Negroes and People of them to follow the example. Among these unfortunate
Colour, the precautions taken by the people of South people are a number of French patriotic Captains who have
Carolina . . . to prevent the importation or landing of any been obliged to fly and abandon their vessels and property;
such Negroes or Mulattoes amongst them, and the infor- numbers of old men and heads of families, once wealthy, but
mation the Citizens now assembled have received, that a now reduced to misery and want. Some among them may
vessel is now lying at Cockspur, recently from Kingston, have by their guilt drawn the misfortunes they feel on their
[Jamaica], with near one hundred Negroes on board, own heads, but they are all unfortunate, and pity is the only
whose landing may be dangerous to the inhabitants of this sentiment that their heart breaking situation can inspire.”. . .
state, with the daily expectation of many more; therefore, S ource: “Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman in Baltimore to His Friend in This City,
to prevent the evils that may arise from suffering people Containing Some Important Details Relative to the Unfortunate Affair at Cape-Fran-
of this description, under any pretense whatever, from cois, July 9,” Pennsylvania Gazette , July 17, 1793, 1.
being introduced amongst us, the Citizens pledge them-
selves unanimously to support the City Council in any EXCERPTS FROM THE CONSTITUTION OF 1801
salutary measures they may adopt[.]… ESTABLISHED BY THE CENTRAL ASSEMBLY OF
Resolved , That any vessel that has arrived, or may arrive, SAINT-DOMINGUE
in this port, with seasoned Negroes, or People of Colour, Article 1. – Saint-Domingue in its entire expanse, and
from any of the West India, Windward, Leeward, or Bahama Samana, La Tortue, La Gonave, Les Cayemites, L’Ile-a-Vache,
Islands, East or West Florida, or any other port whatever, . . . La Saone and other adjacent islands form the territory of a
shall not be permitted to come over the Bar, nor anchor single colony, which is part of the French Empire, but ruled
within the anchorage ground of this port. . . . under particular laws. . . .
Article 3. – There cannot exist slaves on this territory,
S ource: Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and
Rare Books Division, Image ID 1243998, digitalgallery.nypl.org . servitude is therein forever abolished. All men are born, live
and die free and French.
PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE , RELIEF EFFORTS IN Article 4. – All men, regardless of color, are eligible to all
BALTIMORE, JULY 1793 employment.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Baltimore to his Article 5. – There shall exist no distinction other than
friend in this city, containing some important details relative those based on virtue and talent, and other superiority
to the unfortunate affair at Cape-Francois. . . . afforded by law in the exercise of a public function.
“One hundred and twenty vessels have entered the The law is the same for all whether in punishment or in
Chesapeake bay, with upwards of 1,200 passengers, men, protection.
women and children, on board, many of whom have escaped S ource: Haitian Constitution of 1801 (English), The Louverture Project,
by swimming from fire and sword, naked and in want of thelouvertureproject.org .

QUESTIONS FOR ANALYSIS arrived there in 1793. Use historical reasoning to compare
the historical context of Savannah City to Baltimore.

1. How does the first document express the fears of

American slaveholders? Why do you suppose the 3. How does the excerpt from the 1801 Constitution echo
Savannah City Council perceived Haitian refugees to themes of the American Revolution? What differences do
be a danger? And why do you think their resolution you see?
prohibited the importation of enslaved people from 4. Comparing the second document to the first, how would
other islands, including Jamaica? Describe the historical you say that the two revolutions impacted views of race
context of Savannah City as part of your reasoning. in Georgia and in Haiti?
2. Why did the residents of Baltimore described in the second

document respond so differently from the refugees who
Copyright © Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. Distributed by Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers.
Strictly for use with its products. Not for redistribution. 221

08_edwardsAPHS10e_28115_ch07_210_243_3pp.indd 221 15/09/20 8:55 PM