1789 · [Cap Français
by [Saint Domingue]
[Cap Français, 1789. 3pp. on a. single folded sheet. Minor soiling. Untrimmed. Near fine. This imprint consists of a speech made to the Northern General Assembly, based in the leading city of the colony, Cap Français, criticizing a list of grievances filed by the colony of Saint Domingue. Of particular interest is an article regarding the inherent superiority of the upper class, particularly plantation owners, which the speaker denigrates as bestowing an arbitrary power and dignity on them. These "doleances" (complaints) came from the small planters who were ready to use the French Revolution to attack the grand planters, causing the hierarchy of the colony to deteriorate rapidly. This served as a precursor to the devastating slave revolt which soon followed.
A rare imprint, evidently unrecorded (Inventory #: WRCAM51163)
A rare imprint, evidently unrecorded (Inventory #: WRCAM51163)