TOUSSAINT L'OUVERTURE
(1743 - 1803) Leader of the Haitian Revolution, led an army of black, mulatto and white soldiers to defeat British and Spanish forces, obtained an end to slavery in Haiti. Betrayed by the French, he died in captivity in France. Excellent partly-printed document in French, 8" x 12", completed in an unknown hand and signed by L'Ouverture in black ink at the conclusion, dated in the French Republican style, equivalent to Aug. 12, 1800. In this document, L'Ouverture appoints a military officer, in part: "...Since it is necessary to make an appointment to the rank of battalion Chief in the Battalion of Europe, and knowing the zeal, patriotism, and talents of citizen Salvony, Captain [of the] Battalion, we name and appoint said citizen Salvony Chief of Battalion and commander in the Battalion of Europe at St. Domingo, to carry out the duties and enjoy the honors and salary associated with said position..." The reverse of the document is marked as received by an unknown French officer. This document dates from a period in which L'Ouverture was consolidating his power in Haiti; in August, he had his main rival, mulatto leader Andre Rigaud, declared a traitor, forcing him to flee to France. The sheet is slightly worn at the edges, with some slight soiling, else in very good condition.