Jean François Papillon
Jean François Papillon - a.k.a. Jean François (d. 1820) Leader of the the 1791 slave revolt; reportedly present at the vodou ceremony at Bois Caïman. A maroon, he despised his former master. "Ambitious, volatile, frivolous, and charming... highly intelligent. He was not a brave man but hated violence and could only bring himself to it when drunk, at which time his normal sexual feelings turned to brutality." Desire for self-aggrandizement. Magnetic. (Parkinson, pp 39-40) "A commander with a touch of greatness" Used ruse and brutal discipline to keep the army in check, "but he also employed the velvet glove of charm of manner, gaiety and good looks which made those who served under him his willing followers." (Parkinson, p 47) A very talented general, nearly equal to Toussaint Louverture.
"Jean François remained in the service of Spain" after the Treaty of Basle ceded the eastern portion of Hispaniola to France in 1795. "He was made lieutenant general and retired to Cadiz, later becoming Governor of Orun. He was rich and popular with the Spanish court, particularly with the women, his remarkable good looks and fine physique were considered exotic and he made a most favourable and successful impression. He forgot St. Domingue and revolutions as quickly as he could, never setting foot on the island again, but living a life of luxurious carefree pleasure until he died in 1820." (Parkinson, p. 92)
See Also
References
- Parkinson, Wenda (1978). This Gilded African. London: Quartet Books. ISBN 0-7043-2187-4
