Jean Baptiste Chavannes

Jean Baptiste Chavannes (Grande-Rivière-du-Nord about 1748 - Port-au-Prince, February 23, 1791) a mulatto who had voluntarily joined the contingent from Saint-Domingue to aid the American troops during the American Revolution. He is noted for his accomplishments in battles in New York, Virginia and during the retreat from Savannah in 1778.

Chavannes sides with Vincent Ogé

After Vincent Ogé returned from his trip to Louisiana to procure weapons, Chavannes joined his cause. He pleaded to free all slaves, but was opposed by Ogé, who at this point only wanted to fight for the freedom of the affranchis. After Ogé and his troops were extradited from the Spanish controlled part of the island, Chavannes was brought to Port-au-Prince were he was brutally tortured and was executed in the presence of the provincial assembly and authorities. He is said to have protested the oppression of people of color by the French colonial authorities until his very last moment.