Act of Independence

The 'Act of Independence' was drafted by Boisrond Tonerre and read by Jean-Jacques Dessalines on the Place d'Armes of Gonaïves on January1, 1804.

'LIBERTY OR DEATH' Gonaïves, January 1, 1804 Year I of Independence Today, January 1, 1804, the General in Chief of the Indigenous Army, accompanied by generals and army chiefs convoked in order to take measures tending to the happiness of the country: After having made known to the assembled generals his true intention of forever ensuring to the natives of Haiti a stable government — the object of his greatest solicitude, which he did in a speech that made known to foreign powers the resolution to render the country independent, and to enjoy the liberty consecrated by the blood of the people of this island; and, after having gathered their opinions, asked each of the assembled generals to pronounce a vow to forever renounce France; to die rather than to live under its domination; and to fight for independence with their last breath. The generals, imbued with these sacred principles, after having with one voice given their adherence to the well manifested project of independence, have all sworn before eternity and before the entire universe to forever renounce France and to die rather than live under its domination. Signed: Dessalines General-in-Chief Christophe, Pétion, Clerveaux, Vernet, Gabart Major Generals P.Romain, G. Gérin, L. Capois, Jean-Louis Francois, Férou, Cangé, G. Bazelais, Magloire Ambroise, J.J. Herne, Toussaint Brave, Yayou Brigadier generals Bonet, F. Paplier, Morelly, Chevalier, Marion Adjutants-general Magny, Roux Brigade Chiefs Chaperon, B. Goret, Macajoux, Dupuy, Carbonne, Diaquoiainé, Raphael, Malet, Derenoncourt Army officers Boisrond Tonnerre Secretary

Source

Translation by Mitch Abidor marxists.org
CopyLeft: Creative Commons (Attribute & ShareAlike) marxists.org 2004.