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Pétition des patriotes déportés des isles Martinique, Guadeloupe et Saint-Lucie, à la Convention Nationale
Date(s)
- 1794 (Creation)
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"A petition from French veterans of wars in the Caribbean from Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Saint-Lucie protesting the vilification of their actions in the colonies to the French National Convention, which governed France from 1792 to 1795. According to the tract, it was perceived in France because of the racial aspects of the Caribbean conflicts that, 'Tous les habitans des Colonies sont les enemies de la république et les assassins des hommes de couleur.' The petitioners therefore appeal to the National Convention to rectify this view and to rehabilitate those affected, writing that, 'Dequis cinq ans notre sang coule pour la France... et maintenant nous ne sommes ruinés et deportés, que parce qu'il est impossible aux vrais républicains de reconnoître d'autre souveraineté que celle de Peuple Français, d'autres législaturs que la Convention Nationale.' They then further state their allegiance to France and request their rightful compensation. A rare and interesting document of the effect of the French Revolution on Caribbean colonial affairs." –Description from William Reese Company