HAITI: Secret History, or, the Horrors of St Domingo, in a Series of Letters Written by a Lady at Cape Francois to Colonel Burr, Late Vice-President of the United States
1808. 225p
The document delves into the consequences of indulging in fashion and dissipation, leading to the loss of native simplicity. It discusses a preposterous marriage event and reflects on power dynamics in St. Domingo, shedding light on societal vices and the impact of flirtation and jealousy. The narrative unfolds with events at a party, a situation of confinement, and a chilling act of demanding money under the threat of death.
Furthermore, the document explores the social scene, entertainment, and unrest among the Creoles and Negroes in the region. It portrays examples of fidelity and attachment among the oppressed slaves, contrasting with the self-indulgent ease of the oppressors. The author expresses a longing to return to the continent, reminiscing about the freedom of wandering on the banks of the Schuylkill and the open fields surrounding Philadelphia, feeling like a prisoner in the confined space of St. Domingo.
The narrative also touches on the contrast between the tranquil ocean voyage and the desolation found upon landing in St. Domingo, where the town is depicted as a heap of ruins. It hints at the impending wretchedness of the author's sister due to a hasty marriage choice and the stark differences between her and her husband. The document paints a vivid picture of a tumultuous and complex social landscape, filled with intrigue, danger, and a yearning for a return to familiar surroundings.