Lot #223

Henri Christophe

Description

“Without their clever methods, we would never have succeeded in getting hold of these documents because Agoustine Franco had tightly folded and carefully hidden them in a pouch under his armpit.”

King of Haiti. After purchasing his freedom from slavery, he played a prominent part in the insurrection against the French and the rising of 1803. Appointed president of Haiti in 1807, after the ensuing civil war, he was crowned King in 1812. Under his rule the country prospered, but his cruelty led to another insurrection. After being deserted by his troops, he shot himself in 1820. LS in French, signed “Henri,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 13, November 12, 1814. Letter to the Duke of Lanse. In part, “At last, my dear Archbishop, the secret intentions of the French Government towards us are now out in the open. Divine Providence seems to have brought about this event, by leading Agoustine Franco, an agent of H[is] M[ajesty] Louis 18th to me, so that I could learn of the treacherous instructions he was carrying along with his two accomplices…Thanks to the skills of the Duke of Marmelade and the Baron de Dupuy these documents are now in my hands. Without their clever methods, we would never have succeeded in getting hold of these documents because Agoustine Franco had tightly folded and carefully hidden them in a pouch under his armpit.” In very good condition, with scattered toning and soiling, small area of paper loss to third page not really affecting text, expected folds, with several folds reinforced with paper tape. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.

Auction Info

• Auction Title:
• Dates: #297 - Ended May 18, 2005