ST.
D O M I N G O .
They were received however, from refpect to their appointment, with politenefs and fubmiffion, both by the governor and the inhabitants. Military honours were fhewn them, and they were led in publick proceffion to the cathedral, where the bleffing of the Almighty was devoutly implored for fuccefs to their miffion. firft proceeding, after announcing t h e new conftitution and form of government for the mother country, as con足 firmed by the king, was to publifh the decree of the 24th of September 1 7 9 1 , by which the fatal decree of the 15th of May was annulled. So far all was well: but a few days after足 wards they took upon them to proclaim a general amnefty and pardon to fuch people, of all defcriptions, as fhould lay down their arms, and come in, within a certain prefcribed time, and take the oaths required by the new constitution. This meafure loft them the confidence of all the white inhabitants: a general amnefty to the men of colour and revolted flaves, was confidered as a juftification of the moft horrible enormities, and as holding out a dangerous example to fuch of the negroes as preferved their fidelity; and it loft its effect on the mulattoes, by being accompanied with a repeal of their favourite decree. W i t h what contempt and indignity it was received by the latter, the following circumftance will demonftrate. At Petit Goave, the mulattoes were mafters, and held in clofe confinement thirtyfour white perfons whom they referved for vengeance. On the publication of this amneily, they led them to execution: but inftead of putting them to immediate death, they caufed each of them to be broken alive ; and in the midft of their tor足 ture^ THEIR
103 CHAp. VIII.