The Haitian Occupation of the Dominican Republic

[mountainannie]

a new source.. I have no idea who is posting.. or what the sources.. but it seems to have details.. for a start..
This is just to bridge the time gap between varying Haitian invastions and occupations..

El gobierno franc?s de Santo Domingo, encabezado por el General Louis Ferrand, hab?a favorecido las actividades agr?cola y maderera en desmedro del sector que hab?a ocupado el lugar principal en la vida econ?mica de la colonia espa?ola durante m?s de dos siglos: el sector hatero. La impopularidad de esta pol?tica aument? cuando se dispuso la prohibici?n de todo trato comercial con la parte occidental de la isla (ahora Hait?), trato que se realizaba tambi?n desde siglos atr?s y al que los conflictos e invasiones no hab?an puesto fin.

Cuando Napole?n invade Espa?a y hace prisionero a Fernando VII para obligarlo a abdicar al trono espa?ol, la poblaci?n criolla, afectada por las pol?ticas aplicadas y ofendida por la vejaci?n a la que consideraba su ?Madre Patria?, inicia un movimiento de sublevaci?n que acabar?a con el gobierno franc?s.

Guerra de Reconquista. La oposici?n a la ocupaci?n francesa estuvo integrada por dos grupos principales que presentaban distintos intereses y finalidades:

? Los comerciantes del sur, comandados por Ciriaco Ram?rez (asistido por Crist?bal H?ber y Salvador F?lix), que plantearon la lucha por la abolici?n de la esclavitud y la proclamaci?n de la independencia nacional.
? Los hateros del este, comandados por Juan S?nchez Ram?rez, uno de los emigrantes impulsados por la firma del Tratado de Basilea, que pretend?an el retorno al fuero espa?ol.

El grupo de hateros, que era much?simo m?s rico y poderoso y ten?a m?s apoyo social, logr? imponerse.

Fueron esenciales para la victoria criolla la batalla de Palo Hincado (7 de noviembre de 1808) y el sitio y bloqueo de la ciudad de Santo Domingo que durante ocho meses mantuvo el ej?rcito de Juan S?nchez Ram?rez.

El gobierno colonial de Puerto Rico, la Rep?blica de Hait? e Inglaterra suministraron hombres, armas, municiones y barcos a favor de los criollos en su lucha contra los franceses. El apoyo ingl?s fue decisivo, si bien la Corona brit?nica cobr? bastante caro su participaci?n en la guerra: inmensas cantidades de troncos de caoba, todas las campanas de las iglesias, parte de la mejor artiller?a de la ciudad, y el compromiso de las nuevas autoridades coloniales de permitir la libre entrada de los buques brit?nicos a los puertos y otorgar a sus productos el mismo tratamiento arancelario que el que se diera a los productos espa?oles.

gargle translate

The French government of Santo Domingo, led by Gen. Louis Ferrand , had favored farming and timber activities to the detriment of the sector that had occupied the leading place in the economic life of the Spanish colony for more than two centuries hatero sector . The unpopularity of this policy increased when it was decided to ban all commercial dealings with the western part of the island (now Haiti) , treatment was also performed for centuries and conflicts and invasions had not ended .

When Napoleon invaded Spain and taken prisoner to Fernando VII to force him to abdicate the Spanish throne , the Creole population , affected by government policies and offended by the humiliation to which they considered their " mother country " movement starts a rebellion that would end the French government.

War Reconquista . Opposition to the French occupation consisted of two main groups had different interests and purposes:

? Southern traders , led by Ciriaco Ramirez (assisted by Christopher Huber and Salvador Felix ) , who raised the struggle for the abolition of slavery and the proclamation of national independence.
? The hateros east, commanded by Juan Sanchez Ramirez , one of the emigrants driven by signing the Treaty of Basel , who wanted to return to Spanish jurisdiction .

Cattlemen 's group , which was much more rich and powerful and had more social support, managed to prevail .

They were essential to victory Battle of Palo Creole Hincado ( November 7, 1808 ) and the siege and blockade of the city of Santo Domingo, which for eight months maintained the army of Juan Sanchez Ramirez .

The colonial government of Puerto Rico , the Republic of Haiti and Britain provided men, arms , ammunition and boats in favor of the natives in their struggle against the French. The British support was decisive , although quite expensive British Crown claimed his participation in the war : immense quantities of mahogany logs , all church bells , some of the best artillery in the city, and the commitment of the new authorities colonial allow free entry of British ships to ports and give their products the same tariff treatment as that would give the Spanish products .
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[mountainannie]

so THIS is what happened to the Church bells of SANTO DOMINGO!!!!!

I keep wondering.. why?????? When there are so many churches.. and SO many BELL towers

why I never hear Bells????

the BRITISH TOOK THEM!!!

GIVE THEM BACK PLEASE we are a Unesco cultural historic city

Surely they could spare a couple?

reparations! reparations!

Bellringing at Lincoln Catherdral - YouTube

 

[Gurabo444]

No, I think that the slaugher at the church and the hangings of the notables in front of the people ,... the murder of the priest are actually accurate.. I have heard it.. "They killed white people"... and certainly the idea that these people .. would just slaughter "notables" supposedly innocents, civilians, at CHURCH.. and HANG the DON whatevers.. that would really make them savage in the eyes of Dominicans.. *and most people!

So you doubt a first person account of the events, yet believe to death your wiki articles to death, such bias. So you doubt children, women, men of all ages and race were slaughtered? You guys Serously need to read the account of Gaspar Arredondo, unlike what you and Quisqueya think, the catholic church or priests were far from being the Haitian's troops main target or reason for the Massacre. In fact, many priests were indeed killed, but many others were actually spare, or taken prisoners, it was noted that the Haitian troops were least likely to kill a Priest, common folks ran a much higher risk of being killed. Maybe some among the Haitian troops were catholic or respected the religion, thus why many priests were pardon, even though I repeat many also died.

Don't try to make it seem as if only a certain kind of Dominicans were targeted, as my quotes a few pages back state, all were killed without exceptions, even people of color. Entire towns disappear, staying uninhabited for years, this was not the killing of a few, but genocide. Is also true that many towns were burned to the grown, why do you gust that many towns such as La Vega, Cotui, and Santiago lack colonial infrastructure like Santo Domingo even though they're just as old, the last never suffered these atrocities while the first were victims of the fire.

"Al cabo de un a?o y medio las plazas eran montes, que casi era menester pr?ctico (gu?a/ndv) para ir de un barrio a otro y solo se ve?an ruinas y huesos de muertos.

as? permanecieron hasta el a?o 1808 en que el inmortal, el h?roe del siglo, el nunca olvidado don Juan S?nchez Ram?rez, hijo de Santiago (42) y vecino de la villa de Cotu?, reconquist? gloriosamente la parte espa?ola, o mejor dicho, la sac? de las manos del general de divisi?n Mr. Luis Ferrand, oblig?ndose a quitarse la vida con cuyo hecho calmaron las calamidades pasadas."

"In about a year and a half the towns had become montes (uninhabited) that from one neighborhood to the other only bones of the dead and ruins could be seen.

Like that they remained until the year 1808 when the immortal, the herou of the century, the never forgotten don Juan S?nchez Ram?rez, son of Santiago (42) and neighbor of the Cotui village , reconquest with glory the Spanish part, or in better terms, he took it out of the hands of the division general Mr. Luis Ferrand, taking his own life and thus ending the pass calamities."
http://archivodeorbe15.blogspot.com/2009/02/historia-de-mi-salida-de-la-isla-de.html

As you can see, if it only had been some priest, and notables the ones killed, these towns wouldn't have remained uninhabited for so long. It's also obvious that he blames the french for the many calamities, since after all they were the ones who abandoned the Cibao to its own fate.

 

[mountainannie]

Would make a lovely gift from HM the Queen on the Anniversary of some decisive something or other.. someone should just dash off a note .. a gift to the First Cathedral in the Americas,.. or better yet,, All the churches in the Colonial Zone.. wouldn't that wake everyone up from some wicked hang overs?

 

[AlterEgo]

So you doubt a first person account of the events, yet believe to death your wiki articles to death, such bias. So you doubt children, women, men of all ages and race were slaughtered? You guys Serously need to read the account of Gaspar Arredondo, unlike what you and Quisqueya think, the catholic church or priests were far from being the Haitian's troops main target or reason for the Massacre. In fact, many priests were indeed killed, but many others were actually spare, or taken prisoners, it was noted that the Haitian troops were least likely to kill a Priest, common folks ran a much higher risk of being killed. Maybe some among the Haitian troops were catholic or respected the religion, thus why many priests were pardon, even though I repeat many also died.

Don't try to make it seem as if only a certain kind of Dominicans were targeted, as my quotes a few pages back state, all were killed without exceptions, even people of color. Entire towns disappear, staying uninhabited for years, this was not the killing of a few, but genocide. Is also true that many towns were burned to the grown, why do you gust that many towns such as La Vega, Cotui, and Santiago lack colonial infrastructure like Santo Domingo even though they're just as old, the last never suffered these atrocities while the first were victims of the fire.

"Al cabo de un a?o y medio las plazas eran montes, que casi era menester pr?ctico (gu?a/ndv) para ir de un barrio a otro y solo se ve?an ruinas y huesos de muertos.

as? permanecieron hasta el a?o 1808 en que el inmortal, el h?roe del siglo, el nunca olvidado don Juan S?nchez Ram?rez, hijo de Santiago (42) y vecino de la villa de Cotu?, reconquist? gloriosamente la parte espa?ola, o mejor dicho, la sac? de las manos del general de divisi?n Mr. Luis Ferrand, oblig?ndose a quitarse la vida con cuyo hecho calmaron las calamidades pasadas."

"In about a year and a half the towns had become montes (uninhabited) that from one neighborhood to the other only bones of the dead and ruins could be seen.

Like that they remained until the year 1808 when the immortal, the herou of the century, the never forgotten don Juan S?nchez Ram?rez, son of Santiago (42) and neighbor of the Cotui village , reconquest with glory the Spanish part, or in better terms, he took it out of the hands of the division general Mr. Luis Ferrand, taking his own life and thus ending the pass calamities."
Archivo OrbeQuince: Historia de mi salida de la isla de Santo Domingo el 28 de Abril de 1805 | Por Gaspar de Arredondo y Pichardo

As you can see, if it only had been some priest, and notables the ones killed, these towns wouldn't have remained uninhabited for so long. It's also obvious that he blames the french for the many calamities, since after all they were the ones who abandoned the Cibao to its own fate.

Gurabo, just to head off another confrontation here, please re-read MA's post. She's clearly saying that she BELIEVES the slaughter at the church happened. I'm not sure if she's digested the fact that if she had been there, she would have been one of those killed.

On another note, yes, please sit with your great-grandmother and video tape your questions and her answers - don't put it off.

 

[mountainannie]

Guarbo... I have never said that I did not believe the accounts. I certainly believe the accounts. I certainly belive that the Haitians would have burned everything behind them in their retreat. That was what they did in the other side in the Revolution that shall not be mentioned. They burned the plantations to the ground. And that they had killed everyone that they could find who might fight against them also would not startle me.

This WIKI.. which you seem to scorn so much.. which I have posted again and again.. is from the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC DEPARTMENT of Education. IT does appear to have a record of the towns burnt. It does not seem to have a record of how many were killed.

That figure seems to be missing.

Also missing is the number of Haitians who invaded and the number of French troops who were garrisoned here.

We do know that 5000 French troops were left.

So, if you feel that the "wiki" that i posted is not complete, your quarrel is with your Ministrey of Education, not with me.


this is the gargled translation of the wiki I posted.. which is a wiki which is from the Ministry of Education of the Dominican Republic
Invasi?n de Dessalines - Enciclopedia Virtual Dominicana

After expelling the French of Haiti ( 1803 ) General Ferrand , who commanded them in Montecristi , was launched with some troops , and coming to Santo Domingo, General Kerverseau made ​​him surrender the government of the eastern , who remained faithful to France. Then he took to protect against the inhabitants of the West , establishing cantons from Fan to Neyba , and fortifying the hills of Puerto ( between San Juan and Azua ) . The Haitian cause had some adherents in the Cibao , but having them in December 1803 sent three deputies to Cap , and having been required Dessalines for supporting a contribution of 100 000 pesos fuertes , the Cibao returned to the French.

Shortly after one of the three deputies , Golf Tavares won by Dessalines , brought some men of color, formed with them a battalion Haitian , who named the Yaque , and seized Santiago. Warned French General Deveau , with 100 European soldiers and reinforcements Dominicans came , surprised Tavares, and took the town ( May 14, 1804 ) . But it was for a few days : the Brave Toussaint Haitian Dajab?n entered , and on May 26 took the population. Having retired after General Brave and the battalion Tavares Yaque . Deveau returned to Santiago and in possession of his inclination began to catch nearby. This was because of that the people will rise , and when they had arrested , he was referred to Santo Domingo, asking for another Governor. Ferrand sent a tan Vega, Serapio Reynoso , who knew grangearse the esteem of his fellow citizens and deserve good of France.

However, Dessalines , acclaimed emperor by the name of Jacques I, did not renounce extend his dominion over the whole island and the May 8, 1804 issued a proclamation in which he said the Dominicans : " Spanish , I give you 15 days to join under my flag . " In January 1805 , General Ferrand ( French general / ndv ) allowing said " the inhabitants of the frontiers of the Ozama and chased the rebels Cibao ( Haitian ) , and take prisoners only children 14 years old and under " ( only leave children alive ? / ndv ) . Such an order authorizing the extermination of the African race , and gave Dessalines pretext to prepare a formidable expedition.

The February 16, 1805 , met in Petite Riviere de l' Artibonite division of General Gabart of 5400 men , commanded by Brigadier Cange and Magny . The next day, in Mirebalais joined those forces P?tion division of 7800 soldiers under Brigadier Generals Magloire Ambroise and JB Daut . From there he sent to Las Matas , Fan , San Juan and Neyba order to submit, and was launched .

The 19 received the surrender of Las Matas , where he entered 23 at noon. Two days later ( the 25th) at 3pm held at San Juan , where he was little, and leaving a garrison of 300 men , with Isaac Borel , went 26 for Azua. The 28 , 3 leagues S. Del Yaque -Chico , El Puerto , had to stop in front of a redoubt called Tomb of the Indians , occupied by 800 French- Viet Dominicans under the commander . Attacked by leading Haitian advocates boldly resisted , but finally had to disband , having been imprisoned Viet . Dessalines did whip thorny death with rods , and a sapper Haitian heart devoured him .

On 1 March the Emperor entered in Azua , he found deserted , and which became Governor Juan Jimenez. The next day came Ocoa river , and finding everywhere Dominicans unfriendly to their view , estates began to burn . The four crossed the desert town of Bani , and two days later came to establish himself with his guard of grenadiers in Galindo 2500 , league and a half north of Santo Domingo .

While the Southern army effected such movements , another body penetrated the Dominican territory to the north . Christophe General (later king by the name of Henry I) with 900 Haitian general under P. Romain , Toussaint Brave , Raphael and Lalondrie , having left the Cap on February 18 , crossed the Grande- Riviere 19 , spent 20 Fort Libert? ( Bayaj? ) and 22 arrived in Sabana Larga. The next day passed Guayub?n river and taking the road from the river , came to camp out on the ranches of Savannah Hospital . On the 24th at noon reached the river Amina, and the next day morning to Yaque by the Other - Band .

Reynoso General Serapio , Governor of the Cibao by France , occupied the fort of West (after strong call of God) and the 1500 Franco- trenches with Dominicans and 12 cannon . Christopher sent one Pedro ... Haitian battalion Reynoso intimate Yaque order to surrender , he refused insulting gestures . 2000 When Haitians are thrown into the river, and protected by the shooting of the other troops , achieved through it , and hamper the fight in the savannah .

Long and fierce was the fight , the enemy cavalry shock defeat determined defenders. Reynoso and General Serapio N. Polanco and many companions perished with weapons in hand. At 9 am, Christopher , who had 60 wounded and 300 dead , entered this town , which was to drown in blood.

Immediately thereupon , the Franco - Dominican wounded were put to the sword in the streets.

On February 26 the remarkable Francisco Raimundo Campo, Francisco Escoto , Jos? de Rojas , Jose Nunez , Juan Curiel , Juan Nunez , N. Delmonte , Norberto Alvarez , Antonio Rodriguez and Blas Almonte were hung in doorways of the Cabildo , ( West front parade ), a lot of people granted asylum in the church , passed by bayonets , another large number of citizens , including the priest Pablo Alvarez put in jail .

The next day Colonel Field Tavarez leaving Haitian Governor and Captain Joubert Cibao of Santiago arms commander , Christopher forward to Dagger , the 28 La Vega found deserted , and 1st . March Yuna reached . The 2 received at the hands of the priest Cotu? submission , the four reached Arroyo Bermejo , and 7 at noon was found next to Dessalines .

From March 5th day the Emperor had summoned its surrender to the square. Reply Ferrand burned the town of San Carlos , which could protect Haitians , and concentrated defense to fortified walls . The garrison of the city had 35,000 French , and 12,000 people had brought a militia of 1300 men commanded by French Savary and Repussart mulattos . The forts were trimmed with numerous artillery . The Dessalines visited March 8 positions that enemy guns began to bother : Gabart division occupied the hills from the Ozama to San Carlos , the brigade JB Daut East , Cange the center and near Magny West Village Church ( San Carlos / ndv ) ; P?tion had entrenched their division from San Carlos to the sea.

Ferrand - to prevent food shortages - made ​​ship all useless people while two British ships , port blocking , preventing them from the start, and as renew their attempt, took them prisoners.

The September 1 thousand French troops out the door the Count to clear the way of Santa Cruz, and Magny forced her to retire .

The 11th at 8am Ferrand new attempt with 3 columns , the hunters take the church of San Carlos , and Magny put in danger sends reinforcement P?tion , who manages to repel the French .

The next day , General Geffrard 6000 arrived from Haiti with Haitians , and Christopher , after the Ozama past 8 leagues north of Santo Domingo came to billet troops in Pajarito : so was the city ( Santo Domingo / ndv ) completely fenced . But Dessalines was devoid of artillery, and only with the shooting of his infantry could answer the fire of the forts .

Until 23 Haitians continued fortifying and approaching their lines, and that day were half as strong shot of Santa Barbara, (north ) while parts Ferrand had to climb over the church of San Francisco in order to dominate with their fires .

The supplies were scarce, and as more wood was still lacking , General Barquier went to the East ( 25 ) for cutting mangroves Ozama , but its operation was frustrated .

Since the city was reduced to the extremity; Dessalines and was preparing to cap the site with a general assault , and the Haitian general Papalier had just arrived in the necessary artillery Venguer ... when the 26 , two French ships were at sea, and made signs that revived the besieged.

Indeed , 27 day fixed for the assault , the British ships moved away , leaving the French Navy harbor a 3 frigates , 3 corvettes and other small craft . In the afternoon , to harness the enthusiasm of his troops , made ​​a general output Ferrand , who could only reject the Haitian cavalry .

The next day ( March 21 ), the French admiral put ashore Missiessy a reinforcement of 500 men with General Lagrange and gave sailing west. Seeing the direction of that army , and fearing an attack on Haiti , Dessalines was determined to raise the siege . In the afternoon your cabeller?a met the inhabitants of the district of Santo Domingo, and headed for the border . The Emperor took the same road at 7 , and at night came to Bani. From 8 to 11 all his army abandoned the trenches as quietly , and was launched : Gabart , P?tion and Bani Geffrard by Christopher on the north . So ended the siege of Santo Domingo .

The two armies Haitians were pointing their way with the fire of populations and the rapture of the inhabitants. But Christopher excelled for their ferocity in this work of destruction . In order, Monte Plata, San Pedro and Cotu? were reduced to ashes , and its inhabitants slaughtered or taken captive .

In order, the commander Col 900 vegans dragged Antoine Santiago , Colonel Jean Jacques Bazile set fire to Moca , Golf Tav?rez and plundered and burned Poux Piere Puerto Plata, the commander Brossard, to Macoris , Captain Habilhomme to Montecristi , the commander Rois La Isabela .

On April 6, Christopher gathered his troops in Santiago , beheaded in the cemetery male prisoners , among whom were the Priest Vasquez and 20 priests , burned the town and its 5 churches , and went out, taking as a herd 249 women , 430 girls and 318 boys .

In their march Amina destroyed , sent to Colonel Etienne Albert to impose the same fate at Banica , and entered the crimes covered Guarico .

In May of that year the commander of Medina Franco Augustine , escaped from the battle of Santiago and Santo Domingo site , returned to the Cibao , and rejected all rounds Haitian ; established a low Villalobos canton Francisco Est?vez , and another in Las Matas under Captain Rojas, and their incursions collected much of Dominican prisoners .

Such was the issue of Dessalines , which led to high Dominican hatred against Haitian domination and sowed terror in our minds who could only arranc?rseles by the enthusiasm of Independence in 1844.

Category: Dominican History

 

[Chip]

But let us not try to be a war crimes trial but rather a peace and reconciliation trial.

Ironically those with Haitian leanings call for "peace and reconciliation" with regard to Haitian abuses perpetrated on Dominicans but "hang 'em high" policies regarding Dominican purported abuses, especially in the world court of opinion.

This disparity is quite obvious to Dominicans and as such it is no wonder foreigners opinions get ignored.

At any rate the peace and reconciliation proceedings are generally done between two belligerent parties that share some guilt, while Dominicans have absolutely NO GUILT whatsoever for what was done to them.

I ask that people acknowledge and respect written and recorded history as opposed to diminishing it's importance.

 

[Naked_Snake]

so THIS is what happened to the Church bells of SANTO DOMINGO!!!!!

I keep wondering.. why?????? When there are so many churches.. and SO many BELL towers

why I never hear Bells????

the BRITISH TOOK THEM!!!

GIVE THEM BACK PLEASE we are a Unesco cultural historic city

Surely they could spare a couple?

reparations! reparations!

Bellringing at Lincoln Catherdral - YouTube

It seems they have a strange fascination with bells, cuz' Francis Drake also took them, along with 25,000 pounds, as ransom for the evacuation of Santo Domingo in 1586.

 

[AlterEgo]

It seems they have a strange fascination with bells, cuz' Francis Drake also took them, along with 25,000 pounds, as ransom for the evacuation of Santo Domingo in 1586.

Is there a reason? Were they valuable to be melted down into ammunition? Anyone know what actually happened to all of them?

 

[Naked_Snake]

Here's what Raifi Genao have to say about the issue at hand:

11 | noviembre | 2008 | La Venda Transparente de Raifi Genao

He puts the number at 10,000. Almost the same as the ones that the gens de couleur of the western part suffered when Dessalines "pacified" the southern region, after the war against Rigaud.

 

[Naked_Snake]

Is there a reason? Were they valuable to be melted down into ammunition? Anyone know what actually happened to all of them?

It's said that the ones Drake took were made of gold, due to their being made during the initial stages of the colonization here, so it's very likely they were minted. I always get a kick at how they recorded his name: "Francisco Dracle/Drago", lolz. It seems the Dominican custom of misspelling foreign surnames comes from far back.

 

[K-Mel]

Haitian atrocities of 1805 are detailed by Thomas Madiou himself ( his version is fair because all the facts are exposed), or Bosch, Pons, Deive, Jaime de Jesus Dominguez etc. They are facts and nobody can deny them, however the tone used by the narrator posted by Gurabo seems suspicious to me.

 

[Naked_Snake]

Haitian atrocities of 1805 are detailed by Thomas Madiou himself ( his version is fair because all the facts are exposed), or Bosch, Pons, Deive, Jaime de Jesus Dominguez etc. They are facts and nobody can deny them, however the tone used by the narrator posted by Gurabo seems suspicious to me.

The reason for that is that he was in the nick of the action, so to speak, while the others were decades or a century removed from the action. I'm sure you'd say the same thing about the account of the French naturalist Descourtilz, who was a captive of Dessalines for much of the first stage of the last leg of that war (massacres of Petit Riviere, Verretes and the siege of Crete-a-Pierrot, where he almost fell by friendly fire on the part of the besieging French forces), so it's important to take context into account.

 

[Chip]

Haitian atrocities of 1805 are detailed by Thomas Madiou himself .

With all due respect a Haitian historian would be suspect compared to a Dominican first hand witness of the account. This would only be common sense.

 

[Gurabo444]

Haitian atrocities of 1805 are detailed by Thomas Madiou himself ( his version is fair because all the facts are exposed), or Bosch, Pons, Deive, Jaime de Jesus Dominguez etc. They are facts and nobody can deny them, however the tone used by the narrator posted by Gurabo seems suspicious to me.

Naked-snake correct me if I'm wrong but haven't many of these Dominican historians in part have base their accounts of the 1805 massacres on Gaspar de Arredondo's work, I guess the modern historians have just toned it down. None of the ones you mentioned who I also have read, give so many details of the event, so many names, like Gaspar does and the 18th century Spanish used by Gaspar is not easily duplicated.

I guess for some the accounts of someone who was there when it happened are less reliable, than people who have just read about it.

 

[K-Mel]

The reason for that is that he was in the nick of the action, so to speak, while the others were decades or a century removed from the action. I'm sure you'd say the same thing about the account of the French naturalist Descourtilz, who was a captive of Dessalines for much of the first stage of the last leg of that war (massacres of Petit Riviere, Verretes and the siege of Crete-a-Pierrot, where he almost fell by friendly fire on the part of the besieging French forces), so it's important to take context into account.

The context might explain his bitterness, but damn the tone is just too harsh...anyway it was a mistake to make the civilians pay for the French stupidities. I still believe that Admiral Missiessy's intervention ( bombarding the Haitian troops) has provoked all this 1805 drama. BUT the civilians were innocent, there was no justification or reason to harm them, when hurrying back to Haiti.

 

[Naked_Snake]

Naked-snake correct me if I'm wrong but haven't many of these Dominican historians in part have base their accounts of the 1805 massacres on Gaspar de Arredondo , I guess the modern historians have just toned it down. None of the ones you mentioned who I also have read, give so many details of the event, so many names, like Gaspar does and the 18th century Spanish used by Gaspar is not easily duplicated.

From him, and from Antonio Del Monte y Tejada, whose "Historia de Santo Domingo" in 4 volumes is really a must read. He also had a Cuban exile, and would remain there despite seeing the country getting independent, on account of his pro-Spanish views.

Antonio del Monte y Tejada - Enciclopedia Virtual Dominicana

 

[K-Mel]

With all due respect a Haitian historian would be suspect compared to a Dominican first hand witness of the account. This would only be common sense.

First Thomas Madiou was a light skinned mulatto and looked white. I like his book because even if he was of course a patriot there is not one bit of Anti Dominican bias in his masterpiece. Plus he gathered all the official letters of that period, including Dessalines' letters before and after the 1805 attack.

 

[Naked_Snake]

First Thomas Madiou was a light skinned mulatto and looked white. I like his book because even if he was of course a patriot there is not one bit of Anti Dominican bias in his masterpiece. Plus he gathered all the official letters of that period, including Dessalines' letters before and after the 1805 attack.

If I'm not mistaken, he's one of the few historians from that caste to have a good opinion of Toussaint Louverture and his period of government.

 

[K-Mel]

Naked-snake correct me if I'm wrong but haven't many of these Dominican historians in part have base their accounts of the 1805 massacres on Gaspar de Arredondo's work, I guess the modern historians have just toned it down. None of the ones you mentioned who I also have read, give so many details of the event, so many names, like Gaspar does and the 18th century Spanish used by Gaspar is not easily duplicated.

I guess for some the accounts of someone who was there when it happened are less reliable, than people who have just read about it.

I suggest you Thomas Madiou's account of this drama which is present in his volume III. The all campaign and all the battles are fairly described. Also other facts like the Dominican women, child and men driven to Haiti by the soldiers, or the Dominican prisoners used in Haiti as a labour force etc. And most important the letters of that period before and after the campaign.