Toussaint Louverture

“I accept everything which is favorable for the people and the army; for myself, I wish to live in retirement.”

“God, who knows our most secret thoughts and who sees all, is witness to the purity of my principles. They are not founded on this barbarous ferocity that takes pleasure in shedding human blood.”

“I have undertaken vengeance. I want Liberty and Equality to reign in Saint-Domingue. I work to bring them into existence. Unite yourselves to us, brothers, and fight with us for the same cause.”

“The heads of regiments are required to see that the troops join in prayer morning and evening as far as the service will permit.”

“I have published a proclamation: 'Forgive us our transgressions as we forgive those who transgress against us.' I have ordered all citizens to return to their parishes to enjoy the benefits of this general amnesty.”

“We are free today because we are the stronger; we will be slaves again when the government becomes the stronger.”

“We went to labor in the fields, my wife and I, hand in hand. Scarcely were we conscious of the fatigues of the day. Heaven always blessed our toil.”