S T.     D O MING O.
lèverai planters, eagerly exclaimed, that you were already comprehended
under the general words contained in thofe inftrudions. M. Barnave
himfelf, upon my repeated inftances to him on that head, has at leno-th
acknowledged, before the whole affembly, that this was the fad. It
now appears how much reafon I had to apprehend that a falfe con-
ftrudion would be put upon our decree !
New oppreffions on the part of your mafters, and new miferies on
yours, until at length the cup of afflidion is filled even to the brim, have
but too well juftified my apprehenfions. The letters which I have re-
ceived from you upon this head, have forced tears from my eyes.
Pofterity will learn, with aftonifhment and indignation, that a caufe like
yours, the juftice of which is fo evident, was made the fubjed of debate
for no lefs than five days fucceffively. Alas ! when humanity is obliged
to.ftruggle fo long againft vanity and prejudice, its triumph is dearly
obtained !
It is a long time that the fociety of Amis dés Noirs have employed
themfelves in finding out the means to foften your lot, as well as that
of the flaves. 11 is difficult —• perhaps impoffible, to do good with entire •
impunity. The meritorious zeal of this fociety has.drawn upon them
much obloquy. Defpicable writers have lanced their poifonous fhafts at
them, and impudent libels have never ceafed to repeat objedions and ca-
lumnies, which have been a hundred times anfwered and refuted. How
often have we been accufed of being fold to the Englifh, and of being
paid by them for fending you inflammatory writings and arms? You.
know, my friends, the weaknefs and wickednefs of thefe charges. We
have inceffantly recommended to you attachment to your country, re-
fignation and patience, while waiting the return of juftice ! Nothing has.
been able to cool our zeal, or that of your brethren, of mixed blood who,
are at Paris. M. Raimond, in. particular, has devoted himfelf moft:
heroically to your defence. With what tranfport would you have feem
this diftinguifhed citizen, at the bar ofthe natbnal affembly, of which he
ought to be a member, laying before it the affed ing pidure of your
miferiesjj
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