“
Yes, we have replied to these real cannibals, war for war, crime for crime, outrage for outrage. Yes, I have saved my country. I have avenged America. With all my pride and glory, I swear this in front of all mortals and the Gods. What does the judgment pronounced on me by contemporary and future races matter? I did my duty, and I have kept my own self-respect that is enough for me. But what am I saying? The preservation of my unfortunate brothers, and the witness of my conscience are not my only recompense: I saw two classes of men who were born to love one another, to help and save one another, finally mixed and merged together, dashing toward vengeance, arguing who should have the honor of giving the first blow. Black and yellow, which the refined duplicity of the Europeans have so long sought to divide: you who today comprise a whole, a single family: do not doubt it, your perfect reconciliation had to be sealed with the blood of your executioners. You shared the same calamities, weighing on your heads, the same ardor for attacking your enemies, and the same promised fate. Now your common interests must render you forever one, indivisible and inseparable. Maintain this precious concord, this happy harmony among you. It secures your happiness, your salvation, your success. It is the secret of the invincible.
— JEAN-JACQUES DESSALINES