Liberty of Death

Gonaïves, January 1, 1804, Year 1 of the Independence

Indigenous Army:

Today, January 1, 1804, The General in Chief of the indigenous army, along with the generals of the army, convene to take measures that will lead to the happiness of the country.

After making the assembled generals acquainted with his true intention to forever ensure a stable government for the inhabitants of Haiti, a subject of great concern to him, which he declared in a speech inclined to make known to foreign powers the resolution to render the country independent, and to enjoy a freedom established through the blood of the people of this island; and after gathering thoughts, has requested to each of the assembled generals pronounce the oath to forever renounce allegiance to France, to die rather than live under its domination, and to fight until the last breath for independence.

The generals, imbued by these sacred principles after pledging by unanimous voice their adherence to the well manifested project of independence, have all sworn to posterity, to the entire universe, to forever renounce to France, and to die rather than live under its domination.

Declared at Gonaïves, this 1st day of January, 1804, and the first day of the Indepence of Haiti.

Signers: Dessalines, General in Chief; Christophe, Pétion, Clerveaux, Geffrard, Vernet, Gabart, Major-Generals; P. Romain, E.Gérin, F. Capois, Daut, J.L. Féroux, Cangé, L. Bazelais, Magloire Ambroise, J.J. Herne, Toussaint Brave, Yayou, Generals of Brigade; Bonnet, F. Papalier, Morelly, Chevalier, Marion, Warrant Officers; Magny, Roux, Chiefs of Brigade; Charéron, B. Loret, Qenez, Makajoux, Dupui, Carbonne, Diaquoi aîné, Raphaël, Mallet, Derenoncourt, Army Officers; and Boisrond Tonnerre, Secretary.

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