“I am the Subject of the King of Congo”: African Political Ideology and the Haitian Revolution

Abstract

Shortly after a body of rebellious slaves had sacked Le Cap Fran?ois (now known as Cap Haitien) in June 1793 at the behest of the republican commissioners, their leader, known as Macaya, retreated to the hills and swore allegiance to the king of Spain, who had supported the rebellion for some time. When the com missioner Etienne Polverel tried to persuade him to return to the republic, Macaya wrote back: I am the subject of three kings: of the King of Congo, master of all the blacks; of the King of France who represents my father; of the King of Spain who represents my mother. These three Kings are the descendants of those who, led by a star, came to adore God made Man/'1 These sentiments, seconded by other revolutionary leaders from time to time, have led many analysts of the Haitian r?volu

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