The Haitian journal of Lieutenant Howard, York Hussars, 1796-1798

the long version

This is a first-hand account of the Haitian Revolution written by a lieutenant in a regiment of the British expeditionary force sent to St. Domingue. As was true of the French forces, the British forces were repelled and soundly defeated by the Haitian army led by Toussaint L'Ouverture. This journal vividly describes Lieutenant Howard's experiences during the final two years of Britain's occupation of St. Domingue. The editor of this book notes that it is probably "the only reliable firsthand military account in English" of the slave uprising. The journal is interesting because of what it tells us about the slave rebellion and the military history of a doomed expedition. In the process, it provides insight into the military leadership of Toussaint from someone who fought against him.