Dessalines

Dessalines, JEAN JACQUES, emperor of Hayti, was born about 1758 in Guinea, Africa, and was at an early age imported thence into Hayti as a slave. He was bought by a French planter, whose name he afterwards assumed, and early became a prominent leader in the insurrection, second only to Toussaint L'Ouverture. In the struggle with the French he was always distinguished by his agility and swiftness of movement, as well as by his fearlessness and ferocious cruelty. After the first compromise he became governor of the southern part of the island, but soon began the war anew, and, after infamous cruelties, compelled the French to evacuate the island in October 1803. He was created governor in January 1804, when the people of the island declared themselves independent, and on 8th October had himself crowned as emperor of Hayti, under the name of Jean Jaques I. ; but his despotism, debauchery, and cruelty soon alienated from him the sympathy and support even of those who were formerly his firmest adherents. In 1806, while trying to repress a revolt, he was cut down by Christophe (q.v.), who succeeded him as emperor of Hayti.