I was born in the once proud and haughty Island of _St. Domingo_, in the Parish of _St. Rose_, of Ancient and respectable parents. My Father and Mother, were the most accomplished union according to their Religion and ways of worshiping; they were equal in fortune, for they had each a plantation, when united together made them an exceeding good livelihood. But I have not taken my pen for to write my parents History, but my own: here then my narration shall begin. In the year one thousand seven-hundred and eighty-three, the Sixth of September, betwixt eight and nine o'Clock in the morning I was brought forth into a World of troubles, and was baptised the twenty-fourth of November in the same year, by _Father Julien Capuchin Missionary Curate_; and had for God-father my Mother's Brother, and for God-mother my Father's Sister. From the day that I was born, I never enjoyed a good state of health; for I was so weak and Sickly, that I looked more like a Spectre than a human creature; for my Death was daily and Hourly expected, in me was seen the very picture of Death: I was in that situation till I attained my seventh year; when I was forced to leave a Mother by whom I was dearly loved, and a Father that cherished me above all earthly creatures. For one Morning I yet very well remember, (_though I did not expect it_,) my Father called me and my two eldest Brothers also, and lead us into my Mother's chamber, where I saw her weeping bitterly: when there I could not help asking her what was the matter that she was crying so; she made no reply but by sighs and tears; when in a sympathetic manner she took me up in her arms and pressed me with tenderness to her bosom and bedewed my innocent face with tears; it was with great difficulty that she consented to let me go; and then she kissed my Brothers in the like manner, when we left her to sooth her sorrows, and to console herself to the loss: in the mean time my Father handed us into our coach, and gave orders to drive away to Town. I was some time silent, effected by this sudden change; when looking through the window of the coach, I saw both my little Sisters stretching out their arms as if it were to bid me the last Adieu; the scene was so affecting, that I could not restrain myself but to ask my Father where we were going to; (_for I did not know any thing about that sudden journey_.) He satisfied me, by saying, that he was sending us into _France_ for our education, and that he would spare no expence to give us a good one.