Secret History; or, the Horrors of St. Domingo: In a Series of Letters, Written by a Lady at Cape Francois, to Colonel Burr, Late Vice-President of the United States, Principally During the Command of General Rochambeu — John Shaqi
Secret History; or, the Horrors of St. Domingo: In a Series of Letters, Written by a Lady at Cape Francois, to Colonel Burr, Late Vice-President of the United States, Principally During the Command of General RochambeuSansay, Leonora
History
Secret History; or, the Horrors of St. Domingo: In a Series of Letters, Written by a Lady at Cape Francois, to Colonel Burr, Late Vice-President of the United States, Principally During the Command of General Rochambeu
Sansay, Leonora
Haiti -- History -- Revolution, 1791-1804; Haiti -- Social life and customs
We were presented to the admiral, who appeared struck by the figure
of Clara, and was saying some very flattering things, when a flourish
of martial music announced the arrival of the General in chief. The
admiral hastened to meet him, and they walked round the room together.
When the dances began the general leaned against the orchestra opposite
Clara. Her eyes met his. She bent them to the ground, raised them
timidly and found those of the general fixed on her: a glow of crimson
suffused itself over her face and bosom. I observed her attentively
and knew it was the flush of triumph! She declined dancing, but when
the walses began she was led out. Those who have not seen Clara walse
know not half her charms. There is a physiognomy in her form! every
motion is full of soul. The gracefulness of her arms is unequalled, and
she is lighter than gossamer.
The eyes of the general dwelt on her alone, and I heard him inquire of
several who she was.
The walse finished, she walked round the room leaning on the arm of
Major B----. The general followed, and meeting her husband, asked
(pointing to Clara) if he knew the name of that lady. Madame St. Louis,
was the reply. I thought she was an American said the general. So she
is, replied St. Louis, but her husband is a Frenchman. That's true,
added the general, but they say he is a d----d jealous fool, is he
here? He has the honour of answering you, said St. Louis. The general
was embarrassed for a moment, but recovering himself said, I am not
surprised at your being jealous, for she is a charming creature. And
he continued uttering so many flattering things that St. Louis was in
the best humour imaginable. When Clara heard the story, she laughed,
and, I saw, was delighted with a conquest she now considered assured.
When she sat down, Major B---- presented the General to her, and his
pointed attention rendered her the object of universal admiration.
He retired at midnight: the ball continued. An elegant collation was
served up, and at sunrise we returned home!
The admiral is a very agreeable man, and I would prefer him, as a
lover, to any of his officers, though he is sixty years old. His
manners are affable and perfectly elegant; his figure graceful and
dignified, and his conversation sprightly. He joined the dance at the
request of a lady, with all the spirit of youth, and appeared to enjoy
the pleasure which his charming fête diffused.
He told Clara that he would twine a wreath of myrtle to crown her, for
she had vanquished the General. She replied, that she would mingle it
with laurel, and lay it at his feet for having, by preserving the
Cape, given her an opportunity of making the conquest.
Nothing is heard of but balls and parties. Monsieur D'Or gives a
concert every Thursday; the General in chief every Sunday: so that from
having had no amusement we are in danger of falling into the other
extreme, and of being satiated with pleasure.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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