ABSTRACT
On his succession to sovereign power, Christophe assumed the title of Chief of the government of Hayti, judging it more correctly expressive of his authority, and more becoming his pretensions, than that adopted by his predecessor. But scarcely had he taken measures, to tranquillize the yet unsettled state of the Island, or to establish a constitution suited to the condition and character of the people, when a powerful rival appeared in arms against him. This was Petion, a mulatto of considerable distinction, and no less celebrated for his ablities, than for the rank which he had long held in the army, and for the influence he had acquired over the troops under his command.
