Henry Christophe and Thomas Clarkson

The British Museum possesses a large collection of manuscripts preserved by Thomas Clarkson the British Abolitionist. Among them are to be found is Haitian papers consisting of his correspondence with Henry Christophe, the king of Haiti as well as other letters and documents pertinent to Haitian affairs. Because much of the correspondence with Christophe was of an official nature, Clarkson considered it of the utmost importance and carefully preserved not only the letters he received form Haiti, but also copies of many of his replies. In great measure, therefore, both sides of the correspondence are still intact. This material forms a valuable commentary of the obscure history of Haiti, and it tends to modify the interpretations which legend and fiction have woven around the personality and activities of Christophe. -- Provided by publisher