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In 1779, during the American Revolutionary War, the Siege of Savannah became a pivotal moment not only in the struggle between the American colonies and Britain—but also in the early revolutionary stirrings of Haiti. Among the French-aligned troops were hundreds of Black soldiers from Saint-Domingue (modern-day Haiti), including a young drummer named Henri Christophe, who would later become King of Haiti. Their story is one of courage, connection, and a shared fight for liberty.
1. Who were the Chasseurs‑Volontaires de Saint‑Domingue?
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Formed in 1779, this regiment consisted mainly of free and enslaved Black men from Saint-Domingue, fighting on the side of France.
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Nearly 545 soldiers participated in the Siege of Savannah, offering military support to the American colonies.
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They dug trenches, stood under enemy fire, and participated in the fierce assault of October 9, 1779, against the British-held city.
2. Henri Christophe: A Drummer Boy with Destiny
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At just 12 or 13 years old, Henri Christophe served as a drummer in the Chasseurs-Volontaires.
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Some accounts say he was wounded in battle, while others note his critical role in maintaining morale and communication on the field.
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Though still a boy, the experience left a lasting impression, planting early seeds of revolution in his mind.
3. Back Home in Saint-Domingue: The Restaurant That Shaped a Revolutionary
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After returning home, Christophe worked at a restaurant owned by Mr. Coidavid, a free Black man and father of his future wife, Marie-Louise Coidavid.
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Mr. Coidavid allowed Christophe to work to earn his freedom, giving him a chance at dignity and stability in a colonial world still defined by racial oppression.
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The restaurant, frequented by travelers, merchants, and political thinkers, became an unlikely classroom for the young Henri.
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He absorbed stories of injustice, ambition, rebellion, and pride—all of which later fueled his passion to fight for Haiti’s independence.
4. The Siege of Savannah: Hope, Heroism, and Hardship
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Under the command of Admiral d’Estaing, French and American forces made a bold attempt to retake Savannah from British control.
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The Chasseurs-Volontaires were integral in the front-line effort, braving artillery fire and heavy resistance.
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Although the mission failed, the bravery of these Haitian soldiers stood as an early symbol of Black resistance in the Americas.
5. A Legacy Rooted in Stone
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In 2007, a statue was erected in Savannah’s Franklin Square to honor the Haitian fighters, featuring an image of a young Henri Christophe alongside three other soldiers.
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It stands as a reminder of Haiti’s contribution to American independence—a piece of history too often forgotten.
6. From Drummer Boy to King
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Christophe later joined the Haitian Revolution, rising through the ranks as a strategic and commanding leader.
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In 1811, he crowned himself King Henry I of northern Haiti, building schools, palaces, and the mighty Citadelle Laferrière—a fortress of Black sovereignty.
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His journey, from enslaved boy to monarch, reflects the power of freedom-fueled transformation.
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