Here’s another seasonal post from Balladeer’s Blog for the upcoming Fourth of July Holiday.
THE CHASSEURS-VOLUNTAIRES DE SAINT-DOMINGUE – French assistance to the emerging United States of America during our Revolutionary War took many forms. One of the most often overlooked elements of such assistance came in the form of a unit from Saint-Domingue (renamed Haiti during the nation’s own revolution against French control in 1804).
Originally numbering roughly 800 colored soldiers, the Creole regiment had white officers with the exception of their overall commander – the black Marquis de Rouvray, Laurent Francois Lenoir. The unit was formed in Saint-Domingue on March 12th, 1779, and after training and outfitting departed from Haiti on August 15th.
These Chasseurs arrived outside Savannah, Georgia on September 8th and served alongside the American forces and other French troops in besieging the city. In December of 1778 the British had taken Savannah as part of their operations in Georgia and the Americans were trying to take it back.
The soldiers served with distinction during the campaign and there is a monument in Savannah’s Franklin Square commemorating their heroism. The Chasseurs also served in South Carolina beginning in 1780.
The unit was not disbanded until 1783.
NOTE: Some sources link Revolutionary War heroine Sally St. Clair to the Chasseurs-Voluntaires de Saint-Domingue.
Assorted veterans of this unit went on to serve in Toussaint L’Ouverture’s successful rebellion against the French in 1804, making the renamed Haiti the second colony in the Americas to break free from a European nation.
Horrifically, some of the Chasseurs who got captured were taken away and sold into slavery by the British.
One of the most famous veterans of this courageous unit was their 12-year-old drummer Henri Christophe, like many of the other Chasseurs a former slave who gained his freedom in exchange for his service. In 1807 he declared himself the President of Haiti and in 1811 its king.
Balladeer's Blog 
Interesting posts as always. I have no knowledge on the Revolutionary War, so I found this a fascinating post. I did not know black soldiers also served in the war, so I found this very educational. It reminded me of empowering films about African American soldiers I have seen. For instance, it reminded me of the film “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”. An amazing comic book film capturing strong African American leaders that participate in war. While it doesn’t have anything to do with history, it does show black soldiers in a positive light. It’s also a beautiful tribute to Chadwick Boseman who recently passed away from Cancer.
Here’s why it’s worth watching:
Much appreciated! Your Black Panther 2 review sounds good.
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Logged, thank you sir!
Great posts once again. I have never heard about black soldiers which took part in the Revolutionary War before, but found your post extremely interesting. It brought to mind great films about black war veterans that I have seen. To give an example, it reminded me of Spike Lee’s magnificent war epic “Da 5 Bloods”. The film tells the story of black soldiers that participated in the Vietnam War which left them emotionally affected. One of Spike Lee’s best movies with a timely message that is extremely relevant to the world we live in today.
Here’s why I recommend it strongly: