An Historical Account of the Black Empire of Hayti: Comprehending a View of The Principal Transactions in the Revolution of Saint Domingo; With Its Antient and Modern State.

This important work on the inhabitants of Haiti and St. Domingo discusses at length the struggle for independence among the black colonies, slavery, and the relationship with America. In a chapter entitled "On the Establishment of a Black Empire, and the probable Effects of the Colonial Revolution," Rainsford notes: "Should it ever happen in the course of time, that any of the various means dispensed by providence to check the exuberance of population should fall on Hayti, either in the form of contagion, or by multiplication of the various diseases, to which the African rare are subject, in the degeneration of slavery, and that a white population should by that time be formed, capable of taking advantage of such calamity then, but not till then, should the neighboring continent of America be in a state to colonize, or the policy of European governments desire the attainment of the most splendid colony of the Antilles, an opportunity might possible be afforded. Whether it would be rational on the score of justice, or humanity to do so, is a subject not to be argued at present. Those who undertake the project, if ever it should be undertaken, will be capable of defending it with plausibility" (p. 36). Also included are articles on "An account of the Nature and History of the bloodhounds used in the American Colonies," "Declaration of Independence of the Blacks of St. Domingo," and "Statement of the Black Force at the Revolution." An important work on the history of independence and slavery in Haiti and St. Domingo.