A Memoir of Transactions That Took Place in St. Domingo, in the Spring of 1799

In this candid memoir a seasoned British officer recounts his unexpected arrival on the shores of Saint‑Domingo during the turbulent spring of 1799. From the wrecked schooner that forced him ashore, he sketches the island’s fragile condition, offering a rare eyewitness view of the political climate, the military defenses, and everyday life under the rule of the charismatic black governor Toussaint L’ouverture. His narrative blends personal hardship with sharp observations, giving listeners a sense of the tension between hopeful reform and lingering fear of rebellion.

The author also details a daring rescue of a condemned British officer, showing both the perils of colonial warfare and moments of unexpected humanity. Alongside vivid descriptions of the tropical environment and the restless local populace, he reflects on what the safety of nearby West‑India islands might mean for the wider British Empire. Listeners will gain a nuanced portrait of a pivotal moment in Caribbean history, filtered through the steady, measured voice of a career soldier.