The Words of Negroes

The Words of Negroes

Echoes of the Courtroom

“The courtroom is filled by a large crowd, gathering people of all social classes. All the notable figures from Pointe-à-Pitre and Marie-Galante are crowded into the reserved area. Several members of the colonial council and magistrates are also present.
The defendant is introduced. He is of medium height and well-balanced. His attire is elegant and neat. His demeanour is calm; he gazes confidently around the audience, smiling at several people in the reserved area and at a few witnesses.

He declares his name to be Louis-Joseph Vallentin, aged 43, resident-owner, born and living in Marie-Galante.”

(In Gazette de la Guadeloupe – Hearing of january 28th 1842)