I took up arms for the freedom of my color. It is our own - we will defend it or perish. Toussaint Louverture More Quotes by Toussaint Louverture More Quotes From Toussaint Louverture The Spanish offered me their protection, and liberty to those who would fight for the cause of the kings. I accepted their offers, seeing myself entirely abandoned by my brethren, the French. Toussaint Louverture fightmyselfmeliberty I know how to move the people, but I know also where to stop in my own actions so that, when I strike, I shall be felt and not seen. Toussaint Louverture stopknowmy-ownpeople I have need of Rigaud. He is violent. I want him for carrying on war; and that war is necessary to me. Toussaint Louverture needmewantwar I am kind; I am humane. I open to you my fatherly arms. Come, all of you; I will receive you all - no less those of the South than those of the West, and of the North, who, gained over by Rigaud, have deserted your firesides, your wives, your children, to place yourselves at his side. Toussaint Louverture i-amplaceyouchildren Mastered by deadly passions, Rigaud has dug a gulf at your feet; he has laid snares which you could not avoid. He wished to have you as partisans in his revolt; and to succeed in his object, he has employed falsehood and seduction. Toussaint Louverture youryousucceedfeet At the beginning of the troubles of Saint Domingo, I felt that I was destined to great things. When I received this divine intimation, I was four and fifty years of age; I could neither read nor write. Toussaint Louverture beginninggreatgreat-thingsage I have published a proclamation: 'Forgive us our transgressions as we forgive those who transgress against us.' I have ordered all citizens to return to their parishes to enjoy the benefits of this general amnesty. Toussaint Louverture forgiveuswhoenjoy I have taken my flight in the region of eagles; when I alight, it must be on a rock, and that rock must be a constitutional government, of which I shall be the head so long as I shall be among men. Toussaint Louverture rockgovernmentmenlong I accept everything which is favorable for the people and the army; for myself, I wish to live in retirement. Toussaint Louverture livemyselfarmypeople
