"There cannot exist slaves on this territory, servitude is therein forever abolished. All men are born, live and die free and French. All men, regardless of color, are eligible to all employment. There shall exist no distinction other than those based on virtue and talent, and other superiority afforded by law in the exercise of a public function. The law is the same for all whether in punishment or in protection. The Colony of Saint-Domingue is one and indivisible. It is part of the French Empire, but governed by particular laws."

Toussaint L'Ouverture, Constitution of Saint-Domingue, 1801. Toussaint was the leader of the slave revolution that had begun in 1791 and had by 1801 effectively controlled the island. He declared himself Governor-for-Life under this constitution.