Pétion and the President of Two Presidents
Smart, Cunning, Resourceful - Joute dominated the political scene in the early 1800’s
Marie-Madeleine Lachenais, affectionately known as “Joute”, was the mistress of presidents Pétion and Boyer. She was the daughter of a white French Colonel and a black socialite mother. She honed her strategic skills to achieve political goals and is known for her ability to influence presidents and various members of parliament. She was nicknamed "The President of Two Presidents"
Without Joute, Boyer may not have become President
due to her impact and co-ruled Haiti for 37 years, perhaps the largest timespan of any woman. She was smart, cunning, beautiful, and resourceful. She opened the first orphanages in Haiti and helped place Petion’s replacement - Jean-Pierre Boyer - to become the next president.
Pétion was a natural leader, drawing both men and women to his cause. He fought for the rights of blacks and gens de couleur working to dismantle colonial hierarchy and assisted Simón Bolívar in the South American Revolution. Statues in many South American countries pay tribute to him as this one is shown in Columbia. However, his tenure was marked by divisions and accusations of self-serving goals. Pétion was unique as he was born free, unlike the others who were born slaves. His parents were a wealthy white Frenchman and a free mulatto woman. This afforded him the best schooling in
Petion’s Impact throughout South America was immense
France. He later served as a distinguished officer in the French army skilled in artillery, and was part of the expedition sent by Napoleon to retake the colony. When he learned that Napoleon’s real goal was to re-establish slavery, he switched sides and joined the Indigenous Army, serving under Dessalines.
Christophe & Pétion Clashed
Book Four - The Clash of Pétion and Christophe - opens on New Year's Day of 1804, in three different cities - Cap Français, Gonaïves, and Port Républicain - where our main characters and principal protagonists begin to navigate their way through the aftermath of liberation, not knowing that their paths would soon cross at dangerous intersections. As they strive to establish stability and peace in their homeland, they will soon realize that this may be even more challenging than fighting for their freedom.