A Roving Commission; Or, Through the Black Insurrection at Hayti

"A Roving Commission; Or, Through the Black Insurrection at Hayti" by G. A. Henty is a historical adventure novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative is set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Haitian Revolution, focusing on the impact of the insurrection on both the enslaved population and the colonists. The protagonist, Nat Glover, is a young midshipman whose journey leads him from the British naval vessel "Orpheus" to the heart of the conflict in Haiti. At the start of the novel, the preface sets a grim tone, detailing the atrocities committed during the insurrection and contrasting them with the relative conditions under French colonial rule. The chapter opens with Nat Glover's reluctance towards his given name and introduces his camaraderie aboard the ship. He goes ashore at Cape François, where he quickly finds himself in a dangerous situation, saving a young girl from a bloodhound. This act of bravery injures him, leading to a significant turn in his adventures, as he meets other characters and becomes entwined in the conflicts of the region. This opening establishes not only the setting and context but also hints at themes of bravery, conflict, and the personal struggles Nat will face as he navigates through the chaos of revolution.