[ABOLITION OF SLAVERY]. Decree of the National Convention, dated the...

[ABOLITION OF SLAVERY].
Decree of the National Convention, dated the 16th day of Pluviôse, Year II of the French Republic, one and indivisible, abolishing the enslavement of Black people in the colonies.
Paris: National Executive Printing Office of the Louvre, Year II of the Republic. — In-4, 237 x 185: 2 pp., (1 blank folio). Loose sheets.
First edition of the first decree abolishing slavery in all French colonies, passed by the Convention on February 4, 1794.
It was worded as follows: “The National Convention declares that the enslavement of Blacks in all the colonies is abolished; consequently, it decrees that all men, regardless of color, residing in the colonies, are French citizens and shall enjoy all the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. ”
Unevenly enforced, this decree was unfortunately quickly repealed or revoked.
A copy as published, including a reproduction of Gohier’s signature and the red seal “In the Name of the French Republic.”