2-969-862 - /Heritage Images

Faustin, Emperor of Hayti, in his Coronation Robes, 1856. 'Previously to his election as President Soulouque (the present Emperor Faustin) was unknown to fame...His first military service consisted, in fact, in cleaning the boots of one of the illustrious black Generals. Being of an enterprising and energetic turn of mind, he relinquished the shoe-brush for the sword, and, being a man of undoubted courage, soon obtained the rank of Captain, subsequently that of General...in 1846 he was elected President...Let us now describe his Majesty: the Emperor Soulouque is a thorough "coal black," but his nose and lips are more European than his colour might lead to expect. From the forehead to the top of his head he is completely bald. He is between fifty and sixty years of age; of large form, and very erect; is nearly six feet in height; well proportioned, though latterly inclined to corpulency'. From "Illustrated London News", 1856.