Cap Français, 4 Frimaire, Year X
(November 25, 1801)
Idleness is the source of all disorder, and if it is tolerated even in one single person, I shall hold the military commanders responsible, for I am convinced that those who tolerate idlers and vagrants are secret enemies of the government.
Any commander who, during the recent conspiracy, knew of the impending disturbances and tolerated looting and murders, or who, though he could have prevented the uprising, allowed the law—which declares the life, property, and asylum of every citizen sacred and inviolable—to be broken, shall be brought before a special tribunal and punished according to the law of August 10, 1801.
Any Creole, man or woman, convicted of statements likely to disturb public peace but not deserving of death, shall be sent to field labor for six months with a chain on one foot.
In all municipalities of the colony where there is a municipal administration, all residents, regardless of status or rank, must obtain a security card.
Any domestic servant who, upon leaving the house in which he served, is not deemed worthy of receiving a certificate of good conduct shall be declared ineligible to obtain a security card.
Two weeks after the publication of the present law, any person found without a security card shall be sent to the fields if a Creole; and if a foreigner, they shall be expelled from the colony without any form of trial, unless they prefer to serve in the line troops.
All generals, military commanders, and all civil authorities of all departments are required, under their personal responsibility and under penalty of disobedience, to ensure with the utmost severity the full and flawless implementation of all these provisions.
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