Mathieu-Augustin Cornet (1750-1832). 

Chambre des Pairs. Séance du 6 mai 1826. Rapport fait à la Chambre par M. le comte De Cornet sur la pétition de trois hommes de couleur de la Martinique.

[Paris], no name, [1826].

8°. 10 pp. "Impressions No. 97." In corner of title-page.

Original printed paper wrappers.

This very rare pamphlet documents a plea to prove the innocence of three Black men from Martinique during a pivotal court case and offers an insight into the application of the Code Noir, which was still in effect in Martinique in 1826.
The three men—Jean-Baptiste Volny, Cyrille Bisset (Bissette), and Louis Fabien—had been sentenced by the Royal Court of Martinique in 1824 to life of forced labor and branding for their alleged attempt to overthrow the colonial government. Bissette had circulated a pamphlet that vehemently criticized the unfair treatment of people of color and condemned the civil and political order in the French colonies.
With the assistance of French liberal politician Mathieu-Augustin Cornet, they appealed their conviction. They were transported to France to present their case to the Court of Cassation in Paris. The present pamphlet contains the text of this crucial appeal. Cornet contends that the men were condemned to life sentences of hard labor due to racial prejudice rather than the merits of their case.

Condition: in very good condition, in original binding.