G. A. Henty, the undisputed master of historical adventure for young readers, plunges us into the fiery crucible of the Haitian Revolution in "A Roving Commission; or, Through the Black Insurrection of Hayti." This gripping novel is more than a tale of high-seas adventure; it is a profound exploration of loyalty, survival, and the complex moral landscape of a slave revolt that shook the colonial world to its foundations. The story follows the incredible journey of Nathaniel Natty Glover, a young midshipman whose life becomes inextricably linked with one of the most turbulent and violent chapters in New World history.

The narrative begins with Natty serving aboard a British naval vessel in the Caribbean. His life takes a dramatic and harrowing turn when he is captured during a shore excursion and, through a series of fateful events, finds himself enslaved on a plantation in the French colony of Saint-Domingue (modern-day Haiti). This unique perspective—that of a white boy experiencing the brutal realities of slavery firsthand—immediately sets the stage for a nuanced and compelling story. Natty does not observe the injustice from a distance; he endures its lash, forging his character in the fires of oppression and fueling a burning desire for freedom and justice.

His chance for escape arrives with the outbreak of the massive slave uprising in 1791. In the ensuing chaos, Natty saves the life of a young Creole boy, Dirk, and the two form an unbreakable bond, becoming brothers in all but blood. Thrown into the heart of the insurrection, they navigate a world aflame, caught between the vengeful fury of the enslaved rebels, the desperate brutality of the French planters, and the complex political machinations of the charismatic leaders of the revolt, including the legendary Toussaint Louverture. Henty does not shy away from the horrors of the conflict, presenting a stark and often grim picture of the violence on all sides.

Natty’s fortunes change when his seamanship and courage bring him to the attention of the renowned English naval captain, Sir Edward Pellew. Serving under Pellew, Natty finds a "roving commission"—a license to use his initiative and daring in independent action. He commands a small cutter, the Arrow, engaging in thrilling naval battles, running down privateers, and gathering crucial intelligence. His intimate knowledge of the island and its factions makes him an invaluable asset, and he repeatedly risks his life on daring missions ashore. Throughout his adventures, Natty remains driven by a personal quest: to protect his friend Dirk and to reclaim the honor and future stolen from him. "A Roving Commission" is a classic Henty saga, packed with naval combat, military strategy, and a steadfast young hero who rises through merit and courage. It is a sweeping tale that captures the sound of cannonade, the thrill of the chase, and the enduring power of friendship against a backdrop of world-altering historical upheaval.

Table of Contents:

• A Roving Commission. Part 1

• A Roving Commission. Part 2

• A Roving Commission. Part 3

• A Roving Commission. Part 4

• A Roving Commission. Part 5

• A Roving Commission. Part 6