The Case:
A History Detectives fan from Chicago recently unearthed a French manuscript rolled in a cardboard tube.
The surname "Duplessis," the name of his great-grandmother's mother-in-law, is jotted in a margin and "Rouzan,” his grandmother's maiden name, appears at the bottom of another page.
No one in the family knows anything about it, but our contributor, who reads a little French, thinks he has a collection of love poems, possibly written to one of his relatives. What is this? And why has his family kept it for 160 years?
History Detectives ventures into the little known world of the Creoles of Color to unlock a family mystery.
Creole Poem Manuscript
The contributor’s manuscript contained many poems written by the Creoles of Color. This poem “Jalousie” by the Creole of Color, Armand Lanusse, also appears in Les Cenelles, although the order of the second and third couplets are reversed and numbered incorrectly. The transcription contains a few careless mistakes, suggesting the work was done in haste.
Related Content
Feature:
Technique:
Technique:
Technique:
Technique:
Related Links
Explore
-
Related Investigation
Front Street Blockhouse
Did this unassuming house protect an American colony from attack almost 300 years ago?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Lou Gehrig Autograph
Did Lou Gehrig autograph this ticket on the day he announced his retirement?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Cesar Chavez Banner
What role did this banner play in one of the most famous civil rights campaigns in U.S. history?
-
Related Investigation
Whaling Ship
Might a ship docked in Mystic Seaport, hold secrets to the Underground Railroad?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Face Jug
What does this ceramic face reveal about the Middle Passage and a captive people’s search for identity?
-
Also in Season 7
Japanese Balloon Bomb
Is this scrap of fabric evidence of a secret wartime attack on the United States' mainland?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.