Emancipation Day in the Virgin Islands

Today is Emancipation Day in the Virgin Islands, which is a holiday for some and a regular work day for others who don't recognize the historical significance of Peter Von Scholtens actions on July 3, 1848.

Leading up to the actual proclamation there were approximately 26,000 slaves just on the island of St. Croix. Think about that...half the population we have on island today would be slaves if we were to time travel back to the 1800's. An enormous number when really thought about in terms of fellow human beings that were considered chattel.

In total 44,000 people residing on the three islands were enslaved while approximately 5,000 had papers proving that they were Free Coloured.

Down island rioting slaves in Martinique and Guadeloupe were creating increasing tension amongst plantation owners and officials in the Leeward Islands. It was feared that news of the turmoil would spread additional revolts through out the islands so Puerto Rico offered military help if necessary but Governor Von Scholten turned down the offer.

On July 2, Von Scholten arrived on St. Croix from St. Thomas...he was concerned about the war with Germany and outwardly projecting an aura of having had no idea how serious the rioting mood was on St. Croix. Personally i think he knew exactly what was going on when he ordered the firing of two alarm shots into the Christiansted harbor early on the morning of July 3. Doing this alerted both black and white alike to the impending turmoil that was to occur.

i'm no historian and the above is my own personal take regarding the history i have read about the events that lead to Emancipation. i think Von Scholten had slowly worked up to this point over many many years. Take for instance the fact that his mistress Anna Heegaard, a free black, had his ear and his love for a long long time, he abhorred the way managers treated blacks on their plantations, and although constrained by his position tried to treat everyone fairly. It was also his belief that when blacks wanted their freedom perhaps there was nothing else to do but give it to them.

The lost letter from von Scholten's brother in Fredericksted which contained estimates of the numbers of slaves that were assembling in that town certainly gave him some idea as to how serious the slaves were about wanting their freedom. The second letter from Von Scholtens brother urging him to hurry to Fredericksted and save the town was not only a plea but also the moment in history when he choose not to sail on the battle ship to Fredericksted but instead go by land. By the time he got there Andreson the police chief and his adjutant Diedrichsen had already told the slaves von Scholten would free them...how did they know this?

Andreson dictated “I declare hereby the unfree in this jurisdiction to be free.” With a space underneath where the Governor General's signature would go. Andreson signed it but it wasn't enough and the crowd plundered his estate and almost killed him. They then moved into town and joined up with others from other estates. It is said that Buddhoe was able to stop some of the crowd from looting in Fredericksted. I'm not going into all the nity gritty details of how it all came about but by 4:00pm Von Scholten arrives in Fredericksted and drives down to the fort.

He said to the crowd:

I, Peter Von Scholten, hereby proclaim:

1) All unfree in the Danish West Indies are from this day on free.

2. All blacks on the estates shall continue to make use of their houses and gardens for three months from this date, as they have previously enjoyed.
3. All future work is to be paid as mutually agreed on but allowances of provisions, etc. shall cease.
4. Old and weak, who cannot work, shall, until further decisions are made, be supported by the owner.

Given under the seal of the Governor-General and my signature July the 3^rd, 1848.

P. Von Scholten.

That night our own St. Croix Avis printed copies of the Proclamation to be spread around the island. The bloody events that happened in Christiansted before Von Scholten could return from Fredericksted made for an uneven progression to freedom. Planters and blacks alike took up arms.

Von Scholten took ill almost immediately and departed for Denmark never to return to the islands again. 

While the progression to freedom took its toll on all involved we must look back on history even though it is full of sadness and joy.

See ya next week.

i got the above information from Erik Lawaetz's “St. Croix 500 Years Pre-Columbus to 1990."