James Redpath (1833-1891), abolitionist and journalist, was raised in Scotland before emigrating to the United States. This work was published in the year before the American Civil War as part of a campaign by the Haitian government to promote African American emigration to Haiti. Redpath was employed by the Haitian government to establish an emigrant’s bureau in Boston and even produced a news-paper — The Pine and Palm — as a mouthpiece for the cause. While focused on Haiti the guide also includes some material on the Dominican Republic.

Of the many schemes for African American repatriation, or establishment of a separate territory, suggestions included the Louisiana Purchase, Florida, Texas, Canada, Mexico and Liberia. The proximity of Haiti to the United States, its climate, fertility and strategic location in the Caribbean were all arguments in its favour. While focused on Haiti the guide also includes some information on the Dominican Republic.

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