Euphémie Daguilh

Who is Euphémie Daguilh?

Euphémie Daguilh, was a Haitian composer and choreographer, royal mistress of emperor Jean-Jacques Dessalines and famed for her fearless care of the wounded during the campaign of 1805.

Daguilh met Dessalines in Les Cayes during his campaign in South Haiti, were she nursed him during his sickness. She followed Dessalines during his campaign against Santo Domingo and made her name respected when tending to the wounded soldiers during gunfight. Thomas Madiou has referred to her as a heroine. Euphémie Daguilh composed several small songs which became popular in Haiti. She also composed the dance Carabiniere, which acquired long lasting popularity. Her relationship with Dessalines was public and a letter paper was printed with the text: "The Friend of Jacques, His Majesty Emperor of Haiti", and she was granted an allowance. Daguilh hosted a salon with the task to spy on the military of Southern Haiti. When Dessalines was deposed, a mob broke in her house with the intent to lynch her, but she managed to calm them by serving them dessert and singing her songs to them. She later married one of the prominent members of the Haitian mlitary, Lacoude Bellefleur.