This man was a slave to a Frenchman of the same name, in the Island of Guadaloupe.  In consideration of faithful services, his master gave him his freedom, and he opened a barber’s shop on his own account.  Some time after, he was appointed an officer in the French army, against Victor Hughes.  He had command of a fort, and remained in the army until the close of the war.  After that period, there were symptoms of insurrection among the colored people, because the French government revoked the decree abolishing slavery in their West India Islands.  Etienne was a man of talent, and had acquired considerable influence, particularly among people of his own color.  He exerted this influence on the side of mercy, and was the means of saving the lives of several white people who had rendered themselves obnoxious by their efforts to restore slavery.

Affairs were so unsettled in Guadaloupe, that Etienne determined to seek refuge in the United States; and an old friend of his master procured a passport for him.  A man by the name of Anslong, then at Guadaloupe, had two slaves, whom he was about to send to the care of Dennis Cottineau, of Philadelphia, with directions to place them on a farm he owned, near Princeton, New-Jersey.  When it was proposed that Etienne should take passage in the same vessel, Anslong manifested much interest in his behalf.  He promised that he should have his passage free, for services that he might render on board; and he took charge of his passport, saying that he would give it to the captain for safe keeping.

When the vessel arrived at Philadelphia, in March, 1803, Etienne was astonished to find that Anslong had paid his passage, and claimed him as his slave.  Dennis Cottineau showed the receipts for the passage money, and written directions to forward the three slaves to New-Jersey.  In this dilemma, he asked counsel of a colored man, whom he had formerly known in Guadaloupe; and he immediately conducted him to Isaac T. Hopper.  He related the particulars of his case very circumstantially, and the two colored men, who were really the slaves of Anslong, confirmed his statement.  When Friend Hopper had cautiously examined them, and cross-examined them, he became perfectly satisfied that Etienne was free.  He advised him not to leave the city, and told him to let him know in case Dennis Cottineau attempted to compel him to do so.  He accordingly waited upon that gentleman and told him he had resolved not to submit to his orders to go to New-Jersey.  Whereupon Cottineau took possession of his trunk, containing his papers and clothing, and caused him to be committed to prison.