Yet Geffrard had met with some reverses. Defeated by the French he was compelled to evacuate Anse-à-Veau and Miragoane and to take shelter in the mountains, where he reorganized his forces. However, he was soon able once more to assume the offensive; and on the 5th of March, 1803, he was in the plain of Cayes, where he met Férou. He immediately set about obtaining the acknowledgment of the authority of Dessalines as Commander-in-Chief. Unity of command prevailed thus in the Southern province without any trouble. It was soon established also in the North and in the West.
From Artibonite Dessalines proceeded to Port-de-Paix, where his authority was acknowledged without demur by Capois whom he appointed brigadier-general. Romain and Yayou were still under Sans-Souci's command. Dessalines appointed both brigadier-generals and placed the former at the head of the arrondissement of Limbé and the latter in command of Grande-Rivière. In order to win over Sans-Souci's last remaining officers he conferred the rank of colonel on Petit Noel Prieur, who became Commandant of the Place of Dondon belonging to the arrondissement which was under Christopher's authority. After this Dessalines went up into the mountains of Grande-Rivière, where he met Sans-Souci, who, being deprived of the help of his principal followers, was compelled to acknowledge the authority of the Commander-in-Chief of the native army.
Having settled all things to his satisfaction, Dessalines returned to the Artibonite. But Christophe had not forgotten his old quarrel with Sans-Souci. Considering the moment propitious for ridding himself of his enemy, he invited him to an interview on the Grandpré plantation, and there murdered him. Petit Noel and his followers rose up at once in order to avenge the death of their former leader. Christophe was compelled to flee; and Paul Louverture,[1] who endeavored to pacify Sans-Souci's avengers, was beheaded by them. Dessalines arrived with a strong body of soldiers and
- ↑ The brother of Toussaint Louverture.
