CHAPTER IX
Reactionary measures—The natives unite under the leadership of Dessalines—The war of Independence—Death of Leclerc—Rochambeau—Atrocities committed by the French—Capois-la-Mort—Expulsion of the French.
The deportation of Toussaint Louverture following Andre Rigaud’s, opened the eyes of the natives. Blacks and mulattoes all realized now that only a close and firm union could save them from the fate in store for them. There was no longer any possible doubt as to the aim of the mission intrusted to General Leclerc: white supremacy was to be restored and the power of the natives annihilated. The first Consul, elated with his success in Europe, anticipated an easy victory in Saint-Domingue. He did not take the least trouble to conceal his plans: the French Government went to the extent of adopting a law maintaining slavery and the slave-trade. At Guadeloupe Vice-Admiral Lacrosse had immediately restored this barbarous institution. These reactionary measures served to alarm the former slaves of Saint-Domingue who had achieved their liberty by force of arms. General Leclerc made no effort to dispel their anxiety; for to him it seemed to be the easiest of tasks for the invincible soldiers who had subdued Europe to crush such unworthy opponents as he deemed the blacks to be. In consequence, he proceeded deliberately in taking the measures by which to carry out the great schemes of the first Consul. The possible humiliations of the natives mattered little. Above all it was necessary to place them once again beneath their former yoke. The Captain-General began by annulling the military grades conferred by Toussaint Louverture;
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