Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1804-12-12

Su oy us oiiSllil Names tlayC. has Cblr-
| ed change in oar commercial relations
with an island from which many ofour ci,;-
zens have formerly derived much wealth.
| AS our government viii probably pursue
some rneaSuresto ascertain these relations,
The history OF The revolutions of St. Do
mingo becomes Interesting. From The
French we know we shall hear Of insur-
gents. But 10 the enquirer, it is of great
Importance TO observe how the slaves of
one oil the richest colonies have formed
themselves into political society, at war
with one of the most powerful nations of
Europe. The policy of France, by the
cruelties it employed, as well as by the re-
fusal OF liberty, which It had promised,
nopened scene for enterprise and am
billion. Dessalnes accepted this bold con-
test. He appeared before the world to
contend for glory. He received such as
were obliged 10 retreat from danger, he
supplied them with arms, and paid con-
slant regard to the hoaors which the blacks
had received in the first military arrange.
ments. He encouraged pride and provok-
ed ambition. But his military strength
was soon increased by the accession of the
18th deni-brisade, which was ardent to
carry instruction into the south, from
which they had been expelled. Mirebaiais
and Cul de Sac were necessary 10 secure
an entrance. a few were left at Artibo-
nlte, and the greatest force was marched
against Mirebaiais. The whites were sa
criliced, and the Europeans were soon o.
bilged 10 quit the rich plain of Cul dc Sac.
h!nrirc karl h,t a..
most terrible engine. At once the plain
and the mountains exhibited to Port au
Prince one sheet of flame Every thing
was sacrificed to it without any exemption.
The terrified Inhabitants instantly began
to discover the false policy OF Rochambeau,
whom they had recommended 10 the First
Consul as worthy Of the first command in
the island. The blacks secured The en-
trance upon the south, but lost BYigadicr
General Cabart. 1t was now the Object
oil Dessalines to understand the state Of
this department. Petit Goave, had been
taken'hy Lamane, and his young associ-
ates aad Delpec had gone for France. Mi
ragoare was guarded upon the confines OF
the department. of The south by the Creole
Chasseurs, whom Rochambeau had found
better adapted TO the climate than Euro
pean soldiers. At Aux Cages, dcstru6ti
on and death had their full commission IN
der Bergier, most savage brute. Des-
bureauX had been recalled as man inca
paA!e OF cruelty and inhumanity. In such
distress instruction was soon infamed.
La Plume and Nereite had been purcbas.
cd to be engines of their Internal policy of
destruction. Twenty two black officers
were to be drowned without any INQUIRY
OF their names. The dead were in every
place floating on the shores. At this mo-
nlent, Terou, an officer of true courage and
just ambition, upon the sight of the car.
mage, cried 10 arms. The youth loved the
man 6 obeyed him. ODihe plain dn Fond.
the whites dared not TO appear. Every
thing was in the power of Ferou. Dsssa-
lines sent Instantly the 18Th dem. brigade
upon Nicholas Gefrard, Colonel under
Rlgaud. an excellent diaciplinarian, and
brave officer. Cefrard entered and took
Ense Veau assisted by Jean Louis Fran
co.'s, bnt Iie eagerness OF piIlage obliged
GeHrard to return to aIiragoane. Dessa.
lines instantly sent him a reinforcement.
Gehrard then crossed the mountains Of
hochelols, burnt every thing, and reached
the plain d'Aquin, fell upon the town, de-
stroyed the whites, and pursued with fire
and sword, till he reached the heights of
Cagaillon, and in a few days made tinc-
ton with Ferou. Sarrasin and Darbois
were at Jeremic, and in vain attempted TO
soccer La PLUME at Aux.Cayes. Gef-
Irard, commanding the Plain, cncamped
at the gates of Aux Cages. A single post
out OF the town was in possession of the
French. Geffrard, from humanity did not
attack il, because it afforded an opportu-
" for many 10 escape from the town.
The want Of powder retarded every ope.
ration. as none could be obtained but at c.
very risk, The barges supplied few
pounds at time, iii GelIrard tho't him.
self able to undertake the seigc of Anse
Feau. Petit Trou was evacuated, and
Gefirard was afraid that the same would
DC the fate OF Anse a Veau, from which
he hoped 10 gain great supplies. Fire was
soon put to the town, and the garrison sur
rendered al discretion. Then Genrard
could command one hundred pounds of
powder to send TO Gen, Cange al the siege
Of Lcogane. The garrison Of Leogane
embarked for Port au Prince. The French
now held in the south only Aux-Cayes,
Jeremie, and some small places. These