CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.
THE COUNCIL OF FIVE.
A council was held one morning, soon after the events just related,whose aspect would have perplexed an old colonist, if he could havelooked forward in vision to that day. In a shady apartment ofToussaint's house at Pongaudin sat five men, in whose hands lay thefortunes of the colony; and only one of these men was a white.
The five came to report well to one another of the fortunes of thecolony. Never, in the old days, could any set of counsellors have beengathered together, who could have brought with them such proofs of thewelfare and comfort of every class of inhabitants. In former times thecolonial legislators were wont to congratulate the Assembly on the goodworking of their system; which meant that the negroes were quiet, themulattoes kept under, and the crops promising; but under this "goodworking" there were the heart-burnings of the men of colour, the woesand the depravity of the slaves, and the domestic fears and discomfortsof the masters, arising from this depravity. Now, when there was nooppression and no slavery, the simple system of justice was truly"working well"; not only in the prospect of the crops, and the externalquiet of the proprietors, but in the hearts and heads of every class ofmen--of perhaps every family in the island.
Jacques Dessalines had arrived from Saint Marc, near which his estatelay. He had to tell how the handsome crescent of freestone housesbehind the quay was extending--how busy were the wharves--how thestore-houses were overflowing--how the sea was covered withmerchant-ships--and how the cheerful hum of prosperous industry washeard the long day through.
Henri Christophe had come from the city of Saint Domingo, quite throughthe interior of the island. He had to tell how the reinstated whitespaid him honour as he passed, on account of his friendship withL'Ouverture; how the voice of song went up from the green valleys, andfrom the cottage door; how the glorious Artibonite rolled its full tideround the base of mountains which no longer harboured the runaway or thethief, and through, plains adorned with plenty, and smiling with peace.
Monsieur Raymond arrived from the sittings of the Central Assembly.What good things he had to report will presently be seen.
Toussaint, with Monsieur Pascal, had arrived from Cap, where all was atpresent quiet, and where he had done the best he could, as he believed,by making Moyse a general, and leaving him in charge of the town anddistrict, till a person could be found fit for the difficult and mostanxious office of Governor of Cap. The two most doubtful points of thecolony were Port-au-Prince and Cap Francais. They had been the greatbattle-grounds of races; they were the refuge of the discontentedwhites; and they were open to the operations of factious people fromFrance. L'Ouverture was never sure of the peace and quiet of Cap, aslong as French ships came and went; but there was peace in the town atthe present moment; and he had left that peace in the temporary chargeof one who had done much, under his eye, to establish it--who had shownno small energy and talent, and who had every inducement that could beconceived to go through his brief task well. Great had been Toussaint'ssatisfaction in offering to Moyse this honourable opportunity ofdistinguishing himself; and much had he enjoyed the anticipation oftelling Genifrede of this fulfilment of her lover's ambition, and of thenear approach of their union, in consequence. It is true, he had beendisappointed by Genifrede's receiving this news with a shudder, and bynone but forced smiles having been seen from her since; but he trustedthat this was only a fit of apprehension, natural to one who loved sopassionately, and that it would but enhance the bliss that was tosucceed.
If, as usual, L'Ouverture had to report the situation of Cap Francais asprecarious, he brought good tidings of the South. An express had methim on his journey homewards, with news of the total defeat of theinsurgent mulattoes by Vincent. Rigaud had surrendered his designs, andhad actually sailed, with his principal officers, for France. Thus wasthe last torch of war extinguished in the colony, and matters ofpeaceful policy alone lay before this Council of Five.
The announcement of the entire pacification of the island was the firstmade by L'Ouverture, when his friends and counsellors looked eagerly tohim for what he should say.
"Vincent is a fine fellow," said Dessalines, "and a credit to hiscolour."
"He has been in the most pressing danger," observed Toussaint. "Godwilled that he should escape, when escape appeared impossible."
"What is to be done now with these cowardly devils of mulattoes?" askedDessalines.
Monsieur Pascal glanced at Raymond, to see how he bore this. Raymondchanced to meet his eye, and replied to the glance.
"You will not take me for a cowardly mulatto, Monsieur Pascal, if I donot resent Dessaline's words. He is speaking of the rebels, not of themany mulattoes who, like myself, disapprove and despise all suchjealousy of race as leads to the barbarism of aggressive war."
"Yet," said Christophe, "I wish that we should all avoid such languageas provokes jealousy of race."
"In council one must speak plainly," replied Dessalines. "I hopeMonsieur Pascal agrees with me; for doubtless certain affairs of thewhites will be in question, with regard to which they may be uncivillyspoken of. I was going to say, for instance (what L'Ouverture'ssecretary ought to be able to bear), that if we wish this state of peaceto last, we must studiously keep the whites down--exclude them from allsituations of power and trust. You all know that, in my opinion, theyought every one to have been done with some time ago. As that was noteffected, the next best, policy is to let them die out. One may computepretty well the time that this will take. If nothing better remains forthem here than to live upon their estates, without a chance ofdistinction, or of employment in public affairs, they will grow tired ofthe colony; the next generation, at farthest, will be glad to sell theirproperty, and go home; and we shall be rid of them."
"By that time, Jacques," said Toussaint, "you and I may find ourselvesagain in the midst of them, in a place whence we cannot drive them out."
Dessalines' countenance told, as well as words could have done, thatheaven would be no heaven to him if the spirits of white men were there.Toussaint well understood it, and resumed, "Better begin here what maybe our work there--draw closer, and learn from them the wisdom by whichthey have been the masters of the world: while they may learn from us,if they will, forgiveness of injuries."
"I am sick of hearing all that, Toussaint. It is for ever in yourmouth."
"Because it is for ever in my heart. You will hear it from me, Jacques,till I see that there is no occasion to say it more. As to Vincent, Ipropose to keep him, in token of honour, near my person; and to requestthe Central Assembly to decree to him an estate of such value as theyshall think proper, to be purchased from the public treasury."
"That is, supposing he should desire to remain among us," observedChristophe; "but Vincent is fond of France."
"Then his estate shall be in France, Henri. Our friend Raymond willcharge himself with this business in the Assembly."
"If I bring it forward in the form of a message from yourself," repliedRaymond, "there is no doubt of its being carried by acclamation. Thefinances of the colony are flourishing, and the attachment of theAssembly to your person most enthusiastic."
"What of the finances?" asked Toussaint.
Raymond gave from his notes a statement which showed that both thecustoms' duties and internal taxes had been productive beyond allexpectation; that the merchant-ships of almost every nation had visitedthe ports; and that, after defraying the expenses of the war now closed,there would be a surplus sufficient for the extension of the schools andthe formation of some new roads.
"What of the attachment of the Assembly to L'Ouverture's person?" askedChristophe.
"Every member of it sees that the prosperity of the island is theconsequence of the vigorous prosecution of his system; and that there isno security but in its unquestioned continuance. The Commander-in-chiefhaving been thus proved as eminently fitted for civil as for militarygovernment, the Assembly proposes to constitute him president of thecolony f
or life, with power to choose his successor, and to appoint toall offices."
All eyes were now fixed upon Toussaint. He observed that a dark cloudmust have hidden France from the eyes of the Assembly, when they framedthis proposition of independent sovereignty.
Raymond had no doubt that France would agree to have her colony governedin the best possible manner. If there should be a difficulty about thetitle of president, that of governor might be substituted. The powerbeing the same, there need not be a quarrel about the title. TheAssembly would yield that point--probably the only one that France woulddispute.
Monsieur Pascal believed that France would never yield the power ofappointing to offices of importance for life; still less that ofchoosing a successor.
"France ought not to yield such powers," said Toussaint; "and theAssembly ought not to bring upon me (representative as I am of my race)the imputation of a personal ambition which I abjure and despise. Icould tell the Assembly that, if I had chosen to stoop under the yoke ofpersonal ambition, I might have been sovereign of this island withoutwaiting for their call. Yes," he continued, in answer to the inquiringlooks of his friends, "I have in my possession a treaty proposed to meby the British Government, in which the English offer to make me king ofthis island--in such case to be called by its ancient name of Hayti--oncondition of exclusive commerce."
"Is it even so?" exclaimed Christophe.
"Even so, Henri. The English believed that I had acted on my ownaccount; and that we, the children of France, should turn against ourmother in the day of her perplexity, and join hands with her foes."
"Any other man would have done it," said Monsieur Pascal.
"No, Pascal; no man who was appointed, like me, to redeem his race."
"How do you consider that you will injure your race by accepting theproposal of the Assembly?" asked Monsieur Pascal. "I understand why youwould accept nothing from the hands of the English; and also why youwould hesitate to assume a power which the government at home woulddoubtless disallow. But how would your race be injured by honours paidto you?"
"You are my friend," replied Toussaint. "Is it possible that you canfail to understand?"
"I call myself your friend too," said Dessalines, "and I declare I cancomprehend nothing of it."
"Your prejudices on one point are strong, Jacques; and prejudice isblind. Monsieur Pascal is singularly unprejudiced: and therefore Ibelieved that he would understand me."
"Perhaps I do: but I wish to hear your reasons from yourself."
"Particularly," interposed Raymond, "as to whether you believe theblacks (who are, we know, your first object) would be more benefited bycontinued connection with France or by independence. I believe MonsieurPascal is unprejudiced enough to bear the discussion of even thispoint."
"It is that which I wish to understand clearly," observed MonsieurPascal.
"Whether, if I believed my race would be benefited by the independenceof this island, I could answer it to my conscience to separate fromFrance," said Toussaint, "we need not decide, as I am convinced that,amidst all the errors committed under the orders of government, it isbest for us to remain in connection with France. The civilisation ofthe whites is the greatest educational advantage we could enjoy. Yes,Jacques; and the more we despise it, the more we prove that we need it.The next great reason for remaining faithful is that we owe it to thewhite inhabitants of the colony not to deprive them of their connectionwith Paris, on the one hand, nor of their liberty to live and prosperhere, on the other. As regards my own peculiar position, I feel that myfirst duty is to present an example of reverence and affection for mycountry, and not of a selfish ambition. I may have other personalreasons also, tending to the same conclusion."
"Some favourite passages in Epictetus, perhaps, or in the Bible," saidJacques: "some reasons confirmed by the whispers of the priests.Nothing short of priestly influence could blind you to such anopportunity as we now have of disembarrassing ourselves of the whitesfor ever."
"Patience, Jacques!" said Toussaint, smiling.
"I believe," said Christophe, "that there is neither book nor priest inthe case. I believe that it is your peculiar feeling towards Bonaparte,Toussaint, which strengthens your affection for France."
Christophe saw, by a glance at his friend's countenance, that he wasright.
"I should act as you do," Henri continued, "if I were certain of a fulland generous reciprocity of feeling on the part of the government and ofBonaparte. But I have no such confidence."
"Hear him!" cried Dessalines and Raymond.
"You were not wont to doubt Bonaparte, Henri," observed Toussaint.
"Because, till of late, there was no reason to doubt him. I stillbelieve that he was in earnest at the outset, in his professed desire toserve France for the sake of France, and not for his own. But I believethat he has a head less strong than yours; that we shall see himtransformed from the pacificator into the aggressor--that, instead ofwaiting upon his pleasure, we may have to guard against injury fromhim."
"These words from the generous Henri," said Toussaint, "are portentous."
"I may be wrong, Toussaint. God grant, for the sake of the liberties ofthe world, that I may be proved mistaken! But, in the hour of choicebetween your sovereignty and continued dependence, you must not supposethe sympathy between the First of the Whites and the First of the Blacksto be greater than it is."
Toussaint could have told how Henri's words only confirmed misgivings asto the public virtues of Bonaparte, which had long troubled his secretsoul.
"Are you willing," he asked of Monsieur Pascal, "to tell us youranticipations as to the career of the First Consul? Do not speak, ifyou prefer to be silent."
"I cannot predict confidently," replied Pascal; "but I should not besurprised if we see Bonaparte unable to resist the offer of sovereignty.Once crowned, and feeling himself still compelled to speak incessantlyof the good of his country, his views of good will become debased. Hewill invest France with military glory, and sink into ruin by becoming aconqueror;--a vulgar destiny, in this age--a destiny which Alexanderhimself would probably scorn, if now born again into the world."
"Alas! my poor blacks, if this be indeed Bonaparte!" exclaimedToussaint. "Their supreme need is of peace; and they may become thesubjects of a conqueror."
"And happy if they be no worse than subjects," said Christophe.
"If," said Toussaint, "Bonaparte respects the liberties of the French nomore than to reduce them from being a nation to being an army, he willnot respect the liberties of the blacks, and will endeavour to make themonce more slaves."
"Ah! you see!" exclaimed Dessalines.
"I neither see nor believe, Jacques. We are only speculating. I willbe thoroughly faithful to my allegiance, till Bonaparte isunquestionably unfaithful to the principles by which he rose. At themoment, however, when he lifts his finger in menace of the liberties ofthe blacks, I will declare myself the Champion of Saint Domingo;--not,however, through the offices of the English, but by the desire of thosewhom I govern."
"Say King of Hayti," exclaimed Christophe. "This island was Hayti, whenit lay blooming in the midst of the ocean, fresh from the will of God,thronged with gentle beings who had never lifted up a hand against eachother. It was Hayti when it received, as into a paradise, the firstwhites who came into our hemisphere, and who saw in our valleys andplains the Eden of the Scripture. It became Saint Domingo when vicecrept into it, and oppression turned its music into sighs, and violencelaid it waste with famine and the sword. While the blacks and whitesyet hate each other, let it be still Saint Domingo: but when youwithdraw us from jealousy and bloodshed, let it again be Hayti. Whileit holds its conquered name there will be heart-burnings. If it becameour own Hayti, we might not only forgive, but forget. It would be anoble lot to be King of Hayti!"
"If so ordained, Henri. We must wait till it be so. My present clearduty is to cultivate peace, and the friendship of the whites. They musthave their due from us, fro
m Bonaparte himself, to the youngest infantin Cap. You may trust me, however, that from the hour that there is awhisper about slavery in the lightest of Bonaparte's dreams, I willconsent to be called by whatever name can best defend our race."
"It will be too late then," said Dessalines. "Why wait till Bonapartetells you his dreams? We know, without being told, that all the dreamsof all whites are of our slavery."
"You are wrong, Jacques. That is no more true of all whites, than it istrue of all blacks that they hate the whites as you do."
"You will find too late that I am not wrong," said Jacques. "Remember,in the day of our ruin, that my timely advice to you was to send foryour sons from Paris, and then avow yourself King of Saint Domingo--orof Hayti, if you like that name better. To me that name tells ofanother coloured race, whom the whites wantonly oppressed and destroyed.One cannot traverse the island without hearing the ghosts of those poorIndians, from every wood and every hill, calling to us for vengeance ontheir conquerors."
"Take care how you heed those voices, Dessalines," said Christophe."They are not the voices of the gentle Indians that you hear; for thewhites who injured them are long ago gone to judgment."
"And if they were still in the midst of us," said Toussaint, "vengeanceis not ours. Jacques knows that my maxim in the field--my order, whichmay not be transgressed--is, No retaliation! I will have the same ruleobeyed in my council-chamber, as we all, I trust, observe it in ourprayers. Jacques, you have not now to learn my principle and mycommand--no retaliation. Have you ever known it infringed, since thehour when you found me at Breda, and made me your chief?"
"Never."
"Nor shall you while I am obeyed. If the hour for defence comes weshall be ready. Till then we owe allegiance."
"You will find it too late," Dessalines said, once more.
"The Assembly," said Toussaint to Raymond, "will withdraw theirproposition regarding my being President of this island. I have allneedful power as Commander-in-chief of the colony."
"They have already published their request," said Raymond; "which I donot regret, because--"
"I regret it much," said Toussaint. "It will incense France."
"I do not regret it," pursued Raymond, "because it renders necessary thepublication of your refusal, which cannot but satisfy France."
"On the point of Toussaint's supposed ambition it may satisfy France,"observed Christophe. "But if Bonaparte be jealous of the influence ofthe First of the Blacks, this homage of the Assembly will not abate hisjealousy."
"Have you more messages for us, Raymond?--No. Then Monsieur Pascal andI will examine these reports, and prepare my replies. This our littlecouncil is memorable, friends, for being the first in which we couldreport of the entire pacification of the colony. May it be only thefirst of many! My friends, our council is ended."
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