Once more he took a survey of the vast fleet, in its two divisions, and then spread his arms in the direction of his chief cities, promising the foe to be ready to meet them there. In another moment he was striding down the mountain.
His generals were awaiting him at Cotuy, and the horses of the whole party were saddled.
“The French are come?” they asked.
“The French are come in great force. Fifty-four ships-of-war, carrying probably ten or twelve thousand men.”
“We have twenty thousand regular troops,” cried Dessalines. “The day of the proud French has arrived!”
L’Ouverture’s calm eye checked his exultation.
“Ten or twelve thousand of the élite of the armies of France,” said Toussaint, “are sailing along our shores; and large reinforcements may be following. Our twenty thousand troops are untried in the field against a European foe; but our cause is good. Let us be bold, my friends; but the leaders of armies must not be presumptuous.”
All uncovered their heads, and waited only his dismissal.
“General Christophe, Cap Français and its district are waiting for you. Let the flames of the city give us notice when the French land.”
Christophe embraced his friend, and was gone.