Thinking that Leclerc's death would have discouraged the French army, Pétion, Christophe, and Clervaux tried to storm Cap-Français at night on the 7th of November, 1802. But they were defeated and a lack of ammunition compelled them to abandon the fortifications they occupied in the vicinity of the town.
Pétion thought that the time had come to unify the command, as a conflict between the various leaders would have been detrimental to the cause of independence. Besides, the forces were scattered without any cohesion. In the Northern province Sans-Souci was endeavoring to assert his authority as Commander-in-Chief, and he was supreme in power from Borgne to the mountains of Fort Liberté. In the West Lamour Dérance had under his command: Larose at l'Arcahaie; Cangé in the neighborhood of Léogane; Métellus, Adam, Germain Frère, and Caradeux in the vicinity of Port-au-Prince; Magloire Ambroise, Lacroix in the mountains of Jacmel. For Pétion, Christophe, and Clervaux the only legitimate authority was that of Dessalines; this was fully acknowledged in the Artibonite province; and it was strictly necessary to have it accepted by all.
In consequence, after his failure in the attack on Cap-Français Pétion went to Petite Rivière, where he met Dessalines; there they came to a thorough understanding.
Proclaimed Commander-in-Chief of the native army, Dessalines appointed Pétion Brigadier-General. Christophe and Clerveaux were of great assistance to him in helping to bring under his authority the followers of the other leaders, who, although acting independently of one another, were bravely fighting against the French soldiers. Lamour Dérance tried to storm Jacmel and Léogane but failed in the attempt. The followers of Germain Frère and Caradeux succeeded in occupying Turgeau, from which place Port-au-Prince gets her water supply; they were, however, soon compelled to leave.
At the end of 1802 the island was divided thus: The
