CHAPTER XV.
TOUSSAINT A PRISONER IN FRANCE.
While the cause of independence, forced at length
on the aspirations of the natives of Hayti, was advancing
with rapid strides, amid all the tumult of armies,
and all the confusion of despotic cruelties, Toussaint
L'Ouverture pined away in the dark, damp, cold prison
of Joux.
This castle stands on the brink of the river Daubs; on the land side, the road of Besancon, leading into Switzerland, gives the stronghold the command of the communications between that country and France. This dungeon built by the Romans, has in it a room fifteen feet square, with a stone floor, the same of which the entire castle is constructed. One small window, high up on the side, looking out on the snows of Switzerland, is the only aperture that gives light to the dismal spot. In winter, ice covers the floor; in summer, it is deep with water. In this living tomb, Toussaint was placed, and left to die.
All communication was forbidden him with the outer world. He received no news of his wife and family. He wrote to Bonaparte, demanding a trial,
