Page:Haiti- Her History and Her Detractors.djvu/136

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Haiti: Her History and Her Detractors

Surpassing his chief's perfidy, General Brunet, on June 7, addressed the following letter to Toussaint:

"Here is the time for you, citizen General, to make known to the Commander-in-Chief that those who are trying to give him false ideas concerning your good faith are vile slanderers, and that your only aim is to restore order and quiet in the parish where you are living. You must assist me in securing free communication on the highway leading to Cap-Français; since yesterday this highway has become unsafe, three persons have been murdered between Ennery and Cap-Français by a band of about fifty ruffians. Send to these bloodthirsty men trustworthy and well-paid emissaries; the money will be refunded to you.

"There are, my dear General, some arrangements I would like to make with you, but which cannot be settled by mail; a conference of one hour will bring the matter to a close. Were I not so exhausted by stress of business, I would to-day have brought my answer to you; but I am unable to go out; come; if you have recovered your health, let it be to-morrow. One must never delay éhen one can do good. You will not find in my country home all the attractions I would like to gather there in order to welcome you; but you will find in my house the sincerity of an honest man [galant homme], whose best wishes are for the prosperity of the colony and your own happiness.

"If Madame Toussaint, whose acquaintance I would like to make, could accompany you, I would be very glad. If she want horses I will send her mine.

"I will say again, General, you will never find a more sincere friend than I. Have confidence in the Captain-General, and friendship for those who are his subordinates, and you will enjoy peace.

"Cordially yours,

"BRUNET."

"P.S. Your servant, who is going to Port-au-