He begged that this beautiful state of things
might not be reversed. The remonstrance was not regarded, and the
expedition proceeded. Its issue is well known. Threatened once more
with the horrors of slavery, the peaceful and quiet laborer became
transformed into a demon of ferocity. The plough-share and the pruning-
hook gave way to the pike and the dagger. The white invaders were driven
back by the sword and the pestilence; and then, and not till then, was
the property of the planters seized upon by the excited and infuriated
blacks.
In 1804 Dessalines was proclaimed Emperor of Hayti. The black troops
were in a great measure disbanded, and they immediately returned to the
cultivation of the plantations. From that period up to the present there
has been no want of industry among the inhabitants.
Mr. Harvey, who during the reign of Christophe resided at Cape Francois,
in describing the character and condition of the inhabitants, says "It
was an interesting sight to behold this class of the Haytiens, now in
possession of their freedom, coming in groups to the market nearest which
they resided, bringing the produce of their industry there for sale; and
afterwards returning, carrying back the necessary articles of living
which the disposal of their commodities had enabled them to purchase; all
evidently cheerful and happy.
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