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with the idea we have formed of you. It would cause you to lose your numerous rights to the gratitude of the republic, and would dig beneath you an abyss which, in swallowing you up, might also contribute to the misfortune of those brave blacks, whose courage we love, and whom it would pain us to be obliged to punish for rebellion. We have made known to your children and to their preceptor the sentiments by which we are animated, and we are sending them back to you. Assist the Captain-General with your counsel, your influence, and your talents. What is it that you can desire? The liberty of the blacks! You know that in all the countries where we have been, we have given that to those people who did not already have it. Recognition, honor, and fortune! After the services which you have rendered, which you will still render in this circumstance, together with the particular sentiments which we have for you, you must not be uncertain of your recognition, your fortune, and the honors which await you.

Make it known to the people of Saint Domingue that the solicitude which France has always held for their happiness has often been powerless because of the imperious circumstances of war, that the men come from the Continent to agitate and nourish factions were the product of factions which themselves were then tearing up the fatherland; that henceforward peace and the force of the government will assure their prosperity and liberty. Say that, if for them liberty is the first of all goods, they cannot enjoy it except with the title of French citizens, and that any act contrary to the obedience which they owe to the fatherland, and to the Captain-General who is its delegate, would be a crime against the national sovereignty which would eclipse their services and would render Saint Domingue into the theater of an unfortunate war where fathers and children would tear out each other’s throats. And you, General, reflect that if you are the first of your color who has arrived at such a great power, and if you are distinguished by your color’s bravery and military talents, you are also, before God and ourselves, the first responsible for the conduct of your people.

If there have been ill wishers who said to the individuals who played the first role in the troubles of Saint Domingue that we have come to look into what they have done during the times of anarchy, assure them that we will not inform ourselves of anything but their conduct during this final circumstance, and that we will not explore the past except to familiarize ourselves with the traits which distinguished them in the war which they maintained against the Spanish and the English who have been our enemies.

Count without reserve upon our esteem, and conduct yourself as one of the first citizens of the greatest nation in the world ought to do.

Paris, Brumaire 27, Year Ten {November 18, 1801}

The First Consul (signed) BONAPARTE

Isaac folded the letter and extended it to his father. Toussaint accepted it and shuffled the leaves, leaning his head back so that he seemed to squint at the paper from the bottoms of his eye sockets.

“But this letter is dated four months ago,” he said suddenly. “The Captain-General Leclerc has been very dilatory in bringing it to me.”

“There are of course the weeks of the sea passage,” Coisnon said, with a downward turn of his palms. “And as you’ve heard, the First Consul would extend to you every friendship.”

“Yes, while his representative, his brother-in-law, enters the country with fire and sword,” Toussaint said shortly, “—and sends me no word of his own.”

Coisnon opened his mouth, but seemed to think better of whatever he had thought to say. Toussaint, meanwhile, had laid the letter aside and picked up the box, which he opened and shut, examining its hinges and fastening. He wrapped the letter in the tricolor cloth, replaced it in the box, and snapped shut the catch. The small click echoed from the walls.

“Your voyage cannot account for so long a delay,” he said, “nor even for half of it, as you must know. Have the sentiments of the