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here : after their settlement at Baltimore in Maryland, he availed himself of every opportunity to send them some additional proof of his friendship and gratitude.
 4. Not long after this, he was placed in a conspicuous station, where the excellencies of his character unfolded themselves more and more as opportunities offered for their development ; and the same amiable dispositions which adorned his humble life, continued to distinguish him in his elevation. One who was opposed to him in politics, says, "He has a fine penetrating eye, and is extremely sober by habit, and his activity in the prosecution of his enterprises is incessant, and allows very little time for settled repose, or for his meals." If there was one trait in his character more conspicuous than the rest, says the historian, it was his unsullied integrity. That he never broke his word, was a proverbial expression even among those who sought occasion against him. Though he for a considerable time possessed unlimited power, he has never been charged with its abuse.
 5. Four Frenchmen who had been guilty of treachery, being taken, and remembering the example set by their general, every one expected to be put to a cruel death. Leaving them however in a state of suspense as to their fate, Toussaint ordered them to be brought into church the following Sunday, and while that part of the service was pronouncing which relates to mutual forgiveness, he went with them to the front of the altar, where, after endeavoring to impress their minds with the heinousness of their conduct, he ordered them to be discharged without further punishment.
 6. There having been considerable disturbance on the Island, by the interference of the English and French governments, but having come to an amicable adjustment of affairs, it was deemed proper for the British General Maitland to make Toussaint a visit previous to his embarkation. Though their business was not fully settled, yet confiding in the integrity of Toussaint, the general went with only two or three of his attendants. Before he arrived, Toussaint received
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a letter from one of his partizans, advising him to retain the British general. And on the general's arrival, Toussaint was not to be seen immediately, but at length he appeared with two letters in his hand. "There, general," said he, "before we talk together, read these : one is a letter just received from Roume, (the French commissioner,) and the other is my answer. I would not come to you until I had written by answer to him, that you may see how safe you are with me, and how incapable I am of baseness."
 7. General Maitland, on reading the letters, found one an artful attempt to persuade Toussaint to seize his guest, as an act of duty to the republic ; and the other a noble and indignant refusal. "What!" said Toussaint in his letter to the perfidious Frenchman, "have I not passed my word to the British general? How then can you suppose that I will cover myself with dishonour by breaking it? His reliance on my good faith leads him to put himself in my power, and I should be for ever infamous, if I were to act as you advise. I am faithfully devoted to the republic ; but will not serve it at the expense of my conscience and my honour."
 8. When these negotiations were settled, he devoted his undisturbed attention to the arts of peace. And one of his first objects was the regular cultivation of the soil, - upon which the prosperity of every country materially depends. Slavery being now done away on the Island, the planters who returned were obliged to employ their labourers on the footing of hired servants, and the negroes were required to labour for their own subsistence.
 9. Obliged to work but in a moderate manner, and for suitable wages, and at liberty to choose their own masters, the plantation negroes were generally contented, healthful, and happy ; and in due time, the Island reached a state of refinement and ease, scarcely to be credited. A writer who visited the Island, says, "the men in general are sensible and polite, and many of the women are very engaging."