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140 TOUSSAINT L'OUVERTURE.

20.  Describing in glowing colors the advantages to be gained by joining the French government ; declaring that no design was entertained of infringing on the liberties of the blacks ; and desiring him to reflect on the situation of his children, who, unless he would submit, were to be immediately taken back, never more, perhaps, to gladden the hearts of their parents ; he concluded his perfidious speech, by putting into Toussaint's hand a letter from the French general at the Cape, accompanied by one from Buonaparte.
21.  These letters were couched in all the arts of intrigue, combined with that of persuasive eloquence.  In the letter from Buonaparte was the following paragraph : "We have made known to your children and their preceptor, the sentiments by which we are animated–we send them back to you.  What can you desire ? the freedom of the blacks ?  You know that in all the countries we have been in, we have given it to the people who had it not.
22."Tell the people of St. Domingo, that, if, liberty be to them the first of wants, they cannot but enjoy it but with the title of French citizens." – "Rey without reserve upon our esteem, and conduct yourself as one of the principal citizens of the greatest nation in the world ought to conduct." Isaac, the elder son, next addressed his father, representing the great kindness his brother and himself had received from Buonaparte, and the
 
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high esteem he had professed for Toussaint and his family.
23. The younger son added something that he had been taught, to the same effect ; and both, with artless eloquence, endeavored to win their father to a purpose, of the true nature of which they had no suspicion.  To their persuasions, were also added the tears and entreaties of their distressed mother.
24. Toussaint appeared to hesitate amid these tender solicitations.  Coisnon, the tutor, observing these appearances with savage pleasure, got a little off his guard, and discovered his base design. Toussaint, gently disengaging himself from the embraces of his wife and children, took him into another apartment, and gave him this decision : "Take back my children, since it must be so.  I will be faithful to my brethren and my God."
25. Finding all his endeavors fruitless, Coisnon proposed a negotiation with the French general at the Cape.  Toussaint was unwilling to prolong the painful domestic scene by staying to write at Ennery, nor would he risk another sight of his children ; but within two hours after his arrival he left his home again : and writing next day to the general, he sent the letter by Granville, the tutor of his other sons, who overtook Coisnon and the two lads, on their way to the Cape.
26.  By this negotiation, Toussaint was not able to obtain his desired object ; which was the inde-