1803, November 18: (The Battle of Vertières and the Final Defeat of the French): Dessalines led 16,000 men to Cap Français, deciding to take the city by stor…
1803, November 18: (The Battle of Vertières and the Final Defeat of the French): Dessalines led 16,000 men to Cap Français, deciding to take the city by storm rather than a formal siege. On the morning of November 18, 1803, the 9th Demibrigade under Capoix-la-Mort led a heroic charge against the forts of Charrier and Vertières despite heavy grape fire from the French. During the battle, Capoix’s horse was killed, but he continued on foot; Rochambeau was so impressed by his bravery that he briefly ordered a cease-fire to send compliments through a staff officer. By mid-afternoon, the Haitians took the Butte de Charrier, and a massive explosion destroyed the French reserve magazine inside Vertières. After a final French counter-attack was repulsed and a torrential rainstorm drowned the field, Rochambeau realized he was beaten and requested terms for capitulation the next morning.