Fort Bizoton. Ford’s squadron anchors opposite it.

The English held the Môle Saint-Nicolas, Saint-Marc and the Arcahaie; to be masters of the bay of La Gonâve, nothing remained for them but to seize Port-Républicain. Commodore Ford, in the hope of winning over its inhabitants, came to anchor opposite the fort of Bizoton in the night of the first to the second of January 1794, with a squadron composed of the ships of the line Europa and Sceptre and the frigate Penelope. As he was well aware of the discord that already existed between Monbrun and the civil commissioner, he believed he could count on the men of color. Besides, there were only small forces in the town: the 48th European regiment, formerly Artois, the Legion of the West, and the new corps of the regenerated. On Ford’s orders the commander of the Penelope, Rowley, went under flag of truce to Sonthonax. He was at once conducted to the national palace. He was followed by a great crowd that cried nothing but Long live the Republic! Death to traitors! Down with the English! Rowley offered to speak with Sonthonax in private. “A republican has nothing to hear in secret,” replied the civil commissioner; “speak publicly, or withdraw.”