Jacmel. Birot and the chief officers flee; mutiny calmed by Auger and Gauthier.

It is impossible to express the indignation of the soldiers of the Legion of the West when they learned of this betrayal. They railed furiously against their chiefs without distinction; some even spoke of delivering the town to Toussaint Louverture; all the administrations fell into the most complete disorganization; the town was in great agitation; the authority of every officer was disregarded; had the besiegers then directed a general attack against the town, they would infallibly have entered it. In the midst of this tumult and of the threatening cries that burst out on every side, Auger and Gauthier boldly presented themselves to the soldiers, spoke to them with energy and courage and, sharing their indignation, laid before them all the circumstances of the shameful flight of the chief authorities. They regained their ascendancy over the troops. The brave men of the Legion named Lieutenant Colonel Gauthier by acclamation commander in chief of the arrondissement, and Auger second in command. The sorties against the besiegers began again with fresh vigor.