Heights of Cavaillon. Its young men overtake Lafleur

On the 10th, in the morning, Lafleur overtook the 17th, which had already been won over against the Emperor. He sharply blamed Battalion Commander Fossé for not having hastened his march more in so grave a circumstance. Fossé answered him with ill temper that he could not have gone faster. A heated altercation broke out between the general and the commandant. Lafleur, indignant, said to the officers: “It seems that you too are conspirators; no doubt that is why you did not render me military honors when I arrived. Since that is how things stand, I shall go and join Dessalines.” Then a former cavalry officer named Joute Bardet said to him: Ah! your Dessalines; his head must be cut off by now; as for you, you are our prisoner. You too! cried Lafleur. Bring me my horse! They opposed his going back. He sprang furiously into the saddle and crossed the river, taking the road to Les Cayes. The young men of Cavaillon, fearing that he would make for Aquin by the byroads, dashed off in pursuit with one Guerrier Haya at their head, overtook him and forced him to ride on with them. He reached Les Cayes with the 17th, escorted by these young men. He alighted at the house of Quenez, which was one of the houses built on the seashore. All the leaders of the insurrection were gathered there. They received him with distinction and at once proposed that he side with the revolt. He answered them angrily: why did you begin by disregarding the authority of the commanders? Before I take any decision, I wish to fight Battalion Commander Fossé, who has insulted me. Then, turning to Wagnac: I wish, colonel, to have an interview with you; come and see me this evening. General Lafleur, having been unable to master his anger, aroused suspicions about his further intentions: the insurgents thought he meant to bring Wagnac back to the cause of Dessalines. He left Quenez’s house and went freely to choose a lodging for himself. He again asked to speak with Wagnac; Wagnac refused to see him. During the day a company of grenadiers was posted beneath his gallery as a standing guard. He believed these soldiers had come to mount guard in order to render him the honors due to his rank; but the officer commanding the detachment had received orders to hold him prisoner. As Lafleur was an officer highly esteemed at Les Cayes, with influence over the troops, the conspirators, not knowing his intentions, wished to prevent him from communicating with the citizens. His aides-de-camp and his guides were arrested and sent to Camp Gérard, where General Moreau had been taken. Lafleur again asked, but in vain, to speak with Wagnac.