Port-de-Paix. The 3rd battalion of the 9th rises, plunders the treasury and fires on the government house

After this letter had been read, in the presence of Colonel Jacques Louis, one of Christophe’s intimate favorites, Pourcely said to the messenger: “Go and let Rébecca know that he is a brigand, and that I shall never enter the party of the rebels.” The soldier left at once for the Trois Pavillons. The officers of the 9th came out of the government house; Pourcely went into his room and stretched out on his bed. The adjudant de place Alain, formerly adjutant-major of the 9th demi-brigade, came up to him and said: “General, why do you not put yourself at the head of the 9th? Does Rébecca not acknowledge you as his chief in his letter? Let us make war on Christophe while there is still time; for later, friends or enemies, we shall all be his victims.” Pourcely reflected and did not answer. At that very moment Colonel Jacques Louis entered the room; he had heard everything. He cast an angry look at Alain; but Alain, who had discovered the disposition of the soldiers on duty at the government house, felt no uneasiness, for he was certain that he would not be arrested if Jacques Louis ordered the grenadiers to take him to prison. Pourcely, steadied by the presence of Jacques Louis, reported by letter to Christophe that Rébecca held the fort of the Trois Pavillons. It was the 18th of May.

When night had come, the 3rd battalion, which was spread among the various posts of the town, rose in its turn to cries of “Long live Pétion!”, broke into the office of the arrondissement, carried off its flag, plundered the treasury, and opened a brisk musketry fire on the government palace, which the officers occupied. A few grenadiers made for the house of the intendant Jacques Louis to cut off his head. He had been in hiding since the 16th. He reached the shore, threw himself into a canoe, and made for the little island of La Tortue, from which he got through to Le Cap. *