TOUBSAINT L'OUVIETUIE.


131 i


 O-took place every evening. At these, Toussaint
 appeared clad like the ancient proprietors when
 mtations. All the citizens entered the grand saloon,-
 r~respectively of rank and position, addressed by the
 convenience served. After having gone round the
 fired, and took with him into a small apartment in
 bed-chamber, which he used as a study, the persons
 *he wished to converse more freely and more at
 The greater number of these were the chief whites
 oy. There, seating himself, he requested all others
 Then he proceeded to talk with them of France,
 dren, of religion, of his old masters, and of God's
 giving him liberty, and granting him means for dis-
 I the duties of the post in which he had been placed
 Either country. He also conversed of the progress of
 rea of commerce, and never of political concerns. He
 Each respecting his own private afairs, and of his
 id appeared to take an interest in the several matters.
 06Mer, he spoke of their children, and inquired whether
 blded to their religious education; and the young he
 Ileties briefly examine in their catechism. When he
 put an end to the audience, he arose and bowed.
 any then retired, being attended by him to the door.
 .,left, he appointed times for special interviews with
 o made the request. Then he shut himself up with
 Ae secretaries, and commonly continued his labors far

 |b practical regard to show and parade, L'Ouverture
 "Wbeen influenced by his own personal defects. Small
 ?, he was of a repulsive aspect, and, having a difficult
 he spoke with as little elegance as grammar. Yet his
 rb of power, for they came from a strong soul and
k heralds of a resolute will. A man of few words and
Odmagination, he sometimes uttered his ideas in para.
uith4tler that in such a form he could the more effect-
 t them on the minds of the rude natures with which