276 TH LITE Of






 CHAPTER V.
 Toussaint L'Ourerture, a prisoner In the Jura Mountalns, appeals ina
 to the First Consul, who brings about his death by starvatlon-O 4
 of his career and character.

 W HILE the cause of independence, forced at length on'
 aspirations of the natives' Hayti, was advancing 
 rapid strides amid all the tumult of arms and all the coftri
 of despotic cruelties, Toussaint L'Ouv, rture pined away '
 died in the dark, damp, cold prison of Joux. I
 The Castle ofJoux stands on a rock. On one side, the rid
 Doubs flows at its base; on the other, the road of Besan.
 leading into Switzerland, gives the stronghold the conunand-
 the communications between that country and France. I
S Chateau de Joux, built by the Romans, for their conveni
 in marching into Gaul, extended in the Miidde Ages by4
 Lords of Joux, purchased by Louis XI., king o' Franc*'
 came under Louis XIV. a state prison. Theru Mirabeau
 fered incarceration, in virtue of a Icttre-de-cacrel.
 Toessaint L'Ourerture carried with him into his dungeo .
 conviction that be was to undergo a trial. In this cona
 he stained his soul. He felt confident of a triumph.
 enemies he knew were numerous and powerful. The C'
 he suspected, feared as mu'.h as hated him. Yet what w
 crime? Had not his authority emanated from the sui
 power in France ? By that power his position and his act*
 been sanctioned. And if even he had offered resistance to
 expedition, that opposition had been covered by an act
 demnity proclaimed by Leclerc. Itsolemn asseverations
 anything, if reiterated oaths retained their validity, be
 stand before any tribunal in fill confidence ofl an hon
 acquittal.