Leclerc's army swept across the desolated belt with an ardour that was redoubled by the sight of the mangled remains of white people strewn amidst the negro encampments, and stormed Toussaint's chief stronghold at Crete-a-Pierrot.

The dictator and his factious lieutenants thereupon surrendered (May 8th, 1802), on condition of their official rank being respected--a stipulation which both sides must have regarded as unreal and impossible.

The French then pressed on to secure the subjection of the whole island before the advent of the unhealthy season, which Toussaint eagerly awaited.

It now set in with unusual virulence; and in a few days the conquerors found their force reduced to 12,000 effectives.

Suspecting Toussaint's designs, Leclerc seized him.