François Capois, the hero of Vertières, was killed 220 years ago.

From Colonial Domain to Rebel Army

Born in 1766 in the arrondissement of Port-de-Paix, François Capois was the son of a slave on a plantation owned by French planters. The family name, "Cappouet," evolved over time into Capoix. In 1793, after Toussaint Louverture's passage through Port-de-Paix, he joined the fight against slavery. Enlisted in the troops of Jacques Maurepas, he rose through the ranks due to his military exploits, from simple soldier to lieutenant, and then to captain.

La Tortue and Port-de-Paix

Forced to leave Port-de-Paix by General Clauzel, he regained control by seizing valuable ammunition at Petit-Fort. Lacking ships, he built a raft of planks tied with vines to attack the island of La Tortue. A first attempt, led by Louis-Vincent with 150 soldiers during the night of February 18, 1803, failed. On April 12, 1803, Capois stormed Port-de-Paix, and a second expedition delivered La Tortue to the insurgents.

The Assault on Vertières

On November 18, 1803, at Jean-Jacques Dessalines' orders, he led a half-brigade against the fort of Vertières near Cap-Haïtien. Three assaults were repelled by gunfire. On the fourth, his horse was felled by a cannonball and his feathered hat carried away, but he rose, sword in hand, shouting "Forward!" Rochambeau had compliments sent to him, then a horse as a sign of admiration. The French abandoned the fort afterward.

The Trap at Limonade

Henri Christophe saw him as a rival. On the road to Cap-Haïtien, Capois crossed paths with Generals Romain and Dartiguenave and the adjutant-general Gérard, who took his saber from him. According to historian Thomas Madiou, he did not resist and was shot. The remains of his tomb and a memorial are located near Limonade.