Haitian Revolutionary War - A History of American Intervention in Haiti

Despite their stunning success, the rebels didn't really come close to seizing control of the whole colony. To saun was too strong to be knocked out with a single blow, no matter how spectacular. There were defections from two saunts ranks, most notably General Alexandre Petillon who brought a sizable force over to Rigo's side. This period of Haitian history is known as the War of the Knives and that gives you some idea of the level of violence.