Bonaparte devised an intricate plan to capture the colony by dismissing the Black leaders, disarming the populace, and enacting “special laws.” He avoided mention of slavery, wanting his soldiers to think that they were fighting for the ideals of the Republic; only Leclerc knew otherwise.

In February 1802, French attacks began in coastal cities around the colony. Due in part to Toussaint’s conflicted views, many of Toussaint’s generals faltered, unsure how to respond. Le Cap, Port-Républicain, and Santo Domingo fell in quick succession. Leclerc soon controlled most of the coastline. Only Toussaint, Dessalines, and Jacques Maurepas offered meaningful resistance. Weakened by earlier controversy, Toussaint struggled to rouse the Black laborers to support his cause.

Leclerc enacted another of Bonaparte’s plots, sending Toussaint’s two sons, who sailed with Leclerc from Paris, to invite his surrender. Indignant, Toussaint simply encouraged his sons to choose between France and San Domingo for themselves. Alarmed at mounting sickness among his soldiers, Leclerc wrote letters to French officials requesting reinforcements and supplies. When reinforcements did arrive, he coordinated a multi-pronged attack on Gonaïves. Outnumbered, Toussaint, Christophe, Maurepas, and Dessalines employed evasive maneuvers. The attack failed.

French General Étienne Desfourneaux, who had previously served under Toussaint, wrote persuasive letters to some of Toussaint’s subordinates inviting them to join the French forces.