Commander Georges Biassou and Lieutenant Jean Chavannes, dressed in regal uniforms, were socializing with a couple of Gran Blanc women—and laughing loudly from a joke Biassou had expertly delivered.

Gerard and Renald Chevalier were discussing business with the sugar barons of the northern plains, and Captain Gabriel Martin was entertaining three young ladies with his stories of maritime adventures in far off lands.

At 7:00, a multitude of waiters clanged glassware to demand the attention of the crowd. They kept up the ceremonious clanging as they approached the entrance to the roped-off and ribboned casino entrance where the Bayards, Coidavids, and Henry now stood. A hush fell over the crowd.

The twenty waiters, dressed in black trousers, bowties, and white shirts covered by white server jackets took their places behind the proprietors.

“Good evening, and welcome to Le Casino de la Couronne,” spoke Henry. “We appreciate you attending our opening celebrations.”

The crowd clapped politely.

“Behind these ropes, lies the premier casino of St. Domingue—if not the entire French West Indies! You will find 82 tables for cards, dice, and a host of other games. We invite you to win, though we prefer you lose on occasion, and enjoy your evening of fun, food, and ambiance.”