One soldier said the dead rebels included the cousin of a soldier on the base.
"I saw no sign of cult fetishes or distinctive markings among the dead rebels."
However, the Americans repulsed the attack with musketry and afterwards found eight dead rebels on the field.
Even the weapons and ammunition of the dead rebels had been collected for possible use.
Graphic images were shown on television tonight showing the bodies of the dead rebels lying in the compound.
The plantation displayed the bodies of the dead rebels to intimidate other slaves.
The next day, 13 July, more fighting left five rebels dead and 17 wounded.
Witnesses reported seeing bodies of dead rebels and soldiers lying beside the airport road.
All at once he stopped, bent to look, then drew his dirk and squatted beside a dead rebel.
The clashes left at least ten rebels dead and one French soldier injured.