1797-May-01: Despite growing metropolitan anxiety regarding his ambitions, French authorities named Toussaint Louverture the General-in-Chief of the French a…

1797-May-01: Despite growing metropolitan anxiety regarding his ambitions, French authorities named Toussaint Louverture the General-in-Chief of the French army in Saint-Domingue. This promotion was largely a matter of military necessity to prevent the total loss of the colony to Britain. By August, Toussaint utilized his strengthened position to pressure Commissioner Sonthonax into departing for France and returning to Europe. This maneuver effectively removed Toussaint’s primary political rival and consolidated his control over the colonial administration and military. Disturbed by this move, the French Directory dispatched General Hédouville to restore authority and restrain the rising Negro general.