1799-May-19: Admiral Hyde Parker informed Lord Spencer that the British naval strategy in the Caribbean was being adjusted to account for the growing maritim…

1799-May-19: Admiral Hyde Parker informed Lord Spencer that the British naval strategy in the Caribbean was being adjusted to account for the growing maritime power of Toussaint Louverture. He reported that Toussaint was amassing a significant fleet of small vessels and privateers to secure “communication with the sea.” Parker warned that if the black regime gained full control of the surrounding waters, it would be impossible to prevent the spread of insurrection to Jamaica. The British sought to manage Toussaint through a combination of trade agreements and naval blockades to ensure he remained “contained” within Hispaniola. This report highlighted the transition of the Haitian Revolution from a land-based revolt to a regional maritime threat.