1800-Nov.-04: Robert Liston informed Edward Robinson that the British government was closely monitoring the diplomatic overtures made by Toussaint Louverture…

1800-Nov.-04: Robert Liston informed Edward Robinson that the British government was closely monitoring the diplomatic overtures made by Toussaint Louverture to the United States. He noted that Toussaint was attempting to play the European powers against each other to secure the best possible terms for his “independent” commerce. Liston expressed concern that Toussaint was becoming too adept at “white diplomacy,” making it harder for Britain to dictate terms. The report suggested that the black leader’s political sophistication was as much of a threat as his military prowess. This intelligence reflected the realization among European officials that they were dealing with a statesman rather than merely a rebel leader.