1802 (Account of the Squadron’s Arrival): General Christophe recounted the specific events surrounding the arrival of the French fleet under General Leclerc,…
1802 (Account of the Squadron’s Arrival): General Christophe recounted the specific events surrounding the arrival of the French fleet under General Leclerc, noting that the port captain was detained on board despite the colony’s “devotion to France.” He explained that he had sent Citizen Granier to express the necessity of waiting for orders from Governor Louverture before allowing the troops to land. Leclerc’s refusal to grant even a “trifling delay” was seen by Christophe as a sign of hostile intent rather than a diplomatic mission. The Haytian command viewed the immediate threat of force as an insult to their status as officers of the republic. This account was included in the Haytian Papers to prove that the French were the original aggressors in the conflict.