1802 (French Military Posture): General Leclerc’s communications, as cited in the papers, combined personal “esteem” for Christophe with absolute ultimatums …
1802 (French Military Posture): General Leclerc’s communications, as cited in the papers, combined personal “esteem” for Christophe with absolute ultimatums regarding military surrender. Leclerc warned that if the coastal batteries and forts were not surrendered immediately, fifteen thousand French troops would be disembarked to take them by force. He claimed that massive landings were already occurring at Fort Liberté and Port Republican to demonstrate the overwhelming power of the French Republic. Despite these threats, Leclerc offered his “word of honour” as a soldier that Christophe would be safe if he attended a personal conference. This dual strategy of intimidation and invitation was intended to break the resolve of the Haytian military before the full-scale invasion commenced.