1802 (Leclerc’s Ultimatum and Responsibility): General Leclerc issued a stern warning to Christophe, demanding the immediate surrender of Forts Picolet and B…

1802 (Leclerc’s Ultimatum and Responsibility): General Leclerc issued a stern warning to Christophe, demanding the immediate surrender of Forts Picolet and Belair along with all coastal batteries. He informed Christophe that fifteen thousand French troops were prepared to disembark at daybreak if these demands were not met, with thousands already landing at Fort Liberté and Port Republican. Leclerc stressed that while he held “individual esteem” for Christophe’s past conduct, he would hold him personally responsible for any bloodshed that occurred. He presented his proclamation as the final expression of the French Government’s intentions toward the inhabitants of the colony. This mix of military threat and personal accountability was a primary tactic used to pressure Haytian commanders into rapid capitulation.