1802 (The Deception of the Haytian Population): A major part of the Haytian population, accustomed for ages to considering themselves French, initially submi…

1802 (The Deception of the Haytian Population): A major part of the Haytian population, accustomed for ages to considering themselves French, initially submitted to the invading forces without resistance due to “fallacious promises.” Looking back at 1802, KIng Christophe’s manifesto reveals that even Governor Toussaint L’Ouverture was so deceived that he had given no orders to his generals to resist an attack. When the French squadron was first descried, the Governor was away making a circuit of the eastern side of the island, leaving the country vulnerable. Any initial resistance from individual generals was merely a reaction to the “hostile manner” and menaces used by the French in their summons to surrender. This lack of initial unity is presented as a tragic consequence of believing the “cajoling” words of the French government.