1808 (Diplomacy with Spanish Haytians): President Christophe took advantage of the “usurpation of the Spanish monarchy in Europe” to strengthen ties with the…

1808 (Diplomacy with Spanish Haytians): President Christophe took advantage of the “usurpation of the Spanish monarchy in Europe” to strengthen ties with the inhabitants of the eastern part of the island. He believed that a “similarity of wants” should unite the French and Spanish Haytians against common enemies who menaced their mutual existence. To support this alliance, he dispatched arms and warlike stores to the Spanish general Don Juan Sanchez Ramirez. This assistance enabled the Spanish forces to undertake offensive operations against the French troops who still occupied the city of St. Domingo. The result of this policy was the restoration of ancient ties of friendship and trade between the two peoples.