The Fox of France

Chapter 281: Negotiations (3)

Dussan Lucidur gathered his trusted subordinates to discuss the proposals brought by Victor on behalf of the First Consul, Napoleon Bonaparte, regarding the future of Saint-Domingue.

The room buzzed with discussion as they weighed the options. Meanwhile, the "Liberty Trade" ship remained anchored outside the harbor, exerting a considerable pressure. While the "Constitution" was docked in the Prince's Port, those captured or injured American crew members had been brought ashore. Through their interrogations, Dussan Lucidur and his team began to piece together what had transpired at sea.

While most of the black slaves were unaware of the events, Dussan Lucidur discovered the terror that "Liberty Trade" embodied, still lurking just outside Prince's Port. Aside from the potential military threat, the mere thought of the ship wreaking havoc on the harbor was unsettling.

In history, black rebel forces had employed a scorched-earth policy when facing French expeditions. For instance, when the French landed in Prince's Port, the black rebel forces set the entire port ablaze. However, unless it was absolutely necessary, it seemed unwise to engage in such actions without provocation. Even the uneducated among them realized that burning down their own city before the enemy arrived was foolish.

After heated debates, they came to a tentative conclusion: they would delay declaring independence and, as Victor suggested, investigate the "treason" of white slave owners. They would secure their trade routes and then consider their next steps while also dispatching individuals to assess the situation in Louisiana.

With this decision in hand, Victor proposed the construction of a dedicated French naval base in Saint-Domingue. He emphasized that one of the primary reasons for the First Consul's goodwill gestures was to ensure the safety of Louisiana. And to secure that safety, they needed a reliable naval base in Saint-Domingue.

More discussions ensued regarding the naval base. Dussan Lucidur didn't have a strong objection to the base itself but expressed concerns about the presence of French troops. At one point, he even requested that the French turn over the land defenses of the base to his own troops.

Victor promptly rejected this unreasonable demand, stating, "Governor, let's be frank. Your concern over the French garrison in the naval base is primarily rooted in your fear that these troops might pose a threat to you. In more straightforward terms, you don't entirely trust us and are worried that we might use these troops to jeopardize the security of Saint-Domingue. Likewise, we have our doubts about you. We fear that in certain circumstances, you might suddenly ally with our enemies, posing a severe threat to our naval base. Thus, the security of the base must remain under our control. Of course, to enhance our cooperation and mutual trust, we can discuss the size of the garrison and the types of weaponry."

After a week-long discussion, they finally reached a basic understanding: the French could construct a naval base at Cap Français, and the land defenses would be handled by the French. However, the number of French troops stationed there could not exceed three thousand. Additionally, the naval base's artillery, including cannons of 12 pounds or less, would not exceed twelve pieces.

Cap Français was where the French first set foot on the island of Saint-Domingue, and until 1790, it had served as the capital of the entire colony. However, it suffered extensive damage in subsequent earthquakes. In another timeline, after Haiti achieved independence, it was renamed Cape Haiti. From the perspective of port conditions, it was an excellent location. Dussan Lucidur did mention one issue, though:

"Some Americans have settled there, and we haven't had the chance to drive them out."

Of course, this was just an excuse, and Victor was well aware that these Americans were there with Dussan Lucidur's tacit approval, possibly even lured by him, as he needed their support for his independence cause.

"Well, for now, Saint-Domingue is still French territory. How can they stay there?" Victor replied.

"These are just some folks seeking shelter to repair their ships temporarily," Dussan Lucidur explained. "It's just that their progress has been a bit slow. However, according to our agreement, your naval base won't begin construction until the land issue is resolved. I can assure you that we can make these Americans leave before construction begins."

Victor looked at Dussan Lucidur and said, "Governor, I understand your reluctance to confront the Americans directly at this time. You're keeping them as a backup plan, and we understand that. However, in that case, these 'traitors' probably can't be held by you. They will be sent back to France for trial on charges of treason... just in case you decide to betray us; we also need a backup plan."

After completing the basic negotiations and signing a memorandum, Victor returned to the "Liberty Trade." According to the plan, the "Liberty Trade" would depart from Haiti and sail to New Orleans, the capital of Louisiana. After some repairs and preparations, it would return to Europe.

"Captain Leclerc," Victor said as soon as he stepped on board, "before heading to New Orleans, we need to make a stop at Cap Français."

"Is there an issue at Cap Français?" Captain Leclerc inquired.

"Not a significant one. It's just that there are some Americans reportedly repairing their ships there," Victor explained. "Given that they've gifted us such a significant patrol frigate, how can we not pay them a visit? Besides, Captain Leclerc, your ship can't stay here for an extended period. After the 'Liberty Trade' departs, our naval forces won't be sufficient to counter any American actions in this region. They're bound to make some moves. Why not take the opportunity while we're still here to show the American navy the stark difference between them and a real maritime power?"

Captain Leclerc naturally understood Victor's intent: to deal a heavy blow to the American navy while the "Liberty Trade" was in the vicinity. This was intended to change the unfavorable situation where French naval power was lacking in this region.

"Are you suggesting we engage the Americans directly? Does the First Consul know about this?" Captain Leclerc asked.

"The First Consul? How could he possibly be aware of these matters? However, when Minister Lucien Bonaparte spoke to me before our departure, he said something along these lines: 'Victor, you must understand that once we decide to take control of Louisiana, we will inevitably become enemies of the Americans. Since they've struck first in this matter, I believe we have no need to hold back any longer.'"