Fox of France

Toussaint Louverture called several of his capable subordinates to discuss the suggestion that Victor brought to him, the first ruling Napoleon.

Faced with this series of suggestions, everyone has a lot of discussion. But all the same undecided. At the same time, the "Free Trade" staying outside the port also brought a lot of pressure to everyone. Although the "Free Trade" is still outside the port, the "Constitution" has already parked at the port of Port-au-Prince.

Those captured and injured Americans were also sent ashore. Through their questioning, they also learned what happened at sea. Although most black people know nothing about these things, Dusan Louverture learned from these descriptions what a terrifying monster the "Free Trade" that is still parked outside Port-au-Prince today is. Among other things, once the two sides turn their faces, the "Free Trade" can definitely smash the entire port area to pieces.

Of course, if it is for independence, for not being a slave anymore, or even just for obtaining land, then this sacrifice is nothing unbearable. In the original history, when the black rebel army faced the French expeditionary force, it adopted a very thorough strategy of fortifying the wall and clearing the country. For example, when the French Expeditionary Force landed in Port-au-Prince, the black rebels set fire to the entire Port-au-Prince.

But it's always good to have less loss if you don't have to. Even black people who haven't read any books can't do the stupid thing of burning tens of thousands of their own civilians to death before the enemy army comes.

Everyone debated for a while, and finally came to such a conclusion, that is, not to declare independence for the time being, but follow Victor's suggestion, to investigate the "crimes" of "collaboration with the enemy and treason" of those white slave owners. Keep the trade line, and then slowly consider which way to go. Some men were also sent to Louisiana to test the waters.

After getting this answer, Victor proposed that the French army needed to build a special military port in Santo Domingo. He clearly told Dusan Louverture that one of the reasons why the First Consul was willing to make these exchanges and release such great goodwill was to ensure the safety of Louisiana, and to ensure the safety of Louisiana. , you need a reliable military port in Santo Domingo.

So everyone was arguing about the military port again. Toussaint Louverture was not particularly disgusted with the military port itself, but he was very worried about the French garrison in the military port. At the beginning, he even proposed that the French hand over all the land security of this military port to his army.

Such an unreasonable request was naturally rejected by Victor without hesitation. Victor stated that neither he nor the First Consul doubted the combat effectiveness of his soldiers, but...

"Your Excellency, let us be honest with each other." Victor said, "The reason why you are so concerned about the French troops stationed in the military port is actually because you are worried that these troops will pose a threat to you, or to put it more clearly, You don't fully trust us now, fearing that we will use these troops to endanger the security of Santo Domingo.

But equally, we have our doubts about you. We are also worried that you will suddenly fall to our enemies under certain circumstances, thus posing a serious threat to our military base. Therefore, the security of the military port must be controlled in our hands. Of course, for our cooperation and to enhance our mutual trust, we can discuss the size of the garrison and the types of weapons to be equipped. "

So the two had a frank discussion about the location of the French military port, the number of troops stationed, and the weapons equipped.

After a week-long discussion, the two sides finally reached a basic understanding:

The French army can build a military port in Cape de France, and the land defense of the military port is the responsibility of the French army itself. But the number of French troops on garrison must not exceed 3,000 men. In addition, the French army stationed at the military port shall not have more than 12 artillery pieces of 12 pounds or less. (Governor Dusan Louverture believes that considering the land traffic conditions in Santo Domingo, it is difficult to move cannons exceeding this weight and is not suitable for offensive operations. The distance from Cape de France to Port-au-Prince is relatively relatively far, it is relatively safe.)

The location of Cape de France is actually the place where the French first landed on Haiti Island. Until 1790, it was the capital of the entire Haitian colony. However, it was severely damaged in the ensuing earthquake. In another time and space, when Haiti finally became independent, it was renamed Cap Haitien. In terms of port conditions, this port is also very good. But Dusan Louverture told Victor that there is a problem with this port now, that is:

"Some Americans got there and we haven't had time to get them out."

Of course, this is just an excuse. Victor is very clear that these Americans must have got the acquiescence of Dusan Louverture when they ran there, and he even seduced these Americans. Because he needs to rely on these Americans to support his independent cause.

"Oh, at least for now, Santo Domingo is still French territory. How can they stay there?" Victor said.

"It's all just temporary shelters repairing ships." Dusan Louverture said, "It's just that their movements are a bit slow. But anyway, according to our agreement, your military port will also solve the land problem. Construction started after that. I can assure you that we can get these Americans out before construction starts on the military port."

Victor looked at Dusan Luverture and said: "Mr. Governor, I can understand that you don't want to directly tear yourself apart with the Americans at this time. You regard them as a way out. We fully understand this. However, since this is the case, I'm afraid those 'traitors' can't be handed over to you for custody, they will be sent back to France for interrogation for treason... If you betray us, we also have a way out."

After completing the basic negotiations and signing a memorandum, Victor returned to the "Free Trade". According to the plan, the Free Trade will leave Haiti and head to New Orleans, the capital of Louisiana. Then rest for a while before returning to Europe.

"Captain Zola," Victor said to Captain Zola upon boarding the ship, "before going to New Orleans, we need to go to Cape de France first."

"Any questions about Cape France?" Captain Zola asked.

"No big problem, that is, some Americans are said to be repairing ships there." Victor said, "Since they gave us such a large frigate, how can we not pay them a good visit? And, Captain Zola , it is impossible for your ship to stay here for a long time. After the 'Free Trade' left, our naval power in this sea area is not enough to suppress the Americans. They will definitely do something again. Why not While we are still here, let the American Navy understand how far they are from a true maritime power."

Captain Zola naturally understood what Victor meant, which was to deal a heavy blow to the U.S. Navy while the "Free Trade" was here. In order to change the unfavorable situation in which the French sea power is at a disadvantage in this area of ​​the sea.

"You mean we go directly to fight the Americans? Does the First Consul know about this?" Zola asked.

"How could the First Consulate know these things? But Minister Lucien Bonaparte said this to me when I set off again: 'Victor, you must know that once we intend to take over Louisiana, we will already It has become the enemy of the Americans. On this issue, since the Americans have taken the lead, I think we have nothing to restrain ourselves.'”