Beschreibung
1 bifolium, 2 pages of manuscript text. Printed heading: "Armée de Saint-Domingue, le Général en Chef. Liberté, Égalité." Dated 18 Vendémiaire an XI (October 10, 1802), written at the Headquarters of Le Cap (Quartier-Général du Cap, today Cap-Haïtien). Signed by General Charles Leclerc. 2 pages. Autograph letter by General Leclerc detailing defensive strategy for the Bande du Nord during the final weeks of the Saint-Domingue expedition. In this letter, General Charles Leclerc issues detailed orders concerning the defense of the Bande du Nord (Northern Strip) around Cap-Français. He specifies troop strength, firepower, and deployment, listing types of weapons, carriers (notably schooners), and their strategic positions. Leclerc outlines preparations for anticipated sieges around the Baie du Grand Port Français, referencing the 3e Légère (3rd Light Infantry) and the 74e Ligne (74th Line Infantry). He also mentions General Jean-Baptiste Brunet (1763 1824), known for orchestrating the arrest of Toussaint Louverture on 22 May 1802 an event that dramatically escalated the conflict. Charles Leclerc (1772 1802), Napoleon Bonaparte s brother-in-law, was appointed commander of the Saint-Domingue expedition, tasked with reasserting French authority over the colony and reimposing slavery, which had been abolished during the Haitian Revolution. Despite early military gains, the campaign was devastated by resistance and a yellow fever epidemic that decimated French forces. Leclerc died of yellow fever in November 1802, only weeks after this letter was written. His death marked a decisive moment in the failure of the expedition, which ended with French defeat at Vertières (18 November 1803) and the declaration of Haitian independence on 1 January 1804 the first Black republic and the only nation established through a successful slave revolt. This letter, from the final weeks of Leclerc s life, offers a rare, firsthand account of the French military s strategic planning during the final phase of Napoleon s failed Caribbean campaign. . A few stains, folds, and creases; overall in fine condition. 1 bifolium, 2 pages of manuscript text. Printed heading: "Armée de Saint-Domingue, le Général en Chef. Liberté, Égalité." Dated 18 Vendémiaire an XI (October 10, 1802), written at the Headquarters of Le Cap (Quartier-Général du Cap, today Cap-Haïtien). Signed by General Charles Leclerc.
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