Chapter 284 Getting the Operation Started Right Away
"So, Napoleon's betraying the Kingdom of Spain," Dessalines pondered, his brow furrowing as he absorbed the detailed account from General Desaix. "The future Emperor of France is evidently a man of boundless ambition."
Desaix nodded in agreement. "Indeed, power has a way of consuming any man, leaving them thirsting for more. But His Excellency is different. I can feel it, and I want to be part of creating his great vision in this world. Since both of you are technically under the Republic of France, you are expected to contribute to this cause."
"No problem for me," Louverture said, pledging his allegiance to the plan. "The Dominion of Saint-Domingue could definitely help on this operation, General Desaix. First, let's talk about the Spanish colony of Cuba. It is currently led by the Governor General by the name of Salvador José de Muro, 2nd Marquis of Someruelos."
Desaix leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Tell me about him," he prompted, focusing his attention on Louverture.
Louverture cleared his throat before continuing. "Salvador José de Muro is a seasoned administrator with a reputation for maintaining a strong grip on Cuba. He's known to be a loyalist to the Spanish Crown and a staunch defender of its interests in the Americas."
Desaix listened intently, absorbing the information. "How does the local population view him? Are there any notable factions or movements that oppose his rule?"
Dessalines chimed in. "Cuba's population is a complex mix of Spanish settlers, enslaved Africans, and free people of color. There have been murmurs of discontent among the various factions, especially among those who seek greater autonomy or even independence from Spanish rule. However, de Muro's strong-handed approach has managed to keep most dissent in check."
"Are there any Spanish administrative officials in Cuba that can be bought off with money? Preferably those part of the navy," Leclerc said.
Louverture glanced at Leclerc and shook his head. "Honestly speaking, we only know about the governor and the current internal affairs of it. For a specific name of an individual, not so much. Why do you prefer navy officials?"
"They are the perfect candidates for this operation," Leclerc simply said.
"Well, Louverture is wrong that we don't have a specific name for an individual naval personnel from Spain," Dessalines interjected and everyone's eyes were on him suddenly.
"What are you talking about?" Louverture said, his brows furrowing.
"While you were in France, Louverture, a Spanish ship docked at Port-au-Prince for a visit. The ship is commanded by Captain Antonio Boneo. Antonio and I spoke of many things, including his past. He was once part of the great Spanish Armada operating near Spain and an Admiral. However, after the Battle of Cape Saint Vincent, he was demoted to captain and was sent to the Caribbean. Of course, after such a decision, he hated the Spanish."
Desaix nodded, understanding the significance of this revelation. "Captain Antonio Boneo could indeed be a key figure in our efforts. His demotion and subsequent assignment to the Caribbean may have left him disillusioned with the Spanish Crown. That could make him more receptive to our proposals."
Leclerc leaned forward. "We need to reach out to Captain Boneo discreetly and ascertain his willingness to cooperate. If he's disgruntled with his current position, the promise of power and wealth under the Republic of France might be enticing."
"But we must proceed cautiously. If we approach him too aggressively, we risk exposing our intentions and endangering the operation," Dumas added pragmatically.
"Oh don't worry about that, Captain Antonio loves money," Dessalines assured Dumas. "Give me one week and I'll have Captain Antonio Boneo in Port-au-Prince."
***
February 26th, 1802, in the capital city of Saint-Domingue.
A Spanish third-rate ship of the line was docking at the Port-au-Prince harbor. The warm Caribbean breeze carried with it the salty scent of the sea as the imposing vessel slowly made its way to the bustling port. Onboard, Captain Antonio Boneo stood on the quarterdeck, gazing out at the vibrant cityscape that welcomed his arrival.
Captain Boneo was a man of middle age, with a weathered face and piercing eyes that hinted at a lifetime of naval service. He had once been an admiral in the formidable Spanish Armada, commanding mighty ships of war in the waters near Spain. However, a twist of fate and the outcome of the Battle of Cape Saint Vincent saw him demoted to the rank of captain and reassigned to the Caribbean.
As the ship docked, Captain Boneo couldn't help but feel a sense of bitterness about his current station in life. He had once sailed in the grand fleet of the Spanish Empire, defending its interests and glory. Now, he found himself relegated to a far-flung colony, a mere shadow of his former prestige.
Waiting on the quay was a small group of individuals led by Jean-Jacques Dessalines, the Minister of State Affairs of the Dominion of Haiti. Dessalines had been diligently working behind the scenes, using his network of contacts to arrange this meeting with Captain Boneo.
The gangplank was lowered, and Captain Boneo disembarked, his boots hitting the wooden plank. He adjusted his uniform, its rich blue fabric adorned with the gold braids of his rank. As he approached Dessalines, his stern countenance was etched with curiosity.
Dessalines greeted him with a polite nod, a subtle smile playing on his lips. "Captain Boneo, welcome to Port-au-Prince. I trust your journey was uneventful?"
Captain Boneo responded in his deep, commanding voice, "It was as uneventful as one can hope for in these waters, Minister Dessalines. May I inquire as to the purpose of this meeting?"
Dessalines motioned for them to walk away from the bustling activity of the port, towards a quieter spot where their conversation could remain discreet.
They entered a house, not far from the port, and inside were four individuals, two blacks, and two whites. The three were wearing the same uniform while one of the blacks donned a gaudy uniform.
"Captain—these are French generals, Dumas, Leclerc, and Desaix. And this man over there is the Governor-General of the Saint-Domingue, Toussaint Louverture."
Antonio acknowledged them with a nod and the four of them returned the gesture.
"Please let us all take a seat," Dessalines gestured, and they moved to a large wooden table.
Captain Boneo took a seat at the table, his gaze shifting between the two groups of men before him.
Dessalines wasted no time in getting to the heart of the matter. "Captain Boneo, we are here to discuss a proposition of great importance. One that could change the course of history in this region."
Captain Boneo leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "I'm listening."
"The Republic of France wanted the colonies of Spain, particularly everything in the Western Coast, Cuba, and Florida. And you are going to help us," Leclerc revealed.
"You expect me to betray my country for France?" Boneo asked, his eyes narrowing.
"I do," Desaix said. "What has Spain done to you to make it worthy of your loyalty? Hmm? I heard that you were demoted. It was a shame and I know. I'm a soldier just like you but in a different field. Being demoted into something that is not our fault truly stings. It's unfair."
"Of course, we are not going to ask for your cooperation for free, we are willing to pay you," Leclerc added and with a flick of his finger, one French soldier approached the table and set the wooden chest down in the middle. Leclerc opened it, revealing a bullion of gold bars. The sight of such wealth had a visible impact on Captain Boneo, who couldn't help but glance at the gold hungrily.
"You can have it all, Captain," Leclerc said, enticing him further. "You only have to do one job for us."
"Which is what?" Antonio asked.
"I want your ship to fire upon a French transport ship," Desaix revealed.
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