Napoleon Bonaparte appointed his sister Pauline's husband, general Charles Leclerc, as head of the military expedition. The force included over 4,000 troops of the French Imperial Naval Corps and a Dutch division.
When did the French fleet leave Brest for Saint-Domingue?
A French fleet of 21 frigates and 35 ships of the line left Brest under Admiral Villaret de Joyeuse on the 14th of December 1801. A squadron followed from Toulon on the 14th of February with 4,200 troops.
How many men died during the Saint-Domingue expedition due to yellow fever?
Yellow fever ravaged the French forces, killing around 15,000 men in just two months. Little more than 7,000 to 8,000 of the 31,000 soldiers sent survived the entire campaign.
What happened to Toussaint Louverture after he surrendered to the French?
Toussaint was placed under house arrest at Ennery while Napoleon promised him the role of Leclerc's deputy if he surrendered. He remained there until his death or further political developments occurred.
Who commanded the rebel forces that defeated the French at the Battle of Vertières?
Jean-Jacques Dessalines commanded the rebel general forces when the French were defeated at the Battle of Vertières on the 18th of November 1803. This battle marked a decisive turning point in the conflict.