12310: Re: 12196: Alexander Petion's 1816 rejection of French recolinization: Poincy comments (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: "[iso-8859-1] Jean Poincy" <caineve@yahoo.fr>


Bob, thanks for this historical piece. However, the
question is how genuine was Petion? I can not resist
to the thought that Petion was not considering the
followings.

He had a great attachment to France and would agree
with the King's proposal if the whole country was
under his control. Aware of his weaknesses, the French
did not hesitate to approach him with such a proposal.

Remember, he was duped by Leclerc after returning with
the latter's expedition to topple Toussaint. His
intention was to come, reign and enjoy the same
privileges with the whites while maintaining slavery.
That deep feeling would hardly change after a decade
or so and after assassinating Dessalines and his
attempt to neutralize Christophe.

Accepting would be a great political risk and make him
loose the popular support that he had and was
viciously using to undermine Christophe. The newly
freemen would revolt and join Christophe. He did not
want to take the risk knowing the people were still
willing to die for their freedom. That would be a hard
sale due to the fact the country was divided.

If he were viewed as someone that would reintroduce
the French to the country, his entire clique would be
lost. Lastly, burned once he would not trust the
French again. Since he was already the head of his
"portion state" it would not make much sense to loose
such a privilege while facing Christophe.


Ayiti has lived, lives and will live
Mozeb
http://www.regeneration-dayiti.org



___________________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!? -- Une adresse @yahoo.fr gratuite et en français !
Yahoo! Mail : http://fr.mail.yahoo.com