Chapter 660: The Caribbean Confederation
The Marquis de Rojas widened his eyes in shock and exclaimed:
"This... this is unthinkable!"
Brissot replied calmly:
"The number of enslaved people on Cuba isn't very high, so the abolitionist movements don't pay much attention to this island.
"If you could promise not to interfere with their activities, improve the treatment of enslaved people on Cuba, or even engage in private cooperation, you might secure their commitment to leaving Cuba alone."
"This..."
"Making contact with them won't cost you anything. France is already withdrawing from the Caribbean. I'd hate to see you end up in the same position as Saint-Domingue."
A Historic Meeting in Saint-Domingue
As Brissot negotiated with the governor of Cuba, representatives of abolitionist movements from Jamaica, the Bahamas, and the Lesser Antilles gathered in Saint-Domingue for the First Congress of the Caribbean Abolitionist Alliance.
Standing on the platform in Port-au-Prince's parliamentary hall, Ogé addressed the assembled representatives with fervor:
"The road to freedom and liberation has never been smooth. On the contrary, we now face the most powerful and wicked force in the world—Britain, a nation bent on destroying us!
"Though we are steadfast in our beliefs and courageous in the face of death, the truth remains—we are not yet strong enough.
"Against the devil's army, we can only triumph by uniting more closely together. Only by pooling our strength can we secure the freedom we have won!
"If we fight separately, we will be defeated by Britain, one by one.
"Our families and friends will once again be shackled, dragged back to those cursed plantations, and worked to death under the lash!
"Do you want to see this happen?!"
A thunderous roar erupted from the hall:
"No, we won't let the devils succeed!"
"No one will take our freedom!"
"We'll unite and crush the British!"
As the room quieted, Ogé continued:
"According to reliable intelligence, 5,000 British soldiers will arrive in the Caribbean in three months. Together with Brand's remaining forces, we will face a total of 6,500 troops.
"To effectively mobilize our resources—only by uniting all our forces can we stand a chance against Britain—I propose establishing the Caribbean Military Council to oversee and coordinate our armies.
"I call on every warrior fighting for freedom and equality to join this council.
"Together, with unwavering unity and indomitable spirit, we will defeat every enemy who seeks to enslave us again!"
Unified Support
The envoy from the Bahamas was the first to raise his hand and declare:
"The Republic of the Bahamas will join the Military Council! We will stand with our brothers in Saint-Domingue to protect our freedom!"
The Bahamas had a clear reason for its quick decision. If not for Saint-Domingue sending Louverture with 800 soldiers to reinforce Nassau, the city might have already fallen. Louverture, now holding the honorary title of "Lifetime President of the Bahamas," wielded enormous influence in the country. As Ogé was Louverture's superior, the Bahamas naturally supported the proposal.
Next, the representative from Jamaica pledged their allegiance.
Jamaica's abolitionist leader, Auriole, was also a figure sent by Saint-Domingue. Jamaica's uprising forces were weaker than others, and they eagerly sought external military assistance.
Representatives from Saint Vincent and Barbados quickly followed, agreeing to join the council.
Both territories had previously received funding and weaponry from Saint-Domingue's abolitionist organizations. They had also cooperated with Saint-Domingue to divert British forces, building trust and enthusiasm for a unified military front.
Thus, all the Caribbean territories, except Cuba, formed a tightly-knit military coalition led by abolitionist movements.
A Growing Force
Behind this alliance was a massive population base of over 2.1 million Black people. Among them, the close-knit territories of Saint-Domingue, Jamaica, and the Bahamas alone accounted for over 1.6 million Black residents.
Additionally, there were more than 300,000 mixed-race individuals, the majority of whom supported abolitionist causes.
In total, the Caribbean alliance represented a population of 2.4 million people.
For comparison, when the United States fought for independence, its population was under 3 million.
Ogé, filled with emotion, raised his fist and shouted:
"Long live freedom! Long live the Caribbean Confederation!"
The dozens of representatives in the hall erupted in cheers:
"Long live freedom!"
"We will triumph!"
Ogé gazed at the scene, his heart pounding with excitement.
With the Caribbean Military Council as a foundation, he could gradually centralize the islands' finances under one system through wartime funding and resource allocation, ultimately consolidating political power.
His ultimate goal was clear—to establish a Caribbean Confederation, a strong, unified nation with real power.
Brissot had already shown him a letter penned by the French Prince, promising full support if the confederation could be established.
Diplomatic Moves
Meanwhile, in Havana, the Governor of Cuba, Cristóbal de Rojas, welcomed Brissot.
Brissot wasted no time expressing his anger:
"Those damned British! Their foolish strategies have wrecked Saint-Domingue!"
Rojas nodded in agreement:
"My troops barely made it back alive. Britain's blunders have thrown the entire Caribbean into chaos.
"What concerns me most now is the spread of abolitionist movements to Cuba."
Brissot, lowering his voice, said:
"This is indeed a grave threat. Honestly, Versailles is considering abandoning Saint-Domingue altogether to ensure the safe return of our captured soldiers."
Rojas crossed himself and muttered, "God above! That would be disastrous! I suppose I must cooperate fully with the British, despite my distaste for them. Only by uniting can we suppress these rebellious Blacks."
Brissot leaned in with a solemn expression:
"I share your concerns, Marquis, which is why I've come to see you. Out of the deep friendship between France and Spain, I cannot stand idly by while Cuba risks Saint-Domingue's fate."
"I don't understand your meaning," Rojas replied cautiously.
"I know that Cuba has just 1,430 soldiers stationed here."
"Yes, precisely 1,430."
"To be frank, if abolitionists from Saint-Domingue incite rebellion in Cuba, your forces might not be enough to contain them."
Rojas's expression turned grim.
"The king is unlikely to send reinforcements across the Atlantic," he admitted. Spain's dwindling power made it financially and logistically difficult to organize a transatlantic military expedition.
Brissot met his gaze and suggested firmly:
"If I were you, I would start negotiating with Saint-Domingue now."
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