"Ahh..." Napoleon groaned as he pressed his hand on the bruise in his lower back. He must have incurred it when they assaulted Mont Cair, where his horse threw him off.
A day had passed since the final attack on Toulon, culminating in Admiral Samuel Hood's surrender. The city now lay under French control, and the aftermath of the battle was evident everywhere. Streets were littered with debris, buildings stood damaged and smoldering, and the scars of war marred the landscape.
The incessant musket fire had robbed Napoleon of a good night's sleep, leaving him fatigued and restless. The agonizing cries of the executed civilians reverberated in his ears, further tormenting his troubled mind. He had mustered the courage to voice his objection to General Dugommier, passionately arguing that such merciless actions only stoked resentment and impeded the delicate process of rebuilding trust. Yet, his heartfelt words had fallen upon deaf ears.
"The executions were seen as a necessary measure to deter any future acts of betrayal from the royalists," was the official word of the National Convention after hearing about the success of the French Army in retaking Toulon.
Today, he was invited to watch the negotiation between General Dugommier and Admiral Samuel Hood. Donning his blue military uniform, Napoleon made his way to the designated meeting place—a partially destroyed building that once bore the grandeur of Toulon's affluent past.
As he entered the makeshift negotiation chamber, he was welcomed by General Dugommier, extending a hand towards him. Napoleon clasped it firmly, though he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease in the general's grip.
"Colonel, I'm glad you could join us," Dugommier said with a nod, gesturing for him to walk beside him. "I have some news for you that I'm so excited to share with you."
"What is it?" Napoleon asked, looking at Dugommier curiously.
Dugommier led Napoleon to a quiet corner of the room, away from the prying ears of the other officers. He took a deep breath before speaking, his voice low and tinged with a hint of excitement.
"I've received a letter from Paris," Dugommier began, his eyes searching Napoleon's for a reaction. "The National Convention is impressed with your tactical prowess and leadership during the assault on Toulon. They have decided to promote you to the rank of brigadier general."
Napoleon maintained his composure, barely reacting to his promotion.
"What's the matter, Napoleon? Shouldn't you be excited?" Dugommier asked, his brows creasing.
Napoleon's gaze hardened, and he met Dugommier's eyes squarely. "General, it's not that I don't appreciate the recognition. I'm just stunned at the promotion that I couldn't utter a word when you announced it."
"Ah! I thought you weren't pleased with the news," Dugommier said, visibly relieved.
"It's not that, General," Napoleon replied, his voice tinged with frustration. "I appreciate the recognition, but at this moment, there are more pressing matters that require our attention. The executions we witnessed in Toulon. You even included women and children. Isn't that against the principles we fight for?" Napoleon finished his sentence, his voice laced with disappointment.
General Dugommier's expression softened, and he lowered his gaze for a moment before meeting Napoleon's eyes again. "I understand your concerns, Napoleon. But we can't deny the fact that they betrayed the republic. Why are you so opposed to the execution when you yourself have contributed to the city's destruction? It seems to me that you are afraid of something, Napoleon, like you are avoiding responsibilities. Now I realize why you weren't shooting at the town and asked me for an order because you don't want to be held accountable."
Napoleon's eyes widened at Dugommier's words. He was right, he doesn't want to be held accountable for the deaths of the Toulonnais. It would smear his reputation and tarnish the image he had been carefully crafting for himself. But there was more to it than just personal ambition.
"No, General Dugommier, you misunderstand me," Napoleon responded firmly, his voice carrying a mix of determination and sincerity. "I am not afraid of taking responsibility for my actions. In fact, I fully understand the consequences of war and the sacrifices it demands. But the indiscriminate execution of innocent civilians, including women and children, goes against the very ideals we fight for."
"You see, you are lying to yourself now, Napoleon, "Dugommier interrupted, his voice tinged with disappointment. "You claim to understand the consequences of war, yet you shy away from the responsibility that comes with it. You were there on the battlefield, witnessing the destruction and chaos firsthand. You cannot absolve yourself of the collective actions we have taken. This is war, Napoleon. You may be a great tactician and strategist but you are still green."
Napoleon remained silent on the outside, his mind racing as he absorbed Dugommier's words. He couldn't deny the truth in the general's statement.
"I just don't want my name to be associated with all the killings that happened after we took the city, that is all I want to avoid," Napoleon finally spoke.
"Very well then," Dugommier nodded. "So that was worrying you huh? You don't have to worry. It was the National Convention and my orders. There won't be a mention of your name in connection with the executions."
"Now that you understand that, can you still reconsider the order? Don't involve the children. That's just going too far," Napoleon said.
"If it will bring you peace of mind, Napoleon, I will reconsider the order," Dugommier finally relented. "Now, let's talk about the terms of surrender."
"Terms?" Napoleon interrupted. "There shouldn't be any terms, it must be unconditional surrender. We seize their ships, and they'll become prisoners of war. The allied forces have no power to negotiate conditions. We have the upper hand, and we must make the most of it."
Dugommier regarded Napoleon with a mix of surprise and admiration. He had not expected such assertiveness from the young Brigadier General. However, he recognized the validity of Napoleon's argument. The British Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea is a headache to France. By seizing the remaining ships of the British and Spanish Fleet, they are effectively weakening the British hold on the Mediterranean and gaining a significant advantage in the region.
"Do you have any more suggestions?" Dugommier asked, considering Napoleon's suggestion.
Napoleon shook his head. "No, that's it."
***
Two hours later, the negotiation concluded with the agreement. The terms are:
Surrender of Ships: The British and Allied Forces shall surrender all remaining ships under their command to the French Republic. These ships shall be handed over to designated French authorities in a secure and orderly manner. The surrendering ships shall be assessed and incorporated into the French Navy as deemed appropriate by French naval officers.
Ceasefire and Disarmament: Upon the formal acceptance of these surrender terms, an immediate ceasefire shall be enacted. The British and Allied Forces shall cease all military actions and disarm their troops, ensuring the safety of their own personnel and the preservation of the agreed-upon surrender conditions.
Protection of Lives: In recognition of the valor displayed by both sides during the conflict, the French Republic guarantees the safety and preservation of the lives of all personnel surrendering under these terms. No harm shall befall the surrendered troops, provided they comply with the conditions outlined herein.
Prisoners of War: The British and Allied Forces shall be considered prisoners of war following the surrender. Appropriate facilities and provisions shall be provided for their internment, ensuring their well-being and compliance with international standards for the treatment of prisoners of war.
Recognition of French Control: The surrender of the British and Allied Forces signifies their recognition of French control over the city of Toulon and its strategic assets. The French Republic shall establish a military administration to oversee the transition of authority and ensure the maintenance of peace and order within the region.
Compliance and Non-Resistance: It is imperative that all personnel under the command of Admiral Samuel Hood and the Allied Forces comply fully with these unconditional surrender terms. Any acts of resistance or non-compliance shall be considered a breach of these terms and may result in the immediate revocation of the guarantees of safety and protection provided herein.
In total, the British and allied forces have lost 74 ships. Forty-five ships were sunk, while the remaining ships are to be transferred to France. As for the soldiers, out of the 22,500, 5,500 were killed in action, and the remainder have become prisoners of war
Later that day, Napoleon, who was lying down on his bed read a letter that he received from the Committee of Public Safety.
[To Brigadier General Napoleon Bonaparte
Dear General Bonaparte,
We extend our warmest congratulations on your recent promotion to the rank of Brigadier General. Your exemplary tactical prowess and leadership during the assault on Toulon have not gone unnoticed by the Committee of Public Safety. We are pleased to inform you that we have selected you for an important new assignment that will further harness your skills for the benefit of the French Republic.
Effective immediately, you are hereby transferred to the city of Nice, where you will assume the crucial role of Artillery Commander of the Army of Italy. ]
Napoleon sighed heavily. "I guess I'll go huh?"
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