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Galbaud's Tone-Deaf Arrival Sparked Immediate Rift
- François Galbaud arrived in Le Cap promising equality but repeatedly sidelined free people of color, refusing to consult them and using derogatory terms.
- His wife also excluded colored women, provoking urgent letters to the second commissioners and deepening mistrust between Galbaud and Santenax/Pauverel.
Sailors' Mutiny Turned Into a Botched Assault
- Galbaud convinced restless sailors to land on June 20 and march on the government house, bypassing officers and locking up admirals who opposed them.
- The undisciplined sailors met prepared colored militiamen and sniper fire, causing the assault to collapse within two hours.
Freedom For Service Created a New Military Citizenry
- The second commissioners issued a promise: freedom for any slave who joined their army and remained under arms until enemies were defeated.
- That wartime offer created the 'Citizens of June Twentieth,' a new armed class of freed men whose loyalty hinged on concrete guarantees.