Revolutions 4.16- Dying Like Flies
Mar 28, 2016
The podcast discusses the challenges faced by General Charles Leclerc in regaining control of Sandomang, including the impact of the yellow fever epidemic, President Jefferson's challenges with the secret treaty, the high death toll and devastation caused by yellow fever, the disarmament and military reorganization, and Bonaparte's actions regarding slavery.
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US Neutrality Crippled French Resupply Efforts
- The Leclerc expedition failed to secure American support after news of France's Louisiana plans surfaced.
- Jefferson and Madison adopted neutrality and refused loans, seeing the expedition as part of a larger French plan threatening US interests.
Yellow Fever Quickly Crippled French Forces
- The 1802 yellow fever epidemic decimated the French force, killing officers and sailors faster than combat losses.
- Of ~40,000 arrivals, Leclerc reported 200–250 new cases daily and huge officer mortality that hollowed command structures.
Ships Arrived As Floating Graves
- Entire crews died aboard incoming ships, sometimes leaving a single survivor, and empty vessels were auctioned off.
- One Swedish merchant ship lost every passenger except one cabin boy, and naval crews were reduced to skeleton complements.