A week later, word of the French transport ships' demise reached the three French Generals stationed at Port-au-Prince.
Gathered in the National Palace, they listened intently as the sailors from the ill-fated French vessels, now under their custody, recounted their harrowing experiences.
"The Spaniards unleashed their cannons upon us without the faintest hint of warning!" exclaimed one of the sailors, his voice trembling with outrage. "Even as our proud French flag fluttered defiantly in the breeze, they showed no mercy."
General Desaix, Dumas, and Leclerc feigned shock and surprise after hearing the accounts.
"That's unforgivable!" Leclerc declared. "How could they have attacked you? They won't get away with this."
"A Spanish ship firing upon an unarmed cargo vessel without warning, and with the French flag flying!" General Desaix added angrily. "This is an act of aggression that cannot go unanswered."
