Part 2: The Haitian Gambit
Part 2: The Haitian Gambit
May 1, 1836 - Sensing that Mexico's plans for Texas are only temporarily halted, President Burnet convinces the General Council to introduce the "Military Recruitment Act." The act details plans for the immediate expansion of the military.
May 20, 1836 - Parker's Fort is raided by Comanche indians! Violent indian activity continues to plague the hill country.
June 3, 1836 - The "Military Recruitment Act" is in full swing, but resources are limited. Inspired by the American debate on manifest destiny and convinced that the inclusion of foreign troops is the only solution to the Mexican Question, President Burnet invokes the
"Haitian Gambit."
The Haitian Gambit
With only a handful of active troops, Texas holds little chance of stopping Mexico if they choose to renew their war. In a direct speech to the General Council, President Burnet unveils his insightful solution. "The key ta victory," intoned the President, "is Haiti." The council chamber was stunned. "Yer as full a' wind as a corn-eatin' horse" shouted one angry delegate. "Listen 'im out, ya'll!" shouted one. "What in God's name?" shouted another. "I'm fixin' ta tell ya," responded the President.
After the ruckus died down, the Presdient continued. "Fah yea-has Haiti has suffahed. Ovah-population, famine, poe-litical strife. All problems that Texas can solve! We give 'em victuals. We give 'em gubment. In return, we train 'em ta shoot an' stab an' yell like injuns!"
It took time, but the council was eventually convinced that a Haitian option was the best solution. General Sam Houston was selected to lead 15,000 soldiers to Haiti and negotiate a treaty.
Negotiations with Haiti Collapse
June 18, 1836 - War! The Haitian government refuses to sign any treaty or comply with a request for support. Never a man to waste time, General Houston orders his troops to occupy Santa Domingo port. Travis' Command, under the command of Houston, quickly secures the territory.
January 25, 1837 - The Texan economy has clearly evolved. Austin opens the doors of the Texas Cattle Exchange!
Haiti Reconsiders Her Position
February 11, 1837 - In a sudden reversal of policy, Haiti agrees to join the Texas Republic!
February 13, 1837 - Moving quickly to reassure the council of the wisdom of the Haitian plan, President Burnet has a quick census taken. The results are stunning: Haiti, deep in poverty, has over 75,000 unemployed workers in one province alone! The council moves swiftly to enact a military training program at Fort Pedernales.
(The AI had 75,000 unassigned workers in one province.)
Haiti's population just after annexation. (Notice the unemployed workers are all liberals!)
March 6, 1837 - Impressed by the resolve and rapid action of Texas, America recogonizes her sovereignty. A celebratory pork and beef BBQ is held in Washington-on-the-Brazos.
That evening the elite leadership of the Republic meets to discuss how to rapidly train and deploy some 130,000 Haitian troops. Satisfied that the defensive needs of the country can be met, they retire to the porch to sip neat whiskey and swap cattle ropin' stories.
I hope you're enjoying this tale. The upstart plan of President Burnet has secured a fresh source of troops for the Texan cause. With these soldiers, the Republic may just stand a chance of maintaining her independence.
Keep watching for the next chapter of "Glory, Glory, Texas!"
