On January 26th, 1799, Napoleon led his army northwards toward Syria in response to the Ottoman Empire's refusal to acknowledge French rule in Egypt. Their primary objective: the city of Jaffa. The French forces, comprising over twenty thousand troops, were organized into two divisions under the command of Kleber and Dumas.
As they positioned themselves on the outskirts of Jaffa, a French messenger had already been dispatched to deliver an ultimatum to the city's inhabitants: surrender or face an imminent invasion. While awaiting their response, Napoleon turned to Dumas, who handed him a freshly printed newspaper from Paris.
"General Bonaparte, news has arrived that a new coalition has formed, consisting of the Austrians, British, Russians, and Naples, all declaring war on France," Dumas informed him.
Napoleon scanned the contents of the newspaper, confirming the truth in Dumas' words. A sense of concern and uncertainty permeated the Army of the Orient, as soldiers worried about the potential invasion of France and the well-being of their families. Some expressed a desire to return home and defend it.
Taking a deep breath, Napoleon exhaled slowly. "I understand their concerns, General Dumas, but we have a crucial mission here in the East. Our role is of utmost importance."
"And what if they weren't able to hold General Bonaparte?" Dumas asked. "What are you going to do?"
Dumas pressed further, inquiring about Napoleon's plans should their forces in Syria face significant challenges. The general turned his gaze towards Dumas, his expression serious and determined.
"If that were to happen, I will return to France and defend her against any foreign invaders," Napoleon declared resolutely.
As the French forces awaited a response from Jaffa, General Kleber's eyes widened in horror as he caught sight of a gruesome spectacle atop the city's walls. It was the French messenger they had sent inside to negotiate, his severed head impaled on a pike. Napoleon and Dumas quickly grabbed their spy glasses, confirming the dreadful sight. Anger flared within Napoleon, his face contorted with fury.Read latest chapters at nov(e)lbin.com Only
"What should we do?" Napoleon scoffed. "Execute them of course. Those men don't deserve to be treated as prisoners of war after that display of barbarism..."
Dumas hesitated for a moment and then spoke. "General Bonaparte, may I offer a suggestion? Rather than executing them, perhaps we could put them to work. We could send them to the mines or use them for forced labor, such as building railways. It would serve as a deterrent to others and benefit our own objectives."
Napoleon's eyes narrowed, his expression turning cold. He fixed his gaze on Dumas.
My decision is final, General Dumas. No one should dare defy my orders. These prisoners have shown their true colors by defiling our emissary, and they will face the consequences of their actions. Execute them."
Dumas nodded reluctantly, understanding that Napoleon would not be swayed. He turned to relay the orders to the soldiers, while Kleber, though troubled by the decision, maintained his stoic composure.
In the remaining hours of the day, French forces would line up Ottoman soldiers against the wall, their hands bound and their faces filled with fear. The crack of their bolt-action rifle fire pierced the air as the firing squads carried out their grim duty. One by one, the prisoners fell to the ground, their lifeless bodies joining the ranks of the fallen.
Napoleon watched the execution unfold, his expression neutral, he couldn't care less about their lives being wasted in this execution. He had to set a terrible example so that other cities won't repeat their mistake.
As he watched the execution, a cry attracted Napoleon's attention. He turned to look towards the direction of the sound and there he saw French soldiers dragging women inside harem buildings. He knew what they would do to them but Napoleon decided not to interfere.
"This is probably the darkest chapter in this campaign," Napoleon muttered under his breath.
Two weeks later, after the battle of Jaffa, Napoleon set his eyes towards Acre and lay sieged. This is where the real Napoleon Bonaparte failed, but in this world, Napoleon was determined to change that.
Instead of the British troops, Napoleon faced the Russians and Ottomans. Just like Jaffa, the citadel of Acre couldn't withstand the overwhelming firepower of the French artillery and mortars. 500 shells bombarded the city every day until the walls of Acre began to crumble. The French soldiers, motivated by their recent victories, fought with unparalleled zeal, storming the breached walls and engaging in intense close-quarters combat with the defenders.
Napoleon, observing the battle from a safe distance, took note of the enemy's resilience. They must be scared of suffering the same fate as those who were in Jaffa, but fortunately for them, Napoleon wouldn't do such a thing as he was in a good mood.
On February 25th, 1799, Napoleon conquered Acre. Since the start of his campaign, Napoleon had suffered casualties of 500. Although it was small, it weighed heavily on his shoulders.