In the following weeks, Napoleon would have to deal with a new enemy, that is disease. Bubonic plague plagued the locals and military personnel alike, spreading through the crowded and unsanitary conditions of the besieged city. Napoleon knew that if left unchecked, the disease could decimate his forces and jeopardize the entire campaign.
He immediately ordered the establishment of a field hospital and appointed a team of skilled doctors and nurses to treat the afflicted. The sick and injured were isolated to prevent the further spread of the plague, and strict sanitation measures were enforced to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
Napoleon himself took a hands-on approach, visiting the hospital regularly and providing guidance to the medical staff. He made sure that the wounded soldiers received the best care possible, even going as far as personally tending to their needs and offering words of encouragement.
Under Napoleon's leadership, the spread of the plague was contained, and the health of his forces gradually improved. His actions were published again in France, receiving another wave of support and admiration from the French people. News of his dedication to the well-being of his soldiers, even in the face of a deadly disease, further solidified his image as a compassionate and capable leader.
As the threat of the bubonic plague subsided, Napoleon turned his attention to consolidating his gains in the region. Acre, now under French control, became a strategic stronghold in the eastern Mediterranean. Napoleon ordered the fortifications to be repaired and strengthened, ensuring their ability to withstand any potential counterattacks.Read latest chapters at nov(e)lbin.com Only
With the city secure, Napoleon set about establishing a stable administration to govern the territories under his control. He appointed trusted officials to oversee the reconstruction efforts and maintain law and order. He also sought to win the support of the local population by implementing reforms aimed at improving their lives and fostering economic growth.
In the year 1798, he stood before the ancient monuments of Egypt, the Sphinx, and the Pyramids, capturing those moments in paintings that would immortalize his conquests. Now, he wanted to capture this significant moment as well, to commemorate his presence at this sacred place.
Napoleon commissioned a renowned artist, Jacques-Louis David, to create a portrait of him standing before the Kaaba. His hand tucked in his shirt, with the Kaaba behind him.
One hour later, the portrait was done and Napoleon walked forward to see the drawing.
"It's good," Napoleon praised. "And I like the previous portraits that you drew for me when I was at Acre."
"You mean the one where I depicted you visiting the hospital, checking on civilians and your soldiers?"
"Yeah," Napoleon confirmed. "That one struck a chord with the many in Paris. Monsieur David, you will draw a lot of portraits of me in the future."
"And I will do my best to give you the best portrait in the world, General Bonaparte," David said, smiling.
With that, Napoleon left the Kaaba and proceeded to his quarters inside the Great Mosque, which served as his official residence as the governor of the city. Knowing that numerous tasks were demanding his attention, Napoleon focused on consolidating his power in the region. He meticulously devised plans for the upcoming campaigns, outlining his strategy to invade Najd, the region east of Mecca, as well as Yemen to the south of Mecca and Oman. These conquests would be crucial steps towards achieving his ultimate ambition: establishing French dominance over the entire Arabian Peninsula.
Napoleon's aspirations didn't end there. Beyond the Arabian Peninsula, his sights were set on even grander conquests. He envisioned advancing towards Basra, Persia, Afghanistan, and Balochistan, paving the way for his ultimate objective—the Maratha Confederacy, better known as India. There, he aimed to challenge the British Empire's stronghold and liberate the Indian subcontinent from their grasp.