The Colombians’ French Companion

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Discover the fascinating story of Benoit Chasseriau, an unsung hero of Colombian independence. The contribution of the French to the American Revolution, from La Fayette to Rochambeau, is well known. But what about Latin America? This book sheds light on a lesser-known figure, Benoit Chasseriau (1780-1844), and his crucial role in the emancipation of Colombia. Follow the extraordinary journey of this shipowner's son from La Rochelle, who chose the adventure of Napoleon's great expeditions to Egypt and then to Santo Domingo. From Kingston to Cartagena de Indias, Benoit Chasseriau felt the impulse for freedom in the Spanish colonies of America and fought alongside Simon Bolivar, whose life he saved. As Minister of Police of the Free State of Cartagena de Indias, he secured the borders and maritime routes, then attempted to conquer Panama to consolidate the young country. One of the very first naturalized French citizens of Colombia, he maintained close ties with France, conducting parallel diplomacy and intelligence missions for Chateaubriand, then Minister of Foreign Affairs. Based on unpublished correspondence from private collections, this book reveals the hidden past of a French diplomat and forgotten protagonist of Latin America's independence movements.