Reincarnated as Napoleon II-Chapter 108: Prelude to Invasion

A week later, Napoleon II drafted his declaration of war against Algiers.

Across from him stood the Foreign Minister of France, Charles de Rémusat.

"By the authority vested in me as Emperor of the French, and in defense of the honor, commerce, and security of the Empire, I hereby declare that a state of war exists between France and the Regency of Algiers."

He paused briefly, eyes scanning the next lines.

"For years, French merchant vessels have endured harassment and piracy in the Mediterranean. French sailors have been seized. Cargo confiscated. Sovereign rights ignored. Diplomatic protest was extended. Ultimatum delivered."

He lifted his eyes for a moment, then returned to the document.

"That ultimatum was rejected."

"France does not seek conquest for vanity, nor conflict for spectacle. But when negotiation fails and national dignity is dismissed, action becomes necessary."

The words were steady. Controlled.

"Our fleet will sail not in anger, but in resolve. Our army will land not in chaos, but in discipline. The objective is clear: to neutralize hostile authority, secure safe passage for French commerce, and restore order along the southern Mediterranean coast."

He reached the final section.

"The Regency of Algiers has chosen defiance. France answers with strength."

He lowered the paper slightly.

"The responsibility for what follows rests not upon Paris, but upon those who refused peace."

"The language is direct," he said. "It leaves little room for misinterpretation."

"Send a copy of this to London, Vienna, St. Petersburg, Berlin, and Naples. I don’t want them surprised as to why France just went to Africa."

"I’ll give each and one of them to their respective embassies," Rémusat replied. "But your Imperial Majesty. I do have some questions."

"Proceed."

"Are we going to colonize Algiers?"

"Of course we do," Napoleon II simply replied. "We are a European power on a civilizing mission. We have to regain our prestige as an Empire. Why do you ask? Are you opposing my foreign policy?’

"No it’s not that, Your Imperial Majesty. You see, I am an imperialist myself. So hearing those words from you are reassuring. I have been a fan of Napoleonic France. It was the strongest country in the European continent, if not only for one mistake that we invaded Russia in the winter."

Napoleon II laughed. "Yeah, the weather saved them. If it comes to another war with Russia, we will be sure to invade after winter."

"Right."

***

May 1st, 1830. Toulon.

The harbor was no longer a harbor.

It was a moving wall of masts, spars, and rigging that stretched across the horizon. Anchored in layered rows beyond the breakwater lay the armada—ships of the line, frigates, corvettes, brigs, transports, supply vessels, hospital hulks, and auxiliary craft. Six hundred thirty-five hulls in total were present.

Napoleon II stood on an elevated stone platform overlooking the port.

Below him, cranes swung in steady arcs. Massive wooden crates were hoisted from dock to deck—ammunition, rolled canvas tents, engineering tools, and preserved rations sealed in waxed containers. Barrels of powder were transferred carefully under supervision. Artillery pieces were winched aboard with block-and-tackle systems reinforced for the weight.

Soldiers marched in column along the pier in their new field-gray uniforms, webbing tight across their chests, rifles slung at a uniform angle.

Each battalion halted at assigned gangways, then filed aboard transports under the direction of naval officers with manifests in hand.

Lines of horses were led up reinforced ramps into specialized transports fitted with internal partitions. Cavalry saddles and tack were stacked beside them. Engineers oversaw the loading of bridging materials and prefabricated siege components, each item cataloged.

Among the supplies were rows of sealed, translucent containers—lightweight vessels designed to carry fresh water. They were stackable, sealed with threaded caps, and easier to transport than traditional wooden casks. Medical staff inspected them before stowage. The objective was simple: reduce spoilage and contamination during the crossing.

Napoleon II’s gaze moved across the fleet.

Ships of the line dominated the outer anchorage. Their gun ports were sealed for sea transit, cannon secured with heavy ropes. Frigates rode closer in, tasked with screening and reconnaissance once underway. Smaller escort vessels waited nearer the harbor mouth.

Behind him, footsteps approached. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Marshal Louis-Nicolas Davout stopped at attention.

"Your Imperial Majesty," he said.

Napoleon II turned.

"Marshal."

Davout’s reputation preceded him, he was the best Marshal of France during his father’s reign, and still up to today.

"The troops are staged according to embarkation sequence," Davout reported.

"And naval coordination?" Napoleon II asked.

Another figure joined them—Admiral Victor Guy Duperré.

"The fleet is organized in three echelons," Duperré said. "Escort screen forward. Transports centralized. Ships of the line forming outer defensive ring during transit. We depart in phased sequence to avoid congestion at the harbor mouth."

Napoleon II looked back toward the mass of hulls.

"Six hundred thirty-five ships," he said quietly.

Davout followed his gaze.

"Enough to make a statement."

"Also to add, we are utilizing wireless telegraphy during the operation. Since Algiers doesn’t have any, there’s no need to encrypt our message. Marshal Davout could simply telegraph to us if they wanted us to move in for a naval bombardment."

Below, a line of infantry halted at the edge of a transport ramp. Officers checked bayonet fittings and cartridge boxes before boarding.

"I don’t want to repeat the same mistake that happened in Egypt. People revolt. We must show to the civilians living in Algiers that we are liberating them from their corrupt and cruel oppressors. I will not tolerate any looting, plundering, and indiscipline once we land. We are a civilized and industrialized European state. So I don’t want my name be dirtied by reports that we are raping the civilians."

Davout did not hesitate.

"The orders have already been issued," he said. "Strict regulations. Any soldier caught stealing from civilians will be court-martialed. Summary punishment if necessary. Officers are personally responsible for their men."

"Good, well I bid you two good luck on the operation. We need Algiers so we will have a beachhead in Africa for further expansions. This is the first time France will involve herself in war, let’s make a better impression."

"Yes, Your Imperial Majesty."