Reincarnated as Napoleon II-Chapter 107: Ultimatum Rejected, Prelude to Napoleon II First War
April 30th, 1830. At the Versailles Palace, Napoleon’s Office.
Charles-Louis entered the room with an awful expression. "Your Imperial Majesty. I just received a reply from the Algiers about your ultimatum to them."
"Okay, what did they say?" Napoleon II prompted him to speak without looking up to him.
"They turned down the ultimatum, Your Imperial Majesty," Charles finally revealed.
Napoleon II stopped writing and looked up to him. "Well, it is war then. I want you to invite my Minister of Defense, Berthier, here in this office as soon as possible."
"I’ll send a telegram at once," Charles-Louis said before turning on his heel and leaving the office.
The door shut behind him.
Algiers had made its choice.
An hour later, firm footsteps echoed along the corridor outside.
There was a knock.
"Enter."
The door opened and Bethier stepped inside.
"Your Imperial Majesty."
Napoleon II gestured toward the center of the room. "We received a reply."
Bethier’s expression did not change. "I assume it was not favorable."
"They rejected the ultimatum."
Bethier nodded once. "Then we proceed."
"Take a seat, let’s discuss the plan that you have drawn," Napoleon II said, gesturing him to a vacant chair in front of the table.
"Yes, Your Imperial Majesty," Bethier said as he took his seat.
"I’ll declare a war against the Regency of Algiers next week. I need to know how the French Army and Navy will crush the enemy. I have informed you of this so I’m pretty sure you had a lot of time to come up with plans."
"Of course Your Majesty. I came prepared," Bethier replied confidently.
Bethier unfastened a leather case and withdrew several folded charts. He spread them across the desk.
"The operation will mirror proven amphibious doctrine," he began, leaning forward. "We do not strike directly at the harbor of Algiers. The city’s coastal batteries are positioned to command the approaches. A frontal assault risks heavy naval damage."
Napoleon II nodded once.
"Instead," Bethier continued, tracing a line west of the city, "we land here, at Sidi Ferruch."
His finger tapped the narrow peninsula west of Algiers.
"The beaches are wide and defensible. The terrain behind them rises gradually. It offers room to deploy without immediate urban resistance. Once ashore, we secure the peninsula, establish artillery positions, and advance east toward the capital."
Napoleon II studied the map.
"And the fleet?"
Bethier shifted to another chart showing the French naval disposition.
"The fleet will assemble at Toulon. We will deploy ships of the line, frigates, corvettes, and transport vessels. Approximately one hundred ships in total. Three ships of the line will form the core of the bombardment squadron. Frigates will screen the transports. Smaller brigs and corvettes will carry dispatches and perform reconnaissance."
"All sail-powered," Napoleon II said quietly.
"Yes, sire. Wind conditions will dictate approach timing. We aim for favorable currents and a steady northwesterly to bring the fleet down the coast."
Bethier continued.
"The army will embark in Marseille and Toulon. Approximately thirty-five thousand men. Infantry divisions supported by artillery and engineering detachments. Cavalry will be transported in specialized vessels and landed once a secure perimeter is established."
Napoleon II leaned back slightly.
"Landing under fire?"
Bethier shook his head.
"Minimal opposition expected at Sidi Ferruch. The Algerian forces are concentrated near the city and fortifications. The initial landing will be rapid. We disembark in waves at dawn."
He outlined the sequence with his hand.
"First wave: light infantry to secure the beachhead. Second wave: line infantry and field artillery. Engineers immediately begin fortifying the position—earthworks, supply depots, field hospitals."
Napoleon II followed each step in silence.
"Once established," Bethier said, "we advance inland to seize the heights overlooking the plain of Staoueli. The enemy will likely attempt to counterattack there. We defeat them in open ground where our discipline and artillery superiority prevail."
"And after Staoueli?" Napoleon II asked.
"We march toward Algiers methodically. Artillery batteries positioned to target outer defenses. The navy will reposition to support bombardment from the sea, but from outside the effective range of their heavier guns."
Napoleon II traced the line from Sidi Ferruch toward the city walls.
"You intend a siege."
"A short one," Bethier corrected. "We do not starve them. We break their field army first. Once their forces collapse, the city’s will to resist diminishes."
He unfolded another document listing logistical calculations.
"Supply is critical. We bring provisions for thirty days. Fresh water sources near Sidi Ferruch have been identified. Naval supply lines will remain open. Ships of the line remain offshore to deter interference."
Napoleon II considered the broader implications.
"The British," he said. "Reaction?"
Bethier met his gaze steadily.
"They will observe. But as long as we act decisively and avoid prolonged instability, they are unlikely to intervene. Speed is essential."
Napoleon II rose from his chair and walked toward the window again.
Below, the courtyard drills continued.
"Casualty estimates?" he asked without turning.
"Landing phase: minimal if the wind favors us. Main engagement at Staoueli: heavier, but manageable. The Algerian forces rely on irregular cavalry and fortified positions. They lack coordinated artillery comparable to ours."
Napoleon II turned back.
"And the objective?"
Bethier answered without hesitation.
"Secure Algiers. Remove the Dey. Install French authority. Establish permanent naval presence along the coast."
Silence settled briefly in the office.
Napoleon II returned to the desk and rested both hands on the map.
"Timeline?"
"Fleet ready within ten days. Landing by early June, depending on weather."
Napoleon II gave a slow nod.
"Very well," he said. "Prepare the mobilization orders. Coordinate Toulon and Marseille. Keep this contained until the declaration is public." 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦
Bethier stood.
"It will be done."
Napoleon II rose to his feet, and so did Berthier. They shook hands and Napoleon II watched him leave his office. And with the close of the door, Napoleon II looked down on the maps spread across the table.
This was it, his first war as an Emperor of France. More like, this is the birth of the Second French Empire
