Chapter 613: The Abolitionist Movement
At noon, the cabinet meeting concluded.
The Minister of the Navy emerged from the grand golden doors of the meeting hall, his smile even brighter than on his wedding day.
Not far behind him, Mirabeau and several other ministers from the emerging noble faction appeared rather solemn.
Once they turned the corner of the corridor, Bailly glanced at Mirabeau's expression and remarked, "You've noticed something, too, haven't you?"
Mirabeau nodded gravely. "His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, has granted the Navy an additional allocation of 20 million francs. That is indeed quite unusual."
These 20 million francs were an allocation in addition to the Navy's regular budget. If one included the funds Calonne had previously secured from Britain, the Navy had already received an extra 40 million francs.
Prior to this, the Navy had faced budget cuts for three consecutive years, with the tonnage of newly built warships even falling below Russia's.
Bailly immediately chimed in, "Yes, and His Highness also instructed me to procure large quantities of timber, oil, ropes, and even cotton. It's quite clear he's concerned about potential disruptions to trade routes."
Vergniaud added, "That includes grain, even though there are currently no signs of a poor harvest."
"So," Bailly lowered his voice, "is war about to break out?"
"It seems Britain is making moves," Talleyrand said, struggling slightly to keep pace with the other three. He was quite familiar with Britain's latest strategic direction. "His Highness is clearly preparing in advance."
He paused abruptly, then shook his head. "But what's rather illogical is that His Highness wants me to go to the Ottoman Empire at this time to forge new trade agreements."
Joseph's mission for him was to reach an agreement with the Ottomans to mutually reduce tariffs and increase the variety of admissible goods, clearly aiming to boost trade volume between the two nations.
Mirabeau was also quite perplexed. "If we're going to war with Britain, then Mediterranean Sea trade should be at risk of disruption."
Vergniaud immediately responded, "That's why His Highness allocated 20 million francs to the Navy—it must be to contend for naval supremacy."
The others looked at him with odd expressions. Mirabeau said, "Then this amount of funding will likely be far from enough."
Bailly nodded. "Furthermore, if there's confidence in defeating the British at sea, there would be no need to stockpile supplies."
The group debated for a while longer, but couldn't come to any conclusion. If Marquis Castelli were here, he would undoubtedly excitedly inform them that the Navy's new steam-powered battleships were capable of driving the British fleet out of the Mediterranean Sea. After the war began, the Ottoman Empire, on the eastern side of the Mediterranean, would become a crucial market for France.
Finally, Talleyrand sighed and declared, "I believe we should trust His Highness's judgment."
The other three also nodded in agreement. In their recollection, His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince's decisions had indeed never been wrong.
...
Several months prior.
South of North America, in the Caribbean Sea.
Port-au-Prince, central Saint-Domingue.
In a dimly lit basement, Vincent Ogé, a leader of the Abolitionist Movement, brightened the candle flame in the center of the room. The candlelight immediately illuminated the faces of the dozen or so people seated in a circle.
Most of them were light-brown-skinned people of mixed race, along with four Black individuals and one white person. They were representatives of abolitionist organizations from across French Saint-Domingue.
"Thank you all for arriving on time," Ogé said, stepping to the front of the group. He surveyed them with sharp, capable eyes and stated gravely, "The Boukman Movement has already captured most of Tortuga. The Governor's troops are currently almost entirely concentrated in the north. Our opportunity has arrived!"
Those present immediately clenched their fists in excitement, letting out suppressed cheers.
Ogé continued, "We will gather on the east side of Port-au-Prince in one week. Major Jonas and I will lead half the men to attack the Governor's mansion."
He then looked at a mixed-race middle-aged man in a white French military uniform. "Major Auriol will lead a battalion to seize the assembly. The rest of you will spread out to ensure Port-au-Prince's stability."
The two officers immediately rose and indicated, "We await your orders, Monsieur Ogé."
Ogé forcefully waved a fist. "We now possess equipment as excellent as the Governor's mansion guard. Major Jonas even has artillery."
"We will swiftly take control of Port-au-Prince, and then demand that the assembly votes to pass the abolitionist act. Everyone will gain freedom and equality; Saint-Domingue's dark age ends today!"
The organization representatives in the room erupted in another round of hushed cheers.
Once everyone quieted down, an elderly Black man wearing a coarse, grey-black linen jacket slowly rose and asked, "Monsieur Ogé, how are we to deal with the French army from Europe? They might already be crossing the Atlantic Ocean by now."
Ogé's expression was resolute. "Then we will fight them until they accept the abolitionist act!"
The elderly Black man shook his head and sighed. "Monsieur Ogé, our current army simply cannot defeat the French Expeditionary Force, just like a few years ago..."
Ogé raised a hand, interrupting him. "Monsieur Troque, the supplies we received weren't just a single shipment."
"In fact, a certain nation has promised us 30,000 Pounds Sterling in supplies every month from now on. We will ultimately achieve victory!"
The supplies Ogé spoke of primarily consisted of military equipment like flintlock muskets, uniforms, and tents, as well as some food and medicine.
Troque's face immediately lit up with surprise. "Thank God for granting us hope."
He had participated in two previous abolitionist uprisings, both suppressed due to a lack of weapons and ammunition. This time, the situation was finally different!
An hour later, after meticulously arranging the uprising's deployment, Ogé left the basement and returned to his residence by carriage.
Before he even reached the door, his butler came out to meet him, whispering a few words in his ear.
"A Special Envoy from the French government?" Ogé frowned, pondering briefly, then stepped inside the house.
In the reception room sat a middle-aged man in a long black coat, his wig slightly dishevelled.
Ogé took a deep breath, stepped forward, and declared loudly, "Monsieur Special Envoy, if you intend to persuade me to support the suppression of the Boukman Movement in the assembly, I'm afraid you will be disappointed..."
The middle-aged man stood upon hearing the commotion and bowed to Ogé, placing a hand on his chest.
When Ogé saw his prominent nose, the lines on his forehead, and his profound gaze, he couldn't help but exclaim, "You, you are Monsieur Brissot?!"
Brissot smiled and nodded. "That is my name. You must be Monsieur Ogé, I am honored to meet you."
Ogé quickly bowed in return. "I once heard you speak in Philadelphia. Oh, and I still have your 'Notes on the Black People of Southern America' in my bookcase—it's incredibly accurate!"
"I'm delighted you enjoyed the book."
Ogé suddenly thought of something, suppressing his excitement. "The King of France sent you as a special envoy, could it be..."
Brissot nodded. "Yes, His Majesty has agreed to sign the abolition decree."
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