Chapter 770: An Encounter in the Mediterranean Sea
The American veteran immediately pulled out a few coins from his pocket and placed them on the table without hesitation: "Here's five dollars. I hope it can offer some help to our French friends. I'll donate three more dollars every month from now on..."
This donation seemed pitifully small, but one must remember that after his discharge, he earned a living by driving carriages, with a monthly income of only eight dollars and forty-five figues. Only with an additional two dollars in relief from the "Veterans' Home" could he barely support his family.
In other words, he was dedicating nearly 30% of his meager income to France.
A "figue" was a small denomination American copper coin, later replaced by the cent.
After he set an example, other American veterans followed suit, reaching into their pockets, and a small pile of coins soon appeared on the table.
Just then, a short, square-faced nobleman with a large head topped by a white wig pushed open the door and declared in heavily accented English, "No, even if France is in great difficulty, we cannot accept this money. It would leave your children starving."
Everyone turned their heads. Two of the veterans paused upon seeing his face, then exclaimed with excitement and surprise, "General Noailles! It's truly you!"
The newcomer was none other than Viscount Louis Marc de Noailles, brother-in-law to Marquis Lafayette. He had served as Lafayette's aide-de-camp in many battles of the American War of Independence, including the decisive victory at Yorktown, and held considerable prestige within the American military.
He was also a major benefactor of the "Veterans' Home" and responsible for its daily operations.
Noailles nodded in acknowledgment to the veterans while instructing a staff member of the "Veterans' Home" to return the money to them.
The American veterans immediately protested. A grizzled veteran with two missing fingers indignantly declared, "General, I once assaulted the Yorktown fortress with your legion! If only I could afford the passage to Europe, I would certainly go to France to teach those British bastards a lesson!"
His words were met with a chorus of agreement. "Exactly! My flintlock musket is always cleaned. I can definitely blow a hole through a Brit's head!"
"I want to go make the British feel the sting too!"
"Ah, the cheapest ticket to cross the Atlantic is twenty-five dollars..."
Viscount Noailles nodded, then looked at the crowd and asked, "Do you truly wish to go to France?"
The veterans exchanged glances. A few looked eager, but then quickly sat down again—it was fine to get excited, but if they actually ran off to Europe, their wives and children would starve.
Viscount Noailles smiled and said, "In fact, I have some friends who have pooled money to organize volunteers to fight in France.
"All of you possess extensive combat experience. If you join, my friends would certainly be willing to provide you with a living allowance."
A veteran blurted out, "If I get nine dollars, I'll go!"
He was immediately met with scorn from the other veterans.
However, Noailles shook his head and replied, "Fifteen dollars a month. And if you provide your own uniform and weapons, you'll receive an additional allowance of fifteen dollars."
The veteran who had asked for nine dollars looked incredulous. "Are you serious?"
"Of course, I swear before God. Your salary can even be paid to your family through the Veterans' Home. If you are wounded or disabled, you will receive compensation according to American Army standards."
"I believe you." The veteran immediately shouted excitedly, "I'll sign up!"
His current income was only nine dollars a month. Going to fight in France would increase his income by 66%, plus he would receive compensation for injuries. This wasn't just helping France fight a war; it was France offering him an opportunity to earn money!
"I'll go too."
"Me too! My uniform and gun are still ready!"
"I even kept my legion's flag!"
"I'll sign up for old Mac and Donald. They'll definitely thank me..."
The other veterans immediately began clamoring.
Most of them lived in hardship after their discharge, and fifteen dollars a month was a huge attraction. In short order, over ninety people signed up—only thirty-seven had attended this "discussion," the others were signed up by proxy.
A week later.
Noailles gazed with satisfaction at the list of 480 American volunteers, then set it aside and began writing a report to His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince.
This was just from the veterans in Philadelphia. He estimated that once word spread, at least three thousand American veterans would travel to France to join the war.
Joseph's investment in these "American volunteers" wasn't actually predicated on their combat effectiveness.
But as soon as these veterans, dressed in Continental Army uniforms, began clashing with British troops, it would definitively sever any possibility of the American government making peace with the British.
Moreover, as news of American casualties filtered back home, coupled with a propaganda offensive, the animosity between America and Britain would inevitably deepen.
At that point, the Second Anglo-American War might just break out ahead of schedule.
He wondered if the Canadian forces would once again set it ablaze, perhaps even helping rename the American presidential residence the "White House."
More than ten days later, the first batch of 500 American volunteers departed for Genoa aboard over a dozen merchant ships.
...
Western Mediterranean Sea.
Barbary waters.
Madeno stood on the deck of the "Far Sight," gently stroking the railing of the funnel as if it were the beautiful hair of his most beloved maiden.
No, not even Angela, all those years ago, had captivated him so completely.
This frigate of the French Mediterranean Fleet was truly "magical"—it could dash across the Mediterranean at a speed of twelve knots and execute exaggerated sharp turns like a barracuda. Even if it lost its main mast, it could still maintain a speed of six knots, whereas other ships in the same situation would merely drift in circles. Moreover, it was crewed by only 170 sailors, not a single one of whom was a rower!
Yes, after Madeno steered the "Leisure" back to Ostend, he decided he would no longer go to sea. With British warships everywhere, the maritime trade was no longer viable.
The Special Trade Association then suggested he join the French Navy.
He had been utterly bewildered at the time—a smuggling organization telling him to become a naval officer!
But soon, a naval officer came to speak with him, and upon learning he had once served as a captain, promised to grant him the rank of Second Lieutenant.
Initially, he was apprehensive, but once he arrived on the "Far Sight," he quickly set his mind at ease.
Even if this miraculous warship couldn't defeat the British fleet, it would be extremely difficult to sink—in the Mediterranean, if it wanted to flee, British warships would find it almost impossible to catch.
Just as Madeno was reminiscing, a series of whistles suddenly pierced the air.
This signaled the sighting of an enemy, and the "Far Sight" was preparing for battle.
He rushed into the ship's hold, loudly calling for the sailors to take their positions—as the boatswain, it was his duty.
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