Chapter 619: The Americans' Fury
3 Clapham Street
The journalist eagerly looked at Wilberforce and asked, "So, you've heard about the abolition law passed on a certain island?"
In truth, the members of the Clapham Saints had only heard vague reports that Saint-Domingue's parliament had passed an abolition law. The details were unclear.
However, the journalist had just brought them "the latest information from the press," and they had no reason to doubt him.
Wilberforce nodded. "Yes, it's truly uplifting news!"
"What is your stance on the abolition law?"
"I have always opposed the inhumane slave trade. Any effort to emancipate slaves is one that should be encouraged," Wilberforce replied diplomatically, mindful of his role as a government official. He then turned to Thomas Clarkson, a member of the Clapham Saints.
Clarkson, unconcerned with diplomacy, grinned and said, "The French have treated those West African blacks with appalling cruelty. Now the slaves are getting their revenge—this is a monumental victory for the abolitionist movement!
"I wish the free blacks on Saint-Domingue—ah, I mean on that island—and their allies the best of luck in making the slave owners pay the price they deserve. Haha, of course, you can't print that."
The other members of the Clapham Saints laughed heartily.
The British delighted in seeing the French struggle, despite the fact that their own colonies, such as Jamaica and the Bahamas, held far more enslaved individuals. Yet, hypocrisy was a skill they had mastered.
The Earl of Middleton added smugly, "It's common knowledge that the French treat their slaves more cruelly than anyone else. Their current troubles are no surprise at all."
The journalist conducted the rest of the interview with leading questions, subtly making it appear that Wilberforce and the others were quite knowledgeable about Saint-Domingue's situation.
The following day, the journalist returned with a draft of the interview for Wilberforce to review.
Wilberforce skimmed through it. Seeing that it mentioned no specific names or locations, he approved its publication in the next day's paper.
For Wilberforce, a prominent abolitionist, publicly supporting such events enhanced his political standing. Plus, it irritated the French—a bonus he couldn't resist.
Soon, British newspapers ran the interview, spreading it across multiple countries. Even American publications reprinted the story.
Unbeknownst to Wilberforce, he had stepped into a trap.
The journalist had been planted by the French Intelligence Bureau, armed with details about Saint-Domingue's situation long before the British could possibly learn them.
For example, news of Ogé's victory over the colonial government forces, the escape of Boukman's movement to the United States, and other events from over a month prior had yet to reach Britain. In this era without internet or instant communication, such updates required eyewitnesses to travel vast distances.
Yet, Wilberforce's interview revealed "spoilers" that hadn't even been confirmed in Britain, making it appear as though he had firsthand knowledge.
Two Weeks Later
News of a severe slave uprising in the United States finally reached Europe.
Reports revealed that this rebellion, spreading across Georgia, involved escaped insurgents from Saint-Domingue, specifically the Boukman Revolt.
More shocking details emerged. The rebels proclaimed that it was "the great Duke of Leeds" who had supplied them with weapons. When defeated by Saint-Domingue's forces, it was the Duke's ship that transported them to America.
The rebels even forced local craftsmen in Melee Town to erect a statue of the Duke of Leeds—complete with his full name inscribed on its base.
St. James's Palace
In a second-floor reception room, American envoy Connor Tristan handed over a formal protest to Lord Grenville, the British Foreign Secretary.
"If you cannot provide a reasonable explanation, your nation's actions will be seen as a direct provocation against the United States!" Tristan thundered, his voice shaking with anger as he disregarded diplomatic etiquette.
Over 1,000 people in Georgia had fallen victim to Boukman's marauders. Nearly a third of the region's plantations were in ruins, while many more plantation owners had fled their homes in fear.
Savannah, a city of over 70,000 residents, was now under siege by 1,300 black insurgents. If the city fell, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Not a single white person captured by the rebels had survived. Most were gruesomely tortured to death. Just a month earlier, 50 white residents of a plantation were thrown alive into boiling water, a story that shocked the entire United States.
Grenville took a deep breath and responded, "I believe these accusations are baseless fabrications meant to tarnish the Duke of Leeds's reputation. I assure you, he had no involvement in this matter."
Tristan scoffed. "Perhaps you've read the interview with Mr. Wilberforce, published over a month ago? He seemed remarkably well-informed about Saint-Domingue's situation—far more than was possible at the time.
"We can only conclude that he was involved, which explains his access to such details."
Grenville cursed silently. Why would the Duke have confided in an abolitionist like Wilberforce? And how could Wilberforce have been foolish enough to discuss such sensitive matters with a journalist?
Feigning ignorance, Grenville said, "There are many possible explanations for this. Perhaps Mr. Wilberforce had sent someone to Saint-Domingue on official business and stumbled upon these events.
"And if I recall, his interview didn't even mention Saint-Domingue by name…"
"Don't insult my intelligence, Lord Grenville," Tristan retorted. "I demand a reasonable explanation and compensation for the damages inflicted on my country!"
"No, no—you're being overly hasty. Once again, I must emphasize that my government has no involvement in the Saint-Domingue affair. I will issue an official statement to your government shortly."
Tristan continued protesting, but to no avail. Eventually, he stormed out in frustration.
At the time, the United States was still a fledgling nation, poor and underdeveloped. Even if Britain were indeed orchestrating these events, there was little America could do in response.
Still, as an important raw material supplier, the United States could retaliate economically through trade measures.
As Tristan exited the reception hall, he passed by French envoy Ségur, whose face was contorted with anger as he marched toward the same room.
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