Chapter 613: The Abolitionist Movement
By midday, the cabinet meeting concluded.
As the Navy Minister emerged through the gilded doors of the conference hall, his beaming smile was brighter than on his wedding day.
Not far behind him, however, Mirabeau and several other ministers from the rising noble faction wore somber expressions.
Once they rounded the corridor, Baye glanced at Mirabeau's face and said, "You've noticed it too, haven't you?"
Mirabeau nodded gravely. "The Prince's decision to allocate an additional 20 million francs to the Navy is indeed unusual."
This funding was in addition to the Navy's regular budget. Combined with the sum Carloona secured from Britain earlier, the Navy had already received a total of 40 million francs in extra funding.
This was unprecedented for a Navy that had experienced three consecutive years of budget cuts, with its newly built warships being even smaller in tonnage than Russia's.
Baye quickly added, "Exactly. Beyond that, His Highness also instructed me to purchase large amounts of timber, oil, rope, and even cotton. It's clear he's preparing for a disruption in trade routes."
Vernier chimed in, "Don't forget the grain stockpiling—despite there being no signs of a poor harvest this year."
These instructions had been issued by the Prince just before the cabinet meeting concluded.
"So," Baye lowered his voice, "is war on the horizon?"
"It seems Britain might be making a move," Talleyrand said, struggling to keep up with the others. As someone well-versed in Britain's strategic ambitions, he added, "The Prince is clearly preparing in advance."
He paused briefly, then shook his head. "But what puzzles me is that His Highness has tasked me with negotiating a new trade agreement with the Ottomans."
Joseph's directive was to negotiate a mutual reduction in tariffs and expand the range of goods allowed between France and the Ottoman Empire, indicating a desire to boost trade.
Mirabeau was equally perplexed. "If war with Britain is imminent, Mediterranean trade would be at risk of disruption."
Vernier immediately countered, "That's precisely why the Prince allocated 20 million francs—to secure naval dominance."
The others exchanged dubious looks.
"That amount of funding is far from sufficient," Mirabeau remarked.
Baye nodded in agreement. "And if we were confident about defeating the British at sea, there'd be no need to stockpile supplies in the first place."
The group discussed the matter further, unable to reach a definitive conclusion.
If only the Marquis de Castries had been present, he would have excitedly informed them that the Navy's steam-powered warships were poised to drive the British fleet out of the Mediterranean. Once war broke out, the eastern Mediterranean trade with the Ottoman Empire would become a critical market for France.
Finally, Talleyrand exhaled and said, "I believe we should trust the Prince's judgment."
The others nodded in agreement. In their memory, the Prince had never made a flawed decision.
A Few Months Earlier
Caribbean Sea, South of North America
Port-au-Prince, Saint-Domingue
In a dimly lit basement, abolitionist leader Vincent Ogé adjusted the central candle flame, casting light on the faces of over a dozen individuals seated around the room.
Most of them were light-skinned mixed-race individuals, with four black representatives and one white man among them. These were the leaders of various abolitionist organizations across French Saint-Domingue.
"Thank you all for arriving on time," Ogé said as he stepped to the front, his gaze sharp and commanding. "The Bookman Revolt has already seized most of Tortuga. Nearly all the Governor's forces are now concentrated in the north. Our chance has come!"
The room erupted in restrained cheers, fists clenched in celebration.
Ogé continued, "One week from now, we will assemble east of Port-au-Prince. I will lead half our forces, along with Major Jonas, to storm the Governor's residence."
Turning to a mixed-race man in a French military uniform, Ogé instructed, "Major Oriol, you will lead a battalion to seize the Parliament. Others will spread out to maintain order in the city."
The two officers stood and saluted. "Understood, Mr. Ogé."
Ogé raised his fist emphatically. "We now have weapons as sophisticated as the Governor's Guard. Major Jonas even has artillery.
"We will quickly take control of Port-au-Prince and demand Parliament vote to pass the Abolition Act. Everyone will gain freedom and equality, and the era of darkness in Saint-Domingue will come to an end!"
The room resounded with hushed but fervent cheers.
After the excitement subsided, a gray-haired black man wearing a coarse linen jacket rose slowly.
"Mr. Ogé, how do we plan to deal with the French forces from Europe? By now, they might already be crossing the Atlantic."
Ogé's expression turned resolute. "Then we fight them until they accept the Abolition Act!"
The elder shook his head, sighing. "Mr. Ogé, our current forces cannot defeat a French expeditionary army—just as we failed years ago."
Ogé raised a hand, cutting him off. "Mr. Troque, this time, our supplies are not limited to a single shipment.
"In fact, a certain nation has promised to provide 30,000 pounds sterling worth of supplies each month. We will prevail!"
The "supplies" Ogé referred to included flintlock muskets, uniforms, tents, food, and medical supplies.
Troque's face lit up with hope. "Praise be to God for granting us this chance."
He had participated in two failed uprisings before, both crushed due to insufficient arms and ammunition. This time, the situation was different.
An hour later, Ogé, having finalized plans for the uprising, returned to his residence.
As soon as he arrived, his steward approached and whispered a few words in his ear.
"A French government envoy?" Ogé frowned. After a brief moment of contemplation, he headed toward the guest room.
In the parlor sat a middle-aged man in a black coat, his powdered wig slightly disheveled.
Ogé took a deep breath and entered, announcing loudly, "If you're here to persuade me to support suppressing the Bookman Revolt, you're wasting your time…"
The man rose at the sound of Ogé's voice and bowed.
When Ogé saw the man's prominent nose, deep-set eyes, and furrowed forehead, he gasped.
"Y-you're Brissot?"
The visitor smiled warmly. "Indeed, that is my name. You must be Mr. Ogé. It's an honor to meet you."
Ogé hurriedly returned the bow. "I once heard your speech in Philadelphia. I also have a copy of your Notes on Southern Black America in my library—it's profoundly insightful!"
"I'm glad you found it meaningful," Brissot replied.
Suddenly struck by a thought, Ogé asked with bated breath, "Was your visit here authorized by the King?"
Brissot nodded. "Yes. His Majesty has agreed to sign the Abolition Act."
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/johanssen10