Chapter 861: 769: An Encounter in the Mediterranean Sea

Chapter 861: Chapter 769: An Encounter in the Mediterranean Sea

The American veteran immediately took out a few coins from his pocket without hesitation and placed them on the table: “Here are 8 US Dollars. I hope this can help our French friends. I will donate another 3 US Dollars every month from now on…”

This donation looked pitifully small, but one had to understand that, after retiring, he made a living by driving horse carriages for others, earning only 8 US Dollars and 45 Fickeos per month. With the 2 US Dollars of relief provided by the Veterans’ Home, he could barely support his family.

In other words, he was willing to donate nearly 30% of his income to France.

“Fickeos” were small-denomination copper coins used in the United States at the time, later replaced by cents.

Following his example, other American veterans began to empty their pockets as well, quickly forming a small pile of coins on the table.

At this moment, a short man with a square face and a big head topped by a white wig pushed the door open and loudly declared in accented English: “No, France, no matter how difficult things get, cannot accept this money. Doing so would leave your children hungry.”

Everyone turned to look at him. Two of the veterans, upon seeing his face, froze for a moment, then cried out in excitement: “General Noa Ye. It’s really you!”

The visitor was none other than the brother-in-law of Marquis de Lafayette, Viscount Louis Marc de Noailles. He had once served as Lafayette’s aide-de-camp and participated in numerous battles during the American Revolutionary War, including the great victory at York Town. He was highly respected by the Continental Army.

Furthermore, he was a major benefactor of the Veterans’ Home and responsible for its day-to-day management.

The veterans in the room, upon learning that Viscount Noa Ye had come in person, immediately stood up to salute him.

While nodding to acknowledge the veterans, Noa Ye instructed the staff of the Veterans’ Home to return the money to them.

The American veterans grew anxious. One grizzled veteran, with a face full of stubble and missing two fingers, angrily retorted: “General, I fought alongside your corps in the attack on York Town. If it weren’t for the travel costs to Europe, I’d already be in France teaching those British bastards a lesson!”

His words were met with loud agreement, “Exactly! My flintlock gun is well-polished; it can absolutely blow a British head clean off.”

“I also want to let the British know who they’re dealing with!”

“Ah, crossing the Atlantic—the cheapest tickets are still 25 US Dollars…”

Viscount Noa Ye nodded and looked at the crowd, asking, “Do you truly wish to go to France?”

The veterans exchanged glances. A few looked eager but then quickly sat back down—feeling excited was one thing, but if they really went to Europe, their wives and children would starve.

Viscount Noa Ye smiled and said, “In fact, some of my friends have pooled together funds to organize volunteers for battle in France.

“You all have extensive combat experience. If you join, my friends will certainly pay you a living allowance.”

One veteran blurted, “If it’s 9 US Dollars, I’ll go!”

He was immediately met with scorn from the other veterans.

However, Noa Ye shook his head and said, “15 US Dollars a month. If you bring your own uniform and weapons, you’ll receive an additional 15 US Dollars stipend.”

The veteran who had mentioned 9 US Dollars was in disbelief, “Are you serious?”

“Of course. I swear by Jesus’ name. The wages can also be paid directly to your families via the Veterans’ Home. If you’re injured or disabled, compensation will follow the standards of the US Army.”

“I believe you.” The veteran immediately shouted enthusiastically, “I’ll enlist!”

With his current income at 9 US Dollars per month, going to fight in France could raise his monthly earnings by 66%, with added compensation for injuries.

This wasn’t just helping France in war—it was easily an opportunity for France to help him make money!

“I’ll go too.”

“Count me in. My uniform and rifle are still intact!”

“I even kept the regimental flag!”

“I’ll sign up Old Mac and Donald. They’ll definitely thank me for it…”

Other veterans chimed in one after another.

Most of them had fallen into hardship after retiring. The prospect of earning 15 US Dollars per month was incredibly enticing. Soon, over 90 names were signed up—despite only 37 attending this meeting, many others registered through proxies.

A week later.

Noa Ye looked at the registration form listing over 480 American volunteer soldiers in his hand with satisfaction and set it aside to begin drafting a report for the Crown Prince.

It was important to note that these were only veterans from Philadelphia. Based on his estimates, once word spread, the United States would likely have over 3,000 veterans heading to France to fight.

Joseph had poured substantial funding into this “American Mercenaries” effort, not because he expected them to be extraordinarily effective in battle.

But once these veterans dressed in Continental Army uniforms began clashing with the British Army, reconciliation between the American Government and the British would become utterly impossible.

Moreover, as news of American casualties trickled back home, coupled with targeted propaganda, the animosity between the United States and England would inevitably deepen.

By then, the outbreak of the Second Anglo-American War might even occur ahead of schedule.

One could only wonder whether Canada’s military corps would again set fire to help rename the American President’s residence “White House.”

A little over ten days later, the first batch of 500 American volunteers boarded over ten merchant ships bound for Genoa.

…

Western Mediterranean.

Barbary Coast.

Maderno stood on the deck of the Distant View, gently stroking the ship’s smokestack railing as if it were his favorite girl’s silky hair.

No, not even Angela back in the day had enchanted him like this.

This French Mediterranean Fleet escort ship was nothing short of “magic”—she could race at 12 knots in the Mediterranean and execute bass-like exaggerated sharp turns. Even without her main mast, she could still maintain 6 knots, while other ships in the same predicament would be stuck spinning in circles. And she was crewed by only 170 sailors, without a single rower!

Yes, after piloting the Leisure back to Ostend Port, Maderno had resolved never to venture to sea again. With British warships everywhere, the days of making a living through maritime trade were over.

Soon after, the Special Trade Association suggested he join the French Navy.

At first, he was completely stunned—a smuggling organization was recommending him to become a naval officer!

But shortly thereafter, he was approached by Navy officers. Upon learning that he had previously served as a captain, they promised to award him the rank of ensign.

Initially, he felt uneasy, but once he arrived aboard the Distant View, he quickly set his mind at ease.

This extraordinary warship might struggle to win against the British fleet, but it was highly unlikely to be sunk—in the Mediterranean Sea, if she wanted to escape, British warships would find her nearly impossible to catch.

As Maderno reminisced about the past, whistles suddenly rang out from all around.

This signaled the presence of enemy forces—the Distant View was headed into battle.

He hurried into the cabin, shouting loudly for the sailors to take their positions—his role as Chief Boatswain left him no choice.