Chapter 768: Fighting Fire with Fire
The United States wasn't going to tolerate these "troublemakers."
Attorney General Jennings Randolph immediately deployed the militia to disperse the protesters.
However, the demonstrators didn't resist much—they simply moved in circles, eventually gathering in front of the Federal Court to continue shouting their slogans.
In fact, one-third of the protesters were actually being paid, making them highly "professional."
They had planned their strategies a week in advance, including how to maximize their influence and respond to the militia's intervention.
So, despite Randolph deploying over a thousand militiamen and locking down key areas of Philadelphia, the protests didn't die down.
The Hidden Hand Behind the Protests
The salaries of these "professional activists" came from an organization called the "Association for the Aid of Wounded Veterans of the War of Independence."
Its official mission was:
"To help American citizens harmed by British colonial forces survive."
Of course, it was completely reasonable for the members of the Association to hate the British invaders who had once oppressed American citizens.
So, when they heard that Britain had declared war on their dear French friends, they furiously organized a large-scale protest.
The Association's funding mainly came from plantation owners in Georgia and South Carolina, many of whom were of French descent.
After Boukman's slave army devastated these regions, French merchants—following the advice of the Minister of Trade—bought up large amounts of cotton plantations at low prices.
At the beginning of the year, these French merchants decided to "give back" to America.
Under the leadership of John Castle, a well-known lawyer and orator, they founded the "Association for the Aid of Wounded Veterans of the War of Independence."
No one knew that John Castle had another identity—he was actually a captain in the French intelligence service.
Castle, being a well-educated man, referred to the Association as a "non-governmental organization."
Its purpose? To carry out humanitarian work without government involvement.
However, this definition was a bit too complex, so people simply started calling it an "NGO."
The Birth of the NGO Strategy
As for how to create and run an NGO?
Well, future generations would see the CIA use this method countless times.
Joseph simply copied a "handbook" of covert influence tactics and gave it to Fouché, who quickly mastered and implemented it.
However, this "technique" only worked in democratic countries like the U.S.
In monarchies like Prussia or Austria, such tactics would immediately trigger a visit from the secret police.
Mounting Pressure on Congress
When the protesters started a sit-in at Northwest Square in Philadelphia, holding up pictures of young girls murdered by the British during the War of Independence, and their numbers kept growing, Congress finally started feeling the pressure.
At Franklin's mansion, several major figures of the U.S. government gathered, watching hundreds of protesters marching outside.
House Speaker James Madison shook his head and said,
"I visited the square yesterday afternoon. There were over a thousand people there. These fools have no idea what getting involved in the Anglo-French war really means."
"Ordinary people just want to vent their emotions. They don't think that far ahead."
Alexander Hamilton, visibly irritated, snapped:
"It's all because of that damn French envoy. He's been giving speeches everywhere, riling up these idiots!"
Thomas Jefferson, who was more sympathetic to France, shrugged:
"To be fair, he's just stating the facts—whether it's about the treaty or the ongoing war in Europe."
"But we can't afford to sacrifice so many American interests for France. Chief Justice Jay's negotiations are what we truly need…"
Just as Hamilton was speaking, his aide suddenly burst into the room, waving a newspaper in panic.
"Mr. Hamilton, bad news!"
Hamilton frowned in irritation.
"Clark, don't be so reckless. What is it?"
"You… you better see for yourself!"
Hamilton grabbed the Philadelphia Gazette, unfolded it, and his expression darkened.
The front-page headline read:
"Government Negotiating with Britain—Trading American Interests for Better U.S.-UK Relations!"
His eyes darted to the article below, which detailed how the U.S. government, in order to expand trade with Britain, planned to:
Stop pursuing the British Navy for seizing U.S. merchant ships.Abandon efforts to recover American sailors forced into the British Navy.Grant British merchant ships access to the Mississippi River.Prohibit U.S. privateers from raiding British-flagged vessels along the coast.
A Brewing Storm
When Britain began blockading French trade, dozens of American ships trading with France were seized by the British Navy.
This had already caused an uproar in the U.S.
Now, the news was claiming that the U.S. government was planning to let Britain get away with it.
It was obvious—the entire country would explode with outrage!
But what truly terrified Hamilton was the fact that…
The government really was planning to do this.
In fact, Chief Justice Jay was already on a ship to London to negotiate the deal!
Exposing the Conspiracy
Hamilton shoved the newspaper at Jefferson and roared in anger:
"Who leaked this?!"
Fewer than ten high-ranking officials knew about the negotiations.
It should have been impossible for this information to get out.
The officials in the room exchanged nervous glances—then all shook their heads.
They had no idea that the information hadn't been leaked.
Joseph had simply guessed it.
The current geopolitical situation was almost identical to historical events, and the same people were in power.
So, Joseph knew they would follow the same path.
He simply instructed Baron Foucade to expose their negotiation plans early, forcing Washington's administration to abandon them through public pressure.
Crisis Control
Hamilton glanced at the clock, grabbed his coat, and ran for the door.
Before leaving, he shouted to Jefferson:
"The French envoy is arriving soon—stall him! I need to report to the President!"
And so, the planned "Franco-American Diplomatic Coordination Meeting" was delayed by two days.
Washington's Public Response
That afternoon, President Washington personally addressed the nation in front of Congress, publicly denying the rumors.
He declared:
The U.S. would NOT surrender to Britain.Seized American ships MUST be returned and compensated.All American sailors forced into the British Navy MUST be freed.The Mississippi River was U.S. territory and would NEVER be handed to Britain.The U.S. would NOT abandon its French allies.
His quick response prevented a full-blown revolt from the U.S. shipping industry, saving Philadelphia from mass riots.
At the same time, a fast-sailing ship left Philadelphia, carrying orders to recall Chief Justice Jay before he could finalize the deal in London.
A Shocking Turn of Events
Two days later, at the rescheduled diplomatic meeting, the French envoy delivered unexpected news to America's overwhelmed leaders:
"France will allow the United States to remain neutral and not participate in the war."
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