Chapter 769: America's Calculations
Joseph never actually expected the United States to declare war on Britain in accordance with their alliance treaty.
Considering America's economic dependence on Britain, the U.S. wouldn't last three months before collapsing if it went to war.
And given America's limited military strength, if they did join the war as France's ally, France would likely have to send troops just to save them.
So, as long as the U.S. remained a stable supplier of raw materials and a moderately profitable market, that was good enough for France.
The Negotiation Begins
Jefferson, clearly relieved, bowed slightly to Baron Foucade and said:
"We deeply appreciate His Highness's generosity and his understanding of America's difficult situation.
Rest assured, our nation will strictly uphold its neutrality."
Foucade smiled and replied:
"His Highness always hopes for a strong and prosperous America. So, in terms of trade revenue, you must not let your guard down."
Jefferson blinked in confusion.
"Trade revenue? What do you mean?"
"Sugar," Foucade said plainly. "You know how high sugar prices are right now. His Highness expects all sugar products resold from America to follow market prices. Don't miss out on potential profits."
Jefferson immediately understood.
France was demanding that the U.S. not sell cheap sugar to Britain to help them survive their sugar shortage.
And what was the "market price" Foucade referred to?
The Paris Agricultural Futures Exchange rate.
Jefferson forced a stiff smile.
"Come now, our sugar production is far too small to impact Britain's market."
Foucade waved his hand dismissively.
"But the sugar America buys from the Caribbean plantations can."
Joseph knew the only buyers for Caribbean sugar—since French ships couldn't reach the islands—were American smuggling ships.
If the U.S. stopped buying, the Caribbean plantations would be forced to sell directly to the British.
Jefferson grimaced but hesitated.
"But… our trade relationship with Britain directly affects sugar prices."
The Hidden Strategy
Foucade understood what America wanted:
The U.S. planned to sell sugar at low prices in exchange for greater access to the British market.
Foucade raised his voice:
"If I may be blunt, America needs to be stronger!"
Jefferson's face twisted awkwardly. His expression clearly said:
"We can't do that."
America was too small to challenge Britain head-on.
And besides, Britain had given the U.S. control over Caribbean colonies in exchange for cheap sugar.
The U.S. couldn't just break that deal.
Seeing Jefferson's hesitation, Foucade leaned in and whispered:
"Hoard your supply."
"Huh?"
Before Jefferson could respond, Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton's eyes lit up.
"You, sir, are a genius in trade."
It was simple:
Britain had no way of knowing how much sugar America was smuggling in.
If prices dropped too low, the U.S. could simply "close the supply" and tell Britain they had run out.
Prices would naturally rise.
And they wouldn't even need to cut sales by much—reducing supply by just 20% could raise prices by 40%!
As long as Britain thought North American sugar was just slightly cheaper than French sugar, it would still favor American trade.
This solution:
✅ Satisfied France's demands.
✅ Let the U.S. keep making money.
✅ Maintained America's relationship with Britain.
A win-win-win situation!
As for the secret trade agreement with Britain?
That was just a joke—the U.S. and Britain were historic enemies.
Just look at the paintings of massacred American children by the British in Northwest Square—every patriotic American would support the government's decision!
Unintended Consequences
What Hamilton didn't realize was that this decision would push London's sugar prices even higher—
From 4× the previous year's price to 6×.
After a quick discussion, Jefferson and Hamilton agreed in principle to limit the minimum price of American sugar exports to Britain.
More French Demands
Foucade continued:
"In addition to sugar, His Highness requests that America agree to sell France cotton, timber, and oils at prices no higher than those offered to Britain."
Jefferson frowned.
"We want to maintain exports to France, but as you know, the British Navy has blockaded our coasts."
Foucade smiled.
"American ships only need to unload in Genoa."
Genoa, a neutral Italian port, was just a few days' journey from Toulon, France.
Hamilton narrowed his eyes.
"If I recall correctly, Sardinia has sided with Austria."
(The Sardinian province of Nice lay between France and Genoa.)
Foucade nodded.
"That is not your concern. We will pay in Genoa and handle transportation ourselves."
Truthfully, Foucade was also curious about how Joseph planned to sneak large shipments past Sardinian forces.
What he didn't know was—
Joseph wasn't planning to sneak anything.
He had complete faith in Napoleon.
Very soon, Sardinia would be under French control, and transport would be unrestricted.
And in the long run, once France controlled the Mediterranean, American ships could dock directly in Marseille.
If the British Navy dared to block the Strait of Gibraltar, it would cut off trade for the U.S., Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the entire Mediterranean.
Would Britain really be able to handle that level of diplomatic crisis?
The Deal is Sealed
America had no issues unloading cargo in Genoa—as long as they were paid, a few extra hundred miles didn't matter.
A week later, Baron Foucade and Thomas Jefferson secretly signed a comprehensive agreement on diplomacy and trade.
Departing Philadelphia
At Philadelphia Harbor, Foucade waved goodbye to the Americans as the Mist set sail into the open sea.
His aide sighed.
"In the end, America still avoided its obligations as an ally—right when we needed them most."
Foucade smiled and turned toward the cabin.
"If His Highness authorized this, then he must have a plan."
He had no idea how right he was.
Another NGO is Born
Meanwhile, in West Philadelphia, a new NGO called "The United States Veterans' Home" was busy organizing.
Its mission?
To help American veterans of the War of Independence who had never received compensation.
Its funding came from The American News newspaper—
And a mysterious wealthy benefactor.
At a gathering of 30 former soldiers, one veteran—now in his forties—spoke with tears in his eyes.
"Brunet sacrificed himself to save us, blocking the British cavalry. I never saw him again… May he rest in peace."
His fellow veterans nodded in sorrow.
For hours, they recounted the battles where American and French soldiers fought side by side against the British.
The veteran clenched his fists.
"We owe it to our French brothers to repay them!"
A staff member of the Veterans' Home stepped forward.
"France needs our help now."
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