Chapter 770: An Unexpected Encounter in the Mediterranean
The American veteran didn't hesitate. He pulled a few coins from his pocket and placed them on the table.
"Here's five dollars. I hope this helps our French friends. I'll donate three dollars every month from now on."
It didn't seem like much, but considering his situation, it was a huge sacrifice.
After retiring from the army, he had survived by driving carriages, earning only $8.45 per month.
Along with the $2 relief payment from the Veterans' Home, he barely managed to support his family.
That meant he was donating nearly 30% of his income to France.
(A "phikio" was a small American copper coin, later replaced by the cent.)
Seeing his example, the other veterans followed, and soon, a small pile of coins appeared on the table.
Just then, the door swung open, and in walked a short, square-faced nobleman with a large head topped with a white wig.
He spoke in heavily accented English, raising his voice:
"No! France cannot accept this money, no matter how hard times are. This would make your children go hungry!"
A Familiar Face
Everyone turned to look.
Two veterans stared in shock, then suddenly exclaimed with joy:
"General Noailles! It's really you!"
The man was Viscount Louis Marc de Noailles—Lafayette's brother-in-law.
He had served as Lafayette's aide-de-camp during the American Revolutionary War, fighting in many battles, including the Siege of Yorktown.
Among American veterans, he was highly respected.
And now, he was also a major sponsor of the Veterans' Home and oversaw its daily operations.
The veterans stood at attention, saluting him as he nodded in acknowledgment.
Then, he ordered the staff to return the donations.
A New Proposal
The veterans were upset.
A bearded man missing two fingers angrily protested:
"General, I fought alongside your troops at Yorktown! If I had the money to get to Europe, I'd already be in France fighting those British bastards!"
Others shouted in agreement:
"Yes! My musket is still in top shape—I'd blast a Brit's head off in an instant!"
"I'd love to teach them a lesson!"
"Damn it, even the cheapest ship ticket across the Atlantic costs $25…"
Noailles nodded and asked:
"Would you really go to France?"
Some veterans looked eager, but quickly hesitated—they couldn't just leave.
Their wives and children would starve if they went to war.
Then, Noailles smiled.
"Actually, some friends of mine have raised funds to organize a volunteer force for France.
You all have battlefield experience—if you enlist, they will gladly provide you with financial support."
A veteran immediately blurted out:
"If it's nine dollars a month, I'm in!"
The others scoffed at him for selling himself too cheaply.
But Noailles shook his head and said:
"Fifteen dollars per month. If you bring your own uniform and weapon, you'll receive an additional $15 stipend."
The first veteran's jaw dropped.
"Are you serious?!"
"I swear by God Himself. The salary will also be paid to your families by the Veterans' Home. If you're injured, you'll receive compensation based on U.S. Army standards."
"I believe you!" the veteran shouted excitedly. "I'm signing up!"
He only made $9 per month driving carriages—going to France would increase his income by 66%!
And there was compensation for injuries too!
This wasn't just going to war for France—this was a great opportunity to make money!
"Count me in!"
"Me too! I still have my uniform and gun!"
"I even kept my regiment's flag!"
"I'll sign up my buddies Mac and Donald—they'll thank me later!"
More veterans shouted their interest, and soon, over 90 men had signed up—even though only 37 had originally attended the meeting.
America's New Mercenaries
A week later, Noailles smiled as he reviewed the enlistment list—it already had 480 names.
And this was only from Philadelphia.
Once word spread, he estimated at least 3,000 American veterans would join the fight.
Joseph wasn't counting on them to be highly skilled warriors.
But the moment these veterans—wearing their old Continental Army uniforms—fought the British, it would become impossible for the U.S. government to negotiate with Britain.
And as news of dead American soldiers reached the public, combined with propaganda efforts, the hatred between the U.S. and Britain would only grow.
Who knew?
Maybe this would even accelerate the Second Anglo-American War.
And perhaps, just like before, the Canadian militia might burn down Washington D.C., leading to its renaming as the "White House."
The Volunteers Depart
Ten days later, the first 500 American volunteers boarded merchant ships and set sail for Genoa.
A Surprise in the Mediterranean
Barbary Waters, Western Mediterranean
Maderno stood on the deck of the Far Gaze, gently stroking the railing of the smokestack.
It was like he was caressing the hair of a lover.
No—not even Angela, his first love, had ever captivated him like this.
This French Mediterranean Fleet frigate was truly magical.
It could:
Sail at 12 knots across the Mediterranean.
Turn sharply like a darting fish.
Maintain 6 knots even if the main mast was destroyed (while other ships would be left drifting in circles).
Operate with only 170 crew members—without a single rower!
A Smuggler-Turned-Officer
After barely escaping with the Leisure back to Ostend, Maderno had decided to quit sailing.
With British warships everywhere, merchant trade was no longer an option.
Then, the Special Trade Association made a surprising suggestion:
Join the French Navy.
He had been shocked—
A smuggling syndicate was recommending him for military service?!
But then, a French naval officer approached him.
When they learned he had experience as a captain, they offered him a commission as an ensign.
At first, he was nervous—
But after stepping aboard the Far Gaze, his worries disappeared.
Even if it couldn't defeat the British fleet, this ship was nearly impossible to sink.
In the Mediterranean, if it wanted to escape, the British had no chance of catching it.
Battle Alert
As Maderno was lost in thought, whistles suddenly blared across the ship.
Enemy sighted!
The Far Gaze was about to engage in combat.
Maderno rushed into the cabin, shouting orders for the sailors to take their positions.
As the ship's chief boatswain, this was his duty.
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