The establishment of the Ohio Territory by Charles most encouraged the Confederalists. They believed that although Charles verbally supported the eventual establishment of a strong Federal Nation, in reality, he had already created a quasi-independent territory with its own centralized government structure (referring to the Ohio/Pittsburgh Territory).
This territory, they argued, was organized as a fully formed state in the European sense, which meant its logical path was to join a Confederation—a league of independent states—and not dissolve itself to become a mere member within a larger, more unified Federal System.
After all, a centralized quasi-state organization cannot simply merge into another powerful, centralized Federal Nation (meaning, a powerful nation-state). However, Charles still wanted to operate under the banner of the Continental Congress and the United States.
Therefore, they reasoned, he wouldn't actually support changing the organization from a Confederation to a Federation—or what they often called a Federal Nation. If the system were immediately renamed and restructured as a Federal Nation with a powerful central government, the first thing to be infringed upon would be the autonomy of his newly established Ohio/Pittsburgh Territory.
Mr. Adams' stated goal was actually to get Charles, a person of great influence, to publicly express his stance before the vote on the Articles of Confederation. This was to prevent others from thinking Charles had shifted to the Confederalist side, which would influence those who supported a Federal Nation to abandon their ideal. If Adams were truly just worried about the Articles of Confederation, he likely wouldn't have approached Charles, his former political opponent, for help.
"Mr. Adams, were your words just now your personal opinion?" Charles looked at the Federalist sitting next to Adams.
"Uh..." Adams also looked at the people around him. "What if I said it was my personal opinion?"
"If it's your personal opinion, then I refuse to answer. I will report all matters concerning the United States specifically to the Continental Congress. I don't want to discuss it now," Charles said indifferently.
Adams opened his mouth, unable to speak. He felt stifled. If his faction wasn't in such real danger this time, he wouldn't bother to meet this political rival.
"Haha! Councilor Charles, we are all people who support the establishment of a Federal Nation. Mr. Adams just happens to agree with our opinion. So, the few of us, together with Mr. Adams, have formed a faction. We call ourselves the Federalists!" A representative from the New England region of Massachusetts came forward to mediate.
"Hmm! Actually, the matters of the United States (meaning, the ultimate form of the nation) are also something we are all curious about!" Adams added.
"Haha! Sirs, of course I am also a firm supporter of establishing a Federal Nation eventually, but do you think it is possible to establish one now? Even the Articles of Confederation are very difficult to pass unanimously among the states. How can we immediately hope to establish a Federal Nation?
The government I established in the Ohio Territory is to effectively manage that area before a Federal Nation is established. As for which form of government I actually support, it has nothing to do with it. Whether or not the Articles of Confederation pass this time, I will obey the will of the people," Charles said with a smile, shrugging his hands.
Charles' attitude towards these Federalists was much better. These people shared similar political views with him, and their future cooperation space was much greater than Adams'. As for Adams, he didn't dare to fully trust him. He was still willing to explain it this way now, not wanting him to misunderstand and continue to be hostile.
After all, he had not been involved in politics for long, and it was a bit difficult for him to accept such a quick transformation from enemy to ally. Therefore, there was always a bit of a gap when he spoke to Adams.
Adams, of course, couldn't reveal his true feelings to Charles. Seeing him say this, he felt much relieved. "This is good. As long as you don't incite those Confederalists, they won't be too arrogant, and we still have a chance to turn things around."
Charles nodded, and then looked at the Federalists who had accompanied Adams. "So, what preparations do you have for the vote on the Articles of Confederation this time? You won't just watch the Articles pass, and the idea of establishing a Federal Nation won't even have a chance to be discussed, right? If that's really the case, once the Articles pass, your Federalist faction will probably..."
The Federalists currently following Adams were far fewer than in history because many were now under Charles' financial interest faction. The most typical example was Hamilton. Although Charles' faction also had many democratic members who should have belonged to Jefferson, the most affected and attracted were those Federalists who should have belonged to Adams.
The vote on the Articles of Confederation this time was promoted by the democratic faction led by Jefferson, after Samuel Adams suggested its reorganization and it rose to become the first faction in the Continental Congress. Relatively speaking, the Federalists led by John Adams didn't even have anyone who dared to propose the immediate establishment of a Federal Nation. Once the Articles of Confederation passed, it would definitely deal a fatal blow to the newly established Federalist faction.
In this vote, so far, no Federalist, including Adams himself, has come forward to say that they would choose a federal system and reject a confederal system. However, Charles absolutely did not believe that those Federalists led by Adams would really sit back and watch the democratic faction led by Jefferson run rampant.
"We also have some plans, but these Articles of Confederation do not ultimately prevent our future conversion to a Federal Nation. At this time, when all the people are jointly participating in the fight against the British, we really should not be divided over the form of this national organization.
So, we Federalists basically do not intend to directly confront Jefferson and those who advocate for a Confederation at this time," Adams said vaguely. His tone was helpless, as if he had been suppressed by Jefferson's democratic faction and couldn't lift his head.
In fact, it wasn't that they didn't want to confront them directly; it was that the democratic faction was too strong, and coupled with the influence of Charles establishing the Ohio Territory, basically no one believed that the Articles of Confederation could be stopped from passing. Now that Charles' own position was clear, they actually already had a plan to oppose the passage of the Articles; it was just that they lacked confidence.
Charles snorted disdainfully, knowing that this guy was putting on an act. Establishing a Confederation now indeed did not prevent the future establishment of a Federal Nation. This was how it was historically, and Charles didn't find it strange. However, he always felt that the democratic faction led by Jefferson would not easily defeat the Federalists led by Adams.
Although Adams' personal ability was limited, the Federalists still had a lot of potential. At least, the theory of founding a Federal Nation was indeed very correct. The reason why the Federalists did not go far in history had a lot to do with the mistakes of their few leaders.
However, at this time, they had not yet emerged, and it was just the best time to implement their theory of founding a Federal Nation. No matter what, it was impossible for them to be suppressed so easily.
"I think it's indeed difficult for you Federalists to contend with the democratic faction, but on the stance of establishing a Federal Nation, many people in my financial interest faction support you, so you actually don't need to worry about this," Charles said lightly.
As soon as these words came out, the representatives who followed Adams were immediately overjoyed. Although Charles did not say it explicitly, he had already hinted that he might allow the Federalists in the financial interest faction to take concerted action with the main Federalist faction.
"Thank you for your support, Councilor Charles!"
"As long as your financial interest faction supports us, we can properly contend with their democratic faction!"
Those people expressed their gratitude to Charles, one after another. Although Adams said nothing, he made no secret of the joy in his eyes.
Charles understood in his heart that getting his financial interest faction to support them was the real purpose of these Federalists coming to visit him. As for what Adams said about just asking him not to incite Confederalists, it was purely a bluff to test the waters.
Even if he hadn't actively expressed his agreement to let his faction members support the Federal Nation ideal, those few Federalists would definitely have found other reasons to lobby him for their support.
He had long seen through their tricks. However, the ideal of a Federal Nation was consistent with his political views, so Charles did not firmly oppose it. Instead, because he saw through their intentions, he actively expressed his willingness to help.
This might not mean much to Adams, but to the other Federalists, it was definitely a very proactive and friendly gesture, which would leave them with a very good impression. It would also be easier to ask for their help in the future.
Once Charles made his promise, Adams and the others couldn't sit still. Next, they still had many things to do to cope with the changes in the Continental Congress. After complimenting Charles a few more times, Adams left with the other Federalists.
Just as they reached the door, they saw Jefferson's carriage stop at the castle gate, and Jefferson, dressed in casual clothes, appeared at the castle entrance.
"Oh! Mr. Adams! Are you gentlemen also here to visit Charles!"
Jefferson, alone, stood in front of the castle with high spirits, his presence in no way inferior to the group of Federalists.
"Hahaha! Thomas, my friend, the first person to greet me when I returned to Philadelphia was not you. How can you still say that?" Charles, who was seeing off the guests at the door, quickly came over. He was very pleased to see Adams' embarrassment when he looked at Jefferson.
Charles was very happy to see the Federalists' hostility towards Jefferson, and Adams' dissatisfaction and helplessness when he looked at Jefferson.
Not only was he greatly pleased to see his former political opponent's frustrated appearance, but another reason was that he was even happier to see the Federalists and the democratic faction being hostile to each other. In this way, his financial interest faction, which integrated members of both, could maneuver between the two groups and gain the greatest benefits.
Although both were old politicians, Adams' current strength was ultimately not as good as Jefferson's. So, after nodding in greeting, they immediately left, and Jefferson was also invited into the castle by Charles.
"Thomas, would you like something to drink? I have original French red wine that just arrived from Louisiana. Would you like a glass?" Charles called for Tom, the black servant, and asked him to hang Jefferson's trench coat.
"It's such a cold day, I'll have a glass of whiskey instead," Jefferson handed his trench coat to Tom.
"Okay! I have whiskey right here." Charles opened the bottle on the coffee table, poured two glasses, and handed one of them to Jefferson. As guests, Jefferson and Adams and the others received vastly different treatment.
Jefferson said thank you, took the glass with a smile, and then casually asked: "Charles, Adams, that fellow, came to see you just now to lobby you to restore your stance on establishing a Federal Nation, didn't he?"
He had a smiling face, as if he had just won a battle. Charles smiled bitterly. Ever since the Ohio Territory was established, these people in Philadelphia seemed to genuinely believe that he supported a Confederation and had abandoned his Federal stance. Even Jefferson thought so, no wonder Adams and the others were so worried.
"Thomas! Why would you think that too?" He was asking why Jefferson thought his stance on establishing a Federal Nation had wavered.
"Hahaha! These past few days, with the lobbying efforts of our democratic faction members in the Continental Congress, the Articles of Confederation can basically be confirmed to pass. But Adams recently formed a Federalist faction, and these past few days he has been frantically lobbying Federalists, wanting them to oppose the Articles of Confederation.
How could this former Federalist centrist not come to lobby when he returned? How about it, wasn't I right?" Thomas laughed heartily. He had misunderstood, thinking that Charles was asking why he would think of Adams' purpose for coming here.
Charles had a helpless expression: "I'm asking why you are so sure of my political views?"
"What's wrong with your political views?" Jefferson, on the contrary, was confused.
"My political views, my political stance, have never changed. I am still a Federalist, and I still firmly support the establishment of a Federal Nation," Charles said solemnly to Jefferson.
"Oh?" Jefferson's smile froze, and then his face changed dramatically. "Are you saying you support Adams and them?"
"That's right!" Charles nodded affirmatively.
"Haven't you already established a state government for Ohio and Pittsburgh? That's already a government on par with a nation, and can only join our Confederation. Could it be that you established it not to join the Confederation, but to secede from the United States?" Jefferson's face turned pale.
Fortunately, Charles noticed Mr. Jefferson's dramatic change in expression and immediately provided a direct answer to his speculation:
"No, Thomas, I established the Ohio/Pittsburgh Territory solely out of the practical need for better management of the Ohio area. It has absolutely nothing to do with whether I support a Federal Nation or a Confederation, or whether I want to secede from the United States. I have never thought about those things when dealing with the Ohio issue, so my stance remains the same. I already told Adams that, didn't I?"
Mr. Jefferson's face shifted between expressions, and his originally pale complexion finally regained a trace of color, though his relief was evident in a mix of laughter and tears.
"You should have said so earlier; you scared me for nothing. I thought you were really preparing to declare independence."
Actually, thinking about it now, it's clear that Charles' interests in the Continental Congress were no less than those in Ohio. Under circumstances where both could be achieved, what reason would he have to give up one half and choose the other?
"Hahaha! I absolutely have no intention of opposing the United States," Charles laughed.
In fact, his original strong support for the Federal System was merely a political tool to showcase his abilities and win over certain key figures. Now that his status and position were different, he naturally didn't need to prioritize political ideology. Whether it was a Federal System or a Confederal System, as long as it benefited the development of his financial faction, he would support it.
Interests always came first. His choice to continue supporting the establishment of a Federal Nation was mainly because a Federal System would form a unified domestic market, which would be more conducive to the development of his enterprises.
Mr. Jefferson, however, clearly believed Charles' assurance and nodded, moved.
"Alas! This time, in lobbying the states to agree to ratify the Articles of Confederation, many people opposed formally adopting the Confederation. Fortunately, in our United States, people who share your view of unity are in the majority, and supporters still outnumber opponents, otherwise we really wouldn't know how to continue fighting against Britain!"
He had originally thought that Charles would declare his support for the Confederal System just by making an appearance at the castle, but he hadn't expected him to still hold his original Federalist stance. Mr. Jefferson inwardly exclaimed, "Thank goodness, thank goodness I came here to make an appearance, otherwise if Adams had gotten a head start, it would have been difficult to pull him back. It's still not too late to start lobbying now."
"Among those opponents, many must be against the Articles of Confederation because they want a Federal Nation. There aren't many people who truly oppose the establishment of the United States in general," Charles smiled.
He wondered how Adams and his Federalists would logically oppose the Articles of Confederation. If they rejected them, it would mean opposing the immediate establishment of a formal national structure, which was inconsistent with their ideal of a Federal Nation; if they agreed, it would only mean the Confederation's establishment was approved, which still had nothing to do with federalism.
"By the way, Charles! Since you still support the Federal System, are you planning to unite with Adams and the Federalists to oppose our Articles of Confederation?" Mr. Jefferson's voice held a hint of anger.
It was a tactic, feigning a sense of betrayal in hopes that Charles would soften his stance.
"Hehe! That's not quite right. In fact, I have no objection to the Confederation plan being implemented at this stage, so I'm simply allowing the people within my financial interest faction to freely choose their supported stance," Charles still said with a faint smile, not directly stating his attitude.
Mr. Jefferson breathed a sigh of relief, his expression stabilizing. He knew that even if Charles supported federalism, his relationship with Adams was far more strained than his own relationship with Adams. Getting the two of them to cooperate would be difficult. He had actually asked a bit pointlessly just now.
"Charles, are you saying you intend to remain neutral?" He still pressed Charles for his personal stance.
"Hmm! Thomas, we are friends, and we are both Continental Congress Representatives. Everything we do is for this country and its people, so whatever I do is out of consideration for the public interest," Charles evaded the question.
Mr. Jefferson looked at Charles with a slight smile, saying nothing more, merely nodding slightly: "I understand!"
"Hehe! So, I personally oppose the Confederal System, but on the matter of the Articles of Confederation, I allow the people in our faction to freely choose their own opinions, and I will not interfere with their decisions under any name," Charles finally said with a smile.
For a friend like Mr. Jefferson, even if there were political conflicts, it was still very easy to maintain personal friendship. With the preceding conversation as a prelude, after Charles' current statement that he would oppose the Confederation personally, Mr. Jefferson indeed did not turn hostile.
"Alright! Charles, I respect your decision. In any case, if you don't use your influence to incite others to oppose this proposal, that will be the greatest help to me," Mr. Jefferson said with emotion.
In fact, even without considering friendship, given Charles' current political standing, it was unlikely that Mr. Jefferson would turn hostile towards him. Even if they did, it would be for political reasons, and as long as there was still an opportunity for cooperation in the future, the two could immediately shake hands and work together again. This was somewhat different from his relationship with Adams; Charles and Adams had fallen out mainly due to personal factors, while with Mr. Jefferson, it could only be due to political ideals. Such conflicts, no matter how intense, would not leave deep hatred between the two.
The Democrats were now the largest faction in the Continental Congress. It was enough for their faction leader to step forward, while Adams' side not only had him personally but also a large number of other members.
In reality, the strength of the two sides was already clear. However, the Continental Congress only had sixty or seventy people, and there were currently three main factions. None of them held more than half.
Given the strength of Charles' financial interest faction, if they stood with the Federalists, they could definitely unite to defeat the Democrats. Charles, whose personal stance leaned towards the Federalist ideal, now allowing members to choose freely, indeed amounted to a great help to Mr. Jefferson. It could give him an opportunity to garner some support votes from members of the financial interest faction.
Having received an affirmative answer from Charles, Mr. Jefferson, like Adams, couldn't sit still and immediately rose to bid Charles farewell.
Relatively speaking, he left with more urgency. After all, his original arrangements had to be completely adjusted after learning Charles' position. Adams, at least, had some preparation, making his actions much simpler.
Over the next few days, Adams' Federalist faction and Mr. Jefferson's Democrats constantly lobbied political figures in Philadelphia, urging them to support their respective positions. Many small factions that had previously been overlooked now became targets for both sides, constantly being promised various benefits. For a time, the most sought-after individuals in Philadelphia were these formerly less influential, lone-wolf politicians.
Relatively speaking, Charles' financial interest faction had the easiest time in this battle for voting power. They basically only needed to remember the political promises made by the other two factions, and once the vote results showed which faction won, they could directly claim the promised benefits from that faction.
However, the originally one-sided situation was greatly influenced by Charles' clear stance. Many people who supported the establishment of a Federal Nation re-emerged to oppose the Confederal System, and many who had previously expressed support for the Articles of Confederation also stated that they needed to reconsider carefully.
Under these circumstances, to prevent the Continental Congress from splitting, John Hancock, as chairman, personally convened several key faction leaders in the Continental Congress to discuss ways to resolve the dispute.
"Gentlemen! I deeply regret that while our soldiers on the front lines are defending our country with their blood, we, the high-ranking Continental Congress Representatives, are attacking each other with words. As the chairman of the Continental Congress, I am deeply pained! I have invited you all here today to ask the Democrats and the Federalists to set aside their differences and restore their former friendship. The Continental Congress must never have internal conflicts!" The old man Hancock pleaded with the three main faction leaders with a pained expression.
As for these three leaders, they were naturally Mr. Jefferson, Adams, and Charles.
To Hancock's words, Charles could only nod in agreement, showing his assent. Today, there was originally no business for him, but Hancock valued his strength and insisted on his participation, hoping he would play a role at a critical moment to force Adams and Mr. Jefferson to reconcile.
The Articles of Confederation, which could have been voted on immediately, had now been repeatedly delayed until February due to the struggle between the two factions. Charles also did not want to see such a struggle continue, and besides, appearing could earn him a favor from Hancock, so he finally agreed to attend this reconciliation meeting.
Since he was attending, he couldn't just sit there, so Charles also expressed his opinion, saying:
"Indeed! Gentlemen, the War of Independence is already troublesome enough; we absolutely cannot be divided internally. Both our leadership and our country must be united! Anyone who attempts to cause division and undermine unity is an enemy of the country and its people!"
Charles quite enjoyed using righteousness to pressure others.
"Mr. Hancock! Councilor Godfrey, I am willing to accept your opinions and reconcile with Mr. Jefferson's Democrats!" Adams, still relatively weaker, spread his hands, indicating his agreement to mediation.
Mr. Jefferson had originally thought that Adams, who still couldn't defeat him, would oppose mediation. Now, Adams' proactive statement made it somewhat difficult for him to accept. He glanced at Adams next to him and nodded blankly.
"Uh, alright, then I'm willing too."
Then, fearing that Adams' agreement to reconcile might come with special demands, he added a few more sentences:
"I hope Mr. Adams and the members of your faction will no longer oppose the Articles of Confederation. The United States must now be united and pass the Articles as soon as possible to formally establish the Confederation. To oppose the Articles of Confederation is to oppose the current effort to establish a national government and risks causing division!"
After speaking, he also glanced at Hancock and Charles, implying that he was not the one who had actively provoked the conflict. The two naturally understood Mr. Jefferson's meaning. Although these Articles of Confederation were initiated by Mr. Jefferson's Democrats, the opposition came from Adams. It was indeed Adams who had first provoked the conflict.
"Mr. Jefferson, I and the other Federalists can agree not to oppose the passage of the Articles of Confederation, but I hope that after this article is passed, we can continue to discuss our drafted 'Federal Outline'. We Federalists have already prepared our Federal Nation-building plan and can discuss this outline in the near future. As long as you don't object, we can reach a reconciliation immediately!" Adams said with a smile.
"Federal Outline'?" Mr. Jefferson gave a wry smile.
He and the other Democrats all opposed federal centralization. When this outline came out, wouldn't they have to debate it all over again? If this outline could be passed, then what was the point of passing his Articles of Confederation?
Hancock and Charles naturally thought the same.
"Mr. Adams, are you trying to introduce another divisive issue?" Hancock questioned Adams with displeasure.
"No, Mr. Chairman, for the future of the country, we can temporarily compromise with the Confederation advocates. Regardless, they have at least united our Thirteen Colonies into a union. But our ideal of establishing a true Federal Nation is something we will absolutely never abandon; that is the historical mission of us Federalists!" Adams was a little agitated.