Chapter 1621 - 1527: A Glaring Open Conspiracy

Chapter 1621: Chapter 1527: A Glaring Open Conspiracy

Just as Lafayette was introducing Elcano to the ironworks’ share offering plan, a nearby attendant suddenly put down the telescope and shouted: "Sir, the ships have arrived."

Two brigantine ships quickly sailed in from the distant sea, docking at the pier twenty minutes later.

Music sounded immediately from all directions.

Once the ships were securely moored, the captains walked down the gangplank and only breathed a long sigh of relief when they saw the golden fleur-de-lis on the flag behind Elcano.

Yes, these two ships were smuggling vessels that had set sail from Saint Malo Port in France. Although they had run the Caribbean Sea route six or seven times before and arrived safely each time, earning quite a bit of money, this time they carried the most dangerous cargo.

If caught by the English or Portuguese fleet, they might face the gallows.

Thanks to the assistance of the French Navy and Security Bureau, the two ships finally crossed the Atlantic Ocean without incident.

A colonial official came over, confirmed the identities of the two captains, and then gestured to Elcano: "The Governor is waiting for you."

The captain was suddenly flattered but still looked around: "May I ask where the cargo officer is?"

Soon, more than 200 soldiers began unloading boxes of caplock guns, newly greased cannon barrels, and boxes of copper caps from the ships.

This was the reason why Elcano paid so much attention to these two ships.

With this batch of fine weapons, the Count of Baton Rouge’s chances of victory increased significantly.

Lafayette watched the busy soldiers and turned to the Governor: "Later, there will be three more ships bringing enough canned food for our army to consume for 25 days.

"After that, it will be farm tools, equipment, building materials, and some important raw materials."

Elcano couldn’t help but sigh: "His Highness is truly bold. If it were me, I would definitely wait until after the Louisiana conflicts ended to promote farming and factory construction."

If Joseph heard him, he would certainly tell him that even without Napoleon here, he had many ways to restrain the Americans. And with Napoleon here, it’s their safety that needs concern...

After finishing the weapon delivery, Elcano invited the two captains to a banquet, and Lafayette remembered something and asked him: "Governor, how is the preparation of the statement?"

Elcano nodded: "The newspapers and notices are printed, but the reporters can only all arrive next week. You know, it is not easy for those American reporters to come here."

"Your efficiency is already very high."

Elcano hesitated for a moment but couldn’t resist asking: "I’m very curious why Madrid would make such a decision? And you have to personally guarantee them."

On the day Lafayette arrived in Louisiana, he told him the King of Spain decided to issue a decree allowing Americans to travel to the California colony to pan for gold. Simultaneously, the Louisiana colonial government would open up the route to the West Coast, dispatching vehicles and troops to escort along the way. Gold seekers only need to sign an agreement to repay the travel expenses after finding gold.

It’s Joseph’s strategic plan to weaken America, especially the East Bank of the Mississippi River.

He knows the historical American frenzy for gold too well.

Once news of the gold mines in California was out, countless Americans mortgaged their entire properties for loans as travel expenses, crossed the vast plains of the central and western United States, then the Rocky Mountains, with a 15% mortality rate, just to reach California to get rich.

From the discovery of the gold mines, within just six or seven years, more than 300,000 people rushed to California.

Now, with the Louisiana government providing transportation and military protection along the way, and allowing credit for travel expenses, it’s imaginable how Americans will go crazy.

Currently, the Western United States, particularly the East Bank of the Mississippi River, is barely developed, and the living conditions there are typically tough. If there is an opportunity to get rich overnight, no one can refuse this temptation.

As for Spain over there, the proposal of gaining substantial gold-panning labor and simultaneously weakening America naturally meets no resistance.

In case Americans cause a commotion in California, Madrid could at any time request Louisiana to sever the westward path, keeping risks fully controllable.

Lafayette shrugged: "His Highness the Regent said this is very important. You know, many of his decisions are hard to understand at first."

This time, Joseph sent Lafayette to North America not only to restrain Napoleon in the worst situation but also to leverage his formidable reputation in America to back the gold-rush affair.

Lafayette was indeed a key figure in the American War of Independence, a champion who brought freedom to America.

With him as the sponsor, Americans will undoubtedly cast aside any doubts.

The total population in those few states on the East Bank of the Mississippi is only thirty to forty thousand. If even one-tenth of them decides to go gold mining, Wilkinson will hardly be able to recruit soldiers here — those who can trek over two thousand kilometers to California are certainly young and strong, precisely the population suitable for service.

Four days later.

Hundreds of colonial and American journalists, businessmen, and adventurers gathered at the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion to witness Lafayette and the Spanish envoy jointly announce the formal implementation of the "California Gold Rush Act."

...

Western Tennessee.

In front of a wooden cabin beside a pumpkin field, Ben Harper waved a pamphlet and shouted to his wife: "Martha, quick, read what it says here. I heard Mr. House say it’s about the opening of the gold rush!"

The pamphlet was distributed free by the caravan, and the printer was naturally the Louisiana government.

The woman wiped her hands with her apron and took the pamphlet to read: "...The decree signed by the King of Spain will allow all white North Americans to travel to California to pan for gold...

"Gold seekers will have the same tax rates as colonial residents and will receive colonial legal protection...

"Colonial authorities provide the necessary ships and vehicles along the way, with expenses loaned by the Saint Louis Louisiana Bank..."

Harper’s eyes lit up more and more, and he couldn’t help but interrupt his wife: "Is it the California Miles went to?"

The woman nodded: "That’s right."

"Great! Thank God!"

Harper jumped up excitedly.

Miles’ story had long spread. He was an orphan born in Louisville, deceived into going to Mexico for mining, barely escaping and almost starving.

When he was on the brink of death, he heard about the gold mines discovered in California, so he gathered his last bit of strength to sneak onto a ship heading for the West Coast.

As luck would have it, the day he landed, he picked up 3 ounces of gold in the river!

Now he owned a wealth of tens of thousands of US dollars, had gloriously returned to his hometown, acquired land for horses to run a day, and owned hundreds of black slaves.

Yes, this story was written by Baron Scheller after a week of work.