I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 61

Legend After Legend

George Washington led us to his plantation mansion, Mount Vernon.

This meticulously designed plantation was virtually a small town, complete with vast meadows, gardens, walking paths, a blacksmith shop, and even a whiskey distillery.

The number of resident enslaved Black people alone was over 300.

As we arrived at the west gate overlooking the Potomac River, a large number of people came out to greet us.

Here too, many enslaved Black people were visible, but they looked somewhat different from the enslaved people I had seen so far.

They were in good physical condition, perhaps due to adequate nutrition, and their clothing was not completely tattered.

Marie, who seemed to have been pondering this issue, keenly noticed the difference.

“Are those people not enslaved? They seem very different from the ones we’ve seen along the way.”

“No, they are definitely enslaved people under my care.”

“Ah… so you have a different perspective than others. Do you believe that enslaved people also need minimal treatment?”

“Of course. I am their master, and my workers have a duty to serve me. And I believe that a master needs to provide some reward to workers who have worked faithfully. That way, work efficiency is much better.”

A quick glance revealed that the enslaved people working in the fields looked tired, but none seemed to be near their limit.

There were overseers nearby, and their movements and attitude toward the enslaved people seemed quite professional.

No one was simply scolding them.

They would go to enslaved people who were sweating a lot to check their health and seemed to be instructing them on work assignments.

“Not only the appearance but also the health of the enslaved people looks very good. It seems like there are no sick people at all.”

“Oh, you are very perceptive. Enslaved people who are sick are not made to work until they recover. I have made it clear to the overseers that those who are sick should be treated and treated gently.”

“There may be cases where injuries or disabilities occur while working.”

“In that case, we can’t just let them rest for the rest of their lives, so we reduce their duties lightly.”

The treatment was better than I had imagined.

In modern times, there may be criticism that it is still the same as treating enslaved people, but that is a perspective that does not consider the situation of the time.

After looking around various people and regions so far, Washington clearly had different ideas from ordinary landowners.

Marie, feeling the same way as I did, cautiously brought up a somewhat sensitive question.

“Do you perhaps think that slavery should be abolished?”

“No.”

Without even a moment’s hesitation, Washington drew a clear line.

“The reason I operate with enslaved people under this system is because it was much more effective. Some landowners are gradually starting to run farms like me. But most of them will not think that slavery should be abolished altogether.”

“Is it because the income from enslaved people is that great?”

“It’s not just great. If you remove all the enslaved people from industries such as tobacco, cotton, and sugar, it may be difficult to even survive, let alone make a profit. Recently, religious people and intellectuals have been calling for the abolition of slavery, but in the end, it is just a sound that does not know the reality.”

As Washington continued the story, he suddenly noticed something strange and made a strange expression.

“You seem to view slavery negatively, which is surprising. Aren’t you running a company that engages in the slave trade?”

“I don’t run it directly, but I just have a large stake in the company.”

“Ah, I see. Still, I was surprised. In fact, I used to treat enslaved people no differently from others.”

“It seems like you had a reason to change your mind.”

Washington smiled bitterly.

“It’s not a big deal. The profitability of tobacco has been declining for several years, so I changed the crops I grow to other types. But the newly cultivated crops were not as labor-intensive as tobacco. It’s not just about pouring labor into it, so I had no choice but to worry about it.”

“Diversifying crops will be the same for other farmers in Virginia. You must have insight or tolerance that distinguishes you from others.”

“You flatter me. Rather, I was surprised to see the condition of the enslaved people I received this time. Usually, enslaved people who have crossed the Atlantic are not in very good condition, no matter how healthy they are, but this time it is different. Thanks to that, I have more trust in both of you.”

Even though he cited efficiency as the reason, Washington clearly did not like abusing enslaved people in essence.

He even allowed enslaved people’s marriages, which were not recognized by law at the time, and later took care of families to live together.

Although he often showed a strict and ruthless appearance, he should be seen as a moral person in essence.

That’s why he seemed to accept Marie’s unusual reaction positively.

It seems that taking minimal measures for enslaved people while crossing the Atlantic has brought about an unintended effect.

Perhaps these points also influenced him to readily take us, who are French, to his home.

There’s nothing bad for me.

“Your advanced way of thinking gives me a lot to think about in many ways. You seem to have more aristocratic dignity than any aristocrat in England or France.”

“No. I emphasize again so that you don’t misunderstand, but I don’t think slavery can be abolished. If a true sense of liberation begins, I will gladly agree, but that cannot happen.”

“I think so too for now. There is no alternative yet.”

“We need to consider not only the economic aspect but also the conscious part. People in the mainland will not understand. It’s a matter across the sea for them, but it’s a reality for people here. The landowners in the colonies have finished rationalizing themselves for living by enslaving enslaved people, and ordinary people are forming self-esteem by seeing enslaved people and thinking that they are better than them.”

Did you see that far?

I was honestly impressed by this person’s insight.

“If there is talk of abolishing slavery, there will be tremendous opposition from the southern colonies where enslaved labor is common. It’s not just the landowners who will rise up, but ordinary commoners will also react negatively. There may even be a war. Even if I become the decision maker in charge of the colonies, I will not make such a foolish decision.”

The fact that the person who would become the first president of the United States said that made it feel different.

Historically, Washington in his later years freed his enslaved people but did not force others to do so.

It was because he knew that the dissolution of slavery was a huge time bomb that would divide the United States.

And the fact that he had such awareness from now on was definitely something to pay attention to.

There is nothing wrong with his personal character, his abilities have been verified by history, and he has a broad view to see through the great powers.

I must keep this person.

With conviction in my judgment, I decided to move to fulfill the true purpose of coming here.

※※※

The house where Washington lived was the most clean and comfortable of the many houses in Mount Vernon, as befits the owner’s residence.

I asked for a private meeting with Washington, saying that I would have a serious business discussion with him.

Pierre left first, saying that he had to meet with other traders, and Marie and Deon went to tour Mount Vernon with the guidance of a person Washington had assigned.

“Now, let’s talk about the real business.”

“So you had other business besides the slave trade.”

Washington did not show a very surprised reaction.

“It seems like you were guessing from the beginning.”

“That’s right. There are not many cases where guests come from France. Especially if you have the title of Count.”

Was the initial cautious attitude not just because of the guards?

He was trying to watch because he didn’t know what intentions this side had.

“Can I take it that the fact that you guided me to your home means that you have judged that we are trustworthy people?”

“If they were really problematic people, the British troops stationed there would have filtered them out. And after talking to your wife, I don’t think I need to be wary. However, that is separate from future business discussions. I will listen to the detailed contents and decide whether to accept it or not. First of all, I would like to hear the real reason why you came all the way here.”

“It’s simple. I was drawn to the infinite possibilities that this New World land holds.”

“But this is British territory. It seems a little uncomfortable for France.”

At that time, the colonists did not want to become independent even if they did not like the British mainland.

In fact, during the Seven Years’ War [1756-1763], the colonists united with the British mainland and achieved victory.

The colonists expected Britain to recognize their contributions and treat them accordingly.

However, Britain rather increased taxes to make up for the damage and prohibited expansion west of the Appalachian Mountains to prevent war.

From this time on, opposition to Britain gradually increased, but the public opinion that independence should be achieved was not dominant.

Washington is probably suspicious that France is trying to use this situation to carry out some kind of operation.

“Just because it’s British territory doesn’t mean it can’t be a good investment destination. France is currently trading with the British mainland without any problems. However, as you said, minor problems may arise because I am French. That’s why I’m trying to build relationships with prominent people and maintain good relationships.”

“I think I’m being overestimated too much as the first target. I’m just a farmer now.”

“I know that you participated in the war and made many contributions in the past. If you want, you can still exert great influence on the colonial council, but you are just refraining from doing so. I value that point even more.”

George Washington is most highly regarded for giving up his power and establishing a tradition of peaceful transfer of power.

America’s greatest fortune was that Washington was the first president.

Of course, there is also a counterargument that the authority of the early president was not as strong as it is today.

However, that only applies to presidents after Washington.

After the victory in the Revolutionary War, Washington’s status in the United States was like a king.

In fact, because the concept of president itself was unfamiliar, many people just thought they were electing a king and cast their votes for Washington.

Washington’s personal popularity alone could easily overwhelm the federal forces, and if he wanted, he could use the US military as his private army.

From the beginning, no one would stop him from serving three or four terms, and most people wanted him to do so.

Even in this situation, Washington drew a line saying that two terms, eight years of rule, were enough and stepped down.

For this reason, no one broke this tradition until Franklin Roosevelt served four consecutive terms for the reason of the special circumstances of World War II.

Even after Roosevelt’s retirement, a clause was added to the constitution that made it impossible to serve three consecutive terms.

“True power.”

Washington said, calmly accepting my praise.

“It comes from giving up that power.”

It is a phrase that also appears in the famous George Washington’s farewell address.

It was a word that resonated even more because he was a person who practiced his words in person, not just talking about it.

“That’s why I want to have a good relationship with you because you are the one who can say that. As evidence, I will show sincerity first.”

I handed over a proposal written in English and French on the table.

Washington accepted the paper with a cautious face.

“Bring the smallpox vaccine, which is being considered for supply to the British mainland, to Virginia quickly. Delegate negotiations with the colonial council to George Washington… Is this possible?”

“As far as I know, the number of smallpox patients is increasing every year in the New World. The effectiveness of the vaccine has already been verified in several countries. I will work hard to bring this in under better conditions than the UK.”

“That would be really great, but as far as I know, the rights to the smallpox vaccine belong to the French royal family. Do you have the authority to bring that in?”

“I wouldn’t have made this offer if I didn’t have it. The Lamarche County has been close to the royal family for generations. Thanks to that, I received the sales negotiation rights for the vaccine from Prince Christian. If I find a seller for the vaccine, it will be automatically approved, and I will benefit in proportion to the performance.”

The proposal I handed over had a seal of royal approval stamped on it.

No one would think that a French count would boldly forge a royal document.

Washington, who was convinced by my plausible excuse, also nodded.

“It’s a very grateful offer for us. If it’s really possible, there’s no reason to refuse.”

The reason for prioritizing the supply of the smallpox vaccine to the United States over the United Kingdom was simple.

In the original history, smallpox actually broke out in the American army during the American Revolutionary War.

This was a significant threat to the army led by Washington.

If this epidemic spreads more widely due to a possible butterfly effect, the direction of the war may change.

Variables must be cut off in advance.

At the same time, there is nothing better than being able to hear the other person’s gratitude.

“But I hope that this content will not be reported directly to the British Parliament. If we supply it to the colonies before the mainland, they will not say good things over there.”

“But the UK will have to know when large-scale vaccinations begin.”

“Then we can make excuses and respond appropriately at that time. There’s no need to argue now. I know that there was an unfortunate incident in Boston recently.”

“Ah… do you know that too? The rumors are spreading very quickly.”

Several months ago, an incident occurred in which workers in Boston who had not been paid threw snowballs and small objects at British soldiers.

The angry soldiers fired at the colonists, killing five and injuring six.

The soldiers who were handed over to the trial were found not guilty, 2 were found guilty, but were not punished because they were recognized as self-defense.

This incident is now spreading throughout the colonies and is being used as an anti-British propaganda tool.

Washington was of course aware of this incident and looked quite angry at Britain.

It’s a good flow.

If we continue to subtly touch on anti-British sentiment and make them feel favorable to this side, we can smoothly lay the foundation.

“Then can I assume that this case has been agreed upon?”

“Please wait a moment. I agree with the big picture, but isn’t a contract a matter of looking at all the minor details? I have called a young lawyer who I can trust and who is capable in advance, so can I ask him to review whether there are any problems?”

“Please do so. That way, I can give you more trust, so it would be good. By the way, who is that trustworthy lawyer?”

I just asked to know the name, but the answer that came back brought me more shock than I imagined.

“Thomas Jefferson is a capable lawyer who handles more than 100 lawsuits every year in the state legislature. I have often been in his care.”

“······.”

The third president of the United States and the author of the United States Declaration of Independence.

My mouth naturally opened slightly at the name of another giant who popped out unexpectedly.

As expected, the American continent in this period… is a land where legends live and breathe.