He Became Napoleon’S Genius Son [EN]: Chapter 345

(345) 1804, The United States is in the midst of a presidential election.

So, why on earth would Jackson do something like this?

“Wow, Mr. Jackson! Fantastic! This achievement will greatly contribute to our Democratic-Republican Party’s victory in the presidential election!”

This place is Tammany Hall, a political club in New York.

In later original history, it’s famous as the New York ruling group centered around Irish immigrants.

However, this is due to the mass immigration from Ireland due to famine in the 1850s, so now Anglo-Saxon early immigrants are the mainstream of the club.

It’s especially a place where the early prominent landowning families of the East Coast hold political gatherings.

Livingston, Schuyler, and the Clinton family.

The man praising Jackson right now is George Clinton, the governor of New York and the representative of the Clinton family.

Jackson accepted the beer George Clinton handed him and chuckled.

“I’m glad it was helpful to the Governor. I’m sure the President thinks the same, right?”

“Hahaha! Of course. If the President hadn’t supported it in the first place, how could you have held such a demonstration in Washington? He’s very pleased that Southerners are taking the lead in national interests like this!”

“Southerners always hope that the federal government will be run correctly. Especially, it’s not right to be swayed by foreign powers like the Federalists!”

Suddenly, Jackson stroked his beard and his eyes gleamed.

“In accordance with the spirit of state autonomy, we expect more autonomy in the South! Also, this presidential election.”

So, all of this is because of the presidential election.

In March 1804, there are still eight months left until the presidential election in November.

Of course, the US presidential election is not a direct election but a so-called electoral college election, but it is also true that voters’ votes bind the hearts of the electors.

Therefore, President Jefferson, who is up for re-election, is paying great attention to public opinion management.

However, President Jefferson’s popularity has been declining recently.

This is because the Louisiana Purchase failed.

Although the right to free navigation of the Mississippi River was acquired, the western and southern states were not very happy about it.

The increasing number of French immigrants in the New World day by day.

The Nouvelle France corps, which is organizing even natives into the army and controlling the Mississippi River area.

In addition, there is even Florida, the so-called “free space” where black slaves can escape, so dissatisfaction can only increase.

Then, Tennessee Senator and militia commander, Jackson, stepped forward.

“Thanks to you, anti-French sentiment and support for our Democratic-Republican Party are greatly increasing in the southern states of the United States. Excellent, Senator Jackson.”

Senator, meaning a member of the Senate.

But Jackson has so far been a marginal figure and has never been noticed in Washington political circles.

However, this “Florida Invasion” and the subsequent “Washington Protest” changed the situation.

The Clinton family, a prestigious family in the East and the de facto ruler of New York, is even inviting Jackson to Tammany Hall like this.

At that time, George Clinton’s nephew and the Mayor of New York, DeWitt Clinton, chimed in.

“If we win this presidential election, Senator Jackson will have the opportunity to participate in the cabinet. Please think about the ministerial position you want.”

“Hahaha! I appreciate the kind words. But I have no intention of joining the cabinet. I just hope President Jefferson will recognize my efforts.”

“Then, what do you want?”

DeWitt Clinton tilted his head.

Politicians are those who work for the next position.

Especially in a republic where positions change through elections, political activity is ultimately a preliminary work for the next election.

Jackson voluntarily moved to create the current anti-French political situation, even though the influential politicians in Washington did not ask for it.

What on earth did he do this for?

“I heard that Governor Clinton will be nominated as the vice-presidential candidate in this election.”

At Jackson’s words, the influential figures gathered at Tammany Hall were startled.

The current Vice President is Aaron Burr.

However, everyone in Washington and New York knows that Jefferson hates Aaron Burr.

Aside from the fact that Aaron Burr is a Federalist, Jefferson thinks he lacks credibility.

So, is New York Governor George Clinton becoming a candidate instead of Aaron Burr?

Clinton only smiled subtly and did not answer.

Then Jackson stared at Clinton and said.

“If you become Vice President, I hope you will pass a bill as the Speaker of the Senate.”

“Well, that’s something to talk about when I get there, but what law are you talking about?”

“The federal Fugitive Slave Act.”

Jackson looked back at Clinton and the New York politicians at Tammany Hall with gleaming eyes.

“In the South, slaves are truly the lifeline. But there is a law only in the southern states that allows owners to catch runaway slaves. We must change the federal government to be able to catch runaway slaves, even by mobilizing the military.”

This is the wish of the southern states, including Tennessee, South Carolina, and Georgia.

In fact, the Fugitive Slave Act itself exists at this point, but what Jackson is talking about is not at that level.

It is not yet an era where free states and slave states are particularly divided like in the Civil War era.

So, the place where black slaves can escape is either French territory or British territory.

So, Jackson is now asking for the passage of an ultra-strong Fugitive Slave Act that would even cause an international dispute to catch runaway slaves.

“Hmm, well. President Jefferson is originally very interested in runaway slaves, so I’ll talk to him about it later.”

In Tammany Hall, the birthplace of the Democratic-Republican Party, beer glasses were exchanged.

Along with the secret talks of politicians dreaming of winning the presidential election.

***

In the early 19th century, there is a scene that modern people would not believe.

“Ahem, news should be read in the evening newspaper. If you look at unreliable pamphlets, you’ll only learn false rumors.”

Elderly gentlemen are sitting in the drawing room of a mansion, waiting for the newspaper.

It’s unimaginable in modern times, but in this era, newspapers are truly cutting-edge trends.

Especially in an era where the channels for obtaining new information are limited to human words or letters, newspapers are an even more valuable source of information.

It’s the opposite of the modern era where the credibility of the media is hitting rock bottom.

The gentleman, Livingston, who is welcoming guests and chatting at home, is the same.

“The New York Evening Post has become much more substantial. Who invested in it recently?”

“I heard it’s a French tycoon. The number of French people investing in the New World has greatly decreased since the revolution, so it’s a good thing. If they’re going to invest, I hope they’ll also be interested in the Mississippi River passenger business.”

“By the way, I heard you’re looking into a new business? Chancellor Livingston. Are you retiring from politics now?”

Livingston looked at Charles Pinckney, the top-ranking member of the opposition party who was asking a meaningful question, and smiled.

“It’s a business led by Nicholas Roosevelt rather than me. My brother-in-law, John Stevens, decided to provide the money, so I’m also interested. Stevens has a good sense.”

The Mississippi River passenger ship business that Livingston and Pinckney are talking about is none other than the steamboat passenger ship business.

Originally, in the original history, Livingston jumped into this business with his relatives in line with the Louisiana Purchase.

He also achieved great success with his brother-in-law, John Stevens, the founder of the US patent law, and Nicholas, a talented member of the famous Roosevelt family.

However, unfortunately, the most important part of this business, the steamboat, has not been resolved.

Suddenly, Livingston sighed, mentioning that point.

“Ah, it would be perfect if there was one more person.”

“Who are you talking about?”

“A friend I met when I was the French ambassador, Robert Fulton. He was so interested in warships that it was difficult to ask him to return home. Anyway, warships are better made in Europe.”

Then Senator Charles Pinckney, who also served as the French ambassador, nodded.

“I should look into it later. Huh? What’s wrong, Mr. Burr? You look strangely dissatisfied.”

Another guest, Vice President Aaron Burr, is sitting with a sullen face.

Livingston, Pinckney, and Burr.

All three are influential figures in Washington.

However, the difference is that Livingston is a member of the Democratic-Republican Party, and Pinckney and Burr are members of the Federalist Party, but in fact, parties are not as strong in this era as they are in later generations.

Even Aaron Burr was blocked by Hamilton, who was in the same Federalist Party, so he couldn’t become president.

Therefore, a place was prepared for three people from different parties to chat like this.

Then Aaron Burr grumbled.

“Hamilton has been acting up too much lately.”

“What? He’s already stepped back from politics and is focusing on publishing newspapers, isn’t he?”

“The newspaper is the problem! The newspaper! Do you know what it says in that New York Evening Post? Aaron Burr is not qualified to be Vice President!”

Everyone in Washington knows that Hamilton and Aaron Burr are political rivals.

But the fact that both of them are Federalists is one of the major factors that is greatly advantageous to the current ruling faction, the Democratic-Republican Party.

Just as Livingston, one of the founders of the Democratic-Republican Party, was about to smile bitterly and drink coffee, Aaron Burr raised his voice in anger.

“This is not just an insult to me. It’s a challenge to our Federalist Party!”

“The most famous politician in the Federalist Party is Hamilton. You know that, right?”

“Mr. Pinckney! If you’re thinking of running in the next presidential election, you’ll have to deal with Hamilton first!”

Pinckney was startled, but Aaron Burr’s eyes gleamed as he spoke passionately.

“Jefferson has decided not to make me his running partner. Instead, he’s trying to put up New York Governor George Clinton. Okay, he can do that! He’s a Democratic-Republican, and I’m a Federalist!”

So, this place is not just a simple social gathering.

The current Vice President, the current Senator, and the current Justice of the Supreme Court.

But at the same time, they are outsiders who are far from the core of the ruling party that controls the federal government.

On the other hand, they are mainstream Washington politicians, unlike the Southerners who are completely non-mainstream like Jackson.

They are now gathered to discuss the next presidential election.

In 1804, a new presidential election will be held in November of this year.

It’s not an election with 160 million participants like the US elections in later original history, but even in this era, it is the largest election with voters participating, except for France.

But in fact, in previous elections, the vice president was the person who came in second in the presidential election.

On the other hand, from 1804, only the president is elected, and the vice president is elected as a candidate nominated by the president as a running mate.

However, the current Vice President Aaron Burr is not trusted by Jefferson at all.

So, the person Jefferson is paying attention to as a vice-presidential candidate is New York Governor George Clinton.

As the head of the so-called Clinton Family, who took over the position of New York Governor for generations in later original history, he is popular enough to sweep the votes in the New York area.

He is from Virginia, so he is the person who will compensate for Jefferson’s weakness, who has relatively concentrated supporters in the South.

In this situation, Aaron Burr is being attacked by Hamilton, who is in the same Federalist Party.

“I’m in a political crisis, but Hamilton, who is in the same party, shouldn’t attack me! That’s a betrayal of the party and a challenge!”

“Is he aiming for the New York Governor’s seat?”

“Huh? No, that’s.”

If George Clinton comes out as Vice President, the New York Governor’s seat will naturally be vacant.

Aaron Burr is originally from New Jersey near New York.

So, he has ties, but the problem is that Aaron Burr is not very popular in New York.

Pinckney, a hero of the American Revolutionary War who is also aiming for the presidency, stroked his chin and said.

“Yes, if you’re aiming for the next position, you can be sensitive to criticism. Well, aren’t I and Mr. Livingston here all politicians who were desperate for elections? I can understand. But.”

Suddenly, Pinckney stared at Aaron Burr and said.

“If you really want to be the Governor of New York, reconcile with Hamilton. If you fight with Hamilton, you can never be the Governor of New York.”

He didn’t say it explicitly, but Pinckney’s presidential path also has problems.

It’s what happens in the actual original history.

Because Aaron Burr killed Hamilton, the Federalist Party collapsed, and Pinckney, the Federalist presidential candidate, lost to Jefferson in a cold game.

It is to coordinate these problems that Aaron Burr, Pinckney, and Livingston gathered in one place.

Perhaps because Livingston is a good-natured old man who has built up a wide range of friendships beyond political factions.

Still, seeing the influential figures of the Federalist Party fighting each other, Livingston also had an embarrassed face.

With a bitter smile, Livingston told Pinckney gently.

“Isn’t it too much to have such explicit talks in front of me, a member of the Democratic-Republican Party? Mr. Pinckney? I just thought it was a place to coordinate the vice president and the presidential candidate.”

“Aren’t you about to retire from politics anyway? Are you going to go to Jefferson and tell him?”

“I have no intention of doing that. Besides, Jefferson seems to be having a headache because of the anti-French protests these days. Huh?”

Livingston rubbed his hands as if he was glad.

“Oh, the newspaper has finally arrived.”

But it wasn’t a errand boy or a servant who came in.

It was Senator James Monroe, who had signed the Pensacola Treaty together and returned.

As an unexpected person entered the drawing room with a newspaper, Livingston tilted his head.

“What is it, Monroe? Are you also working as a newspaper delivery man now?”

“This is not the time to joke. Chancellor! It’s a big deal. Look at this newspaper!”

“Did something happen today? Did the troublemaker Jackson invade Florida again?”

Monroe shook his head and shouted.

“No, the New York Evening Post dropped a big bomb!”

Livingston blinked and took the newspaper, then widened his eyes.

– Great Britain bans slavery! Citizens of the United States of America, let’s fight against Britain’s plot to ruin the New World economy!

Livingston, who was staring blankly at the newspaper, muttered.

“Hamilton dropped a bomb on the Federation!”

It was the moment when modern public opinion warfare began in the quiet Washington political world.

***

Philip asked Eugene, the young man who manipulated this bomb from behind, while looking at the night sea.

“Hamilton released the news, but will this really work? Your Majesty?”

Eugene glanced at the New York Evening Post Philip was holding and shrugged.

“That’s why I’m sending Rochejacquelin, my closest aide, again as soon as he returns.”

“Where are you going? To the home country?”

“To London.”

Eugene turned his gaze to Rochejacquelin, who was about to board the ship.

Even though he has been to California, Rochejacquelin still looks healthy.

He is truly a man of steel stamina, which is why Eugene is entrusting this task to Rochejacquelin.

Anyway, he has to send him on a super long-distance journey that crosses the New World and then crosses the Atlantic Ocean back and forth.

Handing over the prepared letter, Eugene said.

“As soon as you arrive, meet Mr. Baring.”

“What if he refuses?”

“He’ll do it. Tell him that the French central bank will collapse if this Slave Trade Prohibition Act is not passed.”

Eugene, who lightly conveyed a threat that wasn’t a threat, tilted his head.

“The most important thing is the timing. The news of the passage must arrive in the New World when we are ready. Got it?”

Six weeks.

That’s the time it takes for the news to be delivered when sailing from New York to London the fastest.

Political manipulation must take place on both sides of the Atlantic with this time in mind.

The slave trade ban must be passed on one side, and a movement against the slave trade ban needs to be launched on the other side.

“I will keep that in mind, Your Highness.”

Rochejacquelin left New York Harbor.

The United States of America in 1804, ahead of the presidential election.

It was the moment when the political maneuver of Eugene, the Viceroy of Nouvelle France, began.