He Opened A Matchmaking Agency In 18Th Century London [EN]: Chapter 126

126. A Rebellion Unlike Any in History

“A rebellion in the military? Who on earth would do such a thing?”

Admiral Bentham replied in a somber voice, “It’s former Commander William Howe.”

“What? Commander Howe? How could he… Then, St. James’s Palace, where His Majesty resides, is also in their hands?”

“Fortunately, we were able to quickly lock the palace gates upon seeing the rebels arrive, securing the palace. It seems His Majesty is safe for the time being.”

The British public’s reaction to the recognition of independence for the North American colonies was not particularly negative.

Rather, the prevailing opinion was that it was a good decision, as it stabilized the volatile political situation caused by the war and promised greater economic benefits in the future.

In North America, the people chanted the name of King George daily, and his popularity soared to unprecedented heights.

Theo, reassured by the favorable atmosphere surrounding the recognition of independence, was focused on completing Theo Street.

But then, suddenly, a coup d’état.

Most of all, it was an event that had never occurred in the history Theo knew.

It was a major emergency encountered as the course of history diverged with King George’s new choices.

‘If it’s General Howe’s coup… what will happen from now on?’

General William Howe was the man who succeeded Commander Thomas Gage during the American Revolutionary War after Gage was dismissed.

He was a political asset of the Whig Party [a British political faction] and a soldier with considerable support within the military.

He was undoubtedly a capable commander in many respects, but he made a fatal mistake by focusing on persuasion and compromise rather than strong pressure in the war against the North American colonial forces.

As a result, despite his overwhelming initial strength, he failed to end the war with the North American colonies early on.

King George publicly criticized Howe and other colonial war commanders who had neglected the war, in front of his ministers and nobles.

“General Howe and the other commanders who participated in the North American war seemed very hurt by the King’s public reprimand. They were particularly upset that their honor had been tarnished by accusations that they had neglected the war by indulging in alcohol and parties.

The King and nobles sat comfortably in their homeland, making demands without knowing the terrible reality of the battlefield, and they were furious that they spoke so carelessly.

Then, when the King declared that he would officially recognize the independence of the North American colonies, they strongly opposed it. They believed that this would ultimately mean surrendering to the colonial forces, and the responsibility would fall squarely on them and the military who had fought at the risk of their lives.”

Originally, the Whig Party was friendly to the North American colonies, and General Howe was a member of the Whig Party.

On the surface, he should have welcomed the independence of the North American colonies.

However, for General Howe, who had led the war to failure, an uncomfortable outcome awaited: he would never be able to escape responsibility for colonial independence.

If independence was recognized in this state, his future as a soldier and politician would be blocked.

He must have judged that he needed to drag the war on for at least a few more years to protect his position, even if he lost the war.

This may have led him to the coup.

“And… sigh…”

Admiral Bentham took a deep breath and continued, “They are now imprisoning His Majesty’s closest aides in the Tower of London.”

“What? The Tower of London?”

The Tower of London had long been famous as a prison for high-ranking officials and important figures, and executions of political enemies had actually taken place there.

“In fact, the reason I rushed here was because I was worried about Lord Sanderson’s safety.

Lord Sanderson’s name was at the top of their execution list, right after His Majesty. If he had been at his home in Mayfair [an affluent area of London], he probably would not have escaped great harm.”

It was fortunate that he had been staying here because of the incident at Kensington.

“Lord Sanderson? How will this situation unfold?”

“…”

Admiral Bentham was asking Theo, who had shown extraordinary insight and perception, about what would happen in the future.

However, Theo could not answer with confidence.

It was now an uncertain future of history that even Theo could not know.

“But Admiral, did you escape the rebels’ notice?”

The Admiral nodded with a bitter expression.

“Yes, I acted as if I was going to join them and then quickly slipped away. General Howe probably doesn’t know that I betrayed them yet. I support Lord Sanderson’s opinion. I believe that ending the war and recognizing independence is the right path for our England as well.”

Theo could fully understand how much conflict he must have been experiencing. And he was sincerely grateful to him.

“Admiral, you have saved my life twice now. I don’t know how to thank you.”

“Lord Sanderson! It’s too early for thank yous. We need to get out of here quickly. The rebels might storm this place.”

“Here too?”

“Yes! Lord Sanderson, as the person who persuaded the King to grant colonial independence, you are the number one target for elimination after His Majesty. They could come to arrest you at any moment. The rain outside is stopping, so let’s get out of here quickly. The ministers and soldiers on the rebel execution list are gathering at Lambeth Palace, down the River Thames. We need to get there quickly too.”

* * *

Hee-haw, hee-haw.

Clatter, clatter.

Theo, having left the Kensington Company, rode in Admiral Bentham’s carriage towards the River Thames.

He said that a boat was prepared there to cross the River Thames.

The 20,000 rebels were mainly stationed above the River Thames, centered around St James’s Palace, where George III resided.

Therefore, it seemed that the rebels’ power had not yet reached below the river.

If so, Lambeth Palace, located down the river, seemed the most suitable place to confront the rebels.

As he got out of the carriage and approached the bank of the River Thames to board the boat, he saw a small boat anchored in the distance.

“There’s the boat! Let’s go quickly!”

“Yes!”

As he pushed through the weeds on the riverbank and hurried towards the boat, he suddenly heard the sound of horses’ hooves, followed by the chaotic sound of people’s footsteps.

Clatter, clatter, clatter.

Tap, tap, tap.

And soon, a loud shout erupted.

“There! There he is!”

“Who is it! Stop there!”

“Who is it! Speak!”

“Prepare to fire! Prepare to fire!”

“We’ll shoot if you don’t stop!”

Amid the frantic shouts, Theo and Admiral Bentham froze in their tracks.

Clatter, clatter, clatter.

An officer on horseback slowly approached Theo and Admiral Bentham.

Following him, soldiers in red coats, carrying torches and guns, surrounded Theo and the Admiral as if encircling them.

“Who are you going to the riverbank at this hour! Haven’t you seen the leaflets spread everywhere? Anyone trying to cross the river without permission may be shot!”

The rebels were spreading numerous leaflets throughout the city, announcing that they had taken control of London.

“Oh? And you’re not wearing the red band, the sign of our allies? These guys are really suspicious, aren’t they?”

The officer narrowed his eyes, a murderous glint in them, and reached for the sword at his waist. He looked ready to strike at any moment.

At that moment, Admiral Bentham announced himself in a commanding voice.

“What regiment do you belong to? I am Admiral Bentham of the First Fleet of the Portsmouth Naval Base!”

Admiral Bentham examined the officer’s uniform lace and badge and immediately recognized their affiliation.

“Judging by the badge, you belong to the 8th Regiment?”

The officer, who had been looking down arrogantly from his horse, was startled to hear the name ‘Admiral Bentham’ and jumped off his horse.

He then approached and checked the Admiral’s face in the torchlight before immediately saluting.

The officer seemed to recognize Admiral Bentham’s face.

“Ah, Admiral, it was you. I couldn’t see in the dark. I’m very sorry. But where are you going at this hour?”

“Do I have to report such things to you one by one?”

“I’m sorry! But I haven’t received any notification that the Admiral would be passing through.”

“So? Are you saying you doubt me?”

“Ah, no! It’s not like that.”

Admiral Bentham pointed to Theo next to him with his chin and said,

“The man in plain clothes here is my aide. I was going to the lower part of the River Thames with this aide to handle confidential matters urgently. This is such an urgent matter that I had no choice but to move myself.”

“Ah, yes, I see. Then, could you show me your permit?”

Admiral Bentham’s thunderous voice boomed.

“What is this? In this urgent time when I need to handle confidential matters as quickly as possible, are you telling me, a general, to waste time getting a permit? Ask General Howe! It’s something I discussed with him! But you’ll have to take all the responsibility for the delay!”

The officer, intimidated, looked very flustered.

After hesitating for a moment, the officer answered in a formal posture.

“I’m sorry, Admiral! Please proceed with your business.”

The officer, lowering his stance, immediately called two soldiers.

“You two, escort the Admiral to the dock!”

“Yes! Understood!”

* * *

Admiral Bentham, who had safely boarded the boat under escort, let out a sigh of relief.

“Whew, that was a close call.”

“You handled it calmly, Admiral.”

“Let’s go before they realize!”

“Yes, Admiral!”

When the boat was about halfway across the River Thames, Admiral Bentham casually asked Theo,

“What does Lord Sanderson foresee General Howe doing from now on?”

Theo had been thinking about the numerous coups he had seen in history books.

“General Howe and His Majesty are probably thinking the same thing.”

“…?”

“General Howe’s side will try to succeed in the rebellion as quickly as possible, and conversely, His Majesty will try to suppress the rebellion as quickly as possible.”

“Isn’t that too obvious?”

“The special thing about this situation is that it’s not simply a fight where one side wins, but a fight that must be won quickly, no matter who wins.”

Within the seemingly obvious intentions of the two camps, there were different calculations.

From the perspective of neighboring countries that consider the rule of the monarch as the most important virtue, they could not help but view General Howe, who had rebelled against the king, with discomfort, and if this coup dragged on, it would give neighboring countries grounds for invasion.

Therefore, General Howe and the rebel leaders would try to quickly execute King George, install a puppet king, and purge the remaining loyalists to end the coup.

On the other hand, from King George’s perspective, if a long time was spent suppressing the rebel group, he could be seen as weak by neighboring countries or colonial countries.

In that case, there was a risk of getting caught up in another war or facing the troublesome issue of independence movements in other colonial countries.

Theo, who had been lost in thought for a moment, spoke again.

“Perhaps… this situation could be a better opportunity for His Majesty and our England.”

Admiral Bentham looked puzzled.

“A good opportunity? Right now, over 20,000 soldiers are surrounding St. James’s Palace, and all roads leading into London and the River Thames have been blocked.

His Majesty is also trapped inside the palace, unable to go anywhere. How can this volatile situation be a good opportunity?”

“Due to the recognition of independence for the North American colonies, interest in His Majesty is now spreading throughout Europe and even to British colonies around the world.

It is true that he appears to be a weak monarch who was pressured by the power of the colonial countries to grant independence.

A coup has occurred at this important time. Over 20,000 British regular soldiers are surrounding the center of London.

As you said, everyone probably thinks that His Majesty is in a very dangerous situation.

What if His Majesty suppresses this powerful rebel force in a very short time? What would other countries or colonial countries think then?”

Admiral Bentham nodded.

“Well, I suppose so. If neighboring countries and colonies that doubted King George’s leadership due to the North American independence recognition saw the King suppress a large-scale rebel force…”

“That’s right. The very impression of a monarch who has overcome a strong military challenge would create a deterrent to war, while also suppressing rebellions in other colonies and allowing trade with North America and other regions from a more advantageous position.”

However, Admiral Bentham’s expression quickly darkened.

“It would be great if we could suppress it quickly as you said. But… General Howe and his group command over 20,000 troops. Even if there are guards defending inside St. James’s Palace, they only number about 700, including the cavalry. Can they really defend it?”

“There aren’t only guards inside the palace right now.”

“What?”

Theo had visited the palace a few days ago at King George’s invitation.

And there, he had heard about the troops staying at St. James’s Palace for an event.

“By now, in addition to the Royal Guards, there are about 300 colonial troops who came with Benjamin Franklin, the North American representative, and about 500 Hessian mercenaries [German soldiers hired to fight for the British] hired by George III inside the palace. They reportedly entered quietly and secretly to avoid any untoward incidents.”

In particular, the American Independent Army was famous for its guerrilla warfare skills, and the Hessian mercenaries were known for their bravery and cruelty.

Of course, a force of about 1,500 would not be enough to stop a rebel force more than 13 times their size, but it was a fight worth trying if they could hold out in the palace and wait for reinforcements.

“If that’s true, St. James’s Palace would be somewhat defensible.”

“Yes, that’s right. But Admiral, if you go further to the left from here, isn’t there Hounslow Barracks?”

Hounslow Barracks was established in the late 17th century in response to the need for a standing army after the Glorious Revolution of 1688 [a pivotal event in English history], and it was located far to the west of London.

They were a rapid strike force composed mainly of cavalry to protect London from external invasions as well as internal uprisings.

“Yes, it is there.”

“As far as I know, they know the geography of London quite well and are said to be very skilled in urban warfare. They must have heard the news by now, so won’t they be coming to help soon?”

“That’s true, but… if so many rebels are blocking the entrance to London right now, it will be difficult for the Hounslow troops to break through even if they set out.”

Theo had anticipated that as well.

“That’s why, Admiral, there is one person we need more than reinforcements right now.”

“Is there something more necessary than reinforcements? Who is it?”

“It’s Lord Thomas Llewellyn.”

Admiral Bentham looked surprised.

“Isn’t Lord Llewellyn a famous architect? We’re not going to build a building in this urgent emergency, so why do we need Lord Llewellyn?”

“Lord Llewellyn is not just an architect. He was Christopher Wren’s apprentice, who meticulously designed London’s maze-like underground streets, sewers, and underground passages.

With Lord Llewellyn’s help, we can infiltrate the center using the underground passages and attack the rebels. This will cause the panicked rebels to gather in the center, and naturally, the security entering London will inevitably become lax.”

The Admiral, blinking his eyes as he listened, clapped his hands and replied,

“Ah! So, you’re saying we should make it possible for the Hounslow Barracks troops to break through the weakened defenses?”

“Yes, that’s right. Not only Hounslow but also General Payne in the southern region and Earl Montagu in the north will be coming up as soon as they hear the news. We must play a role in opening the way for them to enter. To do that, we need an underground passage that can effectively attack with a small force.

Fortunately, the main people involved in London’s city planning live down the River Thames, so I think we should go there and bring Lord Llewellyn.”

Admiral Bentham was amazed by Theo’s unexpected move.

“Oh, that seems like a really good idea. I understand. I’ll go right away as soon as we get off the boat.”

* * *

Theo and Admiral Bentham were able to safely cross the River Thames and arrive at Lambeth Palace.

Lambeth Palace was also the main residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the chief bishop and leading figure of the Church of England.

According to Admiral Bentham, whom he had heard on the way across the River Thames, this place would temporarily serve as the command and control center for the government forces to counter the rebels.

As they reached the entrance to Lambeth Palace, they saw soldiers guarding the perimeter.

Admiral Bentham pointed to them and said,

“Follow them inside. I’ll go and get Lord Llewellyn, as Lord Sanderson said.”

“Yes, be careful.”

As Admiral Bentham disappeared into the darkness, the soldiers who had been waiting approached as if they had been waiting.

“Are you Lord Sanderson? Please come this way.”

Theo was guided by the soldiers into Lambeth Palace.

Creak, clatter.

As the soldier pushed open the door to the Great Hall, he saw a large number of ministers and nobles gathered next to a large map of England spread out on a table.

“Oh! Lord Sanderson!”

“Ah, you’re safe!”

“Thank goodness. Thank goodness! Heh heh.”

Familiar voices erupted from all over the Great Hall, and the nobles, who were also members of the Intelligence Club, grabbed Theo’s hands and even teared up.

Even the ministers and nobles who had been dissatisfied with him were sincerely relieved and pleased that Theo was alive.

Most of the people hiding in Lambeth Palace were on the rebel execution list.

They were destined to be dragged to the Tower of London and executed at any moment.

A tense time when life and death were at stake.

The appearance of Theo, who was gaining fame as a brilliant strategist, was giving them unexpected great comfort.