I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 114

Became a Hidden Tycoon of the British Empire 114

Sowing and Harvesting

Even though I am living in the 19th century, there are times when the knowledge of the modern era I once knew suddenly pops up, making me feel a sense of disconnect from the present.

My impression of setting foot in America right now is exactly like that.

By 21st-century standards, New York is undoubtedly the world’s leading superpower and a symbol of the most developed megacity, but at this time, it was still just a promising developing city.

Instead of the sky-piercing forest of skyscrapers associated with modern New York, the sight of charming 5-story buildings being built here and there feels somehow friendly.

I heard that the population is still only about 300,000, which makes me realize that America is still a country in the midst of development.

The reaction of the United States when my visit was announced also proves this fact.

In fact, the current American sentiment towards England was not exactly warm, to put it mildly.

It hasn’t even been 70 years since they fought such a fierce war to gain independence [the American Revolutionary War].

Moreover, they fought another war on a considerable scale just 30 years ago [the War of 1812], so it would be strange if they thought of us favorably.

However, the British Empire was now the undisputed world’s leading superpower, and this fact was clearly demonstrated in the recent war with the Qing Dynasty [the First Opium War].

Furthermore, Britain and the United States were already deeply economically intertwined, making it almost impossible for one to cut ties with the other.

They’re an annoying opponent that needs to be wary of, as they might start another war at any time.

They are also disgustingly strong, so they are a bit scary, but it is necessary to maintain close ties to benefit economically.

Due to this complex relationship, diplomacy with Britain was considered particularly difficult within the United States.

Isn’t this state of mind just evident in the way they treat me?

The fact that none other than the US Secretary of State Daniel Webster came directly from Washington DC to New York with a large entourage is proof of that.

“I sincerely welcome you to the United States. I am truly pleased to be able to welcome the Minister in this way.”

“I didn’t expect you to come all the way to New York instead of DC. Thank you for the welcome.”

“Anyway, New York is right next to the capital. It wouldn’t be right to be haughty and not personally greet such a precious guest, the youngest minister of the British Empire, in the capital. Well, everything is ready to take you to the capital comfortably, so shall we go together?”

He said that, but even now, there is not even a direct train from New York to Washington DC.

I had to keep changing transportation to get from New York to Philadelphia and Baltimore, but Secretary Webster must have preferred that situation even more.

He emptied an entire train car for me and the Minister to use, and he sat on the chair across from me, looking at my face intently.

“Are you tired from the long journey? We have prepared cool water, beer, and wine, so feel free to tell me if you want anything.”

“I’m tempted to have a beer, but it’s still work time, so I’ll have water instead.”

“You are as diligent as the rumors say. In fact, I asked Congressman Adams from the same party about how to treat the Minister. Congressman Adams praised the Minister to the skies.”

“I’m embarrassed. I think the Congressman has a good impression of me, even though I’m much younger.”

I can guess what kind of story he told.

Until recently, they were in the same party, but the current president has completely different political views from Adams.

In particular, he was completely extreme when it came to the issue of slavery, which Adams was focusing on.

So, isn’t there a high possibility that he deliberately exaggerated about me with the intention of giving him a headache?

“Congressman Adams said that the Minister shares the same political goals as him, so he can be a good friend of the Whig Party [a political party active in the mid-19th century]. And above all, he added that you are a moderate person who values peace.”

“It is true that I pursue peace. I believe that politicians should do that in the first place.”

“Does that mean you are willing to work for the peace of Canada and the United States, including the British Empire?”

“Of course. That’s why I’m visiting your country.”

“Then this is what the President emphasized…”

Secretary Webster paused for a moment and slowly looked around.

Is he acting to refresh the atmosphere, even though he knows perfectly well that no one is listening?

He could have made a living as an actor.

“His Excellency is concerned that some congressmen, including Congressman Adams, may try to use the Minister to fulfill their own intentions. As you know, there are a few controversial issues right now.”

“Ah, I know what you mean.”

The reason why he took the train and created a situation where we could talk alone must be because he wanted to talk about this.

The current president, who is an ardent supporter of slavery, is bound to be conscious of the issue.

“In fact, I know that it is not appropriate to ask such a favor of a minister from another country. I would never have done it unless the President had asked me directly, but when I thought about it, I thought this might be a matter of the United States’ prestige.”

“Prestige in what way?”

“Isn’t it too obvious that there is an impure intention to use a minister from another country to achieve their own political goals? I don’t want the United States to be seen as a country that only engages in such schemes. So, I am telling you in advance.”

Is that why he is the US Secretary of State?

His skill in speaking indirectly is top-notch.

So, to put it simply, he is saying that even if other congressmen bring up the issue of slavery during this visit, I should not say a word.

He also means that if I don’t want to be taken advantage of by those evil forces who are trying to take advantage of the good Minister of the British Empire, I should shut up.

If I blabber here, I will only be a fool who is being used without even knowing that I am being used, so this was advice for me, not the President. Superficially.

“Don’t worry. Regardless of my personal beliefs, the British Empire is well aware that the United States is a completely independent country. Why would I have any reason to speak presumptuously about sensitive issues within the United States? I can’t do that even if you tell me to.”

“Thank you for listening so readily to what might have been offensive. His Excellency will be deeply moved by the Minister’s friendship.”

“Then I hope this meeting goes well. After all, the most important thing is peace, isn’t it? Peace. Hahaha.”

I now know the positions of Tyler [John Tyler, the then-current US President] and Secretary Webster for sure.

But I’m not stupid, and there’s no reason for me to do anything in another country that could be held against me.

I can’t say that there is no such purpose [influencing US politics], but I’m not the one who is actually doing the work.

Ah, of course, I will definitely keep my promise not to say a word to the congressmen’s questions, so I didn’t lie at all.

My promise that I would just quietly attend the meeting and return was truly 100% sincere.

I mean it.

* * *

In Springfield, Illinois, there was a law firm that was steadily gaining a good reputation.

This law firm was gaining more and more fame thanks to its skilled and diligent lawyers, and the partner lawyer was a promising young man who also had a foot in politics.

Of course, even if he was promising, all he had done was get elected a few years ago, and he had continued to taste the bitterness of defeat ever since, but the man did not give up.

Some called him a foolish dreamer who stubbornly persisted in impossible challenges, but the man never thought so.

“Just making my name known to the public, defeat is not a failure but a stepping stone for success.”

The reason why the man continued to lose elections was not because he was foolish or reckless enough not to think about the future.

He had his own plans, and he believed that he was gradually climbing towards the goal to achieve those plans.

There were too many people who didn’t know that, but he didn’t particularly care.

Rather, the more they didn’t know his true worth, the brighter he would shine later.

Of course, he couldn’t ignore it completely… and sometimes his heart felt heavy.

But what can he do?

In order to build even more recognition than now, he needs to do more activities, and to do that, he needs fame and money.

Unless some astronomically rich person sponsors him, he has no choice but to climb one step at a time.

You might sneer that he’s just losing elections, so what is he climbing, but that’s because you approach the election only from the perspective of victory or defeat.

For big-name politicians who are running for president, victory or defeat may be everything, but for young people who are just entering politics, there are more important things than winning or losing elections.

The man knew that fact better than anyone else.

“Are you there?”

“Yes, come on in. What kind of case brings you here?”

Perhaps because of his tall stature of over 6’4″, customers who saw him for the first time tended to flinch, but the man in the black coat who entered the office did not seem to show any such signs.

“Are you lawyer Abraham Lincoln?”

Lincoln, a partner lawyer at Logan & Lincoln Law Firm and a 32-year-old young politician, nodded calmly and asked back.

“I am Lincoln. But excuse me, are you a client who came to entrust a case?”

“A case. The expression ‘entrusting a case’ may not be wrong either. We want to bring about a revolution in this country’s politics with you, lawyer.”

“If it’s a strange solicitation, I’ll have to prepare to show you the door, so maybe later…”

“That’s not it. We are these kinds of people, so why don’t you take a look and continue our conversation?”

When the man in the black coat took out a business card, Lincoln’s eyes lit up.

“National Black Liberation Association? NBA President James? Excuse me, but those are names and organizations I’ve never heard of before.”

“That’s because it’s a new organization that hasn’t been around for long. But the politicians we sponsor are currently influential in this society. For example, there’s Congressman John Quincy Adams.”

“Congressman Adams?”

Except for a few states, almost all states in the North have now legally abolished slavery, so it’s not so strange that such an organization is emerging.

However, it is impossible not to be suspicious when such a new organization is sponsoring prominent politicians from the Whig Party.

No matter how you look at it, it smelled fishy.

“You may not believe us, but in fact, the name of this organization is closer to a disguise to protect the members. After all, it can still be dangerous to openly engage in the black liberation movement in this country, so the entrepreneurs who sponsor our association also want to hide their names.”

“That sounds plausible. But why would a company sponsor such an organization?”

“Well, it’s all different. Economic, political, and moral reasons all have a variety of influences. Of course, economic reasons are the biggest. Most entrepreneurs believe that with the outdated product of slavery, they will inevitably continue to grow inefficiently in the upcoming industrial era. This is a list of companies that sponsor our association, and you can check it out. However, you must never leak it to the outside. If you tell them Lincoln’s name, they will confirm it on their side.”

“Baldwin Locomotive, coal, iron ore… even a construction company? And a detective agency too? Are these large-scale companies really serious about the black liberation movement?”

“It’s not to that extent, but it’s closer to a state where they just throw money at us and tell us to work hard.”

He told me to check it myself, so I’ll check it myself, but if what this man says is really true, it may be a phenomenon that proves that the times are changing.

“So, if I work with you, what do you want me to do? I think slavery should be abolished, but that’s not just for moral reasons, but for the national interest of this country. So, we cannot ignore the interests of the South, and I think we should give them enough time until they are ready and promote gradual liberation. Does this coincide with your beliefs?”

“Of course. We, and our sponsors, absolutely don’t want chaos in this country. In the first place, we are making money in this country and living well with it, so why would we want the country to be in trouble? We just hope that excellent and principled people like you, lawyer, will go up to those high places and do politics according to your beliefs. We will spare no investment for that. As a lawyer, you will immediately know how good the conditions are if you look at the contract.”

It was a suspicious opportunity that came suddenly, but in a way, it may be that the fruits of his constant efforts have finally blossomed.

He absolutely doesn’t want to believe it right now, but if everything they say is true, there’s no reason not to look at the contract.

Abraham Lincoln decided to find out what this suspicious organization was and whether it was really being sponsored by such prominent companies.