Chapter 640: The World's First Steam-Powered Warship
By late March, the chaos across the Caribbean had reached a boiling point, with no hope of this year's sugarcane planting taking place.
Joseph thought back to the report submitted by the Minister of Agriculture regarding the progress of sugar beet cultivation.
The Agricultural Consulting Service had signed a lease agreement with the Church, converting a large amount of church-owned land to sugar beet farming. Currently, 37,000 hectares were planted with sugar beets across France, with an additional 10,000 hectares being cleared of cereal crops. Within a month, these too would be sown with sugar beets.
France's climate and soil were among the best in the world for sugar beet farming, offering a wide planting window. Even sowing as late as early May could guarantee a good harvest.
This year, with Caribbean sugarcane production certain to plummet, much of Europe would rely on French sugar beets for their sugar. Whether a pound of sugar sold for 3 francs or 5 would depend entirely on France's whims.
Joseph's thoughts shifted to the future political landscape of the Caribbean.
Given the current situation, the islands' independence was inevitable. Even without Joseph's interventions, independence movements would have surged in about a decade.
Thus, France could embrace the trend, being the first to recognize the independence of Caribbean nations and reaping the political benefits.
If handled correctly, many colonies could remain under de facto control of their former metropolises even a century after independence.
Mechanisms such as economic control, supporting puppet leaders, and aligning with the local elite were well-documented in modern history. A simpler method might mimic the "Korean Prosecutor's Office model" [Note 1], ensuring control and stability while avoiding public backlash.
Moreover, fostering anti-British and anti-American sentiment from the outset would prove advantageous, especially the latter. Caribbean nations could eventually serve as a counterbalance to American power.
Joseph recalled General Wayne's treacherous "kill two birds with one stone" strategy.
The 18th-century world followed a brutal law of the jungle. Such betrayals were common and quickly forgotten.
But if these stories were widely publicized and their victims continually reminded of the treachery, the outcomes could change dramatically—a tactic known in modern times as "shaping the narrative."
Joseph envisioned journalists penning detailed accounts of how Booker's Black insurgents were deceived and massacred by the Americans. Such stories would deeply resonate with millions of Black people across the Caribbean, fostering lifelong enmity toward the United States.
The role of the Native Americans in these events would, of course, be downplayed to prevent infighting between Black and Indigenous populations.
News from the Caribbean
The morning after Joseph arrived in Brittany, Fouché arrived with a report from Brissot, sent from Saint-Domingue.
The report was already a month and a half old—a frustratingly slow pace in this era without telegraphs. Joseph rubbed his temples, irritated by the inefficiency.
However, upon reading the contents, he nearly laughed out loud.
"The British are asking for our help?"
"Yes, Your Highness," Fouché replied.
"General Brande's forces have suffered continuous losses, now reduced to just over 2,600 men—barely enough to handle the rebellion in Barbados.
"Meanwhile, intelligence from London indicates that Britain is organizing a second expeditionary force of over 5,000 men, but it won't depart for another month. Until then, Brande needs our assistance to stabilize the situation in the Bahamas."
At the report's end, Joseph saw that Brissot had rejected Brande's plea for help, citing the worsening rebellion in Saint-Domingue as an excuse.
After a brief pause, Joseph shook his head.
"We should agree to help General Brande."
Fouché was taken aback. After all, the Caribbean abolitionist movement was their own doing—why help crush it?
Noticing Fouché's bewilderment, Joseph smiled.
"Of course, helping comes at a price. The funding from the Duke of Leeds is almost gone, so Brande can replenish our war chest for the abolitionist cause."
Indeed, the fiery abolitionist movement in the Caribbean had been largely funded by the 250,000 pounds sterling secured by Auger from the Duke of Leeds. The French government had contributed less than 500,000 francs.
Fouché hesitated.
"But, Your Highness, the Bahamas are British territory. If we send troops, we can't simply make a show of it like in Saint-Domingue."
Joseph swirled his tea.
"Then we'll fight in the Bahamas. If something 'unfortunate' happens in Saint-Domingue during this time, everyone will blame the British. After that, we can…"
Half an hour later, Fouché departed with Joseph's instructions, while Joseph himself enthusiastically set off for Brest Bay.
The World's First Steam Warship
At the port, hundreds of soldiers stood in ceremonial dress, rifles raised in salute. Military bands played jubilant music as Joseph disembarked.
The Minister of the Navy, the Marquis de Castries, approached with senior naval officers and shipyard officials. After formal greetings, the marquis pointed excitedly toward the sea.
"Your Highness, everything is ready. The demonstration can begin at any time."
Joseph looked toward the sea, where four warships were anchored. One stood out, trailing faint black smoke from its chimney and adorned with festive flags.
It was the world's first steam-powered warship: The Light of the Mediterranean.
This groundbreaking vessel had been completed in less than six months at the Brest Shipyard, a testament to the Navy's dedication.
Joseph and his entourage boarded the corvette Brown Topaz to watch the demonstration from the open sea.
As they walked, Murdoch, one of the shipbuilders, eagerly reported:
"Your Highness, the LJ52A steam engine now has an average failure interval of over 30 hours, meeting operational requirements. Mr. Trevithick played a pivotal role in this improvement."
Trevithick, walking nearby, bowed and added:
"It is my greatest honor to contribute to this magnificent machine."
Joseph noted the "A" in the engine's designation, indicating significant modifications. Earlier predictions had suggested a year was needed to refine its reliability, but with three brilliant engineers collaborating, the task was completed in just six months.
The Polish mines in Tarnowskie Góry, equipped with dozens of high-pressure steam engines for drainage, had operated almost continuously, providing valuable performance data that greatly accelerated improvements.
[Note 1]: The Korean Prosecutor's Office is an independent investigative body in South Korea, wielding significant power over law enforcement. Allegedly under U.S. influence, it plays a role in shaping Korean politics.
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