Chapter 114
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 114
Chapter Title: Sowing and Harvesting
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Though I was living in the 19th century, there were times when knowledge from my modern life would suddenly surface, creating a sense of disconnect with the present.
My impression upon setting foot in the country called America was exactly that.
Even New York, which by 21st-century standards was unequivocally the world's greatest superpower and the epitome of a megacity, was at this time nothing more than a promising, developing city.
Instead of the forest of towering skyscrapers one associates with New York, the sight of charming five-story buildings being constructed here and there looked strangely heartwarming.
I’d heard the population was only around 300,000, which drove home the fact that America was still a nation in the midst of development.
The reaction of the United States when news of my visit broke also proved this fact.
To be honest, America's feelings toward Britain at this time could not be described as good, not even with empty platitudes.
Less than seventy years had passed since they had fought so fiercely for their independence.
On top of that, they had fought another sizable war just thirty years ago, so it would be stranger if they viewed us favorably.
But the British Empire was now, without a doubt, the world's strongest superpower, a fact that had been clearly demonstrated in the recent war with the Qing Dynasty.
Furthermore, Britain and the United States were already so deeply intertwined economically that it was nearly impossible for one to cut ties with the other.
An irritating opponent that had to be watched, as one never knew when they might start another war.
They were also disgustingly powerful, which made them a bit frightening, but it was necessary to stay close to them for economic gain.
Because of this complex relationship, diplomacy with Britain seemed to be considered particularly difficult within the United States.
Their attitude toward me alone revealed this sentiment.
The proof was that none other than the U.S. Secretary of State, Daniel Webster, had come all the way from Washington D.C. to New York with a large entourage.
“A heartfelt welcome to the United States. It is a genuine pleasure to be able to greet you like this, Minister.”
“I didn't expect you to come all the way to New York instead of D.C. Thank you for the welcome.”
“It’s just a stone's throw from New York to the capital, anyway. When a guest as distinguished as the British Empire's youngest minister arrives, we can't very well sit arrogantly in the capital and wait. Now, now, we have made all the preparations to escort you comfortably to the capital. Shall we go together?”
He said that, but this was still an era where there wasn't even a direct train from New York to Washington D.C.
We had to keep changing transportation from New York to Philadelphia, then to Baltimore, but Secretary Webster must have preferred it that way.
He had cleared out an entire train car for just the two of us, and he sat down in the chair across from me with a friendly demeanor, gazing at my face.
“Are you not tired from the long journey? We have prepared cool water, beer, and wine, so please let me know if there is anything you desire.”
“Beer is tempting, but as I am still on official business, I will have water instead.”
“You are as diligent as the rumors say. In fact, to figure out how best to treat you, Minister, I asked Congressman Adams of your same party several things. Congressman Adams praised you to the high heavens.”
“You embarrass me. It seems the Congressman saw me, so much his junior, in a favorable light.”
I could roughly guess what he had said.
Although they were in the same party until recently, the current President's political stance was completely different from Adams's.
Especially on the issue of slavery, which Adams was focused on, they were at complete opposite ends of the spectrum.
So, wasn't it highly likely that he had deliberately exaggerated things about me with the intention of causing a bit of a headache?
“Congressman Adams said that since your political pursuits align with his, you could become a good friend to the Whig Party. And he added, above all, that you are a moderate who values peace.”
“It is true that I pursue peace. I believe that is how any politician should be, in the first place.”
“Does that mean you are willing to work for peace between the British Empire, Canada, and the United States?”
“Of course. That is why I am visiting your country.”
“Then, this is something His Excellency the President emphasized…”
Secretary Webster paused for a moment and slowly looked around.
Was he putting on a show to draw attention to our surroundings, even though he knew full well there was no one eavesdropping?
This man could have made a living as an actor.
“His Excellency is concerned that some congressmen, including Congressman Adams, might try to use you to fulfill their own intentions. As you know, there are a few controversial issues at the moment.”
“Ah, I understand what you mean.”
The reason he had orchestrated a situation where we could talk alone on a train was surely because he wanted to have this conversation.
It was an issue that the current President, a fervent advocate of slavery, would naturally be conscious of.
“To be honest, I know it is not quite appropriate to make such a request to a minister of another country. If His Excellency the President had not personally asked, I would never have done so, but on second thought, I felt this could be a matter of the United States’ honor.”
“Honor, in what way?”
“Using a foreign minister to achieve one's own political aims—the very notion reeks of impropriety, does it not? We do not wish for the United States to be seen as a nation that engages in such machinations. So, I am also telling you this in advance.”
So this is why he’s the U.S. Secretary of State?
His skill in talking around a subject was top-notch.
So, in conclusion, he was asking me not to breathe a word if other congressmen brought up the issue of slavery during my visit, wasn't he?
It also meant that a wicked group of villains over there were planning to use the good-natured minister of the British Empire as a pawn to serve their own interests, so if I didn't want to be a pawn, I should keep my mouth shut.
If I blabbered on, I would just become a fool who was being used without even knowing it. This was advice for my own sake, not the President's. Superficially, at least.
“Do not worry. Separate from my personal beliefs, the British Empire is fully aware that the United States is a completely independent nation. What reason would I have to overstep my bounds and comment on sensitive internal affairs of the United States? I couldn't do it even if you asked me to.”
“Thank you for being so gracious, though my words could have offended you. His Excellency will also be deeply moved by your friendship, Minister.”
“Then I hope this summit goes well. After all, the most important thing is peace, is it not? Peace. Hahaha.”
I now had a clear understanding of Tyler's and Secretary Webster's position.
But I'm no fool. Why would I cause any trouble that could be held against me while in a foreign country?
I can't say I don't have such an objective, but I am not the one who will actually carry it out.
Ah, of course, I will definitely keep my promise not to utter a single word in response to the congressmen's questions, so I am absolutely not lying.
My promise to quietly attend the summit and return home was 100 percent sincere.
*I*, that is.
***
In Springfield, Illinois, there was a law office with a steadily growing reputation.
The firm's fame was on the rise thanks to its skilled and diligent lawyers, and one of the partner attorneys was a promising young man who also had a foot in the world of politics.
Of course, "promising" only meant he had won an election a few years ago; since then, he had continuously tasted the bitterness of defeat, but the man did not give up.
Some called him a foolish dreamer who kept attempting impossible challenges, but the man never thought so.
“By making my name known to the public, defeat is not a failure, but merely a stepping stone to success.”
The man's continued losses were not because he was foolish, nor because he was reckless enough to act without thinking of the consequences.
He had a plan of his own and believed he was steadily climbing toward his goal.
Many did not understand this, but he didn't particularly care.
In fact, the less they knew of his true worth, the more brightly he could shine later.
Of course, he couldn't completely ignore it… and there were times when his heart felt a little heavy.
But what could he do?
To build even more recognition, he needed to be more active, and for that, he needed fame and money.
Unless some astronomically wealthy person decided to sponsor him, he had no choice but to climb one step at a time.
Some might scoff, asking how a man who only loses elections could be climbing anywhere, but that was because they approached elections with a win-or-lose mindset.
For political heavyweights vying for the presidency, winning and losing might be everything, but for a young man just entering politics, there were things more important than winning or losing an election.
The man knew this better than anyone.
“Is anyone here?”
“Yes, welcome. What case brings you here?”
Perhaps due to his towering height of over 190 centimeters, new clients often flinched upon seeing him, but the man in the black coat who entered the office showed no such reaction.
“Are you Attorney Abraham Lincoln?”
A partner at the Logan & Lincoln law firm and a 32-year-old politician, Lincoln nodded calmly and asked back.
“I am Lincoln. But pardon me, are you a client here to retain my services for a case?”
“A case. Well, describing it as retaining your services for a case wouldn't be wrong. We wish to bring about a transformation in this nation's politics, together with you, attorney.”
“If this is some strange proposition, I have to prepare for a trial later, so perhaps another time…”
“It's not like that. We are these people. Why don't you take a look first and then we can continue our conversation?”
As the man in the black coat took out a business card, a strange light glinted in Lincoln's eyes.
“The National Black Liberation Association? NBA? James, President? Forgive me, but I have never heard of this organization or this name.”
“That’s because it’s a new organization, just recently established. However, the politicians we sponsor are people who have a great deal of influence in society today. For example, Congressman John Quincy Adams is one of them.”
“Congressman Adams?”
In the North, almost all states except for a few had legally emancipated their slaves, so the emergence of such an organization was not particularly strange.
But to hear that such a new organization was sponsoring major Whig politicians made it impossible not to be suspicious.
No matter how he looked at it, the situation reeked of something fishy.
“You may not trust us, but in truth, the name of this organization is more of a disguise to protect its members. After all, openly campaigning for black liberation in this country can still be life-threatening, so the entrepreneurs who sponsor our association also wish to remain anonymous.”
“That sounds plausible. But why would businesses sponsor such an organization?”
“The reasons vary. Economic, political, and moral reasons all have their influence, don't they? Of course, the economic reasons are the largest. Most entrepreneurs believe that clinging to the relic of a bygone era that is slavery will only lead to inefficient growth in the coming industrial age. This is a list of the companies that sponsor our association. You are welcome to verify it. However, you must never leak it to the outside. If you give them your name, Mr. Lincoln, they will confirm it for you.”
“Baldwin Locomotive Works, coal, iron… even a construction company? And a detective agency? Are you saying such large-scale corporations are this serious about the black liberation movement?”
“Not quite to that extent. It's more like they'll throw money at us and tell us to work hard.”
Since he was told to verify it himself, he would, but if what this man said was true, it might be a phenomenon proving that the times were changing.
“So, if I were to work with you, what would you want me to do? I believe slavery must be abolished, but not only for moral reasons, but for the good of this nation. Therefore, I cannot disregard the interests of the South, and I believe we must give them enough time to prepare and pursue a gradual emancipation. Does this align with your beliefs?”
“Of course. Neither we nor our sponsors wish for chaos in this country. Why would people who make their money and live comfortably in this nation want it to fall into difficulty? We simply wish for outstanding and principled individuals like you, attorney, to rise to high places and govern according to your convictions. We will not spare any investment for that purpose. As you are a lawyer, one look at the contract will show you just how favorable the terms are.”
It was a dubious opportunity that had come out of nowhere, but in a way, it might be the fruit of his own steady efforts finally blooming.
He had no intention of trusting them immediately, but if everything they said was true, there was no reason not to look at the contract.
Abraham Lincoln resolved to find out the true identity of this suspicious organization and whether it was truly sponsored by such prominent corporations.