Henrique said that exchanging something he didn't control or truly possess for Charles' venture capital was like a pie falling from the sky.
To finalize this 'contract' worth tens of thousands of pounds, Henrique even proactively lowered the price again, offering additional, more ethereal benefits like a ten-year tax exemption.
This typical act of getting something for nothing greatly displeased Feilloux, who subtly reminded Charles several times, only to be deliberately ignored by Charles feigning ignorance.
"Actually, I've always been optimistic about the future of the Florida resistance organization. If possible, I even think I should recommend other friends to make venture investments in the Republic of Florida's war of resistance." Charles instead gestured to Feilloux to join the land purchase.
Although Charles had a reputation for being good at financial management, the risk of this investment was too great. Feilloux didn't believe that the so-called "Republic of Florida" could last long.
At a critical moment for the Florida independence movement, there was not only external pressure but also significant internal struggles within the independence organization, with various factions standing against each other, constantly accusing and debating. It was possible that one day this organization would be replaced by another.
Similar organizations to the Republic of Florida existed within other groups as well, and they did not recognize each other. So, Feilloux, who understood the inside story, naturally could not agree to the land purchase.
"That's right, actually, in Georgia, many people also believe that Florida's resistance movement will definitely succeed. However, I believe that in this world, Mr. Godfrey is the only one who dares to provide such a war loan to Florida. Mr. Henrique, you must not forget the help Mr. Godfrey has given you today!" Although Feilloux was unwilling to invest with Charles, he still spoke favorably of him.
"Of course! Of course! We know that Mr. Godfrey did this entirely to help us. When Florida successfully gains independence, that will be the time for us to formally express our gratitude to Mr. Godfrey." Henrique nodded repeatedly.
Although it was regrettable that Feilloux and others did not engage in similar land purchases, as long as the cooperation with Charles could be finalized, it would have a huge impact on Florida's independent development. Henrique had enough to report back to the resistance organization.
So, he kept a sincere smile on his face, expressing gratitude to Charles and Feilloux.
However, seeing Feilloux's reaction, Charles could only sigh in his heart; he had just missed out on a good deal.
Nevertheless, he had originally only offered Feilloux a chance to make money out of the idea that everyone who sees it gets a share. Now that the invitation had been rejected, when the United States eventually annexed Florida and he acquired vast tracts of land almost for free, Feilloux certainly wouldn't feel deceived by him today just because he had benefited.
Although the intention to purchase land was reached, the actual implementation was very troublesome. Not only did the specific value of the land need to be slowly negotiated, but the extent to which this matter could be made public was also an important issue.
Currently, the United States and the Spanish government are maintaining "good" bilateral relations. Therefore, if Charles, as the Speaker of the House of the Federal Government, openly signed a land purchase agreement with the "Republic of Florida" government, it would certainly make the Spanish Ambassador so angry that he would protest at the Department of State every other day.
Charles' own land in Florida would also no longer be able to be safely used for production. Spanish troops would undoubtedly constantly harass it.
However, if the contract was kept completely confidential, it would be detrimental for Charles to publicize this document and claim the land after the United States annexed Florida in the future. Therefore, this agreement, at least, should be known to the high-level officials of the United States, and there should be some tacit understanding with him on this matter.
In February 1783, witnessed by Finance Minister Morris and Secretary of State Jefferson of the Federal Government, Charles and the Florida representative signed an informal agreement to exchange land for arms.
The agreement stipulated that Charles would purchase 100,000 acres of barren land in Florida at one-third of the market price and obtain tax exemption rights for the next ten years.
This land purchase payment would be directly converted into an equivalent value of arms produced by the Pittsburgh Armory and shipped to the Florida resistance organization.
It was called informal because these lands were not directly controlled by the "Republic of Florida." Charles could not immediately acquire the land, but the arms had to be dispatched soon.
Whether the contract could truly be executed in the future depended not only on the specific changes in Florida but also on the strength of both parties to the contract at that time.
As Secretary of State, Jefferson was actually very pleased to see the signing of this contract.
The election situation was becoming increasingly tense. The Democratic Party and the Republican Party, following the Federalist Party, had both nominated their own Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates.
The Republican Party's Presidential candidate was, of course, already well-known to the outside world: the old President Benjamin Franklin. The Vice-Presidential candidate, after a democratic vote, was finally chosen to be Attorney General Madison. This result also perfectly aligned with Charles' original expectations, so he naturally had no objections.
After democratic elections and significant controversy over party chairman Jefferson's nomination, the Democratic Party's candidates were ultimately elected through democratic process: Jefferson as the Presidential candidate and Samuel Adams as the Vice-Presidential candidate.
Relatively speaking, the Democratic Party's candidates were the weakest among the three parties' contenders; even Jefferson himself was not very confident.
At this time, Charles signing such an agreement with Florida would, of course, be very popular with the people if revealed domestically. However, it was, after all, a challenge to the relationship between the American and Spanish governments.
If it were exposed during the election, it might add points to Charles but deduct points from Franklin, the incumbent President.
After the witness ceremony for the agreement was completed, Jefferson, uncharacteristically, stayed in Charles' castle and had a few drinks with Charles.
"Charles! It's been a long time since we've had a good drink together like this, hasn't it?" Jefferson smiled, swirling the mellow wine in his glass, savoring its delicate aroma.
"To be precise, it's been since you became Secretary of State that we haven't had a good drink like this, hahaha..." Charles burst into hearty laughter.
It seemed there was no need to discuss overly political issues today.
Regarding Jefferson, his perception of him had constantly shifted from initially considering him a highly respected great man, to someone he could befriend, and then to a primary opponent he needed to guard against.
As he met more and more people and became more integrated into this society, he certainly wouldn't be hesitant anymore just because he knew historical figures.
Although the two had never truly become political enemies, they had consciously maintained an appropriate distance since each established their own political party.
Charles' current claim that their closer interactions ceased only after Jefferson took office naturally carried a hint of teasing.
"Haha... How could I be that snobbish!" Jefferson shook his head with a wry smile.
"Alright then, if you have time in the future, we can still interact frequently like before. You should also come here often for a drink!" Charles immediately took over and confirmed.
In fact, since Charles got married, he had been busy raising children, and his interactions with friends like Jefferson were also greatly affected. The few gatherings they had were all very formal banquets.
Now that he essentially had a third child, he could naturally focus more on personal social engagements.
Jefferson naturally did not refuse, but after taking a sip of the wine in his glass, he shifted the topic back to politics.
"Charles, who do you think will ultimately win this general election?"
Charles raised an eyebrow, replying without the slightest hesitation:
"Of course, it will be our Republican Party candidates, Mr. Franklin and Mr. Madison!"
"Haha! But I heard that Mr. Franklin's health hasn't been very good recently. Even several cabinet meetings have been presided over by Vice President Washington.
At his age, can he really continue to participate in the election smoothly?" Jefferson asked Charles playfully.
This was probably the main reason why the Democratic Party dared to openly challenge this Presidential election.
In any case, after serving as President for four years, Franklin was an old man nearing eighty. According to the normal course of history, he would pass away five or six years later.
Although this would basically not affect his ability to participate in the Presidential election, whether the people would continue to accept such an old man to govern their country was a difficult question to answer.
Charles did not directly answer Jefferson's question. The more one argues about health issues, the more attention it draws, and then something that isn't an issue becomes one.
Fortunately, the Republican Party had long prepared contingency plans for this, so Charles was not flustered.
"Thomas, do you think President Franklin is a good President?" Charles asked another question.
"This... of course. President Franklin is our nation's first President, and currently the best President." Jefferson had to nod cautiously.
At this time, Americans still held great respect for the nation's highest leader. Although the President was not a king, he enjoyed nearly king-like respect.
Everyone below, whether commoners or high-ranking officials like Jefferson, had to maintain the highest respect for the President. This situation would only change after several party Presidents were elected.
"Haha! That's good then. Since everyone thinks he's a good President, what else is there to doubt about him? Just confidently leave everything to him!" Charles laughed.
Jefferson looked helpless.
His questioning of Franklin's health was not only for the sake of the election; as a good friend of Franklin, he was also very concerned about Franklin's physical well-being.
Although the President had not been particularly burdened with many arduous duties since taking office, even just receiving guests at Independence Hall was very draining, and Jefferson was genuinely concerned about Franklin's health.
"Charles, although I don't want to say much on this issue, I think others are very likely to bring this up, and I believe it will cause President Franklin a lot of trouble at that time." Jefferson added.
As for who "others" referred to, both of them knew it meant the Federalist Party, who were also running in the election.
"Haha! Don't worry, we already have arrangements for such matters." Charles had no choice but to reveal a bit.
"That's good!" Jefferson nodded, "I sincerely hope this issue doesn't harm President Franklin."
"Haha! Let's not discuss these political issues. Thomas, you know our little George was just baptized in the church with Vice President Washington as his godfather. Diana and I plan to have more children. Would you be willing to be the godfather of our next child?" Charles changed the subject.
"Of course! That's something I'd be very happy to do!" Jefferson brightened up. "Actually, I also like children very much, but Charles, you mustn't let yourself be constrained by family and children!"
"Haha!" Charles replied with a helpless smile.
When Jefferson said "constrain himself," he was not referring to giving up his career for his family, but rather to giving up opportunities to find mistresses for the sake of his wife and son.
As a successful young lawyer, Jefferson had always been relatively open in his private life. On the surface, he appeared to be charming but not vulgar, within everyone's acceptable range.
However, Charles knew that his actual level of openness was much more intense than he let on. The several mixed-race illegitimate children later identified were the strongest evidence.
"Thomas, my dear friend, I still remember you owe me a promise: to introduce me to some beautiful and noble ladies!" Charles said with a smile, interrupting.
"Of course! I can fulfill such a promise at any time. If you're interested, I can take you to meet them today." Jefferson did not decline.
"Haha! Let's talk about that later!" Charles seemed a bit hesitant.
With Jefferson's charm, it would indeed be very easy.
Charles was quite interested when Jefferson brought up such a topic. For a man's pride, he couldn't say he didn't dare to find a mistress, but reason told him he couldn't actually find one, otherwise his family would surely rebel. So, the ensuing conversation was quite difficult.