"Mr. President, whether or not we can punish General Green and the South right now is not the most important thing. On the contrary, in order to maintain the stability and unity of the nation, I believe the most urgent task is how to prevent the situation from escalating!" Charles did not support Franklin and the others' anxiety; instead, he put forward a statement that clearly leaned towards compromise.
If Charles had put forward such a statement a few years ago, it would have been met with ridicule from these political figures, just as his earlier proposal for the Continental army to retreat was. But now, as soon as he presented this opinion, it made Franklin and General Sullivan frown.
If Charles, this Republican Party leader, did not support it, or even just showed sympathy for the three-state militia, he could largely sway the opinions of many people. And most importantly, based on Charles' consistent performance, since he expressed opposition to this, he must have a relatively sufficient reason.
Franklin asked directly:
"Charles, why do you think this way? Even if the situation escalates, it's just a political struggle between us and the Democratic Party, which is a common occurrence. Could it possibly endanger the entire nation?"
At this critical moment of the election, Franklin and most people's focus was mainly on the election.
"Of course, Mr. President! The South's anger towards us in the North is not ordinary. If the situation is really blown out of proportion by someone, it's not just as simple as a real mutiny; it could even be something more terrifying for us," Charles said very clearly.
And for everyone, what could make them feel more uneasy, even more terrified, than a mutiny, would naturally only be the South declaring independence and fighting a civil war.
"Something more terrifying? That shouldn't be possible. How many troops do their Three Southern States have in total? Could they really dare to oppose the entire Federal Government!" Franklin exclaimed.
He didn't even use an interrogative tone, as he had already determined this fact in his heart.
"Haha! Actually, I'm still worried about whether former Continental army soldiers and active Continental army soldiers will be involved. The foundation of our current Continental army was originally six Virginia militia companies. Most of them have now retired and returned to Virginia. I wonder what their attitude is towards the militia and this matter? And what about the attitude of those Virginia soldiers in our Continental army!" Charles naturally attached great importance to this matter.
He knew that a Civil war had occurred in history, and he also knew that the South, for the sake of their economy and "freedom," would absolutely be willing to take risks. With the strength of a few states, they would confront the entire Federal Government.
"This should not have involved Virginia officers and soldiers in the Continental army," General Sullivan quickly denied. "As soon as I returned to Philadelphia, I ordered soldiers to check the reactions of soldiers from the South, especially those from Virginia, and found no abnormalities. I haven't taken any special measures against them yet!"
This matter was of great importance, and General Sullivan dared not be negligent. It also related to others' evaluation of his ability to lead and manage the army, so he was unlikely to admit his own ineffective leadership.
"That's good!" Charles seemed to breathe a sigh of relief on the surface. "You still need to strengthen ideological work with them. At least ensure that no anti-Federal Government sentiments emerge."
"Yes, Your Excellency the Chairman!" General Sullivan replied solemnly.
"Charles, it's not that serious, is it? To even need to pay attention to the military situation?" Madison was a little surprised.
The other civilian officials nearby, including Franklin, also felt somewhat puzzled.
"Haha! I'm just making the worst-case guess. The situation certainly hasn't reached the point where the army needs to be deployed immediately, but since it involves the army, it's better to be a little cautious. After all, it could lead to a real military disaster at any time!" Charles said with a calm smile.
In fact, he didn't think the current atmosphere between the North and South had reached the point of mutual warfare.
It was just that the recent victory of Northern industry and commerce over Southern plantations had not yet allowed those plantation owners to feel a sense of relief. If Franklin and the others were still intent on pursuing the responsibility of General Green and the Southern militia at this time, it was very possible for an extreme confrontation to truly occur. How the situation would develop then, even he could not possibly predict.
"Then we can wait until Mr. Jefferson arrives before discussing it. With his influence in the South, this matter should be resolved relatively well!" Morris looked at the door of the round table conference room with anticipation.
He clearly believed that Jefferson, as a member of the Federal Government, should choose to side with the Federal Government on this matter. This was also the view of most people present; at least they didn't think that prominent Southern leaders like Washington and Jefferson would be people who would choose to split the nation.
Charles had no objection to their calculations. However, he thought to himself that Washington might be selfless, but based on his understanding of Jefferson, this gentleman, though far-sighted and absolutely incapable of splitting the nation, if he felt he was in the right, this incident would definitely be exploited by him for a significant gain. Morris and the others would probably be cursing him behind his back then.
Just as everyone was preparing to continue their discussion, a slight sound of footsteps came from outside the door.
After a gentle knock, the doorman opened the door, revealing a tall figure before everyone.
This was clearly an old man with a worried expression, naturally not Jefferson, but the Vice President, old General Washington, who had not been mentioned by anyone.
"Mr. Vice President! Hello!"
"Hello, George!"
Everyone stood up in unison to greet him.
"Good evening, gentlemen, I rushed here, I hope I haven't disturbed you!" Washington took off his hat and bowed. "It's just that such a thing has happened, and I have no choice but to come and discuss it with you all."
"Not at all, we were just about to send someone to invite you to discuss this important matter!" Franklin smiled understandingly and was the first to sit back down.
After he was seated, Washington and the others sat down one after another.
"What exactly happened this time? Sullivan, is the news of the mutiny true?" Washington
He sat down and immediately questioned General Sullivan, the only person involved, who was present.
General Sullivan dared not conceal anything regarding the question from the old Commander-in-Chief of the Continental army and was about to answer. However, a series of hurried footsteps sounded again from outside the door.
Then the door was pushed open rather quickly.
Jefferson, with a dark expression, hurried into the round table conference room. He apologized to everyone while taking off his hat:
"Sorry, gentlemen, I just had a longer discussion with some of the Democratic Party leaders. I'm late, I hope I haven't missed anything important."
"Haha!" Charles was the first to laugh, "Since you, the leader of the Democratic Party, haven't arrived, we wouldn't dare make any decisions behind your back!"
As soon as these words were spoken, Jefferson's perpetually dark expression lightened slightly. He nodded slightly towards Charles, expressing his gratitude.
In fact, he had rushed here precisely because he was worried that Franklin and the others, representing the Federal Government, would prematurely make decisions unfavorable to the Three Southern States. Hearing Charles' implication, he naturally understood that everyone had not yet made any real decisions, and he still had a complete opportunity to change the final decision.
But when he turned to General Sullivan, his expression immediately turned unfriendly again.
"Respected Mr. Minister of war, how can you so recklessly criticize our Southern militia and old General? Spreading rumors that there's a mutiny in the South? Fortunately, I just received a handwritten letter from General Green. He not only exposed your actions in Richmond but also clarified the course of events, which is not as serious as you told the newspaper reporters. What exactly are your intentions in doing this?" Jefferson sternly questioned General Sullivan.
"This…" Sullivan was stunned.
General Sullivan, skilled in warfare and military governance, was no match for Jefferson, a lawyer by profession, when it came to rhetoric. Some of his words were deliberately ambiguous, yet they made it sound as if the old General had done something unspeakable. This left the old General feeling stifled, but unable to articulate his defense.
Fortunately, based on their shared Republican Party stance, although he didn't like General Sullivan, Wilson, the Chief officer, immediately spoke up for him:
"Secretary of State Jefferson, I don't know through what channels you learned that the content in the newspapers came from General Sullivan's mouth, but the fact is that the General was indeed driven back by the Southern militias! All your information comes from written sources and may not necessarily allow us to understand the entire situation. Now the General himself is before us. In this situation, I think we should first listen to the General's report on this matter, and then begin your comments and accusations!"
"Indeed, Thomas, I was just about to listen to General Sullivan's account of this matter. Whatever the case, let's first hear General Sullivan's own statement!" Washington waved his hand at Jefferson, signaling him not to be so quick to accuse people anymore.
Washington had a special influence among Southerners, and in the hearts of Jefferson and other Democratic Party members. As soon as he spoke, Jefferson immediately stopped pressing the matter.
Seeing that everyone had stopped talking and was only waiting for his statement, General Sullivan naturally had no choice but to begin his third narration of the events of the day.
Regarding General Sullivan's statement, most people actually had different preconceived positions.
Jefferson had already read General Green's letter, and undoubtedly his trust in Sullivan's narrative was greatly discounted. Franklin and others, who were hearing their fellow Republican Party member's account for the second time, were clearly more easily persuaded by Sullivan. The only person truly capable of maintaining an impartial stance here was Washington.
After Sullivan finished speaking, Jefferson was still pondering, preparing his words, but Washington had already said very frankly:
"No matter what, as the Federal Government's highest military official, the Minister of war at least has the right to recommend the appointment and dismissal of a common militia officer. General Green's actions might have been unintentional, but they certainly showed contempt for the Federal Government's authority. To consolidate the Federal Government's power, organizations like the Three-State Militia must undergo adjustments."
He, like Franklin and the others, advocated for maintaining the authority of the Federal Government and the Federal Government.
Jefferson, who was still considering his words, immediately could not sit still upon hearing Washington's suggestion and immediately opposed the proposal:
"Mr. Vice President, the Three-State Militia organizations are essential for guaranteeing the civil rights and political power of the three states. If they are disbanded, it will inevitably lead to suffering for these state governments. This is extremely unfair and immoral to the three states, which made outstanding contributions to the establishment of the Federal Government!"
"This naturally requires careful planning, and the first element is to ensure the political power of each state, but the disbanding of the Three-State Militia is imperative!" Washington once again displayed his military demeanor, speaking decisively.
It has been planned. If it is enforced then, I am afraid the final result will be a full confrontation between the Three-State Government and the Federal Government," Jefferson said with a stern face, expressing his opinion.
He couldn't believe that this opinion, which was most unfavorable to the South, actually came from Washington, the Southern Vice President. The feeling of stifled resentment in his heart was even stronger than his actual opposition to this matter.
As his old friend, Charles naturally saw through his thoughts.
He immediately smiled and smoothed things over:
"Thomas, you say that the Three-State Government will not agree no matter what. Have you received any news? What attitude have their Three-State Governments taken on this matter? What is their bottom line? How much do you know?"
At Charles' question, Jefferson immediately couldn't maintain his composure, knowing that his friend had guessed his purpose, and he could only give a helpless wry smile:
"I've only received some pressure and demands; how would I know the specific bottom line?"
At this, the attitude of those around towards Jefferson's previous words immediately shifted. Originally, they were surprised to hear Jefferson speak so much for the Three Southern States, thinking he had betrayed the Federal Government and the Federal spirit. Now, however, they secretly speculated that he must have sufficient reasons, and all looked at Jefferson expectantly, waiting for him to continue his explanation.