The Glorious Cause - Jeff Shaara [170]
He was exhausted, had not come to this meeting expecting such a change in French attitude. The smile was gone from Gerard’s face, who looked at Vergennes, then said, “Doctor, we are not so far removed from America that we do not feel its despair. But you are aware that if France enters a formal alliance with your country, it will commence a state of war between France and England. If America is defeated in battle, then King George will be free to use all of his resources against our valuable islands in the West Indies, and against France herself. His Majesty must weigh the risks. He must make wise alliances. King George has already done so. He has secured the service of the Hessians, the Anspachers, Waldeckians, Brunswickers, all who support England in her campaign. You see, Doctor, it is not merely a war against England that we risk.”
Franklin was fighting the anger, a hard effort to hold in his words. How can you toss out such feeble excuses for backing away from the alliance? He looked at Vergennes, knew that Gerard was only filling the empty space in the conversation, that Vergennes would ultimately be the only voice that would have weight with the king.
“Your Excellency, so much has already been done, so much of a foundation already laid. I had thought we were so very close, that the formal alliance was itself more ceremony than meaning.”
He knew he was oversimplifying, but he wanted Vergennes to say it, to make plain what the king’s position was. The old man responded.
“Doctor, without a formal alliance, France is still removed from the conflict. His Majesty has provided no soldiers, no warships. A formal alliance is a line that once crossed, cannot be undone.”
“Your Excellency, I hear the words, I appreciate the exercise in diplomacy.” He held back the words, fought his own frustration, saw the grim stare from Vergennes. “Your Excellency, I do not wish to offend, but I am fighting for my nation’s existence. Surely, Your Excellency would grant me the kindness to plead my position with honesty. France has an opportunity to lead the rest of Europe in an alliance against the greatest military power that none of you are able to defeat alone. You mention the Germanic lands, as though you fear monarchs whose only power is the gold they find by selling their citizens into military slavery. Such men are not to be feared, because they do not have the support of their own people. If I did not believe that, I would not be an American. Any despot who enriches himself at the expense of his people is not to be feared. He is to be reviled. Does Your Excellency require evidence of this? What of King Frederick of Prussia, who will not allow the Hessian troops to cross his soil, to use his ports? What of the Dutch, the Danes, what of Catherine of Russia? King George sought alliances with all of them, and was completely rebuffed. No one benefits from a powerful England. And if France does not assist us, if you turn away from this alliance, England may well maintain her power over my country. And, over yours.”
He felt sweat in his clothes, realized his hands were shaking. His heart was pounding in his chest, and he tried to focus the fog