I'm the Dauphin in France

Chapter 770: Encounter in the Mediterranean
The American veteran immediately took out a few coins from his pocket and put them on the table without hesitation: "Here are 5 US dollars. I hope it can help our French friends. I will donate another 3 US dollars every month..."

This donation may seem pitiful, but you have to know that after retiring, he made a living by driving a horse-drawn carriage, with an income of only $8 per month. With the $45 in relief from the Veterans' Home, he could barely support his family.

In other words, he would donate nearly 30% of his fortune to France.

The "fikio" was a small-denomination copper coin in the United States that was later replaced by the cent.

After he set an example, other American veterans followed suit and donated money, and soon a small pile of coins appeared on the table.

At this moment, a short noble man with a square face and a white wig on his big head pushed the door open and said loudly in accented English: "No, France cannot take this money even if it is in great difficulty. This will make your children starve."

Everyone turned their heads. Two veterans were visibly stunned when they saw his appearance, and then shouted excitedly and pleasantly: "General Noailles. It's really you!"

The man who came was the Marquis Lafayette's brother-in-law, Viscount Louis-Marc de Noailles. He had served as Lafayette's aide-de-camp and participated in many battles in the American Revolutionary War, including the Battle of Yorktown, and was quite prestigious in the American army.

He is also a major sponsor of the Veterans' Home and is responsible for managing its daily operations.

When the old soldiers in the room heard that it was Viscount Noailles himself, they quickly stood up and saluted him.

Noaille nodded to the veterans and instructed the staff of the Veterans' Home to return the money to them.

The American veterans immediately became anxious. An old soldier with a stubbled face and two missing fingers said angrily: "General, I once attacked the Yorktown Fortress with your army. If I could afford the travel expenses to Europe, I would definitely go to France to teach the British bastards a lesson!"

His words were echoed by a crowd of people: "That's right! I polish my flintlock rifle frequently, and it can definitely blow the British guy's head off."

"I also want to let the British know how powerful I am!"

"Hey, the cheapest ticket for a transatlantic cruise is $25..."

Viscount Noailles nodded, looked at everyone and said, "Do you really want to go to France?"

The veterans looked at each other, and a few of them seemed eager to try, but then they sat down again - it was okay to be excited, but if they really went to Europe, their wives and children would starve to death.

Viscount Noailles smiled and said, “In fact, a few of my friends have pooled some money and are planning to organize volunteers to go to France to fight.

"You all have rich combat experience. If you join, my friends will definitely be willing to pay for your living expenses."

One veteran blurted out: "If I have $9, I'll go!"

He was immediately despised by the other veterans.

However, Noailles shook his head and said, "15 dollars a month. If you provide your own uniform and weapons, you can also get a 15 dollar allowance."

The veteran who wanted 9 dollars said in disbelief: "Are you serious?!"

"Of course, I swear in the name of God. The salary can also be paid to your family by the Veterans' Home. If you are disabled, a pension will be paid according to the standards of the US Army."

"I believe you!" the old soldier shouted excitedly, "I'll sign up!"

His current income is only $9 a month. Going to France to fight can increase his income by 66%, and he will also receive a pension.

This is not about helping France fight a war, it's simply an opportunity for France to give him to make money!
"I am coming too!"

"And me! My uniform and gun are still there!"

"I even kept the flag of the legion!" "I signed up for Old Mike and Donald, they will definitely thank me..."

The other veterans immediately followed suit.

Most of them lived in poverty after retiring from the army, and $15 a month was a huge attraction. Soon, more than 90 people signed up - only 37 of them participated in this "conference", and the others signed up on behalf of others.

A week later.

Noailles looked at the application form for 480 American volunteers in his hand with satisfaction, put it aside, and began to write a report to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

You know, these are only the veterans in Philadelphia. According to his estimation, after the news spreads, at least 3 veterans from the United States will go to France to fight.

Joseph invested so much money in "American mercenaries" but he didn't actually expect them to have much combat effectiveness.

But as long as these veterans wearing the uniforms of the American Continental Army started fighting with the British army, it would completely cut off the possibility of the US government making peace with the British.

Moreover, as news of the deaths of American soldiers continued to spread back home, coupled with propaganda offensives, the hatred between the United States and Britain would inevitably continue to deepen.

By then, the Second Anglo-American War might have broken out ahead of schedule.

I just wonder if the Canadian Legion can set another fire this time and help rename the US Presidential Palace to "The White House"?
More than ten days later, the first batch of 500 American volunteers boarded more than ten merchant ships and set off for Genoa.

……

Western Mediterranean.

Barbary Sea.

Maderno stood on the deck of the Overlook, gently stroking the chimney railing, as if it were the beautiful hair of his most beloved girl.

No, not even Angela back then had ever fascinated him so much.

This French Mediterranean Fleet frigate is full of "magic" - it can speed through the Mediterranean at a speed of 12 knots and can make exaggerated sharp turns like a barracuda. ​​Even if it loses its main mast, it can still maintain a speed of 6 knots, while other ships in the same situation can only spin in place. At the same time, it is equipped with only 170 crew members, none of whom are rowers!
Yes, after Maderno escaped back to the port of Ostend in the "Leisure", he decided not to go out to sea anymore - there were British warships everywhere and he could no longer make a living from maritime trade.

The "Special Trade Association" then recommended that he join the French Navy.

He was completely stunned at the time - a smuggling organization actually asked him to join the navy!

However, a naval officer soon came to chat with him and, after learning that he had served as a captain, promised to give him the rank of second lieutenant.

He was a little nervous at first, but when he arrived on the "Overlook", he soon felt relieved.

Even if this magical battleship could not defeat the British fleet, it would be difficult to sink it - in the Mediterranean Sea, as long as it wanted to run, it would be almost impossible for the British warships to catch up with it.

Just as Madno was reminiscing about the past, whistles suddenly sounded all around.

This means that the enemy has been discovered - the Overlook is about to go into battle.

He hurried into the cabin and shouted to the sailors to take their positions - he was the chief boatswain and this was his duty.

(End of this chapter)