Meeting With The Continental Congress
Captain Peanut Butter • Chapter 21
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In the previous chapter, Captain Peanut Butter, Ana, and Lafayette met Ben Franklin and his wife. Ana and Mrs. Franklin got to know each other, and the men had a meeting in Ben Franklin’s den.
Captain Peanut Butter continues the tale.
We arrived at Independence Hall in the late afternoon. It was a handsome brick building with a clock tower rising in the center. Upon entering the building, Mr. Franklin escorted us to the Assembly Hall, a large open room with a few tables and chairs scattered around and far more delegates milling about engaged in discussion. I was surprised to see so many young men—some appeared to be teenagers. Franklin was apparently a senior member of Congress. To be fair, Lafayette was himself only nineteen years of age.
Several members greeted Franklin, and he engaged in the required niceties. He approached a desk at the rear of the hall and said a few words to a man seated there. Afterward, he turned and spoke loudly, “Gentlemen. I bring important news.”
The gathering quieted down. Franklin continued.
“Allow me to present Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette.” Franklin smiled, looked at Lafayette, and added, “Did I get it correct?”
Lafayette returned his smile and said, “Well done, Monsieur Franklin.”
“For brevity’s sake, I shall refer to him as Lafayette, as per his preference. Lafayette has risen to the rank of Major General in the French military and is well-regarded by the King of France. He has traveled from France and wishes to aid in our fight for independence.”
There were murmurs throughout the hall. Franklin pointed his hand in my direction and continued.
“And this is Captain Peanut Butter, the pirate.”
The murmurs turned to ruckus.
“Hear me out,” Franklin said. “He also wishes to aid in the fight for independence and desires to make The United States of America his new home. He has a ship and crew, and as you know, we are sorely lacking in naval capability.”
“Mr. Franklin,” A man spoke.
“Yes, Mr. Adams,” Franklin replied.
“Why would a Frenchman and pirate wish to aid our cause?”
“I think it best to let them respond to that question.” He looked at Lafayette and said, “The floor is yours.”
Lafayette paused and scanned the room.
“Gentlemen, I am a Frenchman, but my heart is fully committed to your cause. Your beliefs are my beliefs. Your desires are my desires. I believe that democracy is the future and that men should collectively determine their futures, not a King.”
Thomas Jefferson interrupted. “And yet you serve a King.”
“It is true. But I am here in direct disobedience of my King. That is how strongly I believe in your cause.”
John Hancock spoke. “Intriguing. It appears we have a fellow traitor in our midst.” Several of the delegates laughed. “An offer of service from a distinguished general is significant, but I am confident we would rather have the support of the King of France—especially men and ships.”
“That is my hope also. Once I have established myself in the Continental Army, I plan to return to France and convince the King to support our cause,” Lafayette replied.
“It is an unusual strategy. It could easily have the opposite effect.”
“As you know, the King has no love for the British. And if you allow me a small boast, he has great fondness for me. I am certain I can sway him to our cause.”
“Thank you, General. I should like to hear from Captain Peanut Butter now.”
With some apprehension, I began.
“Gentlemen, I am no honored member of any military. Nor a political man. I am—or was—a pirate. Circumstances led me to that choice. I have endeavored to only take a portion of what the empires take at will and to do it without shedding blood. I have no home. But I wish to make a home in The United States of America. I have brought my betrothed with me from Spain in the hope of settling here.
“I have no desire to serve as a naval officer in the Continental Navy, but my crew and I will raid British supply ships and turn their supplies into your supplies, crippling their war efforts. I assure you, I am very good at pirating, and it is a skill that can turn the tide in this war. In exchange for my service, I ask for land and citizenship in this new country for me and my crew.”
Before anyone could speak, Franklin said, “I have discussed these matters with both men in great detail. I am convinced of their commitment. I propose we discuss this further and consider their offers tomorrow, for I have developed a persistent hunger and wish to alleviate it soon.”
“As ever, Mr Franklin brings common sense to the proceedings,” John Hancock said. “Let us adjourn for the day.”
We returned to Franklin’s home.
“How did it go?” Mrs. Franklin asked as soon as we entered the house.
“As we have all returned in one piece, I believe it went well. It was an introduction of sorts. We have given them much to discuss and we shall address the details on the morrow, but I am confident they shall see the sense in it,” Franklin replied.
Ana looked relieved and hugged me.
“Enough talk. Let’s eat,” Franklin said.
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I welcome your thoughts, questions, suggestions, corrections, etc. Thank you.
Mark
I love seeing our history through the eyes of Pirate-Captain Peanut Butter. I knew those revolutionaries were young-- ( I believe Hamilton was only about 34 when he was secretary of the treasury) but had no idea Lafayette was only 19! We need more committed 19 year olds today! If we could just drag them away from their video games...
Love it. Have you seen the new Franklin series starring Michael Douglas. I think it's very well done, starting from the fact that big chunks of dialogue are in French.