The Continental Congress Reconvenes
Captain Peanut Butter • Chapter 25
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In the previous chapter, Britpop, Andelbert, and Maria returned to La Havre. Britpop told Elise about the King and Queen’s offer to host their wedding. To which Elise declined.
This chapter returns the tale to Philadelphia, where Captain Peanut Butter and Lafayette are staying with Benjamin Franklin and have met with the Continental Congress.
Captain Peanut Butter will continue the tale of his meetings with the Continental Congress.
We returned to Independence Hall the following day to meet with the Continental Congress again. The scene was the same as it had been the previous day. Men were milling about, engaged in various discussions, some heated, some humorous, based on the laughter.
As we entered the hall, the conversations ceased, and Mr. Franklin said, “Gentlemen, Lafayette, and Captain Peanut Butter have returned to present their offers of service and the terms of that service.”
“We are eager to hear them, Gentlemen. Please proceed,” John Hancock said.
I gestured to Lafayette that he should go first.
“Distinguished members of Congress, I ask nothing more than to be enlisted as an officer in the Continental Army and allow me to prove my worth in battle. Afterward, I will sail back to France and persuade the King to send ships and troops.”
“We are sending Mr. Franklin to Paris for this very purpose,” Hancock said.
“I am aware. Consider this. With both of us using our notable powers of persuasion, how can the King resist?”
“I wish I shared your confidence,” Hancock replied. Then he turned to me. “Tell us your offer and terms, Captain.”
“My ship and crew will sail as a naval ship in the Continental Navy and raid British supply ships. After we have captured three ships, we will take a week off. Then, we will sail again until we capture three more ships. My crew will take one-tenth of the cargo value in gold for each ship captured. We will continue this pattern for one year. Then, I will retire. The lads can continue if they want to.
“In addition to the gold for our service, you will grant my entire crew pardons for any pirate activity in the past and 100 acres of farmland each. You will also make us citizens of the United States of America.”
“Thank you, Captain Peanut Butter and Lafayette, Hancock said. “You have given us much to discuss. I suggest you retire to Mr. Franklin’s home while we discuss your offers. I will send someone to fetch you when our debate is concluded.”
Three of us thanked the Congress for their time and returned to Franklin’s house.
Immediately upon entering Franklin’s house, Mrs. Franklin said, “Well?”
“Well, my Dear,” Franklin replied. “Congress is discussing the matter. I suggest we put the time to good use and have lunch.”
“For a man with so many interests, food obviously holds your greatest attraction.”
“I admit, it is true. And it has served me well, for nothing has brought me more delight.”
Mrs. Franklin swatted his arm and walked toward the kitchen. Franklin gave me a mischievous smile.
After lunch, Ana and I went for a walk to have some time alone.
“I have decided to accept Mrs. Franklin’s offer to stay with her. At least while you are at sea,” Ana said.
“I think that is wise. I would not like to think of you alone in a strange city.”
“Do you think Congress will give you what you asked for?”
“I do. If Mr. Franklin is correct, Congress is desperate for ships, and I have one of the finest. And a fine crew.”
“But they are not naval men.”
“No, but we will not be engaging in any battles. Only capturing supply ships, which are nothing more than merchant vessels, which we raid all the time.”
“I still don’t like it.”
“Nor do I. But I believe it is the best course of action for all of us. If Congress agrees, in one year we will be citizens of the United States, have 100 acres to farm, and enough gold to live on even without farming.”
“I hope you are right.”
When Ana and I returned to Franklin’s house, Lafayette said, “Congress is ready for us.”
“So quickly?” I replied.
“Yes. Which bodes well for your cause,” Franklin said. “If there were much opposition, they would drag it out interminably. Let us not keep them waiting.”
We quickly returned to Independence Hall.
“Mr. Hancock. What is your decision?” Franklin asked.
“Lafayette, we accept your offer to join the Continental Congress and grant you the commission of Major General. You will serve on George Washington’s staff,” Hancock said.
“You have my deepest gratitude. I am eager to serve,” Lafayette said.
Hancock turned his attention to me.
“Captain Peanut Butter, we agreed to your terms to act as a privateer for the United States of America.”
“You misunderstood. I will not sail as a privateer. Only as a naval officer of the Continental Navy, but under my own command.”
“Sir, what you described in your proposal is a privateer. If you wish to label it something else to appease your conscience, we care not. We need ships and Captains, and will draw up a letter of commission. You may oversee the title wording.”
“I am grateful, Sir. And will begin as soon as the letters are complete.”
“Very well. You may return to Mr. Franklin’s home. Lafayette, a soldier will meet you there and accompany you to General Washington. Captain Peanut Butter, a lawyer will arrive with letters of commission for your entire crew. Our business is concluded. Good day, Gentlemen. May God bless your endeavors.”
I had hoped to stop sailing once I reached the Americas, but destiny is fickle. I have another year of sailing to complete. I can only hope we survive it.
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I welcome your thoughts, questions, suggestions, corrections, etc. Thank you.
Mark
👍🏻👍🏻🩷 Peanutbutter and Lafayette -- what a team!