A Country Divided

By Jay F. Downs

A country divided by the American Civil War is unaware that now an even greater danger exists: a country divided into thirds. The most powerful nations on earth -- England, France, and Spain -- plan a simultaneous attack on the United States from all four directions to reclaim the land in the New World that was once theirs.

On a cold January night in 1865, conspirators meet in a London pub to plot the fate of America. Three of them will be instrumental in carrying out the ambitious plan. British Major Josiah Sterling, as a special observer of the War, has access to top American military and government officials. Jeanetta Boudreaux, the widow of a fallen Confederate, has traveled from New Orleans to help her beloved South. Juan Carlos Ramirez holds a banking position of authority in California and the American West.

As the Divine Plan unfolds, love sprouts between Josiah and Jeanetta, fully blooming as the fateful day of invasion draws near. But love can be distracting. Will the conspirators successfully derail America's chance at reunifying the Union, or will personal emotions put them all at risk?

This historical novel is so intertwined with such a myriad of facts that one may wonder: is it indeed fiction -- or was it true?

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jun 4, 2013
• ISBN: 9781475988680

Jay F. Downs

Jay F. Down was born and raised in Arkansas. He taught mathematics in Arkansas, Texas, and Maryland. Downs and his wife have three children and live in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He is the author of Words From Within, a book of poetry, and also collaborated with his wife and daughter to create a children's book entitled The Flutterfly. A Country Divided is his first novel.

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Copyright © 2013 by Jay F. Downs.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Certain characters in this work are historical figures, and certain events portrayed did take place. However, this is a work of fiction. All of the other characters, names, and events as well as all places, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN: 978-1-4759-8867-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-8869-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-8868-0 (ebk)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013909363

iUniverse rev. date: 05/28/2013

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

This book is dedicated

to my wife, Jeanie,

with thanks for her

encouragement,

artwork, and

sacrifice of time.

Thanks also go to Sharon

for her helpful editorial suggestions.

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CHAPTER 1

H enry John Temple quickly closed the door behind him, the cold air and snow blowing through the opening like he was at the North Pole instead of the back room of a pub in London. But it was January 25 th , 1865, so what did he expect?

He quickly placed the satchel he was carrying on the table next to the one lamp in the room, which cast off shadows in the dark and dank room. Taking off his heavy coat and hanging it on a peg, he moved the four chairs that were around the table, placed them in front of the small fireplace in the room, put two pieces of wood on the fire, and looked around cautiously to make sure no one could see in anywhere, although there were no windows in the room. He also went to the door that went into the pub and listened to the boisterous crowd living it up on the other side, knocked twice very quietly, and when he heard two knocks back, he was satisfied his guard was on duty and no one could hear what was going to be said in this room. He then sat down and waited.

As Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, under direct orders from Her Majesty Queen Victoria, he thought about the mission he had been given and the consequences of what might come from the meeting this night. The history of the world might be changed with his daring plan! If only he could persuade these two men coming tonight! He had met Edouard Drouyn de Lhuys, Minister of Foreign Affairs for Emperor Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte III of France, and Antonio de Benavides, Foreign Minister of Queen Isabella II of Spain, twice before at state functions when the royal rulers had visited and entertained one another, and Antonio when he had been ambassador to London. Both seemed intelligent and ambitious, and he knew they would listen with great interest. Their countries had a lot to gain, their monarchs would receive a lot of glory and realized it by agreeing to this meeting, and therefore they, personally, would also benefit greatly.

He played back in his mind the brief history he would give as background. For France, he would begin with the joint venture between the French, Spanish, and British against Mexico begun in1861, that now had ended with a French invasion and the establishment of Emperor Maximilian of Mexico back in May of 1864. Even though the U.S. Congress officially opposed the monarchy with a resolution, there was little they could or would do about it at this time.

He would also bring up the Louisiana Purchase back in 1803, how France had given up so much of their claimed territory to the United States, and how a few of the old men would still remember the sale with bitterness. Being British and a diplomat, knowing what to say and what not to say given the circumstances, he would not mention the territories that were now in the Province of Canada, under British control, or how Napoleon had done it to increase the power of the United States to offset the power of England. Instead, he would make a point of how his nephew, now Emperor Napoleon III of France, longed for more territory and would forever be remembered and honored in his country if he could gain it back!

As for Spain, he would recall how the first Queen Isabella had sent Christopher Columbus on his voyages which had resulted in the founding of the New World, as they had called it, in the first place back in 1492, all the Spanish conquistadors like Coronado conquering and claiming lands across much of the southwest of the United States (not mentioning Ponce de Leon or Florida), and, after Balboa had discovered the Pacific Ocean and claimed the west coast of the New World for Spain in 1513, the Spanish priests had spread the Catholic faith throughout the California Pacific coast, up into Oregon and Washington (again leaving out the part in the Province of Canada), and eastward into the New Mexico and Arizona territories and beyond.

And now, Queen Isabella II would have the chance to regain the Province of California sold to Mexico in 1821, lost in war to the United States in 1848 and made a state in 1850, and all the other territories bought or claimed by the United States since then. She would be remembered as the Spanish Queen who had taken back all the territory granted to the first Queen Isabella!

And, as for England itself, many still remembered the War of 1812 and wished at that time that Great Britain had taken back the original thirteen colonies lost in the American Revolution. France and Britain had recently been allies in the successful Crimean War with Russia that had ended in 1856, and in 1859, Tsar Alexander II had offered to sell Alaska to both the United States and Great Britain, fearing the English expansion into the Colony of British Columbia would result in a takeover, Temple reasoned. Knowing that such a possibility strongly existed would definitely weigh upon the Tsar’s decision, he would now suggest to Her Majesty that she make that purchase of Alaska at a very reasonable cost, not only to prevent another costly war to take it and increase the territory of the Province of Canada, but also to prevent even more United States expansion. Hopefully all three countries could be allies again!

The back door swung open, and again a cannon blast of Arctic air and snow followed a man into the room and again ten seconds later when a second man also entered. Both were unrecognizable in their coats with the hoods drawn over their heads—which was what Temple had hoped for on such a night—but as they discarded their wraps he was pleased to see that, indeed, it was Monsieur de Lhuys and Don de Benavides.

Gentlemen, I appreciate you coming here in this veritable blizzard, but I assure you what you will take back to your Emperor and Queen, nodding slightly to each man in turn, will make it worthwhile.

They took off their wraps, hung them on pegs alongside Temple’s, and hurriedly began warming themselves by the fireplace while he handed each a glass he had poured from a bottle also on the table. After just a moment of input from each man about their health and such, Temple asked, And now, would you like to see why you were brought here tonight? With this, he went to the door that adjoined the pub and quietly knocked three times. The door swung open and three people began to enter the room, the first quietly saying The door is secure to Temple, acknowledging that another person was on guard still to ensure that no one would disturb them or see or hear what was going to be done in the back room.

The first man was tall and very sturdy, even with his outer coat slung over his arm. The second was of average height and build, but looked comparatively small next to the first man. The third person was smaller still while even wearing a hat and coat.

Temple began the introductions, first with the two important emissaries from France and Spain, and then he preceded the introductions of the three with These three people have been in contact with me for several years now. They have been and will be invaluable assets to us and our plan.

First, indicating the large man who had told him the room was secure when he entered, may I introduce Major Josiah Sterling of the British Royal Marines, a special person attached to Her Majesty’s Envoy in the Legation to the United States as an observer of their War of Secession, what they call their Civil War. He has had access to their top military, government, and business personnel at social gatherings and more. If you will excuse the pun, he has jolly well been sterling in his assignment, as he remembers almost anything he sees or reads. His observations and assessments will continue to be very valuable to us. Sterling stepped forward and shook the hand of each of the foreign diplomats, taking note of the two men, as was his fashion and training: Antonio de Benavides was mostly bald, with a mustache and slight growth below his lips, and Edouard de Lhuys very stately looking with gray hair and big sideburns, the ice imbedded in them now dripping like a leaky faucet. Temple, he said, as he also shook his hand, stating only the last name as a military man is prone to do. He then stepped back to where he was standing.

Next, Temple continued, this is Senor Juan Carlos Ramirez, as the second man nodded. He lives in San Francisco, California, and is a very successful and respected banker, having profited from the Gold Rush in that area since 1848, and is now also financing miners that have been heading to Nevada the last few years for silver. He is in a perfect position to know what is going on out west—and therefore is perfect for us as well. Ramirez bowed graciously to both of the two men, and said, Thank you, Lord Palmerston to Temple, his royal title whether he was the Prime Minister or not.

El nombre de la familia Rameriz se siente honrada en Espana—the Ramirez family name is greatly honored in Spain, acknowledged de Benavides, and I look forward to our association as well.

As do I, replied Ramirez, both men bowing again to each other.

Almost chuckling to himself, Temple announced, And finally—forgive me for saving this one as a special surprise—may I introduce Madame Jeanetta Boudreaux from New Orleans, Louisiana. At this, she took off her hat and scarf to reveal her face. Her coal-black hair was pinned up on her head so as to fit under the hat, her skin looked lightly tanned against the white of the snow on her coat, although her cheeks were flushed and pink from the cold, and her eyes were as dark as her hair. The surprise first at her being a female and then her looks actually caused all four other men to draw in their breaths.

Edouard Drouyn de Lhuys was the first to compose himself, and he quickly came forward, reached for her hand as she extended it, and kissed it. Enchante—c’est my grand plaisir de vous rencontrer—it is my great pleasure to meet you, Madame Jeanetta—saying it as the French would, emphasizing the ‘t’s, making it sound romantic and beautiful—and if I may be of any service to you, please do not hesitate to call upon me. Madame means ‘my lady’ in French, Jeanetta means ‘little Jean’, and Jeanette ‘God is gracious’, as he turned his head to explain to the men in the room, then turned back to face her, and all are certainly aware that God has been gracious to you, beautiful little lady. Then, remembering where he was and for what purpose—and perhaps his age—he resumed his place at Temple’s left side.

Enjoying the impulsive reaction from Edouard over his surprise for just a moment, himself known for being a lady’s man, Temple nevertheless continued with the introduction and business at hand. I met her and her charming mother and family about six years ago now. Her mother was born in France, Edouard. Jeanetta grew up on a one thousand acre sugar cane plantation near New Orleans. She has traveled extensively to the other major cities in the South—Atlanta, Mobile, Savannah, Charleston, Richmond, and the like, as well as here to London—and, like Major Sterling in the North and Senor Ramirez in the West, she has made important connections throughout the entire South that now give her vital access to information concerning the Confederacy. Being an old friend of Confederate General P.G. T. Beauregard and having a pass from him has helped her in her travels also.

Oh, remembering something he had failed to say, unfortunately, Madame Boudreaux lost her husband in the Civil War a few months after they were married. He was defending the port of New Orleans when the Union gunboats and soldiers took the city in 1862, even though there was no battle in the city itself and it was spared destruction as has happened elsewhere since. Also, in case none of you ever heard of the Federal Commander who took over and declared martial law in New Orleans at that time, General Butler’s General Order # 28 in May that any woman who insults or shows contempt to a Federal officer shall be regarded and treated as a woman of the town plying her avocation actually came about because of a rebuff to him from our own little Jeanetta. It caused such a furor in both England and France that he was removed from office there in December. So she is definitely a woman of action, can help us greatly at this time with her freedom of travel and influence, and I welcome her wholeheartedly to our mission.

Thank you, Pam, she said sincerely, using the popular name Temple was also called by friends and admirers.

May I express my regrets upon the passing of your husband? Antonio asked sympathetically.

Thank you, sir. I am but one of many who has suffered loss over these past four years. Oh, and I also was able to travel to the major cities in the North before the War began, so I am at least familiar with them also. And to London and Paris a couple of times, but I never made it to Spain, nodding apologetically to Antonio, nor to San Francisco, acknowledging Juan Carlos.

It will be my pleasure to have you visit Spain any time, Antonio said hopefully.

And San Francisco. I understand you have cypress trees in your bayous, but have you ever seen the Giant Sequoias and redwoods in California? Some are so huge, I swear a carriage could pass through the trunk.

I would love to see them sometime! exclaimed Jeanetta. The trees in the bayous and along the roads with Spanish moss hanging all over them are some of my favorite things. Our plantation had… Her voice trailed off sadly, her mind in a memory of a time now to be no more.

Major Sterling broke the silence. Excuse me, but you don’t sound like a Southerner.

Jeanetta quickly recovered. Why, suh, whatever do you mean? I would just love y’all to come visit me anytime, ya heah? Her voice sounded as sweet and thick with a Southern accent as if spreading homemade jam on a piece of bread. She even brought her scarf up to her face as if a fan, slightly lowered her head, and looked up at him through her long eyelashes.

The men looked at her amazed again, and Sterling actually laughed aloud.

It seems that another of her abilities, Temple added, is that she can speak so precisely and neutrally that she can sound like the people wherever she is—from a Southern accent to French to a British accent.

Even Bostonian? challenged Sterling.

Well, I’m not sure I have that proper language down yet, Jeanetta admitted. I’ve not quite heard enough of it to be able to mimic it well. And I’m not sure I will need it, but one can never tell. Union officers are from everywhere. Still, it was said in enough of a Boston accent that Sterling nodded in admiration.

Antonio interrupted the moment. May I ask how these three were… recruited, shall we say?

By Jove, of course you need to know that. Major Sterling—Captain Sterling then—was an aide-de-camp to a general after the Crimean War and was in Queen Victoria’s company when I first met him. He was highly recommended when I inquired about a person who could be a British observer to the United States when their Civil War began. He was well received by President Lincoln and all he has met there, as they want to keep the United Kingdom out of their war. He seems to me to be certainly well suited for the mission I gave him. I have not been disappointed one time in the information and insight he has given me now for almost four years.

Senor Ramirez has been in banking for many years, and I met him when he came to London to meet with bankers with the unique idea of actually forming an International Bank—one that would provide accounts, loans, and aid to countries around the world, as a regular bank does to customers in its own community. Extraordinary. I’m not sure the world is ready for that yet, but it’s quite an idea. Anyway, I met with him and sensed he was dissatisfied with his way of life—although quite successful—and that he was wanting an even higher, better way of life for himself. In communicating with him now for a few years, I felt he was the one we needed to aid in making the Divine Plan a reality in that part of the country—with his capability and access to the entire area as President of the Bankers Association there.

I first met Madame Boudreaux in 1859 when she was a young American lady visiting Europe with her family for culture, I suppose. We met at a social event, and I was taken by her intelligence and forward-thinking ideas. Then, when she came back alone to London in May of 1862 fiercely anti-Union, we talked and she agreed to aid me any way she could to give me helpful information on troops and arms, although I had not informed her why I wanted it at that time. She also has been very successful in giving me the information I desired of her from all over the South, as well as patient in not asking the true reason for it. I told her in our last correspondence that it was important for her to come be in on a great plan, and she is here.

After nods and voices of approval from the two dignitaries accepting each of these three into the alliance, Temple spread his arms to take them all in and inquired, And now, since none of you know the entire picture, shall we get to why we are here? He motioned for all of them to come around the table, while he stood at one end. He cleared the table of everything but the lamp, took a large folded piece of paper from his satchel, unfolded it and spread the paper out on the table, showing a large map of the United States. See? As President Lincoln himself said in 1858, ‘A house divided against itself cannot stand’, divided they can… , he paused, then, with emphasis, even pounding his fist on the table, loudly said, WILL fall!

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CHAPTER 2

T HIS is the Divine Plan—one destined by God, as well as the manifest destiny of each of OUR countries, NOT that of the United States. What you see before you is a map of the thirty-six states and territories combined of the United States of America and the Confederate States of America, land stretching all the way from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. Bit by bit they have gotten all of this land—all of it claimed at one time or another by France, Spain, or Britain. It is now time to reclaim it for our countries—our mission is to help fulfill the Divine Plan!

After recounting his rehearsed French history he had gone over while waiting, Temple continued, You also see these two lines roughly dividing the entire country into thirds. This basically indicates the Louisiana Purchase, plus some more territory I’ve added both eastward and westward. Edouard, indicate to Emperor Napoleon that he will not only have his Louisiana Territory back, but more as well. Champlain began a New France in Quebec City in 1608, but now in 1865 a ‘New France’ will encompass a third of this entire land, with St. Louis possibly the capital city. Some people in the very northern and southern part of this area already speak French, which is convenient.

Also going over Spain’s history in the New World, he then added, Antonio, the Spanish claimed and built on most of the Western part of the United States, and so all of this land to the left of the Louisiana Purchase will be Queen Isabella’s, which we’ll call ‘New Spain’ for now. The first New Spain consisted of the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Southwest part of the United States, so it will be much of that again. And, likewise, many in the Southwest and far West—from Texas to California—already speak Spanish, so that is helpful as well.

Of course, that leaves the Eastern part of the United States, to the right of the lines encompassing the Louisiana Purchase, to be ‘New England’, or perhaps, ‘New England of America’. And they, naturally, speak English.

With many cities up and down the East coast already conveniently named after British royalty from colonial days, added Sterling. But what about the capital? Will it remain what and where it is?

Temple took Sterling’s slight joshing easily and had an answer ready. The same location for the capital city may be used, but, obviously, the name ‘Washington’ will have to be changed. It will probably become ‘Victoria’. As you see on the map, I’ve made the dividing lines straight for you to get the idea. Perhaps later our monarchs will have the three of us meet again to set up the official boundaries of the three countries—probably pretty much along the borders between the states and territories they have now, along rivers and such.

He looked up at the five crowded around the table, all serious now and intently looking at the map. He saw disbelief, hope, uncertainty, and questioning on their faces. He stepped back, and almost matter-of-factly, as a teacher might his students, asked, Any other questions?

Unbelievable! exclaimed Edouard. Normally, it is ‘To the victor belongs the spoils’, but your plan is to let them devastate and deplete each other, and when they are finished, for US to step in and claim the spoils! That’s brilliant!

An absolutely incredible idea! Antonio added, then asked, You mentioned the United States, but what of the Confederate States and all the different territories?

First, the United States is a very young country that doesn’t know its strength yet. I’m sure it will continue expanding until it controls all of the land from the Atlantic to the Pacific. But now they are in a great turmoil with much undiscovered territory, the perfect time for us to act before they do realize what they could be.

As for the Confederate States and territories, that is where our three partners from the New World come in. They can inform us of the situation in each different area, let us know exactly what needs to be done where, and keep us abreast of any developments. I will be kept informed by Major Sterling, as they will communicate with him. If Juan Carlos needs to communicate with you, Antonio, or Jeanetta with Edouard, then he will send me the messages and I will get them to you immediately.

I’m sure you are now aware that the telegraph line has now been completed from coast to coast, Temple continued, and you can send messages to one another in minutes. Unfortunately, the work on a transatlantic cable across the Atlantic Ocean, which first worked in 1858 but failed after only three weeks, has yet to be completed, so Sterling and I will send messages by mail, taking a week by ship. And, of course, I can communicate easily with Edouard or Antonio. He added, In any case, if we plan well enough at this time, perhaps not much communication will be necessary.

We can decide on some code words if need be—and I speak fluent Spanish as well, if that will help you also, Juan Carlos volunteered to Antonio.

And I can in French, added Jeanetta to Edouard.

Splendid! You can work that out between yourselves and keep me informed, so I will always know what is being said and exactly where we are in the working of our plan, Temple commented. Major Sterling, you are the person that I am depending on to keep all of this going smoothly.

You can count on me, sir, he replied.

Antonio interrupted, I regret that I need to ask two basic, but very important, questions at this time.

Go ahead, said Temple, agreeably.

First, in such a large area of the country where each of these is positioned, what can one person really do?

Never underestimate what one person with intelligence, ability, desire, and opportunity can do, answered Temple. It seems that all the great discoveries, inventions, or ideas have come from one person throughout history. One person can change the world.

If I may give another example, unusual perhaps, relating to the United States, added Juan Carlos. In California, Lincoln won all the electoral votes in the 1860 election, even though he beat Douglas by only 734 votes out of 120,000. One man in each town voting differently would have made a difference.

And he got not one electoral vote from the fifteen slave states. One man being elected President over another at that time certainly made a big difference, added Jeanetta. By the way, notice that he said ‘man’; I’m among those who are working for the right to vote for women as well, but that still seems far off, unfortunately. I believe that things would be much different if women were in charge of the government.

I’ll remember that, and mention that to Emperor Napoleon as well. He may be interested in seeing how you might run some city or territory—still under his overall rule, of course, Edouard contemplated.

All right, I admit that one person, well placed, may have great influence over the outcome of an event, and I trust that we have the right ones in place here. It does seem so, Antonio submitted. My second question may be even more important.

Yes? questioned Temple.

I understand that Major Sterling may just be deported if he is discovered in this plot, or Divine Plan, but Senor Ramirez and Madame Boudreaux would surely be shot for treason if caught.

He turned to face them. I assume both of you were born in the United States. One’s love for their country seems to be universal, no matter the conditions. And I especially find it surprising with you two, since it would seem from what I’ve heard and read that the United States has so much beauty, opportunity, and freedom to offer for all, and you individually seem to have prospered so. So I would like to ask each of you why you are willing to aid us in destroying your own country.

I will answer first, if you don’t mind, Juan Carlos said to Jeanetta, then faced the others. Yes, I was born there. My ancestors came to California, settled there, and my grandfather was given a Spanish land grant to a thousand-acre ranchero in 1800 by King Charles IV. He married the daughter of an Indian chief of the Wintu tribe near Sacramento, so I am of both Spanish and Indian blood. When Mexico took control of California, they also took the land from him—and my grandmother also. The Indians became unpaid laborers as servants in the pueblos or workers on their ranchos, as they called them, disease and abuse decreasing the population tremendously. When the United States won the war with Mexico and California came under its control, I thought things might be different. When gold was discovered and a huge influx of settlers and miners came, the Indian population was nearly exterminated by them and the U.S. Army. When California became a state in 1850, I actually went to the governor and showed him my family’s Spanish land grant with the hope that it would be honored. What a young, naïve fool I was at twenty! I was laughed at and rudely and roughly escorted from the room. I will never forget that! His anger still showed in his face.

And then, in 1851, eighteen different treaties were signed in California that reserved over eight million acres over the state for the Indian tribes there, but it was conveniently lost by the U.S. Senate, of all things! The settlers needed the land, the Indians continued to be slaughtered, and they were placed on land that was not fit to live on, much less try to make a living on!

Composing himself, he continued, If Spain once again rules California, and I have a hand in helping that come about, I would hope that injustice would be no more, my land grant at least would be honored, as well as possibly an important position with the government. He looked directly at Antonio as he uttered these last words, politely but also questionably and firmly, seeking a promise.

He was not disappointed. I assure you that your request will be made known to the Queen, and, as far as it is in my power to assist it being granted, it will be. And, knowing her, I know she will be more than grateful for your help and will want to reward you generously.

Not forgetting Jeanetta, Antonio now turned to her and asked, And you, Madame Boudreaux—why are you willing to commit treason to your native land?

If you don’t mind, sirs, would you simply address me as ‘Mrs.’, or even just Jeanetta? I would prefer that to ‘Madame’.

And me as ‘Mister’, added Juan Carlos, quickly.

Americans seem to prefer no titles for anyone—left over from the revolution, I assume, explained Temple. Even the President may often be referred to simply as Mister Lincoln.

I apologize, Jeanetta, Antonio said, as he again bowed. I meant no disrespect in any way.

I know, sir. No offense taken, as she began her explanation. I was born a French Creole in Louisiana, on the plantation Pam mentioned, ‘Maman’, a pet name I call my mother, was French, and so I learned all things French at the same time I learned all things Southern. I enjoyed a wonderful life both there and of travel until the War Between the States began, and then everything changed. From the Confederate States of America being one of the richest countries in the world and New Orleans one of the richest cities, the Yankees invaded our new country, the blockades began, New Orleans fell into their hands in 1862, and since then only more and more destruction, more and more misery and hunger across the entire South, until almost nothing is left now. I have seen what the Union soldiers will do if nobody stops them, and I know it will only be worse after the war is over.

She paused, some unspoken horror playing itself out in her mind, and then she spoke, her voice rising in volume and determination, I feel a New France can bring stability, equality, and civility back to us, as nothing else will at this point.

She looked Antonio in the eyes. It’s that simple.

Everyone was quiet for a minute, pretending to gaze at the map on the table. Then Edouard quietly said, Your French may also come in handy at times, Jeanetta. And, like Antonio, I will also try to do everything I can to see that you are amply rewarded for the remainder of your life and feel that my Emperor will make that a certainty.

Are there any other questions concerning any principals here before we get into the precise plans and preparation? asked Temple.

Yes. It was from Major Sterling. I assume Queen Victoria has given you her full assurance that she is behind you and your Divine Plan, Temple, but what of Emperor Napoleon and Queen Isabella? And you two gentlemen—are you convinced enough yourselves that it may work so as to also convince your monarchs?

I will reserve full judgment until I have heard more details, answered de Lhuys, but I assure you, I would not be here tonight unless Emperor Napoleon was fully interested in seeing if we can develop a plan that might bring this to pass. If I am convinced it can work, I feel certain I will have the full support of Napoleon.

I completely concur, added de Benavides. Those are my thoughts exactly, concerning Queen Isabella.

Temple proceeded to the next step. Then let’s get into the basic details and see if everyone agrees that it can work, with more details and modifications perhaps, as plans seem to need as things go along. We will try to think of every possibility and plan for it, so nothing can go wrong.

He pointed to the map, and they all gathered closer to it again. Basically, the plan is simple. British soldiers will enter the Province of Canada here at Quebec City by the St. Lawrence River, and at Toronto by Lake Ontario, pointing out places on the map. We should not need over a few thousand in this area. We will also be gathering ships and soldiers principally in Bermuda, here, but also Grand Cayman Island, here, and the Virgin Islands, here, again pointing these out. The weather should be good, and our ships, soldiers, and supplies should go completely unnoticed by the United States at these locations. Then, when the time is set, we will have them ready to dispatch to Apalachicola, Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico, around to Savannah, Georgia, Port Royal, South Carolina, Norfolk, Virginia, on up to Baltimore, making it by Fort McHenry this time, and up to New York and Boston harbor. A coordinated attack at all these points at once should be more than they can handle.

Meanwhile, he continued, French soldiers will also enter the Province of Canada at Quebec City and either travel by boat through Hudson’s River to the Forks or rail to Winnipeg, here, where the Red River will serve as a vital link to the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers and give you access, looking up at Edouard, to the entire region that will become New France. At the same time, French ships, soldiers, and supplies will also be massing at the Bahamas, with Britain’s permission, and at Cuba, with Spain’s permission. They will then be in prime position to reach New Orleans, Vicksburg, and Mobile, travel to almost any region by various rivers, until they reach St. Louis, where not only do the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers converge, but the French soldiers coming from the north and the south should meet also. This should secure the entire region from the sea to the Canadian border.

Also, Spanish soldiers would have landed in Galveston, Texas, from the Matamoros, Mexico port, with some having traveled to Ciudad Juarez for their invasion into Texas from these locations, and then they can travel westward and northward into some of the territories, also to connect then with those coming from the west. On the west coast, ships travel to Puerto de Guaymas in the Gulf of California, San Francisco, California, Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, in Washington Territory or New Westminster, British Columbia, if they needed to land there instead—so the entire southern and western borders can also be hit at the same time.

Juan Carlos interrupted. If I might make a suggestion… .

Yes?

San Francisco is good but the only place in California that does have forts and numbers of men protecting the harbor. San Diego to the south and Humboldt Bay to the north are excellent harbors with virtually no troops there—only a small garrison. Also, Stockton has waters that allow boats to travel eighty miles inland, so Spanish soldiers could spread out north and south from there and have flanking or rear positions in case of trouble anywhere, as well as easily joining those coming from the south.

A splendid idea, and exactly why we want someone well aware of the area and places where soldiers are stationed in each of the three vital parts of the country, exuded Temple. And, again, with coordinated attacks from the north, many points along the west coast, and the south, the entire region should be in Spanish hands almost before they know what is happening.

How many ships and soldiers do you think is necessary from each country for this to succeed? Major Sterling asked.

The different monarchs will decide, of course, but I think up to ten ships, more or less, full of soldiers to disembark at each port mentioned, plus those already in place at the land points, should be sufficient, answered Temple. Actually, the total number of soldiers needed may only number about thirty thousand from each country—a paltry amount. To doubly ensure success, they may want to provide double that.

Of course, he continued, there will also be a need for weapons and supplies, but the plan is to have the local areas provide most of the basics. We will immediately take over the armories upon arriving in each area that has one, so that we have all of the ammunition or other weapons we need—and they will not. We will also need to secure the telegraph offices so they will be unable to communicate what is going on to anyone else in other parts of the country.

Turning to Sterling, Juan Carlos, and Jeanetta, he added, The location of each armory, arsenal, fort, or arms manufacturer in your area will be one of the key items of information that you can provide us, of course, as soon as possible.

We can use code words in a telegram, ‘Traveling to… wherever they are. Hope to see you soon at the ‘ball, parade, port, and factory’, if you like, volunteered Juan Carlos. That may work without anyone thinking of a hidden meaning.

That’s a good idea in case we need it. We’ll have you write down all those you know of now before you leave tonight and others as you learn of them. Jeanetta, you will need to be sure to give that information to Josiah for both Eduoard and to me, as needed by either the French or the English, as your area locations include attacks by both.

What is a possible timeline for these coordinated attacks, so that everything may be in place in time but not too soon so as to arouse suspicion? Antonio asked.

That is a good question, and one I’m unable to answer at this moment. I think we should hear from each of these three about the conditions in their different regions before we can possibly plan a timeline. Perhaps we should have a seat in front of the fireplace to hear their summaries.

Josiah Sterling put several pieces of wood that were stacked in the corner of the room into the fire, and two of the men brought over a bench to join the chairs near the warmth.

Who would like to begin?

I will if I may, since I have knowledge that might most affect the timeline with which we’re concerned at this moment, answered Sterling.

Again, I’ve been privileged to be invited to parties and meetings and have been able to get acquainted with high ranking military officers, politicians, and businessmen—the cream of the crop, so to speak. From this vantage point, I’ve been assessing the situation as best I could. Here are my conclusions: First, the Union Navy has grown, but is still not at all capable of what we can bring to bear against it. They brought other ships into blockade duty, but actually they have only about 100 ships of different types that we would really have to worry about.

What about the new ironclads? Antonio asked.

It could be a little problem, admitted Sterling, but they are still very susceptible to sinking easily, and, remember, the French built the first ironclad in 1859 and the English moved to make all of their warships ironclads in 1861, so both the French and English have ironclads that can take care of their few.

I believe the Confederacy only had about 30 ships at their full strength, and it must be much less now, so that should not pose any problem for either French or English ships. Of course, right now, there are Union ships at all the Southern ports that must either be taken care of or already have left the harbor, Jeanetta contributed.

"Remember that, after the war, the blockade will be lifted, so almost all of the ships capable of battle will leave for some Northern port, leaving all of the