Chapter 57: Chapter 55: The Society’s First Meeting

Philadelphia, United States of America
December 12th, 1776

"And I've sunk your First Rate!" Madison cried as he folded his arms triumphantly.

Jefferson gave the man an amused smile as he looked at his pieces, “Why yes, it seems like you have.”

The Watchmen Society was gathered at Benjamin Franklin’s residence, which was located within the city of Philadelphia. Normally, the Society met within the Pennsylvania State House. However, today, they were gathered in Franklin’s home for a private meeting and to avoid other delegates and prying eyes. Sarah Bache, Franklin’s daughter, was away dealing with family matters so the house was open for the three dozen delegates to meet together.

While some of the members were waiting for the “leader” of the Society to show up, they enjoyed a few of the board games” that General Kim shared with them previously. The results were... interesting.

“Still playing “Naval Clash (aka Battleship)?” Washington asked as he glanced at the two Virginians with wooden boards in front of them.

“It’s an interesting game, with the right amount of deception and strategy to make it enjoyable,” Jefferson replied as he turned back to his own board, “B7.”

“Miss,” Madison replied immediately.

Washington chuckled as Jefferson let out a small groan and marked the miss on his board, “Personally, I find the game “Risk” fairly entertaining, but I assumed that you would be reading instead of playing a game, Thomas.”

“I’ve read anything and everything the General has provided me with. Even that book, The Art of War. However, even I enjoy occasional forms of entertainment.”

“Then you’ll most likely enjoy the “movie” that General Kim will show the rest of the group today. I believe it was called “Glory,” a movie about Negros fighting in the Civil War of the “other history.”

“Quite. And the movie will hopefully prove that we were right to abolish slavery early on,” Jefferson replied as he moved another marker onto his Second Rate, which was on the verge of sinking, “I have yet to see his marvelous “computer” personally and I’m fairly excited to see what it entails.”

Just moments later, a figure entered the house and greeted all its occupants, “I apologize for running late, but the trip from New York took longer than I expected.”

“Welcome back to Philadelphia, Samuel,” Washington greeted the man warmly.”

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“Thank you... Er, George. Now we can get started with the meeting.”

This meeting was the first meeting that had General Kim as its head, as Jefferson was usually the leader in his absence. There were a few figures missing from previous meetings, such as John Adams, who was sent to Amsterdam to meet with British representatives to end the war, and Franklin, who was still in Paris. However, the meeting went smoothly despite the awkwardness General Kim felt “leading” many of the Founding Fathers and other prominent figures and the absence of a few notable members.

“Mr. Pelissier, I have heard that you achieved success in regards to your development of steel and tools?”

“Yes. The Bessemer Process is proving to be a success and I believe that it will allow the United States to have a head-start on Britain’s own steel industry. There is still a great amount of work needed to be done to refine the process, but it’s coming along. As for the tools... my ironworks have managed to produce a few hundred iron plows. Though, we have also managed to develop several steel plows. I have sold them to several of the farmers in Quebec and found great success. The iron ones are more fragile than the steel ones, but they are still able to break the soil for planting. The grain cradle and cotton gin will need to wait for the next harvesting season, but they are ready. I’ve already contacted other ironworks and craftsmen in the New England colonies to spread the idea.”

“That’s fantastic news,” General Kim nodded to the Quebecois respectfully, “And updates on weaponry?”

“With the success of the Enterprise, I have been approached by several members of the Navy and Army to produce rifled cannons and rifled muskets. They will take time, but we are developing better machinery and methods for rifled weapons.”

“If you need any resources for your ironworks, I can provide funding to help the process along.”

“That won’t be necessary. My finances are stable for the time being. And once production increases, I will be making a significant profit.”

“Well, that certainly sounds positive. How is the ratification for the Constitution coming along, Mr. Jefferson?”

“There is still controversy surrounding it, as it is radically different than your history’s own Constitution,” Jefferson answered, “However, I can answer confidently than Virginia will ratify it once the state legislatures assemble and debate about it. Even Henry is onboard with the idea. As for the other colonies, the struggle will be a bit more difficult. Rhode Island will most likely object to it, though the guarantees made by our proposed Bill of Rights will help the matter. Pennsylvania will debate on ratification within a week and the vote can swing either way. South Carolina will most likely ratify, as the Loyalists there have been flushed out and slavery has been decimated in the state. And the list goes on. The biggest problem is that the Constitution makes the government fairly powerful, but most of the delegates are thankfully supportive of it due to their awareness of the “other history’s Articles of Confederation and such. Even so, they will need to convince the people of their colonies that this is the right choice forward.”

“I have my own plans to help broaden support for the Constitution, but perhaps establishing this world’s version of the Federalists Papers may help strengthen the case for the Constitution?”

“I will see what I can do,” Jefferson responded sincerely.

And the meeting for America’s future continued...

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