xymnovel Chapter 140 Royal Charter
Chapter 140 Royal Charter
Chapter 140 Royal Charter (Happy Chinese New Year everyone!)
At noon on January 1764, 11.
The sky was azure, without a single cloud.
After a 47-day voyage, the HMS Wells, HMS Bear, and HMS Iris finally arrived at Boston's Long Pier.
Wharf).
As the capital of the Massachusetts colony with a permanent population of about 20,000, and also one of the bases of the British Royal Navy's Atlantic Fleet, Chen Wenbin and his companions could easily see the six frigates and one three-tiered battleship moored not far away.
On the deck of the Iris, a middle-aged customs officer in a blue uniform saw Chen Wenbin looking at the warship and proudly introduced it: "—Your Excellency, that is the battleship Augusta! A brand new ship that just arrived from the mainland! She's beautiful, isn't she?"
Perfect for deterring lawless smugglers and rebellious North Americans!
Before Chen Wenbin could speak, John Adams coldly said, "Mr. Woodward! I must remind you, His Excellency the Governor is also a North American!"
The people of North America are also British, and we have the right to protest against London's unjust policies!
The middle-aged customs officer glanced at Chen Wenbin, saw that he was expressionless, and did not want to offend him, so he shrugged and said: "———— Yes, sir, you do have the right to express your dissatisfaction, but that does not change anything."
It is a fact that North America was a British colony, which is why His Majesty the King sent an official like His Excellency the Governor-General to North America to restore order.
'
"—This is Mr. Woodward."
Chen Wenbin finally spoke. He looked at the other person and said calmly, "I must clarify a fact. I am indeed the governor of the Mississippi Territory appointed by the King, but I am also a North American and recognize that the people of North America have all the rights that British subjects should have."
We shouldn't escalate the conflict between London and North America; it won't benefit anyone!
Woodward was unconvinced, but due to Chen Wenbin's position, he could only awkwardly say "You're right" before disembarking and leaving with his two men.
They didn't have much to investigate. Although Chen Wenbin was the governor of the Mississippi Territory, which wasn't a particularly prestigious position, he was still one of the highest-ranking British officials in North America and was said to be a close confidant of the King. If they really searched him thoroughly, it would be a blatant slap in the face. If Governor Chen got angry, even the commissioner of the Boston Customs couldn't protect them.
After they left, Chen Wenbin patted John Adams on the shoulder. "John, calm down. Anger won't solve anything!"
He then looked at John Morris, David Jones, and the others, whose expressions varied, and reminded them, "Gentlemen, we have arrived in North America. It's somewhat different from England, so please remain calm and remember, we have more important work to do!"
The group looked at each other and nodded in agreement.
That afternoon, the whole of Boston was in an uproar when they learned that the famous Dr. Robin Chen had returned from Europe after a year's absence, and had become a Fellow of the Royal Society and a baron, and had even been appointed Governor of the Western Territory by the King of England!
This is not an exaggeration, but a true description.
Before 1 p.m., the Thompson Hotel, where Lord Chen was temporarily staying, was packed with people!
The rich and gentlemen wanted to befriend this miracle doctor and governor, while ordinary people regarded Robin Chen as a "people's hero" like Franklin, a legend who rose to fame through stories they heard.
Chen Wenbin understood this public mentality, knowing that they just wanted to share a bit of glory to make their impoverished lives less boring. Therefore, he cooperated by maintaining a humble attitude and did not put on any airs of a governor. Instead, he specifically chose ordinary people to chat with in a friendly manner in the lobby on the first floor of the hotel.
He also had an artist paint a picture on the spot to record the moment, satisfying their psychological needs.
Humans, once you master the tricks, are actually as easy to manipulate as horses and cows. A skilled person can even make some indecisive people die for you with just a few words!
The charade only ended when Massachusetts Colony Vice Governor Thomas Hutchinson and Congressman Colonel John Quincy personally arrived at the hotel with soldiers to maintain order.
In the living room of the most luxurious suite at the Thompson Hotel, only two governors and an old colonel were sitting on the sofa; everyone else had been asked to leave.
"—Mr. Robin, welcome back to North America. I think you are the most legendary person I have ever met in my life!"
The deputy governor, Hutchinson, who was in his early fifties, was wearing a white wig and dressed appropriately. He looked at Chen Wenbin, who was not wearing a wig, with envy and emotion in his eyes.
His family were gentlemen and wealthy merchants in Boston. He had worked hard for more than thirty years to become the vice governor of the colony, while this young man in front of him had gained the trust of the royal family in one step and also became the governor. If he weren't old, he would probably be mad with jealousy by now!
"Your Excellency Hutchinson."
Chen Wenbin nodded politely, then picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and smiled, saying, "Massachusetts Bay is the most important colony in North America, with a population of 28 and 186 towns. As the deputy governor, your every word and action can determine the fate of these 28 people."
As for me, I only held the title of governor, with only a few towns and rebellious Native American tribes in the Mississippi and Ohio territories—oh, and some French-speaking fellows.
Hutchinson and Colonel John Quincy both smiled upon hearing this—as long as you mock the French, you'll most likely win the favor of the British.
Colonel Quincy shook his head slightly and took over the conversation with a smile: "My dear Robin, you are not a figurehead governor!"
"I heard from Abigail that you're already a millionaire with a net worth of at least two hundred thousand pounds, and your Southern Development Company has sent a lot of people and supplies to Pennsylvania this year; you're clearly planning something big!"
"There's nothing I can do!"
Chen Wenbin helplessly spread his hands and said, "As I just said, the western territory is only inhabited by Native Americans and Frenchmen. There are too few immigrants. The king also wants me to open cotton plantations in Mississippi as soon as possible, so I have no choice but to recruit immigrants myself to build towns."
"Your Excellency Governor, Colonel, could you please help us spread the word in all the towns and cities of Massachusetts? My Southern Development Company is desperately short of manpower. For just five shillings, I can allocate one acre of western wasteland to any immigrant, regardless of gender. Anyone who signs up gets it!"
Governor Hutchinson frowned upon hearing this: "Robin, do you know the contents of the Royal Lands Notice of 1763?"
No one in the North American colonies is permitted to travel west without the permission of the Crown!
Chen Wenbin feigned surprise and said, "But the Southern Development Company has a royal license! The King is a shareholder of this company, so can't I recruit immigrants in Massachusetts?"