Chapter 819: Changing the Tune
Pitt leaned back in his chair, opened the shipbuilding plan, and asked, "How much will this cost?"
"Six hundred thousand pounds," Admiral Jervis replied immediately, clearly having done the calculations long beforehand. "That covers research and development of the new warships and the construction of the first twenty vessels."
Six hundred thousand pounds—around fifteen million francs—was relatively modest considering no existing design framework was in place.
After all, Joseph had spent over ten million francs building the first twenty-odd Lights of the Mediterranean frigates, and that was with a preexisting steam engine design.
Jervis glanced discreetly at the Prime Minister's face, dark as coal, and quickly added,
"A large part of this funding will go toward improving the steam engine. As you know, our engines prioritize stability and use standard-pressure systems. We'll need high-pressure modifications to achieve the power required for warships."
Pitt inhaled deeply, paused a few seconds, then nodded. "Very well. I'll submit the funding proposal to Parliament."
As Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer, he knew the state of Britain's treasury all too well.
With sugar trade profits gone and subsidies still needed to lower domestic prices, the war against France had nearly emptied the coffers.
Six hundred thousand pounds might not sound excessive—although future shipbuilding would require far more, pushing the total over a million—but even that sum weighed heavily on the British treasury.
Still, Pitt knew Britain had no choice but to reclaim control of the Mediterranean. Otherwise, losses in trade revenue would far exceed one million pounds.
More importantly, Britain could not allow France to monopolize the Mediterranean trade.
This wasn't simply an economic matter—it was also about political influence. France's growing sway along the Mediterranean coast threatened the European balance of power, something Britain could never tolerate.
So, even if it cost a million, two million, or three, Pitt would tighten his belt to find the funds.
After the Naval Minister left, the Duke of Portland turned to Pitt, voicing concern: "Mr. Pitt, with respect, such a vast shipbuilding program will place tremendous strain on the treasury."
Pitt nodded calmly. "I'm going to propose an income tax to Parliament."
Income tax could bring enormous revenue, but it alienated every British citizen. Though the idea had been raised before, it long failed to pass.
Now, Pitt would have to play that final card, even at the cost of his political future.
Birmingham.
Inside the Bolton & Watt Steam Engine Company office, the firm's three largest shareholders raised their glasses in celebration.
"A 150,000-pound order!" Bolton shook his head in disbelief. "Thank God—and thank our navy!"
Faulkner laughed aloud. "With that money, the company's troubles are over! Better than that—so long as the navy keeps building new ships, we'll be the wealthiest men in Britain!"
Six months prior, Faulkner had invested sixty thousand pounds for a 22% stake in the firm, only to see steady losses since—French engines had monopolized the European market, and even British mine owners were smuggling French models.
Fortunately, Watt had developed a new 27-horsepower model that preserved some low-end market demand, but losses persisted.
Just yesterday, a representative from the Royal Chatham Shipyard visited, requesting an engine producing more than fifty horsepower.
The research and supply contract was worth 150,000 pounds.
That sum equaled the company's entire asset base.
The two men turned to the company's chief engineer, James Watt. "Now, it's up to our great inventor!"
"Five months should be plenty for Mr. Watt, right?"
According to the contract, they had to deliver a stable high-pressure steam engine by March next year.
Watt stood frozen, saying nothing.
Bolton clapped him on the shoulder, laughing. "Come, tell us you've already got it figured out."
"Well..." Watt hid behind his wineglass, mumbling, "I'll… do my best."
He had always favored standard-pressure engines, and his knowledge of high-pressure systems was minimal. Truthfully, he had no plan at all.
After the brief celebration, Faulkner led Bolton downstairs, lowering his voice. "My old friend, if Mr. Watt fails to deliver on time…"
Bolton immediately shook his head. "No, I trust him. He's never let me down."
"This is a naval contract," Faulkner said coldly. "If he fails, we won't just go bankrupt—we could face prison.
"Between us, I've never seen him touch anything involving high-pressure mechanics."
Bolton froze.
He knew Watt had no real experience with high-pressure engines, and if Faulkner was right, they could indeed be ruined.
Faulkner pressed on, "That Sandel gentleman you mentioned before—the senior engineer at the French United Steam Company…"
Bolton sighed. "I've tried to recruit him, but he never even replied."
Unknown to him, though Sandel held only 3.5% of company stock, the United Steam Company's massive sales brought him dividends and patent royalties making him even wealthier than Bolton himself.
Trying to buy off a man richer than himself, asking him to abandon a thriving French enterprise to "suffer" back in Britain, was a ridiculous fantasy.
Faulkner spread his fingers and said gravely, "Then offer him more. Enough to make it irresistible. At the very least, buy his high-pressure engine technology. You must go back to France and try again."
Bolton reluctantly nodded. "Fine, I'll book passage immediately."
Brussels.
In an elegant southern villa, Talleyrand was briefing the Crown Prince on the results of his Italian diplomacy:
"Besides Genoa reaffirming neutrality, Parma, Modena, Lucca, and even the Two Sicilies have expressed interest in abandoning their neutral status to strengthen trade and diplomatic ties with us…"
Joseph was taken aback.
It was normal for small states like Parma and Modena to lean toward France—after Napoleon's forces crushed Melas, they had no choice.
But the Two Sicilies? That was the largest state on the Italian Peninsula. Though its king was of Spanish descent, the kingdom had long favored Austria while maintaining balance among Europe's great powers.
And now, even they had changed course?
(END CHAPTER)
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