[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

when the servants are listening. And that gossip is for sale to the lowest
kind of newspaper and then, perhaps, to some spy. The Brigadier here suggested
that this village,whatchmacallit , be our port from the very beginning." The
Brigadier wilted under the chill majestic glare. "But in the orders Vera Cruz
was always given as our goal, to be used to divert attention from the real
port. I approved this myself. The real destination was known only to a few
people. This distraction worked so well that it came about, rather naturally,
to continue the ruse in the orders to the convoy. All of the ships had orders
to meet at a certain rendezvous. They believed it to be the correct one. We
are sure that Yankee spies had a chance to look at a number of copies of these
orders. Perhaps the naval ships kept their orders under close guard, but the
merchantmen undoubtedly did no such thing. Then, just before they sailed, each
captain was given sealed orders that were not to be opened until after they
were well at sea. Only when they were completely out of touch with the land
were the secret orders opened."
"Aruse de guerre that was responsible for saving many British lives,
ma'am,"Palmerston said. "I was only informed myself after the fleet had
sailed." Which was not true, but to politicians the truth was just a tool to
Page 68
ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html
be manipulated at will.
"It was a great victory in the war to punish those who brought about the
death of your consort," the Duke said in a brazen attempt at misdirection.
Never too bright, and easily distracted,Victoria took the bait.
"Yes, and what of that war? What of your promises?"
"Soon to be carried out. The landings have been made, the port defended, the
invasion planned. The Yankees completely taken in by our ruse. Be assured, the
entire country is behind you in this. Albert's memory will be defended and the
wicked punished. The wrath of the Empire shall strike them down."
"How?"Victoria asked. Still not sure what had happened and confused by all
the orders and changed orders. "How will we strike the enemy down?"
"We shall invade them in their softundertummy of the Gulf coast. The armies
of the Empire are gathering inMexico . They will march unharmed from coast to
coast. The merchant ships that brought the guns toMexico are waiting, now safe
under the muzzles of those same guns, to board the troops for the invasion.
When our ships of the line arrive they will stand guard over the troop ships.
Guide them safely to the American coast. A single, irresistible attack will
drive the enemy back and open the way toWashingtonCity . Soon after that we
will haveLincoln in chains andAmerica once more part of the Empire. Albert
will be avenged!"
A NATION AT BAY
TheUnited States was being engaged by the British on so many fronts, both on
land and at sea, that consultation at the very top level was constantly
needed. After a number of heated discussions between the army and the navy
over priorities, it was decided that the army, in numbers alone, was the
Senior Service, therefore the discussions would take place in the War
Department. Building modifications were made, quite close to Room 313, and
daily conferences were now held in this newly opened War Room. It was guarded
by armed soldiers right around the clock, since the files inside, and the maps
on the walls, were all in the new classification of Top Secret.
This day the various military officers and government officials who were
present talked quietly among themselves until, at precisely nine in the
morning, President Lincoln came in. When the door was locked behind him he sat
down,steepled his fingers on the long table before him, and nodded most
gravely.
"Gentlemen, I do believe that the country is in a most parlous state. Some of
you may have not seen the latest reports, so I will ask the Secretary of War
to sum them up for you."
Stantonnodded, took a sip of water from the glass at his elbow, and tapped
the thick sheaf of papers before him.
"There is both success and failure inMexico . As we are all too well aware
of, the Mexican regular army there has been defeated by the French and their
allies. PresidentDiáz has been forced to flee to this country for his
protection. With the Mexican army defeated and scattered we have had to rely
on the various resistance groups throughout the country to carry on with
hostilities. We have been supplying these irregulars in the country with small
Page 69
ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html
arms and ammunition. And, wherever possible, with cannon. On the success side
of the ledger is the fact thatMonterrey ,San Luis Potosi andGuadalajara have [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]