Chapter XIV: Meeting of the Liberators... or The best Italian-American fusion since pizza,
Sorry for the delay in all this, been pretty busy, but I hope you'll all enjoy this update. I was hoping to make it more story-oriented rather than a pure discussion of political discussion. Would certainly appreciate any comments regarding this post since I'm not entirely sure of how it turned out.
This part of the story finishes with Garbidlaid finishing up his acquisition of men and supplies for his final struggle in the Italian peninsula. I do think there are similarities between Grant and Garibaldi, and I do hope to explore the fact that both men would most likely get along well seeing as how they have shared experiences.
(Unrelated to this particular update, but I did make a mistake in regards to the previous post, yes Garibaldi was involved in the Uruguayan Civil War... of 1839-1851. It seems both Uruguayan civil wars were mixed in my search results and I got confused, but from what I've read, Garibaldi wasn't particularly busy during this time, so it's plausible he could've joined in if he so wished.)
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Garibaldi reassured that he could count upon the help of Brazil would undertake one final expedition in the Americas before once more returning to Europe. Reaching the shores of Ellis Island, Garibaldi would tour the industrial streets of New York City, experiencing the grey, oppressive nature of technological progress… yet glad that this nation could build itself up so much that it was able to so effectively compete against the old powers of Europe. Reaching the immigrant areas of the city, Garibaldi was greeted as a hero by the many peoples for whom he had become a symbol of hope and liberation. Received by cheers and quickly being swarmed by a crowd, the old revolutionary would address the crowd, speaking of a need for hope, comradery, and a fiery spirit to make a final push against the oppressive realms of monarchs in Europe, and that those who wish to join, may freely do so. Finding his forces significantly boosted by the excited masses who were willing to fight and die for a cause that allied with the liberation and unification of their homelands, with the Irish and German-Americans being especially eager to join in the fight, alongside listless veterans of the Civil War. Feeling emboldened by his successes recruiting fighters for his cause, Garibaldi would seek an audience with the man most capable of assuring the success of his expedition… Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States.
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Having received a letter extending him an invitation to the White House, Garibaldi would ride down to Washington D.C. arriving in a few day’s time. The sun shining during the bright dawn, the savior of the New World and revolutionary of the Old, their reunion would become a symbol for freedom across the world, for it was on this day that Italy received confirmation that it would finally breathe free from the yoke of the Austrians.
Walking forward to shake the president’s hand, Garibaldi felt a sense of… pride. Pride and somberness, seeing the tired eyes of the recently sworn-in President, a man who had so greatly sacrificed for his country, who bore the weight of the thousands upon thousands of young men who he sent to their deaths against the Confederates, the nobility of the Union’s cause doing little to ease the guilt the man felt deep down inside. Though the pain was clear, Grant’s eyes still lightly shone with the satisfaction of having saved the Union and from being able to ensure the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation. Garibaldi absorbed the man’s expression and let the realization that even greater suffering must be had to unite his homeland, and knew he’d gladly carry that weight one hundredfold if it meant freedom for his people and the liberation of his nation.
A warm “hello” broke the weighty silence, both men nodding at each other with the respect only fighting men can feel towards each other. As they walk to the White House’s entrance, a comfortable silence wrapped around the men as the Italian drank in the interior, observing his surroundings in quiet contemplation until they reach Grant’s office, the presidential desk strong and sturdy as ever. As they sat down, Grant would break the room’s silence with a quick sigh, and with a cool air of happiness asked the revolutionary “How may I help you, mister Garibaldi?” A small smile appearing on his lips, the Italian eagerly said, with the help of his translator, “Helping me fight for freedom and liberty for my people.” A happy glint came over the former general’s eyes as Garibaldi’s honesty and enthusiasm reminded Grant of how good it feels to fight for a cause you’re utterly, entirely dedicated, no, devoted to. As their conversation continued, with Garibaldi speaking of the men and supplies he would need to successfully complete his mission to unite the Italian peninsula.
“I’m afraid to say we are unable to give you any soldiers to assist you in your fight, for as much as we may wish to, for our nation is still recovering from our great conflict. Other than that, it’s clear that you cannot provide any form of payment for the weapons you wish to acquire and no manufacturers would be willing to gift you any either, regardless as to the validity of your struggle.” Grant looked at Garibaldi in an apologetic manner as the words slowly exited his mouth.
As the translator finished his work giving Garibaldi the man’s message, he responded “I very much understand the great pain your people have undergone, and would never deign to ask for your soldiers to once more sacrifice their lives, noble as the cause may be. I merely humbly ask for your permission to recruit from you and whatever soldiers are willing to volunteer. I hope you may find it within yourself to grant us the surplus weapons captured from the war, regardless of its age, as long as it is within working or at least repairable condition, and we are willing to set up payment agreements for any ammunition we shall require. We shall greatly appreciate any surplus uniform you may provide us as well, to ensure our men are properly clothed during our campaigns. Though I come here only with the clothes on my back, know that the people of Italy shall be eternally grateful to you and the United States, and shall be more than happy to pay your kindness back a hundredfold”
As the words flowed from the translator’s mouth, Grant nodded somberly at Garibaldi’s humble request. He was happy the man gave him something to work with, a reasonable request which could be granted without the need for congressional approval. As he breathed in, the relief of being able to help his Italian counterpart washed over his body, and would come out in a slow, yet satisfied “Consider your request granted Mister Garibaldi. The United States shall be more than happy to assist you in your fight for freedom. For note, focus on your fight, any issue regarding payment shall be discussed upon the liberation of your people and the unification of your homeland.”
Hours pass between the two leaders, both bonding over their shared experiences in war, their wish to liberate people within their homelands, and most of all, the insecurity which comes from the massive destructing of the previously established order both men have been directly involved in. The sun setting on the horizon, both men would part at the White House’s entrance, a mutual understanding is reached between the two men, each knowing that they have found a friend in the other.
As Garibaldi rode away, he would find himself optimistic in his cause. He had the promise of weapons, ammunition, uniforms and even men, whatever food he needed would be given to him from the agricultural lands of southern Italy. As the sun fell and night rose upon the world around him, Garibaldi rode once more to New York, ready to recruit amongst the immigrants, many of who wished to see the unification and liberation of their own homelands, kindred spirits in their desire for liberty.
This part of the story finishes with Garbidlaid finishing up his acquisition of men and supplies for his final struggle in the Italian peninsula. I do think there are similarities between Grant and Garibaldi, and I do hope to explore the fact that both men would most likely get along well seeing as how they have shared experiences.
(Unrelated to this particular update, but I did make a mistake in regards to the previous post, yes Garibaldi was involved in the Uruguayan Civil War... of 1839-1851. It seems both Uruguayan civil wars were mixed in my search results and I got confused, but from what I've read, Garibaldi wasn't particularly busy during this time, so it's plausible he could've joined in if he so wished.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Garibaldi reassured that he could count upon the help of Brazil would undertake one final expedition in the Americas before once more returning to Europe. Reaching the shores of Ellis Island, Garibaldi would tour the industrial streets of New York City, experiencing the grey, oppressive nature of technological progress… yet glad that this nation could build itself up so much that it was able to so effectively compete against the old powers of Europe. Reaching the immigrant areas of the city, Garibaldi was greeted as a hero by the many peoples for whom he had become a symbol of hope and liberation. Received by cheers and quickly being swarmed by a crowd, the old revolutionary would address the crowd, speaking of a need for hope, comradery, and a fiery spirit to make a final push against the oppressive realms of monarchs in Europe, and that those who wish to join, may freely do so. Finding his forces significantly boosted by the excited masses who were willing to fight and die for a cause that allied with the liberation and unification of their homelands, with the Irish and German-Americans being especially eager to join in the fight, alongside listless veterans of the Civil War. Feeling emboldened by his successes recruiting fighters for his cause, Garibaldi would seek an audience with the man most capable of assuring the success of his expedition… Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Having received a letter extending him an invitation to the White House, Garibaldi would ride down to Washington D.C. arriving in a few day’s time. The sun shining during the bright dawn, the savior of the New World and revolutionary of the Old, their reunion would become a symbol for freedom across the world, for it was on this day that Italy received confirmation that it would finally breathe free from the yoke of the Austrians.
Walking forward to shake the president’s hand, Garibaldi felt a sense of… pride. Pride and somberness, seeing the tired eyes of the recently sworn-in President, a man who had so greatly sacrificed for his country, who bore the weight of the thousands upon thousands of young men who he sent to their deaths against the Confederates, the nobility of the Union’s cause doing little to ease the guilt the man felt deep down inside. Though the pain was clear, Grant’s eyes still lightly shone with the satisfaction of having saved the Union and from being able to ensure the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation. Garibaldi absorbed the man’s expression and let the realization that even greater suffering must be had to unite his homeland, and knew he’d gladly carry that weight one hundredfold if it meant freedom for his people and the liberation of his nation.
A warm “hello” broke the weighty silence, both men nodding at each other with the respect only fighting men can feel towards each other. As they walk to the White House’s entrance, a comfortable silence wrapped around the men as the Italian drank in the interior, observing his surroundings in quiet contemplation until they reach Grant’s office, the presidential desk strong and sturdy as ever. As they sat down, Grant would break the room’s silence with a quick sigh, and with a cool air of happiness asked the revolutionary “How may I help you, mister Garibaldi?” A small smile appearing on his lips, the Italian eagerly said, with the help of his translator, “Helping me fight for freedom and liberty for my people.” A happy glint came over the former general’s eyes as Garibaldi’s honesty and enthusiasm reminded Grant of how good it feels to fight for a cause you’re utterly, entirely dedicated, no, devoted to. As their conversation continued, with Garibaldi speaking of the men and supplies he would need to successfully complete his mission to unite the Italian peninsula.
“I’m afraid to say we are unable to give you any soldiers to assist you in your fight, for as much as we may wish to, for our nation is still recovering from our great conflict. Other than that, it’s clear that you cannot provide any form of payment for the weapons you wish to acquire and no manufacturers would be willing to gift you any either, regardless as to the validity of your struggle.” Grant looked at Garibaldi in an apologetic manner as the words slowly exited his mouth.
As the translator finished his work giving Garibaldi the man’s message, he responded “I very much understand the great pain your people have undergone, and would never deign to ask for your soldiers to once more sacrifice their lives, noble as the cause may be. I merely humbly ask for your permission to recruit from you and whatever soldiers are willing to volunteer. I hope you may find it within yourself to grant us the surplus weapons captured from the war, regardless of its age, as long as it is within working or at least repairable condition, and we are willing to set up payment agreements for any ammunition we shall require. We shall greatly appreciate any surplus uniform you may provide us as well, to ensure our men are properly clothed during our campaigns. Though I come here only with the clothes on my back, know that the people of Italy shall be eternally grateful to you and the United States, and shall be more than happy to pay your kindness back a hundredfold”
As the words flowed from the translator’s mouth, Grant nodded somberly at Garibaldi’s humble request. He was happy the man gave him something to work with, a reasonable request which could be granted without the need for congressional approval. As he breathed in, the relief of being able to help his Italian counterpart washed over his body, and would come out in a slow, yet satisfied “Consider your request granted Mister Garibaldi. The United States shall be more than happy to assist you in your fight for freedom. For note, focus on your fight, any issue regarding payment shall be discussed upon the liberation of your people and the unification of your homeland.”
Hours pass between the two leaders, both bonding over their shared experiences in war, their wish to liberate people within their homelands, and most of all, the insecurity which comes from the massive destructing of the previously established order both men have been directly involved in. The sun setting on the horizon, both men would part at the White House’s entrance, a mutual understanding is reached between the two men, each knowing that they have found a friend in the other.
As Garibaldi rode away, he would find himself optimistic in his cause. He had the promise of weapons, ammunition, uniforms and even men, whatever food he needed would be given to him from the agricultural lands of southern Italy. As the sun fell and night rose upon the world around him, Garibaldi rode once more to New York, ready to recruit amongst the immigrants, many of who wished to see the unification and liberation of their own homelands, kindred spirits in their desire for liberty.
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