章 20: Triumphant Return and the Declaration
After General Kim finished his farewell speech, he would march his units back to Philadelphia along with the four individuals selected as representatives of Quebec (Livingston, Pelissier, and two other individuals). General Kim peered into the crowd of seven thousand individuals in front of him. Some of them were soldiers of the Continental Army, both from his units and from other units that had recently arrived in Quebec City to relieve him and his men. Most of the people in the crowd were ordinary civilians who came out of their way to listen to the general's final speech before he returned to the Thirteen Colonies. General Kim didn't believe that he was a great speaker, but he would do his best to leave a good final impression and inspire the gathered individuals to continue the fight against the British.
It had been eight days since the vote across the province was finalized, and it had become vividly clear that most of the population was supportive of working with the Continental Congress. New flags of the province of Quebec were raised everywhere (The flag was similar to the "other" Quebec's flag, though the flag was gold instead of blue) and enlistment for the 1st Canadian Regiment and the new 2nd Canadian Regiment expanded the number of French Canadians in the Continental Army to nearly one thousand individuals. There were no protests or riots against the decision but a general acceptance of the province's future. While a minority desired independence, even they recognized the potential for a British invasion and offered protection under the Continental Congress. Added to the greater liberties they were beginning to enjoy, even the harshest critics of General Kim and the Continental Congress grudgingly realized that a relationship with the Congress was preferable, at least for the time being. The few remaining dissenters (mainly pro-British individuals from Britain or traced their ancestry backed to Britain) had already fled the province once the colonials took over.
The general himself was proclaimed as "Le Libérateur" in the province, which humbled and surprised him. The title served as a reminder that while his work was "done" in Quebec, there were still thousands who sought the same relief and liberation that the Quebecois received.
"It seems like just yesterday, I was at the very southern edges of Quebec. I was peering into the unknown, a land that was untouched by the war and firmly in the hands of the British," General Kim said as he started his speech, "I can not say that everything went perfectly and that the lives of everyday people of this land were not affected. Even so, I do not regret fighting and liberating Quebec from the British. I do not regret giving the people of Quebec a chance to seize their destiny."
"We must not forget this; freedom is not free. Freedom will always come with a cost, but it will be up to the people to determine if the costs are worth the outcome. Just over a week ago, the people of Quebec determined that the risks were worth the benefits and chose to join in our struggle against the British. For that, I thank you. While there is a difference in culture and beliefs between Quebec and the other colonies, I assure you that those in the colonies have heard your voice and determination. We may not be united now, but we will be united soon through our common future, a future free from British rule and liberty for all!"
The crowd stirred a bit but continued to listen as the general continued, "Which is why, to my greatest regret, I must leave the province and help finish the war elsewhere. There are still so many people waiting for liberation, waiting for a chance to voice their opinions like the people of Quebec have throughout the entirety of North America. I love the people of Quebec; they have been the most welcoming people despite my shortcomings. It is truly a shame to depart from a land that has welcomed me and supported my hopes and dreams. But before my departure, I will like to leave this final message for the people."
"We must be free not because we proclaim freedom but because we practice it. Quebec has become, quite possibly, the first place in the world where its future was decided by the population as a whole regardless of race and gender. It is a radical idea, an idea that is untested and untried. But we must remember that we can not make freedom exclusive to certain individuals and groups, but allow freedom to be practiced by all that are willing. I sincerely hope that Quebec will be a shining example to the other colonies and provinces that will serve as a reminder that the people are able to control their own destinies and that freedom can be guaranteed for all. It will not be an easy fight, but it is a cause worth fighting for. And even as I leave this wonderful province, I hope that these words are taken to heart and guide the brave people of Quebec in their future endeavors. Thank you, and may God bless all of you here today."
After he finished, the crowd clapped and cheered for the general. In front of the crowd, General Kim was relieved of his duties in Quebec by Major General Benjamin Lincoln, who had been recently promoted to general and was placed in command of the defenses in Canada. With a final wave, General Kim, "Le Libérateur" of Quebec, parted ways with the French Canadians and started his journey to Philadelphia.
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The journey back to the colonies was intentionally made longer so that General Kim and his men could rendezvous with General Washington and his men. The two officers decided to meet in New York, the same place where they had their first meeting together. With some coordination and effort, the two groups met together outside New York City on January 27th of 1776 and began their trek back to Philadelphia as victors. General Washington was also escorting the representatives of the Maritime province, which consisted of two representatives from Nova Scotia (as Prince Edward Island was still under nominal British control).
"It certainly seems like they were waiting for our return, General Kim," General Washington chuckled as the people of New York were cheering and welcoming the presence of the two most famous military leaders of the Continental Army. From its looks, it seemed as though the entire city was gathered to throw a welcoming celebration for General Washington and General Kim. The soldiers of the Continental Army proudly marched behind their respective leaders and smiled at the celebratory crowd.
General Kim failed to suppress a smile and grinned at the crowd, "The city seems a bit battered, but the people sure seem firey as ever."
New York City was one of the cities targetted by the British sea raids and was recovering from a previous attack that destroyed parts of the docks and the city. Yet the people seemed lively and in good spirits, which was a welcoming sight for General Kim.
"Well, you have inspired the people after all. Your legacy is spreading throughout the colonies, even the southern ones. Many have heard of your leadership during the Battle of Bunker Hill and have been aware of your victory over the British in Quebec. Some are calling you undefeatable; they see you as a symbol of hope."
"But you have also achieved much success as well, general. I can not take all the credit for all the victories so far, especially so since Colonel Arnold was the key reason why my forces won the Battle of Quebec in the first place," General Kim protested.
General Washington shook his head in response, "Oh, the people have been made aware of his successes as well. He will be formally promoted for his heroics once we arrive in Philadephia, but my successes pale compared to your successes. You won an impossible battle at Bunker Hill and not only drove the British out of Quebec but also secured the loyalty of the Quebecois to Congress as well."
The Asian officer adjusted his hat and looked at the adoring crowd, "It still feels strange, sir. Sometimes, it feels like I'm in a dream as if this was all too good to be true."
"If this is a dream, then it is certainly a wonderful dream. Let us hope we do not wake up from it." General Washington replied.
The "parade" continued until the Continental Army marched to the city's western outskirts to begin their trek to Philadelphia. Once they left the city limits, some of the civilians followed suit. Some of them wanted to continue to watch the formations of soldiers heading to Philadelphia. Others wanted to enlist their services in the Continental Army.
A small boy, no older than the age of sixteen, ran up to General Kim as he was guiding his soldiers and smiled brightly, "Sir! My name is Kayden Cox, and I would like to join your marines!"
"And may I ask how old you are, Mr. Cox?" General Kim asked as he inspected the young man up and down.
"Fifteen, sir! But I have written permission from my parents to enlist!"
"Er," The marine commander looked to General Washington for help, but was greeted to the sight of the man smiling and motioning for him to carry on, "While I have no doubt you are brave and eager to join the marines, I must say that you are far too young to join the marines as a soldier. But, if you are willing, I will allow you to serve as a drummer or flag bearer for my regiment. Especially since the marines do love to sing a song that needs some drumbeats."
Some of the nearby marines chuckled at the general's statement, but Cox's smile didn't falter, "Sure thing, sir! Will I get your uniform and everything?"
General Kim grinned, "I believe that can be arranged. Major Poor! Please see to it that this boy is properly in uniform and ready to join our ranks. He will be placed under your command for the time being."
The boy didn't seem intimidated or frightened at the sight of the tall African American man coming to greet him. Instead, the boy enthusiastically began to ask the recently promoted major about his military career and his stories during the campaign. Major Poor seemed surprised but was also infected by the young man's smile and guided him to the back of the lines.
It was a tough choice, allowing children to join, but he knew they had a better chance of surviving and getting fed properly under his command. Especially since the general was going to place any children in non-combat roles, while he was most definitely against children in combat, General Kim knew that if he turned down Cox or any other children like him, they would attempt to join other units or even local militias. And while General Washington was a good man, he most likely didn't have any qualms using children for battles. It was a choice he didn't like to make, but General Kim had to make them anyways.
The march continued for a few hours longer before the two generals were intercepted by a messenger coming from Philadelphia. The messenger seemed out of breath, but he walked up and saluted to the two officers, "General Washington, General Kim. I have been tasked with delivering this message from the Continental Congress to both of you."
After being handed the message, the two generals looked at the content of the message together. Immediately afterward, General Washington and General Kim ordered his men to pick up the pace and rapidly march to Philadelphia.
The message from Congress was short yet powerful, "The Declaration has been finalized. Independence is near."
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