There were only seven or eight people in the small meeting room at 10 Downing Street. Led by Pitt the Younger, they were all senior Cabinet officials, along with the Ministers of the Navy and Army. Sitting in the corner, Stoke felt uncomfortable all over—whenever the West India Association dealt with the Prime Minister, trouble was usually on its way.
At the head of the conference table, Marquess Wellesley, the Minister of the Army, pointed at the map on the wall and continued:
"As I said, the Spaniards' attention will be wholly focused on the American Militia threatening Florida. They will most likely redeploy troops from Mexico or New Granada to defend it."
Seeing that Lord Melville wished to ask a question, he immediately nodded.
"Of course, there are also the French in Louisiana.
"In fact, the Americans will not attack Florida with all their strength. Their main force has been gathering in Chickasaw all along. If the French truly cooperate with the Spaniards and join the war, they will immediately walk into an American ambush."
Lord Melville frowned. "With all due respect, I fear they are no match for the French. That was proven several years ago."
Wellesley explained patiently, "First, the French will certainly assume that the main American forces are in Georgia and lower their guard. That will deal them a grievous blow. Second, the Governor's Mansion of Canada will dispatch 1,500 soldiers south from Minnesota, directly threatening St. Louis.
"Therefore, the French Army in the Colony will not have much impact."
Lord Melville was about to say something more when Pitt the Younger interrupted him.
"I must remind everyone that neither Florida nor Louisiana is the key."
Wellesley nodded and pointed toward South America.
"Our strategic objectives are New Granada and Mexico."
Stoke muttered inwardly, *At