A Chance Encounter in the Mediterranean

The American veteran immediately pulled several coins from his pocket without hesitation and placed them on the table. "Here are 5 US Dollars. I hope they can offer our French Friend a little help. From now on, I'll donate another 3 US Dollars every month..."

The donation seemed pitifully small, but after retiring, he made a living driving carriages for others and earned only 8 US Dollars and 45 Figio a month. Together with the 2 US Dollars in relief provided by the Veterans Home, he could barely support his family.

In other words, he was giving nearly 30 percent of his property to France.

"Figio" was a small-denomination American Copper coin that was later replaced by the cent.

After he set the example, the other American veterans began opening their purses as well, and a small pile of coins soon appeared on the table.

Just then, a short nobleman with a square face, a large head topped by a white wig, pushed open the door. In accented English, he called out, "No. No matter how difficult things are for France, we cannot take this money. It will leave your children hungry."

Everyone turned toward him. When two of the veterans saw his face, they visibly froze for a moment before crying out in excitement and surprise, "General Noailles! It really is you!"

The newcomer was Viscount Louis Marc de Noailles, Marquis de Lafayette's brother-in-law. He had served as Lafayette's aide-de-camp and taken part in many battles during the American War of Independence, including the Battle of Yorktown. He possessed considerable prestige within the American military.

He was also a major sponsor of the Veterans Home and was responsible for its daily operations.

Upon hearing that Viscount Noailles had come in person, the veterans in the room hurriedly rose and