Chapter 24: The Steam Engine and the Carronade

Chapter 24: The Steam Engine and the Carronade

Looking directly into the Naval Minister's eyes, Joseph spoke seriously, "I assure you, whether it takes a year or two, this 'fantasy' warship can begin construction."

Castries was stunned. "Are you serious? How is that possible…?"

Joseph sipped his tea and reaffirmed, "I'm serious, and I'm confident.

"So, don't waste more money on building existing warships. In two or three years at most, they'll be obsolete.

"You won't have to wait long. I'll be visiting Brest soon, and by then, you'll understand everything."

The reason Joseph could be so certain was that the steam engine had already been invented, and the craftsmen and techniques were mature. The only issue was the low power output due to inefficient designs. But that was no problem for Joseph—he had seen much more advanced steam engines than Watt's small improvements.

Castries felt dizzy, his mind spinning between doubt, excitement, and anticipation. For a moment, he didn't know what to say.

Joseph added, "First, coordinate with the shipbuilding bureau to prepare the craftsmen and materials. Building the new ship will be a complex process."

"Understood," Castries replied, realizing that he was beginning to believe the Prince. After all, the dream of such a warship was too tempting. "I'll head to the shipbuilding bureau immediately."

He suddenly fixed his gaze on Joseph, his voice trembling slightly. "Your Highness, please keep your promise!"

"Rest assured," Joseph said. Then he remembered something else. "By the way, after you return, you can have your craftsmen start making a large-caliber, short-barreled cannon."

"What?"

"Just lengthen the existing mortars," Joseph explained. "It should fire shells weighing 60 pounds or more, but with less than half the barrel length and powder charge of a traditional cannon. This way, it'll be much lighter and easier to produce."

Castries was puzzled. "Your Highness, such a cannon would have significant power, but its range would be very short. What's the point of that?"

Joseph gave him a faint smile. "I'll explain when I arrive at the Brest shipyard."

In fact, Joseph was referring to what would later be known as the "carronade," a weapon that caused the French Navy so much trouble during the Battle of Trafalgar.

The French Navy had long been fixated on long-range artillery. The ideal scenario was simple: I have greater range, so I can hit you while you can't hit me. Isn't that a sure win?

However, this strategy was detached from reality. In the age of sailing ships, maneuverability was limited, and it was difficult to maintain maximum firing range.

Moreover, solid shot had limited destructive power, and hitting an enemy ship at long range was unlikely to cause significant damage.

In most naval battles, ships fought at close range, practically ramming each other and firing point-blank.

At such close quarters, range was irrelevant—what mattered was who had the bigger guns.

The British recognized this and developed the carronade, a large-caliber, short-barreled cannon that sacrificed range for destructive power.

But this time, the French Navy would be the first to equip this powerful new weapon.

After discussing the details and confirming that Castries had no objections to his plan, Joseph personally saw him out of the reception room.

Before Joseph could catch his breath, Emond hurried over and bowed. "Your Highness, the Marquis de Saint-Priest requests an audience."

Joseph hadn't expected the War Minister to be so quick, but that was a good thing—now he wouldn't have to write that document.

(End of Chapter)

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