The Rebel Nation Turns on a Mad Revolution - A Timeline of the Quasi-War

Ok, all, I've never started a timeline before so let me know what you think.

I've had this idea as to how America would develop if the Quasi-War of 1797-1800 expanded to an out and out conflict.

I'll add in a page or two almost daily.

Here it goes:

The Rebel Nation Turns on a Mad Revolution - A timeline of the Quisi-War - Chapter One - 1794
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George Washington was angry. That was nothing new. He'd been angry about one thing or another most of his life.

-The myriad family members god took before their time.
-Virginia declining to provide adequate provisions in 1755 for the young Colonel to defend the frontier against the French and their Indian allies.
-The British Army officers laughing at the "mere colonials" desire for an official commission.
-Parliament's, the George III's, refusal to recognize American rights.
-Congress' dismal efforts to provision his patriotic army.
-The endless political squabbles as Washington attempted to establish precedent as to how to govern the newfound country.

The Virginian has spent much of his life cloaking his feelings under the rigid southern code of etiquette, aspiring to the genteel English patrician ideal. Seven years of war against King George did not alter the man's determination for this control. Yet somehow the fanatical contempt in the eyes of "citizen Genet" as he blithely refused (REFUSED!) to accede to the President's request at ceasing his provocative actions in the South incensed the Virginian to new heights, threatening to stifle his waning hegemony over his exponentially rising rage.

America was neutral in this French Revolution. A foreign citizen blatantly commissioning privateers in American harbors to raid British commerce, organizing battalions in American cities to assault Spanish Florida, was provocative to the extreme. Who could blame Britain for assuming America condoned these actions?

Worse? The fact that his own government had done so little about the matter. COULD do so little about the matter.

"Mr. Genet," Washington growled, failing to keep his calm at the contemptuous glare of the French functionary. "You forget yourself!"

"No, Mr. President," the very picture of calm, "You forget that the French people bore much burden for your freedom, even if the American people have not forgotten. I shall not cease my efforts to battle the reactionary powers of Europe! If your nation casts your little government aside, more the better!"

Washington had heard enough. Formal denunciations of Genet's activities had accomplished nothing. Public vows of neutrality ignored. Washington had heard enough.

"Mr. Genet," the Virginian hissed. "You may consider your visit to America at an end. If you are discovered within my nation's borders after seven days, you will be returned to France in chains!"

Genet's eyes widened, not expecting this. "Sir, your people..."

"Are MY people, not yours! You have seven days to depart. Any person, foreign or domestic, whom violates this Neutrality Act shall be prosecuted without hesitation!"

Sputtering, Genet was escorted from the Presidential Mansion. Momentarily left in peace, the aging Virginian sighed, a sickly sound emerging from his dentures. Only a few teeth remained, he suspected he would die the day the final tooth fell out. If only I hadn't agreed to a second term, this would be Adams or Jefferson's problem.

Still, what choice was there? For France to so blatantly challenge America's sovereignty by recruiting soldiers and sailors ON AMERICAN SOIL?

Washington shook his head. Only two more years and I might return to Mt. Vernon for good.

Hamilton had been inquiring whom, if anyone, in France should be receiving the payments on American's still considerable debt accrued from her own War for Independence. It was a fair question. France was America's greatest creditor. Were those funds supplied by the French people, or the late Louis XVI?

With the King dead, did America owe anything to anyone?

The debate continued to rage in public and it was not restricted to financial matters. Many American's supported any Revolutionary government and France's regime had indeed been despotic. The "Great Terror" had caught America by surprise, turning many supporters against the mad Republic. America was divided strait up the middle.

Two more years, Washington nodded to himself. Two more years.

This sounds good, I have to admit I've never seen such a wrathful depiction of GW before. Pray continue good Sir...

Chapter II: 1798

John Adams was angry. Granted the American President was usually offended by one thing or another, it was his nature, but Adams ire seldom reached these heights.

A full generation upon achieving the nation's independence, a half dozen foreign countries sought America's supplication. If the young nation hadn't wilted under the assault on Bunker Hill, she certainly would not now!!!

For two years, two loooong years, Adams had battled public mockery for his policies of "armed neutrality" in the near continuous wars raging the length of Europe. How could one maintain an "armed neutrality" without arms?! Thankfully, Washington, in his final years in the Presidential Mansion, had been worked up enough by the "Citizen Genet" affair to recreate the American Navy, fully in mothballs for a decade. The French revolutionaries had been irate that their representative was evicted from American shores for illegally licencing privateers and violating American neutrality. It was an odd objection, given that Genet was promptly beheaded upon his return to Paris, evidently having fallen into the wrong faction. Yet Paris was reportedly intent on receiving full value of American debt and now deemed their other little problems in Europe secondary to collecting a bill upon the other side of the ocean.

Four years of exasperated moans at the "hideous cost of the navy" resulted in a half dozen well-constructed frigates and perhaps twice that many sloops, brigs, whatever the seamen call the smaller ships. This was not an impressive armada by any standard. Adams, preferring to build the Navy rather than purchase, managed to obtain congressional approval for construction of two heavy frigates a year and two lighter vessels.

Once the fleet reaches maturity in a few years...it would still account for barely a tenth the guns of the British fleet and a fifth that of France and Spain. Hardly intimidating to anyone. So mocked was his nation's pretentions that the Muslim pirates and white slavers of North Africa continued to exact tribute payments from the young country. In fact, tribute payments exceeded any other article in the congressional budget.

This humiliaton must stop.

Knowing full well the his Vice-President was preferred by many, Adams feared for the election of 1800, not for his own benefit but for his country. Jefferson, brilliant Jefferson, sometimes friend, sometimes enemy, was the most dangerous man in America. The man echewed all central government, intent in his idea of "country patricians" ruling their own little estates like feudal barons, beholden to no one. Even the horrors of the Great Terror did nothing to alter the man's perceptions.

Did no one learn the lessons of 1780, when the damnable man as Governor of Virginia so neglected his state's defenses that the British Army marched in with impunity?!

What occured then in the most populous and prosperous state in the nascent union? Their governor fled like a coward on horseback as his paralyzed electorate gazed on!

If anything, then-Governor Jefferson deliberately suppressed any formation of a real military force, lest the serfs/slaves/peasants use the organization to rise against their "natural rulers".

And THIS is the man so many wish to lead their country?! Adams thought with disgust. An anarchist wrapped in the flag of liberty!

Adams required a victory. He was unpopular and he knew it. His Alien and Sedition Act had failed, not least for General Washington's opposition. Adams had no one to blame but himself on that score. He'd overreached and overreacted. He saw that now. And he shouldn't have asked Washington's opinion anyway, not so publicly. Nothing could be done now.

Fortunately, an avenue for redemption offered itself. The petty tyrants of Algiers and Tripoli continued to demand tribute payments else they shall prey mercilessly upon the helpless American traders sailing the Mediterranean. For all its ills, the American fleet was ready to face this threat, if no other.

Though generally opposed to gambling, the Massachusetts-bred gambled his political fate (and no less that of his country should Jefferson ever achieve this office) upon a single cast of the die.

The damnable Barbary Pirates must fall!

So, Genet is sent back before he can claim asylum, which somehow strengthens anti French sentiment, weakening Jefferson and strengthening Adams?

Do go on, my good fellow! Here is something of which I am in want!

please continue

This has real potential to be very interesting

100Fathoms said:

This sounds good, I have to admit I've never seen such a wrathful depiction of GW before. Pray continue good Sir...

Click to expand...

Apparently Washington was slow to anger, but went he lost it - he LOST it.

Also, think of his dressing down of Gen Charles Lee at Monmouth:

When Washington finally met up with Lee on the road near Monmouth Courthouse, New Jersey, he cursed his second in command. Washington was so vehemently upset at Lee for fleeing from the British that, as General Charles Scott reported, the "leaves shook on the tree."http://www.mountvernon.org/research...ncyclopedia/article/battle-of-monmouth/#note1

Click to expand...

Very interested.

REally cool; nice to have the Alien and Sedition Acts fail, and good way to do it.

I hope the army is built up enough, too, in case they march on Louisiana once it's transferred back to France. (At least, it sounds like eventually they will go war against France.)

Driftless said:

Apparently Washington was slow to anger, but went he lost it - he LOST it.

Also, think of his dressing down of Gen Charles Lee at Monmouth:

Click to expand...

They say you should fear to disturb Still Waters...

Chapter 3: A Rising Challenge - January 1801

Adams gazed on in satisfaction, pleased that the new "7th Infantry Regiment", headquartered twenty miles north in Maryland, had partially mastered marching in step. The unsightly mass of novice soldiers stumbling about the parade grounds would soon provide the first line of resistance for the newly founded American capital.

The American President, lately reelected by a modest majority of the popular vote and a larger on in the electoral college, if the latest tabulations are correct, gazed about in satisfaction.

Imagine, the portly northerner thought as he took in the vast expanses of clear cut forest and farmland now giving birth to a rapidly growing city, Just a few short years ago, this was dismal swamp!

Washington, the District of Columbia, sprouted forth hastily constructed buildings as does a forest issues new saplings after a massive fire. Most of the swamps were drained, the river banks solidified and the political gentry of the nation jostling for prime downtown locations. While Adams conceded the city looked unimpressive now, in a generation or three, the world may gaze upon Washington DC with eyes filled with slender, as one does Paris or London or Rome.

And I suppose I must thank the French for my presence here, Adams through wryly. Had not the Revolutionary Tribunal so antagonized the nation, perhaps Mr. Jefferson would be standing here now rather than preparing his resignation as Vice-President in Virginia!

Rarely a popular figure, Adams gained an upsurge in acclaim for his steadfast refusal to bow before the Barbary Pirates. He issued forth the nascent American Navy to North Africa and issue the little pirate potentates a warning only cannon could properly convey. With their cities burning, their corsairs fled, sunk or captured, Algiers and Tripoli formally renounced any demand for tribute and vowed to respect American merchant rights. The liberation of thousand of Christians, not only Americans but Europeans, brought new esteem to the nation. Several Monarchs sent polite letters of gratitude to the American President for the safe return of their citizens.

How I would loved to see that, Adams sighed, no longer really paying the slightest attention to the review. An American vessel sailing into Naples or Portsmouth or Cadiz, flag waving proudly, relieved prisoners weeping at their deliverence.

The President's ruminations were interupted by the tittering a few ladies as a few soldiers missed their proper turn. Their apoplectic sergeant sprinted forward to correct them, obviously embarrassed at the gaffe. Adams didn't object. The Regiment was only recently raised. He had no illusions of the necessary steps to reach efficiency.

And god knows we may need them soon, the Massachusetts-born politician mused darkly.

If America's martial prowess ascended in the eyes of some European nations, it was not the case with France. Still irate at America's failure to pay their debt, and to a lesser extent, actively join their barbarous excuse for a revolution, France continued to wage a naval war of their own. Hundreds of American merchant ships were seized over the past years, enraging the still young and insecure nation.

If the victory over the Pirates assisted Adams campaign, France offered even more. Six months prior, a French frigate chased an American trader nearly to the docks of New York City, apparently secure that none would advance to challenge them. However, a newly commissioned American Frigate, the USS Adams no less, was in anchor at the time along with a pair of brigs. Without hesitation, the trio of ships fell upon the intruder and forced the raider to lower its flags after a three hour battle witnessed by tens of thousands. More outrageous was that this was no mere commissioned privateer, this as an actual commissioned French warship.

Week's later, a second attack by two French frigates and a sloop entered New York waters only to be confronted by the three victorious American vessels, the French frigate hastily crewed by local sailors and impressed into the US navy, and three more American warships recently returned from Africa. Both Frigates succombed to superior numbers as the alien sloop fled for its life.

Timing could never have been more fortunate as the election was scheduled to start only a few days later. Naturally, Adams ordered a full account dispatched by rider to every corner of the nation. Against all odds, Adams appeared well on his way to reelection thanks, in part, to French pefidify.

A smattering of applause erupted from the assembled gentlemen and ladies attending the demonstration. A tall, gaunt figure bowed to the locals before approaching the rotund President.

Adams nodded back, recognizing he'd never be as beloved as the aging man before him. For god's sake, they named the nation's new capital after him.

"General Washington, thank you again for returning to service. I believe that the 7th, and all of the Regiments really, having improved mightily."

The Virginian offered his standard enigmatic closed-mouth smile. Adams learned only after years of acquainance that the man's teeth were nearly gone and this smile was as much a grimace of pain as anything.

"Temperarily, Mr. President, temperarily returned to duty. I vastly prefer Mt. Vernon."

"No doubt, sir." Relations had always been a little ackward between the two. Never close allies, Adams as Washington's vice-president was left out of virtually all key decisions for eight years. No wonder Jefferson intended to resign rather than serve another four years in a useless role.

"Is it true that Mr. Jefferson refused to serve?" Washington echoed Adams thoughts exactly.

"Yes, General, he prefers to return to Virginia, perhaps to stand for Governor."

"Mmmm," Washington mused, eyes on the short New Yorker whipping the 7th infantry into shape. With Washington came Hamilton. Adams was pleased to get rid of the man. Though an ally, even more so than Washington, Alexander Hamilton wore on people. "I confess that I support your recommendation to amend the constitution. This business that the second highest vote earner being granted the vice-presidency is pure folly."

Adams nodded. Several supporters of Jefferson had been arrested for threatening assassination of Adams to put Jefferson in the Presidential mansion. Adams, despite their vast political differences, knew the Virginian would never condone such an action. But if the system remained in place, eventually America must face a terrible day when a President died and his foremost enemy arose in his place. Civil war would be inevitable.

"Imagine if one of my supporters deemed it prudent to execute you, General!"

A long moment of silence stretched out before both broke out into laughter. Adams recognized America's preiminant hero. To his regret, it was not himself.

"With Jefferson's resignation, the next election shall see the President and Vice-President as a team, as it should be. Regimes will not change with a bullet."

Washington nodded, eyes back upon the parade grounds. Hamilton appeared to have things in hand. No more errors were apparent beyong a failure to march in step. God knows Washington spent years fighting his own army's incompentence as much as the British.

"You shall have enough challenges, I fear, Mr. President. With the tribesmen of the west acting up, Britain reasserting herself upon the northern frontier and this French business..."

"With god's grace, it shall pass soon enough. Peace may yet be reached in Europe. Then, the worst of the disorders shall die and trade fully resumed all nations."

Washington nodded, opened his mouth to speak, then closed it. Plainly he desired to add something.

"You have other concerns, sir? Surely, you do not intend to resign your services when the nation requires them so much!"

"No, Mr. President," the tall Virginian lowered his voice and leaned forward. "But many of the southern stock are quite concerned with that this...revolution...in France has extended to their colonies of San Dominique, Martinque, Guadaloupe...."

Ah, Adams thought in contempt. Slavery, always slavery. Heaven forbid the southern gentlemen have a nation of Black freedmen along their southern border. The nation shall pay for this sin for generations.

Diplomatically at the southerner's discomfort, Adams offered, "I am sure that the disorders will not extend to our nation, sir."

At least I hope not. Adams thought causticly. God forbid chattel slavery be challenged at all but American could scarcely handle a slave rebellion at the moment.

The President was an enemy of the institution but realized prohibition would be impossible for years, perhaps decades. Forming the nation must take precedence, though he loathed the expediency. Too much of American politics revolved along issue. America's economic gain by the use of bonded men was more than offset by the politically crippling consequences, not to mention the moral ones. And to John Adams, morality was preeminant.

"I hope to dispense with your services soon enough, General," Adams was pleased that Washington preferred his military title to the political one. There should only one President.

Washington nodded, obviously longing for home. "France shall surely not allow matters to get out of hand in the Americas. Already at war with most of Europe, whom on the Directory would desire another enemy, especially a republic?"

"Recall, sir," Adams corrected, "the Directory has been overthrown by one of their Generals."

The incident worried much of America, fearing that the opportunity for French Democracy had died along with the Great Terror. A military dictatorship had been feared at the end of the American War for Independence, suspicions only reduced upon Washington's resignation as Army Commander and subsequent return to Virginia, until recalled years later to the Presidential Mansion.

"Yes, yes, that is correct. Well, I'm sure that General Bonaparte shall soon return the world to peace."

I'm going to try to keep these chapters brief. The last one stretched out a bit.

Chapter 4: Rise like Lions - October 1801

Robert Liston was pleased as he witnessed the American President gesticulate wildly, expanding upon the ills done upon his nation. Though the sixty-ish British Ambassador's withered features displayed the appropriate solemnity of the occasion, the old man could not restrain a feeling of glee.

For several years, the Scotish diplomat had attempted to entice the Americans back into the British orbit. There were a few people in Britain, even those within government, whom clung to the fantasy that America might clamor to rejoin the British Empire. This was utter nonsense. This expansive, and expanding, nation had been independent for twenty years. The population had doubled since their war for Independence and most citizens had never known a day of rule by the House of Hanover.

in Liston's opinion, any desire to antagonize the Americans would be counter-productive and stem entirely from sour grapes at the provincial's temerity to desire independence. The young nation continued to provide a stable supply of war material, a ready market for British goods and remained bound to Britain by strained but still intact ties of blood that could never truly be severed. Attempting to encroach upon American frontiers could only incense the former colonists with no conceivable gain.

For six years, Liston had attempted to bridge the ill will created by 7 years of warfare. Through his personal efforst and the charm of his wife, his brilliant Henrietta, he'd championed British trade in the Presidential Mansion and the halls of Congress as well as advised British withdrawel from the western frontier fortresses and for the Governors of Canada to halt any semblance of instigating the western tribes. When several hundred American sailors, which even Liston admitted were dubiously deemed "Royal Navy Deserters", were removed from their American-flagged merchant vessels and impressed into the Royal Navy, Liston encouraged his government to free them and abandon the incendiary practice.

He had been on good terms with General Washington, yet the Virginian steadfastly refused to conceive any alliance during his term as President. Relations chilled upon the ascention of John Adams, though most people had chill relations with John Adams and Liston learned not to take it personally. Though arguementative and abrasive, Adams was no friend of France, unlike the fool Jefferson whom reminded Liston of the mad French revolutionaries. The Briton did not consider Adams a friend of his nation but was not necessarily an enemy either.

Today, however, a first great step towards alliance, or at least greater reconciliation, between the former mother and daughter nations.

"...an act so outrageous, so provacative, that it beggers belief that such an act cannot be repudiated in the eyes of the world!" President John Adams bellowed before Congress. "Therefore, I ask today that a formal declaration of war be approved between the powers of France and the United States of America!"

Applause broke out, though the enthousiasm was hardly universal. America plainly did not desire a war with France, having little to gain. Even after French and American naval vessels engaged in New York harbor, Adams had attempted to resort to diplomatic channels to resolve the crisis. France's response? A quartet of French warships arrived in Baltimore harbor and commenced a six hour bombardment of the city.

Even Adams, dedicated to Washington's demand for neutrality could not ignore this affront. For the past weeks, Adams quietly opened negotations for an "understanding" with Britain. His terms were steep but, in Liston's eyes, not unreasonable. An American embargo on French trade, joint convoys to protect transatlantic trade against French predators, the sale of heavy cannon to the nascent American Navy, all were reviewed.

America had its grievences with Britain, some justified, some imagined. The Impressment of Seamen must be halted. Liston hardly disagreed. No sailor himself, the Scot recognized the value of the Navy but kidnapping Americans from merchants ships did not appear an honorable method of recruiting. He also knew John Adams well enought that this was a matter of honor and respect. And honor and respect were paramount to John Adams.

Adams also complained about the borders of Canada, notably along the Maine and New Bruswick frontier, but the American also demanded Lake Huron as the western-most British border. Absolutely no agreed treaty documentation claims this line but Liston would be open to negotiate as most of the land was vacant anyway.

Adams had another objective, one achievable only in victory over France - the vast western territory of Louisiana with its capital of New Orleans. Britain had its own designs on French Caribbean territories (now under the throes of revolution and potentially liable to spread to valuable British West Indian lands). No friend of slavery, like Adams, Liston also bore no intention of allowing a square inch of British dirt to fall into enemy hands, or revolutionaries.

An alliance with America provided several advantages: the assured continuance of trade, the closure of American trade with the French, and the guarantee of Canada, currently underprotected by British troops and dealing with some upheaval by His Majesty's French-speaking subjects.

America may not yet be a military power but resources were there. The nation's navy would last five minutes against Britain's but was growing. It was always better to help up a friend than push down a rival.

Presently, the American's inexorably long speech ended and Adams left Congress to its deliberations. The next day, Liston received a private audience. A Declaration of War was considered inevitable, though not entirely popular.

As Envoy Extra-ordinary and Minister Plenipontentiary, Liston had a certain level of authority to negotiate, though his power certainly had its limits. Given America's historical alliance with France, keeping them from maintaining it with France was something of victory. Canada's preservation seemed assured and both nations may profit.

Adams asked bluntly, "Do you believe that His Majesty's Ministers will approve?"

Liston hesitated, not wishing to be caught in a lie. The Hudson Bay Company , which nominally owned vast fur-rich land holdings along the frigid northern cost of North America, was bankrupt. Again. Adams was offering to purchase the entire company, or at least its North American land claims, at a reasonable price. Technically, it was not "British" but owned by a private entity. That being said, no government would allow such an asset to leave Britain's clutches, not without adequate compensation. He was not certain this alliance justfied such a boon, even at the exorbidant fee Adams promised to the company and vows that their trade was welcome to continue.

How valuable was this alliance to Britain? Liston did not know. Britain's European allies had failed miserably in this historic coalition against France. Rumors that the latest alliance had failed and most of the combatants conceded peace. Soon Britain would fight alone. Spain and the Dutch Republic were already cowed by French power. Austria and Prussia were defeated. Russia apparently couldn't care less. Was not an alliance of France and America a possibility in the west?

He envisioned a Franco-American army marching north into Canada as revolutionary slave revolts consumed Britain's West Indian possessions.

Adams wanted the Hudson Bay Company and Louisiana.

Perhaps this was the best offer Great Britain would receive.

He promised to recommend the Treaty to the Minister of King George III.

Chapter 5: the Enemy Engages - November 1801

General Bonaparte, defacto ruler of France, alternated between outrage and amusement as he read through the assorted dispatches. The Anglo-American "Alliance" promised to be a bit of a thorn in his side. He probably received word of the proposal before London, so ubiquitous were the American civil servents willing to sell out their country for a bit of coin. He' received independent confirmation of the intent from several highly placed spies in London.

So, the old colonies yet cling to their mother country's skirt, the Corsican mused to himself. Pathetic. If you lead a revolution, accept the consequences and stand on your own feet.

He saw little real threat. America could do little to threaten France alone.

Yet opportunity arose, if Bonaparte was bold enough to take them. And Napoleon Bonaparte was very bold indeed.

The European War was winding down, only Britain seemed inclined to continue. And Britain was only dangerous at sea. Though the Corsican wouldn't mind a few years peace, he was always amenable to a good conflict.

France dominated the Dutch Republic, northern Italy, Switzerland and had cowed Spain into submission. Austria and Prussia had been "chastened" for their presumptions.

Perhaps it is time to deal with Britain and their little Empire?

Britain feared the revolution extending to their own West Indian colonies, the French citizens languishing under English rule in Quebec similarly were disenfranchises and sought deliverence. That doesn't even mention Ireland.

He'd been preparing an expedition to Saint Dominique. That Louventure fellow is getting a little big for his britches and it was time to return the wealthy island to the French fold, along with the other French West Indian possessions. Though no friend of slavery, the sugar trade represented the third highest source of French revenue and could not be lost. If necessary, slavery would be reinstituted. Louventure effectively ruled the island, absent the Spanish and his black eyes coveted this as well, much to Spain's fear.

Even now, his brother-in-law, LeClerk readied an expedition to reassert French control over Saint Dominique. And Bonarparte would love to seperate Ireland from Britain. Previous French efforts, by incompentence or bad luck, had failed to free the Catholic majority from the English clutches. He'd sworn to try again at an opportune moment.

What if....

What if, indeed.

Bonaparte's mind whirled.


*****

March 1802 - Saint Dominque

Toussaint Louverture waited with baited breathe to learn the content of the massive French fleet arriving in his native land. For part, he didn't trust Bonaparte any further than he could throw him. He knew France desired the valuble sugar trade to resume, even if it meant forcing the black and mulattos back into the fields. If any army had been dispatched to force the issue...well, he would fight it.

Squinting his eyes towards the seas of masts, he failed to discern any large quantities of French soldiers on deck. That was a good sign. A single launch approached the docks. Louverture moved to greet it and spied a pair of small figures, ebony skinned donning the azure uniform of a French officer, alighting the skiff and sprinting towards him.

"Papa! Papa!"

The mulatto nearly wept with joy, for he'd feared his sons would never return from France, their presence in the Republic's schools providing a form of blackmail for the father's obedience. He listened silently as the boys described their journey, their commissions as French officers and, most notably, the massive quantity of powder, uniforms, arms and assorted material of war dispatched by the General himself.

Presently, another mulatto donning the attire of a French General approached the reunited family. He bowed.

"General Louverture, I am General Dumas. We have received orders from Paris and I am certain that you will approve of General Bonaparte's request."

******

March 1802 - Washington DC

President Adams, not wishing to be rude, restrained himself from urging the British Ambassador to the point. Liston sipped at his tea placidly as he sluggishly got to the point. In the end, he announced that His Majesty had condescended to agree to the proposed Treaty of Friendship.

The finer points had long been discussed:
1. America will offer "preferred nation" trading status to Britain.
2. America with embargo all exported goods to France, including vitally needed grain shipments, cotton for their textile mills and nearly impossible to acquire timber, hemp and canvas for the French Naval industry.
3. British and American ships will sail in convoy for protection.
4. Britain will respect American sovereignty as sea and cease any impressment of US sailors.
5. America will offer sanctuary to British ships the length of their borders
6. Britain's Parliament will approve the sale of the Hudson Bay Company's territory in North America, with obvious continued trading rights.
7. America would guarantee British sovereigty in Canada, east of Lake Huron.
8. Britain will, if called upon, provide material assistance should the conflict "extend to American shores".


This last was obviously code for borrowing a few British warships for America's newly raised army to seize New Orleans.

Adams plainly got what he wanted and didn't conceal his elation. It wouldn't be totally accepted in Congress, but he'd have a majority and that was enough.

Great Britain, shocked by continental defeats, received assurance they didn't acquire a new enemy. It was an acceptable price.

Adams raised his cup of tea in toast, Liston copied the gesture.

"To an eternal peace in the Americas, and to King George."

If the pair realized the nature of French convoy that reached Saint Dominque only a few days prior, they'd be dismayed.

If they knew of the larger fleet sailing westward along the northern waves of the Atlantic, they'd be astonished.

If they knew the purpose of the third fleet currently assembling in Brest, they'd be horrified.

Amazing plot twist. The infant American nation is going to get a hard test, it seems. However, if the nation comes through it, John Adams may be remembered as one of the greatest American presidents of all time, plus the special relationship may begin one hundred years early.

It's interesting how this war could tweak the nascent American political atmosphere. Closer ties to England and opposition to France is going to strengthen the Federalist/Whig tendency. So is a larger navy and a larger/continued professional army. If Adams wins through, the Federalists could cement themselves even more with savvy use of all that new land. Something like a Homestead Act coupled with a push for 'internal improvements' into the new territories could strengthen the federalist/whig tendency for decades to come. But the most important factor may be the impending French-supported slave revolt in the South. Unless its a complete fizzle, its going to give the whole nation but especially the South a law-and-order, freedom-can-go-to-far bent, and a support for a strong military, the effects here are super interesting.

If there are French troop movements towards America, I wonder how George Washington will get involved? Surely he will be involved. I see him polishing his already sky-high reputation, or else damaging it. You know what you intend to write, of course, but as a George Washington fan I'd love to see the grand old man get the death in battle that he narrowly escaped multiple times OTL when his anger or sporting blood got the better of him and his iron self-control slipped.

One other thing:

The idea of an American squadron at *Trafalgar or something like that is just delicious.

Very Interesting Timeline

This is a very interesting timeline. I am looking forward to seeing how this develops.

Stubear1012

Subbed for sure...

Even though my view be in the minority

It's an interesting story with a good premise.

Even though my view be in the minority, I must say that this story is bounds close to the limits of the implausibility ... certain parts of this story should be reworked to justify and explain the reason for the divergence of certain decisions and facts about OTL, at least for me are not plausible.

Now this sounds like a very interesting timeline… I'm going to be following it closely.

One small thing though - Chapter 5 - "The Enemy Engages" - is listed as Chapter 4.

Quasi-war here we go.