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#1
February 27th, 2006, 04:40 PM
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Decades of Light
I going to take a stab at this with many thanks to Kaiser Wilhelm for
showing the way to write a time-line. And to the poster of Reverse DoD for giving me the idea. I don't have a set goal other than the result is that we have more free United States earlier than OTL and that the USA undergoes maximum expansion. I am not looking to develop a upotian end result but rather something that is plausible. So here is goes ------------------------------------- Decades of Light Post #1: From the Ashes of Defeat Guilford Courthouse North Carolina, British North America March 15th 1781 General Greene put down the telescope. Stunned by the sight before him. Cornwallis broke the counterattack of the third line of American troops, but at the cost of firing into his own troops. Again using the telescope he examined the Continental troops and saw that they were reforming in good order. Examining the British troops, the general saw the exhausted men reforming into ragged lines. Scanning the battlefield he spotted Colonel Tarleton rallying troops, and on the far hill Cornwallis himself making a similar survey. "Tarleton's quarter" he thought. Again putting down the telescope, Greene came to a decision. The opportunity was too good to pass and his troops were in far better shape. Time to bag General Cornwallis and Tarleton. Turning to his aide, "Give the order that we make another attack". Timeline of the United States of America Excerpts taken from Charles Courtney.s .1775 to 1783, The First War for American Independence .. (c)1903: University of Pennsylvania Press. Used with permission. BATTLE OF GUILFORD COURTHOUSE The Battle of Guilford Court House was a battle fought on March 15, 1781 just outside of the present-day city of Greensboro, North Carolina, during the First War for American Independence. The battle saw 1,900 British troops, under General Charles Cornwallis, fighting an American force, under Rhode Islander General Nathaniel Greene, numbering 4,400. The battle began after General Conwallis marched 12 mile from Little Horsepen Creek and attacking the American position at Guilford Court House. After forcing the first and second line of American troops to retreat, British forces attacked the third line of 1,400 Continental Regulars. Slowed by the rough terrain the left and right flanks of the American forces attacked the British advance. The left side repelled the British while Washington.s Cavalry destroyed the British right. Collapse seemed imminent when Cornwallis gave the order to the newly arrived artillery to fire right into the melee. This temporally halted the American attack. General Greene, sensing imminent victory, ordered fresh attacks. Again Cornwallis ordered the artillery to fire into the ensuing melee. The American were again halted. Cornwallis then ordered the troops to reform and retreat from the battlefield. Greene bloodied twice by the British Artillery ordered his men to stand their ground allowing Cornwallis to retreat. The final count was 153 killed and 401 wounded for the Americans. 312 killed and 732 wounded for the British. The battle forced Cornwallis to fall back onto his base in Wilmington and secured the independence of North Carolina Earl Cornwallis to Gen. Clinton . March 23rd, 1781 Papers of the Continental Congress M247 roll 175 vol 1 pg. 529 National Historical Records Administration Transcribed by John Markland COPY Wilmington March 23rd 1781 Sir, It is my regret to inform you that on the morning of the 15th that my attack on General Greene's army failed. Nearly a thousand were killed & wounded. We were forced to leave the field of battle and retreat to our base in Wilmington. It is my firm conculsion that without destroying those in rebellion in our Province of Virginia there is little I can do to bring lasting victory in the southern provinces. However with the losses I have suffered, I have not the forces to advance into Virginia. I will refit and gain what reinforcement I can here in Wilmington and await the orders of General Clinton. I have dispatched Col. Tarlton to aid loyal milita against any rebel forces in South Carolina. I am &c. &c. &c. (Signed) Cornwallis Our loss is about 1000 killed & wounded, chiefly of the 23d Regt, 33rd Regt, and 71st Hldrs. Gen. Clinton to Earl Cornwallis . April 14th, 1781 Papers of the Continental Congress M247 roll 175 vol 1 pg. 530 National Historical Records Administration Transcribed by John Markland COPY New York, April 14th 1781 Sir, You are hereby ordered to remain in the southern provinces and not advance into Virginia. You are ordered to continue to seek and engage the army of General Greene and any other rebel forces in the provinces of South Carolina and Georgia. Along with these orders I have dispatched 3,500 men to reinforce your position. I am &c. &c. &c. (Signed) Clinton Timeline taken from Charles Courtney.s .1775 to 1783, The First War for American Independence .. (c)1903: University of Pennsylvania Press. Used with permission. 1781 .. April 28th to 29th Second Battle of Camden SC General Greene, attempting to retake South Carolina, successfully provokes Lord Francis Rawdon into attacking his position outside of Camden on Hobkirk's Hill. Stronger than expected attacks forced Greene's forces off Hobkirk's Hill and across Wateree River. On the 29th attacks by Col William Washington's Cavalry force Rawdon's troops to retreat back to Camden. Greene was left holding the field of battle but losses forced him to retreat back into North Carolina. April 24th to April 27th , Fort Watson SC Francis Marion attempts to siege Fort Watson but was killed in a surprise attack by the British Legion led by Colonel Tarleton. May 23rd to 25th, Charlotteburg NC In a three day battle Cornwallis and Greene fought to a standstill. Green is forced to retreat deeper into North Carolina but Cornwallis, facing partisan activity in South Carolina, eventually abandons Charlotteburg and retreats back to hold the Camden-Charleston corridor. June 27th to July 2nd, Third Battle of Camden SC Greene, refreshed and reinforced, launches a two prong attack into South Carolina, The first is a diversionary force led by Daniel Morgan aimed at St Marks on the Santee River to make Cornwallis believe that he making an attempt to cut him off from Charleston. Colonel Tarleton and the British Legion however successfully scouts out the true size of Morgan's forces and Cornwallis elects to stay in Camden sending reinforcements to Tarleton. When Greene arrives at Camden he attempts to siege Cornwallis' forces but gives up after six days and retreats back into North Carolina. June 28th, St Marks SC Colonel Tarleton defeat Daniel Morgan troops in the pinelands north of St Marks. Morgan is captured and hanged by Tarleton adding to his reputation of giving no quarter. September 4th, Verazzano Narrows, NY 24 ships under the command of French Admiral DeGrasse meet 19 ships of Admiral Grave and Hood at the entrance to New York Harbor. The actual naval battle was a stalemate but had an huge impact on the subsequent battle of New York when British forces could no longer receive supplies. September 6th, New York City Gen. George Washington and Lt. Gen. Comte de Rochambeau take up position around New York City cutting General Clinton forces from any hope of resupply. September 13th New York City Allied bombardment of New York City begins. September 24th New York City General Clinton surrenders all British forces in New York City October 14th, Mount Burgwins NC Greene, while attempting to march on Wilmington, is met by Cornwallis' forces near Mount Burgwins. In a pitched one day battle, Cornwallis' forces were left holding the field of battle with Greene retreating back into North Carolina. This was the last major battle of the First War of American Independence. Excerpts taken from Charles Courtney.s .1775 to 1783, The First War for American Independence .. (c)1903: University of Pennsylvania Press. Used with permission. Treaty of Paris, July 4th 1783 Summary The treaty document was signed by David Hartley (a member of the British Parliament representing the British Monarch, King George III), John Monroe[1], Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay (representing the United States). * Recognizing South Carolina and Georgia as loyal British Provinces; * The remaining colonies as eleven free and sovereign States * Establishing the boundaries between the United States and British North America * Recognizing the lawful contracted debts to be paid to creditors on either side; * Granting fishing rights to United States fishermen in the Grand Banks, off the coast of Newfoundland and in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence; * United States will stop confiscation of property owned by loyal British subjects (never implemented); * Prisoners of war on both sides are to be released and all property occupied by the British army in the United States to be left unmolested. * Great Britain and the United States were each to be given perpetual access to the Mississippi River; * Territories captured by Americans subsequent to treaty will be returned without compensation; * Ratification of the treaty was to occur within six months from the signing by the contracting parties [1] John Adams was busy trying to convince the Netherlands, to recognize the United States. The reverses in South Carolina and Georgia and Dutch defeats in the Fourth Anglo-Dutch war dampened the enthusiasm for the Hauge to give recognition to the United States. [2] Map at http://home.alltel.net/estar/na1783.jpg (note don't read too much into the western boundaries of the l1 states. I figure the western land controversy will figure heavily soon) 
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#2
February 27th, 2006, 04:43 PM
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No. 10 Downing Street
London, United Kingdom November 3rd 1781 Frederick North, Earl of Guilford, sat down with his tea and paper. As he was bringing the tea to his lips a frantic knocking was heard from the door to the study. With a sigh he put down the tea. "Yes! Come in." The servant came quickly through the door and set down a silver platter with a letter on it. "This arrived marked urgent. My Lord." "Thank you, Charles. Tell my secretary to be ready in case I need a reply." answered Lord North. As the servant left the room, Lord North opened the letter. As the door to the study closed, North began to read. With a stunned look on his face he dropped the letter to the floor. Putting his head in his hands he shouted, "Oh God! It is finished!" Timeline taken from Charles Courtney's "1775 to 1783, The First War for American Independence ". (c)1903: University of Pennsylvania Press. Used with permission. May 8th 1781 Spanish Forces under Count Bernado de Galvez forced Pensacola, Florida to surrender December 16th 1781 The British West Indies Squadron under Sir George Rodney defeats the combined Spanish and French Fleet at the Battle of Providence (Bahamas) January 17th 1782 The British Legion, and Creek Indians under the command of Colonel Tarleton defeat Count de Galvez's forces who were crossing the Tallapoosa river in the state of Muscogee. January to July 1782 Colonel Tarleton and Sir Rodney drives Spanish forces out of West Florida using British and Indians forces to raid and cut off supply lines. August 5th 1782 Colonel Tarleton, is defeated east of Baton Rouge, by a reformed Spanish Army under Count de Galvez. Tarleton is forced to retreat back to Mobile. No 10 Downing Street London, United Kingdom September 11th 1782 William Fitzmaurice, Earl of Sherburne, looked around the table at the assembled ministers of his cabinet. Putting down the letter, he spoke, "I think Baton Rouge settles the matter of Florida." With the ministers nodding he continued "With our position firmly held in the southern colonies, I think we can make our final proposal on American independence to the French. " The young Chancellor of the Exchequer, William Pitt, spoke up. "I know that Lord Rockingham [1] felt that it would be better to grant all the colonies independence including Georgia, and Carolina, to save ourselves future trouble. But this government is built to rise above partisan politics. With the rumors of Fox allying himself to North we can't afford to alienate our Tory supporters. [2]" The Earl then stood up. "I will send instructions to Mr. Hartley in Paris. I believe this concludes our business today." Parrtown, Sunbury County, Nova Scotia October 14th 1782 Robert Forster looked at the Ship docked at the wharf. Coming down the plank were dozens of men, women, and children clutching their last possessions. Robert turned to his friend. "Damn that Continental Congress. If they haven't ignored our last petitions we would have some of Washington's troops up there to show these no good Loyalists where they can go. Now King Geogre is shipping them up here to take our land." Robert's friend Henry leaned over and whispered "Go to the Lanum's farm tonight. The committee is starting up again and not only that Ethan Allen of Vermont sent his lieutenants in the Green Mountain Boys up to talk about what we can do." Startled Robert whispered, "The Green Mountain Boys are getting involved with us?" Henry nodded, "Yup, they way it looks that for every Loyalist we are getting, Carolina and Georgia are getting ten times the number. With them are the troops protecting them reinforcing Cornwallis and good old "Bloody" Tarleton. The Green Mountain Boys figured that with all that attention on the south, maybe there is hope for us up north yet." "I will be there." answered Robert. Taken from "Columbia Historical Dictonary". 1914 edition. Columbia Group Printers, New York City Used with permission. REPUBLIC OF MADAWASKA Founded during the Winter Revolt on January 3rd 1783 in reaction to the continuing influx of Loyalists. All of Sunbury County and Cumberland County, Nova Scotia was declared part of the Republic after Campobello was seized on the third. When the Patriots were driven out of Campobello the capital moved to Parrtown and later still to Ste. Anne's Point in the interior. There it remained until the incorporation of the Republic into the United States after the Second War for American Independence Excerpt from Sharon Joyce's "They died as free men, Story of the Green Mountain Boys". (c)1963: Bard & Rowe. Used with permission. In the aftermath of the fall of New York City it was clear that the British were determined to hold on to South Carolina and the south, especially after Cornwallis' defeat of Greene in the Battle of Mt Burgwins in October of 1781. After news of Greene defeat reached Vermont, the young republic decided to change its neutral stance and throw in its lot with the United States. With New Hampshire and New York still blocking any formal participation in the Continental Congress, Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys decided to take independent action. Ethan, his brother Ira, his cousin Seth Warner split the Green Mountain Boys between them. Ethan went south to the western foothills to help Franklin and Kentucky settlers fight off British sponsored Indian raids. Seth went north to help organize resistance in Quebec, While Ira went northeast into Nova Scotia. Seth had the least luck of the three. They found little interest for another revolt in Quebec. When Seth got sick in the spring, they returned to Vermont. Ethan aided settlers in both Franklin and North Carolina and became well regarded by both groups. Ira had spectacular success in the western counties of Nova Scotia, igniting the Winter Revolt which led to the founding of Madawaska. While much of Madawaska was over run by the British late in 1783. With aid of the Green Mountain Boys the interior of Madawaska remained under Patriot control until the whole state was ceded to the US after the Second War for American Independence. [1] Charles Watson-Wentworth, Marquess of Rockingham was appointed Prime Minister after the resignation of Lord North and died in June (OTL July) of influenza. While this could be arguably be butterflied away, I am conjecturing that there some underlying physical weakness or problem that made influenza a particular danger to him in the summer of 1782. [2] King George III still very much despises Charles James Fox. Now with being passed over being prime minister twice is conspiring with Lord North to bring down the government.
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#3
February 27th, 2006, 05:47 PM
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It is a good TL although there are some grammatical errors and spacing bits.
Here's a portion of your TL with spacing... ==================================== No. 10 Downing Street London, United Kingdom November 3rd 1781 Frederick North, Earl of Guilford, sat down with his tea and paper. As he was bringing the tea to his lips a frantic knocking was heard from the door to the study. With a sigh he put down the tea. "Yes! Come in." The servant came quickly through the door and set down a silver platter with a letter on it. "This arrived marked urgent. My Lord." "Thank you, Charles. Tell my secretary to be ready in case I need a reply." answered Lord North. As the servant left the room, Lord North opened the letter. As the door to the study closed, North began to read. With a stunned look on his face he dropped the letter to the floor. Putting his head in his hands he shouted, "Oh God! It is finished!" ------------------- Timeline taken from Charles Courtney's "1775 to 1783, The First War for American Independence ". (c)1903: University of Pennsylvania Press. Used with permission. May 8th 1781 Spanish Forces under Count Bernado de Galvez forced Pensacola, Florida to surrender December 16th 1781 The British West Indies Squadron under Sir George Rodney defeats the combined Spanish and French Fleet at the Battle of Providence (Bahamas) January 17th 1782 The British Legion, and Creek Indians under the command of Colonel Tarleton defeat Count de Galvez's forces who were crossing the Tallapoosa river in the state of Muscogee. January to July 1782 Colonel Tarleton and Sir Rodney drives Spanish forces out of West Florida using British and Indians forces to raid and cut off supply lines. August 5th 1782 Colonel Tarleton, is defeated east of Baton Rouge, by a reformed Spanish Army under Count de Galvez. Tarleton is forced to retreat back to Mobile. ---------------------------- No 10 Downing Street London, United Kingdom September 11th 1782 William Fitzmaurice, Earl of Sherburne, looked around the table at the assembled ministers of his cabinet. Putting down the letter, he spoke, "I think Baton Rouge settles the matter of Florida." With the ministers nodding he continued "With our position firmly held in the southern colonies, I think we can make our final proposal on American independence to the French. " The young Chancellor of the Exchequer, William Pitt, spoke up. "I know that Lord Rockingham [1] felt that it would be better to grant all the colonies independence including Georgia, and Carolina, to save ourselves future trouble. But this government is built to rise above partisan politics. With the rumors of Fox allying himself to North we can't afford to alienate our Tory supporters. [2]" The Earl then stood up. "I will send instructions to Mr. Hartley in Paris. I believe this concludes our business today." ====================== The usage of short bits in TTL's is kind of interesting. While I'm not too sure what has happened - it's really different and yet similar to DoD so that one can spot the origin of the TL. I would say as a weathered reader to; 1) put ----- between small POV's of different characters 2) proofread (  - I'm a hypocrite)3) somehow block your words so that they are within the center instead of going off the "bloc" of print Perhaps clicking on the series of lines next to the Underline feature of the posting bit would work.... Otherwise from that, good work, and I hope that you'll bring a rabbit out of the hat on this supposed Second War of Independence.
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http://www.alternatehistory.com/disc...ad.php?t=31000 "Money talks; Merit walks" -Sharpe's Rifles
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#4
February 27th, 2006, 07:12 PM
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I did a timeline where the Georgia and South Carolina remained with the British Empire
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Enhanced with riboflavin! И♂мαđįς Şқץ
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#5
February 27th, 2006, 08:06 PM
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Madawaska what????
Where did this revolt spring from.
there were huge waves of loyalists into Nova Scotia OTL and this did not provoke the response you have here so I think the Probablility of an open revolt along the lines you posit is probalby about zero. In addition, with the stronger British presence in the south one could argue that they maintain their presence in the NW north of the Ohio at the very least. Some kind of joint occupancy a la Oregon say if not out right control of the whole terr. I certainly don't see them dismantling any forts in the region any time soon. Despite the achievements of George Rogers Clark, the British presence in the south and their continued presence at Detroit makes their continued presence in the NW an inevitability in some format. Also the Maine border should be disputed of course as the northern third will be claimed by the Brits as part of Nova Scotia. Just how many loyalists are we looking at this TL. Argueably you could have more this time around with SC and Georgia remaining with the Crown. OTl about 30-35,000 went to NS (NS/NB/PEI) and about 10,000 to Quebec/Canada.
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#6
February 27th, 2006, 08:40 PM
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web) around 70,000 loyalist and their slaves left the US. 46,000 to canada, 7,000 to Britain, 17,000 to the Carribbean. I figure with Georgia still around in British hand it would be 7,000 to Canada, 3,000 to Britain, and 50,000 to Georgia/Caribbean. Note 10,000 less loyalist because of the retention of SC/GA Of the 46,000 in OTL to canada 10,000 went to Upper Canada, and the Eastern townships. The rest to Nova Scotia. So any patriots in NS/NB were just swamped by the influx of Loyalist finally killing any chance of a 14th colony joining. In both Time-line Nova Scotia had 20,000+ people before the War. ITTL I figure that 3000 goto the Eastern Township, virtual none to Upper Canada, and 4000 to Nova Scotia. 20000 versus 4000 newcomers means that patriots have a lot better chance than OTL 20000 versus 32000 newcomers. Even with the improved odds the patriots got driven back into the backwoods where they hung on until the Second War of American Independence. Quote:
But ITTL he died like OTL and Shelbourne is faced with holding together what is a government comprised of Rockingham Whigs and anti-North Tories. Fox has bolted and is now conspiring with North to bring down the government. So Shelbourne will relent on the Ohio but will not give up South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. And looming in the mix is Joesph Brant who has a few opinions on the subjects. Quote:
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#7
February 28th, 2006, 06:57 AM
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Nice!
I really like this timeline so far. I started a sketch on OTL.com awhile back with the same premise of a freer USA, but a different POD (slaves join the Continental Army). I like this idea better; the POD is subtler.
Ideas for the future: according to James Loewen's Lies My Teacher Told Me (among other sources), the desire to expand slave lands played a huge role in the early USA's antagonism towards Natives, especially during the War of 1812. Without that impetus (and with the British playing balance-of-power, too), the Cherokee, Chippewa, and even the Iroquois and other tribes could survive.
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#8
February 28th, 2006, 12:27 PM
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I agree that diminished (or lack of) slavery will alter indian relationship (for the better) but right now I am astonished at the population imbalence between the indians and the US. The iriquoius at their height had 20,000, the shawnee a couple of thousand.
While one of my goals is to have a better outcome for the indians. I think that the population difference is going to pretty much determine that the path will be some type of incorporation within white society.
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#9
February 28th, 2006, 08:04 PM
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The problem is compounded by the http://college.hmco.com/history/read...pulationof.htm breakneck speed at which the rest of the US population grows -- 33% per decade. Without immigration, it would be hard for a pre-industrial society to break 10% per decade growth.
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#10
February 28th, 2006, 08:42 PM
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You know, I just had a thought.
You're going to see the Carolinas and George dominated by the planters, right? With resistance from the upcountry scotch-irish farmers, among others? The Scotch-Irish intermarried with the Cherokees, among other tribes. Perhaps the Civilized Tribes are instrumental in gaining victory in the 2nd American Revolution.
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#11
February 28th, 2006, 08:59 PM
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#12
February 28th, 2006, 09:24 PM
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(Honestly, why is Jackson on our twenty?)
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#13
February 28th, 2006, 09:26 PM
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#14
February 28th, 2006, 09:47 PM
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#15
February 28th, 2006, 09:48 PM
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#17
March 1st, 2006, 01:05 AM
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As to the rebellion... You still did not answer the why? As in why it occurred. It makes no sense. The ostensible reason is British diversion southward. What, they are abandonning a strong presence in Halifax? Doubtful? With the removal of the New England states from the Empire with the declaration of independance, Nova Scotia gained ascendency in the North Atlantic trade with Britain and the Caribbean. They will have no interest in throwing that away. That leaves your influx of loyalists. Far less in this TL than OTL. If there was no revolt OTL then why suddenly would there be one now? OtL they came to the peninsula as well as the St. John valley. With considerably less of them they are hardly going to be taking anyone's farm's. Instead you will have an orderly settlement of the St. John, with far less hardship than occurred OTL with far more organization. As to the rebellion itself It would be stamped out of existance at the behest of the colonial government by '85 at the latest...its leaders hanged if they did not flee to the US. Thus, I doubt your Madawaska Rep. would even exist on paper by the time you get around to the Second War of American independence. One point you are missing...with more places to go one could easily posit a much stronger loyalist migration to the areas remaining in he Empire. At the DOI it is generally considered that as much as a third of the population was Tory..with an equal number of Patriots. A stronger migration of Loyalists from the outset is a far more credible outcome than this Winter rebellion you have manufactured. Rather than lower numbers your more likely to see larger numbers overall. Even if you simply doubled them thats only 150,000 out of a total of 900,000 to 1 million generally conservative Tories that would have preferred a compromise with Britain than out right Independence.
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#18
March 1st, 2006, 01:21 AM
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#19
March 1st, 2006, 01:50 AM
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"Damn that Continental Congress. If they haven't ignored our last petitions we would have some of Washington's troops up there to show these no good Loyalists where they can go. Now King Geogre is shipping them up here to take our land." Robert is referring to the fact that the western part of nova scotia (New Brunswick) petitioned the Continental Congress to join the revolution as a 14th colony in 1775. What is now New Brunswick was settled mostly by New Englanders with Arcadians in the backwoods. Today's Nova Scotia was more heavily Tory and of course had the all important base at Halifax. Quote:
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Enjoy Rob Conley
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#20
March 1st, 2006, 06:32 AM
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See if I got some better formatting going here.
--------------------------------- Decades of Light Post #3: A House in Turmoil White Plains, New York January 6th 1783 Head Quarters, New York, January 6th 1783. Having read an anonymous paper raising matters of concern to this army The Command in Chief believes that the good sense of his officers would induce them to pay little attention to any irregular invitations that may be forthcoming. His duty, as well as the good name and interest of this army, require his disapprobation of any disorderly proceeding resulting thereof. At the same time he directs that each company appoint an officer to attend an orderly meeting at 12 o'clock on January 15th . After an orderly and mature discussion, this meeting will devise what further measures to attain the just and important matters that are of concern. The senior officer in rank will preside over said meeting and report any resolved made to the Commander in Chief. ----------------------------------------------- Henry Knox [1] White Plains, New York January 15th 1783 While taking my customary seat in the front, I watched the representatives of the different regiments make their way into the building. Then Gates strolled in and took up the chair at the head of the room. What a pompous ass, I thought to myself. Benedict had to turn traitor, leaving good old Horatio with sole credit for Saratoga. Then after which his intrigues nearly brought down the Army. Watching him straightened the gravel on the desk I could only think that now his intrigues involves the fate of the nation. Listening to the angry voices being raised in the various groups around the room I could only wonder whether we will see the downfall of the cause today. Looking at Gates smug expression I cursed myself for contributing this folly. I am not sure what I can say now after voicing so many of the same concerns on pay, and land as my fellow officers. My thoughts were interrupted by the pounding of the gravel by General Gates. He shouted "This assembled meeting will now come to order." He pounded a few more times as he likes to do and the officers quickly took to their seats. Robert Morris stood up with a paper in his hand. I winced when I saw that, I know from reading the papers that the Commander gave me two nights ago that Robert is going to propose more than just a simple petition to Congress. As we waited for the last officers to get settled, the door was opened by Billy, the general's valet. Hobbling into the room was Commander himself. [2] The silence that descended on the room was deafening. This was unexpected, he did not said not a word to me when we met. We all watched in silence he slowly walked with his cane up to the head of the room. Putting his hand on the desk he got out a piece of paper and looked at us and began to speak. He spoke of the anonymous summon, the complaints we had about pay, land, and the conditions we live under. He spoke of the other letter, and how unpatriotic it was to suggest the conspiracy it outlined and the betrayal of liberty that would result if its recommendations were carried out. I winced at the anger in his voice at all of us. But looking around I saw not many shared my shame. "The great man is losing us" I thought. When he finished and looked and saw the still sullen faces of the officers. He set his cane next to the desk and began to draw another paper from his pocket. His face winced in pain and he collapsed on the floor. Immediately myself and several other bolted from our seats to his side. He waved to show he was all right. We helped him up and held while he steadied himself. He looked at me and the other around. "Gentlemen, this injury of mine wasn't in battle. But it has served to remind me of the greater sacrifice that so many others made in the service of our country." As I returned to my seat, I was astounded at the reaction of nearly everyone. Many had tears, the rest just a look of a man coming to his senses. I was impressed that even Alex was crying. The Commander read the rest of the letter, some missive from a governor about what will do for the army. But it didn't matter, because that simple fall showed us that it had to stop here. It showed us the Commander suffers as we do, it showed us that other made a far bigger sacrifice in liberty's name. After he read the letter, he hobbled out of the room. After the door closed I got up and proposed that we all re-affirm our oaths as officers of the United States. The noise of people standing was deafening as nearly everyone to a man stood up. General Gates led us through the oath swearing and we shouted as one voice as to make sure the whole camp heard. Then Alex went up to the table and proceeded to write out a proclamation of our loyalty and was the first to sign it and one by one the rest of us went to sign it as well. I left the meeting uncertain of my fortune, but certain in the fortune of my country. Taken from "Columbia Historical Dictonary". 1914 edition. Columbia Group Printers, New York City Used with permission. THE WHITE PLAINS CABAL A group of disgruntled Continental Army Officers led by Robert Morris and Alexander Hamiltion intent on forcing the Continental Congress to address their grievances. The Cabal was disbanded by General George Washington when he arrived at a meeting of the Cabal members and addressed the officers. During the address he collapsed to the floor due a leg injury. When helped back to his feet he said "Gentlemen, this injury of mine wasn't in battle. But it has served to remind me of the greater sacrifice that so many others made in the service of our country." This simple statement illustrating his own personal injuries and highlighting the sacrifices of other veterans affected the officers present so much that it broke the cabal. ----------------------------------------------- Timeline taken from Andrew Mackenzie's "A House in Turmoil, Downfall of the Confederation". (c)1923: Tsalagi State University. Used with permission. January 4th 1783 The Trenton issues it decree, ordering the transfer of the Wyoming Valley to from Connecticut to Pennsylvania January 15th 1783 The White Plains Cabal disbands after a impassioned pleas from General Washington January 30th 1783 Congress accepts the preliminary articles of the Treaty of Paris. May 9th to 23rd 1783 [3] The First Annapolis Convention is convened to deal with western land issues. All territory north of the Ohio is transferred to the national government except for the Western Reserve which is retained by Connecticut. Virginia and North Carolina retain their western land claims south of the Ohio. July 4th 1783 The Treaty of Paris is signed August 19th 1783 Veterans from the Pennsylvania Militia protest in Philadelphia forcing Congress to adjourn to Princeton, New Jersey. September 1st 1783 Washington delivers his farewell address to his troops. November 20th 1783 Nathaniel Greene is appointed Secretary of War by Congress after Congress votes to assume all his debts March 16th to 24th 1784 Washington hosts the Potomac River Commission between Maryland and Virginia to settle issues over jurisdiction of the Potomac River. ----------------------------------------------- Northwest of Easton Northampton County, Pennsylvania April 12th, 1784 Sheriff Frederick Antis couldn't believe the sight down in the valley before him, hundreds of men, women, and children making their way out of the Lackawaxen wilderness with signs of starvation. Many are moving only by the aid of others. Surrounding them were over forty men, keeping them moving. "Damn Patterson, damn him to hell!" muttered Frederick angrily. Turning to the hundred men of the Northamption militia he gathered. He spoke "Men! It doesn't matter if they are Yankees, Pennamites, or even damn Hessians. There are several hundred souls down there that need saving. We didn't fight King George to make our own tyrants!" The men gave a cheer, at which the column below halted. Frederick yelled "Move forward!" and began to lead the formation of militia down the hill. When they reached the huddled group of people and the men guarding them. Frederick yelled "Company Halt!" and his men stopped. Stepping forward he fished out a folded piece of paper and yelled. "Alexander Patterson! You present here?" A small thin man, with a rifle walked up, "I am Chairman Patterson." Looking around at the militia. "You here to take charge of these prisoners?" Frederick kept his face calm and unfolded the paper in his ha, "Mr. Patterson I am Frederick Antis, Sheriff of Northampton County. You and your men are hereby under arrest and are to lay down all your arms." "What!" sputtered Patterson, "What is the meaning of this!" gripping his rifle tighter. "Present Arms!" shouted Frederick. When the sound of a hundred men readying their guns died away he turned back to the Patterson. "What it means that your little tyrant's rule in the Wyoming is at an end and your so called prisoners are now under the protection of Northampton County and the State of Pennsylvania. You will disarm now or face the consequences." Blinking for a few moments Patterson threw down his rifle, at that his men began to throw down their weapons as well. Frederick the walked to the people huddled together, their gaunt faces and tired expression told of the ordeal they went through. Turning to them he spoke "You are safe now, I don't know how it came to this. But mark my word we will punish those any who are responsible for this. For now we will escort you to a warm place where you can get food and shelter." ----------------------------------------------- Taken from "Columbia Historical Dictonary". 1914 edition. Columbia Group Printers, New York City Used with permission. DELAWARE MARCH March 29th to April 12th 1784 Alexander Patterson, Chairman of the Pennsylvania Landholder Committee, ordered the Connecticut settlers of the Wyoming Valley rounded up after spring flood wiped many of their homes in early March. For two week over a thousand women, children, and old men were kept penned up at Fort Dickinson with minimal food and water. Beginning on the 29th Patterson and his men began a 14 day march through the Lackawaxen wilderness to the Delaware down to Easton where he planned to have them imprisoned. During the march over half died of starvation and exposure. The remaining only survived due to food and supplied handed them to by friendly farmers in the Delaware and Neversink Valleys. The farmers sent word ahead to Sheriff Antis of Northampton County, who formed up the Northamption Militia and arrested Patterson and his men. This incident and its aftermath is marked by historians as a key incident igniting the Great Awakening that shaped much of the early history of the United States. [1] This an attempt at a first person perspective, where instead being invisible watching on the side, we are actually in the head of a participant seeing and hearing what he or she does. I think using this occasionally is a useful expansion on Kaiser's method of exploring a time-line. [2] George Washington suffered a twisted ankle a week ago and was using a cane to get around. [3] The Congress recognize that with loss of South Carolina and Georgia that something needs do be done now about the western lands the least of which is to get some land sales going to alleviate the debt problem.
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