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)
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)