Nicholas I was probably the most reactionary Czar of his age. I doubt anyone will miss him. Alexander II would be about 12 at this time. He'll be raised as a puppet.
I'll get into the emancipation in later chapters.
Quasi-War III
- Thread starter Alt History Buff
- Start date
Nicholas I was probably the most reactionary Czar of his age. I doubt anyone will miss him. Alexander II would be about 12 at this time. He'll be raised as a puppet.
I'll get into the emancipation in later chapters.
Chapter 22 - A Dawning Future - March 1831
Baltimore
President Adams watched dully as the steam engine Tom Thumb chugged along the track of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, the first passangers cheered by the gathered crowds. Adams knew he was witnessing history. Britain had run rainroads for several years and several steam engines were in use for freight purposes already in America. But this was the first passenger service in American history and Adams supposed he should be present to witness. He just wished the beast wasn't so smelly. Also, he wished for different company.
"...so, Mr. Secretary," Adams droned, "I understand the first AMERICAN-Built steam engine is currently under construction in New York. It will be named the Dewitt Clinton, no doubt the first of many we shall see puttering about the country before we die."
"Yes, Mr. President," Secretary of State Henry Clay nodded. "But of my proposal?"
The man was nothing if not single-minded. Though his office was intended for foreign relations, Henry Clay remained among the most powerful men of influence in Washington. Bearing plenty of allies in Congress, Clay came up with a solution to this "damnable slavery situation".
He intended Federal funds for the freeing of slaves, at premium prices, no less. Clay conceded the hypocracy of northerners demanding their southern brethren free slaves at no cost, even as northern mills had profited by the institution no less than plantation owners. Expecting such a change to fall only on the shoulders of five states would be cruel.
In the end, the institution was dying without expansion, an arguement that was politically dead now. Even the most abrasive of slavery apologists were no longer demanding the expansion into the Floridas or Yazoo territory. The strong federal response to the Nullification Crisis had put that to bed. Now, it was just a matter of phasing it out. Adams found the institution abominable and loathed the idea of rewarding slaveholders for their greed but the outgoing President was willing to compromise.
"What I fear shall cause even greater uproar, Mr. Secretary, than using Federal funds to buy out these slaves, is the fact that the proposed legislation does not truly ban slavery, or even set a schedule to eliminate it. The nation shall only purchase what the southern plantation owners are willing to sell."
Clay was prepared for this argument. "Once the process is in place, fewer and fewer will object to extending the scope over the years. Surely, once the majority of slaves are freed, and I firmly believe most will be willingly sold by owners within a few years, that it will be more accepted to place greater requirements on the south."
Adams was willing to go along with this, seeing the logic. Much of the southern states' finest land had been depleted over the years by overharvesting tobacco and cotton, hungry crops that murdered the soil. As such, yields fell along with the price of slaves. That is why so many Virginia and South Carolina gentlemen were eager to move into free lands. Indeed, South Carolina's population had been falling for years as the soil depleted. With the value of both land and slaves falling, many owners would be pleased to sell at common rates from a few years ago.
"What troubles me the most, Mr. Clay, is that the freed slaves, purchased at American expense, would be forced from these shores, the only home they have ever known, and sent back to Africa. These people have been in chains once, it would be unjust to subject them to more chains under the banner of "freedom"."
The "Black Codes", enacted in all southern states, commanded that any freed slave must be exiled from that states' borders. Indeed, several state prohibited freeing slaves unless they were immediately dispatched back to Africa, fearing that free negroes would return and incite rebellion among the still-bonded kin.
"Several southern congressmen and Senators are willing to agree, Mr. President, but only on these terms. After the slave revolts of the past thirty years, they will not accept free negroes in their states. And, quite frankly, Mr. President, I doubt that any other states or territories would welcome negroes in large numbers either. Does Massachusetts desire half a million negroes to take up residence?"
Again, Adams concluded the hypcracy.
Clay shook his head, "No, sir. Without these conditions, I shall not have a single southern vote. Without those southern votes, I cannot overcome the opposition of northern radicals whom demand immediate emancipation or western congressmen whom simply don't want to bear the expense for something that doesn't affect them. We need to make this compromise, else no other legislation is possible."
Knowing his own influence in Congress was limited, Adams could not affect change himself. He'd emancipate them all tomorrow if he had the power. He did not. The Nullification Crisis was a tempest in a teapot compared to any proclamation of freedom Adams might attempt. He had nowhere near the votes in congress. Even if he had...the south would fight. Virginia and Maryland had both stood by their country in the Nullification crisis. They would fight along side the Carolinas and Georgia if Adams went too far.
Adams could not go too far. He knew the fragility of his country. Though expansive on a map, her power was limited. Canada remained a threat, awaiting a French response to their independence. The migration west across the great plains could be cut off by a few thousand intransigent Indians. A half dozen European nations could blockade the American claims to Guyana, Amazonia and Tierra del Fuego. For the former two, both New Granada and the Brazilian states contest America's claim. War with either might crop up at no notice.
No, Adams must make the deal he could. He would support Clay's proposal and nudge the abominable institution's death along a few steps at a time. Besides, Clay was right. Once matters became established, it would be easier to extend in the future.
Adams gave the word.
Baltimore
President Adams watched dully as the steam engine Tom Thumb chugged along the track of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, the first passangers cheered by the gathered crowds. Adams knew he was witnessing history. Britain had run rainroads for several years and several steam engines were in use for freight purposes already in America. But this was the first passenger service in American history and Adams supposed he should be present to witness. He just wished the beast wasn't so smelly. Also, he wished for different company.
"...so, Mr. Secretary," Adams droned, "I understand the first AMERICAN-Built steam engine is currently under construction in New York. It will be named the Dewitt Clinton, no doubt the first of many we shall see puttering about the country before we die."
"Yes, Mr. President," Secretary of State Henry Clay nodded. "But of my proposal?"
The man was nothing if not single-minded. Though his office was intended for foreign relations, Henry Clay remained among the most powerful men of influence in Washington. Bearing plenty of allies in Congress, Clay came up with a solution to this "damnable slavery situation".
He intended Federal funds for the freeing of slaves, at premium prices, no less. Clay conceded the hypocracy of northerners demanding their southern brethren free slaves at no cost, even as northern mills had profited by the institution no less than plantation owners. Expecting such a change to fall only on the shoulders of five states would be cruel.
In the end, the institution was dying without expansion, an arguement that was politically dead now. Even the most abrasive of slavery apologists were no longer demanding the expansion into the Floridas or Yazoo territory. The strong federal response to the Nullification Crisis had put that to bed. Now, it was just a matter of phasing it out. Adams found the institution abominable and loathed the idea of rewarding slaveholders for their greed but the outgoing President was willing to compromise.
"What I fear shall cause even greater uproar, Mr. Secretary, than using Federal funds to buy out these slaves, is the fact that the proposed legislation does not truly ban slavery, or even set a schedule to eliminate it. The nation shall only purchase what the southern plantation owners are willing to sell."
Clay was prepared for this argument. "Once the process is in place, fewer and fewer will object to extending the scope over the years. Surely, once the majority of slaves are freed, and I firmly believe most will be willingly sold by owners within a few years, that it will be more accepted to place greater requirements on the south."
Adams was willing to go along with this, seeing the logic. Much of the southern states' finest land had been depleted over the years by overharvesting tobacco and cotton, hungry crops that murdered the soil. As such, yields fell along with the price of slaves. That is why so many Virginia and South Carolina gentlemen were eager to move into free lands. Indeed, South Carolina's population had been falling for years as the soil depleted. With the value of both land and slaves falling, many owners would be pleased to sell at common rates from a few years ago.
"What troubles me the most, Mr. Clay, is that the freed slaves, purchased at American expense, would be forced from these shores, the only home they have ever known, and sent back to Africa. These people have been in chains once, it would be unjust to subject them to more chains under the banner of "freedom"."
The "Black Codes", enacted in all southern states, commanded that any freed slave must be exiled from that states' borders. Indeed, several state prohibited freeing slaves unless they were immediately dispatched back to Africa, fearing that free negroes would return and incite rebellion among the still-bonded kin.
"Several southern congressmen and Senators are willing to agree, Mr. President, but only on these terms. After the slave revolts of the past thirty years, they will not accept free negroes in their states. And, quite frankly, Mr. President, I doubt that any other states or territories would welcome negroes in large numbers either. Does Massachusetts desire half a million negroes to take up residence?"
Again, Adams concluded the hypcracy.
Clay shook his head, "No, sir. Without these conditions, I shall not have a single southern vote. Without those southern votes, I cannot overcome the opposition of northern radicals whom demand immediate emancipation or western congressmen whom simply don't want to bear the expense for something that doesn't affect them. We need to make this compromise, else no other legislation is possible."
Knowing his own influence in Congress was limited, Adams could not affect change himself. He'd emancipate them all tomorrow if he had the power. He did not. The Nullification Crisis was a tempest in a teapot compared to any proclamation of freedom Adams might attempt. He had nowhere near the votes in congress. Even if he had...the south would fight. Virginia and Maryland had both stood by their country in the Nullification crisis. They would fight along side the Carolinas and Georgia if Adams went too far.
Adams could not go too far. He knew the fragility of his country. Though expansive on a map, her power was limited. Canada remained a threat, awaiting a French response to their independence. The migration west across the great plains could be cut off by a few thousand intransigent Indians. A half dozen European nations could blockade the American claims to Guyana, Amazonia and Tierra del Fuego. For the former two, both New Granada and the Brazilian states contest America's claim. War with either might crop up at no notice.
No, Adams must make the deal he could. He would support Clay's proposal and nudge the abominable institution's death along a few steps at a time. Besides, Clay was right. Once matters became established, it would be easier to extend in the future.
Adams gave the word.
Chapter 23 - Swiveling to another future - September 1831
Charleston
Andrew Jackson walked the streets alone. He was alone frequently now. Dispatched nearly a year ago to put down this Nullification nonsense, the uproar had largely died down. Now there is another uproar with this proposed federal program to BUY slaves and send them back to Africa. Everyone seemed to have a opinion on that. Jackson didn't see the reason for such resistance. After all, no one was being force to sell their slaves. It was entirely voluntary. Indeed, the proposed scale of purchase, based on value of the slave, is considerably higher than current sale prices. Many landowners may find sale at these prices as the only alternative to debtors prison and bankruptcy.
Others, of course, deplored the loss of the "southern way of life" where negroes were in their place and genteel gentlemen governed their plantations as colonial aristocrats.
Jackson didn't care. Jackson didn't care about much these days since the death of his beloved wife Rachel. Largely excluded from South Carolina society, he'd ordered Rachel buried next to his mother and brothers in North Carolina. He hoped he would join her someday. Preferably soon.
He'd come to loathe South Carolina. Most of his troops, especially the militia, had returned home when the hubbub died down about Nullification. Most were, in fact, used more to break the minor slave rebellion that followed, much to the slaves' obvious dissappointment.
He had less than two thousand regulars left and the Governor of South Carolina was openly hinting it was time they went home too.
The entire state, no, the entire Country, disgusted Jackson. Proposals that he stand for President the next year were laughed off by the bitter man. Andrew Jackson in the Presidential Mansion? Hardly.
The General took to long walks in the late summer evenings, alone with his thoughts. Charleston was pretty if one didn't have to deal with the inhabitants. Only a few people were down this little lane.
"Surrah?"
The voice came from behind. In fading twilight, Jackson's softening vision couldn't quite make out the young man's face.
"What?"
The youth stepped forward.
"You murder my country, death to all autocrats!"
Too late, Jackson saw a flash of steel. The blade punctured his lung, once, then twice. A woman screamed in the background. Footsteps raced away. A few minutes later, Jackson's final conscious thoughts were of being carried away, someone crying for a doctor, and looking forward to seeing his wife again.
Charleston
Andrew Jackson walked the streets alone. He was alone frequently now. Dispatched nearly a year ago to put down this Nullification nonsense, the uproar had largely died down. Now there is another uproar with this proposed federal program to BUY slaves and send them back to Africa. Everyone seemed to have a opinion on that. Jackson didn't see the reason for such resistance. After all, no one was being force to sell their slaves. It was entirely voluntary. Indeed, the proposed scale of purchase, based on value of the slave, is considerably higher than current sale prices. Many landowners may find sale at these prices as the only alternative to debtors prison and bankruptcy.
Others, of course, deplored the loss of the "southern way of life" where negroes were in their place and genteel gentlemen governed their plantations as colonial aristocrats.
Jackson didn't care. Jackson didn't care about much these days since the death of his beloved wife Rachel. Largely excluded from South Carolina society, he'd ordered Rachel buried next to his mother and brothers in North Carolina. He hoped he would join her someday. Preferably soon.
He'd come to loathe South Carolina. Most of his troops, especially the militia, had returned home when the hubbub died down about Nullification. Most were, in fact, used more to break the minor slave rebellion that followed, much to the slaves' obvious dissappointment.
He had less than two thousand regulars left and the Governor of South Carolina was openly hinting it was time they went home too.
The entire state, no, the entire Country, disgusted Jackson. Proposals that he stand for President the next year were laughed off by the bitter man. Andrew Jackson in the Presidential Mansion? Hardly.
The General took to long walks in the late summer evenings, alone with his thoughts. Charleston was pretty if one didn't have to deal with the inhabitants. Only a few people were down this little lane.
"Surrah?"
The voice came from behind. In fading twilight, Jackson's softening vision couldn't quite make out the young man's face.
"What?"
The youth stepped forward.
"You murder my country, death to all autocrats!"
Too late, Jackson saw a flash of steel. The blade punctured his lung, once, then twice. A woman screamed in the background. Footsteps raced away. A few minutes later, Jackson's final conscious thoughts were of being carried away, someone crying for a doctor, and looking forward to seeing his wife again.
Chapter 24 - Seeds of Wars to Come - December 1831
Paris
Napoleon II was furious. The true scale of British perfidity was only now being revealed. It was hardly surprising that the Dutch, Walloon, Westphalian, Portguese, Spanish and Piedmontease rebels had BOUGHT british arms and powder. But the evidence revealed of the secret plot to forment rebellion could not be ignored.
Defeated again and again by his sainted father, Britain plainly intended to wage war behind closed doors. So be it.
With his domineering uncle out of the way, the twenty-year-old Emperor now had a free hand. But what to do with it. He'd acceded to his councilors recommendations that he deal with the rebellions in Europe first before turning on Canada. Then, after the insult to the French ambassador by that Barbary pirate king, it was obvious that Algeria's conquest must take precedence. In the end, Napoleon II inquired what they really gained by reconquering Canada. Lacking a response, the young Emperor decided to submit an olive branch: home rule with French control of foreign affairs.
It was always possible that America or Britain could intervene and Canada wasn't worth much anyway. Besides, Napoleon had greater priorities elsewhere than to waste an army and a large portion of his navy retaking a worthless colony.
That was the best deal Canada would get.
They wisely accepted.
Now back to Britain. Obviously intent on assaulting France in the most cowardly of manners, the island nation must be dealt with. But how? It had been drilled into the Emperor since birth that Britain ruled the waves, both in quantity and quality of sail.
But those new steamboats paddling up and down the Seine. Could they not be utilized at sea? Most of the Admirals stated no. But others questioned that assumption, or recommended investigation into alternative designs utilizing a screw that might brave the world's oceans.
Britain's sailers were skilled and plentiful. It had been that nation's strenght for centuries. But what if the skill of the seaman was replaced by the wisdom of a mechanic? Could not France overcome these disadvantages if proper resources were applied, ones that even landsmen might swiftly become useful sailors?
The matters of Algeria and Canada still up for debate, Napoleon II knew the time was not right. But soon.
Washington DC
Against Adams expectations, the "National Bondsman Purchase Act" had passed, though at lesser majorities than Henry Clay anticipated. If anything, the legislation would probably have failed were it not for public anger at the assassination of General Jackson. Many Americans recommended another invasion of South Carolina, though steady heads accepted the denials that any person of consequence in that state would stoop to assassination.
Hundreds were questioned, including noted actor Junius Brutus Booth, whom had written Jackson a letter threatening to kill him. Booth claimed it was but a joke between good friends.
Already, tens of thousands of slaverowners were stepping forward to sell their surplus stock. There had been brawls in the street as neighbor decried neighbor's position, believing that selling slaves to the government was tantamount to dooming the institution. But too many were in debt to turn down such rewarding terms.
Indeed, the number of slaves had remained largely stagnant. Unlike areas of the Caribbean, where the death toll was so high on brutal sugar plantations that it was common for the population to drop 10% a year without resupply, the quantity of slaves remained steady in America. The primary change was the few thousand a years freed and returned to Africa by general owners, or those forcibly put on a ship by southern states deeming it right to evict freedmen from their borders. There would now be far more of those.
Embarrassed at the expedience, John Quincy Adams was pleased to finally be done with this tedious business of governence.
Belem
Zebulon Pike nearly wept in relief. He recall orders had finally arrived. President Adams had taken pity on a man whose career had taken him far and wide. A quiet position counting muskets and shot no doubt awaited him in Washington where he may live out his life far away from the hell of Tejas, Louisiana, California, Sonora, Florida, Guyana and Amazonia.
He truly had been worried he was going to be sent to Tierra del Fuego.
Paris
Napoleon II was furious. The true scale of British perfidity was only now being revealed. It was hardly surprising that the Dutch, Walloon, Westphalian, Portguese, Spanish and Piedmontease rebels had BOUGHT british arms and powder. But the evidence revealed of the secret plot to forment rebellion could not be ignored.
Defeated again and again by his sainted father, Britain plainly intended to wage war behind closed doors. So be it.
With his domineering uncle out of the way, the twenty-year-old Emperor now had a free hand. But what to do with it. He'd acceded to his councilors recommendations that he deal with the rebellions in Europe first before turning on Canada. Then, after the insult to the French ambassador by that Barbary pirate king, it was obvious that Algeria's conquest must take precedence. In the end, Napoleon II inquired what they really gained by reconquering Canada. Lacking a response, the young Emperor decided to submit an olive branch: home rule with French control of foreign affairs.
It was always possible that America or Britain could intervene and Canada wasn't worth much anyway. Besides, Napoleon had greater priorities elsewhere than to waste an army and a large portion of his navy retaking a worthless colony.
That was the best deal Canada would get.
They wisely accepted.
Now back to Britain. Obviously intent on assaulting France in the most cowardly of manners, the island nation must be dealt with. But how? It had been drilled into the Emperor since birth that Britain ruled the waves, both in quantity and quality of sail.
But those new steamboats paddling up and down the Seine. Could they not be utilized at sea? Most of the Admirals stated no. But others questioned that assumption, or recommended investigation into alternative designs utilizing a screw that might brave the world's oceans.
Britain's sailers were skilled and plentiful. It had been that nation's strenght for centuries. But what if the skill of the seaman was replaced by the wisdom of a mechanic? Could not France overcome these disadvantages if proper resources were applied, ones that even landsmen might swiftly become useful sailors?
The matters of Algeria and Canada still up for debate, Napoleon II knew the time was not right. But soon.
Washington DC
Against Adams expectations, the "National Bondsman Purchase Act" had passed, though at lesser majorities than Henry Clay anticipated. If anything, the legislation would probably have failed were it not for public anger at the assassination of General Jackson. Many Americans recommended another invasion of South Carolina, though steady heads accepted the denials that any person of consequence in that state would stoop to assassination.
Hundreds were questioned, including noted actor Junius Brutus Booth, whom had written Jackson a letter threatening to kill him. Booth claimed it was but a joke between good friends.
Already, tens of thousands of slaverowners were stepping forward to sell their surplus stock. There had been brawls in the street as neighbor decried neighbor's position, believing that selling slaves to the government was tantamount to dooming the institution. But too many were in debt to turn down such rewarding terms.
Indeed, the number of slaves had remained largely stagnant. Unlike areas of the Caribbean, where the death toll was so high on brutal sugar plantations that it was common for the population to drop 10% a year without resupply, the quantity of slaves remained steady in America. The primary change was the few thousand a years freed and returned to Africa by general owners, or those forcibly put on a ship by southern states deeming it right to evict freedmen from their borders. There would now be far more of those.
Embarrassed at the expedience, John Quincy Adams was pleased to finally be done with this tedious business of governence.
Belem
Zebulon Pike nearly wept in relief. He recall orders had finally arrived. President Adams had taken pity on a man whose career had taken him far and wide. A quiet position counting muskets and shot no doubt awaited him in Washington where he may live out his life far away from the hell of Tejas, Louisiana, California, Sonora, Florida, Guyana and Amazonia.
He truly had been worried he was going to be sent to Tierra del Fuego.
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Chapter 25 - Turning of a Page - April 1832
Philadephia
The Unionist Convention did not go as planned. Partisans of Daniel Webster and Henry Clay waged war over the nomination. With Jackson dead, the battle appeared to have only two frontrunners. However, each had managed to put off a large portion of the party.
Clay's attempt at statesmanship in passing the National Bondman Purchase Act had failed. Instead of bringing factions together, he'd merely alientated radicals on all sides. Northern Abolitionist thought it too generous and demanded immediate abolition. Most southern gentlemen detested it. The westererns wondered why they were paying for it.
Webster had only his own arrogance to blame. Brilliant, no doubt, Webster had the habit of open contempt for the people, a poor strategy in an election.
Against all odds, both men soon realized that they didn't have enough support for the Unionist nomination. Delegates started looking for a candidate that all could tolerate.
Eventually, they settled on a well-known soldier with moderately objectionable views on slavery. William Henry Harrison had once proposed expanding slavery into Missouri and Indiana but had generally supported recent legislation to first halt its expansion and then purchase back surplus slaves. Provided the General agreed with the party platform, he was the best candidate.
As for Vice-President? Who the hell cared? It was a useless position. As long as he was a northern man with strong anti-slavery record to balance out the ticket, they'd accept anyone. It wasn't as easy a task as expected. Both Webster and Clay refused to lower themselves to Vice-President and instead opted to resign their cabinet positions and return to congress.
After all, it was a do-nothing position that everyone ignored. Most of the time, the Vice-President's tended to spend their entire term at home, anyway.
What man of note would accept such an assignment?
With a twinkle in his eye, one delegate named a fellow whom would enjoy the idea.
Philadephia
The Unionist Convention did not go as planned. Partisans of Daniel Webster and Henry Clay waged war over the nomination. With Jackson dead, the battle appeared to have only two frontrunners. However, each had managed to put off a large portion of the party.
Clay's attempt at statesmanship in passing the National Bondman Purchase Act had failed. Instead of bringing factions together, he'd merely alientated radicals on all sides. Northern Abolitionist thought it too generous and demanded immediate abolition. Most southern gentlemen detested it. The westererns wondered why they were paying for it.
Webster had only his own arrogance to blame. Brilliant, no doubt, Webster had the habit of open contempt for the people, a poor strategy in an election.
Against all odds, both men soon realized that they didn't have enough support for the Unionist nomination. Delegates started looking for a candidate that all could tolerate.
Eventually, they settled on a well-known soldier with moderately objectionable views on slavery. William Henry Harrison had once proposed expanding slavery into Missouri and Indiana but had generally supported recent legislation to first halt its expansion and then purchase back surplus slaves. Provided the General agreed with the party platform, he was the best candidate.
As for Vice-President? Who the hell cared? It was a useless position. As long as he was a northern man with strong anti-slavery record to balance out the ticket, they'd accept anyone. It wasn't as easy a task as expected. Both Webster and Clay refused to lower themselves to Vice-President and instead opted to resign their cabinet positions and return to congress.
After all, it was a do-nothing position that everyone ignored. Most of the time, the Vice-President's tended to spend their entire term at home, anyway.
What man of note would accept such an assignment?
With a twinkle in his eye, one delegate named a fellow whom would enjoy the idea.
Puzzle
Donor
That doesn't sound like foreshadowing at all. So the Candian revolt ended with a whimper?
Chapter 27 - An unexpected twist of fate - April 1823
Washington DC
General, no President, William Henry Harrison was quite sick of all these damn inaugural parties. He'd spent the past month doing nothing but making toasts to one damn crowd or another. In fact, he'd been to five today and his handlers had one more tonight. He hadn't even had time for lunch and it was near 9:00!
Arriving at yet another fine Washington home, Harrison grumpily shook hands with the filthy crowds drinking themselves into stupors. Presently, Harrison excused himself to the kitchen and asked a startled negro servent if she had any victuals. Shaken, the old woman provided a cold basket of chicken, which Harrison promptly started wolfing down.
So intent on shoveling the food down his throat that Harrison crunched into a large bone and swallowed prematurely. At once, he recognized he made an error and attempted to cough the bone out. As his vision dimmed, he felt the desperate pounding on his back as the old woman screamed for help.
There was a loud pounding on his door. Irritated that he'd allowed his butler the night off, Zebulon Pike rose from his Washington apartment and answered the door in his nightshirt. Who the hell would bother him past midnight?
Opening the door, he was astonished to find the new Secretary of State, Martin Van Buren and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, John Marshall.
"What is the meaning of this, gentlemen? Why have you come to my door so late?"
It was Marshall whom spoke, "General, we bring sad tidings. General Harrison died this very night by choking on a chicken bone, of all things."
"Mr. Vice-President, we are here to swear you in as President."
Pike stared blankly at the two august gentlemen for a long moment as that statement sunk in.
Then the much put-upon retired General threw back his head and shouted, "GOD DAMMIT TO FUCKING HELL!"
Washington DC
General, no President, William Henry Harrison was quite sick of all these damn inaugural parties. He'd spent the past month doing nothing but making toasts to one damn crowd or another. In fact, he'd been to five today and his handlers had one more tonight. He hadn't even had time for lunch and it was near 9:00!
Arriving at yet another fine Washington home, Harrison grumpily shook hands with the filthy crowds drinking themselves into stupors. Presently, Harrison excused himself to the kitchen and asked a startled negro servent if she had any victuals. Shaken, the old woman provided a cold basket of chicken, which Harrison promptly started wolfing down.
So intent on shoveling the food down his throat that Harrison crunched into a large bone and swallowed prematurely. At once, he recognized he made an error and attempted to cough the bone out. As his vision dimmed, he felt the desperate pounding on his back as the old woman screamed for help.
There was a loud pounding on his door. Irritated that he'd allowed his butler the night off, Zebulon Pike rose from his Washington apartment and answered the door in his nightshirt. Who the hell would bother him past midnight?
Opening the door, he was astonished to find the new Secretary of State, Martin Van Buren and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, John Marshall.
"What is the meaning of this, gentlemen? Why have you come to my door so late?"
It was Marshall whom spoke, "General, we bring sad tidings. General Harrison died this very night by choking on a chicken bone, of all things."
"Mr. Vice-President, we are here to swear you in as President."
Pike stared blankly at the two august gentlemen for a long moment as that statement sunk in.
Then the much put-upon retired General threw back his head and shouted, "GOD DAMMIT TO FUCKING HELL!"
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Yes, Napoleon could give Canada home rule or give up the Algerian campaign. Besides, there was always the possibility that the US or Britain would intervene for the Canadians.
I will go back and add a comment or two on that. I'm trying to wrap up this timeline today and probably skipped a few things.
Chapter 28 - A new beginning - July 1833
A Plantation off the American River, Upper California Territory
General Santa Anna was beginning to think that he should relocate his ranch up to that Napa Valley people were talking about. The soil was reportedly better for grapes than the pretty land he claimed off of the American River (Americans must be running of names if that somewhat uninspired Moniker actually stuck. Maybe he could recommend the Santa Anna River?). Almonds seemed a more popular crop here.
Walking along the muddy banks, the exiled Mexican General considered his situation. Going home was a poor idea. He'd been tried and convicted in absentia for a myriad of crimes against the Mexican people, as had Bustamante. Sentenced to death, permanent exile was looking good. Bustamante evidently took this poorly as he committed suicide in New Orleans that winter.
With a sigh, Santa Anna took in the view. It really was pretty maybe he wouldn't relocate to Napa Valley, just stay in this backwoods and live the life of ease.
Santa Anna leaned down and swept his hand through the cool water. Something glinted just as he was about return the sand to its home.
What the hell?
The sand glinted with gold.
Hmmmmmm.
THE END
A Plantation off the American River, Upper California Territory
General Santa Anna was beginning to think that he should relocate his ranch up to that Napa Valley people were talking about. The soil was reportedly better for grapes than the pretty land he claimed off of the American River (Americans must be running of names if that somewhat uninspired Moniker actually stuck. Maybe he could recommend the Santa Anna River?). Almonds seemed a more popular crop here.
Walking along the muddy banks, the exiled Mexican General considered his situation. Going home was a poor idea. He'd been tried and convicted in absentia for a myriad of crimes against the Mexican people, as had Bustamante. Sentenced to death, permanent exile was looking good. Bustamante evidently took this poorly as he committed suicide in New Orleans that winter.
With a sigh, Santa Anna took in the view. It really was pretty maybe he wouldn't relocate to Napa Valley, just stay in this backwoods and live the life of ease.
Santa Anna leaned down and swept his hand through the cool water. Something glinted just as he was about return the sand to its home.
What the hell?
The sand glinted with gold.
Hmmmmmm.
THE END
OK, folks, that is it for Quasi-War III. Appreciate all the compliments and comments.
I'll wait a while before starting up Quasi-War IV.
Have a good one.
I'll wait a while before starting up Quasi-War IV.
Have a good one.
That would be cool if Santa Ana became a full fledged American citizen.
Looks like he might be a rich one at that.
With this, he will probably forget about Mexico and become a rich businessman. Or he could be a revolutionary Californian for a Californian Republic but I doubt that he gets too far with that. The people coming into California will be strong for the Union will swamp any Californians.
So I vote that he becomes rich American.
So 1834 will be the California Gold Rush. The San Francisco 34ers does not sound good. They probably need a another name such as the San Francisco Prospectors or something like that for the NFL.
In foreign affairs, Pike will now go for Galapagos and perhaps Panama.
Would be cool if an early version of the Transcon railroad is started. But need dynamite to blast through rock.
Pike could be first one term President. Would be great if the Unionist party splits into the Clay faction and the Webster faction. Pike would probably favor the Clay faction.
Also, if Pike does not want the job of POTUS, could he sit in as POTUS and recommend another election when appropriate? Clay and Webster would be in favor of that.
Fried chicken is now going to get a bad name.
Looks like he might be a rich one at that.
With this, he will probably forget about Mexico and become a rich businessman. Or he could be a revolutionary Californian for a Californian Republic but I doubt that he gets too far with that. The people coming into California will be strong for the Union will swamp any Californians.
So I vote that he becomes rich American.
So 1834 will be the California Gold Rush. The San Francisco 34ers does not sound good. They probably need a another name such as the San Francisco Prospectors or something like that for the NFL.
In foreign affairs, Pike will now go for Galapagos and perhaps Panama.
Would be cool if an early version of the Transcon railroad is started. But need dynamite to blast through rock.
Pike could be first one term President. Would be great if the Unionist party splits into the Clay faction and the Webster faction. Pike would probably favor the Clay faction.
Also, if Pike does not want the job of POTUS, could he sit in as POTUS and recommend another election when appropriate? Clay and Webster would be in favor of that.
Fried chicken is now going to get a bad name.
The San Francisco Santas!
After all, Santa Anna is starting the rush, why not name it after him?Poor Harrison... It seems no matter what timeline he's in, he'll always die as soon as he enters the presidency.
Pike is going to try and live out a relatively peaceful presidency. He's had enough excitement in life. Although he might go for Galapagos and Panama if there isn't much resistance. Of course Pike could always resign, but that would look bad.
The San Francisco Santas!
Poor Harrison... It seems no matter what timeline he's in, he'll always die as soon as he enters the presidency.
Pike is going to try and live out a relatively peaceful presidency. He's had enough excitement in life. Although he might go for Galapagos and Panama if there isn't much resistance. Of course Pike could always resign, but that would look bad.
I think a canal may still be a little early from a technical standpoint, maybe a railroad across Panama or Nicaragua. But I suspect that the US might consider trying to establish naval bases in the Falklands, Galapagos, Easter Island and Hawaii over the next few decades.
By the mid-1840's, they probably would have established a moderate sized naval presence in the Pacific (Guaymas, Cabo, San Diego, Seattle, San Francisco, Vancouver) and would need coaling stations for the trip around the cape.
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Another great timeline!!
Thank you for another great timeline!!! I am amazed at how realistic your timelines are. Again and again things happen that could very well have happen. The characters are very realistic. The limits that the various countries face are very real.
Once you have rested up, I am looking forward to read the next series.
Regards
Stubear1012
Thank you for another great timeline!!! I am amazed at how realistic your timelines are. Again and again things happen that could very well have happen. The characters are very realistic. The limits that the various countries face are very real.
Once you have rested up, I am looking forward to read the next series.
Regards
Stubear1012