alternatehistory.com

10 November

In consultation, Lincoln is informed that his Compensated Emancipation plans are unworkable - the total value of all slaves in the Union in 1860 was around $4B in pre-war dollars, and even with the mere 85,000 slaves expected to not go south the estimate is more like $70M pre-war than $6M - and scarcity will likely drive up the price.
The numbers dismay Lincoln, but he still considers it possible that some affordable plan for compensation could be reached.


11 November
McClellan opens informal discussions with his opposite number (Lee) about the prisoner exchanges to take place once the peace treaty is ratified. Both men agree it does not seem necessary to wait until the treaty activates to make the exchange, as their troops wish to return home as soon as possible.

The Emancipation discussions continue to become more arcane as they spread, slowly becoming public knowledge as people talk to other people who talk to others. One interesting idea is to convert all existing ownerships into indentured servitude until the age of majority or for seven years (whichever is sooner).
This whole thing is promptly used in the Confederacy as evidence the Union was planning to abolish slavery.


13 November
Maximilien is informed that his acceptance of the Imperial Crown of Mexico forfeits his place in the Austrian succession - this is almost the last moment before he gets on the ship, and thus something of a source for irritation. Nevertheless, his mind is made up, and he departs Treviso with his wife.

14 November
Milne winds down the blockade, to some relief from his captains - the weather is getting worse and many ships have suffered minor damage. The swollen West Indies Station begins to congregate at Bermuda and Halifax to sail eastwards and home.

Also on this date, the Treaty of Havana arrives in the United Kingdom (the ship with the dispatches having been delayed by heavy weather off Portugal).

17 November

British ratification of the Treaty of Havana.

Also on this date, the Lancaster leaves Hong Kong to return home. She is one of the largest US ships currently active, and with Mississippi forms the cruising force of the US Navy.


NOTE: removed James Mason's appointment as ambassador due to timing concerns.