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Lone Star Special: Vive le Quebec
Vive le Quebec
August 1st, 1846. Washington D.C. 9:00 A.M
As of right now Washington was in a gloomy mood as a huge storm had come in last night that had continued to day. Most of the businesses and pedestrians were currently staying inside their homes away from work, the opposite could be said to be true of President William Harrison who had to bring work to his home. Harrison was as of right now in the oval office looking over various plans the War Department had given him. It had been a week and a half since he asked congress to declare war on the United Kingdom and since then himself and the Chiefs of Staff had been racing frantically to implement the Carolus plan as soon as possible. Already word had been spread that there were skirmishes taking place on the border and that the British garrisons were now mobilizing to meet the American invasion. While reports seemed to indicate that Army Group West and the Oregon forces had been making considerable gains against the Canadians, Army Groups Central-New York-Maine had yet to enter Canadian territory yet and were expected to face fierce resistance from like the War of 1812. While the Americans were overall prepared thanks to Harrison's reforms, he knew that time was of the essence since there was only an estimated 4-5 months that they had before Britain made the first retaliatory strikes through a possible invasion. As of right now they were also focused on Europe but unless something happened such as say German Unification, then they would unleash the might of the empire against America. The situation was so desperate that William Harrison was seriously considering traveling to Army Group New York in order to personally command the invasion of Quebec. While no President had lead a military force in office since Washington, Harrison had more than enough qualification from his time fighting Tecumseh and the British in the War of 1812. As they said if you want a job done sometimes you just gotta do it yourself.
Speaking of Quebec, the Secretary of War William Marcy and Vice President Daniel Webster had just made their way into the Oval Office for a meeting that was about to take place with representatives from some organization called the Patriotic Order of Saint Jean Baptiste. 'Probably nothing more than a bunch of over dramatic performers like those Masonry the Founding Fathers were so obsessed with.' In Harrison's first months in officer he received word from the Secretary of State Francis Granger that apparently in the previous Johnson administration the US had formed secret ties with the order. Unofficially they didn't exist to the Canadian government as they were a secret militant side of the Society of Saint Jean Baptiste, a Francophile group of politicians and intellectuals within Canada that had taken up the mantle of Parti Patriote after they were forcefully disbanded in the wake of the Lower Canada Rebellion. According to Granger these men were remnants of the Parti Patriote that had spent their time in the shadows organizing a future rebellion, actively looking towards the US for support. They had first come into contact with the United States when they approached a New York representative on the issue who acted as a middle man between them and President Johnson, since then they had discretely received funds as well as arms from smuggling operations over the border through the Fenian's. Personally, Harrison didn't believe these men to be worth the attention of the Presidency and Department of State, but he did hold a strong hatred for the British so he supported any action that would give them an headache across the border. Now though these men were making themselves known and wanted to help in the Oregon War. 'If they supply troops and help us gain the support of the population that's fine and all but we better get something out of this damn meaning. I could be using the time to meet with the army or congress.'
Right after that thought, Secretary Granger came in with the two representatives from the Order. One of theme being dressed in robes that would suggest the profession of a Catholic priest, and the other being a man dressed in a New England business suit with a top hat. Harrison then promptly gave put the war plans in his desk lest the representatives be spies, and then proceeded to greet them, "Gentlemen welcome to the White House. I am President William Harrison and these two men right beside me are Secretary of War William Marcy and Vice President Daniel Webster. It's a great privilege for us to meet fellow supporters of democracy and enemies of London." The priest then chose to speak up, "Hello Mr. President, I am Father Xavier Marois and this is my colleague Doctor Matthew Cumberbatch." "A pleasure to be here Mr. President. We come here as representatives of the Patriotic Order and would like to speak to you on an issue of the upmost importance, the liberation of our dear nation of Quebec against Victoria the tyrant." 'So these people are real after all.' "Alright men I have a war to run so could you please sit down and then we can quickly get to business." All of the men present within the room promptly sat down with Harrison sitting at the Oval desk while the US cabinet and Order members sat across from each other in the sofas in the middle of the office.
"First off gentlemen before we begin I would like to know just how you managed to make your way across the border. After all, all crossings were under heavy patrol by men of both armies and I would think that you would get shot by the redcoats for acting as spies," asked Webster. "Ah Mr. Vice President you probably assume we are some kind of spies. I can assure that we are no such thing. While this is our first time here in America, both Father Xavier and I have kept regular correspondence with our contacts in the State department so we aren't exactly unknown." "This is true Mr. President, I have seen some of their letters come to my office so they are high ranking members," said Granger. "You see the reason we have managed to come here before the war is due to our respective professions. Xavier as a priest is given freedom to travel across national borders while I as a Doctor traveled here using the excuse of a smallpox outbreak in a nearby border town. In addition we both have circumstances that keep our allegiances away from London. Father Xavier of course swears fealty to Rome firstly so he has no love for Victoria. As for myself I am descended from old American loyalists who escaped to Quebec after the Revolution, not because we were diehard supporters of George but because my grandfather was a foolish man who thought the revolution could not succeed. My family has helped the American army during the War of 1812 and have still maintained ties to some of our relatives across the border." "Alright then we can trust you, though I do wish to know what your objectives are." "You see Mr. President we were sent here for one purpose and one purpose only. That is to seek full support for an independent nation of Quebec," stated Xavier.
With that revelation it was clear what the meeting was now about, the main issue still remained on whether or not America would fund this new nation. "While the idea of taking another crackshot at the British Empire is exciting, as Secretary of War I would like to remind you that we are presenting this war first and foremost as a fight for our rightful territory of Oregon. That in and of itself is going to be a large demand to try and negotiate for even if we do successfully manage to conquer all of Canada. So I need to know whether or not you can actually bring anything to the table or I'll walk out of this room right now." "Calm down Bill," said Granger. "If there's one thing that Britian doesn't want that's a second American Revolution. Sure they may try and bring divisions of men to try and defeat us but if they have to deal with a an entire colony that's in rebellion then the public will force them to come to the tables initially. The only reason these people failed in the first place is due to the fact that they were scattered, disorganized, and had no external support from us. Now if we were to use the army in coordination with the rebels then we can control the entire country. After all what's the point of keeping a colony if their people will hate you for generations." "What Secretary Granger said is correct Mr. Marcy. And I don't think that you need to necessarily worry about the extent of our capabilities. We have thousands of men sworn to the cause and are ready to rise up if we receive the proper call," said Cumberatch. 'THOUSANDS! Clearly this is more well planned than I ever imagined.'
"How is it possible that you managed to raise up a force so big?" "You see Mr. President within Quebec there is little cause of love for the British. Many of my fellow countrymen and men of faith died in the hundreds when the redcoats where sent in to quell the rebellions a decade ago. So far unlike your nation or Texas, Canada has not yet become a popular destination for immigrants, leaving the country homogeneous. Much like Father Hidalgo of Mexico, many of the men in the archdiocese are working within the parishes to covertly encourage sedition against the British. We have also been recruiting members who joined through official channels in the SSJB. The only reason your men will face any difficulty invading the country is due to the large amount of soldiers and the loyalists who harshly remember the previous war such as the sack of Toronto." 'Ah yes, not one of our finest moments unfortunately.' "However, if you make this into a war of liberation instead of annexation like the last fight, then there is no doubt that the people of Quebec will rise into arms with their American cousins. We only ask that you may conquer Montreal or Quebec City so that the people will know this time that Independence is within reach." "Well gentlemen you clearly have grabbed our attention, just what are your demands," asked Webster. "No matter the outcome we desire a free and independent Quebec. We will not shed bled for greater autonomy. A republic, nothing less. Secondly, we want favorable status with the United States. While you may have fears that we will turn to France the recent revolution has proven that the home country is highly unstable, so we ask to become your first allies. This would include a common defense pact, U.S bases within our borders, low tariffs or a possible free trade agreement, and if we do so manage to gain greater concessions then the annexation of Newfoundland, Acadia, or Ontario," proclaimed Cumberbatch. 'Interesting, very interesting. If we do manage to make this successful then we shall have acquired a great ally to the north. If we manage to get closer to Texas then this ensures a complete domination of North America. Forever securing our nation from the Brits.' "These are all somewhat reasonable demands. What I would like to know though is the status of the rest of Canada, if this war becomes too bloody then the American people will demand for more lands, as their leader I will have to oblige by this request first." "This is very understandable Mr. President, your armies are going to be doing the heavy work so we can compromise for now. All of Rupert's Land shall go under your sovereignty with possible negotiations over Ontario. What I need from you though is a promise that Quebec's liberation will come first before America gains more territory after you gain Quebec."
'This, this could work' "So gentlemen, I have your guarantee that after we liberate Quebec City or Montreal then your people will rise?" "Yes Mr. President, just take the cities and then the order will send out riders much like Paul Revere to bring out the call for Revolution," replied Xavier. "Well gentlemen this sounds like a venture that I, and in extension the American people would love to go forward with. First however I will need the approval of my staff. Should we go forward with this grand crusade?" "Mr. President as a New Englander I can full heartedly say that anything that will get the Brits off our borders is a blessing to the American people. I would love to go on a vacation to a Republic of Quebec with my family one day," replied Webster. "While this may have to require some substantial changes among our current plans I'm sure the generals would agree to this idea. Any group that can support our boys in the field will be welcome comrades in arms, you have the army's support," stated Macy. "If all goes well on the battlefield then I can assure you that I can make this a success on the field of diplomacy. Our reports from Europe indicate that vast changes are currently underway and since the Hannoverians are so obsessed with keeping the balance then they will place their attention in the Old World rather than new. Create a quick enough conquest along with a prolonged European conquest, then we will be offered very generous terms. I give my full support and will make sure the United States will be the first nation to recognize a free Quebec," answered Granger. William Harrison then looked back to the representatives whose faces now betrayed themselves with looks of glee. "Well that settles that. The Oregon War shall no longer be just a conflict of Manifest Destiny, rather a righteous crusade for freedom and liberty against our common oppressors. Vive le Quebec as you people would say."
August 1st, 1846. Washington D.C. 9:00 A.M
As of right now Washington was in a gloomy mood as a huge storm had come in last night that had continued to day. Most of the businesses and pedestrians were currently staying inside their homes away from work, the opposite could be said to be true of President William Harrison who had to bring work to his home. Harrison was as of right now in the oval office looking over various plans the War Department had given him. It had been a week and a half since he asked congress to declare war on the United Kingdom and since then himself and the Chiefs of Staff had been racing frantically to implement the Carolus plan as soon as possible. Already word had been spread that there were skirmishes taking place on the border and that the British garrisons were now mobilizing to meet the American invasion. While reports seemed to indicate that Army Group West and the Oregon forces had been making considerable gains against the Canadians, Army Groups Central-New York-Maine had yet to enter Canadian territory yet and were expected to face fierce resistance from like the War of 1812. While the Americans were overall prepared thanks to Harrison's reforms, he knew that time was of the essence since there was only an estimated 4-5 months that they had before Britain made the first retaliatory strikes through a possible invasion. As of right now they were also focused on Europe but unless something happened such as say German Unification, then they would unleash the might of the empire against America. The situation was so desperate that William Harrison was seriously considering traveling to Army Group New York in order to personally command the invasion of Quebec. While no President had lead a military force in office since Washington, Harrison had more than enough qualification from his time fighting Tecumseh and the British in the War of 1812. As they said if you want a job done sometimes you just gotta do it yourself.
Speaking of Quebec, the Secretary of War William Marcy and Vice President Daniel Webster had just made their way into the Oval Office for a meeting that was about to take place with representatives from some organization called the Patriotic Order of Saint Jean Baptiste. 'Probably nothing more than a bunch of over dramatic performers like those Masonry the Founding Fathers were so obsessed with.' In Harrison's first months in officer he received word from the Secretary of State Francis Granger that apparently in the previous Johnson administration the US had formed secret ties with the order. Unofficially they didn't exist to the Canadian government as they were a secret militant side of the Society of Saint Jean Baptiste, a Francophile group of politicians and intellectuals within Canada that had taken up the mantle of Parti Patriote after they were forcefully disbanded in the wake of the Lower Canada Rebellion. According to Granger these men were remnants of the Parti Patriote that had spent their time in the shadows organizing a future rebellion, actively looking towards the US for support. They had first come into contact with the United States when they approached a New York representative on the issue who acted as a middle man between them and President Johnson, since then they had discretely received funds as well as arms from smuggling operations over the border through the Fenian's. Personally, Harrison didn't believe these men to be worth the attention of the Presidency and Department of State, but he did hold a strong hatred for the British so he supported any action that would give them an headache across the border. Now though these men were making themselves known and wanted to help in the Oregon War. 'If they supply troops and help us gain the support of the population that's fine and all but we better get something out of this damn meaning. I could be using the time to meet with the army or congress.'
Right after that thought, Secretary Granger came in with the two representatives from the Order. One of theme being dressed in robes that would suggest the profession of a Catholic priest, and the other being a man dressed in a New England business suit with a top hat. Harrison then promptly gave put the war plans in his desk lest the representatives be spies, and then proceeded to greet them, "Gentlemen welcome to the White House. I am President William Harrison and these two men right beside me are Secretary of War William Marcy and Vice President Daniel Webster. It's a great privilege for us to meet fellow supporters of democracy and enemies of London." The priest then chose to speak up, "Hello Mr. President, I am Father Xavier Marois and this is my colleague Doctor Matthew Cumberbatch." "A pleasure to be here Mr. President. We come here as representatives of the Patriotic Order and would like to speak to you on an issue of the upmost importance, the liberation of our dear nation of Quebec against Victoria the tyrant." 'So these people are real after all.' "Alright men I have a war to run so could you please sit down and then we can quickly get to business." All of the men present within the room promptly sat down with Harrison sitting at the Oval desk while the US cabinet and Order members sat across from each other in the sofas in the middle of the office.
"First off gentlemen before we begin I would like to know just how you managed to make your way across the border. After all, all crossings were under heavy patrol by men of both armies and I would think that you would get shot by the redcoats for acting as spies," asked Webster. "Ah Mr. Vice President you probably assume we are some kind of spies. I can assure that we are no such thing. While this is our first time here in America, both Father Xavier and I have kept regular correspondence with our contacts in the State department so we aren't exactly unknown." "This is true Mr. President, I have seen some of their letters come to my office so they are high ranking members," said Granger. "You see the reason we have managed to come here before the war is due to our respective professions. Xavier as a priest is given freedom to travel across national borders while I as a Doctor traveled here using the excuse of a smallpox outbreak in a nearby border town. In addition we both have circumstances that keep our allegiances away from London. Father Xavier of course swears fealty to Rome firstly so he has no love for Victoria. As for myself I am descended from old American loyalists who escaped to Quebec after the Revolution, not because we were diehard supporters of George but because my grandfather was a foolish man who thought the revolution could not succeed. My family has helped the American army during the War of 1812 and have still maintained ties to some of our relatives across the border." "Alright then we can trust you, though I do wish to know what your objectives are." "You see Mr. President we were sent here for one purpose and one purpose only. That is to seek full support for an independent nation of Quebec," stated Xavier.
With that revelation it was clear what the meeting was now about, the main issue still remained on whether or not America would fund this new nation. "While the idea of taking another crackshot at the British Empire is exciting, as Secretary of War I would like to remind you that we are presenting this war first and foremost as a fight for our rightful territory of Oregon. That in and of itself is going to be a large demand to try and negotiate for even if we do successfully manage to conquer all of Canada. So I need to know whether or not you can actually bring anything to the table or I'll walk out of this room right now." "Calm down Bill," said Granger. "If there's one thing that Britian doesn't want that's a second American Revolution. Sure they may try and bring divisions of men to try and defeat us but if they have to deal with a an entire colony that's in rebellion then the public will force them to come to the tables initially. The only reason these people failed in the first place is due to the fact that they were scattered, disorganized, and had no external support from us. Now if we were to use the army in coordination with the rebels then we can control the entire country. After all what's the point of keeping a colony if their people will hate you for generations." "What Secretary Granger said is correct Mr. Marcy. And I don't think that you need to necessarily worry about the extent of our capabilities. We have thousands of men sworn to the cause and are ready to rise up if we receive the proper call," said Cumberatch. 'THOUSANDS! Clearly this is more well planned than I ever imagined.'
"How is it possible that you managed to raise up a force so big?" "You see Mr. President within Quebec there is little cause of love for the British. Many of my fellow countrymen and men of faith died in the hundreds when the redcoats where sent in to quell the rebellions a decade ago. So far unlike your nation or Texas, Canada has not yet become a popular destination for immigrants, leaving the country homogeneous. Much like Father Hidalgo of Mexico, many of the men in the archdiocese are working within the parishes to covertly encourage sedition against the British. We have also been recruiting members who joined through official channels in the SSJB. The only reason your men will face any difficulty invading the country is due to the large amount of soldiers and the loyalists who harshly remember the previous war such as the sack of Toronto." 'Ah yes, not one of our finest moments unfortunately.' "However, if you make this into a war of liberation instead of annexation like the last fight, then there is no doubt that the people of Quebec will rise into arms with their American cousins. We only ask that you may conquer Montreal or Quebec City so that the people will know this time that Independence is within reach." "Well gentlemen you clearly have grabbed our attention, just what are your demands," asked Webster. "No matter the outcome we desire a free and independent Quebec. We will not shed bled for greater autonomy. A republic, nothing less. Secondly, we want favorable status with the United States. While you may have fears that we will turn to France the recent revolution has proven that the home country is highly unstable, so we ask to become your first allies. This would include a common defense pact, U.S bases within our borders, low tariffs or a possible free trade agreement, and if we do so manage to gain greater concessions then the annexation of Newfoundland, Acadia, or Ontario," proclaimed Cumberbatch. 'Interesting, very interesting. If we do manage to make this successful then we shall have acquired a great ally to the north. If we manage to get closer to Texas then this ensures a complete domination of North America. Forever securing our nation from the Brits.' "These are all somewhat reasonable demands. What I would like to know though is the status of the rest of Canada, if this war becomes too bloody then the American people will demand for more lands, as their leader I will have to oblige by this request first." "This is very understandable Mr. President, your armies are going to be doing the heavy work so we can compromise for now. All of Rupert's Land shall go under your sovereignty with possible negotiations over Ontario. What I need from you though is a promise that Quebec's liberation will come first before America gains more territory after you gain Quebec."
'This, this could work' "So gentlemen, I have your guarantee that after we liberate Quebec City or Montreal then your people will rise?" "Yes Mr. President, just take the cities and then the order will send out riders much like Paul Revere to bring out the call for Revolution," replied Xavier. "Well gentlemen this sounds like a venture that I, and in extension the American people would love to go forward with. First however I will need the approval of my staff. Should we go forward with this grand crusade?" "Mr. President as a New Englander I can full heartedly say that anything that will get the Brits off our borders is a blessing to the American people. I would love to go on a vacation to a Republic of Quebec with my family one day," replied Webster. "While this may have to require some substantial changes among our current plans I'm sure the generals would agree to this idea. Any group that can support our boys in the field will be welcome comrades in arms, you have the army's support," stated Macy. "If all goes well on the battlefield then I can assure you that I can make this a success on the field of diplomacy. Our reports from Europe indicate that vast changes are currently underway and since the Hannoverians are so obsessed with keeping the balance then they will place their attention in the Old World rather than new. Create a quick enough conquest along with a prolonged European conquest, then we will be offered very generous terms. I give my full support and will make sure the United States will be the first nation to recognize a free Quebec," answered Granger. William Harrison then looked back to the representatives whose faces now betrayed themselves with looks of glee. "Well that settles that. The Oregon War shall no longer be just a conflict of Manifest Destiny, rather a righteous crusade for freedom and liberty against our common oppressors. Vive le Quebec as you people would say."
- Kaiser Chris
- Word Count: 2.4k