An Unfortunate Turn
George Washington was quite happy. He had led his beloved country to independence, and then retired to his own pursuits. The idea that such a great general would return to a relatively obscure life and his private interests rather than seek further power had amazed many people, not the least of them King George. His Majesty is reported to have said " Why, if he does that, he will be the greatest man who has ever lived!"
Yes, it was a good life. The Almighty had blessed him greatly. He was now with a few of his most trusted slaves (and a few white men in his pay) surveying lands he had bought years before on the western frontier. In a few weeks he would return to his beloved Martha and enjoy the pleasures of his home. There was perhaps the unpleasant matter of a few squatters he had found living on some of his land, but nothing that the courts couldn't resolve. Yes, 1784 would be a good year.
And then, crossing a small and shallow creek, George Washington stepped on a slick stone just under the water's surface, slipped, hit his head on a tree on the shoreline, and fell unconscious with a bleeding head wound.[1] His servants bound the wound and immediately turned for home. Arriving at Mt Vernon weeks later, all they could deliver to Martha Washington was the corpse of her husband, dead of blood poisoning from an infection.
And a nation mourned as the news spread by post through the newborn republic. And two men, one from Massachusetts and one from Virginia, sped along the road to their destiny.
[1] Obviously, the PoD.
This is my first attempt at a timeline. Please be gentle with the comments. Constructive posts are welcomed. Updates can be expected at least once a week, sometimes more as inspiration and free time are available.