Bacon's Revolution, a TL

[spamage]

Nathaniel Bacon's Revolution
A TL
Part 1: The Fall of a despot

Nathaniel Bacon
​

October 26th, 1676- Nathaniel Bacon recovers from a spell of Dysentery. Celebrating this personal victory he leads his burgeoning forces towards the Chesapeake River where the next stage of Virginia fighting was set to take place. His ragtag forces slowly were gaining experience and they likely would be able to go head to head with the British Naval Squadron.

November 1st, 1676- As the British navy glided up the Chesapeake Bacon's forces began digging in. They believed that the British would make an amphibious attack and the Virginians planned to face it head on. They also camouflaged their area in order to confuse the enemy.

November 2nd, 1676- Seeing how many forces the enemy has assembled Bacon sends his close friend John Ingram to gather forces to fight in the other colonies as part of "an all out revolution to end our Indian woes!" Ingram complies and sets out immediately southward for the Carolinas

Women and priests helping take care of the fallen
​

November 3rd, 1676- Captain Thomas Grantham commands his forces to land on the Virginia shore. Initially the mission appears to be a success, however, when the soldiers accidentally walk into the rebels trap it turns into a bloodbath. The English squadron is almost completely wiped out by Bacon's forces. In a moment of ingenuity Bacon devises a plan in which his men use the clothes of the Sailors to sneak close to the York at which point they plan to either capture of sink it. His men comply and at dusk arrive at the ships hull. The British sailors, not knowing anything different, pull the men aboard at which point they see they are rebels. They attempt to cry out but the rebels act quickly killing all active men on deck. Meanwhile below deck a silent slaughter takes place. All but 9 of the crew lie dead and the York is taken hold of by Bacon's men with the leader himself coming aboard the conquered ship. The rebels now have weapons, transportation, and momentum on their side as they now turn their eyes towards southern Virginia settlements. Bacon now admits in his private journal: "This is now about more than the favoring of Natives, more than the removal of a despot, this is about our freedom as colonists to set our rules and lead our people. I wish for this idea to spread. Burning across all the colonies until our mother country has nothing to do but comply. Today we are colonists tomorrow, I hope, full Englishmen."

Governor Berkley

​

November 7th, 1676- Governor Berkley was found by Bacon's land forces while the leader himself was leading naval battles on the river. Unsure of what to do with the now deposed despot they bound him and take him the the revolts capitol which consists primarily of tents. There he his kept under observation without food and water until Bacon returns.

November 8th, 1676- Bacon himself arrives early in the morning and tells his men what to do with the Governor. His response is very vague. He somewhat mumbled "make an example out of him" towards a group of slaves/ indentured servants. Seizing their opportunity they set upon the Governor and taking out all of their frustration beat him to death mercilessly. Bacon is somewhat shocked upon finding how the Governor perished the following morning but uses a quote from Shakespeare instead of stressing his minor case of grief. He states: "Sic Semper Tyranus" and goes about his daily business. Towards the evening hours, however, he commands his men to make ready to cross across the Potomac into the Catholic colony of Maryland. Though it was only a handful of men chosen Bacon counted on the fact he would be joined by the unemployed, poor indentures of Maryland as well as slaves. Little did he know how right he was.

Ingram rallies North Carolinians to revolt along with their fellow colonists
​

November 12, 1676- Bacon's assistant John Ingram strikes a chord with North and South Carolina frontiersmen. He convinces them of the Indian danger but goes further in saying that to have complete control of the Native situation the colonies must have complete and total autonomy. Many rural men join him and ,as he sends with a messenger to Bacon, prepare to assault New Bern in the very young colony of North Carolina. It seems to many that the original goal of the Revolution is long gone and now the people must take a side.

 

[d32123]

I may be a vegetarian, but I love me some Bacon.

 

[oshron]

i'd considering doing something along these lines myself earlier this year, even made a map of what a "Chesapeake Republic" could look like

 

[AtriumCarceris]

Man, I thought this was going to be about Roger Bacon!

But then I saw the name and though it was Francis Bacon's brother. There are too many Bacons!

 

[spamage]

I may be a vegetarian, but I love me some Bacon.

haha its good to see a positive response!

i'd considering doing something along these lines myself earlier this year, even made a map of what a "Chesapeake Republic" could look like

I was actually pretty surprised that no one on here had already so it's good so see I'm not alone! Thanks for reading!

Man, I thought this was going to be about Roger Bacon!

But then I saw the name and though it was Francis Bacon's brother. There are too many Bacons!

Yeah there are! I might have to add Nathaniel onto the title

 

[Thespitron 6000]

Man, I thought this was going to be about Roger Bacon!

But then I saw the name and though it was Francis Bacon's brother. There are too many Bacons!

Posters: "It's Bacon! It's Bacon!"

Announcer: "Posters don't know it's not Roger Bacon!"

 

[spamage]

Part 2: A catching fire
​

November 18th, 1676- News of the revolution and Governor Berkeley's execution reach Massachusetts who at the time feels almost the exact same as the Middle colonies in their dealings with the Indians. Matecomet's head is still freshly displayed on a stake from the ongoing "King Philips War" and Indians are viewed very unfavorably. Governor Winslow himself writes words of encouragement in a message to Bacon stating he has his private support. British troops in Boston ,however, believe the exact opposite of the colonists. Several groups are to be sent to Maryland to fight of the raids on their cities. Little do they know they are too late.

Yorktown, the rebellions capital
​

November 19th, 1676- Following a short journey from "Yorktown" (the rebels tent city capital) Bacon and his men arrive at the ill prepared city of Annapolis. After a short meeting with the town's leaders Bacon discovers the people in the relatively small town support his plan. Some young men even join him. Bacon's men spared the city and instead turned their sights north to St. Mary's City the colony's capital.

November 25th, 1676- John Ingram and his "Caroline Baconites" arrive at New Bern only to discover the British have been expecting them. The city is almost completely isolated so his men prepare to begin an old fashion siege. Encampments are built and inside the city colonists hunker down as they don't expect their city to survive the ordeal.

Louis XIV responding to the Bacon situation
​

November 28th, 1676- News of Bacon's Revolution finally manages to reach the royal courts of Europe. Charles II not knowing the current scope of the uprising due to slow information sends a small amount of troops to defend whatever is left of Maryland and Delaware at the time they arrive. In France a completely different conversation is going on. Since the English colonists had been attacking many of their former Indian allies the French had greatly benefited as they needed a lack of English supporting tribes to advance colonization. King Louis XIV personally commits a small group of French soldiers to assist the colonists as they would be indirectly assisting France. Thus an undeclared war began between Britain and France.

Governor of Maryland, Charles Calvert
​

November 30th, 1676- Following a month of raiding Maryland's countryside around St. Marys is assaulted. Maryland's Governor Charles Calvert, upon learning the fate of Jamestown, ordered colonial men to "throw those Angles out of St. Mary's!". Upon doing so Bacon's men spared the city in return for the Governor's pledge to supply food, men, and weapons. All were given in ample supply.

Siege of New Bern
​

December 4th, 1676-After around 9 days of sieging the people of North Carolina were tired of being forced to survive on rations and be cut off from the rest of the world at the risk of losing all they own. Members of the North Carolina Legislature declared their independence from the status of crown colony and the young men of the city raised flags for peace at which point Bacon's forces controlled their 3rd colony and were still advancing with much rapidity.

Debating in the "new" House of Burgesses
​

December 6th, 1676- The House of Burgesses reconvenes for the first time following the revolution with all new members. Many of Bacon's ragtag Virginia soldiers now were entering politics. Although it was a very short and unusual session the group did manage to nominate Nathaniel Bacon for the position of Governor General of Virginia.

 

[Darth_Kiryan]

Interesting.

That is all i can really say,. Don't know much of this time period in the US.

 

[spamage]

Interesting.

That is all i can really say,. Don't know much of this time period in the US.

Yes most people don't. At this time there was only 11 colonies (no Pennsylvania and Georgia) and in states like Virginia and Maryland there are an equal number of slaves and indentured servants. Also King Philip's war is closing in the New England Area.

 

[Mumby]

I like the sound of this. I wonder whether full independence is the direction they really want to take. How well can they sustain themselves without British support at this time? Won't the French try and move in?

 

[spamage]

I like the sound of this. I wonder whether full independence is the direction they really want to take. How well can they sustain themselves without British support at this time? Won't the French try and move in?

They may want to associate with Britain loosely but they're also looking for other powers to assist them with trade if they do declare independence.

France isn't really extremely powerful at this time so they may work with aiding the rebels instead of fighting them off as they are greatly out numbered.

 

[spamage]

Part 3: A Force to be Reckoned With

Slaves winning final control of Virginia for Bacon

​

December 12th, 1676- The British lose any control of Virginia as their last force is defeated my a huge group of slaves. When news of this reaches the colony of South Carolina great alarm arises. Slaveholders isolate their slaves to plantation work as a way to stop them from hearing about the rebellion and plotting against their masters.

Burning of New Castle
​

December 15th, 1676- The small, nearly empty, colony of Delaware is assaulted by Bacon and his men. Although heavily unpopulated there was still a quite large engagement. The battle was fought just a mile outside the city and was the bloodiest of the Revolution so far. Bacon's forces eventually triumphed and to celebrate their victory they burned the city of New Castle to the ground. 2 colonial capitals had now met the fate of the Revolution.

December 18th, 1676- Upon hearing news of Bacon's rebellion the "sewer colony" of Rhode Island joins it. Violence breaks out in Providence as the British Army is expelled from the city. Rhode Islanders considered themselves the least aristocratic colony and believed all other colonies should be so as well. Governor William Clark himself ordered the removal of the flotillas from the harbor and the riled up citizens were more than happy to comply.

Blockade of Rhode Island

​

December 21st, 1676- The Rhode Island victory is not celebrated for long, however, as the British return and conquer Newport with a decisive victory. The forces set up a blockade against Newport and hunkered down.

French troops preparing to march
​

December 22nd, 1676- Swift moving French colonists finally attain news on their role in the Revolution's assistance. A large band of French militia set out from Quebec and began their march towards the Iriqouis. The confederation was now weak without active English support and the Hurons had continually been attacking them creating even further distress.

December 24th, 1676- Sometimes called the "Christmas Eve Victory" Ingram's forces finally reached the southernmost colony of South Carolina. The largest city, Charles Town, was easily conquered as it wasn't a priority in the British attempt to quell the Revolution. Ingram celebrates with his men and fellow colonists the following day and prepares to defend the Southern Colonies from whatever is about to hit them.

The Naval battle
​

December 27th, 1676- By mere chance a naval battle occurs between the British troops sent by Charles II and the French troops from Louis XIV. Just off the coast of Delaware The French, initially outnumbered, overcome the British attempts to defeat them and occupy 1 boat while sinking the other. When news of this reaches the last British camp on the Delmarva Peninsula all British forces surrender and are subsequently pardoned for their "grave misjudgement of colonial power."

 

[Van555]

most facisnating

 

[spamage]

Just made this so readers can visualize the Revolution thus far. bacon it certainly doing well and New England is "neutral" (not pro-British because of King Philips War)
​

 

[spamage]

Part 5: Catching the World's Eye

​

December 31st, 1676- Bacon, finally coming into contact with the French Naval force advises them to attack the British Rhode Island blockade. The French eagerly comply and set their sails North.

Bacon addressing his troops
​

January 1st, 1677- Bacon addresses his troops to commemorate the new year. In his carefully prepared speech he heavily denounces Britain, praises France, and lobbies for independence. He then, towards the speeches conclusion, reveals that an attack on West Jersey will begin within the week. His troops now full of morale forget the fact they are in the midst of Winter and give their leader a huge applause.

French vs Iriqouis
​

January 5th, 1677- The French army from Quebec begins a "winter campaign" against the Iriqouis. They spring a surprise attack killing many unsuspecting Seneca villagers. As there are n survivors they are able to move throughout the area with ease hacking down their native rivals.

January 10th, 1677- Bacon's forces easily conquered Bridgeport and Salem West Jersey with no bloodshed. Although the people in the area opposed the revolution they were Quakers and it was against their religion to join in the conflict.

Battle for Rhode Island

​

January 14th, 1677- The French fleet surrounds the unsuspecting British and quickly wipes out their blockade force. Rhode Island now is opened to the outside world and the first thing it does is declare official war on Britain.

January 15th, 1677- In response to Rhode Islandthe Massachusetts bay colony, under Governor Josiah Winslow, announces it will take a neutral stance in the conflict and will side with the eventual victor. The British forces however do not take this well and begin to loot the countryside.

January 17th, 1677- Realizing that it's neutrality isn't accepted by the British Army Massachusetts now takes action declaring war on the mother country. Rural citizens respond quickly and within 12 hours the majority of the British looting force is either captured or killed.

​

Pedro II, King of Portugal
​

January 20th, 1677- Old news on the revolution reaches Europe. The old world nations are informed about the fall of Carolina, Maryland, and Delaware. Charles the II issues no initial response but other colonial nations such as Portugal, under Pedro II, pledge finances to Bacon's forces in the form of new weapons and ships. They are eager to see a fall of British superiority as they have been out of the limelight for a century because of them. The Dutch are neutral fearing an English re entrance into the War against France while at the same time yearning retake colonial interests in the New World.

 

[spamage]

Part 6: The New England Situation

Bacon's troops preparing for Winter
​

January 23rd, 1677- The further Bacon and his men went north the colder it got. Eventually somewhere in West Jersey him and his men were forced to make a permanent camp. Conditions would soon deteriorate however as the men were no trained soldiers and therefore didn't know how to make camp in the midst of winter. Bacon, himself too was to blame as he had decided to keep marching even after being advised many times to set down for the winter.

Flag of the Colony of Connecticut
​

January 27th, 1677- Connecticut, the largely settled colony, decides it has nothing to gain from the frontier Revolution and votes to completely support the British. This is both for political and economic regions as their trade increases with British goods that would've gone to Boston or Jamestown. Hartford grows extremely fast even though it's in the midst of winter and within a month of so would be the 3rd largest city in the 10 colonies.

January 31st, 1677- News reaches Boston about Connecticut and the enraged Governor orders some colonial militia to go and take as much of the colony as possible while it is still unorganized.

Captain Benjamin Church
​

February 2nd, 1677- Captain Benjamin Church of the Massachusetts militia is one of the first leaders across the border. He knows that what is currently being undertook is more important than any battle in King Philip's War and he treats it as so. Shortly after crossing the border his men come into heavy fire at the hands of the British forces. Unfazed they continue to advance, losing a good percentage of men, until they are on top of the British. Withing just minutes that battle is over and the small Connecticut border town of Simsbury.

February 8th, 1677- The colony of New York follows Connecticut's example and formally chooses to ally with the British. Enraged frontier men on the edge of the colony don't agree, however, and the rebels grow greater in number.

New Hampshire declaring support for the Revolution
​

February 16th, 1677- New Hampshire decrees it's support for the revolution following a long period of deliberation. As had happened in Massachusetts the British soldiers stationed there went on a rampage looting and burning all they could find. Their efforts were soon put to a halt by the adaptable frontier people of New Hampshire.

 

[Cathcon1]

Awesome stuff man. A revolution a century earlier. Wonder where it'll lead.

 

[Cuāuhtemōc]

Well you have me hooked.

 

[theHombre]

This revolution is going much more swimmingly than OTL. Can't wait to see what comes of this revolution.

 

[Malta]

Maryland shall fight on!

Though I wonder if the New York Dutch will take advantage of this.