Crowned Eagle of Liberty (mk2)

Note: I began working on an earlier version of this TL, which I posted, but it slowed down after I hit a block and not many people were interested. I have now, however, had a stroke of inspiration and decided to re-work several pieces. The early parts will look very familiar, however, it will change (from the original version) fairly quickly.

It had been a long day and Thomas had just finished his work, a pamphlet he hoped would change the world. He pushed the door into the nearby pub and sat down for a drink. The fire warmed his skin that had become frozen in the cold December weather in Philadelphia, while the ale warmed his blood. It was good evening and soon his homeland would be free from that damned English tyrant.

Unfortunately, not all the people in the bar were intelligent enough to see the wisdom of independence. They came in not long after Thomas did and sat at the other side of the bar, but as the hours went on, and the ale began to affect their faculties, they became louder and louder until, two hours after they arrived, they held up their mugs and toasted George III. That was it, for a moment the entire bar was silent, and then all hell was unleashed.

At first the brawl was targeted the three men who made the toast, but before long the melee had gotten out of control and became a free-for-all. Thomas was one of the first people to move toward the foolish loyalist traitors; unfortunately the man he chose to take a swing at was armed. He was stabbed in the stomach and fell to the ground. He tried to hold his wound, but before long his hands were covered in warm, red blood. The brawl meant that no one saw him fall and by the time it was broken up, Thomas was dead and his belongings, including his pamphlet, were trampled beyond recognition. Thomas Paine’s funeral was held on January 1st, 1776 and attended by a number of prominent Philadelphia patriots and leaders of the revolution.




From the Library of Congress, dated October 21, 1777

Dear General Benedict Arnold,

It is with heartfelt thanks and gratitude that we hope this letter finds you well. Your victory at Saratoga [1] has saved the union and given hope to the men and women of the United States. Rest assured that your actions have not gone unnoted and the people firmly appreciate your service.

It is therefore right, that we restore to you what was denied to you earlier. We are proud, if belated, to restore your seniority over your compatriots. Further, because of your service we have seen fit to award you this letter, which should be considered an official letter of Thanks from Congress and the People of the United States of America. Finally, have no doubt that from now on the eyes of the nation will be upon you and no one will ever again doubt your commitment to our noble cause.


With Sincere Respect and Gratitude,
The Congress of the United States


Letter addressed to General Benedict Arnold in thanks for leading American forces at the Battle of Saratoga



(Excerpted from Founding Liberty: America from 1776 to 1787 by Dr. Reginald Harper and General Sir Colin Fitzhugh, GCO, DSO, Columbia University Press, KoA)

…Shays’ Rebellion, more than any other singular event heralded the death knell for the Articles of Confederation, and what was then known as the United States of America. [2]

The difficulties that caused the Rebellion were many, but it basically evolved from the failures of Federal and State governments to address the problems of debt relief in the post revolution United States. As poor farmers could not pay their debts, they were thrown into debtor’s prison and their lands taken from them. Daniel Shays was one such man in Massachusetts, where he joined other disgruntled and mistreated men in peacefully protesting the Massachusetts state government.

At first, the group of dissenters had protested peacefully, much like the early revolutionaries had done. However, this situation began to change on September 10, 1786, Revolutionary War Veteran Luke Day and a group of other War veterans faced off against a militia guarding the Springfield Court House where cases were being heard. The militia, however, was composed of numerous other veterans and they quickly changed sides. It had appeared that “Day’s Militia” had won the day.

However, when word reached Boston, Governor James Bowdoin was horrified and dispatched a militia of loyal men to arrest Day and his men. Further, he convened the State Legislature, which passed Riot Act that suspended Habeas Corpus. Samuel Adams, the author of the bill, claimed that the “foreign powers had instigated the commoners to treason.” When the Boston Militia arrived in Springfield, things did not go well. A brief firefight ensued between Day’s Militia and the Boston forces, resulting in seven people dead and twelve wounded. The violence only stopped when Luke Day surrendered his forces, saying he did not want more blood on his hands.

This did not end the violence, however. As word spread that Day had surrendered and that he, and his men, were being marched back to Boston for trial, Shays began raising an army. He led nearly two hundred men on an ambush of the Boston Militia to free Day and his men. They quickly overwhelmed the Bostonians, under General Benjamin Lincoln, and forced Lincoln to release the prisoners.

From then on Shays became a legend. Hundred of farmers and former soldiers flocked to their camps in western Massachusetts. Winter came early that year and, as winter set in, neither side made a move as they waited for the spring thaw. Shays and Day used that time to train their men and plan. The Governor used that time to appeal to Philadelphia for aid.

The response from Philadelphia was one of confusion and panic. All the delegates their agreed that the situation was one that must be stopped immediately, however they disagreed on the appropriate course of action. Some wanted to raise an army; some wanted to call up the militias. However, no state would agree to send their militia without repayment, and Massachusetts refused to fit the bill. As a result, the winter was squandered by the Federal Government.

At the end of January, 1787, the Boston Militia was ordered to Springfield to bolster the 900 man Springfield Militia. Shays and Day were planning on raiding the Springfield Armory at some point in the spring to seize the weapons there. However, they knew that if Lincoln and his 3000 men arrived, they would never succeed in their goal. Therefore, they accelerated their plans.

On January 26, 1787, 1500 rebels, led by Shays and Day marched on the Armory. The Springfield Militia, led by General William Shepherd attempted to fire a warning shot, resulting Shaysites died. When the rebels continued to advance, however, Shepherd’s men began to panic and flee. Many of them were in a similar economic situation to Shays men, and not really as well motivated or equipped. As a result, Shepherd’s men quickly began to flee, surrender, or even switch sides. The battle, which would come to be known as the Battle of Springfield Armory, lasted less than an hour, but when it was finished the rebels were in possession of enough rifles, muskets, ammunition, and powder to supply them for a long time.

The next day, January 27, 1787, Lincoln and the Boston Militia arrived in Springfield and demanded Shays’ and Day’s surrender. Now, however, the rebels refused and the Battle of Springfield was held. The battle actually occurred just outside of the town in the fields to the east of the city. The rebels totaled just under 2000, while Lincoln’s men nearly 3000. However, the rebels had armed themselves with the armory weapons, they were fresh, and their morale was high. Lincoln’s men made the first move, four hundred advancing confidently across the field, believing that the rebels would break and run. Day and Shays’ men held fast, however, and held their fire until the militia was barely fifty yards away. When Day and Shays did give the order, seventy-five men went down dead or wounded, another thirty broke ranks and ran immediately. Lincoln now ordered all but two hundred men forward. The rebels, now in hand to hand combat with the remaining four hundred men of the initial attack began to falter and retreat. Lincoln ordered his men to charge and wipe out the rebellion. Day and Shays, however, managed to rally their man at the back of the field and began pushing Lincoln back. Finally, three hours after the battle had begun; Lincoln’s men broke and retreated. Lincoln, himself, led the retreat, riding all the way back to Boston.

Now, the Governor and people of Boston were in near panic. The Federal Government, meanwhile, had finally reached a compromise in which state militias would be called forth from the nearby states and Massachusetts would cover half the costs. The rebels had now reached mythic status in Massachusetts and were beginning to be joined by farmers and other men from all of New England. By February 20, 1787, the rebel numbers were approximately 2500 in number.

After the Battle of Springfield Shays and Day were divided on what to do next, Day recommended negotiating while Shays wanted to march on Boston. What exactly happened next is not known, however, what is known is that Luke Day was shot and killed leaving the camp on March 1, and on March 4 Shays led the army on a march to Boston.

By this time, however, troops from New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Virginia had all arrived and were dug in around Boston. Further, cannons had been placed in support of these militia troops. On March 6, 1787 Shays army arrived outside of Boston. They were greeted with a call to surrender, telling them they would be given amnesty if they surrendered immediately. Shays army arrived with 3500 men, it is estimated that of them five hundred dropped their arms and ran following the call to surrender.

The ensuing battle was more of a slaughter than a real battle. Shays men advanced into the teeth of well defended lines where they were outnumbered and outgunned. The battle last two hours, and when it was finished two/thirds of Shays’ men, including Shays himself, were dead. The rest had surrendered or fled. Only one hundred of the men were captured.

In the aftermath of the Battle, the landed ruling class of the United States was compelled to reassess the Articles of Confederation. While there had been calls for reform before, it was never given serious consideration. Now, the entire leadership of the country was ready for reform. Something that would protect private property rights from infringement by local majorities. It was believed that the democratic ideal of the nation had “gotten out of hand” and needed to be “controlled,” as Alexander Hamilton stated.

However, at the same time private property rights were what stemmed the Rebellion in the first place, as a result a careful compromise would need to be struck. James Madison summed up the entire situation in one careful phrase, “Liberty may be endangered by the abuses of liberty as well as the abuses of power.”

What would come from this are of course the chaotic Philadelphia Convention and the penning of the Constitution, ending the dysfunction of the United States of America and replacing it with the Kingdom of America.

[1] – Gates falls from his horse while preparing for the battle and Arnold takes command. He is never injured, never goes to Philadelphia, and never meets the Shippen bitch. Instead he is made Washington’s second in command and leads a much more successful attack at the Battle of Monmouth. However, the war goes similar to OTL, ending in 1781 with the Treaty of Paris in 1783.
[2] – Shays’s Rebellion goes much worse TTL
 
(Excerpted from Building Liberty: America from 1787 to 1805 by Dr. Reginald Harper and General Sir Colin Fitzhugh, GCO, DSO, Columbia University Press, KoA)

…The Philadelphia Convention was scheduled to begin on May 1, 1787 [1], however, due to travel difficulties a quorum of state delegates did not arrive until May 8, 1787, and would continue, with no delays, until September 20, 1787 [2]. The first measure on the table was to unanimously elect George Washington, hero of the Revolution, to be the Conventions President. The second proposal, also unanimously decided, was to make everything that was said in the convention secret until the convention was finished. While some have since scoffed at the secrecy of the convention, it was believed that only though secrecy, free from the pressures of outside groups could this group of men succeed at their task. Given what occurred inside the room, it was fortuitous that it remained confidential, lest some the men would have wound up in prison.

Two major problems that overarched the Convention, the form of the government, and the status of an army for the government, a third major difficulty could be slavery, but a compromise was reached fairly quickly when the issue was presented. Shays’ Rebellion, along with all the other difficulties encountered during the Articles of Confederation, and convinced the delegates to abandon them in face of a stronger Federal Government. Further, that government would need powers to handle the problems between the states, and foreign governments, which continued to treat the Americans as a group of raucous youth, evidenced by letters from John Adams in Britain and Thomas Jefferson in France. Shays’ Rebellion also pointed out, clearly, the flaws in the militia system of defense. The Boston and Springfield Militia were unable to contain or stop Shays forces, especially after they captured the Springfield Armory. However, the ideas brought forth to deal with these two main issues were varied and often times mutually exclusive. One plan, entitled the New Hampshire Plan[3], largely amended the Articles of Confederation, but gave Congress new powers. The Plan was supported by the smaller states that feared getting overwhelmed by the larger states. The large state response, entitled the South Carolina Plan[4], created a powerful legislature with two houses selected proportionally. As the hot summer went on the supporters and opponents of each plan, along with the other plans presented, grew more impatient with one another.

The issue of the military was another, even more contentious issue. Some members, such as Benedict Arnold from Connecticut, argued for the establishment of a large permanent, professional army and the abolition of the militias. Other members, such as James McHenry refused to support such a measure, saying the Militias won the Revolution. Instead, he called for Federal money to help support and fund the Militias, providing them with uniform training and equipment.

By July 1, the Convention was at a near impasse. The delegates were at each other throats. Some, such as George Mason of Virginia were threatening to leave and calling for an end of the Union. The issues came to a head on July 3, a day before July 4 when the delegates agreed to not meet in celebration of the Declaration of Independence, when a small fight actually broke out amongst the members.

According to James Madison’s notes, Robert Morris and Elbridge Gerry came to blows. He never states who started it, only that it occurred “at the height of the heat and pressure of the Convention.” The fight was quickly broken up, but following it Mason and his faction called for an adjournment for the day. That evening, Hamilton, Arnold, and Madison learned that on July 5, Mason was going to motion to end the Convention and any attempt to save the Union. They immediately went to Washington and pleaded with him.

Up to this point, Washington had been content to allow the delegates to debate freely. Now, though, he saw just how close to failure the convention was. He told the men there that he would intervene on the 5th, though he would not tell them what he planned to do. History may never know what happened in Washington’s bedroom that evening; legend says that he prayed all night for guidance on how to save his country.

The morning of July 5, the delegates filed into the room, either showing visible signs of anger, despair, or both. Only Hamilton, Arnold, and Madison had any sign of hope on their face. Washington was the last to enter the room, maintain a face of stone as he approached his seat and sat down. Madison’s notes tell us word for word what happened next.

“President Washington first recognized Delegate Mason; however, as he stood and began to tell of sacrifice, Washington begged his pardon and asked to make a remark. Mason, for a moment, was shocked and looked as if he would not allow President Washington to speak, but then came to his senses and allowed Washington control of the floor.”

“Washington stood and was silent for a moment before beginning. ‘Honorable gentlemen, I know something of sacrifice. I spent eight long years fighting for the country we call home. After that war concluded, I surrendered my sword to Congress and hoped to live quietly at my home as my only reward. Now, however, circumstances as they are, have led me and all of you august gentlemen here. Our union, is on the brink of collapse. Our people, are on the brink of collapse. The events of this past year have shown the flaws of our present government, and how tyranny and chaos can be found in all forms of government. Dare I even say it is more likely to occur in a democracy? For the people of this country that we have fought so hard for we must have order, we must have a monarch. I call on this delegation to form a government with one head, free from the fleeting passions of the mob. One head to serve the people, not to rule them. One head, not to rule, but govern under the authority of a constitution. One head to save this country.’ With that Washington sat down and motion to Delegate Mason, he stood, but no sound came from his mouth.”

What happened next was a complete turnaround of the convention. George Washington, arguably the most popular person in the country at the time. The man who freed the country, then, rather than reach out and become King, retired to his plantation, had called the Delegates to sacrifice for love of country one more time. He called on them to create a government under a monarch, but not a monarch of Europe, a new monarch to unify the country at the same time as he enforced the law. In that singular moment he took his mythos to a new height, one that laid down power, only to reluctantly pick it up when he was needed.

New committees were formed, from large states and small states, from the centralist and de-centralist factions, and work began again. There were still opponents, but they were marginalized and did not offer much resistance. Hamilton, Arnold, and Madison, seized control over the convention, but even they did not domineer as they could have, they were aware that if they tried, Washington would strike them down just as he did Mason.

In early August, the Committee of Detail was convened to write a draft based on the agreements that had been reached during the general debate. After another month of debate and discussion, the Committee of Style and Arrangement, chaired by Arnold, and including Hamilton, Madison, Gouverneur Morris and Rufus King met to refine the document. What was presented was a compromise of all the people there. That is not to say all the delegates were pleased with the finished document, in fact, three refused to sign sighting a lack of a declaration of individual rights [5]. Benjamin Franklin probably expressed the opinion of the delegates best when, at the close of the Convention he remarked, "There are several parts of this Constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them. ... I doubt too whether any other Convention we can obtain, may be able to make a better Constitution. ... It therefore astonishes me, Sir, to find this system approaching so near to perfection as it does; and I think it will astonish our enemies..."

What was presented to the states was a careful balance between the powers of the legislature, executive, and an independent judiciary, in what would become known as the separation of powers. The official form of government would be a monarchy; but, all the branches of government would derive their rights to rule and powers from the Constitution. Finally, it was a government of limited powers.

The executive would, of course, take the form of a hereditary monarch and be vested with the powers of both the head of state and head of government. The monarch would be charged with executing the laws of Congress, serving as commander-in-chief of the military, would have royal assent to laws, as well as appointment of government officials and Royal Judges.

The Congress would be constituted as a bicameral legislature, the Senate and House of Representatives. Members of both houses would be called Members of Congress, while members of the Senate were also given the title Senator. The Senate would be composed of two Senators from each state, appointed by the state’s legislature to serve a six year term, with a third of the Senate being re-appointed every two years. The House of Representatives would have its seats apportioned to each state based on population, and popularly elected by a local district for a term of two years. Additionally, while the Constitution did not provide for a Prime Minister [6], it did specifically create the possession of the Speaker of the House. The Speaker of the House is elected by the members of the House of Representatives and has a number of powers including setting the agenda for debate, presiding over the debate, appointing MCs to committees, chairing or co-chairing any Regency committee that may be needed, have privileges in the Cabinet, and other administrative functions.

Bills must pass both houses of Congress to become law, and could override a Royal Veto with a two-thirds majority of both houses. The House has the exclusive power to initiate review bills and approval over patents of nobility; however the senate has exclusive power over approval of treaties and royal appointments. Finally, through a three-fourths majority vote of both houses, the monarch can be declared unfit to rule and a Regency can be declared for as long as is needed.

The Judicial power is placed into the Supreme Court of the Kingdom of America (SCOTKA for short) and inferior courts created by Congress. The Supreme Court is given authority to hear a number of cases, most importantly cases concerning the Constitution [7] and disputes between the states, as well as a court of final hearing for all matters it chooses hear.

As for the problems with the military, Slavery, and Declaration of Rights, they were dealt with in different ways. The concerns over the military were left out of the final draft, though it was uniformly agreed that the 1st Congress would take up the matter. Slavery, it was agreed would dealt with in a different manner, the importation of slaves would be debated by Congress after twenty years and slaves would be counted as 3/5s of a person for determining taxes and representation. Finally, it was agreed that the Declaration of Rights would be the first amendments to the Constitution made if it was adopted.

Finally, despite some calls for an election, and concerns about succession, it was agreed that George Washington would be crowned the first king of America if the Constitution was adopted.

With that the Convention was closed and the delegates went back to their states to present their work. Benjamin Franklin, as he left, was asked by a woman if they had given America a Republic or a Monarchy, he answered that they gave America both.

From September 27, 1787 to June 21, 1788 nine of the thirteen states approved the Constitution, therefore ratifying the Constitution. In the subsequent months, the other four states would approve the Constitution. The ratification process was not an easy one. It took a concerted effort, lead by Hamilton to ratify the document. In what would become known as the Royalist Papers, Hamilton, John Jay, Madison, and others argued for the benefits of the Constitution and assuaged the fears of those that thought a tyranny was being created. Washington being named King also lent support to its passing, as did the promise of a Declaration of Rights.

Even with the compromises and efforts of many leading individuals, not everyone was happy. A considerable minority, lead by Samuel Adams and Patrick Henry, considered the new “Royal Constitution” an abomination and a betrayal of Republican ideals. They found significant support in the western reaches of the country, away from the city and coastal life. It would be this group that formed the basis of the Republican Rebellion that rocked the young country.

The 1st Congress was sat on March 4, 1789, where James Madison was elected as the 1st Speaker of the House. On April 30, George Washington was crowned by Chief Justice John Jay as King George I, By the Consent of the Congress and People of America, King of America, Protector of the Constitution and the Rights of Man. In his Coronation Speech Washington promised to serve the people and live up to the trust the country had put in him.

[1] – earlier than OTL
[2] – later than OTL
[3] – OTL New Jersey Plan
[4] – OTL Virginia Plan
[5] – Despite the events of Shays’ Rebellion there was still a concern for individual liberties and rights.
[6] – While some called for it, the majority believed that if they violated this separation of powers issue it would tilt the balance of power in favor of the Congress
[7] – This would soon be used to give the Supreme Court the power of Judicial Review of laws brought before them
 
(Excerpted from Building Liberty: America from 1787 to 1805 by Dr. Reginald Harper and General Sir Colin Fitzhugh, CC, EC, Columbia University Press, KoA)

While the United States of America may have approved the Constitution and created the Kingdom of America, the people, in their infinite wisdom divided the first Congress roughly evenly between enthusiastic supporters of the new governments and those that, while accepting the Constitution, were not supporters of royal power. While no official political parties existed in the country at this point, these were their roots. The “pro-royal power” faction supported rapid industrialization and centralized authority under the King. They quickly came under the unofficial leadership of Hamilton, who used his relationship with King George I to advance their programs. The “anti-royal power”, under the guidance of Jefferson, did not oppose the creation of the monarchy, however, they did seek to limit its power and thought Congress and the states should do the ruling. They further opposed the rapid industrialization of the country and were much more agrarian. The Republicans, meanwhile, refused to participate in what they viewed as a new tyranny.

The 1st Congress was an extremely busy and active one, however. The Congress voted a royal allowance of $25,000 a year, approved ten amendments to the Constitution to act as the Declaration of Rights, and took up the issue of the Royal Army and Royal Navy. The Senate, further approved George I’s cabinet of Thomas Jefferson as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alexander Hamilton as Minister of the Treasury, and Edmond Randolph as Secretary of Justice, and Henry Knox as Minister of War. The House, meanwhile, approved a number of patents of nobility submitted to them by King George, including Duke of New York for Hamilton, Duke of Connecticut for Benedict Arnold, and 1st Earl Madison for James Madison. Thomas Jefferson was offered the title Duke of Virginia, but turned it down. Instead, it was given to Henry Lee III.

King George I, was equally busy, both with domestic and foreign issues. Shortly after taking the throne, he named his young step-grandson, George, his heir and asked Congress to create a title for him befitting his place; the Congress chose to create the title Prince of Manhattan. He signed the Judiciary Act of 1789 that created a seven person Supreme Court [1] and divided the country into a number of Royal Circuit Courts that were then further divided into Royal District Courts. He also signed the Royal Capital Act [2], which authorized the King to appoint three commissioners to locate an appropriate place to build a capital for the country. Finally, he transformed the Society of Cincinnati into the Order of Cincinnati. As the Order of Cincinnati, it would continue to be a hereditary group of officers from the Revolution, but be expanded to include other senior and distinguished military officials, though they and their descendants could not rise above the level of “companion”.

Domestic Issues

The Royal Capital Act would prove difficult to wrangle, however. The lingering feelings of states’ rights remained and MCs from all over the country bartered and threatened in an attempt to get the capital located in their state or, more locally, within their district. At the same time Hamilton and his pro-royal supporters were attempting to push through a plan for the Royal Government to assume state debt. In an agreement between Hamilton and Jefferson, the New York MCs would support locating the capital along the Potomac River in exchange for Virginia’s MCs supporting the assumption of debt. As a result, both parties got what they wanted. Hamilton got his debt assumption and Jefferson got his southern capital. The capital, named the Royal District of Columbia, or Columbia RD, would take ten years to design and build. Interestingly enough, George I would be the only monarch America has had not to live in Columbia.

Another early domestic struggle was the establishment of the financial and economic foundation of the country. Hamilton had succeeded in assuming the debt of the states, he then proposed, in 1790, the creation of a Royal Bank to mint currency, handle government finances, issue financial notes, and handle the debts. At the same time, Hamilton also proposed a series tariffs and taxes on liquor to finance the debt. The Royal Bank and Finances Bill was, again, a highly contentious bill. King George I intended on maintaining neutrality, even though he favored Hamilton’s plans. In the end, George used his influence and support to pass the Bank Bill.

These early disputes between Jefferson and Hamilton further divided the pro- and anti-royal factions of the government. In fact, by 1791, Hamilton and Jefferson were bitter enemies, disagreeing with one another and eventually leading to Jefferson’s resignation as Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

The military was also a major topic of debate in the first session of Congress and within the court of King George I. Shays Rebellion was still fresh in everyone’s mind and no real debate existed that a Royal Army would exist, it was just a matter of how big it would prove to be and whether the militias would remain. King George I remained silent on the size and militias; however he stated that he desired a united military, trained at a single military academy, and composed of regiments with members from all the states believing that it would help unify the country. Some pro-royalist elements of Congress proposed funding for a Royal Army, totaling twenty regiments, three cavalry, three artillery, and fourteen infantry, ending the militia system all together, and establishing a Royal Military Academy. Anti-royalist elements of Congress were appalled by the proposal and countered with their own proposal with a small Royal Army, composed of five regiments, and strengthening the militias with common training and procedures.

The King would again intervene to guide a compromise through Congress. The Royal Military Act created funding for a Royal Army of twelve regiments, seven infantry, two cavalry, and two artillery regiments, and one rifles regiment. It further authorized the founding of the Royal American Military Academy at West Point. It required all males between the ages of 18 and 45 to enroll with their state militias and authorized the King to call up the militias for Royal service in times of war, insurrection, or crisis. It also gave the King, as commander-in-chief, authorization to sign commissions and issue promotions. King George I would use this last power to appoint Benedict Arnold, 1st Duke of Connecticut, as commander of the army and commissioned him as a Lieutenant General.[3]

The second Congress, sat in March 1791, was dominated by the pro-royal faction of government. However, that did not stop King George I from vetoing his first bill, largely a symbolic gesture to ensure that it would be used in the future. The only other notable legislation sent by Congress to the King was the Fugitive Slave Act, which was signed by the King and made it illegal to help an escaping slave. Hamilton issued a report on manufactures, which was largely adopted by the pro-royal Congress, unfortunately in the next elections it did cost some MCs their seats.

In March 1793, the 3rd Congress was sat and, for the first time, the anti-royalist faction would have a clear majority. Lord Madison resigned as speaker following this election [4], being replaced by Fredrick Muhlenberg, a leading anti-royalist from Pennsylvania. The only two major pieces of legislation they passed was the Royal Navy Act of 1794, which founded the Royal Navy and authorized the construction of six heavy frigates, and Naturalization Act of 1795, which established the procedures to citizenship for immigrants. They failed; however, to curtail the powers of the King, largely because of 1794 would prove to be a year in which American became embroiled in rebellion, intrigue, and near disaster.

The last major domestic issue faced by the Royal Government under King George I occurred on May 1st, 1796, when tragedy and calamity struck. Fifteen year old Prince George was thrown from his horse and killed while riding outside of Philadelphia. King George I and Queen Consort Martha were upset, having lost another family member. Additionally, the monarchy would be thrown into chaos. Serious questions over succession and the future of the monarchy developed. King George I had no more male heirs and some members of the Congress would even recommend his abdication so that Congress could vote on a new Monarch. The King, meanwhile, consulted with Rufus King, the Secretary of Justice, about his options for a new heir. They both agreed that the Constitution said only a direct relation could inherit [5], however there was no prohibition other than that. Therefore, on June 8th, 1796, he named his twenty-year old step-granddaughter Elizabeth Parke Curtis Arnold his heir and named her Princess of Manhattan. King George I naming a woman caused some uproar, but enough of the wives of leading officials supported the measure, combined with King George I giving her his blessing, and her recent marriage to General Benedict Arnold’s eldest son [6] rendered the objections a passing fancy.

Princess Elizabeth would take immediate steps to prepare to rule, including taking a leading role in debating the pros and cons of a war with France. She began learning from her grandfather and other leading officials. She was also deeply in love with her husband and took great pains to include him, a Royal Army officer like his father, in the day to day affairs of government.


[1] – OTL it was six.
[2] – OTL Residence Act of 1790
[3] – No Lt. General’s existed in the US Army for quite some time, partly out of respect for Washington. Here, a standing army requires a commander and Washington makes the appointment.
[4] – Madison is much more pro-royalist, however by modern terms would be considered an independent
[5] – The Constitution provided that an heir could only come from the direct family, hence parent to child or sibling to sibling. Anything beyond that required a joint election by Congress. This, they believe, would prevent some foreign monarch.
[6] – OTL she married Thomas Law, here she met and married Benedict Arnold VI, who was eight years her senior
 
(Excerpted from Building Liberty: America from 1787 to 1805 by Dr. Reginald Harper and General Sir Colin Fitzhugh, CC, EC, Columbia University Press, KoA)

…The Northwest Indian War had been smoldering in the Northwest Territory since the 1780s. The Native American tribes in the territory had been attacking and fighting with the colonists and militias in the region following encouragement and material support from the British, who still occupied forts in the region contrary to the Treaty of Paris. In 1790, prior to the Royal Military Act, King George I ordered Secretary Henry Knox to put together an operation to end the raids. Knox ordered General Josiah Harmar and 1,400 men to march into the territory and suppress the Native American, who, by this time, were lead by the Little Turtle, Blue Jacket, and Tecumseh. Unfortunately, the Native Americans slaughtered the militia men as a result of poor leadership and poor training. Of the 400 men actually sent by Harmar to engage the Native Americans, only 130 returned [1].

When word of the defeat reached the King in Philadelphia, he was upset and angry. King George I believed that Native Americans were equal to white people, just their culture was inferior. He supported measures to treat Native Americans equally under the law; including paying Native American fair market value for their land and punishing those who violated Native rights under Royal Law, and integrate them into American culture. In fact, the Chickasaw people had already begun integration into American culture. At the same time, however, the King demanded order and would not tolerate rebellion. He, therefore, during the summer of 1791, ordered General Arthur St. Clair, the Royal Governor of the Northwest Territory, to prepare a more vigorous offensive. However, while the Royal Military Act had been passed, the Regiments were still being raised. As a result, the force of approximately 900 militiamen marched into the wilderness and camped near Fort Recovery.

On November 4, at dawn, a force of nearly 2000 Native American warriors attacked for American force and inflicted casualties near 70%. The King was again angry at the result of the offensive. Nonetheless, during the winter he attempted to send two envoys to the Native American in an attempt to reach a peace. Both were killed. The King was determined to end these raids and opposition to the rightful government.

In late 1793, he ordered Major General Anthony Wayne to take command of four infantry regiments (Prince of Manhattan’s Regiment of Foot Guards, 1st (Queen’s Own) Regiment of Foot, 4th Royal American Fusiliers Regiment, 5th (Royal Virginian) Regiment of Foot), a Cavalry Regiment (1st Royal Dragoons “Royal Irish Dragoons”), 1st Royal Regiment of Rangers, and 2nd Regiment of Royal Horse Artillery and prepare them to face the Native American forces. Finally, during the late spring of 1794, General Wayne decided his forces were ready and marched them into the Northwest Territory. Blue Jackets forces attempted to attack Wayne’s force, again near Fort Recovery. This time, though, the American forces repelled the warriors and forced their retreat. Wayne pushed deeper into the Territory and engaged the Native Americans at the Battle of Fallen Timbers on August 20, 1794.

The Native forces, numbering around 1500, had taken shelter along the Maumee River, near where several trees had been uprooted. The battle itself was short and utterly decisive. The Natives were unprepared for the attack and some were at nearby Fort Miami, a British controlled Fort, getting supplies. As a result, the Native Americans were quickly routed and fled to Fort Miami only to find the gates had been locked by the British. As a result of the battle, the Native American forces largely surrendered, and in 1795, signed the Treaty of Greenville. As a reward for his service, General Wayne, was named 1st Baron of Greenville.

The Treaty was arguable more gentle on the Native Americans than it could have been, and helped lay the ground work for future peaceful relations with the Natives. The Native Americans had to cease all hostilities with white settlers, recognize America as the rightful rulers of the Northwest Territory, cede their land to the government, agree to be removed from the area, and release all prisoners. In return, America would assist relocating the Native American population north of the 42 degree north, to what would become the Indiana Territory [2], a separate territory, with a separate governor, a pardon to all warriors, and $25,000 in supplies and medicine. The treaty would go on to be the impetus and precedent for future treaties with Native American populations.

The reaction among the Native Americans was mixed. Some were upset they had to give up their lands, however, Blue Jacket and Little Turtle seemed content to retire to their new territory. In fact, King George took steps to ensure that the land given to the Natives was not violated and named Little Turtle the Royal Governor of the Indiana Territory. While this would not completely end violence in the Northwest Territory, it would drastically reduce it.

[1] – Much worse than OTL
[2] – OTL Wisconsin
 
(Excerpted from Mob Rule: The Republican Rebellion by Dr. Thomas Fisher and Columbia University Press, KoA)

The Republican Rebellion traces its roots to the excise tax of 1791. Hamilton and the pro-royal faction of the government believed that tariffs were has high as they could reasonably be, however at the same time the debt had to be paid down. King George I, acting on Hamilton’s advice, submitted the Whiskey Excise Act to the Congress which passed it. The Act taxed the production of whiskey. Unfortunately, the tax disproportionately affected cash poor farmers in the western reaches of the country. More remotely, the tax brought to the surface a number of grievances with the Royal Government, including the existence of the monarchy itself.

Over the next three years the government did its best to collect the taxes and maintain peace, however as time went by things got worse in the west as resistance increased. In the west, militias began to form, both to protect the land against Native American attacks and defend against a possibly Royal attack. Further east, a number of Republican Societies began to spring up in support of the westerns. These Societies were all independent of one another; some were more radical than others, but no matter what the expressed sympathy with the western farmers. As time went on they also began supporting France in her war again Britain, especially after Adam’s Treaty [1]. Finally, the more radical societies, such as Democratic-Republican Society of Boston, expressed an outright desire to end the monarchy and re-establish a republic.

The pro-royal faction of the government, especially Hamilton, denounced these groups as “Jacobins” and “democrats”. They openly derided them as pawns of the French. Even King George accused them of “progressing illegitimate fears.” These comments did not dissuade supporters of the Societies, in fact, some historians today claim that the comments fueled support for them.

The anti-royal faction, meanwhile, took hits in popularity as it was viewed as, at the very least minimally, supportive of the growing resistance and the societies. It did not help that people like Jefferson viewed the societies as a healthy exercise in democracy.

As the societies expanded and developed and the resistance to the tax continued grew, the calls for a response began grow. At the same time as this, prominent individuals who viewed the monarchy with ire began subtly working behind the scenes to progress the goal of ending the monarchy. Chief among these were Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, and Aaron Burr. All three of these men were virulent Republicans and used the growing discontent to further their cause. As their plans developed they began looking for opportunities to strike at the government as well as gain support for their cause. They slowly brought the various societies and militias under their umbrella, which they called the Committee to Restore the Republic.

In 1792, James Wilkinson was introduced to the leaders Committee by Aaron Burr. Wilkinson promised them Spanish support and began supplying the Committee with supplies, weapons, money, and intelligence. The militias, meanwhile, were able to expand their training regimen on the other side of the Mississippi as well as receive advice from Spanish troops.

Things came to a head in summer 1794, upset with the lack of progress and determined to enforce the law, King George ordered Edmund Randolph, the Attorney General, to issue sixty subpoenas to farmers who had paid the tax. Most of the subpoenas were delivered without incident, however on July 15th; the Marshal delivering the subpoenas was attacked by a local militia. What followed was nearly two weeks of anarchy in western Pennsylvania, the Ohio territory and Kentucky. This chaos culminated in the Committee to Restore the Republic marching on Fort Fayette in Pittsburgh and executing royalist supporters as traitors.

With the March on Pittsburgh, as it came to be called, the Committee declared open rebellion against “those that would betray liberty.” The various Republican Societies were in shock; the moderates denounced the violence and quietly disbanded, the radicals supported the March and began either flocking to Pittsburgh or spreading discontent. The anti-royalist faction was likewise horrified and stunned. The pro-royalists, meanwhile, seized on the violence as validation for beliefs, calling for an immediate response by the Royal Army. Finally, King George made it clear he would not stand for such violence. The King ordered all regiments of the Royal Army, not currently fighting in the Northwest, to assemble outside of Philadelphia. He further ordered out the militias of Maryland, New York, and Virginia. By August 1794, the Royal Army had assembled and began moving into western Pennsylvania.

Meanwhile, violence and rioting was beginning to take hold in other parts of the country. In Boston, the Massachusetts Royal Militia had to be called out to suppress a riot lead by the Democratic-Republican Society of Boston. In Kentucky, the militias that had formed began stepping up the raids and harassment of Royal officials.

Of particular note is the violence that occurred in the Tennessee region of the Southwest Territory. The “Freemen’s Militia of Tennessee,” lead by a young lawyer named Andrew Jackson, violently looted and raided both Royalist strongholds and Native American settlements. Jackson’s skill, as well as his barbarity, quickly earned the attention of both sides of the conflict. For the Republicans, Jackson would quickly become a hero and leader in the Republican Army. To the Royal Government, Jackson would become a hated barbarian, especially among the Native Americans. Jackson’s militia, supported by the Spanish, would continue to remain at large for years before finally being defeated at the Battle of New Orleans during the ensuing Retribution War.

King George, leading the Royal Army himself, arrived outside of Pittsburgh on August 21 and demanded the unconditional surrender of Republican Army. The envoys dispatched by the King were turned back under a hail of gunfire. Even after this, the King refused to give the order to attack the Republicans. Only after nearly two days, and continued pleading by Lords Hamilton and Lee, did the King give the order to attack. By the time the King ordered the attack most of the Republican Army had withdrawn further west, leaving only a small contingent of diehards to fight the Royal Army. With Pittsburgh secured, the King returned to Philadelphia leaving the Royal Army under the command of Lord Arnold.

Lord Arnold now took this segment of the Royal Army west, intent on confronting and destroying the Republican Army. At the same time, with the Battle of Fallen Timbers over, Major General Wayne (soon to be Lord Greenville), dispatched Brigadier General George Rogers Clark with two infantry regiments and a cavalry regiment, south into Kentucky and Tennessee to fight the Republicans.


[1] – OTL Jay’s Treaty
 
Can I get a comment? Even a "It sucks" would tell me something.

The Republican Rebellion Part II

(Excerpted from Mob Rule: The Republican Rebellion by Dr. Thomas Fisher and Columbia University Press, KoA)

Following the Battle of Pittsburgh the Committee to Restore the Republic officially appointed him General James Wilkinson, Commander of the Republican Army. The Committee established a provisional capital in Frankfort Kentucky. As was the case with Pittsburgh, any person accused of Royalist tendencies was executed. Wilkinson, meanwhile, led the Republican Army in a number of skirmishes against both Native American Tribes and elements of the Pennsylvania militia, trying desperately to evade Arnold and the Royal Army.

The Royal Army caught up with Wilkinson, however, in the south of the Ohio Territory. Caught against with its back to the Ohio River, the Republicans had little choice but to fight. Unfortunately, by this time the Royal Army had swelled to almost 20,000 men as compared to the Republican Army of barely 10,000. Additionally, the Royal Army had access to artillery and cavalry (both regulars and militia). As a result, the Battle of Alexandria (Ohio) was a decisive Royal victory. The well trained and experienced Royal Army units systematically enveloped and destroyed the Republican Army. At the end of the Battle the Republican Army was shattered. Of the approximately 10,000 Republicans, 134 were killed and another 600 were wounded. Most of the remaining Army was forced to surrender, though about two thousand did manage to escape. Included in those that escaped was General Wilkinson, who fled over the Mississippi to St. Louis. The rest of the men that escaped would continue to harass the Royal officials until the turn of the century and the end of the Retribution War. Of those Republicans that were captured, most were paroled after military courts determined they had no direct role in the massacres in Pittsburgh.

After the Arnold’s victory at Alexandria he immediately ordered his cavalry to ride for Frankfort and capture the Committee leadership before they could flee into the wilderness. Fortunately, the cavalry, under the total control of Brigadier General Benjamin Tallmadge managed to secure the town by riding the 130 miles in a little over three days. They arrived with such speed and haste that the guards in the city thought they were Republicans at first. It wasn’t until the riders were within mile that the alarm was sounded. By then, it was too late to escape and the entire Committee was captured. Adams, Henry, Burr, and the rest of the Committee’s leadership were brought back to Philadelphia to stand trial for Treason and promptly executed.
It was not the end of the Republican Rebellion, however. While it’s true that organized resistance lessened dramatically, there still continued to be violence in the west until 1800. This is especially true when referring to Andrew Jackson’s militia. His militia continued to raid, plunder, and attack throughout the western reaches of America. While the Republicans always had a distinct hatred of Native Americans, Jackson’s militia took it to a new level, butchering any Native American groups they could.

Part of the difficulty in finding and stopping these attacks came from the support the Republicans were receiving from the Spanish. The Republicans were able to strike and then withdraw over the Mississippi. Despite protests from King George directly to Madrid, these raids would continue until the last Republicans were stopped at the end of the Retribution War.

As these attacks continued the popularity of the Republicans diminished greatly, especially as the news about Pittsburgh and Frankfort spread. In the end, the Republican movement died after the Battle of Alexandria. Hamilton, commenting on the Rebellion in his memoirs stated, “The true birth of the Kingdom of America began at the end of the Republican Rebellion. It more than anything solidified and legitimized the monarchy. We owe a debt to Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, and Aaron Burr.”

The Rebellion had other, even longer lasting, effect as well. The anti-royalist faction of the government would never really recover from its perceived tacit support for the Rebellion. Thomas Jefferson stepped down as Secretary of Foreign Affairs to be replaced by Edmund Randolph, a committed pro-royalist. Jefferson mostly retired from public life, though his writing continued to support the anti-royal faction, followed by the short lived Liberty Party. Meanwhile, the pro-royalists proved the benefits of a standing, professional army and strong central government. The pro-royal faction would be able to push through a number of further reforms and bills through Congress to progress their agenda. Finally, following the Rebellion, a dedicated and planned immigration program was undertaken by the Royal Government to encourage the settlement of the west.

It was believed that by settling the west with easterners that the area would remain loyal. To encourage this immigration land was sold cheaply to those willing to move and live on the land for at least five years. It would be these settlers that would become the upper class of the near west and hated by the earlier settlers for quite some time.
 
I like the TL but am leery of the American Revolutionaries choosing the term "King" with its overtones of "monarchical tyranny".
Perhaps "Lord Steward" or "Lord Protector" would be preferable.
I'd go for Lord Steward since it implies that power is held for another (in this case the people of the US).
Have GW say that he is "beholden to the will of the people, that they are his monarch, and he will be their steward" then snowball it from their.
 
Thanks for the comments!

I like the TL but am leery of the American Revolutionaries choosing the term "King" with its overtones of "monarchical tyranny".
Perhaps "Lord Steward" or "Lord Protector" would be preferable.
I'd go for Lord Steward since it implies that power is held for another (in this case the people of the US).
Have GW say that he is "beholden to the will of the people, that they are his monarch, and he will be their steward" then snowball it from their.

I thought about this actually, the only problem was that their is little historical backing for either title. "King" is familiar and comfortable, especially after the chaos of Sheys Rebellion. "Lord Protector" stirs up feelings of Cromwell and "Lord Steward" doesn't have that ring to it. "King", on the other hand, has the benefit of being familiar to the people. With no Thomas Paine their is less of an anti-monarchy ferment (though it does exist as evidenced by the Republican Rebellion), so I thought it would be ok.
 
Thanks for the comments!



I thought about this actually, the only problem was that their is little historical backing for either title. "King" is familiar and comfortable, especially after the chaos of Sheys Rebellion. "Lord Protector" stirs up feelings of Cromwell and "Lord Steward" doesn't have that ring to it. "King", on the other hand, has the benefit of being familiar to the people. With no Thomas Paine their is less of an anti-monarchy ferment (though it does exist as evidenced by the Republican Rebellion), so I thought it would be ok.

I'ld probably go with something more Roman. The founding fathers were infatuated with Ancient Rome, and based alot of the Constitution on Republican Ideals. I'ld go for a title like Consul.
 
For the time being I've decided I am going to stick with "King." Thanks for the help though, please keep the opinions coming.

Clouds on the Horizon​

(Excerpted from Building Liberty: America from 1787 to 1805 by Dr. Reginald Harper and General Sir Colin Fitzhugh, CC, EC, Columbia University Press, KoA)

…The 4th Congress saw the emergence of formal political parties within the Kingdom. The pro-royal power faction coalesced around Hamilton and became the Federalist Party. The anti-royal power, reeling from the ongoing Republican Rebellion, coalesced around at first Thomas Jefferson and then George Clinton to become the Liberty Party. The Federalists favored the mercantile and industrial portions of the country, supported tariffs to fund further industrial and infrastructure programs, and seemed for favor gradual emancipation of slaves. The Libertyists favored the agrarian portions of the country, supported free trade, and favored the continued existence of slavery.

Tarred with the continued difficulties in the west, the Federalists regained a majority in both Houses of Congress by large numbers. Using the majority Hamilton used his position of Secretary of the Treasury, his influence with the King and Crown Princess, and his support in Congress to ensure that a number of Federalist Bills went through the Congress. Most notably the Philadelphia-Pittsburgh-Fort Recovery Road Bill that funded the construction of a road from Philadelphia all the way to Fort Recovery in the Ohio Territory and the Royal Military Expansion Bill that funded the expansion of the Royal Army by another three infantry regiments, a cavalry regiment, and two more rifle regiments and the Royal Navy by funding the construction of 3 ships of the line and the purchase and conversion of several civilian ships. All of these measures were funded with the tariffs initiated earlier.

Further assisting in the economic security of the country was the Royal Bank of America. Instituted in 1791, the Bank provided loans to the Royal Government, established credit, and allowed growth without speculation. Because of programs like the Royal Bank, tariffs, and subsidies to local businesses, by early in the next century America had well establish, arms, glass, and wood working industries. It would be this basis that America would spring board into the Industrial Revolution when it came.

The 5th Congress was again dominated by the Federalists. The Libertyists continued to fade as the Federalists portrayed the Liberty Party as Republican sympathizers. In fact, by the next Congress, the Liberty Party would be nearly wiped out as the country would be at war with France and Spain.

In fact, the main set of issues on the agenda of the 5th Congress was regarding Spain and France. Since the Republican Rebellion, relations with Spain had been low. Spain had armed the rebels and provided them with protection. The Spanish continued to harbor Wilkinson, Jackson, and their “Army of American Liberation”. The French, meanwhile, had begun raiding American shipping bound for Europe. Prior to the Adams Treaty, Britain too had been raiding American shipping and impressing soldiers, however that had largely stopped. As a result, the American population had become increasingly Franco-phobic.

To make matters more complicated, King George had been ill since early 1797 and day to day affairs of the Royal Government had passed to Princess Elizabeth (who had just recently given birth to Prince George), Prince Benedict, and Alexander Hamilton. When French ships began seizing American vessels outside of Boston Harbor, in June of 1798, a letter was sent to Congress, signed by King George I asking for a declaration of war. While there is no doubt that the letter, was in fact signed by the King, some have questioned whether he knew what he was signing or whether he was mislead as to the events that had been occurring.

With the growing tension with Spain and France, elements within the Federalists began beating the war drum. Primarily, Lord Hamilton used his connections in the press to incite a rabid hatred for the Spanish and French. Still, America did not declare war. However, they did take steps to prepare for war. First, the Congress approved funding for the re-establishment of the Marine Corp, this time as the Royal Marines. The Royal Marine bill provided funding for two regiments of Royal Marines. Second, Royal Army was divided into two field armies and given authorization to call up the militias. The first, under Major General Lord Sir Anthony Wayne, would be encamped in the Northwest Territory. The second, under Major General Lord Sir Henry Lee, would be encamped in Georgia. Of the two, Lee’s army would be the larger. Finally, King George sent an invitation to the Cherokee, Creek, Choctaw, and Chickasaw tribes to travel to Columbia. He also asks Little Turtle to come as well. All of the tribes have been having problems with Jackson and his men and the Americans know the tribes have been planning reprisals of their own. Little Turtle, along with his entourage, which included a Shawnee war chief named Tecumseh, were invited to illustrate the benefits of working with the Americans.

The King proposed an alliance of sorts with the tribes. In the historic Treaty of Columbia, the tribes agreed to support the Americans in any war with the Spanish and French. In return, they would be given the lands east of the Mississippi, south of the 35 degree parallel north, and extending 170 miles east as a territory of their own [1]. The Native Americans would be further compensated with supplies, medicines, and support. It was rumored that the tribes were initially hesitant to agree to the terms, but when Little Turtle and Tecumseh spoke of the benefits of working with the Americans the tribal leaders signed on. A month later the Congress organized the Yazoo territory for the four tribes, soon to be called the Four Civilized Tribes. King George, in what may have been his last true act, named Pushmataha, a Choctaw leader, Governor of the territory.

The tensions came to a head in early 1798 when it was reported that the French had demanded a series of bribes before even beginning negotiations to end the attacks. Months earlier, Charles Cotesworth Pinkney, John Marshall, and Elbridge Gerry had been sent to France in an attempt to negotiate a treaty. However, before the negotiations could begin they were told that they would have pay three French agents, known as X, Y, and Z. The negotiators were outraged and left immediately. Hamilton and his supporters in the Federalist Party took advantage of the situation and immediately pressed for war.

Still, the King, who by this point was bed ridden, refused to submit the declaration to Congress. That wouldn’t come until June. In that month, the French began raiding ships of the coast of Boston. Finally, the King signed a letter requesting a declaration of war from Congress. While there is no doubt that the letter, was in fact signed by the King, some have questioned whether he knew what he was signing or whether he was mislead as to the events that had been occurring.

In 1798, France and its allies were at war with Great Britain. It is important to note, that while the Franco-American War occurred at the same time as the French Revolutionary Wars, specifically the War of the Second Coalition, it was an independent conflict and Great Britain and its allies played no role in supporting the Kingdom of America. France only had minimal territory left in the Caribbean. However, they had signed the 2nd Treaty of San Ildefonso with Spain creating an alliance between the two states to fight Great Britain. As a result, when America declared war on France, Spain declared war on America.

[1] – OTL Mississippi
 
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Appendix I

Abbreviated Timeline

1786 to 1787 – Sheys Rebellion occurs in Massachusetts. Sheys’ army is finally stopped at the Battle of Boston, but before that his army rampaged through western Massachusetts. The failure to contain this rebellion is seen as a major contributing factor to the demise of the Articles of Confederation and the United States of America.

1787 – Constitutional Convention. After nearly falling apart, George Washington implores the attendants for unity and to create a constitutional monarchy. The Constitution creates the Kingdom of America

March 1789 – George Washington is crowned King George I, By the Consent of the Congress and People of America, King of America, Protector of the Constitution and the Rights of Man. King George submits a number of names to the House of Representatives for patents of nobility.

1789 – Royal Capital Act is signed by King George.
- Society of Cincinnati is transformed into the Order of Cincinnati

1790 – The Royal Bank and Finances Bill is passed by Congress after an agreement between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson places the location of the new royal capital on the banks of the Potomac River.

1791 – Excise Tax is passed on Whiskey. This is viewed as the proximate cause of the Republican Rebellion.
-A number of “Democratic-Republican Societies” begin to spring up throughout the country in support of the “Whiskey Rebellion”

1792 – Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, and Aaron Burr found the Committee to Restore the Republic, an organization dedicated to the end of the monarchy in America.
-James Wilkinson is introduced the Committee, they are unaware of his ties to the Spanish, only that he can provide them weapons and financing

1794 – Battle of Fallen Timbers, General Anthony Wayne leads elements of the Royal Army against Native Americans. After the Battle the Native Americans, under Little Turtle and Blue Jacket surrender. In the Greenville Treaty, the Natives agree to be moved to a territory under their own control and cease attacking settlers.
- Royal Navy Act
- Adam’s Treaty. In it the British agree to withdraw from a series of forts and agree to end the impressments of American sailors. America agrees to support loyalist property claims.
- July – Violence breaks out in western Pennsylvania. The Committee to Restore the Republic declares their intent to overthrow the monarchy and marches on Pittsburgh.
-July – Riots in Boston are put down by the Massachusetts Militia
-July – The Freemen’s Militia of Tennessee begins raiding Native and Royal strongholds. The militia is controlled by the infamous Andrew Jackson.
-August – King George I personally leads the Royal Army to face the Republican Army
-August – Battle of Pittsburgh is anti-climactic as most of the Republican Army has withdrawn
-August – General Lord Sir Benedict Arnold, in command of the Royal Army, defeats the Republican Army at the Battle of Alexandria. The Battle ends the main threat posed by the Republican Rebels
-August – three days after the Battle of Alexandria Brigadier General Benjamin Tallmadge captures the whole of the Committee to Restore the Republic in Frankfort Kentucky. Tallmadge is promoted and admitted to the Order of Cincinnati for his heroic ride. His name is also submitted to the House of Representatives for a patent of nobility, he is created 1st Earl Tallmadge.
-September – The Committee to Restore the Republic’s leaders are tried and convicted of Treason
-November – The Congressional Elections produce a huge majority for the pro-royal power faction, which in turn becomes the Federalist Party.

1795 – Naturalization Act of 1795
- Philadelphia-Pittsburgh-Fort Recovery Road Bill and Royal Military Expansion Act are passed by Congress

1795 to 1798 – Andrew Jackson and James Wilkinson continue to be harbored by the Spanish in New Orleans, they continue to launch raids into America. American calls for the Spanish to surrender them go unheard.

1796 – Prince George, Prince of Manhattan and heir to the throne dies when he falls from his horse. King George I names his adopted granddaughter, Elizabeth, heir and Princess of Manhattan. Elizabeth is married to Benedict Arnold’s oldest son, Benedict.

1797 – Columbia Treaty between America and the Four Civilized Tribes

1798 – XYZ Affair is reported to the American people
-French ships begin raiding off the coast of Boston
-Franco-American War begins

Major Units of Royal Army and Navy at the start of the Franco-American War

7 Infantry Regiments
--Royal Regiment of Foot Guards “Washington’s Life Guards”
--Prince of Manhattan’s Regiment of Foot Guards
--1st (Queen’s Own) Regiment of Foot
--2nd Royal Grenadiers Regiment
--3rd Royal Appalachian Regiment “Mountain Guards”
--4th Royal American Fusiliers Regiment
--5th (Royal Virginian) Regiment of Foot
--6th (Duke of New York’s) Regiment of Foot
--7th Regiment of Foot “The Royal Eagles”
--8th Regiment of Foot “The Loyal Eighth”

2 Artillery Regiments
--1st Regiment of Royal Horse Artillery
--2nd Regiment of Royal Horse Artillery

3 Cavalry Regiments
--Royal Dragoon Guards “Watchdogs of the Highlands”
--1st Royal Dragoons “Royal Irish Dragoons”
--2nd Royal Hussars “The Grays”

3 Rifle Regiment
--1st Royal Regiment of Rangers
--2nd Regiment of Rifles
--3rd Regiment of Rifles

2 Royal Marine Regiments
--1st Royal Marine Rifle Regiment
--2nd Royal Marine Rifle Regiment

3 Ships-of-the-Line
--USS America
--USS Independence
--USS Franklin

6 Heavy Frigates
--USS Chesapeake
--USS Constitution
--USS Constellation
--USS Monarch
--USS Congress
--USS Courageous

Dramatis Personae

King George I - King of America, George Washington
Princess Elizabeth Arnold - Princess of Manhattan, heir to the throne of America, adopted granddaughter of King George, wife of Benedict Arnold (the younger)
Lt. General Sir Benedict Arnold (the elder), Duke of Connecticut - commander of the Royal Army
Major General Anthony Wayne - field commander in the Royal Army
Major General Henry Lee III - field commander in the Royal Army
Little Turtle - member of the Miami tribe, Governor of the Indiana Territory
Pushmataha - member of the Chocktaw tribe, Governor of the Yazoo Territory
James Wilkinson - traitor and leader of the Republican Army
Andrew Jackson - traitor and member of the Republican Army, known for his brutality and hatred of Native Americans
 
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War of Retribution Part I
(Excerpted from The Retribution War: For Queen and Country by Jillian Graves, Crane Press, KoA)

The timing of the declaration of war was key to a number of things regarding the Retribution War, including its opening moves and ultimate conclusion. By the time the declaration, issued in late July 1798, reached Europe, most of Europe was embroiled in the War of the Second Coalition. As a result of France and Spain’s focus on Great Britain and her allies, the two allies paid very little attention to the Americans, whom they considered upstarts and rabble.

It must also be noted that not all the French were enemies of America. In 1793, King George welcomed Gilbert du Motier, the Marquis de Lafayette, and his family and his family to Philadelphia. Lafayette had escaped France before he could be condemned for counter-revolutionary activity. In America, however, he was greeted warmly by the King and the all members of the Government who remembered his assistance during the Revolution. In Philadelphia, where his family would take up residence, he became a key advisor to the King and, with the outbreak of War, would become even more important.

The opening moves of the war primarily occurred at sea and in the Caribbean. The Royal Navy landed a regiment of Royal Marines on Guadeloupe to occupy the island. The Royal Marines there, mindful of the recent history of the island, were careful to suppress any ideas regarding a slave rebellion. The Royal Navy also made some noises about landing troops on Puerto Rico and maybe even Cuba, however in the early stages of the war it was deemed infeasible. The tiny Royal Navy was needed to protect American shipping, prevent an invasion of the mainland, and support any moves into Spanish held territory. In these roles, however, they were largely successful. Both the French and Spanish navies were busy in the Mediterranean and unable to fully engage the Americans.

On land, things were much bloodier than the occasional battle between navies. In the South, Lee knew that he had to move quickly to capture New Orleans and Florida. While it was true that currently the Spanish and French were tied down, he did not want to tempt fate by moving slowly. He, therefore, split his force in two. A smaller force, under Brigadier General Daniel Morgan and composed of approximately 2,000 regulars and 5,000 militia (including 2,000 Native Militia), would march on Florida. At the same time, he would take the rest of his army, approximately 5,000 regulars and 4,000 militia (mostly Native Militia) and march on New Orleans. Lee knew the advance would not be easy, but hoped to make the most of the Native support and knowledge of the terrain.

Natchez was captured on October 15, 1798 and additional men and supplies began moving down from Kentucky. Unfortunately, at the same time this was happening Wilkinson and Jackson, with support from the Spanish, launched invasion from New Orleans up into the Yazoo Territory. Lee could not let them flank them. Therefore, he dispatched another portion of his force under the command of Brigadier General Sir Henry Dearborn to counter them and push them back to New Orleans. Lee, meanwhile, would continue down the Mississippi as originally planned. It was Lee’s intention to then press New Orleans between their two forces.

On November 16, 1798 Dearborn and Wilkinson met along a river that would become known as Dearborn River after the battle [1]. The battle was a decisive one as the Americans utterly defeated the Rebel army. During the battle, Wilkinson was killed by a Native sharpshooter named Red Crow. It has long been debated whether Red Crow, a Creek, was aiming at Andrew Jackson. Regrettably at the conclusion of the Battle of Dearborn River, it was learned that Jackson and many of his men had once again escaped. From then on Jackson was known among the Natives as Pale Ghost.

Jackson and his men once again pulled back to New Orleans. Fortunately, from then on Jackson would be limited in what he could do, succeeding in only a handful of raids before the climactic Battle of New Orleans.

While Dearborn was off engaging Wilkinson and Jackson, Lee moved down the Mississippi. On November 1 his forces surrounded and captured Fort San Carlos, which they renamed Fort Washington (making it the third name for the fort), and the city of Baton Rouge with it.

Lee continued his advance and on November 25 he reached the outskirts of New Orleans. Unfortunately, Jackson’s militia, along with the Spanish regulars within the city, took to the woods and began making hit and run raids against Lee’s forces. As a result, Lee was forced to sweep each region around the city, before he could encircle it. That takes was made easier on December 9, when a squadron of American Royal Navy frigates and gunboats defeated the anchored Spanish ships at the Battle of Chandeleur Sound. With the Spanish navy defeated, the gunboats were able to travel into Lake Borgne and land Royal Marines to assist in the sweep from the woods and swamp. Finally, on January 8, 1799 General Lee ordered an assault on the city. The two prong attack, launched early in the morning managed to crush the demoralized Spanish between them. The attack mostly succeeded with the Americans only suffering 1,500 causalities (dead, wounded, and missing), with most coming from Jackson and his forces. The Spanish surrendered in the late afternoon on January 8. Jackson, for his part, refused to surrender and took his own life, joined by many of his men.

Morgan’s force troops in Florida were facing an entirely different fight. Combined Royal Marine and Royal Army operations had secured Mobile and Pensacola. Further, on December 10, 1798, Morgan captured St. Augustine. From then on Morgan’s force acted mostly as a garrison. He did attempt to send forays into Florida, but they were all met with extreme resistance from the Seminole Tribes. Some in Congress were pushing for the Seminole to broken, however Lord Arnold correctly pointed out that the war was against Spain and France, not the Seminole. They could be dealt with later.

By early 1799 the war seemed well at hand, but it was far from over.

[1] – Pearl River
 
Great Stuff. This War of retribution will surly make Europe raise an eye to something they should have payed more attention too
 
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