E Pluribus Unum - A timeline

Arch-Angel

Forward: I have done timelines that are similar to the one you are about to read. This timeline is not those timelines. There will be similarities and the premise starts out the same, but I am taking great pains to work this out. Finally, despite how the first several posts will read, this is not, not, not going to be a wank, nor is this (I hope) going to go (completely) off the deep end.

E Pluribus Unum
How One Life (And Barrel of Butterflies) can Change the World

COA_George_Washington.svg


Conquer or Die
Motto of the Life Guards Regiment

​
 

Arch-Angel

The Early Life of
George Washington

Washington_1772.jpg

-Young George Washington​

In fact 1751, Washington was set to travel with Lawrence to Barbados. Lawrence had been battling tuberculosis, and it was thought that the weather would help Lawrence battle the disease. However, before George and Lawrence could begin their trip, George suffered a fall from his horse. While George would only suffer a minor concussion and broken forearm, he would be unable to travel with his brother. George would be forever haunted by his inability to travel with his brother, especially given the fact that Lawrence would pass away in July, 1752.

However, less than year after the passing of his brother and shortly before marching off to confront the French in the Ohio Country, the twenty one year-old George Washington would marry the beautiful sixteen year-old, Hannah Fairfax. Hannah was the daughter of William Fairfax of Belvoir and the younger sister of Lawrence’s wife, Anne. Before the marriage, George had been a frequent sight at Belvoir and as the years went by and George became a strapping young man and Hannah became a young woman, they fell in love.

Through the marriage, Washington became modestly wealthy. Wealth that was added to when Washington inherited Mount Vernon in 1761 and convinced the Governor of Virginia to honor the bounties that Washington and his men had been promised for fighting in the French-Indian War in 1769. By the mid-1760s Washington had paid off his debts and diversified the operations of Mount Vernon (which had grown to 6,500 acres). Finally, as a respected war hero and land owner, Washington had been serving in the Virginia House of Burgesses since 1758.

It also wasn’t long before the young couple welcomed children. Their first, George Lawrence Washington, was born on January 16, 1754, while George was in the Ohio Country. George Lawrence, or simply Lawrence to his friends and family, would inherit his father’s physical prowess and looks. He was followed by a sister, Mary Anne Washington, in May of 1755. In all, the Washingtons would have five children, four of whom would live to adulthood (George Lawrence, Mary Anne, Sally, Hannah Elizabeth, William Augustine)

As the clouds of war appeared on the horizon, Washington took an active role in the resistance to the British taxes. He introduced multiple resolutions in the House of Burgesses and was elected to the First Continental Congress. Then, when all peaceful attempts had failed, and fighting had broken out in Massachusetts at the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Washington appeared at the Second Continental Congress in his military uniform and accompanied by his eldest son. As a side note, Washington met Benjamin Franklin at the Second Continental Congress. Thanks to George Lawrence, we know that Franklin expressed dismay at the death of an individual named Thomas Paine. Paine it seemed, had met Franklin in Britain and was traveling to the colonies when he died of Typhoid on the voyage over.

In hindsight, Washington was the only real choice to serve as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. He had the necessary experience and prestige, and New England needed the support of the South. After his appointment, Washington began constructing the Continental Army, working with Congress to fill senior positions and training the Army. He also commissioned his son, George Lawrence, a Lieutenant Colonel and made him his aid-de-camp.
 

Arch-Angel

The Hero of Saratoga​

Prior to the fall of 1777, it had been said that Benedict Arnold was a vain man who was eager for personal glory. He had received no fame for his earlier leadership in the Battles of Valcour Bay and Ticonderoga. The Invasion of Quebec had been a failure and he had developed a reputation as being hard to work with. Despite that reputation he was beloved by his men and a favorite of General George Washington. After the Battle of Saratoga there would be no doubt, which side of that argument was accurate and by the end of the American Revolution no one would ever say an unkind word about Benedict Arnold.

The Battle of Saratoga began September 19, 1777. The British, under General John Burgoyne, had been marching down the Hudson Valley in an attempt to cut the American colonies in half. Attempting to stop the British was an American army under General Horatio Gates. Gates, a well known, but overrated General, did not get along with Arnold. In fact, it took Arnold’s constant pestering to convince Gates to give Arnold the authority to engage. Then, when Gates did, Arnold was only given command of the left wing. Nonetheless, Arnold was actually winning his part of the Battle and personally requested reinforcements. Gates reluctantly agreed, but at the last moment recalled Arnold and stripped him of his command. Gates took personal command and the Americans ended up retreating.

As the Battle ended the disagreement between Arnold and Gates boiled over. While Gates reported the action to Congress and Governor Clinton, he did not acknowledge Arnold’s role in the Battle at all. The men, however, universally agreed that Arnold was directing their actions in the field, while Gates sat in his tent. In the midst of this argument, Gates relieved Arnold of his command, meaning his troops would be under Gates’s direct command. Arnold asked for permission to transfer to Washington’s command, which was granted by Gates. Arnold was preparing to leave when the men presented him with a petition asking Arnold to remain, even if he couldn’t be in the field with them. Seeing the insistence of the men, Arnold remained.

From the end of the first battle on September 19 to October 7, there was little action. Burgoyne was hoping for re-enforcements, while the Americans numbers continued to swell as more militia arrived. Unfortunately for Burgoyne, the British were held up and would not arrived before Burgoyne exhausted his supplies. So, on October 7, 1777, Burgoyne ordered an attack.

With Arnold out of commission, Gates assumed personal command of the left wing. Or he did, until he was killed early in the action. When Arnold learned that Gates had been killed, Arnold mounted his horse and rode furiously to the front. When Arnold arrived on the front, the Americans morale and energy returned. They managed to hold the British and by the end of the day, they had taken the field.

Arnold_at_Saratoga.jpg

-Arnold at the Battle of Saratoga​

At the conclusion of the day’s events, the Americans held Bemis Heights and the redoubt that overlooked the British camp. Burgoyne, having lost over 1000 men since the Battle of Saratoga began in September, was now out numbered 3 to 1 and decided to withdraw. By October 13, Burgoyne was surrounded and surrendered his sword and his army to Arnold on October 17.

As word spread, Arnold became an overnight celebrity. Congress promoted him to Major General, taking pains to apologize for there “earlier oversight.” Some even suggested replacing Washington with Arnold. Arnold, himself, shouted down those suggestions stating that he would march behind Washington or not at all.
 

zert

As I have not read your other timelines, I am quite taken with th POD that you have. Washington having children of his own and Gates biting the bullet are good touches. Best of luck and I shall follow with interest.
 

Nivek

Darth_Kiryan said:
ok. Washington has legitimate children and Arnold does not betray the revolution.

Good start.
Click to expand...

Arnold never betrayed the revolution, the revolution betrayed him(specially him, being a carrer officer have more to loss that other being planter or businessmen) specially how Gates take credit of his sucess

here with Gates being as idiot(as otl) and dying early, he doesn't have the reason to abandon the 'rebels/patriots' and return to the british.

heck the kiat made some similar(with him being recgonized after being wounded, thus having a grundge with british)
 

Arch-Angel

Corralling Clinton I:
Battle of Monmouth​

While Arnold was defeating Burgoyne at Saratoga, the British had managed to occupy Philadelphia. However, the campaign season was coming to an end and the British General, William Howe, elected to winter in the city. Meanwhile, the Americans were forced to set up camp at Valley Forge. While it was a bitterly cold winter and most of the men had minimal clothing and shelter, their leaders used the time to train and drill the men. In particular, Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben and the Marquise de Lafayette imparted discipline and obedience into the regiments.

The first test of this new training came in June of 1778. The French had joined the war against Britain and Parliament was concerned about New York City and the Caribbean. They ordered General Henry Clinton, the new British Commander-in-Chief of North America, to abandon Philadelphia and reinforce New York City. Originally, it was the intention of the British to move directly to New York by sea, however, a lack of transports forced a change to those plans. The transports would move the heavy supplies and Loyalist civilians, while the rest of the Army would march overland. Washington learned of this and believed they would be vulnerable to an attack.

On June 18, 1778, the British began withdrawing from Philadelphia. As the 12 mile train of men and supplies moved, the Americans burned bridges, muddied wells, and built abatis to slow them down. In the days prior to the attack Washington held a council of war with his senior commanders to plan out the attack. While it is unknown what was said in that meeting, Washington decided to send an advanced force of 5,000 men, almost half of his force, to attack the British rear and slow them down until the main American force can give battle. This task was given to Major General Benedict Arnold.

Arnold immediately meets with his staff and begins issuing orders. Arnold informs his staff he intends to control the pace of the battle and make the British “play by ear.” Colonel Moylan’s mounted unit begins screening the roads along the anticipated routes of withdrawal. Meanwhile, General Dickson flanks the British to the left with 1000 militia and Colonel Morgan takes 600 rifleman to the east. Finally, precisely at 1AM on June 28, 1778, he issues orders to recon possible attack routes.

In the British camp, Clinton had issued orders to have General Knyphausen and his element to begin moving out at 4AM with the baggage train, while he and his command remained attached to General Cornwallis’s element. Knyphausen’s withdrawal is noted by Dickson who reports the movement to Arnold.

Arnold orders General Anthony Wayne to take 600 men and 4 guns to reinforce Dickson on the left. He follows those orders up with instructions for a general advance against the British camp. Arnold pushes his men hard and closes the 5 miles between the parties quickly. Just as the sun is rising, the British guards see the advancing Americans. Arnold has managed to catch the British flat footed as they were breaking camp and preparing for the march.

For his part, Clinton attempts to organize a defense, in preparation for what he hopes will be a counter-attack, while sending word to General Knyphausen to turn his men around and return. Clinton succeeds at first, until General Wayne opens up on the flank. Seeing this Clinton orders General Cornwallis and approximately half of his element to begin a holding action while he and the rest of the army begin a withdrawal.

Arnold sends word to Washington at his progress and urges him to advanced with deliberate haste. He has effectively pinned nearly a third of the British force and if Washington hurries they can pen up not only that force, but possibly Clinton himself. Washington orders his forces forward and arrives on the field by 8AM. Clinton receives word that Washington and his force have arrived, ordering Cornwallis to begin a fighting retreat and to “make all efforts to disengage if tactically feasible.” Unfortunately, that will not be possible.

While Clinton is able to make an orderly retreat with most of the force, Cornwallis and nearly 3,000 British soldiers are enveloped. At 12PM, General Cornwallis and his troops surrender to the Americans. Washington attempts to redeploy his forces to chase down Clinton, but the British Commander-in-Chief managed to escape and make it back to New York City. Still, while this isn’t as big a victory as Saratoga, it is the second time in less than a year where the Americans have manage to capture a large number of British soldiers and a leading general.
 

zert

The butterflies continue to make waves through time and the outcome starts to achieve some sense.

Nice update. Thanks. ;)
 

Arch-Angel

Corralling Clinton II:
The Battle of Rhode Island​

With Clinton’s arrival in New York City and still reeling from the loss of 3,000 soldiers, Washington marched his army overland to pin down the British while he planned his next move. The French had entered the war and the Comte d’Estaing had arrived with 12 Ships of the Line and a few thousand French troops. Initially, Washington and the French thought that New York City might be vulnerable. However, the sandbar prevented the French ships from entering the Harbor at will. Also, even with the French, taking New York would have been a daunting, bloody affair, and Washington was not ready to risk his entire Army. Newport, Rhode Island, was instead selected.

The reason for Newport was simple, it was nearby New York City and could further pen in Clinton. Clinton could see this, but he couldn’t do anything about it. He wanted to deploy additional forces, but could not spare the men. Instead, he advised General Pigot, the British commander, to do his best to hold the region. On the other hand, Washington sent word to General Sullivan, the local commander, to raise 5,000 men for an attack. He also sent the Lafayette with two brigades to further bolster Sullivan and provide additional resolve (Washington had his doubts about Sullivan). With the news the French were involved and the recent victories, General Sullivan managed to raise 3,500 men by the time the Marquis arrived.

GeneralJohnSullivanByTenney.jpg

-General John Sullivan​

On July 29, 1778, the Americans and d’Estaing met to discuss their plans. Together, they worked out a plan where the Americans would advance from the west while the French came from the east. The plan was agreed to and on August 9, the French disembarked 4,000 soldiers onto Conanicut Island. As the French were disembarking, Howe and the Royal Navy arrived off of Point Judith. d’Estaing, concerned that more of the Royal Navy might show up, states his intention to do battle with them before they can be reinforced.

As the forces were maneuvering for position on August 10, a vicious storm struck, scattering and mauling both fleets. The storm also delayed an attack by only the Americans that Sullivan had scheduled for the 11. When the storm cleared on the 12th, the French were scattered and wouldn’t manage to regroup and return until the 20th. Sullivan, meanwhile, began laying a siege and advancing his lines.

d’Estaing did not bring good news with him upon his return. He informed Sullivan that he could not participate in the battle as his ships needed to be repaired and that he was setting sail for Boston immediately. Sullivan and the Americans begged the French leader to wait, even another day or two, but the French would not alter their plans and set sail. Sullivan and the Americans were furious and penned multiple letters to Congress, Washington, and the leaders in Boston.

With the French gone, some of the American militia began to lose hope. Sullivan could see this and, at the urging of Greene, ordered an attack before their numbers shrank to low. Sullivan broke his force into two, Greene would come from the east while Brigadier General John Glover would attack from the east.

Pigot was aware of the American preparations and hoped to steal the initiative by launching an attack of his own before the Americans could be fully prepared. To that end, Pigot ordered troops to launch spoiling attacks on both the east and west. These spoiling attacks, however, soon became the main battle as the Americans began counter-attacking and pushing the British back.

By the end of the 22nd, the British had fallen back to Newport. At first light Sullivan launched another attack only to learn that overnight the British had evacuated a majority of Pigot’s forces, leaving only 600 men to fight for the honor of Pigot before surrendering.
 

zert

Nice update. With the Americans controlling Rhode Island they can base raiders to go after Long Island and the Sound. Then troops can start to try to cut off the land route to New York.
 

Arch-Angel

Cause and Effect I:
Look to the West​

Washington was not sitting idle as the Americans sealed the British into New York City. As the campaign season wound to an end, Washington was already planning his next moves. Clinton has been confined to New York and even more short handed, having sent troops south to capture Savannah. Still, Washington did not want to risk his force in a battle with Clinton. Congress had approved Lincoln to take command in the South and Washington was sending 500 men with him. Washington could simply sit on the defensive, but that was no way to win a war. That left him with a few options, mainly, the western theatre and the north east.

As he looked at the map a plan began to form in his head. The goals of 1779 would be, first, the pacification of the west and the capture of Fort Detroit and Fort Niagara. Secondarily, Washington had continued to receive reports of unrest in Nova Scotia. Therefore, Washington resolved to send a force large enough and powerful enough to force the issue in Nova Scotia. Washington elected to send Arnold, with Washington’s son George Lawrence in support, and 2000 regulars and 2000 volunteers. Meanwhile, Greene, supported by Morgan and Clinton would be sent west, with 4000 regulars and 2000 volunteers. Finally, George Rogers Clarke would be sent an additional 150 regulars and 500 volunteers to assist in his push to Fort Detroit.

Washington and the Americans spend the fall and winter getting ready. Forces are deployed to the places they will attack from. Additionally, time and effort is spent making peace with several Native tribes. In September, the Treaty of Fort Pitt is signed with the Delaware tribe and relations with the Oneida are built upon in western NY. Both tribes agree to provide support to the Americans.

Finally, in late April, the Western Campaign officially begins. Greene has carefully crafted a battle strategy that involves multiple columns moving from multiple starting points and slowly converging on Fort Niagara. Along the way, the individual forces manage to pick up further support from the Oneida and militia. Each American force battles with loyalists, Iroquois, and British troops, but are by and large defeated. By August, the Americans have converged on Fort Niagara.

Greene, with 5000 of his men surround the fort while the other 1000, plus another 500 they have picked up along the way cut off the Niagara peninsula from the rest of the region. Seeing the writing on the wall, the British surrender the fort after a series of small battles. Following the war, Greene breaks up his force. He leaves 500 men there to garrison the fort, he orders Morgan to take another 500 and move around the north to help assist Clarke in securing Fort Detroit, Clinton will move back in NY to put down any remaining resistance by the Iroquois using 1000 of the regulars plus the Oneida, the remaining troops will return to NYC and Washington.

Meanwhile, Clarke has been equally successful with his campaign. With the extra troops Clarke is able to capture, then re-capture Fort Vincennes from the British and then march north to take Detroit. By mid-October, Fort Detroit is surrounded by the Americans and a siege is laid. The fort would fall without a shot being fired a month later.

With the conclusion of the Western Campaign, the west had not only been secured from the Iroquois and loyalist forces, but new territory had been added. It wouldn’t be the only campaign that went well for the Americans this year either.
 

zert

Thanks for the update. With success in the West, valuable forts captured, and alliances with some of the tribes can only be a good thing for the future of the US. Combine this with possible success in Novo Scotia and getting more allies and the Americans are in a stronger position than OTL. We might see more of Canada coming into the fold down the road.
 

Arch-Angel

zert said:
Thanks for the update. With success in the West, valuable forts captured, and alliances with some of the tribes can only be a good thing for the future of the US. Combine this with possible success in Novo Scotia and getting more allies and the Americans are in a stronger position than OTL. We might see more of Canada coming into the fold down the road.
Click to expand...

That would be telling. It would appear, my friend, that you are the only reader I have.

Any other comments?
 

PistolSO

Okay, could be interesting to see if the U.S comes out of this with than 13 original states. Could tip the balance of political power later on to the North and the West.
 

Rstone4

Banned
I keep thinking of "Braveheart 2: South Carolina", I mean "The Patriot". By trapping British forces and Cornwallace up north, you change the whole dynamic of the war in the south.

Big issues in the south were Dunmore's proclamation, the Loyalist-Patriot civil war, etc. Hell, Andrew Jackson had experiences in the south with the war. The butterflies are worse than I-5 Going south!

But this is very intriguing!
 

zert

It will be interesting how much France will be adding to the End and if Spain decides to try to gather up pickings.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top
Top