Jean Victor Marie Moreau

Jean Victor Marie Moreau was one of those very capable generals unfortunate enough to be born during the Age of Napoleon, and thus completely overshadowed during his lifetime and overlooked in later histories, Moreau was in fact so capable a commander that he attracted a following that forced Napoleon to banish Moreau to the United States in 1802 note: he was so popular Napoleon couldn't simply execute or imprison him.

Moreau spent the next 10 years living relatively peacefully(he and his wife were sought after social guests throughout America)near Trenton, New Jersey. He was in fact briefly considered as the commander of the American armies at the outbreak of the War of 1812. Moreau however had grander visions of the fields of battle and glorious conquests that could not be satisfied in the wastes of Canada or the triumphant return to America.

Upon the outbreak of war between the Napoleon and the Tsar Alexander, Moreau promptly set sail for Europe in hopes of aiding in the overthrow of Napoleon. Suck a feat was not to be however, Moreau was killed at the Battle of Dresden whilst in conversation with the Tsar.

Now far be it for me to let someone who could serve my nation so well to die so ignominiously and in action against his own nation. So I'm going to change things up a bit.

POD 1808 James Madison upon election to the Presidency of the United States of America offers the post of Secretary of War to Jean Victor Marie Moreau. Moreau seeing the pitiful state of the Army begins to implement reforms i.e establishes proper bureaucracy such as a general staff, quarter master, intelligence sections etc etc.

In the lead up to the outbreak of war in 1812 the American armies are set in motion and well enough equipped and coordinated at the outbreak of hostilities to successfully pin General Isaac Brock on the Niagra in Upper Canada allowing General William Hull to take overrun Fort Malden(whether this happens is debatable as Hull's campaign had already begun to stagger before Brock arrived to deliver the "coup de grace").
 

MrP

Banned
Is the formation of support arms at Federal level compatible with the ideal of local militias?
 
Wendell said:
Was Moreau a U.S. citizen?:confused:

No but that may not be an obstacle at such an early time in the republic. I don't believe that it is stated in the constitution that cabinet positions have to be held by a citizen.
 
No but that may not be an obstacle at such an early time in the republic. I don't believe that it is stated in the constitution that cabinet positions have to be held by a citizen.

As far as I'm aware the only govt post that has to be held by a citizen is that of President
 
As far as I'm aware the only govt post that has to be held by a citizen is that of President

Besides, of course, the Vice President, and all members of Congress. That said, there may be a federal law governing the issue additionally, and appointing any foreigner to such a post itself would be a hard sell IMO.
 

MrP

Banned
Perhaps it'd be easier to get Moreau to become a firm friend and trusted advisor to the OTL Minister, and thus avoid these potential problems of nationality.
 
Perhaps it'd be easier to get Moreau to become a firm friend and trusted advisor to the OTL Minister, and thus avoid these potential problems of nationality.

Or, to give him a lower position within the department, possibly as a "consultant".
 
Well actually, I don't think it would be too difficult to have Moreau in a cabinet position, as there is no constitutional requirement even today for members of cabinet to be US citizens. And after all, in the early republic such a circumstance would not draw as much scrutiny then as it would today.
 
Okay so forget about the cabinet position Lafayette was made a Major-General and so was Von Stueben not mention Garibaldi (if he really wanted it).

In Nov. 1811 instead of Henry Dearborn, Jean Victor Marie Moreau is offered command of the entire American Army and accepts.
 
Top