Hey guys this is the first TL I have ever done so feel free to leave comments and suggestions.
July 1780 Philadelphia
The war for American independence is not going well for the Americans in the South. The British had recently captured Charleston and had captured 5,000 Americans and were capable of marching into Virginia virtually unopposed except for the small partisan bands operating in the backcountry. Congress wanted to send a new general south to command the remnants of the Continental Army in the South. Congress wanted to send Horatio Gates, because Gates had enjoyed a considerable amout of success in the Saratoga campaign and was the only officer to accept a surrender from an entire British field army. But at a critical time during the debate, John Matthews made a point. He asked "Why send Gates? He only succeeded at Saratoga because of Arnold. What we need here is a general who would work a miracle and I think we have one. I move that Nathanael Greene be appointed commander of the Southern Department." There was consternation because Greene was not popular because he had reorganized and allegedly profiteered from his office as Quartermaster General. But by the end of the day the decision was made to let Washington name whoever he wanted.
American Headquarters
Washington was reading his paperwork when suddenly he got the letter from Congress. He read it and with great interest knew the man he wanted. He then called Greene in. Greene at that time was a seasoned and experienced officer. A veteran leader, he had been with Washington since Boston and had demonstrated a talent for organizing and was an officer that was trusted by Washington to get the job done on numerous occasions. Unlike Gates, Greene has the advantage of working well with Washington. Once Greene is told he says "Sir I will do the job that is required of me and I will need the support of you and Congress. I have much work to do." Greene then departed and smiled because he now had the chance he had craved since childhood. Make a name for himself in battle.
Greene in uniform
Ok so the POD is that instead of sending Gates to command the Southern Department in 1780, Greene gets to go earlier.
July 1780 Philadelphia
The war for American independence is not going well for the Americans in the South. The British had recently captured Charleston and had captured 5,000 Americans and were capable of marching into Virginia virtually unopposed except for the small partisan bands operating in the backcountry. Congress wanted to send a new general south to command the remnants of the Continental Army in the South. Congress wanted to send Horatio Gates, because Gates had enjoyed a considerable amout of success in the Saratoga campaign and was the only officer to accept a surrender from an entire British field army. But at a critical time during the debate, John Matthews made a point. He asked "Why send Gates? He only succeeded at Saratoga because of Arnold. What we need here is a general who would work a miracle and I think we have one. I move that Nathanael Greene be appointed commander of the Southern Department." There was consternation because Greene was not popular because he had reorganized and allegedly profiteered from his office as Quartermaster General. But by the end of the day the decision was made to let Washington name whoever he wanted.
American Headquarters
Washington was reading his paperwork when suddenly he got the letter from Congress. He read it and with great interest knew the man he wanted. He then called Greene in. Greene at that time was a seasoned and experienced officer. A veteran leader, he had been with Washington since Boston and had demonstrated a talent for organizing and was an officer that was trusted by Washington to get the job done on numerous occasions. Unlike Gates, Greene has the advantage of working well with Washington. Once Greene is told he says "Sir I will do the job that is required of me and I will need the support of you and Congress. I have much work to do." Greene then departed and smiled because he now had the chance he had craved since childhood. Make a name for himself in battle.
Greene in uniform
Ok so the POD is that instead of sending Gates to command the Southern Department in 1780, Greene gets to go earlier.