* Fractured America *

[legendsport]

I haven't been around much lately, spending a lot of time over at FOF and running my football and hockey leagues. However, like many here I miss PLAGUE! and am also very fond of alternate histories, as readers of "A House Divided" and "The Greater Baseball Co-Prosperity Sphere" already know. I've been trying to find a new concept to base a dynasty upon, and I've come up with one that I think can be very interesting.

Several things have changed since I wrote the two dynasties above - mainly that I no longer run any OOTP online leagues and changed my webserver provider - so all the pictures and maps and things from AHD and GBCPS are gone.

If this catches on, I will create a website for it as I did for the others and possibly will take it into an online league. Problems with the sim prevented both AHD and GBCPS from going online and I also lost the Completely Fictional History of Baseball in a sim crash, but I am an optimist and expect things to be better this time around.

So without further ado, my next post will see the start of the story of Fractured America...

[legendsport]

NORTH AMERICA, CIRCA 1812


PART I - The Reluctant Minority

Timeline

• 1783 - The Treaty of Paris ends the American Revolution. The United States of America is officially recognized by the government of Great Britain.
• 1800 - The Third Treaty of San Il Defonso sees Spain return the colonial territory of Louisiana to France.
• 1803 - Spain finally relinquishes control of Louisiana to France. Fifteen days later, the French Emperor Napoleon sells the territory to the United States for $15,000,000.
• 1807 - 1812 - American anger towards Great Britain grows as Royal Navy ships board U.S. Navy ships searching for deserters and for cargo being sent to Napoleonic France which is at war with Britain.
• 1808 - James Madison is elected President of the United States, succeeding Thomas Jefferson.
• 1810 - Several "Warhawk" politicians are elected to the U.S. Congress. Prominent among these are John C. Calhoun and Henry Clay.
• June 18, 1812 - The United States declares war on Great Britain. This measure, pushed through by the Warhawks is vehemently opposed by the Federalist-controlled New England states which depend upon British trade and share a border with British North America (aka Canada).

THE WHITE HOUSE - WASHINGTON, DC, June 25, 1812:

"This is preposterous!" thundered Henry Clay. The man to whom he was speaking - or rather shouting at - was the President of the United States, James Madison.

Madison frowned and cast an eye at Secretary of War William Eustis. "Have you anything to say for your fellow New Englanders, William?"

Eustis sighed and grimaced. "I can certainly understand their opposition to the war. We men of Massachusetts depend in large part on trade for our livelihoods and though the war in Europe has been bad for business, at least we weren't facing outright blockade by the Royal Navy."

Clay's face grew redder. Over Clay's shoulder lurked his compatriot, the equally fiery John C. Calhoun. Madison spoke up lest one of the two young congressmen jump in again. "Mr. Speaker," he said calmly to Clay, "I'm sure you know that in a government such as ours, which endeavors to represent peoples of diverse needs and wishes, such conflicts as these are sure to arise."

Clay opened his mouth, but it was Calhoun whose voice was heard first, "Conflict indeed! This is treason, pure and simple!"

Madison shook his head. Had he once been this young and full of self-righteousness? He remembered that when he had been the age of these two so-called "warhawks" the not-yet-independent United States had also been battling the British and he remembered many a confrontational exchange in Congress. The question was how to defuse the situation.

Eustis spoke again. "Treason is a strong word. The Constitution does not require the states to muster their militia at the beck and call of the Federal Government, gentlemen." He nodded towards Madison, "As our president surely knows."

Madison had helped craft the Constitution and knew this all too well. But the fact that the New England states were not only refusing to call up their militia to help prosecute the freshly-born war against the British, but were also openly discussing seceding from the American Union? Well, it was as near treason as you could get. Still, he knew that he had to appear fair and balanced and act as the President of the entire United States. And, to be honest, he was against the war himself.

"Gentlemen, let's discuss this rationally..."

[legendsport]

Part I, continued

Along the Niagara River, New York, October 13, 1812:

Major General Stephen van Rensselaer III stood on the bank of the Niagara Escarpment and peered across the gulf at British Canada. A politician by trade and a Federalist by party, he was impressed with the clever maneuvering of his Democratic-Republican opponent, New York Governor Daniel D. Tompkins.

Tompkins had realized that because van Rensselaer was, technically a major general in the New York State militia, the governor could effectively remove his main opponent in the upcoming election simply by supporting him for the post as commander of the United States' Army of the Centre, which would be tasked with invading Canada. The facts that van Rensselaer opposed the war as a Federalist, and even more importantly that he had virtually no military training, mattered little to Tompkins. Rather than lose face and smother any future political career, van Rensselaer had no choice but to step into the trap his rival had laid for him.

Fortunately, his nephew Solomon did have military training, and van Rensselaer brought him along as an adjutant. He stood with Solomon and pointed across the river.

"The intelligence is correct?"

Solomon groaned inwardly; his uncle's ineptitude could be exasperating. However, in true van Rensselaer fashion, he kept his face neutral, betraying nothing. "One can never be 100% certain, uncle, but yes, we should have sizeable superiority in numbers."

Stephen frowned. So much could go wrong. Yet he had no choice, really. "Very well," he sighed. "Have the men prepare the boats and begin the crossing immediately."

Shortly thereafter, it became plain that things would not go well for the American invasion force. First, van Rensselaer had neglected to procure enough boats to allow his entire army to cross the river at once. Secondly, and far worse, the buildup of the American Army on the south bank - and the noise it engendered - gave the British forces all the notice they needed that an invasion was imminent.

When the Army of the Centre crossed, many of its number refused to cross the swirling, rapid Niagara River even when threatened with court martial. Even worse, when those who did cross landed, they found that the British though outnumbered, were far better trained and disciplined under fire. In the end, even after the death of the British commander, the Americans were thoroughly trounced. And then to cap it off, the boatmen refused to cross back to evacuate the surviving troops, leaving them all to surrender to the British.

Stephen van Rensselaer's military career was over. He would resign immediately, and take his chances in the political realm where he was much more a strategist. As for the American war effort, its first great push had been a disaster.

[canadiancreed]

And years later a moument would be built for that brave British general that repelled the thrust of American agression.

[legendsport]

Originally Posted by canadiancreed

And years later a moument would be built for that brave British general that repelled the thrust of American agression.

Correct - Major General Sir Isaac Brock, already a hero for victories in the "West" (back then Detroit was considered the west). He was just 27 years old when killed at the Battle of Queenston Heights, but was apparently quite a good general. And speaking of generals, an extraordinary pair are about to enter our story.....

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PART II - L'Empereur Meets His Fate

The Berezina River, Russia, November 25, 1812: How quickly victory turned to defeat for the Grande Armee of France. Conquerors of Moscow just two short months earlier, the huge and victorious army of Napoleon Bonaparte's France was a tattered wreck scrambling for safety in the west, pursued by Russian armies bent on complete annihilation.

Napoleon's army had arrived at the banks of the Berezina River, normally frozen at this time of year, at the town of Borisov. The army had fought many battles since beginning the long retreat from Moscow and only the brilliant strategy of their emperor/general had saved them from utter destruction. Now it appeared the chase might be reaching its end: the Berezina was not frozen and the bridge over it, which General Dombrowski had been ordered to hold, had been captured and put to the torch by the Russians. Capping off the dilemma was the presence on the western bank of a large Russian force under Admiral Pavel Chichagov, while Marshal Kutusov's army was approaching from the east.

With the bridge gone and facing an icy river with a swift current, the Grande Armee was caught in a vice. Napoleon's fevered mind raced - how to find a crossing? He had just days before ordered the destruction of his army's bridging equipment. He summoned his chief engineer, Jean Baptiste Eblé.

"Did you destroy the bridging equipment as ordered?" he asked quietly.

Eblé looked guilty. "I considered disobeying your orders and did order my men to spare some charcoal and forges, but we destroyed the majority of the equipment." He paused and swallowed. "I am sorry to have disobeyed, but it is difficult for an engineer to destroy..."

Napoleon waved him to silence and the ghost of a smile played at his lips. "Well, General. Your disobedience may just have saved my army," He patted Eblé on the shoulder.

The Emperor dismissed his engineer. Now the problem was simply finding a place to build bridges to cross his army, but with Chichagov shadowing his army from the western bank... He snapped his fingers. A diversion - he would create a diversion and send the Russians in the wrong direction. But where? He buttoned his coat and grabbed his hat. Perhaps a walk would clear his mind.

A messenger rode up as Napoleon was stepping from his tent into the bitterly cold night. "Majesty, I have a message from General Corbineau," the messenger blurted breathlessly. Napoleon held out his hand and the messenger dropped the paper into it.

Napoleon's thin lips spread into a grin as he read. Corbineau, bless him, had found a ford to the north. He could cross his army there, so long as the Russians weren't wise to it. "Let's see this ford," the Emperor said and signaled to his groom. "Get my horse."

Unbeknownst to the French Army, the Russian Admiral Chichagov also knew of this ford. He detached a troop of Cossack cavalry. Their orders: capture any French scouts who approached the northern ford. His main force would cover the French, who were nearer to the southern ford.

Napoleon, accompanied by General Eblé and a small escort of dragoons and engineers, reached the ford. As Corbineau's men had discovered - by interrogating local peasants - the site was ideal for the building of a bridge. Or two, said General Eblé. "We'll need to keep the Russians from harrying us during the construction, of course, Majesty," he said.

Napoleon nodded. His luck was holding. He was about to give the order to turn around when he heard horses approaching from the east. His eyes narrowed and his guard of dragoons immediately fanned out around him in a protective formation.

"Cossacks!" one of them shouted. Napoleon swore as gunfire erupted all around him. With the river at his back, his options for flight were limited. He gazed over the water - and to his horror saw more Cossacks crossing, their horses wading through the shallow water. He was about to shout when his horse was struck by a bullet and he was unceremoniously dumped to the ground, where he immediately lost conciousness.

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PART II (continued)

Lison, Portugal, January 14, 1813: General Arthur Wellesley, Marquess of Wellington, was sitting down to his breakfast when his adjutant knocked on his door. "Sir, sorry to disturb you, but a packet arrived from London this morning."

Wellington raised an eyebrow. "Yes? And what is it that is so important it can not wait until I've broken my fast?"

The adjutant grinned and handed over the packet. "Perhaps you should read this yourself, sir."

Wellington dabbed his lips with a napkin and opened the envelope. He read the letter within and a look of joy spread over his face. "Napoleon captured in Russia! Fantastic! The war is over, then! At last I can go home." His face grew wistful. "It's been years since I've seen England."

The adjutant's grin faded. "Sir? There's a second letter in the packet."

Wellington, still smiling, pulled out the second missive. His smile faded and a hard look came into his eyes. "What the devil? They can not be serious..." he tailed off as he continued reading. "Hmm. Signed by the Prince Regent himself. I hadn't realized they were this committed." With King George III mentally ill, the British government was run by his son George, the Prince Regent. It was a reasonable solution, for Prince George would after all be crowned George IV someday.

Wellington dropped his napkin and stood, then shot a glare at his adjutant. "Well? What are you standing there gawking at? Begin packing my things, and inform the staff. We leave tomorrow for Canada." He sighed as he looked at his unfinished breakfast. "The war in Europe may be over, but it seems His Majesty would like me to teach our American cousins a lesson they shan't soon forget..."

[legendsport]

Part III - The Iron Duke takes control

The White House, Washington DC, April 11, 1813: President Madison frowned as he listened to his new Secretary of War.

"We estimate that the British have already shifted approximately 30,000 veterans of the Peninsular War to Upper Canada. Considering what Wellington has done with the handful of troops he had upon his arrival, such a significant rise in manpower could be catastrophic." John Armstrong had been Secretary of War for a mere three months, replacing William Eustis who had borne the brunt of the criticism for the poor performance of American arms in the first six months of the war. Detroit had been lost, two attempts at invading Canada thwarted, and only at sea and on the Great Lakes were there any American victories to celebrate. And even with the naval successes, the British blockade, reinforced by ships released from the blockade of Europe, was now strangling American commerce.

Madison paced the room. "I should never have thought I would wish victory for Bonaparte, but his defeat has put our young nation in a nearly untenable position," Madison said softly. He looked Armstrong in the eye, "Any luck with the New England militias?"

Armstrong shook his head. "They still refuse to budge. Even with Wellington having crossed the Niagara, the fools refuse to raise men for what they call a fool's errand."

Now it was Madison's turn to shake his head. "Even with the 35,000 man Army Congress has approved, we face a difficult summer. It will take time to train the army, time we likely will not have as Wellington will press his advantage."

Armstrong nodded. "I have written Mr. Adams in Massachusetts. As you know he believes the war was a mistake, however as a patriot, he is willing to speak on behalf of the national government."

Madison had been reluctant to call on John Adams. The former president was the foremost Federalist in the nation and much beloved in his native New England. Madison's good friend and predecessor Thomas Jefferson had recently begun corresponding with his own predecessor and had suggested to Madison that enlisting Adams' support in raising men in New England would be a wise move. For though Adams had opposed the war before its start he saw it now as a way to unify a nation which was unraveling under the weight of sectarian differences.

"Adams is an elderly man, and it has been twelve years since his presidency." Madison concluded, "I only hope it is not too late."

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Fort Niagara, New York, April 13, 1813: "Gentlemen, it's time to press our advantage." General Sir Arthur Wellesley told his assembled brigadiers. "The Americans are demoralized, poorly trained and vastly outnumbered. Our main difficulty will be in bringing them to battle."

Since his arrival a mere three months earlier, Wellesley had taken the small, token defensive force that the Earl of Bathurst, the Secretary of War, had posted to Canada while Wellesley's army fought Napoleon's forces in Spain, and - before his own army had arrived from Spain - Wellesley had captured Fort Niagara and secured British control of the Niagara River.

"What is the plan, sir?" asked George Prevost, who had been overall commander before Wellesley's arrival.

"We're marching east. I'm going to cut across New York to the Hudson River valley. From there we can threaten New England, which is as you all know, unhappy with their national government at the moment, or strike southward and capture the city of New York."

Prevost looked skeptical and Wellesley raised his hand before the younger man could speak. "I assure you, I know the capture of New York did not do much for Howe in the late war with the Americans, but I have every confidence the outcome will be different this time."

"What of the rumor that the Americans are raising an army of 35,000 men?" asked George Murray, another of Wellesley's brigadiers.

"That is of no real consequence. I will leave 5,000 men here at Fort Niagara to hold the river. This army is hardened from fighting Napoleon's best in Spain, a hastily scraped-together army of farmers and merchants isn't going to stop them."

His gaze swung his gaze around the room. "And we have one other card to play. The Earl has secured a further 20,000 men, due to arrive in Bermuda in September. From there we can strike anywhere on the Atlantic seaboard or along the Gulf coast." His eyes narrowed. "By the end of this year, I predict this war will be over and we shall be victorious."

[legendsport]

PART IV - "Catastrophes Abound"

Notable Events in the War during 1813:

LAKE ERIE:

• March 7 - Master Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry arrives at Presque Isle in Pennsylvania to take command of the U.S. Naval forces on Lake Erie.
• June 10 - British naval forces under Commander Robert Heriot Barclay scouts the defenses at Presque Isle with a pair of warships.
• July 2 - Orders arrive from General Arthur Wellesley, campaigning in New York, to Major General Henry Procter, commanding British forces in Upper Canada to take Presque Isle.
• July 26 - Procter's forces, including a large number of Indian warriors under Shawnee leader Tecumseh, land at Presque Isle and lay siege to the 2000-man detachment. With insufficient naval support, the Presque Isle detachment is forced to surrender on August 13. The British take complete control of Lake Erie.

NORTHWEST (MICHIGAN/OHIO/INDIANA) THEATER:

• Late 1812 to January 1813 - U.S. forces under Lieutenant Colonel John B. Campbell lead an expedition into Indiana, attacking villages of the Miami tribe along the Mississinewa River. Capturing nearly 80 natives, they return to Fort Greenville, though 300 soldiers end up suffering from frostbite. Despite the native tribes successfully protecting their food supplies (their number one objective), Campbell's forces' capture of 80 Miami tribespeople lead General William Henry Harrison to call the expedition a victory.
• January 22 - The U.S. Army of the Northwest, under William Henry Harrison, meets Major General Procter's combined British-Indian force at Frenchtown, Michigan. Procter's forces score a decisive victory, with only 33 American soldiers escaping death or capture. In the aftermath, with Procter's redcoats having returned to the Detroit area, the Native forces massacre their American prisoners in the infamous River Raisin massacre.
• April 28 - Approximately 800 British and Canadian soldiers from Procter's command, along with about 1600 Indian warriors under Tecumseh arrive at the newly constructed Fort Meigs in northwest Ohio and begin a siege. Inside the fort are 1500 Pennsylvania militamen, bolstered by an additional 1500 from Kentucky, all under the personal command of William Henry Harrison.
• May 5 - An American relief force of 850 Kentucky militiamen under the command of Colonel William Dudley arrives and attacks the British artillery battery bombarding the fort, routing them. A counterattack is led by British Major Adam Muir, and the Kentuckians are sent fleeing into the woods which are full of Tecumseh's warriors. 547 Americans are captured, 150 killed. Of the captured soldiers, approximately 40 are massacred in nearby Fort Miami before Tecumseh arrives and puts a stop to the murdering.
• May 13 - Procter lifts the siege on Fort Meigs and returns to Michigan. Over 1000 Americans had been killed, wounded or captured during the two week siege and battle against 121 British and Indian casualties. Because the garrison survived however, Harrison claims victory.
• August 24 - Having successfully captured Presque Isle, Procter's forces move against Fort Stephenson, the U.S. supply link on the Sandusky River. Harrison, fearing just such an occurrence had ordered the Fort's commander, Major George Croghan to abandon and destroy the fort. Croghan, believing he could hold, refused and Harrison relented. After preliminary bombardment by artillery and gunboat fails to do appreciable damage to the fort, Procter orders and infantry assault. Under heavy fire and with great loss, Procter's forces successfully breach the defenses and capture the fort.
• August 28 - With a relief force under Harrison arriving at Fort Stephenson and his command down to nearly half-strength, Procter destroys the supplies - and fort - and abandons it to the Americans.

NORTHEAST (NEW YORK) THEATER:

• April 20 - Wellesley's 35,000-man Army departs Fort Niagara, striking east across New York state.
• April 25 - American forces under General Henry Dearborn attempt to halt the British advance at Batavia. In a lopsided battle, Dearborn is captured and his top aide Colonel Winfield Scott, saves the American army by retreating under overwhelming odds.
• May 7 - Dismissing Scott's force - which has retreated to Geneseo - as "nothing more than nuisance" Wellesley continues his march east, and captures Rochester without a fight as the small militia force holding the town surrenders upon seeing the large British force.
• June 2 - Under direct orders from the Secretary of War, Scott, now promoted to General, is given command of a hastily raised force of 20,000 men (mainly New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania militia), which heads for Albany.
• July 13 - British forces reach Oneida Lake and Wellesley decides to turn southeast, with an eye towards reaching Albany and bringing Scott's army to battle.
• August 7 - Wellesley's army reaches the south shore of Otsego Lake, at the site of Cooperstown.

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COOPERSTOWN, NY, AUGUST 8, 1813: "What the devil is that they're playing at?" Wellesley asked and bit into an apple.

Colonel Harold Tyne, Wellesley's adjutant, shook his head. "No idea, sir. Resembles cricket a bit though."

The game the two British officers were observing involved some posts stuck in the ground in a rough approximation of a square, or perhaps diamond, since play initiated at one of the corners. A ball and club were involved, as well as much running around and throwing of the ball by some of the boys at others who were running between the posts. "Exceedingly strange, sir," opined Tyne.

Wellesley shrugged. "Seems as if the children are having fun." He spied a group of his redcoats sitting around a tree, watching intently. "The boys seem interested."

Tyne caught the eye of the sergeant. "A moment of your time, sergeant, if you please."

The sergeant, like most of his men a veteran of hard service in Spain and Portugal, rose slowly and approached. He carried, noted Tyne proudly, his musket. A veteran never left his weapon unguarded. "Sir?" he said as he approached, then bowed to Wellesley, "My lord."

Wellesley nodded and motioned with his apple toward the boys. "I have noticed you men watching. What is the game these boys are playing?"

The sergeant glanced at the group of local boys. The fact that a British army of a size dwarfing the entire population of the Lake Otsego region was encamped in their village seemed to matter little to them. "I've no idea what it's called, though I have heard one of the children refer to 'base' whatever that means, sir."

Tyne looked at the Marquess of Wellington. He knew his commander well - Wellesley was intrigued - but would not admit to it. "Perhaps you may enquire as to the rules of play. It seems to resemble cricket, or perhaps rounders. But it certainly is neither."

The sergeant nodded and went to speak to one of the boys. He returned a moment later. "The boy says the game is called base ball, though some just call it base, or town. Another boy says they play a similar game in Massachusetts."

Wellesley took another large bite of his apple. "Interesting. If we ever get to Massachusetts, perhaps I shall investigate further." He swallowed and handed the core to Tyne. "You men may participate in the game, if you wish, sergeant. It's been a long march; the men are entitled to some leisure."


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THE WHITE HOUSE, WASHINGTON DC, SEPTEMBER 6, 1813: President Madison had called Speaker Clay and his congressional crony John C. Calhoun to the White House.

"Your War Hawks have brought us to this low state, you realize this do you not?" he said in a low voice as he fought down his exasperation.

"It is late to be assigning blame, Excellency," Calhoun said haughtily.

Madison, whose remark had been directed at Clay, rounded on Calhoun. "Do not presume to lecture me sir! Your greed has led us into a war we are going to lose!"

The color rose in Calhoun's neck and he barked back without thinking, "Greed! How dare you sir!"

Now Madison was equally angry. "Yes, greed! Do you deny that you and your friends did coerce this nation into war with the British simply out of the hope that we should conquer Canada, and perhaps Florida, and expand our territorial hold on our North American continent?"

Calhoun's lips thinned as his mouth tightened down on a biting response. He said through clenched teeth, "You, sir, did recommend to the Congress that a declaration of a state of war be made."

Madison deflated. He had indeed made that recommendation - but only after months of pressure from the War Hawks.

Clay broke in. "Gentlemen, the problem at hand is not the assignation of blame, but rather the solution for the problems now facing our nation."

"Problems? I'd say they were worse than problems," Madison snorted. "We have lost the Northwest Territories, the Great Lakes are controlled by the enemy, and worst of all the Marquess of Wellington has a rather large army cutting a swath through New York state and will likely threaten our greatest city by the end of the year."

"He's been made a Duke," Clay said softly.

"Ah, excuse me - the Duke of Wellington is cutting across New York and we are powerless to stop him," Madison said scathingly. Then he added, in a weary voice, "Gentlemen, catastrophes abound, and we may not have seen the worst yet. I fear for the future of our republic."

[Hurkman]

I can't be the only one that's enjoying this, am I? Legendsport, I love this already, and can't wait to see what happens, especially since we've only had one mention of baseball at all!

Also, it's funny, because my high school history teacher used to talk about the War of 1812, and said if the Duke of Wellington came over here, we would have been in big trouble. I'm starting to agree even more.

[f.montoya]

I'm enjoying this too. It's excellent. More like a movie if you have the imagination for it. legendsport is doing a great job of not jumping too far ahead and is setting roots for the events to come...which we all know will include the birth of organized base ball.

Very nice!

[legendsport]

Originally Posted by Hurkman

I can't be the only one that's enjoying this, am I? Legendsport, I love this already, and can't wait to see what happens, especially since we've only had one mention of baseball at all!

Also, it's funny, because my high school history teacher used to talk about the War of 1812, and said if the Duke of Wellington came over here, we would have been in big trouble. I'm starting to agree even more.

Originally Posted by f.montoya

I'm enjoying this too. It's excellent. More like a movie if you have the imagination for it. legendsport is doing a great job of not jumping too far ahead and is setting roots for the events to come...which we all know will include the birth of organized base ball.

Very nice!

Thanks guys. I could tell by the number of views that folks were reading (or at least *looking*), but it's good to hear that someone's enjoying it. It'll take a bit to get to organized baseball (though the progress and growth of the game will be mentioned here and there) but I'm going to try to keep it entertaining in the meantime....

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PART V - RED STICKS AND OLD HICKORY

Events in the South, 1812 through September 1813

• February 7, 1812 - An earthquake, later estimated at greater than 8.0 on the Richter scale, strikes the Midwest, centered near the town of New Madrid in the Louisiana Territory. The large quake caused large areas to sink into the earth, new lakes to form and it even shifted the course of the mighty Mississippi River.
• Early 1812 - A faction of Creeks calling themselves "Red Sticks" interpret the quake as a sign indicating the tribes' need to return to a more traditional life, scorning the advances and ways of the white man. Red Stick chieftains such as William Weatherford (called Red Eagle), Peter McQueen and Menawa violently clashed with other Creek chiefs. They ally themselves with the British while the rest of the Creek tribes align with the U.S.
• February 1813 - Little Warrior, a Red Stick, while returning from Detroit where they had fought with the British, massacres two families of settlers on the Ohio River. U.S. Indian Agent Benjamin Hawkins demands the Creeks turn over Little Warrior and his six companions. The seven are instead subjected to tribal justice and executed, starting a civil war among the Creek tribes.
• July 21, 1813 - American soldiers in southern Alabama stop a party of Red Stick warriors returning from Pensacola, Florida where they had been given arms by the Spanish governor. The Creeks dropped the munitions and fled, only to return and attack the American soldiers who were looting the abandoned stores. This became known as the Battle of Burnt Corn and broadened the Creek Civil War to include American forces fighting against the Red Sticks.
• August 30, 1813 - William Weatherford and Peter McQueen lead an attack on Fort Mims, just north of Mobile with a goal of attacking half-breed Creeks who had taken refuge at the U.S. fort. A massacre ensues in which the Red Sticks kill some 400 to 500 people.
• September, 1813 - With the northern and western states embroiled in the war with the British, the southern states raise militia to put down the Red Sticks and restore peace to the southeastern frontier. A general is needed.

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THE HERMITAGE PLANTATION, NEAR NASHVILLE, TN, SEPTEMBER 19, 1813: The messenger, wearing the uniform of the Tennessee state militia, rode up on horseback through trees flanking a lane to the two-story log cabin which was the home of the owner of the large plantation. In the distance, slaves tended the fields, bringing in the harvest. As the messenger stopped in front of the cabin and dismounted, a slender woman with dark hair emerged from within.

"Greetings, madam," the messenger said as he tied his horse to the post outside the cabin. "I've come to see the colonel."

Rachel Donelson Jackson politely returned the greeting, then went inside to fetch her husband.

The man of the house appeared a moment later. With a shock of unruly hair atop his head and a scowl on his face, Militia Colonel Andrew Jackson was a fearsome fellow. His arm, recently shattered by a bullet in a duel, was bandaged, but Jackson was fearsome nonetheless.

"Colonel, the governor sends his greetings and has orders for the militia." The messenger said, then inclined his head in a bow and handed a packet to Jackson.

As Jackson opened the packet, only a bead of sweat appearing on his brow indicated any discomfort from the wounded arm. He removed the paper and tilted his head to the right as he read. Over his shoulder, Rachel Jackson wore a look of nervous concern.

"Damn!" Jackson swore. "I was hoping we would be sent to fight the British. By the Eternal, someone should be fighting them." Jackson's hatred of the British was well-known. Despite being just 13 years of age at the time, Jackson had fought in the Revolution. He had been hit in the head by the flat of a British officer's sword after being captured. His offense was the refusal to shine the man's boots. Jackson itched for action against the British, which thus far had been denied and he was famously irate at the ineptitude of U.S. efforts thus far.

"What is it, Andy?" asked Rachel quietly.

The messenger was surprised as the anger which had been so visibly present a second earlier disappeared when Jackson turned to his wife. "I'm to take the militia south to fight the Red Stick Creeks," he told her and the devotion in his voice was evident.

She looked frightened. He put his hand on her shoulder. "Now, Rachel. You know nothing's going to happen to me," he said softly. "I'm too ornery to be felled by some savage. We'll dismiss the Red Stick threat and then maybe they'll give me a chance against the British."

The messenger nodded and blurted, "It's true ma'am. The boys call the colonel 'Old Hickory' on account of how tough he is." Jackson glared at him and the messenger colored and quieted down.

"Thank you, young man," Jackson said by way of dismissal. With his hand still on his wife's shoulder, Jackson guided her into the cabin and closed the door behind them.

The messenger smiled. Those Creeks were in for it now, he thought.

[johnnybourbon]

good read dude. even without the baseball, it's great writing.

[canadiancreed]

Indeed. Go the Union Jack.

[legendsport]

PART VI - Battle of Albany & The "Strong" Move

SCHUYLER FLATTS, NEAR ALBANY, NY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1813: The Duke of Wellington (he had received notice of his investiture via courier while on the march from Cooperstown to the Hudson) stood on a hill overlooking the Schuyler Flatts - a large area of farmland just outside the city of Albany. Arrayed below him was a 30,000 man American army under the command of Major General Winfield Scott. Behind him was an army of equal size, wearing the red of His Majesty's Army.

Wellington sat his horse calmly, the light fall breeze brushing across his face. He took everything in; for example he noted the way the Americans' lines were just slightly ragged, which showed inferior training... or fear; either would redound to the benefit of his veteran army. This day could prove decisive - a resounding victory would lay open not only New England, but also New York City. He had already heard that the city's mayor DeWitt Clinton was willing to surrender the city to any British army which approached it.

A faint boom echoed across the valley below - Scott's artillery had fired. Wellington turned to his adjutant. "And so it begins. They have started the battle, we shall finish it."

The battle played out almost exactly as Wellington had foreseen. The Americans concentrated on trying to turn his left flank. Wellington had posted his best men, the Highlanders, on the left and the Scotsmen beat off three attacks over the course of the daylong battle. In the center, calvary charges were chopped down by the massed guns of the British. The hundreds of miles of hauling his men had done to carry their cannon from the Niagara River to the Hudson had paid off.

As three o'clock approached and with the day waning, Wellington struck. Massed cavalry struck the American right, already dangerously weak from their efforts against the Highlanders. The exhausted American line collapsed almost immediately even as Wellington's infantry hit the center of Scott's line. With his right flank turned, Scott had no alternative but to attempt to disengage and retreat. Things quickly dissolved into rout. As night fell, the 30,000 man American Army of the Centre was completely destroyed as a fighting force. Several thousand were dead, many had dropped their arms and fled and thousands more were captured. General Scott himself surrendered his sword to Wellington and became a prisoner for the second time (he had also been captured at Queenston).

"Congratulations, sir," Scott said dolefully. "Now nothing lies between you and New York."

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QUINCY, MA, OCTOBER 3, 1813: After several minutes of incessant knocking, Thomas Boylston Adams realized that whoever it was would not leave and opened the door. A frantic-looking man wearing the uniform of the state militia stood on the doorstep. Adams looked him up and down disdainfully and said, "Sir, have you no decency? It's time for civilized folk to be sleeping!"

The messenger bowed quickly and said, "Beg your pardon, Mr. Adams. I have urgent news for your father."

Thomas frowned. "My father is asleep sir. Can this not wait til morning?"

The messenger shook his head. "I have been sent directly by the governor, who is, at this very moment in Albany, New York."

Thomas was puzzled and a quizzical look came over his face. "Albany? Why on earth would Governor Strong be in Albany? The British Army is in Albany." News of the British victory at Albany had reached Boston two days earlier.

The messenger thought that were this John Quincy instead of Thomas Bolyston Adams, the question would have been the more astute: "Why is Governor Strong seeking an audience with the Duke of Wellington?" Since John Quincy Adams was currently ambassador to Russia and therefore in St. Petersburg, the messenger had to spell things out.

"The Governor is seeking an audience with the Duke of Wellington."

A noise from behind him caused Thomas to turn. His father, the nearly 77-year-old (his birthday would be later in October) former President of the United States, John Adams, had risen from his bed.

"See! Now you have woken my father!" hissed Thomas to the messenger.

The elder Adams reached the door. "Are we barbarians Thomas to leave a man on the doorstep in the chill of autumn?" he chided his youngest son.

Muttering, Thomas admitted the messenger and closed the door. As John took his seat near the guttering fire, he motioned for the messenger to sit beside him.

"What is so urgent young man?" asked Adams kindly.

"Sir, Governor Strong sends his greetings. He wishes me to inform you that he is going to meet with the Duke of Wellington to broker peace on behalf of the commonwealth. He seeks your support in a convention of secession from the United States and the formation of a new Union of New England states."

Adams closed his eyes, deeply disturbed by this news. He had known of course that feelings ran high throughout Massachusetts - and the other New England states - for secession. Most of the people saw the war with Britain as a folly of Southern and Western congressmen hoping to expand the frontier. He had felt the same way. But to see the nation broken, was almost more than his heart could bear.

The messenger grew concerned. "Sir? Are you alright?"

Adams opened his eyes, a weary look on his face. "I'm fine. Just mourning for our Union." He took a deep breath and released it slowly. The years seemed to weigh heavily upon him. "Inform Mr. Strong that I shall lend any support he deems necessary."

The messenger nodded and after a moment, took his leave. As the hooves of the messenger's horse pounded away into the distance, John Adams, 2nd President of the United States, looked at his son and said, "Thomas, we must dispatch a letter to John Quincy. He needs to come home. His country... his new country... shall need him."

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THE WHITE HOUSE, WASHINGTON, DC, OCTOBER 10, 1813: Dolley Madison had never seen her husband so distraught. She idolized her husband, who though small of stature at 5'4, often sickly and asocial was also author of a sizeable portion of the U.S. Constitution, one of the founding fathers of the country, and the fourth man to become President of the United States. To see him so low broke her heart.

"Jimmy, what shall we do?" she asked quietly, hoping to spark his incredible intellect, force him to focus on solving the problem instead of bemoaning it.

He looked at her and the sadness in his face was almost too much to bear. "We have no choice but to let them go," he said softly. "A better man would perhaps wish them God speed. I however, can not, for they have plunged a knife into our Republic."

The news of the decision by the legislatures of six of the original U.S. states to call for a convention of secession followed quickly by the news that five of those states (only New York was not involved in this) had negotiated an armistice with the British forces, broke over Washington like tidal waves. Even some representatives of the states involved, such as freshman Congressman Daniel Webster of New Hampshire, were appalled at the decision. This did not, however, keep Webster in Washington. He was headed home to participate in the convention, to be held in Hartford on October 30th.

Even as Wellington's army sat in the state capital of New York, the governor of New York was conspiring with the New England states and the mayor of New York City (DeWitt Clinton) to remove his state from the Union. The loss of the New England states, who had offered no assistance to the national war effort, was bad enough. But New York had provided men - and money - to the war effort and to lose the state was a crippling blow. Rumors were flying that both New Jersey and Pennsylvania were watching these events unfold with interest.

Suddenly Madison stood up. He looked at his wife and said, "I shall seek peace. There is nothing more we can gain by continuing this struggle. The British have won, it would be folly to presume we can turn the tide at this late date."

Dolley Madison began to cry. Standing beside her, James Madison asked himself whether the War Hawks would accept peace. He wasn't sure they would and wondered too, how much fight he had left.

[canadiancreed]

NOw if only this actually occured, It'd be a lot easier to travel south now. Nicely written. I wonder how this will affect the mvoe for eventual Canadian Independance, which was fueled greatly by the events of 1812 (and the lack fo support from Britian at the time)

[Kelric]

Damned British.

[johnnybourbon]

yes! there's maps too!

[legendsport]

PART VII - BOMBS BURSTING IN AIR... AND ELSEWHERE

TALLADEGA, MISSISSIPPI TERRITORY, NOVEMBER 9, 1813: Andrew Jackson, promoted to Major General and put in command of U.S. forces in the south was tasked with one simple mission: defeat the Red Stick Creeks and restore order in the Mississippi Territory. If evidence was found of the Spanish providing support to the Red Sticks, Jackson was empowered to march on Pensacola. Despite the poor performance of the U.S. Army against the British and Indians in the north, Jackson planned on a quick victory in the Creek War.

Talladega was a Creek village a short distance east of the Coosa River, which Jackson had crossed with his "army" of around 2,000 in October. He had received a call for help from the friendly Creeks at Talladega, under attack from Red Stick warriors. The battle was short, but fierce. The Red Sticks had killed about 100 of the Tennessee militiamen, but Jackson's men had inflicted four times that many casualties on the Red Sticks, and carried the day. Now Jackson was on the horns of a dilemma. He stepped atop of barrel of gunpowder to address his men.

"Men, we have won victories every time we have the faced the enemy!" he began - and this was true, the Americans had done very well thus far. "We are winning this war, something our comrades up North can not claim!" Some of the men smiled at this, others just looked angry.

Jackson tried to look as many of the men in the eye as possible as he continued, "Now our work is not near done. Yet I know that your enlistments are expiring and most