* Fractured America *

[Bobbuttons]

Frankly, with NJ getting no other support for the candidate that they voted for in 1820, then having their favorite son get screwed in the election sham of 1824, I'm surprised New Jersey hasn't seceeded yet.

I also just noticed that you are just a hop, skip and a jump from me, legendsport. I'm in Akron. Good read, I love well done alternate histories. I've always wondered what would have happened during WWI or WWII, if the allies hadn't won the first, if the Union wouldn't have been restored during the Civil War. Would either USA or CSA join the fight in Europe? Would only one nation join? Would a split America mean no allied victory? Interesting stuff to think about.

[legendsport]

Originally Posted by Bobbuttons

Frankly, with NJ getting no other support for the candidate that they voted for in 1820, then having their favorite son get screwed in the election sham of 1824, I'm surprised New Jersey hasn't seceeded yet.

Shhh.... there'll be something on that front in the next post...

Originally Posted by Bobbuttons

I also just noticed that you are just a hop, skip and a jump from me, legendsport. I'm in Akron. Good read, I love well done alternate histories. I've always wondered what would have happened during WWI or WWII, if the allies hadn't won the first, if the Union wouldn't have been restored during the Civil War. Would either USA or CSA join the fight in Europe? Would only one nation join? Would a split America mean no allied victory? Interesting stuff to think about.

I'm frequently in Akron at Canal Park for work (I work for MLB.com, read my blog for more info on that... sorry for the shameless plug). I've only lived in Ohio for a couple of years, but I like it. I'm originally from New Jersey and I enjoy the somewhat less frenetic pace in the Buckeye State. Now if I could get people to stop making fun of my accent...

As for alt history, I'm also a huge fan (big surprise there). Hopefully some of those questions, or at least variations on them, will get answered eventually in Fractured America.

Thanks for reading, I'm glad you're enjoying it.

[Bobbuttons]

Originally Posted by legendsport

Shhh.... there'll be something on that front in the next post...



I'm frequently in Akron at Canal Park for work (I work for MLB.com, read my blog for more info on that... sorry for the shameless plug). I've only lived in Ohio for a couple of years, but I like it. I'm originally from New Jersey and I enjoy the somewhat less frenetic pace in the Buckeye State. Now if I could get people to stop making fun of my accent...

As for alt history, I'm also a huge fan (big surprise there). Hopefully some of those questions, or at least variations on them, will get answered eventually in Fractured America.

Thanks for reading, I'm glad you're enjoying it.

I interned at Canal Park when I was in broadcasting school in 2003. Love that park. Still there a number of times each year as a spectator.

[legendsport]

PART II - The Spark

THE WHITE HOUSE, WASHINGTON, DC, JUNE 9, 1825: Ninian Edwards rushed into the President's office. Andrew Jackson was going through his mail and looked up with annoyance when his Secretary of State appeared.

Jackson blinked slowly and looked at Edwards expectantly. For his part, Edwards swallowed hard. He bore two pieces of news - both bad - and the President would not take either well. The room was hot; a heat wave had descended on the capital like a blanket and Edwards felt sweat run down his back.

Jackson broke the silence. "What is it, Mr. Edwards?"

Edwards took a deep breath. Best to get it over with, he thought and then said, "Mr. President, I have received two pieces of news, both negative."

He paused and looked at Jackson. The President's famous frown deepened, but he said nothing, only continued to glare at Edwards.

Edwards continued, "The first came from Sir Charles." Sir Charles Richard Vaughan was the British ambassador to the United States. Jackson's frown deepened even further - if that were possible. His hatred for Britain was well known.

"And just what did His Majesty's representative have to say?" snarled Jackson.

Edwards swallowed again. "Sir Charles informed me that Great Britain and New England have entered into an alliance. He termed it a 'defensive' alliance, I suppose intimating that it is specifically aimed at the United States."

Jackson stood up, and Edwards saw - or imagined he did, he wasn't quite sure - a look of pain cross the chiseled features. The President swore - of this, Edwards was quite certain. Jackson began to rant.

Edwards cleared his throat and the President stopped shouting and stared at him. "I beg your pardon, sir, but the other piece of news is even more alarming."

"What is this time, Edwards? Has Tecumseh announced an alliance with New England as well?"

Edwards almost grinned, but stopped himself. "No, sir. My cousin is married to a member of the New Jersey legislature. I received a letter from her this morning," he paused and dropped his gaze. "The legislature is convening tomorrow to vote on secession." He paused again and took a long, shuddering breath. "The vote's expected to pass."

Jackson's face went red, then purple. He said nothing, but the rage was apparent. Edwards backed out of the office. He saw Rachel Jackson standing in the hallway speaking to a steward. He waved to catch her attention.

She waved the steward off and rushed down the hallway. "What is it, Mr. Edwards?" she asked as she drew near.

"I have just delivered bad news to the President. I hope," he shook his head an corrected himself, "Nay, I pray, that you will be able to temper his rage."

From inside the office a crash sounded. Rachel's eyes widened, then she squared her shoulders and entered the office, closing the door behind her. Edwards left, moving as quickly as he could without breaking into a run.

[smartman]

Woohoo!!! We'll get the 2nd time the President actually lived up to the title Commander in Chief instead of Commander in Chief in the heavily fortified bunker behind a desk 3,000 miles away. Go get'em Andy!

For those of you who don't know, the first time was George Washington squashing the Whiskey Rebellion in Pennsylvania. *cough* possible idea there *cough*

[canadiancreed]

Go New Jersey. Join the folks that may possibly maybe you never know treat you better.

[legendsport]

PART III - The Tinder

THE EXECUTIVE MANSION, BOSTON, MA, JUNE 14, 1825: Things were tense around the long table as the President's cabinet met to discuss the crisis arising over New Jersey; all assembled realized that the situation was rapidly spiraling out of control.

The New Jersey legislature had four days earlier voted to secede from the United States - and that vote hadn't been close. The mood of the people in the Garden State was ugly - an effigy of Andrew Jackson had been hung outside the State House. A team of dispatch riders had sped to Boston, bringing the news of the state's secession as well as a request for admission to the Republic of New England before the sun set on June 12.

"We can't turn them away," President Tompkins opined, looking squarely at John Quincy Adams.

The Secretary of State looked ashen. He had shuttled back and forth between Boston and Washington several times since Jackson's inauguration, expending all his energies on avoiding what now seemed to be an unavoidable war with the United States. He took a deep breath and nodded, agreeing with the President.

"Sir, Jackson and his so-called 'Hurra Boys' will not stand for this," said Vice President Wolcott.

Tompkins gave a rueful chuckle. "Jackson will move against New Jersey whether they are admitted to our union or not," he said. "The question is, simply, should we admit New Jersey and accept a war with the United States?"

He looked at Adams and raised an eyebrow. Adams cleared his throat. "Yes, well, as you all know, our alliance with Britain will mean a war with the United States will bring in the British. I've also had some contact with Tecumseh's people. The Indians would likely join in as well. Seems they're disappointed with Jackson's refusal to allow the Cherokee to remain on their lands in Georgia."

Wolcott sniffed. "Andy's disdain for the natives is well known. I know he's hot-tempered, but would he really lead his nation into a war which would array enemies on three sides? Surely he remembers what happened in 1814?"

Adams nodded. "Oh, he remembers quite well. The problem is that he believes the United States lost because they were stabbed in the back by New England."

Attorney General Levi Woodbury, the youngest man at the table at just 35, said, "He's not entirely wrong in that opinion."

Tompkins glared at Woodbury, "You're not suggesting our course of action was incorrect, are you, Levi?"

Woodbury shook his head. "Not at all, sir. That was a fool-hardy war and Madison compounded the foolery by listening to the War Hawks. Madison may be gone, but the War Hawks are still in Washington City."

Wolcott spoke up, "And Wellington is in England, his army is pensioned off, Canada holds few Redcoats, and it will take months for the British to remedy those problems. Jackson and the War Hawks know this. If they can get in first, so to speak, they could end the war before the British tip the scales."

Adams nodded. "Unfortunately, that is all too true. Calhoun, for one, is itching for a confrontation. And," he sighed, "the peace-loving people of New England do not have an army. Militia will not carry the day for us, my friends."

There was a knock on the office door. The President's secretary, Josiah Timber peeked into the room. "Sir, I have a dispatch. The rider claimed it was urgent."

Tompkins waved the young man in, saying, "Let's see what it is then, Josiah."

Timber handed the envelope to the President, who broke the wax seal and removed the letter within. He read a moment and grunted quietly, shaking his head slowly. The look on his face was unreadable.

Adams was itching with impatience. "Sir?" he asked.

Tompkins handed the letter to Adams, then ran his gaze across his assembled cabinet members. "That's from Harrisburg. The Pennsylvania legislature has followed the lead of their neighbors in New Jersey and seceded, just two days after their neighbors. Apparently they decided that despite voting to remain in the United States as recently as April, that with New Jersey cutting the knot, so to speak, the time to move was at hand."

Adams threw the letter down, a look of sadness on his face. "This will mean war for sure."

Tompkins stood up. "Josiah, send a man to the Capitol. I need to speak to Senator Webster immediately."

As his secretary closed the door, Tompkins looked at Adams. "I need to ask Webster for support in Congress. We're going to have to raise an army. I don't think we can avoid fighting this time."

[dfredc]

I was really enjoying this dynasty, hope you're able to continue it.