The America that Never Was: An Alternate History of the United States of America

[Historia Crux]

This is quite an interesting look at an alternate American history at the very beginning of things, please continue this TL.

[Vepres]

Excellent. I enjoy the fact that you explore the characters in the alternate history. It reminds me of a science fiction/alternate history I read called Guns of the South. If I ever do a timeline, I'll probably use a similar format.

One thing however. Could you use paragraphs better in this? For example, instead of this:

June 13th, 1784 Jefferson is woken up by his 11 year old daughter Martha at 6:45 am. Jefferson: Martha, sweetie, I thought I told you never to wake me up this early on Sundays. You know I’m not very religious.” Martha: I know father, but there is a crazy man outside who wants to see you!” Jefferson goes downstairs and the first thing he sees is: James Madison? Jefferson: “James, what the bloody hell are you doing here?” Madison: “Remember how I told you about “the plan”?” Jefferson: “My god you’ve lost it. People told me you were going crazy in that study of yours, now I’m inclined to believe them.” Madison: “You don’t understand, this is REVOLUTIONARY!!!  This is the most revolutionary thing since the Declaration of Independence!” Jefferson: “My god…….” Madison: “I know how much this means to you Thomas, that is why I come to you first and foremost. Nobody loves this country more than you Thomas, except maybe George Washington….but I fear his time on this earth is limited.” Jefferson: “Okay, do you have “the plan”?” Madison: “Yes”. Jefferson: “Alright, let’s take a look.”

Do this:

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Much easier to read this way. Otherwise, great timeline.

[Mechaman]

Excellent. I enjoy the fact that you explore the characters in the alternate history. It reminds me of a science fiction/alternate history I read called Guns of the South. If I ever do a timeline, I'll probably use a similar format.

One thing however. Could you use paragraphs better in this? For example, instead of this:

June 13th, 1784 Jefferson is woken up by his 11 year old daughter Martha at 6:45 am. Jefferson: Martha, sweetie, I thought I told you never to wake me up this early on Sundays. You know I’m not very religious.” Martha: I know father, but there is a crazy man outside who wants to see you!” Jefferson goes downstairs and the first thing he sees is: James Madison? Jefferson: “James, what the bloody hell are you doing here?” Madison: “Remember how I told you about “the plan”?” Jefferson: “My god you’ve lost it. People told me you were going crazy in that study of yours, now I’m inclined to believe them.” Madison: “You don’t understand, this is REVOLUTIONARY!!!  This is the most revolutionary thing since the Declaration of Independence!” Jefferson: “My god…….” Madison: “I know how much this means to you Thomas, that is why I come to you first and foremost. Nobody loves this country more than you Thomas, except maybe George Washington….but I fear his time on this earth is limited.” Jefferson: “Okay, do you have “the plan”?” Madison: “Yes”. Jefferson: “Alright, let’s take a look.”

Do this:

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Much easier to read this way. Otherwise, great timeline.

I would try that, but I think I'm pretty close to the character limit, lol.
Uh, nevermind.....

[Mechaman]

Good news: I already got a leg up on tomorrow's writing, so there will be more alternate American history timeline craziness coming tomorrow. The reason? All the events you see today are those I could get without going over the character limit. Trust me, you won't be able to guess what happens next! (Hell, I don't know what's going to happen next!)

This is quite an interesting look at an alternate American history at the very beginning of things, please continue this TL.

I'll be doing this timeline as long as I'm on this website (though it'll be like a month at a time at this rate, lol). Any when I say a month, I mean a month ITTL, not IOTL.

[Mechaman]

Well, I think it's safe to say that I'll have 1784 and possibly even 1785 done by tomorrow night. Right now, to get the hang of this timeline writing stuff I'm probably going to do a year at most for each entry.

lol, if only I had any idea how wrong I would be, lol.

[Mechaman]

July 19, 1784: 12:02 AM. Thomas Pinckney reunites with his young family. People nearby are captivated by the amount of emotion between Pinckney, his young wife, and his son Thomas Jr. (who most people call Tommy). Some guy in the crowd shouts “All Hail Thomas Pinckney, The Hero of Johns Island!” As many battles as Pinckney had been in (quite a few, including the Battle of Camden (a major American moral victory ITTL) where he suffered a mortal wound (gets hit in the chest by cannon shrapnel) and was sent back home to his family but thanks to a determined doctor, the presence and love of his very young wife (she was 18 at the time) and their newborn son Thomas Jr., and the “grace of God eternal”, Pinckney made an incredible recovery within 5 months), he claims this battle was the one he was “most proud of”. Pinckney and his men decide to take a rest on the island before coming back to shore. At 9:30 AM, Pinckney announces that anyone who wants to leave Johns Island for the mainland to climb aboard any one of the five ships. When the men and their families get off the ships, a sizable crowd is there to greet them. The crowd is shouting “Hail Thomas Pinckney, the Hero of Johns Island!” Charles, seeing his baby brother alive and well and now a hero, almost hugs the life out of Thomas.
Charles: “Brother! You’re a hero now! Now there is no way you’ll be able to live that “peaceful” and “restful” life now! HAHAHAHAHA!”
Thomas: “Damn you Charles!”
The two brothers and their families celebrate the victory back at Thomas’s estate near the shore.
Charles: “I’m telling you Thomas, there’s no way you are not going to be elected governor after this!”
Thomas: “Governor?! My god man, can’t they let a man like me live in peace?!”
Everybody else at the table though seems to agree with Charles, except Elizabeth who says: “My husband would not make a good governor, he would make a great leader for this country, if we ever get one.” It seems now that everyone, including and especially his wife, is pushing Thomas into the political circle, he has no choice but to embrace his fate as a leader of many.


Thomas Pinckney, the “Hero of Johns Island”

July 26th, 1784: Alexander Hamilton and Angelica Schuyler Johns(the Schuyler family never left America ITTL and Angelica’s husband, Continental Army Corporal Benjamin Johns, dies in the war ) go on a walk near a creek. Eventually they settle down in a meadow and talk for a long time about life. Eventually they both get tired and Angelica gets sleepy and falls asleep in Hamilton’s arms. The presence of the beautiful Angelica Schuyler (as she prefers to be called) to keep Alexander company while his wife is pregnant has been a joyous occasion for Alex, however, it would soon come back to haunt him.


Angelica Schuyler Johns, Hamilton’s sister in law.


August 5th, 1784: Hamilton gets a letter from Monticello from Jefferson claiming he’s got dirt on him: he and his goons have evidence of an affair between Hamilton and his sister in-law Angelica Schuyler Johns. They will reveal the information about the affair UNLESS Hamilton shows up at Monticello on August the 18th. “Jefferson, you bastard”!

August 6th, 1784: To rub even more salt on his wounds, Angelica Schuyler sends a message to Hamilton revealing that she is pregnant and that the child is definitely his (“You were drunk, I was in love” she wrote) (before anyone asks, yes Hamilton occasionally does drink ITTL). Hamilton wonders how he can manage the courage to tell his pregnant wife Elizabeth that he is father to her sister’s child. “Like father, like son”.

August 13th, 1784: Washington gets a letter from his illegitimate son Alexander Hamilton with some interesting news: “Like my father before me, I have given into the desires of the flesh and it will have wrought in 8 months time like myself….a bastard.”


Washington, in the twilight year of his life.

August 18th, 1784: Alexander Hamilton arrives at Jefferson’s Estate at Monticello. Jefferson and Madison are waiting for him at the front door.
Jefferson: “Hello Alex! You look a bit under the weather today!”
Hamilton: ”Save your pleasantries Jefferson! Do you think just because you’ve managed to blackmail me into coming here that we’re suddenly friends? Frankly I’m shocked you would stoop this low, this cretin must’ve talked you into it. Madison, you’re a bastard!”
Madison: “Okay Alex, you caught us! We’ve brought you here because we need you for “The Plan”.
Hamilton: “Go to Hell!”
Madison: “Tsk tsk tsk…….that’s not polite Alex. Need I remind you, we got dirt, big dirt, on you. If you turn your back now we will release what we know about you and the lovely Miss Johns to the press and your political career will be gone like the wind! All you need to do is listen to our plan, nothing more, nothing less. You don’t even have to stand with us on this issue, we just want you to hear us out. The future of America is at stake here Alexander, and we are willing to go to any length to save it, even blackmail.”
Hamilton: “Okay fine, show me “The Plan”.”
Jefferson: “Alright, gentlemen, to the library!”
Jefferson and Madison spend the next 4 hours describing the entirety of the plan to Hamilton. At the end of the discussion, Alexander is blown away by the scope of the plan.
Hamilton: “Wow, I don’t know what to say.”
Jefferson: “You could say: Aye.”
Hamilton: “Aye.”
Madison: “Now there is nothing that can stop this plan from passing! With all three of us: Jefferson, Hamilton, and Madison, the future of this country shall forever be secure!”
This rare alliance between Jefferson and Madison with one of their arch enemies in the Congress, Alexander Hamilton, would help pave the way for the future of the young America. These three men, through the vehicle known as Compromise, would pave the way for future generations of free men to reign. Afterward, the three men celebrated by drinking some of Jefferson’s fine wine.
Hamilton: “How will I tell Elizabeth that I father the child her sister is with?”
Madison: “Hey Thomas, maybe you should tell him.”
Jefferson: “All right, Alex, you’re not the father of Elizabeth’s unborn child, in fact you’re not even having an affair with her. In fact, the father of her child is me.”
Hamilton: “You bastard! You used your own lover and illegitimate child to get me here?!”
Jefferson: “Yes. And I apologize but as much as I love my dear Angelica and my unborn child I love this nation that much more, which is why we went through this much trouble to get you here.”
Hamilton: “Wow Thomas, you truly are a great role model!”
The three men laugh heartedly before calling it a night (Jefferson had a guest house built on his estate for visiting friends, especially those with families with them).


The library at Monticello, where the infamous "Ultimate Compromise" between Jefferson, Madison, and Hamilton took place.

August 20th, 1784: After two days at Monticello being Jefferson's guests, Hamilton and Madison do something very rare: They shake hands. Jefferson calls the occasion: A Sight for the Ages. Jefferson's compatriots in the fight for the "Ultimate Compromise" as many called it, would go their seperate ways until the time dawned for the Sixth Congress of the Confederation. It would be these men, Virginia's Proudest Sons, who would win the biggest victory for the future of free men the world over.

August 21st, 1784: Hamilton arrives home at his estate near Richmond early in the evening (he like Madison had a fast horse) in time for dinner. At dinner he notices that Angelica is missing. He asks his wife where she went to which she replied "home". After dinner Hamilton finds a letter from Washington where Washington admits he knew about the setup all along and that the prospect of Hamilton and Jefferson being brother in-laws is "beyond hilarity." In the last few months of his life Washington would become one of the biggest supporters of the "Ultimate Compromise". In fact he was the first person Madison told about the plan, as revealed in Washington's memoirs.

[Mechaman]

I must say I'm kind of surprised at how quickly I got this up (about 2 1/2 hours, if that)! There should be an update tomorrow night and it might span more than a month's time this time .

[Vepres]

Interesting. I'm liking it!

[Mechaman]

August 24th, 1784: All around the nation all the presses have been covering the major story of the “Hero of Johns Island” Thomas Pinckney. He is front page news on almost every newspaper from Savannah to Boston Bay (although it happened a month ago, news takes awhile to catch up to the upper colonies).

September 8th, 1784: John Quincy Adams, the son of the very popular John Adams, begins his first year at Harvard College. He is well liked by his peers and teachers and these four years at Harvard would forever alter the young John Q Adam’s political views.


The young John Q. Adams at Harvard College.

September 9th, 1784: Thomas Jefferson sends letters to the following people to attend a “tavern hall meeting” in New York, New York on October 28th, 1784, 4 days before the Sixth Congress of the Confederation: Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Charles Pinckney (the cousin of Charles C. and Thomas Pinckney), John Adams, and John Francis Mercer.

September 25th, 1784: Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton gives birth to the Hamilton’s second child: a girl. They decide to name her “Angelica” after Elizabeth's sister, who recently went “home”.


Hamilton’s wife Elizabeth.


October 28th, 1784: In New York City the “Tavern Meeting” takes place hosted by Virginia Delegate Thomas Jefferson. The attendees are: Alexander Hamilton (VA), James Madison (VA), John Francis Mercer (VA), Benjamin Franklin (PA), Charles Pinckney (SC), Samuel Adams (MA), John Adams (MA), and an unexpected appearance by the frail George Washington. Jefferson, Madison, and Hamilton lay down the gist of “The Plan” to the rest of the group and afterward the weak Washington gets to his feet and makes this memorable speech:
“Gentlemen, many of you here today don’t see eye to eye on a lot of issues, but if I may speak on behalf of the three respectable gentlemen from Virginia, I believe the main issue that has united you all here together on this day it’s the idea that all men are endowed with individual freedom and liberty from his Creator, even the most deist of us here (looks at Thomas Jefferson) believes in the existence of a supreme good that every man is born with.
Now, I know this is no time for a speech on the evils of oligarchy, by just as bad as oligarchy is anarchism, which is the only inevitable result from these Articles of Confederation which have only created 13 different nation states in everything but name. Gentlemen, freedom is good, but the best government is a government that can take care and defend the people who dwell within its borders from all threats whether foreign or domestic. If you believe this with all your heart, give me your ayes.”
Everybody else: “Aye!”
Washington: “Good, now all we can do now is pray to God the radicals in Congress can put aside their beliefs t pass this through. This Virginia Plan is our best plan as is, I have a feeling the only way this will work is if we use the Ultimate Vehicle of Compromise.”
The meeting is adjourned and everyone but Hamilton, Jefferson, and Washington go their separate ways.
Jefferson: “George, I didn’t expect you to come up here. Last time I heard you were draining blood.”
Washington: “Oh it’s much worse now, but I had to be here to see this through. I will not rest peacefully until our young nation gets what it deserves. Son (the first time Washington ever called Hamilton “son” in public), it’s up to you to see this through, you’re our only hope.
Hamilton: “I thought we agreed we would stay quiet on this father.”
Jefferson: “Wait a minute……you’re Washington’s son? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! My friend, your memoirs are going to be very interesting.”
Washington: “Not as funny as the thought of you two being brother in-laws in the near future!”
Hamilton and Jefferson: “Quiet George!”
Washington: “Just speaking my good men.”
The three jolly fellows leave the tavern and head back toward the inns they are residing in.


Fraunces Tavern in New York City, where the infamous Compromise Meeting occurred.

 November 1st, 1784: Finally, the first day of the Congress of the Confederation had come and all 50 delegates made it for the only time on the first day of a meeting. The 1st agenda of the new congress: electing the President of the Congress. The candidates were: Samuel Johnston, Thomas Mifflin, and Thomas Jefferson. Voting would commence immediately and end in a week on the 8th day.
Meanwhile, the Congress would discuss the issue of reform for the Articles of Confederation. Jefferson would tell his secret cabal to hold off presenting the Virginia Plan until after a new President of the Congress is elected.

November 4th, 1784: Jefferson, being a man known for not mincing words, make his strongest plea yet to Congress for reforming the Articles of Confederation:
” This is no longer about ideology, this is about serious reform to the crooked Articles of this Confederation of States. We are not a “Confederation of States” we are “United States” and therefore we should have a legal framework for this nation that protects colonists in all thirteen states from disablement. The currency system as it stands is only damaging to our overall economy in the long run. We need serious reform and we need it now. I beg of you gentlemen, please put your ideology aside just this once for the sake of the people of this great land.”
Of Jefferson’s speech, anti-administration radical Patrick Henry remarked “I smelled a rat, and his name was Thomas Jefferson.” The animosity between Jefferson and Henry was slowly tearing the anti-administration faction in Congress apart. It seems the only way Jefferson could hope to win the day is to win over the moderates on both sides.
November 8th, 1784: As if a verification of Jefferson’s statements, he is elected by a majority over Samuel Johnston and Thomas Mifflin to become the President of the Congress of the Confederation. His new leadership role would give the Virginia Plan crowd ever more firepower in their struggle to give America the ultimate legal document.


Thomas Jefferson, as President of the Sixth Congress of the Confederation. As you can see by this time he had discarded of his white wig because it gave him “the itch”.

November 9th, 1784: On his first day as President of the Congress, Jefferson decides to go ahead with implementing the Virginia Plan:
”Gentlemen, on my first day as the President of this Congress, I would like to announce that reformation of the Articles as they are now is impossible, a complete overhaul is necessary. The Articles themselves are too radical, and the problems we have to fix are legion. Therefore, I would like to introduce the “Virginia Plan”, thought up by my most respect colleague from Virginia, James Madison. This plan I believe is what will gives this nation hope for survival and freedom the ultimate initial victory in this battle against tyranny. Madison, you have the stage.”
Madison: ”The purpose of the Virginia Plan is twofold: 1. To create a whole new legal document by which to guide our nation, and 2. To create a document that grants powers explicitly to the states, while granting the rights to the central bureaucracy to ensure American survival. This isn’t a document that will take away State’s Rights, far from it. In fact, a good deal of this document deals with granting powers only for the states. The biggest goal this Plan will achieve is simply the creation of a federal bureaucracy to take care of the most basic of issues: the creation of a national currency, and an Army of the United States of America (the Continental Army answered to whoever the highest ranking commanding officer was in each given state under these Articles). We are not asking for the creation of a large federal nanny state, we’re asking for sanity when it comes to the stability of this country. We can not survive when each state has its own currency and its own army, we in effect have become 13 different nations instead of one “United States of America”.”
Madison goes on to describe the “Virginia Plan”, here’s the gist of it:



The Virginia Plan original document by James Madison.

Madison: ”As the respectable men of this chamber can see the biggest part of this plan is the creation of three branches of federal bureaucracy to check each other’s power. This I believe is the biggest part of this plan that makes it heads and shoulders above any and all plans proposed since the original debate on the Articles in 1779. This of course isn’t what the actual plan will look like, rather the legal guidelines will be that of a US Constitution that outlines the structure, procedures, and rules of governance. Also included shall be a Bill of Rights, which outlines the rights of the American citizen against wrongful criminal action be it by either the states or the new federal government this document seeks to create. Thank you gentlemen.”
Jefferson: ”We will reconvene at 9 tomorrow to discuss further on this Plan. If anyone here has any compromises, that’s when to present them. Congress dismissed.”

[Vepres]

Could you explain the "Virginia plan" to me? I don't understand parts of the chart.

[Mechaman]

Could you explain the "Virginia plan" to me? I don't understand parts of the chart.

I'm too lazy to give an outright explanation, so here's the wikipedia article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Plan
Admittedly, I really don't know jack squat about early American history. So if this timeline is really good, it probably has more to do with the writing than the actual substance.
Just replace the year with 1784 and it fits this timeline.

[Mechaman]

November 9th, 1784: New Jersey Delegate William Paterson offers a counter plan to the Virginia Plan, the New Jersey Plan. The New Jersey Plan was thought up by Paterson and others who were concerned that under the reform plans of Jefferson and Madison the smaller states would have little power. Eventually a compromise between the two plans would need to occur. Paterson, however, did agree with Madison about the need for a Constitution.


The New Jersey Plan


Text from the New Jersey Plan
Sidenote: New Jersey Plan ITTL is pretty much the same as IOTL, just earlier. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Jersey_Plan

November 10th, 1784: The General Assembly of South Carolina elects Thomas Pinckney as the next governor of South Carolina in a landslide (82%) over his opponent William Moultrie. He will begin his first term in office on February 11, 1785. There is much rejoicing at the Pinckney Estate, especially from his brother Charles.


Thomas Pinckney, the new governor of South Carolina

November 12th, 1784: In a legendary vote, the delegates vote 36-14 to strike down the Articles of Confederation as soon as Congress approves of a replacement. Until a replacement plan is chosen though, the states would stay under the Articles of Confederation.

November 23rd, 1784: The delegates behind the Virginia Plan and the delegates behind the New Jersey Plan come up with the Trenton Compromise. The premises of the compromise:
A bicameral, or two-part, legislature consisting of a lower house (House of Representatives) and upper house (Senate).
As in the Virginia Plan, membership in the lower house was to be allocated in proportion to the state population and candidates were to be nominated and elected by the people of each state.
A census of all inhabitants of the United States was to be taken every 8 years (as opposed to every 10 years IOTL, the census ITTL would coincide with the year after every other election).
All bills for raising taxes, spending or appropriating money, and setting the salaries of Federal officers were to originate in the lower house and be unamendable by the upper house.
Similar to the New Jersey Plan, membership in the upper house was to be allocated two seats to each state, regardless of size, however like the lower house, candidates were to be nominated and elected by the people of each state (different from OTL where Senators were elected by state legislatures until the 17th Amendment).
Madison would say of this Compromise: “Never would I have thought such a great compromise could come out of the collision of these two plans. Compromise will truly be the salvation of our young nation.”


The original text of the Trenton Compromise.

November 25th, 1784: By a legendary vote of 28-22, the Trenton Compromise passes the Congress of the Confederation. The time had come to finally discuss the creation of the US Constitution.
After voting in the Trenton Compromise, the Congress decides on a date for the Constitutional Convention in New York, New York: December 8th, 1784. The Congress would vote for the president of the convention on this day.

November 30th, 1784: The last day of the Congress of the Confederation. The president of the Constitutional Congress would be none other than: George Washington. With his cancer in remiss, Washington felt in enough shape to make it to the Convention. This would be the last time Washington would ever leave his home estate in Mount Vernon.


George Washington, as President of the Constitutional Convention.

December 8th, 1784: The Constitutional Convention begins. The US Constitution is pretty much the Trenton Compromise, except more detailed. It describes explicitly the power of the Legislature, the Executive, and that of the Judicial. It also outlines the power of the states, the ratification of amendment, federal power, and the ratification of the Constitution. It is a lot like the Constitution IOTL, with a few differences:
Article 1:
Section 2: House
Voting tax is not constitutional.
10 term limits
Section 3: Senate
Senators are directly elected by the people of the state they reside in.
To be a senator, one must be at least 28 years old, have resided in the United States for 8 years, and a resident of the state they represent.
Just like the House, if there is a vacancy in the Senate, the people of the state will vote for a replacement in a special election.
4 term limits
Article 2:
Section 1: President and Vice President
Each ticket shall have a President and Vice President. Party registration is not necessary, but no Vice President=No Service. This would dramatically change the first few elections in the country’s history.
2 term limits
Article 3:
Section 1: Federal Courts:
Judges shall serve no more than 24 years, or the end of their life, whichever comes first.
Everything else is pretty much the same. The Bill of Rights would get passed later after the election of the first Representatives, Senators, President, Vice President, Judges, etc.

December 16th, 1784: 44 of the 55 delegates at the Convention sign the US Constitution. With majority approval all that’s needed now is the approval of 9 of the 13 state legislatures to ratify the Constitution. Once the needed state legislative majority ratification has happened, the US can start having federal elections (President, Vice President, Senator, Representative).

The US Constitution.

[Mechaman]

Alright, I'm taking a night off from this timeline. Expect an update or maybe even two either tommorrow night or Wednesday morning.

[Mechaman]

Warning: The majority of the next few entries will deal more with the personal lives of our alternate universe fathers than actual politics, just a warning.

December 17th, 1784: After the radical pace through which the Constitution was passed, George Washington declares that a long break is needed for the Congress. The Congress shall meet next time on May 14th, 1785, whether or not the US Constitution has been ratified in nine states. In the case that it does happen, delegates are to be ready to nominate people for President, Vice President, and Representatives and Senators for each state that has ratified the Constitution. Washington adjourns the meeting at 1:15PM and the majority of representatives go about celebrating with relatives and friends in New York, New York and surrounding areas.

December 21st, 1784: Alexander Hamilton meets his wife Elizabeth (who has their newborn daughter and young son with her) and her pregnant sister Angelica at the Schuyler Mansion in Albany, New York (house is owned by their father). They talk for a while when there’s a knock on the door. The house servant answers the door and lets in George Washington........and Thomas Jefferson? Angelica gets ecstatic at the sight of Jefferson showing up for Christmas and runs into his arms in front of her sister and brother-in law.
Elizabeth: Sister! That’s no way to greet a man of Thomas Jefferson’s reputation! Sorry for my sister’s behavior Mr. Jefferson, may I ask what you’re doing here?
Jefferson: Madam, I would prefer you refer to me as Thomas from now on. Only coming to celebrate with my beloved and her family is all.
Elizabeth: Oh, that’s interesting. Well in that case is it too much to ask that you and Alexander not discuss politics over dinner? We want to make it through this holiday with no bloodshed.
Hamilton: Hahahaha, you’re a novel comedic Elizabeth. Everyone, to the Dining Hall!
2 hours later….
Jefferson: So Alexander, what do you think about that Thomas Pinckney fellow? You know the “hero of Johns Island”?
Hamilton: Amazing man, if it weren’t for his bravado I cringe to think of the fate of those innocent people. He has a bright future ahead of him.
Jefferson: Yes indeed, Charles told me that he was elected governor with an 82 majority. If it weren’t for his actions taken that day showing the strength of unity of men at arms, I fear Congress would be striking down reform plan after reform plan. Too bad he’s one of you.
Hamilton: HAHAHAHAHA! That’s because we are the best.
Elizabeth: Men, I don’t plan on digging graves out back, contain your talk for Congress.
Hamilton: Know your role woman.
Jefferson: Alex dear boy, that’s no way to treat a lady. Sorry Elizabeth, we will commence this talk of politics for some other time, will we not Alex?
Hamilton: Don’t call me Alex you womanizing libertine.
Washington: Alex! Contain yourself! You’re acting like a child!
Hamilton: Sorry father…..
Washington: Now that we’ve got that out of our system, let us proceed to the main course.


1818 watercolor of the Schuyler Mansion

December 22nd, 1784: Just before dismissing the state legislature for Christmas, the Connecticut Legislature votes unanimously to ratify the US Constitution. They would beat the state legislature of Delaware by 2 hours, who would also ratify it unanimously. It hasn’t even been 6 days since the end of the Constitutional Convention and 2 states have already ratified the US Constitution.

December 24th, 1784: Almost as if the radical zeal of the Congress was rubbing off of the state legislatures themselves, the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania ratify the US Constitution on this day. New Jersey would ratify it unanimously, Pennsylvania would ratify it 59-10. It’s only been 8 days since the end of the Constitutional Convention and 4 states, almost half the requirement to pass the Constitution, have ratified it, 3 out of 4 of which did so unanimously. However, with the holiday break for most state legislatures coming up, as well as the far distance of some of the states, it might be a little bit longer to ratify the US Constitution.
On Christmas Eve the Pinckney brothers once again talk politics and once again Thomas brings his wife Elizabeth with him.
Charles: Well Thomas, it seems like you’re in the political circle for a while, whether you like it or not.
Thomas: Oh well, how bad can governing a state be?
Charles: I always enjoyed your can do attitude little brother!
(everyone laughs)
Elizabeth: This is your time Thomas, I believe in you and more importantly, America believes in you. You would make a great leader for this country someday. America needs more than strong leaders, America needs a man with a big caring heart, nobody I know has a bigger heart than you Thomas.
Thomas: Well, it looks like I really will have to stay in politics after all! If my lovely young wife says so, I must.
Charles: I would swear you were born a Eunuch brother, but since you just said you agree to stay in politics, I have no complaints.
Thomas: Arrrr, you both set me up, you dirty rats!
(the three of the them laugh once more)


Thomas Pinckney’s historic plantation house.

December 25th, 1784: Beginning of Christmas Day at the Schuyler Mansion and Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson are both still up drinking a good amount of rum and being high in spirits.
Jefferson: This has been a very interesting experience my friend. I didn't think we would be up all night drinking rum and talking about life. Very weird how our relationships with women somehow got us in the same place for the holy day.
Hamilton: Really Thomas, I never expected you to be one for holy days......
Jefferson: Hey I'm a deist, okay? Just because I'm not very religious does not mean I don't realize some days are holier than others........Jesus.
Hamilton: Watch your damn language!
(both men crack up)
Jefferson: That was pretty funny Alex, "watch your damn language!" HAHAHAHAHA!!! WHAT A KNEE SLAPPER!!!
Hamilton: Man, we need to lighten up on the rum next time Thomas....I actually think I like you right now.
Jefferson: Wow, so do I! Maybe if we got Congress drunk on rum we could all get along, am I right?
Hamilton: Yes indeed friend.
Jefferson: I'm quite surprised at how much we accomplished the past two months. It's like this past year we've accomplished more than we did in the past eight years before combined!
Hamilton: What about overthrowing the British?
Jefferson: Well yes, but I mean from a pure legislative point of view. I feel like this US Constitution we created is probably the biggest accomplishment we have managed since the Declaration of Independence.
Hamilton: That's just your ego speaking, Mr. I Wrote the Declaration of Independence.
Jefferson: I just hope the states ratify this as quickly as Congress did. I wouldn't be surprised if Madison pays them a visit because after all, he is crazy.
Hamilton: I know, something we can both agree on.
Jefferson: I mean the man shows up at 6:45 in the morning on a Sunday scaring the daylights out of my daughter just to show me the plan he spent three straight days working on with almost no sleep!
Hamilton: That is crazy, although I'm usually awake that early to go to church.
Jefferson: Quiet you holy roller......Enough about Madison, there's something I need to tell you.
Hamilton: Really? What is it?
Jefferson: Well..........

8 hours later.
Angelica: Thomas wake up! It's almost noon and everybody is waiting for you to come downstairs!
Thomas: Damn it woman, can't you give me 20 more minutes?
Angelica: No! Everybody is waiting!
Thomas: Alright alright, I'm coming down.
Everybody gathers in the large den where General Schuyler gives a sermon (not religious, but more day to day motivational kind) and talks about the birth of Christ and what not. Jefferson, having a weak response to a long night of drinking rum, falls asleep. He gets slapped by Angelica which prompts a laugh out of ole Washington. General Schuyler stops talking and asks if anybody has anything special they would like to add to which Thomas stands up.
Schuyler: Thomas, you have something to say?
Jefferson: No not really just noticed something: Angelica, what is that in your ear? That shiny object?
Angelica: What do you mean.......oh my goodness. Thomas, you do not have to do this.
Jefferson: Oh but I did, Angelica.......will you marry me?
Angelica: Okay, just promise me you won't get plaster drunk on rum the rest of the time we are here.
Jefferson: I can't make that promise.
Angelica: Aw hell! (father gasps) I'll marry you anyway!
Everyone rejoices as General Schuyler orders a round of champagne to celebrate the occasion. Washington refuses the champagne because he never drinks in the presence of kids.
Hamilton: (facepalm) My memoirs are going to be very interesting 20 years from now.
The wedding date would be April the 4th at Monticello.


Angelica Schuyler's diamong wedding ring she got from Jefferson.

[Mechaman]

December 27th, 1784: Thomas Jefferson, Angelica Schuyler, and George Washington leave the Schuyler Estate to head back to Virginia (they came in the same vehicle). This adventure back would be a real memorable one for both men.
Alexander Hamilton would inevitably decide to not to go back to Virginia, due to his dislike of the climate (too hot during the summer) and farmers. In hindsight, Hamilton often wonders why he stayed in Virginia to begin with, often coming to the conclusion his natural closeness to Washington ultimately being the deciding factor to stay in Richmond. Now with his long lost now found father slowly dying from an unknown affliction of the prostate, he had no reason to stay in Virginia. Sadly, this would affect his political career, since alot of state and federal government positions depend on how long one has resided in a state. Luckily for Hamilton, his connections would help him get into office soon enough.

December 29th, 1784: Massachusetts Governor John Hancock and John Adams talk politics at the Adams Estate. Among the topics covered was the possibility of the creation of a political party whose platform included a fiscally sound and strongly nationalistic government and strong emphasis on federalism. In the next few months and years, talks of establishing political parties would become popular due to the alliances that existed between certain politicians. These talks in themselves would produce nothing, as until 1787 no political party will exist.

January 3rd, 1785: Almost a year after he approached the Congress of the Confederation, John Hancock appears before the Massachusetts State Legislature and makes a last minute plea for ratification. The vote would be held the next day.

January 4th, 1785: The Massachusetts State Legislature ratifies the Constitution with a vote of 225-130. The resistance vote had come from officials who thought the US Constitution was too lenient on state’s rights.

January 5th, 1785: John Hancock approaches the State Legislature of Massachusetts and announces that in 16 days he shall resign the office of Governor to focus on his private life. Many are shocked to hear this, especially considering how popular John Hancock is among the people of Massachusetts.

January 8th, 1785: Thomas Jefferson, Angelica Schuyler, and George Washington arrive at Mount Vernon after a long trip back from Albany, New York. Jefferson and Schuyler would stay the evening at Washington’s estate before heading for Monticello the next day. In the evening Jefferson and Washington would talk about the future of the nation:
Washington: Thomas, when the Constitution has finally been ratified, will you run for the executive office?
Jefferson: No George, I desperately need a break from politics. This past year was the most intense year I’ve ever been in the Congress. I will not come back in May.
Washington: Well I probably won’t either. My time on this earth is limited. I fear I just entered the twilight of my life.
Jefferson: It’s incredible though, how people look up to you. It’s like you’re the father of this young nation, it’s going to be hard for this young nation to see their most inspirational leader pass from this earth. Why George? Why do you have to die?
Washington: Thomas, it was not meant to be. I love every single one of these people like they are my children, but I was not meant to lead this young people. I was born a soldier, I’ll die a soldier. I am just a fighter for liberty. I believe god almighty blessed me with this short life to fully understand that freedom and liberty are meant dying for, as I am dying now. I may not be the greatest judge of character Thomas, but in you I see a love of freedom that is unequal in all men, a man who would do anything to prevent said freedom from fading away into the darkness of tyranny. A man who sacrificed his own reputation with fellow men to do what he believed was right for this nation. Thomas, now more than ever, you have proven that you truly are the leader that America needs.
Jefferson: Not right now my friend, right now I’m just going to relax back at Monticello with my soon to be wife and family until my sense of direction comes back.
Washington: To each his own.

January 10th, 1785: Thomas Jefferson finally gets back to Monticello. Right away he drafts a letter to send to the Virginia State Legislature announcing his intention not to go back to Congress. Then he goes to his great den and starts going at the wine. “Finally, peace is here.”

Artist rendition of Thomas Jefferson with his famous wine.

January 11th, 1785: The State Legislature of New York ratifies the US Constitution 42-15. The number of states that have now ratified the Constitution is 6.

January 15th, 1785: The State Legislatures of Maryland and Virginia ratify the Constitution. Maryland ratified it 70-4 and Virginia ratified it 131-37 (thanks in part to the unity of the Virginia delegates at the Convention). Only one more state has to ratify the Constitution before it can go into effect.

January 16th, 1785: By an act of almost divine providence, the State Legislature of New Hampshire votes to ratify the US Constitution. The ratification was a lot closer than the other states, passing ratification only 54-51. The Constitution would now go into effect on July 17th, 1785.

The New Hampshire State Legislature Building, where the infamous “final vote” occured

January 18th, 1785: While out in his garden, Washington is overcome with unbearable pain and falls down twisting his hip. It seems as if though his cancer has come back. From this point on, things would only get worse for Washington.

January 21st, 1785: John Hancock resigns as Governor of Massachusetts. Many people never saw this happening because John Hancock was a very popular governor. In his resignation speech he said that though he has left the state office of Masschusetts, "the American people have yet to see the last of John Hancock." He gets a standing ovation from the public as he leaves the building.
John Adams, however, knows differently: "John Hancock would never resign unless resigning would help him gain an advantage of office. He's going to be the first executive of these United States."
Those around Adams discount this as just speculation, but considering the timing at which Hancock resigned, the rumors started spreading like wildfire.

[Mechaman]

February 2nd, 1785: The State Legislature of Georgia ratifies the US Constitution unanimously. The only states left that have yet to ratify the Constitution are North Carolina, South Carolina, and Rhode Island.

February 8th, 1785: Alexander Hamilton, realizing that it will be awhile before he will enter politics again, decides to start making plans for a national party that is sympathetic to the ideals of him and his supporters (pro administration).

February 11th, 1785: Thomas Pinckney assumes the office of Governor of South Carolina. In his opening address, Pinckney calls upon the people of South Carolina to accept the gift of republican governance of the US Constitution. This open endorsement from the new governor would give the pro ratification crowd in South Carolina enough firepower to push ratification through the State Legislature. Pinckney, although often identified with the pro-administration faction in American politics, would be known for his centrism.

February 13th, 1785: The “Pinckney Effect” occurs and the State Legislature of South Carolina ratifies the US Constitution 189-33. The endorsement of Pinckney, who people identify with pro-admin politics, helps ratification pass by smoothly.

February 28th, 1785: Patrick Henry announces to the public that he’ll be seeking the Executive Office (as it was known then) and bring back the Articles of Confederation. His Vice Executive pick would be Thomas Paine, the author from Greenwich Village, New York most known for his pamphlet Common Sense. Historians usually gave this ticket the title “Radicals” when describing the election of 1785.

 

The ticket of Patrick Henry and Thomas Paine

March 11th, 1785: John Hancock also announces to the public in Boston that he will be seeking the Executive Office with his Vice Executive pick of former South Carolina Governor John Rutledge as his running mate. South Carolina Governor Thomas Pinckney would praise Hancock for his pick of Rutledge as his running mate, calling him “my greatest mentor.” The ticket of Hancock/Rutledge would be noted as one of the first “north/south” tickets assembled.

 
The ticket of John Hancock and John Rutledge

March 18th, 1785: John Adams puts off speculations that he will run for Executive Office, instead announcing that he intends on running for the US Senate for Massachusetts. Many people say anybody who would run against Adams in the Senate race “would be the craziest person alive.”

March 19th, 1785: Samuel Adams announces he will run for the Executive Office and announces that New York Governor George Clinton would be his running mate. This ticket would be considered the “mainstream anti-administration” ticket as opposed to the more radical Henry/Paine ticket.

 
The ticket of Samuel Adams and George Clinton

March 20th, 1785: James Madison decides to run for US Representative of the proposed 5th Congressional District of Virginia that includes the area around Charlottesville. Later on when the local press asks if Madison running has changed his mind about not running, Jefferson says “No way, knowing James he could probably take on the whole Congress by himself.”

March 22nd, 1785: Charles C. Pinckney decides to run for US Representative of the Charleston area. Governor Thomas Pinckney give his full endorsement to his older brother.

[Sewer]

3 good  tickets.

[Mechaman]

3 good  tickets.

Thanks!

Honestly, I didn't really plan on doing elections this early, but I figured that if I started in 1785 instead of say 1786 or 1787 it'd be a lot easier to do elections (because 1785+4=1789). Yes elections will take place differently than IOTL, right now I plan on having elections (up to 1937) on the second Tuesday in March every four years and then having inaugurations on July 5th. After 1937 elections will still be the second Tuesday in March, however inauguration will be May 24th (personal bias, it's my birthday). The exception to these rules will be if the inauguration day falls on a Sunday, then it's the next day, on Monday.

[Mechaman]

Expect some crazy crap to happen with Rhode Island ITTL.
I was looking on Wikipedia and I noticed it took them forever to sign the Constitution. Trust me, I do not plan on quick Rhode Island ratification ITTL. Hell, I might even let Vermont beat them to it.
I don't know what I'll do, but it'll be crazy. If anyone has any creative ideas I could work off of, please message me.
Am I the only one who finds making timelines addictive?

[Mechaman]

Prepare to bawl, I shed a few tears writing this one myself.

March 23rd, 1785: On the Pinckney Estate, Elizabeth gives birth to an overdue baby girl who they name Elizabeth Brewton Pinckney, after her mother. The people of Charleston applaud Thomas Pinckney as he walks down the street with cheers of “Congratulations Dad!” Historians would later say of Thomas Pinckney “his popularity as a state governor was unparalleled, not even the likes of Sam Houston or Franklin Delano Roosevelt could come close to.” Newspapers in the colonies, both pro-administration and anti-administration, would refer to Pinckney as “the nicest guy in politics”.
Sadly things aren’t so well at Monticello. After many doctor visits, the young Lucy Elizabeth dies. She was the last child Jefferson’s deceased wife bore him. Her death would be a very bittersweet moment in his otherwise great life. Jefferson is used to death, so it doesn’t bother him as much. His daughter Martha though, who used to take care of Lucy Elizabeth, would be inconsolable for two days.

March 25th, 1785: At Monticello, Angelica Schuyler gives birth to a baby girl. They decide to name her Jane Randolph, after Jefferson’s deceased daughter who died at one year old. Jefferson does something rare, he prays to God to “please let her live”. Jefferson had lost three children who never made it past a year old, plus Lucy Elizabeth who died just two days before the birth of Jane Randolph. Luckily God would be on his side and he and Angelica would have more healthy children. He talks to his 12 year old daughter Martha:
Jefferson: I know how hard it is for you Martha, I just want you to know I understand what you are feeling. I have had to watch three other children of mine die before my very eyes and your mother die giving birth to Lucy.
Martha: I know father, it’s just I loved Lucy so much.
Jefferson: Come here sweetie (picks her up and cuddles her in his chair).
Martha begins to bawl in Jefferson’s arms.
Jefferson: Just let it all out, it’s okay to be weak now, it’s okay. Just promise me you’ll be a strong little girl on my wedding day, okay sweetie?
Martha: Okay, I love you papa.
Jefferson tears up: I love you too sweetie.
And for five minutes there they were, father and daughter, crying in each other’s arms. Nobody else could make Thomas feel more human, weaker, and more emotionally vulnerable than she did.
(really sorry about that last entry guys, but I needed at least one tearjerker in this timeline)

March 28th, 1785: George Washington has approached the last stages of his sickness. He is bedridden and is coughing up blood.

April 4th, 1785: Guests from as far as Massachusetts come to Monticello for the marriage of Thomas Jefferson and Angelica Schuyler. Elizabeth (her sister) is the maid of honor, and James Madison is Jefferson’s best man. The local preacher did the ceremony. Alexander Hamilton took the effort to show up and make the joke “It’s one thing to have relations with Angelica before you’re married, but if you turn her into one of those die hard anti-nationalist anti-administration types, I’ll never forgive you.” John Quincy Adams appeared on behalf of his father and uncle to extend their congratulations. Martha takes notice of the Harvard student and strikes up conversation with him. The two talk for hours. At the end of the wedding party Jefferson confronts John Q.
Jefferson: Hey John, I know you got things to do back in Massachusetts, but I would really like it if you would be our guest for the next few days.
John Q.: Well, I’m already on leave from Harvard (John Q. decided to take a semester off from Harvard ITTL), but my third cousin might need my help for his run for Executive Office.
Jefferson: Don’t worry, that isn’t until next month. Believe me, I made the dates.
John Q.: Why do you want me to stay?
Jefferson: Well you see it is Martha I’m concerned about. Her baby sister died a couple of weeks back and I’m not sure she has recovered from it. Your presence here seemed to have brightened her mood.
John Q.: You’re not suggesting what I think you’re suggesting?
Jefferson: Good god man, you are sick! No way! I just want you to be here to keep her company, you know be like an older brother to her for the next few days, don’t even think about courting her or I’ll send you to the lowest level of Hell.
John Q.: Sir, with my father’s reputation as well as my standing as a top student at Harvard College, do you really think I would risk all of that for a 12 year old girl?
Jefferson: Guess not, (laughs). What was I thinking? You’re obviously a man of good character, I can trust you with my daughter.
John Q.: Alright, I’ll stay.

April 5th, 1785.: John Q. wakes up in the morning at the Monticello guest house and heads to the dining hall for breakfast. He says hello to Jefferson who is reading an old newspaper. Then Martha appears and notices John is there. She gets very excited to see him still at Monticello and runs over and almost tackles him out of the chair.
Jefferson: Sweetie, that’s no way to greet guests, you could’ve broken poor young master Adam’s back.
Martha: I’m so glad you didn’t leave!
John: Yeah glad to see you too Martha, could you get off me?
Martha: Alright.
John: Hey since I’ll be staying for a while, you want to go on a walk along the nearby creek?
Martha: Sure!
That day John Quincy Adams and Martha Jefferson would go walking along the creek near Monticello. Eventually they settle down at a tree and Martha curls up next to John, lying her head on his chest.
John: Martha, people wouldn’t like to see us like this…..
Martha: Like who? My father? Ha!
John: Well he would care, considering he threatened to send me to the “lowest levels of hell” if he saw us courting near the creek.
Martha: Sorry, it’s just you’re so handsome, does that make me a naughty little lass?
John: I guess, but that would also make me a sick man for enjoying it.
Martha slaps John.
John: Ouch! What was that for?
Martha: For being a pervert. You should feel ashamed of yourself John Quincy Adams! Taking advantage of a 12 year old girl! How dare you!
John: HAHAHAHAHA!!!!
What would start out as playful flirting would soon turn into one of young America’s most timeless love stories.

In the evening, at the estate of Mount Vernon, Alexander Hamilton stood next to his dying father.
Hamilton: Father, why must you die this painful death?
Washington: Son, I feel no pain as I breathe these last few breaths, for my children, the young people of America, will live forever in a land of liberty and freedom. For that reason alone, I do not fear pain, I do not fear death, for dying a freeman is a much greater glory than living the age of ancients under the tyranny of oligarchs. My only two regrets in this life is not being there for you as a child, but an even bigger regret I have is the fact that I can only die once for this nation of free people. I love you son.
Washington breathes his last breath.
Hamilton, in one of the few moments of his life, sheds tears: I love you too father.
For an hour Hamilton would stay there, his head buried against the back of his father’s hand, crying. Washington, the man who many considered “the father of Young America”, had died at the young age of 53. Hamilton, being his only blood heir, would inherit the Mount Vernon Estate.


Former General of the Continental Army George Washington, “the Father of Young America”, dead at the young age of 53 to an unknown ailment of the prostate (later found out to be prostate cancer).
Washington's early death would have a profound effect on the people of America.

[Mechaman]

Sorry for not updating lately, it's been a busy couple of days (truth is I managed to pry myself away from the computer to watch tv ).

Given that I am approaching the first Executive elections (don't worry, it won't be called "executive" much longer), the next few updates will take a bit longer to make. Once I get the hang of this the updates should speed up like they did before this hiatus. Admittedly I am a noob when it comes to creating elections (hell even early American politics), I'm more of the liberal arts type of person when it comes to alternate history (ie creating a very complex story that analyzes each individual character and how they progress the events).

Anyway, if I don't update by Tuesday night, give me hell.

[Mechaman]

New update!
April 7th, 1785: Late in the evening John Q. Adams and Thomas Jefferson talk over a few glasses of rum about life,
Jefferson: I’m glad to have had you around for the past few days John, you have seemed to lift the spirits of my distraught daughter during these hard times.
John: You are very welcome sir. She is a pleasant agreeable young lass if I may say so myself. If she were a just a bit older, I would court her.
Jefferson: Shame you won’t be able to now, is it not?
John: Alright, I have feelings for young Martha, I confess. But she also has them toward me. I can not stop the forces of nature Sir Jefferson.
Jefferson: Please John, call me Thomas.
John: Alright Thomas. What can I do about these feelings?
Jefferson: Would letter writing be agreeable for you?
John: That would have to do.
Jefferson: Meantime, she is well learnt for her age. In a few years I could send her to a reputable school up north like say…..Harvard?
John: That would be an excellent choice sir!
Jefferson: I knew you would find it agreeable. My associates at the university, as well as your uncle Samuel, tell me that you are at the top of the class!
John: Yes indeed sir, some say I am destined for a higher calling.
Jefferson: Tomorrow night I would like to talk to you about this “higher calling” a little bit if I may?
John: Alright sir, that would be agreeable.
Both men say their goodnights and head off to bed.

April 8th, 1785: Jefferson and John Q. Adams once again commence talk in the library over a few glasses of rum. This time, it would be over politics.
John: I haven’t really thought about politics Thomas, it do not feel drawn towards the whole matter. I would rather be a lawyer.
Jefferson: But have you given any thought about the issues at hand? What philosophy you might follow if you were in politics?
John: I have no idea, I am too confused between what my father believes and what my third cousin believes.
Jefferson: You can not decide between rule of a strong federal government and laissez faire governance? Wow John, you are the most confused individual on the globe!
John: It is all confusing. For one I understand the benefits a strong federal government can provide in welfare and defense to the states, but the purpose and calling of laissez faire governance just seems so……
Jefferson: Right. Despite your father John’s intentions you believe in your heart that the best government to govern a people is the government that governs the least.
John: I suppose……
Jefferson: Follow your heart John, you do not have to be your father’s son. You can be a force for true individual liberty in this world. Please John, join me and my ilk and together we can create a future of freedmen unlike any ever seen in history.
John: Alright, I can try.
Jefferson: Never try John, do.
John: You know what? I, John Quincy Adams, do solemnly swear to fight for the advancement of individual liberty and laissez faire governance now and forever. Tradition be damned.
Jefferson: That’s the spirit!
The men would laugh about life and politics more until an hour past midnight when they would go off to bed.

April 9th, 1785: John Quincy Adams bids his farewells to the Jefferson family. He shakes Jefferson’s hand:
Jefferson: Young men of your valor are our future John. God speed to you and your future endeavors.
John: No, god speed to you good sir, for America is still missing it’s true leader. (nods to Jefferson)
He walks up to the young Martha Jefferson:
Martha: When will I see you again? (tears start forming)
John: Soon, my young dove, soon. The only two things that will separate us are time and space, I promise. Therefore, if it’s alright with your father, we will begin a letter correspondence once I get back to Cambridge.
Jefferson: It is accepted.
John: Thank you sir.
Martha: (tears falling down her face, jumps into John’s arms burying her face against his neck) Oh John! I…I…I….love you. (kisses his neck, starts crying hysterically)
Jefferson gives John the look.
John: Alright. I guess I’ll hear from you in about a month and a halfths time. Martha? Can you get off me now?
Martha croaks: Okay.
The young John Quincy Adams would say goodbye to the Jefferson family for the first time, but it sure would not be the last. Not by a long shot. But now he got back on the road to the future, back to his home, back to Cambridge, Massachusetts, away from the powerful influences of his legendary father.

April 14th, 1785: George Washington’s death reaches the front page of virtually every news press in the country (the spread of news had increased due to increase commerce between states since the Constitutional Convention). The Richmond Chronicle would dub him the “Father of Young America”. For years to come after his death, and even to this day, the memory of General George Washington, the Warrior for Liberty, would evoke patriotism and pride in the hearts of Americans everywhere. The early death of George Washington (compared to OTL) would change the direction of American politics dramatically.
The young nation would mourn the death of it's spiritual leader.


The portrait of Washington used on the front page of the Richmond Chronicle

April 18th, 1785: An envoy from South Governor Thomas Pinckney arrives at the North Carolina State Legislature Building in Raleigh. The envoy approaches the Legislature with a message:
"Dear brothers,
These are perilous times ahead. The Articles have proven that no balance between central and state powers leads to chaos. Hear my plead: Don’t leave us now when you need us more than ever. Let us be the ones to help you through to guarantee a future of limitless freedom and opportunity for man. That is all.
God Bless,
Thomas Pinckney"


The Old North Carolina State House where Pinckney’s envoy made their case.

Also, Loyalists from the Royal Canadian province of Upper Canada would start raiding the northern border of the Republic of Vermont. No casualties or injuries happen, but there are widespread reports of vandalism. It seems as though the good people of the Republic of Vermont would have no choice but to plea to the States if the attacks do not stop.

April 21st, 1785: Three days after the envoy sent by South Carolina Governor Thomas Pinckney as plea to the North Carolina State Legislature to ratify the Constitution, the State Legislature of North Carolina votes 200-71 to ratify the US Constitution. If North Carolina manages to appoint electors for the first US Federal election by May 21st, 1785, the people of North Carolina would have representation in the Executive election.

April 24th, 1785: Alexander Hamilton gives the eulogy at George Washington's funeral at Mount Vernon:
"George Washington was an extraordinary man with an incredible love of liberty and freedom. He put his life on the line for 8 years as the commander of this Continental Army. He led these men in perhaps the greatest moral battle of this age or any other age to come. By his leadership, valor, courage, and honest character, George Washington helped give birth the character of Young America. By impregnating this land with Liberty and Freedom, Washington fathered this nation. But to me George Washington was more than just a hero for this young nation, George Washington was my father. A father I hadn't known until at 28 years on this earth. I know he wasn't there for me when I was young, but George, I understand. I understand why you couldn't stay, why you left my mother so young and alone on those Virgin Islands. It probably wasn't easy for you to, and I forgive you. Because you had another child to take care of, and that child was America. You told me your only regret was only having one life to die for this young nation, well father, I have to say my one regret is having only one life to have had the honor of saying "I am George Washington's son". (Hamilton starts trembling) God bless George Washington forever."
Hamilton would later hand over the deed to Washington's Mount Vernon Estate to Bushrod Washington, Washington's nephew. Hamilton would later say of giving up his father's estate: "It was too painful for me to keep it. Every part of that place always reminded me of him, it was too much a part of him and he too much a part of it."


The portrait of General George Washington shown at his funeral.

[Mechaman]

Great news!
I've got the election map for the first election done already. I decided to go ahead and get it out of the way so when it comes time for it I can just go ahead and post it. I expect to get to the election by the end of the week.

[Mechaman]

April 30th, 1785: South Carolina Governor Thomas Pinckney announces that beginning in April of 1786 a new state capitol city would be built in the center of South Carolina “to be in fair distance from all who inhabit this realm.” Pinckney further makes the promise to make this city “one that outshines the glory and majesty of Charleston.”

May 4th, 1785: The Electoral Congress meets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Present are all candidates for the Executive and Legislative branches. Those of special note: John Adams running for the US Senate for the state of Massachusetts, his cousin Samuel Adams who was running for the Executive Office, former Massachusetts governor John Hancock and former South Carolina governor John Rutledge running as an Executive ticket, the radical ticket of former Virginia governor Patrick Henry and Philosopher Thomas Paine, James Madison running for US Representative for the state of Virginia representing the Charlottesville area, Charles C. Pinckney running for US Representative for the state of South Carolina representing Charleston and the surrounding area, and former US General Philip Schuyler running for US Senator for the state of New York. At the opening of the event former Pennsylvania delegate Thomas Mifflin gave a speech in tribute to George Washington, that his spirit will “bless this convention”. The Congress gave him a standing ovation afterward.


Candidate for US House of Representatives for the state of Pennsylvania Thomas Mifflin who lead the honorary ceremony for George Washington.

May 6th, 1785: After much debate, the Electoral Congress decides to apportion the election of Senate seats as so:
1/3 Senate seats up for election every two years.
Three classes of Senate seats that corresponds with each election cycle.
Here’s the breakdown:
Connecticut:
1787. Class One
1789. Class Two
Delaware:
1791. Class Three
1787. Class One
New Jersey:
1789. Class Two
1791. Class Three
Pennsylvania:
1787. Class One
1789. Class Two
Massachusetts:
1791. Class Three
1787. Class One
New York:
1789. Class Two
1791. Class Three
Maryland:
1787. Class One
1789. Class Two
Virginia:
1791. Class Three
1787. Class One
New Hampshire:
1789. Class Two
1791. Class Three
Georgia:
1787. Class One
1789. Class Two
South Carolina:
1791: Class Three
1787: Class One
North Carolina:
1789: Class Two
1791: Class Three

May 15th, 1785: The polling rules are made: Polling would open May 21st for the Executive office and close June 21st. Voting for legislatives positions would begin June 4th and close June 21st. This was to allow newer states (South and North Carolina) more time for candidates to campaign.

May 21st, 1785: Polling for the Executive office are opened nationwide. Among those the papers interviewed for the election on this day were Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Pinckney. Here’s a few snippets of what each man said:

Hamilton: I voted for the man who I believe is best suited for the office of Executive: John Hancock. First to sign, first to lead.

Hamilton, in 1785. Hamilton would support John Hancock for Executive office.

Franklin: I voted for the man who is the strongest defender of individual liberty and personal freedom: Patrick Henry.

Benjamin Franklin would endorse the ticket of Patrick Henry and Thomas Paine. This was shocking to many of the the Samuel Adams supporter who expected Franklin to support the mainstream anti-administration ticket.

Jefferson: I voted for the man who was for the establishment of an American nation of freemen long before Revolution: Samuel Adams. When freedom is the aim only one man is dead on target: Samuel Adams.

Thomas Jefferson, former Governor of Virginia (1779-1781) and president of the Sixth Congress of the Confederation, would throw his endorsement behind Samuel Adams. This would help reclaim the momentum lost by Franklin's endorsement of Henry/Paine.

Pinckney: As the Governor of South Carolina, I’ve made it my personal duty to best serve the interests of my people. Where did I learn this? From my friend John Hancock, when he led the people of Massachusetts in five years of prosperity and helped to pen the very framework for this US Constitution: The Massachusetts Constitution. For this I give John Hancock my undivided support and I plea for my fellow Americans to put their trust in this man’s capable hands.


South Carolina Governor Thomas Pinckney would throw his full endorsement behind the ticket of John Hancock and his mentor John Rutledge.

May 25th, 1785: Thomas Pinckney throws his complete endorsement behind his brother Charles for US representative:
My brother Charles has been a fighter for South Carolina these past few years as a delegate in the Congress of the Confederation. He pulled out all stops to make your voices heard, including convincing the State Legislature to elect me as your governor (chuckles). Well today my fellow men and women, you have the opportunity to elect Charles as your United States Representative to not just represent the voices of the people of South Carolina, but of you, Charleston, on the national stage.
Speaking of my election, I’ve got a major announcement to make: Next month I will announce a bill in our State Legislature to turn over the right to elect state officials to you, yes you, the people of this great state! I do realize I was elected by the State Legislature and that I am well loved by you people, but it doesn’t feel right that I should rule over you due to the votes of a few men. As long as there is breath in my body, I will fight for the right of popular sovereignty to reign in this state!
Governor Pinckney is given a rousing ovation. With the death of George Washington, it seems as though America had found a new hero in the ultra popular Thomas Pinckney, who many historians claimed was “popular beyond any imaginable measure among his own people, had the reputation of a crown prince among the people of other states due to his “kind, warmhearted, loving nature exceedingly rare for any man in politics” and “his ability to do what needed to be done when called upon. In retrospect, many would conclude that initially it was his defeat of the pirate invaders of John’s Island in July of 1784 that made him very popular.

[aaaa2222]

I love this timeline more and more with each passing update, however the "Conversations", unless critically important detract from the otherwise excellent piece of literature this TL is.