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

[Mechaman]

This timeline is based off of my List of Alternate Presidents (the really LONG one). Along the way if you have any suggestions to improve the timeline please tell me. If people can help out with research that would also be nice.
Sadly I do have a life, so this timeline will most likely take a 1-3 years to complete. I should get started with the first entry by tomorrow (like I said, life). This will probably be one of the longest and most epic timelines this forum has ever seen.
This timeline will start at the end of the Revolutionary War (1783) and end present day (which could be anywhere from as early as this time next year to hell even 2012 when the world ends). I have a busy night, so don't expect anything tonight (I plan on going to bed before midnight). Just thought I'd give everyone a heads up.
Here's the list (subject to change):

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So if you're wondering why I suddenly disappear from the other discussion boards for awhile, this is most likely why.

[Mechaman]

Also considering the unfortunate death of the American Monarchy series. GOOD LUCK!

Thanks!
The American Monarchy series was kind of why I originally dreaded this idea (how whoever made it through that long is incredible and I have a ton of respect for the author for taking that much time out of their life to make it). When I read it (before I joined the forum, I used to spend hours looking at the what-if board, not joking) it must've taken like 8 hours! Fluke of the Gods though is crazy, I spent a whole weekend reading that one. I can't imagine how many months of work people put into these things.
But by god I'm going to do this. I think the hardest part is going to be the pre-Civil War era, everything else should be a walk in the park (hey I slept during Early American history, but who didn't?).

[Mechaman]

I'll be reading this with great interest!  I'm pleased someone is attempting the Early Republic- let's see how President Calhoun goes down...

lol, I just changed list, no more Calhoun so sorry. I think John Quincy Adams being a solid Democrat in this timeline should be a little bit more interesting.

[Mechaman]

1783:

February 3rd, 1783: Britain awards the United States Independence.

February  4th, 1783: King George III of Great Britain announces that all hostilities between the United States of America and Great Britain will cease.

March 5th, 1783: Massacre Day (in memory of the 1770 Boston Massacre) is celebrated for the last time. It would soon be replaced by Independence Day on July 4th in honor of the Declaration of Independence.

April 15th, 1783: Preliminary articles of peace ending the Revolutionary War are ratified.

May 18th, 1783: Large numbers of American Loyalists move into St. Johns in News Brunswick.

June 20th, 1783: The 400 strong Philadelphia Insurgency causes the Congress of the Confederation to move the capital to Annapolis, Maryland, and create plans for the creation of a federal district to serve as the nation’s capital.

July 16, 1783: The Royal Provinces of Canada grants large tracts of land to American Loyalists to encourage immigration to the now vital British colony.

September 3rd, 1783: The Treaty of Paris, which officially ended the war between the United States of America and Great Britain is signed with the American delegation of John Jay, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Charles and Thomas Pinckney. Included in the treaty were the ten Articles:
1. Recognizing the 13 colonies to be free, sovereign, and independent States, and that his majesty relinquishes all claims to the Government, property, and territorial rights of the same, and every part thereof;
2. Establishing the boundaries between the United States and British North America.
3. Granting of fishing rights to US fishermen in the Grand Banks, off the coast of Newfoundland and in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.
4. Recognizing the lawful contracted debts to be paid by creditors on either side.
5. The Congress of the Confederation will “earnestly recommend” to state legislatures to recognize the rightful owners of all confiscated lands “provide for the restitution of all estates, rights, properties, which have been confiscated belonging to real British subjects [Loyalists]”.
6. The United States and will prevent future confiscations of the property of Loyalists;
7. Prisoners of war on both sides are to be released and all property left by the British Army in the United States and Canada unmolested (including slaves);
8. Great Britain and the United States were each to be given perpetual access to the Mississippi River
9. Territories captured by Americans subsequent to the treaty will be returned without compensation;
10. Ratification of the treaty was to occur within six months from the signing of the contracting parties.

November 2nd, 1783: General George Washington gives his Farewell Address to the Army at Rocky Hill, New Jersey.

Washington handing in his resignation as Commander-In-Chief.

November 25th, 1783: The Last British troops leave New York City 3 months after the signing of the Treaty of Paris.

December 21st, 1783: George Washington retires to his plantation in Mount Vernon, Virginia to “live a much more restful life”. He arrived home just in time for Christmas, (his wife Martha died from complications from child birth a long time ago, yes George is quite fertile in this timeline) to find Alexander Hamilton, a close friend of his in the Continental Congress, and his family waiting for him. Ever since Hamilton moved to Virginia (as opposed to New York IOTL) in the early 1770’s Washington had been a very good mentor to him. The company of Hamilton and his family at Christmas at Mount Vernon and the young nation finally at peace is a great joy for Washington since he spent the past 8 years with no rest.

December 25th, 1783: On Christmas Day Washington and the Hamilton family celebrate Christmas at Washington’s Mount Vernon plantation. Washington handed a note to Hamilton with some interesting news: A blood heir to Washington had been found, the letter included the birth papers of Alexander Hamilton and in those papers (which his mother claimed were lost) under the word “father” was the name “George Washington”. It is a very emotional moment for the whole family as Washington warmly embraces his son and daughter in-law. George Washington in just a few hours went from being a childless widow to a grandfather (the Hamiltons had a son, Philip, who was a month shy of being two with them). Both Washington and Hamilton agreed not to publicly let it be known of their blood relation.

December 31st, 1783: As the Hamiltons return to Richmond after spending 10 days at Mount Vernon with Washington, John Hancock begins drafting what he calls “the mother of all speeches”.

I know, alot of these events happened IRL. Just a warning for you alternate history buffs: there won't be any real drastic changes until about 1785. It's very hard to make up stuff that happens before the US started doing elections, that is why you'll see some entries dealing with the personal lives of our forefathers.
Also, I kind of suck at making maps so if anybody wants to help me create custom maps please message me.

[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.

[Mechaman]

Good start.

However, I have a few issues with Canadian independence by 1783. Firstly, a note that the names Ontario and Quebec applied to those specific territories are only in use since 1867 (though the Province of Quebec was used before to refer to a huge area including American land). Secondly, Ottawa only became important by the late 1840s-1850s. I'm not sure if Ottawa/Bytown as a city even existed in 1783 (we're a new city). Quebec City was the capital then.

In 1783, Ontario (Upper Canada) was very sparsely populated and only became important with the influx of Loyalists. French Catholics were the large majority of the Canadian population, concentrated in Lower Canada. New Brunswick became a colony in 1784, and it was a quasi-entirely empty piece of land then filled with woods (later to be exploited, though). I doubt Nova Scotia and Lower Canada, the only relevant parcels of land in 1783, would want to join together and if such a union would be economically viable or politically stable. As for what is now Manitoba, nothing but a bunch of Indians, bison and HBC land.

Damn it.
Well looks like Canadian Independence will have to be pushed back at least 20 years.
Sorry guys. But look on the bright side, Alexander Hamilton is still George Washington's bastard son!

[Mechaman]

Update.
One of the friggin powerlines near my house blew up today and the power was out from 1pm until 5:30. Luckily I did this on Microsoft Word and saved it like 2 minutes before the outage. I thought about just doing all of 1784, but just to torture you guys I'm going to end it with a cliffhanger. Hehehehehe smiley face!

[Mechaman]

Newest Update.
Warning, more drama.

1784:

January 14, 1784: The US Congress ratifies the Treaty of Paris with Great Britain to end the American Revolutionary War.

January 21, 1784: At a meeting of the Fifth Congress of the Confederation at Annapolis, Maryland, Massachussetts Governor John Hancock approaches the stage and makes one of the most grandiose speeches in American history:

“Gentlemen, we are gathered here today to discuss the future of these United States of America. The fact that this nation has succeeded where no other has before, a society free from the restraints placed on by rule of the oligarchy, is hope for all free men, women, and children the world over. We should not let this opportunity to let the possibilities of government of the free for the free by the free go to waste. Since the dawn of mankind there has never been a Union of States so dedicated to the purpose of liberal democracy and rule of the people and not of the elite. We must not fail, for our very success will dictate whether this world will fall into another thousand years of darkness under the oppressive tyranny of the murderous greed of emperors and kings, or once and forever crush the evil immoral legacy of oligarchy rule. Rule of the individual, now and forever.
However, how can we expect to for the survival of these “United” States when our central government has almost no power under these Articles? For these is no unity when no national currency exists, when the armies of this nation serve the interests of their own State and not of the whole free people of this young nation, when our nation doesn’t have enough money to protect its sailors from piracy at sea? By no means should we return to supreme rule of central government, but these Articles are in too much excess of the original intent of the foundation of our nation. Therefore, I recommend the reform of these Articles to guarantee a government that can best govern and protect these young people of this young nation. Thank you.”


Portrait of John Hancock supposedly writing up his "Now and Forever" Speech

February 2nd, 1784: At the Pinckney Estate in Charleston, South Carolina, South Carolina Representative Charles C. Pinckney starts talking politics with his younger brother Thomas (who had his wife Elizabeth with him, the couple was described by most people as “inseparable”) in the family den during the evening that goes on for 4 hours or so. Thomas is not interested in running for politics, but his brother says that the young America needs a strong devoted leader like Thomas. Thomas asks why Charles doesn’t feel up to it, considering that he’s already in office to which Charles says he doesn’t have the persona, charisma, and salesmanship of Thomas. Thomas says he just wants to live a peaceful life overseeing the family plantations and taking care of his young wife Elizabeth and his baby boy and girl (for a man of his time, Thomas Pinckney was very affectionate). Charles scoffs and says that if he didn’t know any better he would swear his brother was the mother of the household because of how he never puts “Elizabeth in her place” and “babies her with gifts and praises without end”. Thomas then replies “she is my baby” (Pinckney’s use of the word “baby” would become a widely used term of endearment in the American vernacular by the 1820s) which causes a very tender moment between him and Elizabeth. Charles gets up from his chair and announces that he’s going to leave before they continue the family line (couldn’t resist!).

February 21, 1784: George Washington wakes up and goes outside to take a drip when he notices blood in his urine. When he visits the doctor the doctor has no idea what is wrong and that this is something he has never seen before. He does say that whatever is affecting Washington has something to do with his prostate. Decades later when medical science has become more advanced will it finally be known that George Washington was suffering from prostate cancer.
Meanwhile in Charleston, South Carolina, Thomas Pinckney is pondering over the biggest decision of his life.

March 5, 1784: Alexander Hamilton receives a letter from his illegitimate father George Washington informing Hamilton that he has a very bad ailment. Hamilton cringes as he reads the symptoms described and hope the ailment is only temporary in his newly discovered father’s system.

April 17, 1784: At the Fifth Congress of the Confederation, Virginia delegate and writer of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, approaches the Congress with his own speech in regards to John Hancock’s speech in January:

"Gentlemen, a few months ago the honorable Governor of Massachusetts, Mr. John Hancock, approached this Congress of the Confederation with a statement about this great exercise in democracy known as the Articles of Confederation. As much as it pains me to say this but Mr. Hancock is right. There is no feasible way we can expect this union of free states to survive much longer unless significant reform measures are taken. I believe in individual liberty, I believe in small government, what I don’t believe in is granting 13 different states their own military, their own currency, hell even their own nations. How can we expect to protect these United States if we don’t even have enough money to save our sailors from pirates? For if we give unchecked power to state or federal entities, the rights of individuals everywhere would be in great jeopardy.
Therefore, with great reluctance I would like to introduce the “Article Reformation Act”, which calls for a system of “checks and balances” to prevent the usurpation of too much power by any one government entity over individual freedoms and rights. We don’t need a confederacy of states, we don’t need a monarchy, we need a republican system of governance that respects majority rule but also prevents tyranny of the majority."


Thomas Jefferson, at the time of the Fifth Congress of the Confederation.

April 19, 1784: The Congress of Confederation fails to pass Jefferson’s Article Reformation Act 28-22 (one of the few times that all delegates showed up to a session), opponents of the Act said it was either (a) too lenient on the States (federalist argument), or (b) was a betrayal of States Rights (hard core anti-federalist argument). As a result of this event the relationship between Jefferson and radical anti-federalist Patrick Henry would get icy. Moderates on both sides however, applaud Jefferson for having the courage to introduce a reform measure to the Articles despite opposition from fellow anti-federalists. A secret alliance between Jefferson, James Madison, John Adams, and other rational politicians would begin to create a “compromise plan” in regards to the Articles of Confederation.


The secret alliance of Anti-Administration and Pro-Administration officials debating over plan to reform the Articles of Confederation.

May 5th, 1784: At the state legislature building in Charleston, South Carolina, Thomas Pinckney walks up to his brother Charles and says simply: “You were right.” Onlookers to the exchange have no idea of what Thomas is referring to, but its effect would be widespread.

June 3rd, 1784: The Fifth Congress of the Confederation dismisses. At closing time it is announced that the Sixth Confederation Congress would commence on November 1, 1784 in Trenton, New Jersey. Also, a new President for Congress is to be elected no later than the end of the 1st month of commencement. Upon leaving the building Pennsylvania delegate Joseph Gardner exclaims “AIR!!!!!!” Everyone laughs because it was a joke on how many hours the Congress spent debating reform of the Articles of Confederation. Thomas Jefferson and fellow Virginian James Madison discuss the reforming the Article of Confederation on the way back to Virginia. James Madison tells Jefferson: “It’s only a matter of time before Congress approves of my plan.” Jefferson: “What plan?” Madison: “You’ll see”

[Mechaman]

Type everything out on Microsoft Word before posting.  That way, you can make sure everything is the way you want it to be.

That's wha I do man.
I'm just pissed off the powerline blew up.

[Mechaman]

This is what a good TL should be: fun, interesting, but most of all leaves you guessing as far as what happens next. This is especially fun for me, as I know far too little about early American history and far too much about modern politics.

I'm with you man, I know jack crap about early American history. In fact I spent 4 hours researching Wikipedia for information on the previous two entries. YOu won't believe how much research one must do to come up with events YEARS BEFORE we even have elections.

As for the TL, I view it like writing a story: These are more than politicians, they are people involved in this stage called Earth in the play named History. That is why I focus on certain individuals alot in their personal life, because I want people to come away not seeing these people simply as presidents or senators, but as true to life characters you can relate to. That's what I'm attempting to do with Thomas Pinckney right now because he is such a vital part of my storyline. We all know who Alexander Hamilton was, we all know who Thomas Jefferson was, but Thomas Pinckney....that's a character who nobody really knows anything about. I mean look at his wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Pinckney

That's like what, a tenth of the information on Hamilton or Jefferson? That gives me alot I can build off of, because nobody knows who this guy really is besides Pinckney's Treaty, and that's probably only the 10% of people who stayed awake during American History class. This gives me alot of opportunity to create a unique character unlike any seen in American history. More than that, I want to create a character who while you may not like his policies, you like the guy (if you like chick flicks you'll love him).

I have to warn everyone though: This timeline will take a long time. I will try to make an entry per day, whether it's a year, 8 months, 6 months, hell even 8 days in this storyline. Like I said in my first post this timeline will most likely take 1-3 years to complete. I will try as hard as I can to keep you guys waiting for updates, but remember this timeline will span 230 years (if it takes as long as I think it will), so it will be awhile before I get to the Progressive Era, hell even the Civil Era will take awhile to get to. Believe me, it kills me to wait this long before I get to those eras, but as a writer I'm dedicated to giving the greatest timeline experience I possibly can.

I know, many have failed what I'm trying to do and I can't guarantee I'll get this all the way done, but I can promise one thing: I will try damn hard to get it done.

I want to create more than just another timeline, I want to make this a story of a history that keeps you by the edge of your seat. Alot of stuff will stay the same, alot of stuff will change. But let me just say that for anyone who can't predict what happens next: You're not alone. Not even I know what will happen in the next half of 1784...........

[Mechaman]

I see that the Articles of Confederation must be different from those in OTL.  Votes in Congress under the Confederation were by State, not by Delegate.  You can see a remnant of that in the system used under the Constitution to elect a President if the election passes to the House.

Yeah, there must be a majority to pass a resolution ITTL. When the Articles were originally being discussed the delegates decided to pass a "loser's weepers" voting system to keep delegates interested in attending since some states vary in political issues (like Virginia, South Carolina or New York ITTL). After all, Alexander Hamilton (delegate from Richmond ITTL) would vote pretty differently on most issues than say Thomas Jefferson who is a delegate from the Charlottesville area. It's like the US Congress that eventually comes out of it and the electoral college.

In fact, alot of the Pro-Administration faction in the Congress of the Confederation voted "nay" on the Article Reformation Act because one of the demands was for "voting to be by state".

[Mechaman]

June 9th, 1784: Back at his estate at Montpelier, Virginia, James Madison locks himself away in his study for three days taking breaks only to eat or sleep. What he is working on is nobody’s idea.

June 12th, 1784: After three whole days of working nonstop on his “plan”, Madison breaks away from the desk to have a hearty breakfast. After finishing breakfast Madison packs up his “secret plans”, a change of clothes, readies his fastest horse named Sparrow, and heads off in the direction of Charlottesville. He stays at an inn located on the outskirts of Charlottesville for the night.


Madison’s obsession with “the plan” would cause him to age at an alarming rate, many people say it may have taken up to 20 years off of his life.

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.”
Back on the good ole Pinckney Estate near Charleston, South Carolina: Thomas takes Elizabeth on the daily morning horseback ride along the beach. On the beach she reveals that she is once again with child. This will be the Pinckney’s third child in their six year marriage. Times couldn’t get any happier for America’s happiest couple.
Back to Monticello: Madison and Jefferson spend all day in the Monticello library room discussing and researching about “the plan”. The “plan” while already being written, is too informal to present to Congress as it is, thus why Madison is visiting Jefferson. Also, they need a structural blueprint to make it appealable to the other delegates. Eventually they find the perfect blueprint: The State Constitution of Massachusetts of 1780. The person behind it? John Hancock.

June 14th, 1784: Madison leaves Monticello and heads back to Montpelier to prepare for a trip up north…..to Boston, Massachusetts.

July 4th, 1784: On the first official celebration of Independence Day, Jefferson holds a massive firepower (equivalent to fireworks) party on his estate. People from all over the Charlottesville area bring their friends and family to Monticello to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. When asked by the local printing press about the event, Jefferson made the curt reply: “For the record, I got that document done by July 2nd, it’s all Samuel Adams fault for being two days late to sign just to prove he had a one arm up on the town drunk.”
Elsewhere at the Hancock Estate, James Madison is the honorary guest for the first national holiday.

July 5th, 1784: Madison asks Hancock about the Massachusetts State Constitution. Hancock tells him that for record keeping purposes 4 copies of the original was made. Madison wants to know how to obtain a copy. Hancock says that the copies are kept in the record keeping room of the State Legislature building (duh) and that Madison will need approval from the General Assembly to get a hold of the copy with a majority vote. So Madison approaches the State Legislature of Massachusetts and makes his plea for a copy of the State Constitution. The General Assembly overwhelmingly votes “nay” fearing that Madison is just using the document “for curiosity’s sake, and curiosity killed the cat”. Madison feels shut down after the overwhelming defeat, so he goes to Samuel Adams house to stay while he pens a plea speech to the Massachusetts General Assembly for the copy of the State Constitution.

July 6th, 1784: Madison once again approaches the Massachusetts General Assembly and makes a very dramatic plea:
“Gentlemen, I know your state constitution is not a thing to merely be handed out to scholastics for reading material, I know it’s the blueprint that has given the people of your state freedom of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I know how irritating it is to have a visitor from out of state enter your presence requesting to take one of the few copies of the State Constitution, I know.
However, these are trying times my fellow Americans (first time any public official used the phrase “fellow Americans”), the Articles as they are right now will only result in widespread economic and social ruin for us all if drastic steps aren’t taken. My friends, I have spent the previous month I should’ve spent staying with friends and family trying to come up with “the plan” that will transform this young nation from just a simple “experiment in freedom” to the “victory of freedom” over the evil imperialism of the oligarchs who have brought misery and shame upon the people of this world since the dawn of civilization. If you want to have the responsibility telling your children and grandchildren they could’ve been free if only you had let James Madison have a copy of the State Constitution, then vote "nay". Your Constitution provides the very structure that can make that dream happen. Yes you, the General Assembly of Massachusetts, can provide the firepower that can ignite this dream of freedom! All you need to do is give me your “ayes”!”
As a result of Madison’s speech, the General Assembly of Massachusetts overwhelmingly votes “aye”, a dramatic reversal from the day before, to allow James Madison the right to access a copy of the State Constitution of Massachusetts.

The Old State House in Boston where James Madison made his case.

July 18th, 1784: About midday, 5 pirate ships attack Johns Island, South Carolina. Due to the underfunding of the South Carolina navy, the pirates are able to sail through the tidal Stono River and capture the island and hold everyone there hostage, including the young Elizabeth Pinckney and her two children: Thomas Jr. (age 4) and Harriot Lucas (age 2). Thomas Pinckney, who witnessed the event while on a walk with his good friend and mentor John Rutledge, runs back to his Estate to arm himself and ten of his male slaves and leads them to the town square. The onlookers are shocked by the display of Pinckney and his ten armed negro slaves. Pinckney gets in the middle of the square and proclaims: “They’ve taken our wives, they’ve taken our children, but by god they will not take our dignity! Who’s with me men?!” Men by the dozens start standing behind the former Continental Captain Thomas Pinckney, who gives the order: “Men, grab your arms.”
By late evening, about 120 men led by Thomas Pinckney, board 6 small ships and cross the Stono River to catch the pirates off guard in a night attack. The 4 ships make land a good mile away from the pirate encampment at about 11:00 PM at night. The men arrive within earshot of the pirate camp 20 minutes later. At 11:30 PM, they commence the attack on the mostly asleep pirates. The end result 30 minutes later is 180 plus dead pirates, only a few dead from Pinckney’s army, and no dead hostages.

[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:

You must be logged in to read this quote.

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 .

[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.”

[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.

[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.