Title: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on August 15, 2012, 08:13:24 PM
No, I haven’t forgotten about my other timeline which I’m taking a short break from. This timeline is centered on the POD of the Grants attending Ford theater on April 14th instead of quickly leaving the city. It ultimately develops into one of the most renowned assassinations that never was.
()
“General Grant?”
Ulysess S. Grant turns to see a young man walking towards him in the alley just outside of Ford’s theater where he decided to smoke a cigar as to catch some air while avoiding the large crowds around the city.
“Yes”
He responds slightly disappointed at being recognized.
“I just need a moment of your time, sir”
The man slowly begins getting too close for Grant’s comfort. Suddenly there is a sharp pain as he realizes the man has pulled a knife out. He falls to his knees. The young man continually stabs him until he reaches a total of 14 times. Ulysses “Sam” Grant slowly falls out of consciousness and is dead within moments.
Across town 2 other murders are taking shape.
()
Secretary of State Seward’s house is in total disarray while being raided by an unknown intruder. Fanny was pistol whipped and was knocked unconscious. Bell, the families African Servant was stabbed in the vertebrae, George Robinson and Augustus Seward were both killed brutally after trying to stop the man. Now however, there is no one to stop him. He beats Seward to a pulp and stabs him many, many times. Although there would be a chance at surviving Seward slowly bleeds to death as his family lies around him either dead or unconscious.
()
At the Kirkwood hotel Vice President Andrew Johnson is roused from his sleep within his hotel room. He was napping fully dressed and so takes little time to reach the door. Upon opening he sees a man, obviously drunk, holding a pistol which he slowly moves up and aims towards the Vice President’s head. He tries to cry out but noise escapes him. The last thing he hears is the sound of the gunshot and the last thing he sees in his killer standing over him.
()
“General Grant?”
Ulysess S. Grant turns to see a young man walking towards him in the alley just outside of Ford’s theater where he decided to smoke a cigar as to catch some air while avoiding the large crowds around the city.
“Yes”
He responds slightly disappointed at being recognized.
“I just need a moment of your time, sir”
The man slowly begins getting too close for Grant’s comfort. Suddenly there is a sharp pain as he realizes the man has pulled a knife out. He falls to his knees. The young man continually stabs him until he reaches a total of 14 times. Ulysses “Sam” Grant slowly falls out of consciousness and is dead within moments.
Across town 2 other murders are taking shape.
()
Secretary of State Seward’s house is in total disarray while being raided by an unknown intruder. Fanny was pistol whipped and was knocked unconscious. Bell, the families African Servant was stabbed in the vertebrae, George Robinson and Augustus Seward were both killed brutally after trying to stop the man. Now however, there is no one to stop him. He beats Seward to a pulp and stabs him many, many times. Although there would be a chance at surviving Seward slowly bleeds to death as his family lies around him either dead or unconscious.
()
At the Kirkwood hotel Vice President Andrew Johnson is roused from his sleep within his hotel room. He was napping fully dressed and so takes little time to reach the door. Upon opening he sees a man, obviously drunk, holding a pistol which he slowly moves up and aims towards the Vice President’s head. He tries to cry out but noise escapes him. The last thing he hears is the sound of the gunshot and the last thing he sees in his killer standing over him.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: FEMA Camp Administrator on August 15, 2012, 09:08:51 PM
Cool stuff!
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Jerseyrules on August 16, 2012, 01:33:14 AM
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on August 16, 2012, 05:43:48 PM
()
John Wilkes Booth felt as though fate was on his side. First the Lincolns had decided to go to Ford’s over Grover’s and now General Grant happened to be taking a smoke in the alley to the opposite side of where his horse was stored. Killing Grant had been easy enough. He didn’t have enough time to realize what was happening and begin to struggle. “Now”, he silently reassured himself “will come the end of the great tyrant and I shall become the most admired man of the South.” His thoughts drift to his escape as he heads closer and closer to the Presidential Box. Before he knows it he has arrived…….
()
Julia Grant was furious. First she was forced to go to the theater with the gossip Mary Lincoln and now she was stuck here all alone while Ulysses insisted on getting some air. Now that she thought about it he had been gone quite a while. Maybe she ought to go find him. “I’ll be back” she told Lincolns before silently getting up and walking towards the door. As she neared it she had a sudden feeling that she should stay in the box. She shrugged it off however and quickly exited the room eager for a break from the play.
()
As Booth neared the door it suddenly opened. Julia Grant was going somewhere. Presumably to find her husband. If she did then the plan would come crashing down. Moving out of the shadows he slowly creeps behind Mrs. Grant and just before she leaves the dark hallway he stabs her many times not thinking clearly while doing so. She just lets out a muffled cry and is knocked unconscious or possibly dead. Booth doesn’t have time for such issues and quickly abandons her body hoping no one comes down the hallway if the following minutes. He retraces his steps and sneaks silently into the box. He hears his cue from the play quickly takes aim at Lincoln’s head and fires. The audience is so loud no one hears but Mary Lincoln who immediately begins shrieking. Booth thinking quickly hits her and jumps down onto the stage. He shouts “Sic Semper Tyrannis.” Before darting out of the theater getting onto his horse and quickly riding away.
()
The crowd hearing Mary’s scream looks up following the strange man jumping onto the stage and yelling something in Latin. What they see shocks them the only visible person is Abraham Lincoln who is couched as though he is sleeping. Panic erupts as people see him as dead. The few doctors in the audience rush up to the box to assist him but on their way they see Julia Grant in the fetal position coughing up blood. Her dress is stained with it. One doctor urgently begins assisting her while the others continue moving. Within moments theater guests begin reaching the box as well. The doctor sends them out to find Ulysses and tell them to look everywhere around the theater including the alleys. Word soon begins spreading around Washington that Lincoln is dead and so is Mrs. Grant.
()
Edwin Stanton is awoken from sleep and immediately rushes towards the theater on the way hearing that a messenger had just arrived at the Seward House and found all but 2 people dead. Seward’s daughter and servant had luckily escaped with their lives. In complete urgency Stanton orders some Union soldiers to the Kirkwood to find Johnson and others to locate Grant at Ford’s. It only takes a few minutes for the soldiers to arrive at the hotel and when they do they find Johnson’s door ajar and the man himself dead on the floor.
At the theater Grant is found in almost the exact same situation as his wife only he has already passed. Many of the soldiers who first found him cannot hold back their tears and begin to weep. The 2 great leaders of the Civil War are dead.
John Wilkes Booth felt as though fate was on his side. First the Lincolns had decided to go to Ford’s over Grover’s and now General Grant happened to be taking a smoke in the alley to the opposite side of where his horse was stored. Killing Grant had been easy enough. He didn’t have enough time to realize what was happening and begin to struggle. “Now”, he silently reassured himself “will come the end of the great tyrant and I shall become the most admired man of the South.” His thoughts drift to his escape as he heads closer and closer to the Presidential Box. Before he knows it he has arrived…….
()
Julia Grant was furious. First she was forced to go to the theater with the gossip Mary Lincoln and now she was stuck here all alone while Ulysses insisted on getting some air. Now that she thought about it he had been gone quite a while. Maybe she ought to go find him. “I’ll be back” she told Lincolns before silently getting up and walking towards the door. As she neared it she had a sudden feeling that she should stay in the box. She shrugged it off however and quickly exited the room eager for a break from the play.
()
As Booth neared the door it suddenly opened. Julia Grant was going somewhere. Presumably to find her husband. If she did then the plan would come crashing down. Moving out of the shadows he slowly creeps behind Mrs. Grant and just before she leaves the dark hallway he stabs her many times not thinking clearly while doing so. She just lets out a muffled cry and is knocked unconscious or possibly dead. Booth doesn’t have time for such issues and quickly abandons her body hoping no one comes down the hallway if the following minutes. He retraces his steps and sneaks silently into the box. He hears his cue from the play quickly takes aim at Lincoln’s head and fires. The audience is so loud no one hears but Mary Lincoln who immediately begins shrieking. Booth thinking quickly hits her and jumps down onto the stage. He shouts “Sic Semper Tyrannis.” Before darting out of the theater getting onto his horse and quickly riding away.
()
The crowd hearing Mary’s scream looks up following the strange man jumping onto the stage and yelling something in Latin. What they see shocks them the only visible person is Abraham Lincoln who is couched as though he is sleeping. Panic erupts as people see him as dead. The few doctors in the audience rush up to the box to assist him but on their way they see Julia Grant in the fetal position coughing up blood. Her dress is stained with it. One doctor urgently begins assisting her while the others continue moving. Within moments theater guests begin reaching the box as well. The doctor sends them out to find Ulysses and tell them to look everywhere around the theater including the alleys. Word soon begins spreading around Washington that Lincoln is dead and so is Mrs. Grant.
()
Edwin Stanton is awoken from sleep and immediately rushes towards the theater on the way hearing that a messenger had just arrived at the Seward House and found all but 2 people dead. Seward’s daughter and servant had luckily escaped with their lives. In complete urgency Stanton orders some Union soldiers to the Kirkwood to find Johnson and others to locate Grant at Ford’s. It only takes a few minutes for the soldiers to arrive at the hotel and when they do they find Johnson’s door ajar and the man himself dead on the floor.
At the theater Grant is found in almost the exact same situation as his wife only he has already passed. Many of the soldiers who first found him cannot hold back their tears and begin to weep. The 2 great leaders of the Civil War are dead.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Jerseyrules on August 16, 2012, 09:14:08 PM
Keep it up!
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: FEMA Camp Administrator on August 17, 2012, 09:52:53 AM
Oh God. :( Some of the great American leaders are dead thanks to this madman. Please, Stanton, lead the witch hunt to bring him to justice!
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on August 17, 2012, 02:51:07 PM
()
It was now late evening in Washington and Booth plus all 3 of his counterparts managed to escape the city. With people running towards Ford’s theater it was all but impossible for Stanton’s “Union cronies” to get to the bridges in time. Plus Booth knew that once the soldiers did arrive the men guarding the bridge would lie and say no one went across to save themselves both the humiliation and punishment. Although he isn’t sure at this time whether or not this assumption was correct or not he soon discovers he was right.
()
Mary Surratt is nervous. She has just heard of how Booth’s plan went and knows she will likely be caught. She figures turning herself in would serve just as well and may clear her on most charges silently she prays the Hail Mary as she walks up to the Police Station. “Excuse me sir” she tells the officer manning the station. “I’ve got information on the assassins tonight.” The man looks startled. He quickly rushes off to talk to his superior who immediately goes to get Union officers. The desk clerk then takes Mrs. Surratt into custody.
Back at Ford’s Stanton takes charge of the situation. He orders the doctors and soldiers present to carefully transport the President across the street to the Peterson House. Mrs. Lincoln recovering from her blow to the face follows the procession but faints upon seeing the injured and bleeding Julia Grant who is to be taken to her hotel room where doctors are waiting. Upon seeing this Stanton makes a quick order of having Mrs. Lincoln moved back up to the theater box where she’ll be protected until she wakes. He then instructs Mrs. Grant’s doctors to move her immediately as her repetition of the word “Ulysses” was causing panic throughout the crowd who was now searching for the General.
()
Lincoln in Peterson House
As he exits the building Stanton is then caught by one of his messengers who tells him Grant has been stabbed to death. Stanton quickly responds “And what of Johnson?” When the messenger tells he doesn’t know Stanton begins worrying and calls for both the Speaker of the House and President Pro Tempore of the Senate as they all need to discuss the matter of succession now that it is clear Lincoln will not survive. It is then he discovers what has happened to the Vice President. Stanton is furious and yells out “God damn those rebel scum. I will bring death to all of them!”
Across the city news begins spreading. 3 men dead,1 woman seriously injured, and the President dying. Union troops comb the city searching for any suspicious people and seal off the city. Little do they know they’re too late.
In the midst of her interrogation Mary Surratt tells Union officers that the assassins will go to her tavern for weapons. He sends out a small force of Calvary and promises she will be pardoned if they even catch one of the other conspirators. Surratt appears relieved but is still nervous at spending the rest of the evening in Jail.
It was now late evening in Washington and Booth plus all 3 of his counterparts managed to escape the city. With people running towards Ford’s theater it was all but impossible for Stanton’s “Union cronies” to get to the bridges in time. Plus Booth knew that once the soldiers did arrive the men guarding the bridge would lie and say no one went across to save themselves both the humiliation and punishment. Although he isn’t sure at this time whether or not this assumption was correct or not he soon discovers he was right.
()
Mary Surratt is nervous. She has just heard of how Booth’s plan went and knows she will likely be caught. She figures turning herself in would serve just as well and may clear her on most charges silently she prays the Hail Mary as she walks up to the Police Station. “Excuse me sir” she tells the officer manning the station. “I’ve got information on the assassins tonight.” The man looks startled. He quickly rushes off to talk to his superior who immediately goes to get Union officers. The desk clerk then takes Mrs. Surratt into custody.
Back at Ford’s Stanton takes charge of the situation. He orders the doctors and soldiers present to carefully transport the President across the street to the Peterson House. Mrs. Lincoln recovering from her blow to the face follows the procession but faints upon seeing the injured and bleeding Julia Grant who is to be taken to her hotel room where doctors are waiting. Upon seeing this Stanton makes a quick order of having Mrs. Lincoln moved back up to the theater box where she’ll be protected until she wakes. He then instructs Mrs. Grant’s doctors to move her immediately as her repetition of the word “Ulysses” was causing panic throughout the crowd who was now searching for the General.
()
Lincoln in Peterson House
As he exits the building Stanton is then caught by one of his messengers who tells him Grant has been stabbed to death. Stanton quickly responds “And what of Johnson?” When the messenger tells he doesn’t know Stanton begins worrying and calls for both the Speaker of the House and President Pro Tempore of the Senate as they all need to discuss the matter of succession now that it is clear Lincoln will not survive. It is then he discovers what has happened to the Vice President. Stanton is furious and yells out “God damn those rebel scum. I will bring death to all of them!”
Across the city news begins spreading. 3 men dead,1 woman seriously injured, and the President dying. Union troops comb the city searching for any suspicious people and seal off the city. Little do they know they’re too late.
In the midst of her interrogation Mary Surratt tells Union officers that the assassins will go to her tavern for weapons. He sends out a small force of Calvary and promises she will be pardoned if they even catch one of the other conspirators. Surratt appears relieved but is still nervous at spending the rest of the evening in Jail.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on August 19, 2012, 06:15:02 PM
()
As the Lincoln assassins near Surratt’s tavern George Atzerodt is sent to scout ahead. Booth figures he is dim witted, a drunk, and not overly enthusiastic so he could be lost to the law if Surratt did betray them. Booth wants to take no chances even though Surratt’s boardinghouse was used as the primary meeting place. As Atzerodt nears the door he suddenly cries out. Union troops swarm out and capture him others begin moving towards the area where they saw him emerge. Taking their hint Booth and his other 2 riders press South, weaponless.
()
As it nears one in the morning Julia Grants passes away from her wounds. Across Washington crowds mourn and there is a great feeling of spite and revenge that the groups now feel towards the South. In the Peterson House Lincoln lays dying while Stanton, Colfax, and Foster all meet in the next room to discuss who shall replace Lincoln. Both Stanton and Colfax want the job but Foster, the one legally next in line, denies any interest fearing for both his life and the task of reuniting the now even more divided country. Foster then completely overlooks Colfax and states his support that Stanton be the next President and the secretary agrees, Stanton makes a proposal to be sent to Congress stating he will be temporary President as he is the highest remaining member of Lincoln’s cabinet but a special election be planned and held almost immediately. It is agreed upon but will not be able to be passed until Monday when Congress resumes work following the Easter holiday. However Colfax and Foster decide to supersede the holiday due to the emergency as it is necessary the legislation giving Foster and Colfax the job be repealed.
Surratt is awoken just as Atzerodt enters the prison. He sees her scowls realizing she has betrayed him and his partners as she is being released. She exits the prison and briskly walks back to her Boardinghouse where she tells her son to leave the country immediately as she fears for his life. He promises to set out as soon as possible. Mary Surratt is now a free and will be from all charges.
As the Lincoln assassins near Surratt’s tavern George Atzerodt is sent to scout ahead. Booth figures he is dim witted, a drunk, and not overly enthusiastic so he could be lost to the law if Surratt did betray them. Booth wants to take no chances even though Surratt’s boardinghouse was used as the primary meeting place. As Atzerodt nears the door he suddenly cries out. Union troops swarm out and capture him others begin moving towards the area where they saw him emerge. Taking their hint Booth and his other 2 riders press South, weaponless.
()
As it nears one in the morning Julia Grants passes away from her wounds. Across Washington crowds mourn and there is a great feeling of spite and revenge that the groups now feel towards the South. In the Peterson House Lincoln lays dying while Stanton, Colfax, and Foster all meet in the next room to discuss who shall replace Lincoln. Both Stanton and Colfax want the job but Foster, the one legally next in line, denies any interest fearing for both his life and the task of reuniting the now even more divided country. Foster then completely overlooks Colfax and states his support that Stanton be the next President and the secretary agrees, Stanton makes a proposal to be sent to Congress stating he will be temporary President as he is the highest remaining member of Lincoln’s cabinet but a special election be planned and held almost immediately. It is agreed upon but will not be able to be passed until Monday when Congress resumes work following the Easter holiday. However Colfax and Foster decide to supersede the holiday due to the emergency as it is necessary the legislation giving Foster and Colfax the job be repealed.
Surratt is awoken just as Atzerodt enters the prison. He sees her scowls realizing she has betrayed him and his partners as she is being released. She exits the prison and briskly walks back to her Boardinghouse where she tells her son to leave the country immediately as she fears for his life. He promises to set out as soon as possible. Mary Surratt is now a free and will be from all charges.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: FEMA Camp Administrator on August 19, 2012, 07:49:50 PM
Special Election! Cool. I wonder when it'll take place (November 1865?) and I'm guessing whoever becomes the Republican/National Union nominee will have an easy time. Either a good land-slide or a contentious election between warring rogue factions of the Republican party. (Radicals vs. Lincoln moderates?)
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on August 19, 2012, 07:56:02 PM
Special Election! Cool. I wonder when it'll take place (November 1865?) and I'm guessing whoever becomes the Republican/National Union nominee will have an easy time. Either a good land-slide or a contentious election between warring rogue factions of the Republican party. (Radicals vs. Lincoln moderates?)
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: FEMA Camp Administrator on August 19, 2012, 08:22:52 PM
Special Election! Cool. I wonder when it'll take place (November 1865?) and I'm guessing whoever becomes the Republican/National Union nominee will have an easy time. Either a good land-slide or a contentious election between warring rogue factions of the Republican party. (Radicals vs. Lincoln moderates?)
Yes!
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Jerseyrules on August 20, 2012, 08:41:11 PM
Special Election! Cool. I wonder when it'll take place (November 1865?) and I'm guessing whoever becomes the Republican/National Union nominee will have an easy time. Either a good land-slide or a contentious election between warring rogue factions of the Republican party. (Radicals vs. Lincoln moderates?)
Yes!
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: FEMA Camp Administrator on August 21, 2012, 06:44:44 PM
I hate to overwork a writer, given I myself have had cases of writer's block, confusion, and utter laziness, but I hope you're not too angry that I'm asking for more. Great stuff.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on August 21, 2012, 06:53:34 PM
Its fine I'm working on an update as we speak either out tonight or tomorrow morning! :)
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on August 21, 2012, 10:12:34 PM
Stanton couldn’t help but think about the President’s gravelly last breath earlier that morning. It haunted him, even when he left the Peterson house and was en-route to his office where the oath would be administered. All thoughts of the President’s death where averted, however, when a young Union Soldier approached him just outside the last door he’d pass through as a standard U.S. Citizen and the first one he’d pass through as a President.
“Sir we have the identities of the 4 collaborators.”
“And who are they?” Stanton was quick to respond. The sooner he found out the sooner he could organize a manhunt.
“John W. Booth, David Herold, Lewis Powell, and George Atzerodt.”
“Are you sure?” Stanton responded upon hearing the name of a quite famous actor. “
Yes sir,” the soldier responded.
“Several theater workers identified Booth and the woman who ran the boardinghouse where they met gave us the other names. She also gave their likely location and we were able to apprehend Atzerodt.”
“Where is he now” Stanton quickly asked.
“En route to Washington where we’ll keep him on the Montauk.”
“Very well, I’ll tend to those matters soon enough.” Stanton then entered his office.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
()
As Booth woke up he momentarily forgot where he was. “Lucy?” he said softly before opening his eyes and remembering all those events which had taken place in the previous evening. He looked around, seeing his counterparts and the vast bog that they were hiding in. Tonight they’d move. “Tomorrow I’ll be home free” was one of many thoughts that zipped through Booth’s head. After making a quick diary entry Booth crept out of parts of the woods and looked upon the Potomac River. His one and now only door to safe haven. But would he be able to cross it in time?”
()
Congress was in a frenzy. The immediate calling for an emergency session hadn’t gone unanswered by anyone. First they repealed all legislation that made the President Pro Tempore and Speaker of the House President based on the current situation as many preferred Stanton to the current President Pro Tempore, who himself, stated many times since the previous evening he wouldn't want the Presidency under any standards. Although Stanton’s proposals passed Congress divided on other issues. The Republicans wanting punishment for the South were styled Radicals by others within the party. The moderates were called just that the moderates. The Radicals passed several bills (they held majority in both houses) punishing the South including pushing the reentrance of all the state back a decade. Robert E. Lee was called to be taken into custody and so was any other captured General. Also rewards were issued for Jefferson Davis along with the Lincoln killers. As Schuyler Colfax (one of the few undecided on which party to join) watched the chaos of shouting, yelling, and debating he firmly decided he would be the next president.
()
Back at Stanton’s office Edwin enters the room and sees the Speaker of the House holding a Bible. He nervously walks towards him and follows his instructions word for word. I do solemnly swear that I Edwin Stanton will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. So help me God. Edwin Stanton was now the 17th President of the United States of America.
()
George Atzerodt knew he was in serious trouble. First he had killed the Vice President and then he fled the scene. Now having been captured because of the traitorous b---- Mary Surratt he was in prison and knew he would face death. The Union soldiers promised him many things if he told them where Booth was going and he needed to keep refusing. “The more time they have, the less likely it’ll be that I die in vain.” He continually thought to himself. But now after he told them e would cooperate they masked him bound him and gagged him. Silently in his dark room aboard the Montauk George Atzerodt began to cry.
“Sir we have the identities of the 4 collaborators.”
“And who are they?” Stanton was quick to respond. The sooner he found out the sooner he could organize a manhunt.
“John W. Booth, David Herold, Lewis Powell, and George Atzerodt.”
“Are you sure?” Stanton responded upon hearing the name of a quite famous actor. “
Yes sir,” the soldier responded.
“Several theater workers identified Booth and the woman who ran the boardinghouse where they met gave us the other names. She also gave their likely location and we were able to apprehend Atzerodt.”
“Where is he now” Stanton quickly asked.
“En route to Washington where we’ll keep him on the Montauk.”
“Very well, I’ll tend to those matters soon enough.” Stanton then entered his office.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
()
As Booth woke up he momentarily forgot where he was. “Lucy?” he said softly before opening his eyes and remembering all those events which had taken place in the previous evening. He looked around, seeing his counterparts and the vast bog that they were hiding in. Tonight they’d move. “Tomorrow I’ll be home free” was one of many thoughts that zipped through Booth’s head. After making a quick diary entry Booth crept out of parts of the woods and looked upon the Potomac River. His one and now only door to safe haven. But would he be able to cross it in time?”
()
Congress was in a frenzy. The immediate calling for an emergency session hadn’t gone unanswered by anyone. First they repealed all legislation that made the President Pro Tempore and Speaker of the House President based on the current situation as many preferred Stanton to the current President Pro Tempore, who himself, stated many times since the previous evening he wouldn't want the Presidency under any standards. Although Stanton’s proposals passed Congress divided on other issues. The Republicans wanting punishment for the South were styled Radicals by others within the party. The moderates were called just that the moderates. The Radicals passed several bills (they held majority in both houses) punishing the South including pushing the reentrance of all the state back a decade. Robert E. Lee was called to be taken into custody and so was any other captured General. Also rewards were issued for Jefferson Davis along with the Lincoln killers. As Schuyler Colfax (one of the few undecided on which party to join) watched the chaos of shouting, yelling, and debating he firmly decided he would be the next president.
()
Back at Stanton’s office Edwin enters the room and sees the Speaker of the House holding a Bible. He nervously walks towards him and follows his instructions word for word. I do solemnly swear that I Edwin Stanton will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. So help me God. Edwin Stanton was now the 17th President of the United States of America.
()
George Atzerodt knew he was in serious trouble. First he had killed the Vice President and then he fled the scene. Now having been captured because of the traitorous b---- Mary Surratt he was in prison and knew he would face death. The Union soldiers promised him many things if he told them where Booth was going and he needed to keep refusing. “The more time they have, the less likely it’ll be that I die in vain.” He continually thought to himself. But now after he told them e would cooperate they masked him bound him and gagged him. Silently in his dark room aboard the Montauk George Atzerodt began to cry.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: MASHED POTATOES. VOTE! on August 22, 2012, 01:50:08 PM
It's very interesting, but completely incorrect.
According to the Presidential Succession Act, the President pro tempore of the Senate would serve as Acting President until special election.
From 1792 to 1886 the line of succession was as follows:
1. Vice President
2. President pro tempore
3. Speaker of the House
Cabinet officers were not included to the line of succession until 1886.
Of course, due to events in your TL, Congress could amend this in order to allow Stanton to serve as Acting President, but the law is not retrospective.
Therefore, Senate PPT Lafayette S. Foster would succeed Lincoln.
According to the Presidential Succession Act, the President pro tempore of the Senate would serve as Acting President until special election.
From 1792 to 1886 the line of succession was as follows:
1. Vice President
2. President pro tempore
3. Speaker of the House
Cabinet officers were not included to the line of succession until 1886.
Of course, due to events in your TL, Congress could amend this in order to allow Stanton to serve as Acting President, but the law is not retrospective.
Therefore, Senate PPT Lafayette S. Foster would succeed Lincoln.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: MASHED POTATOES. VOTE! on August 22, 2012, 01:54:07 PM
If I may suggest an easy way to resolve this problem:
Foster is succeeding Lincoln as per law, but since political establishment want Stanton to become President, Congress may quickly amend the act and Foster would simply resign in Stanton's favor. Legitimacy is saved.
Foster is succeeding Lincoln as per law, but since political establishment want Stanton to become President, Congress may quickly amend the act and Foster would simply resign in Stanton's favor. Legitimacy is saved.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on August 22, 2012, 02:53:41 PM
If I may suggest an easy way to resolve this problem:
Foster is succeeding Lincoln as per law, but since political establishment want Stanton to become President, Congress may quickly amend the act and Foster would simply resign in Stanton's favor. Legitimacy is saved.
Foster is succeeding Lincoln as per law, but since political establishment want Stanton to become President, Congress may quickly amend the act and Foster would simply resign in Stanton's favor. Legitimacy is saved.
Very well, I'll edit it in as to save accuracy. Forgot about the Pro Tempore being after the President. Instead of Foster even being sworn in I'm just having him refuse the job fearing for his life following the assassinations of the leaders above him. Although technically in the hours between Lincoln's death and Stanton's inauguration he is President his "rule" per say is to short and ignored by everyone, including Lafayette Foster himself.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on August 27, 2012, 12:52:41 AM
Update this morning (Pacific Time)
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on August 27, 2012, 10:20:23 AM
()
Finally the night had arrived. John Wilkes Booth was to escape across the Potomac. A local man had been easily convinced to take them across the river and off they had went. Now in the middle of the Potomac Booth finds out about the new President. “Stanton was chosen, it was a tough situation though with Colfax seeming so eager.” The local man informs Booth, Herold, and Powell. This information surprises John. “First they elect a tyrant and now they overlook rules set by the founders? What is this goddam nation coming to?” he says, with a harsh tone of disdain. “What a nightmare.” The man seems slightly perplexed. “And what do you, a northerner, have against the Union of the States?” This response infuriates Booth. He hates being held as one of the people who caused in his opinion, the bloodshed that was the Civil War. He doesn’t respond and this gives the boat man a sense of anxiety. Brushing it off he continues across the river.
The Union officers have just caught a break. Several Union soldiers unaware of the Presidents assassination due to their return home tell the detectives that they saw a boat with 4 men crossing the river. They send a telegram to Stanton’s secretary who immediately responds with the President’s sentiment that they must capture the men dead or alive.
()
Arguments on the House Floor
Edwin Stanton is now worried. With the prospect of a new election just 7 months away he needs to know whether or not he’ll run for an actual term. He decides against it after a little thought. He knows he probably would be the only one to keep the Republican party united between the Radicals and the newly styled “Lincolnians”. As he stares out of his office he calls his secretary to him. “Arrange a speech for tomorrow afternoon.” The man doesn’t respond but quickly goes off to do his new duty. Stanton now settles in for an Easter of speech writing. Little does he know he’s just sealed the fate of the Republican party.
()
Richard H. Garrett was mildly outraged. 3 unknown men had just came sauntering up to his house claiming to be soldiers of the Confederate Army but then they demand lodging on Easter. Garrett may still be a loyal Confederate but he is also religious and taking men in on Easter instead of celebrating the Lord’s Resurrection is just to much to ask. “Go on friends, there’s no lodging here. Sure the man with the mustache had pulled a knife and threatened him but he stood his ground. Suddenly, right now, he realized something. “Those men! The dead President!” Richard Garrett faints on his farm in Northern Virginia.
Finally the night had arrived. John Wilkes Booth was to escape across the Potomac. A local man had been easily convinced to take them across the river and off they had went. Now in the middle of the Potomac Booth finds out about the new President. “Stanton was chosen, it was a tough situation though with Colfax seeming so eager.” The local man informs Booth, Herold, and Powell. This information surprises John. “First they elect a tyrant and now they overlook rules set by the founders? What is this goddam nation coming to?” he says, with a harsh tone of disdain. “What a nightmare.” The man seems slightly perplexed. “And what do you, a northerner, have against the Union of the States?” This response infuriates Booth. He hates being held as one of the people who caused in his opinion, the bloodshed that was the Civil War. He doesn’t respond and this gives the boat man a sense of anxiety. Brushing it off he continues across the river.
The Union officers have just caught a break. Several Union soldiers unaware of the Presidents assassination due to their return home tell the detectives that they saw a boat with 4 men crossing the river. They send a telegram to Stanton’s secretary who immediately responds with the President’s sentiment that they must capture the men dead or alive.
()
Arguments on the House Floor
Edwin Stanton is now worried. With the prospect of a new election just 7 months away he needs to know whether or not he’ll run for an actual term. He decides against it after a little thought. He knows he probably would be the only one to keep the Republican party united between the Radicals and the newly styled “Lincolnians”. As he stares out of his office he calls his secretary to him. “Arrange a speech for tomorrow afternoon.” The man doesn’t respond but quickly goes off to do his new duty. Stanton now settles in for an Easter of speech writing. Little does he know he’s just sealed the fate of the Republican party.
()
Richard H. Garrett was mildly outraged. 3 unknown men had just came sauntering up to his house claiming to be soldiers of the Confederate Army but then they demand lodging on Easter. Garrett may still be a loyal Confederate but he is also religious and taking men in on Easter instead of celebrating the Lord’s Resurrection is just to much to ask. “Go on friends, there’s no lodging here. Sure the man with the mustache had pulled a knife and threatened him but he stood his ground. Suddenly, right now, he realized something. “Those men! The dead President!” Richard Garrett faints on his farm in Northern Virginia.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on September 02, 2012, 12:26:47 AM
NOTE: Now that I’ve settled events in Washington this update will be on the sole conclusion of the Conspirators. I plan to continue until the Special Election at which point an epilogue will be given detailing the future of the nation and what it learned from this great travesty.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: FEMA Camp Administrator on September 02, 2012, 01:30:40 PM
Cool stuff. Really looking forward to the election!
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on September 02, 2012, 06:15:02 PM
Resolution of the Conspirators
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Lincoln's Funeral
The next few days proved to be at times perilous and at others hopeful for the grieving nation. Lincoln’s funeral was duly held (at the expense of his widow’s sanity, however) and the manhunt was in full swing to capture any and all believed to be involved in the Conspiracy. The morale continued to decline, however, when it was discovered John Surratt had fled and was no where to be found. Mary, his mother, was already guaranteed her safety and fearing for her life fled D.C. for the countryside where she then set up a permanent residence with her daughter near her tavern.
()
Life would not be easy for Booth, Powell, and Herold. Following their rejection by Thomas Garrett they began wandering with starving Confederate Veterans. Booth couldn’t contain himself and told many what he had done. Some agreed with his choices and others did not. One, whose name is long forgotten, disagreed so much he told several Union officers about seeing Booth and they began to track him. Almost a full month after Lincoln’s killing Booth and his followers were subjected to capture by the Union Army in rural North Carolina. They were taken back to Washington where a quick, slightly unfair, war trial was held and found all 3 men as well as their companion George Atzerodt guilty and sentenced them to death. Booth’s last words just seconds before death were “God damn America!” President Seward himself attended the hanging and expresses hatred for Booth’s saying. Upon the executions completion he ordered their bodies to be cremated instead of giving them the usual right of burial. The ashes were then encased in a box given to the U.S. Government. To this day it is considered classified and is unavailable for public display.
Although not directly involved in the killing of the leaders Lincoln’s half drunk, off duty bodyguard was punished severely. We was sentenced to 10 years of jail time of which we only served 5 before dying. Today many scholars still argue over whether or not he deserved his punishment.
()
Robert E. Lee was taken into military custody and was severely mistreated while in prison. He was acquitted after around 7 months behind bars by the next president ;). However, his strength, dignity, wealth, and land had all been lost in the war and he died just 1 year upon being freed as a very poor man.
()
Jefferson Davis was captured in the Florida Everglades by some Seminoles and was immediately sentenced to death. Although the Lincolnians supported his pardoning the Radicals held majority and saw that he was hung on July 7th, 1865. His wife pleaded to the government to spare his life and upon her failure went insane.
()
Lincoln's Funeral
The next few days proved to be at times perilous and at others hopeful for the grieving nation. Lincoln’s funeral was duly held (at the expense of his widow’s sanity, however) and the manhunt was in full swing to capture any and all believed to be involved in the Conspiracy. The morale continued to decline, however, when it was discovered John Surratt had fled and was no where to be found. Mary, his mother, was already guaranteed her safety and fearing for her life fled D.C. for the countryside where she then set up a permanent residence with her daughter near her tavern.
()
Life would not be easy for Booth, Powell, and Herold. Following their rejection by Thomas Garrett they began wandering with starving Confederate Veterans. Booth couldn’t contain himself and told many what he had done. Some agreed with his choices and others did not. One, whose name is long forgotten, disagreed so much he told several Union officers about seeing Booth and they began to track him. Almost a full month after Lincoln’s killing Booth and his followers were subjected to capture by the Union Army in rural North Carolina. They were taken back to Washington where a quick, slightly unfair, war trial was held and found all 3 men as well as their companion George Atzerodt guilty and sentenced them to death. Booth’s last words just seconds before death were “God damn America!” President Seward himself attended the hanging and expresses hatred for Booth’s saying. Upon the executions completion he ordered their bodies to be cremated instead of giving them the usual right of burial. The ashes were then encased in a box given to the U.S. Government. To this day it is considered classified and is unavailable for public display.
Although not directly involved in the killing of the leaders Lincoln’s half drunk, off duty bodyguard was punished severely. We was sentenced to 10 years of jail time of which we only served 5 before dying. Today many scholars still argue over whether or not he deserved his punishment.
()
Robert E. Lee was taken into military custody and was severely mistreated while in prison. He was acquitted after around 7 months behind bars by the next president ;). However, his strength, dignity, wealth, and land had all been lost in the war and he died just 1 year upon being freed as a very poor man.
()
Jefferson Davis was captured in the Florida Everglades by some Seminoles and was immediately sentenced to death. Although the Lincolnians supported his pardoning the Radicals held majority and saw that he was hung on July 7th, 1865. His wife pleaded to the government to spare his life and upon her failure went insane.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on September 04, 2012, 12:48:47 AM
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The following months were very chaotic in Washington. In early May Schuyler Colfax put forward and sucessfully passed a bill that would punish states that had seceeded by making it 10 years before they'd be readmitted. Many considered the young leader to be a likely Lincolnian buthe sided with the radicals. His diary provides insight as he shares that he would have become a Lincolnian but "too many brave men have fallen to the hands of the rebels". The memberships figures of Congress were quite shocking as the Radicals controlled the House and the Senate-
U.S. House 38th Congress
Speaker: Schuyler Colfax-R
Majority Leader: Thaddeus Stevens-R
Radical Republicans: 95
Lincolnians:55
Unaffiliated Democrats: 30
Total: 180
U.S. Senate 38th Congress
President: Vacant
President Pro Tempore: Daniel Clark-R
Majority Leader: Henry B Anthony-R
Radical Republicans: 25
Lincolnians: 22
Unaffiliated Democrats: 1
Total: 48
Speaker: Schuyler Colfax-R
Majority Leader: Thaddeus Stevens-R
Radical Republicans: 95
Lincolnians:55
Unaffiliated Democrats: 30
Total: 180
U.S. Senate 38th Congress
President: Vacant
President Pro Tempore: Daniel Clark-R
Majority Leader: Henry B Anthony-R
Radical Republicans: 25
Lincolnians: 22
Unaffiliated Democrats: 1
Total: 48
The new 2 parties were composed as such:
Radical Republican Party- The Radical Republican Party consisted of Union Party Members, embittered Democrats, and Republicans seeking revenge against the South. The Party believed in delayed reunion, full rights for African Americans, temporary military governments for the South, and severe punishments towards all Southern leaders. They dominated congress and gained all of their goals by November 1865.
The Lincolnian Party- The Lincolnians were primarily Democrats from border states and neutral Republicans. They believed in early reunion, no punishment for those who seceeded and full rights restored to the South as a way to end resentment of either side. They passed little legislation in the 38th congress as they were out of power. However, one of the few bills which did pass was the freeing of Robert E. Lee.
The President, Stanton, refused to take a side believing the parties should be united in the time of mourning for the nation. However, he did have heavy Radical sympathies and signed almost all of their bills into law.
By June people began stating their presidential intentions. The quickly planned conventions were approaching the Radical's would be held in New York City while the Lincolnians chose Chicago in honor of the slain President. Here are the candidates who decided to run-
Radicals-
Schuyler Colfax
Thaddeus Stevens
Charles Sumner
John C. Fremont
Benjamin Wade
Lincolnians-
Samuel C. Pomeroy
James Harlan
Thomas Hendricks
William A. Richarson
As the conventions began no candidate was favored for either party.
()
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: FEMA Camp Administrator on September 04, 2012, 04:47:09 PM
I was just thinking that Grant might serve as a united figure. Too bad he's dead. :( I'm thinking that other Civil War leaders might be pushed forward as a unity candidate. A couple of our Presidents, Hayes, Garfield, and Harrison, all served in some leadership positions in the Civil War.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Person Man on September 04, 2012, 04:52:07 PM
...but it has already been established that the Republican Party would split..
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on September 04, 2012, 09:18:21 PM
I was just thinking that Grant might serve as a united figure. Too bad he's dead. :( I'm thinking that other Civil War leaders might be pushed forward as a unity candidate. A couple of our Presidents, Hayes, Garfield, and Harrison, all served in some leadership positions in the Civil War.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on September 05, 2012, 12:45:38 AM
1865 Radical Republican Party Special National Convention PART 1
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()
The Radical Convention began in New York on July 10th in New York City. When delegates arrived many were still undecided on which candidate to choose. In the mid Afternoon the crowd at the Convention Hall was in awe with their Speaker. President Stanton, himself, was officially addressing the Delegates/Convention goers. His speech was being well received and was considered both educational and witty. He did mention he'd be traveling to Chicago in the next week but his most important line in the speech was: "and so delegates I ask of you to vote for one man. A true Patriot while our nation was in distress, Schuyler Colfax!" The crowd erupted in cheers and boos simultaneously and shock was everywhere. Thaddeus Stevens the "darling" of the Radical movement and a Presidential Candidate was outraged and confronted the President following the speech in one of the hallways. As voting was scheduled to begin within hours he believed Stanton ruined his chances.
The first ballot was surprisingly close, Colfax and Stevens were tied and Fremont came in a close third. All other candidates but these 3 dropped out following the initial results. No candidate, however, had gained a delegate majority so a second ballot was scheduled with the 3 remaining candidates.......
The 1st Ballot
Colfax- 152 32.6%
Stevens- 147 31.6%
Fremont- 136 29.2%
Sumner- 19 4.0%
Wade- 11 2.3%
Total- 465 Delegates
233 needed for majority
Colfax- 152 32.6%
Stevens- 147 31.6%
Fremont- 136 29.2%
Sumner- 19 4.0%
Wade- 11 2.3%
Total- 465 Delegates
233 needed for majority
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Gass3268 on September 05, 2012, 03:14:06 PM
Any chance that we could see a Radical Republican Congress consider redrawing the boarders of the states of the Confederacy when they are admitted in order to create states that are bound to vote for Republicans. Basically a Gerrymander of the South. Off the top of my head I can think of 3 to 4 Appalachian states and 4-5 majority black states that could be created. I'll make a map of what I'm trying to say.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: FEMA Camp Administrator on September 05, 2012, 03:35:05 PM
Any chance that we could see a Radical Republican Congress consider redrawing the boarders of the states of the Confederacy when they are admitted in order to create states that are bound to vote for Republicans. Basically a Gerrymander of the South. Off the top of my head I can think of 3 to 4 Appalachian states and 4-5 majority black states that could be created. I'll make a map of what I'm trying to say.
That'd be pretty cool. Basically just leaving the tobacco and plains areas to Democrats.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on September 05, 2012, 04:25:46 PM
Any chance that we could see a Radical Republican Congress consider redrawing the boarders of the states of the Confederacy when they are admitted in order to create states that are bound to vote for Republicans. Basically a Gerrymander of the South. Off the top of my head I can think of 3 to 4 Appalachian states and 4-5 majority black states that could be created. I'll make a map of what I'm trying to say.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Gass3268 on September 05, 2012, 09:30:17 PM
()
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Gass3268 on September 05, 2012, 10:16:54 PM
Goals of the Map of the New South
1. Create 5 African-American majority or plurality states, based on 1860 slavery census numbers. This was done in Northeast North Carolina/ Southeast Virginia, Eastern Georgia/ a majority of South Carolina, Northern Florida/Southwestern Georgia, Central Alabama/Western Georgia, Mississippi River Delta consisting of counties from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, and lastly Eastern Texas.
2. Create 2 Pro-Union Appalachian states loosely based on the county votes for secession. This was done in Western North Carolina/Eastern Tennessee and Northern Alabama, Northern Georgia and Western South Carolina.
3. Reward the Border States and territories that remained loyal to the Union. This including expanding Maryland, Washington DC and West Virginia into Virginia, expanding Kentucky along the Mississippi into Tennessee, expanding Missouri into Northern Arkansas and Indian Territory/Oklahoma into the Texas Panhandle.
4. Divide Texas into 3. A plurality African-American state in East Texas, a Central Texas state and returning the low populated Western/Southern Texas back to a territory.
5. The remaining areas 6 areas will become overly majority white. Also when making the map I wanted to restrict their access to the Mississippi River.
6. Lastly I was thinking about the renaming of the States. The African-American, Pro-Union and Border States states would be able to name their states as they wish. The 6 Rebel States would have their names chosen by the Federal Government. Some Ideas would be Lincoln for the Central North Carolina/Central Virginia state, Sherman for what’s left of Georgia, Johnson for Eastern Mississippi/Western Tennessee, Grant for Southern Arkansas/Western Louisiana, Houston for Central Texas, Rio Grande for the new Southern/Western Texas Territory, Farragut for West Florida and Seward for East Florida.
Thoughts?
1. Create 5 African-American majority or plurality states, based on 1860 slavery census numbers. This was done in Northeast North Carolina/ Southeast Virginia, Eastern Georgia/ a majority of South Carolina, Northern Florida/Southwestern Georgia, Central Alabama/Western Georgia, Mississippi River Delta consisting of counties from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, and lastly Eastern Texas.
2. Create 2 Pro-Union Appalachian states loosely based on the county votes for secession. This was done in Western North Carolina/Eastern Tennessee and Northern Alabama, Northern Georgia and Western South Carolina.
3. Reward the Border States and territories that remained loyal to the Union. This including expanding Maryland, Washington DC and West Virginia into Virginia, expanding Kentucky along the Mississippi into Tennessee, expanding Missouri into Northern Arkansas and Indian Territory/Oklahoma into the Texas Panhandle.
4. Divide Texas into 3. A plurality African-American state in East Texas, a Central Texas state and returning the low populated Western/Southern Texas back to a territory.
5. The remaining areas 6 areas will become overly majority white. Also when making the map I wanted to restrict their access to the Mississippi River.
6. Lastly I was thinking about the renaming of the States. The African-American, Pro-Union and Border States states would be able to name their states as they wish. The 6 Rebel States would have their names chosen by the Federal Government. Some Ideas would be Lincoln for the Central North Carolina/Central Virginia state, Sherman for what’s left of Georgia, Johnson for Eastern Mississippi/Western Tennessee, Grant for Southern Arkansas/Western Louisiana, Houston for Central Texas, Rio Grande for the new Southern/Western Texas Territory, Farragut for West Florida and Seward for East Florida.
Thoughts?
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on September 05, 2012, 11:16:32 PM
Goals of the Map of the New South
1. Create 5 African-American majority or plurality states, based on 1860 slavery census numbers. This was done in Northeast North Carolina/ Southeast Virginia, Eastern Georgia/ a majority of South Carolina, Northern Florida/Southwestern Georgia, Central Alabama/Western Georgia, Mississippi River Delta consisting of counties from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, and lastly Eastern Texas.
2. Create 2 Pro-Union Appalachian states loosely based on the county votes for secession. This was done in Western North Carolina/Eastern Tennessee and Northern Alabama, Northern Georgia and Western South Carolina.
3. Reward the Border States and territories that remained loyal to the Union. This including expanding Maryland, Washington DC and West Virginia into Virginia, expanding Kentucky along the Mississippi into Tennessee, expanding Missouri into Northern Arkansas and Indian Territory/Oklahoma into the Texas Panhandle.
4. Divide Texas into 3. A plurality African-American state in East Texas, a Central Texas state and returning the low populated Western/Southern Texas back to a territory.
5. The remaining areas 6 areas will become overly majority white. Also when making the map I wanted to restrict their access to the Mississippi River.
6. Lastly I was thinking about the renaming of the States. The African-American, Pro-Union and Border States states would be able to name their states as they wish. The 6 Rebel States would have their names chosen by the Federal Government. Some Ideas would be Lincoln for the Central North Carolina/Central Virginia state, Sherman for what’s left of Georgia, Johnson for Eastern Mississippi/Western Tennessee, Grant for Southern Arkansas/Western Louisiana, Houston for Central Texas, Rio Grande for the new Southern/Western Texas Territory, Farragut for West Florida and Seward for East Florida.
Thoughts?
1. Create 5 African-American majority or plurality states, based on 1860 slavery census numbers. This was done in Northeast North Carolina/ Southeast Virginia, Eastern Georgia/ a majority of South Carolina, Northern Florida/Southwestern Georgia, Central Alabama/Western Georgia, Mississippi River Delta consisting of counties from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, and lastly Eastern Texas.
2. Create 2 Pro-Union Appalachian states loosely based on the county votes for secession. This was done in Western North Carolina/Eastern Tennessee and Northern Alabama, Northern Georgia and Western South Carolina.
3. Reward the Border States and territories that remained loyal to the Union. This including expanding Maryland, Washington DC and West Virginia into Virginia, expanding Kentucky along the Mississippi into Tennessee, expanding Missouri into Northern Arkansas and Indian Territory/Oklahoma into the Texas Panhandle.
4. Divide Texas into 3. A plurality African-American state in East Texas, a Central Texas state and returning the low populated Western/Southern Texas back to a territory.
5. The remaining areas 6 areas will become overly majority white. Also when making the map I wanted to restrict their access to the Mississippi River.
6. Lastly I was thinking about the renaming of the States. The African-American, Pro-Union and Border States states would be able to name their states as they wish. The 6 Rebel States would have their names chosen by the Federal Government. Some Ideas would be Lincoln for the Central North Carolina/Central Virginia state, Sherman for what’s left of Georgia, Johnson for Eastern Mississippi/Western Tennessee, Grant for Southern Arkansas/Western Louisiana, Houston for Central Texas, Rio Grande for the new Southern/Western Texas Territory, Farragut for West Florida and Seward for East Florida.
Thoughts?
This is soo perfect for so meny reason! I love the naming ideas and logic in which these states were created I'm 99% certain I'll be able to incorporate this and think you did a GREAT JOB this map is nearly perfect! I agree with the names you mentioned as well as several others..... this could really work out nice! :)
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Gass3268 on September 06, 2012, 04:01:03 PM
Goals of the Map of the New South
1. Create 5 African-American majority or plurality states, based on 1860 slavery census numbers. This was done in Northeast North Carolina/ Southeast Virginia, Eastern Georgia/ a majority of South Carolina, Northern Florida/Southwestern Georgia, Central Alabama/Western Georgia, Mississippi River Delta consisting of counties from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, and lastly Eastern Texas.
2. Create 2 Pro-Union Appalachian states loosely based on the county votes for secession. This was done in Western North Carolina/Eastern Tennessee and Northern Alabama, Northern Georgia and Western South Carolina.
3. Reward the Border States and territories that remained loyal to the Union. This including expanding Maryland, Washington DC and West Virginia into Virginia, expanding Kentucky along the Mississippi into Tennessee, expanding Missouri into Northern Arkansas and Indian Territory/Oklahoma into the Texas Panhandle.
4. Divide Texas into 3. A plurality African-American state in East Texas, a Central Texas state and returning the low populated Western/Southern Texas back to a territory.
5. The remaining areas 6 areas will become overly majority white. Also when making the map I wanted to restrict their access to the Mississippi River.
6. Lastly I was thinking about the renaming of the States. The African-American, Pro-Union and Border States states would be able to name their states as they wish. The 6 Rebel States would have their names chosen by the Federal Government. Some Ideas would be Lincoln for the Central North Carolina/Central Virginia state, Sherman for what’s left of Georgia, Johnson for Eastern Mississippi/Western Tennessee, Grant for Southern Arkansas/Western Louisiana, Houston for Central Texas, Rio Grande for the new Southern/Western Texas Territory, Farragut for West Florida and Seward for East Florida.
Thoughts?
1. Create 5 African-American majority or plurality states, based on 1860 slavery census numbers. This was done in Northeast North Carolina/ Southeast Virginia, Eastern Georgia/ a majority of South Carolina, Northern Florida/Southwestern Georgia, Central Alabama/Western Georgia, Mississippi River Delta consisting of counties from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, and lastly Eastern Texas.
2. Create 2 Pro-Union Appalachian states loosely based on the county votes for secession. This was done in Western North Carolina/Eastern Tennessee and Northern Alabama, Northern Georgia and Western South Carolina.
3. Reward the Border States and territories that remained loyal to the Union. This including expanding Maryland, Washington DC and West Virginia into Virginia, expanding Kentucky along the Mississippi into Tennessee, expanding Missouri into Northern Arkansas and Indian Territory/Oklahoma into the Texas Panhandle.
4. Divide Texas into 3. A plurality African-American state in East Texas, a Central Texas state and returning the low populated Western/Southern Texas back to a territory.
5. The remaining areas 6 areas will become overly majority white. Also when making the map I wanted to restrict their access to the Mississippi River.
6. Lastly I was thinking about the renaming of the States. The African-American, Pro-Union and Border States states would be able to name their states as they wish. The 6 Rebel States would have their names chosen by the Federal Government. Some Ideas would be Lincoln for the Central North Carolina/Central Virginia state, Sherman for what’s left of Georgia, Johnson for Eastern Mississippi/Western Tennessee, Grant for Southern Arkansas/Western Louisiana, Houston for Central Texas, Rio Grande for the new Southern/Western Texas Territory, Farragut for West Florida and Seward for East Florida.
Thoughts?
This is soo perfect for so meny reason! I love the naming ideas and logic in which these states were created I'm 99% certain I'll be able to incorporate this and think you did a GREAT JOB this map is nearly perfect! I agree with the names you mentioned as well as several others..... this could really work out nice! :)
Glad you like it, it was fun to make!
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: FEMA Camp Administrator on September 06, 2012, 07:10:22 PM
Gass, that's awesome. However, making maps will be a problem. Would you mind attempting to merge real 'Murica with this? It's possible in paint. I don't think I'd have the skill to do it, but I suppose I could copy a county map, go along those borders you have, then erase all other county borders.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Gass3268 on September 06, 2012, 08:36:56 PM
Gass, that's awesome. However, making maps will be a problem. Would you mind attempting to merge real 'Murica with this? It's possible in paint. I don't think I'd have the skill to do it, but I suppose I could copy a county map, go along those borders you have, then erase all other county borders.
I apologize, but I don't know what exactly you are asking me to do.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: FEMA Camp Administrator on September 06, 2012, 08:57:00 PM
Gass, that's awesome. However, making maps will be a problem. Would you mind attempting to merge real 'Murica with this? It's possible in paint. I don't think I'd have the skill to do it, but I suppose I could copy a county map, go along those borders you have, then erase all other county borders.
I apologize, but I don't know what exactly you are asking me to do.
Eh, on the weekend I'll make the map and show you.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Gass3268 on September 06, 2012, 09:06:47 PM
Gass, that's awesome. However, making maps will be a problem. Would you mind attempting to merge real 'Murica with this? It's possible in paint. I don't think I'd have the skill to do it, but I suppose I could copy a county map, go along those borders you have, then erase all other county borders.
I apologize, but I don't know what exactly you are asking me to do.
Eh, on the weekend I'll make the map and show you.
Ok, sounds good
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on September 06, 2012, 11:48:28 PM
1865 Radical Republican Special National Convention Part 2
By the time the second round of voting was called to order there was a vague sense of uneasiness in the Party. Many were unsure who would be nominee and the party formed by a party's division seemed to be facing another division. There were whispers of a surprise nomination of Stanton but the President completely denied interest citing his restlessness with the job. So on Tuesday morning a second round of voting began when Sumner endorsed Colfax in a very powerful speech citing his as "our only light in this time of darkness" while Wade was more gruff and endorsed Stevens calling him his brother. Fremont however garnered most of Wade's support as people viewed him as both a pillar for the Party and a veteran. This led to him taking second over Stevens deeply creating a rift in the party.
The 2nd Ballot
Colfax 171 37%
Fremont 154 33%
Stevens 140 30%
Total- 465 Delegates
233 needed for majority
A fourth and fifth ballot delivered nearly the same results. Stevens grew very disgruntled following the 5th and stormed out of the hall to a pub just a block away. Enraged by his actions his delegates began leaving him in droves calling a retreat from the hall cowardly. Colfax was largely successful in winning their support by blaming Fremont for Stevens crumbling position. By the time Stevens returned to the hall he was quietly informed he would not be the nominee. The sixth ballot delivered the result the party was waiting for-
The 6th Ballot
Schuyler Colfax 291 63%
John Fremont 174 37%
Total- 465 Delegates
233 needed for majority
Schuyler Colfax 291 63%
John Fremont 174 37%
Total- 465 Delegates
233 needed for majority
Fremont humbly accepted his defeat and Colfax then recommend Sumner for the Vice Presidential nominee. He was chosen with all of the delegates, unanimously. As the Convention concluded it appeared the Radical's had finally united just in time for the Lincolnian Convention.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: FEMA Camp Administrator on September 07, 2012, 05:19:39 PM
Given Sumner's history, it's no surprise he became a Radical Republican. He had a very significant bone to pick with the slave south. Interesting. Might actually like to see how a Sumner presidency would go. Can't wait for the Dems and the Lincolnians.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on September 07, 2012, 11:51:57 PM
Updating tonight, hopefully the whole Lincolnian Convention as I will likely need to take a day or two off.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on September 08, 2012, 12:14:01 AM
1865 Lincolnian Special National Convention
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The Lincolnians opened their convention with a large feeling of momentum. Several prominent Democrats were joining their ranks on almost a daily basis due to an ideologicl similarity between the 2 groups. The party was heavily favored among Conservatives and Border State inhabitants and looked as though it could win the election. However, the Radicals controlled the Government and that worried the Lincolnians. The day started normal and calm however the crowd grew angry when President Seward showed up onstage and began speaking some cheered while others jeered and it was clearly obvious the man was liked by some in the party and despised by others. His speech at this one, unlike his a the Radical Convention, was short and primarily consisted of him saying how he stood in line with the Lincolnians on several issues while avoiding his differences with the party. He made no endorsement and after his briskm speech ended voting began. It was certainly unclear which of the 4 candidates would win as none garnered much enthusiasm. However voting quickly showed who the winner was and unlike the Radicals the Lincolnians had managed to find their winner in just one ballot. That man was William Alexander Richardson, an Illinois denizen his similarities in experience were close o those of Lincoln and was probably what drew delegates to him. Not to mention the fact he had recently converted parties and was one of the people the Lincolnians believed could bring in the Unaffiliated Democrat vote.1st Ballot
William Alexander Richardson 116 60%
James Harlan 45 23%
Thomas Hendricks 29 15%
Samuel Pomeroy 5 2%
195 Delegates
98 needed for majority
For his Vice Presidential nominee Pomeroy was chosen as he was a Kansas citizen and was the least influential of Richardson's opponents.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on September 11, 2012, 12:28:40 AM
1865 Democratic Special National Convention
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By 1865 the Democratic Party was dying. Many were leaving their ranks for the Lincolnians as they viewed the Democratic Party too tied to the South. Even their congressional members refused to be called Democrats styling a new name: "Unaffiliated Democrats" which made it sound as though there was a lack of party leadership. As the convention convened in Trenton, New Jersey there were no announced candidates. Most of the delegates were undecided if they'd support anyone and it appeared as though there was a likely chance they'd make an effort to reach out to the Lincolnians on the topic of reunification as an even newer party. On the convention floor there was even talk of nominating Richardson to show solidarity, however, James A. McDougall (a senator of California) announced he would carry the party's banner and won with universal support as the party needed a new leader and most of theirs were from the South.
McDougall however became a very high maintenance candidate and became viewed as a spoiler for the Lincolnians chances. Several scandals involving alcohol surfaced before the end of the Convention and people began to leave the Democratic Party out of embarrassment. As the Convention closed a VP-less McDougall essentially ended his campaign and it was said by Radicals and Lincolnians alike that "a mere drunk tore down what remained of Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and Jackson." Although looking back this wasn't the primary reason it certainly was a contributing factor to the Party's 1865 demise as July came to a close.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: FEMA Camp Administrator on September 11, 2012, 06:27:19 PM
Can't wait for the GE! (And Gass, when I have a free weekend, I'll try to put the map together)
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on September 11, 2012, 10:25:07 PM
As Summer waned the campaign grew more intense. The Radicals in Congress began putting forward new issues such as Gerrymandering the Southern States and Federal appointed legislatures. These were very hot issues with both parties on the complete opposite of the spectrum from one another. Radicals in favor and Lincolnians against. Ultimately further debating was put off to after the inauguration as both sides viewed themselves likely to benefit from it.
Stanton grew tired of the Partisan rhetoric and took a vacation away from Washington for the month of September. He worked from an office in the Maryland countryside where he began overseeing Reconstruction. The South was in ruins in more ways than one. The "Yankees" had ruined the region while taking it but they ruined it again following Lincoln's assassination with murders, drunken rampages, and scorched earth campaigns against the southern citizens. Now, the leaderless region was forced to unite with their sworn enemies which was a prospect few Southerners looked forward to.
The election began quickly approaching and for one of the first times people would know the results the day after due to advancements such as the telegraph. Both sides worked to win every vote. The Radicals held their anchor region as the Northeast while the Lincolnians looked toward the border states. This election truly tested the nation's new view on the party system following great numbers of disagreements.
Eventually October too soon passed and election day was already upon the nation. Realizing the turning point in history both sides hunkered down and began voting for either the Richardson or Colfax views for the future of the divided nation......
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Stanton grew tired of the Partisan rhetoric and took a vacation away from Washington for the month of September. He worked from an office in the Maryland countryside where he began overseeing Reconstruction. The South was in ruins in more ways than one. The "Yankees" had ruined the region while taking it but they ruined it again following Lincoln's assassination with murders, drunken rampages, and scorched earth campaigns against the southern citizens. Now, the leaderless region was forced to unite with their sworn enemies which was a prospect few Southerners looked forward to.
The election began quickly approaching and for one of the first times people would know the results the day after due to advancements such as the telegraph. Both sides worked to win every vote. The Radicals held their anchor region as the Northeast while the Lincolnians looked toward the border states. This election truly tested the nation's new view on the party system following great numbers of disagreements.
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Eventually October too soon passed and election day was already upon the nation. Realizing the turning point in history both sides hunkered down and began voting for either the Richardson or Colfax views for the future of the divided nation......
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Gass3268 on September 11, 2012, 10:39:25 PM
I'm guessing the Midwest is the swing region?
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on September 11, 2012, 11:00:15 PM
I'm guessing the Midwest is the swing region?
Essentially yes, the main swing states are Iowa, Ohio, Kansas, New Jesrey...... there might be a few surprises though ;)
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: FEMA Camp Administrator on September 12, 2012, 04:31:32 PM
It's spelled "rhetoric" not "redderick". :P
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on September 12, 2012, 09:37:26 PM
It's spelled "rhetoric" not "redderick". :P
Oops I typed that after waking up from a nap :P
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on September 13, 2012, 12:27:29 AM
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The Election Results came in fast. At both campaign headquarters in Chicago and Washington D.C. the candidates waited as results came in. Slowly the election slanted more and more towards one party. By the early morning hours messengers from the final Eastern State voting, Kansas, reported results and the nation had a new President even before the West result's were in. Schuyler Colfax had won. Although it wasn't a handy margin it was enough. Stanton walked the several blocks to the Capital and delivered his congratulations in person. Together he and Colfax then held a private meeting in which they discussed the direction and future of the nation. Meanwhile the Lincolnians were outraged. The mere fact that a man who was almost identical to the nation's beloved slain leader had lost was outright shocking. Richardson himself went into a week or so of solitude. Using several excuses to avoid facing embarrassment on Capital Hill he moped around for the following month until recieving a very surprising offer from President Elect Colfax. He was offered the position of Secretary of the Treasury which he eagerly accepted. Much to the woe of his Lincolnian colleagues. March arrived rather quickly as the nation began looking ahead to a new future. Schuyler Colfax's future.
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Eventual Electoral College results map
Schuyler Colfax (Rad-IN)/ Charles Sumner (Rad-NH) 54% 147 EV
William Richardson (Lin-IL)/ Samuel Pomeroy (Lin-KS) 44% 86 EV
William Richardson (Lin-IL)/ Samuel Pomeroy (Lin-KS) 44% 86 EV
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Gass3268 on September 13, 2012, 02:16:27 AM
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Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: FEMA Camp Administrator on September 13, 2012, 04:30:53 PM
Given its voting record during the Gilded Age and status as a near-Southern state for a while, I'd recommend switching IN to the Lincolnians. Other than that, great stuff (though I do wonder what allegiance the West, KS, NE, NV, and the West coast would have)
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on September 13, 2012, 06:09:48 PM
Given its voting record during the Gilded Age and status as a near-Southern state for a while, I'd recommend switching IN to the Lincolnians. Other than that, great stuff (though I do wonder what allegiance the West, KS, NE, NV, and the West coast would have)
KS was Lincolnian due to heavy support of Pomeroy as the VP for Richardson, NV considered itself to have joined for Lincoln so it voted yet again for a person with a Lincoln Southern Ideology. The other border states are Lincolnian due to a large out migration (addressed n next update) and the others will be revealed in time.....
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on September 13, 2012, 06:25:34 PM
The First Term of Schuyler Colfax Part 1
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18th President of the United States
Cabinet-
Secretary of State: Salmon Portland Chase
Secretary of the Treasury: William Alexander Richardson
Secretary of War: William Tecumseh Sherman
Secretary of the Navy: David Farragut
Secretary of the of the Interior: William D. Kelley
Attourney General: James Gillespie Blaine
Colfax's Cabinet went along Partisan lines except for his fairly random appointment of William Richardson his former poltical rival. When asked about it Calfax responded: "The great President during the War appointed rivals to friendly positions and so shall I!" Congress approved all very swiftly with Richardson having the largest margin of approval even though Lincolnians fet betrayed.
Schuyler Colfax was inaugurated in early March and joined the already continually active 39th Congress. The Radicals now had control of Congress and the Presidency and Colfax immeadiately set to work. Radicals began what they called "justified punshment" towards the South. In mid May several bills passed into law giving African American's Voting Rights regardless of which state the lived in. However the major point came when President Colfax urged his party leaders to create an amendment which would prohibit unequal treatment period. This came after several state legislatures under military observance decreed they planned to do block and segregate the South. The new Amendment also dealt with overruling the Dredd Scott case as well as inserting a due process clause. It passed hastily and was to be raitifed in the begining of 1867 as the 14th Amendment.
President Colfax then became enamored with a new idea for the readmition of the Southern States. He met with party leaders and proposed a gerrymandering in which new states would be created. Many older members of the party disagreed with this plan citing the states had been as they were long before the war. Their urging however heeded no action from the younger congressional leaders except that of putting the issue up for debating.
The highly controversial piece of legislation creating new states called the Humane Reconstruction Act was viewed by the Lincolnians as anything but that. They began organizing against it and had a very real chance of blocking it in the Senate as they were joined by many Senior Radicals in any attempt to block it. It was this fact that mortified Colfax. He began polling every string he could to try and get support for the bill. However when news reached the South any sign of support was very faint. Many Union-sympathizers during the war felt betrayed as they, loyal Americans, were being punished for their fellow southerns acts. The African American community also had a similar feeling which when combined caused protests and riots in Southern Cities leaving more people dead in the wake of the War.
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Blue: States with population increase
Red: States with population decrease
Meanwhile while the debating was still taking place on Capitol Hill a new piece of Legislation was enacted. The months following the end of the war were viewed as Hell by the Southerners so many former slave holding families migrated north to the borders states alongside their slaves. The Federal Government tried to end this and in the midst of Summer passed Legislation in which all Southern refugees, excluding former slaves, were to be funneled out west to serve as essential colonists in the untamed region of the plains. The Legislation created a "border patrol" which was rather spotty. Modern estimates reveal as much as 1/2 of Southern Emigrants managed to squeeze by the partol and settle in Kentucky, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Maryland, West Virginia, and Delaware making them much more Lincolnian.
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A family of Southern Emigrants
A family of Southern Emigrants
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on September 13, 2012, 10:20:09 PM
Wow I've had alot of time on my hands now seeing that my summer job is concluded so I'll be able to post Part 2 of Colfax's Term tonight!
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on September 13, 2012, 10:33:49 PM
The first term of Schuyler Colfax Part 2
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Ruins of Richmond
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Freedman voting in their first congressional election is Kentucky
Freedman voting in their first congressional election is Kentucky
As Summer waned the midterms soon approached. The nation viewed Colfax's job thus far with a neutral opinion as the consensus was he hadn't really done much. The Lincolnians capitalized on this and managed to make tremendous gains in the House and the Senate and managed to finally carry both. Colfax now had more problems to worry about.
U.S. Senate
President- Charles Sumner
President Pro Tempore George R. Riddle- Delaware
Majority Leader Garret Davis- Kentucky
Lincolnians: 28 (+6)
Radical Republicans: 20 (-6)
Unaffiliated Democrats: (-1)
U.S. House
Speaker: John A. Nicholson
Majority Leader: Anthony Thornton
Lincolnians: 94 (+39)
Radical Republicans: 86 (-9)
Unaffiliated Democrats: 0 (-30)
President- Charles Sumner
President Pro Tempore George R. Riddle- Delaware
Majority Leader Garret Davis- Kentucky
Lincolnians: 28 (+6)
Radical Republicans: 20 (-6)
Unaffiliated Democrats: (-1)
U.S. House
Speaker: John A. Nicholson
Majority Leader: Anthony Thornton
Lincolnians: 94 (+39)
Radical Republicans: 86 (-9)
Unaffiliated Democrats: 0 (-30)
The gains were generally made in the Midwest from Southern Emigrant families and a lack of feeling towards the current Administration. Colfax now no longer held control over Washington but was instead bound by it.
As the 40th Session of Congress opened in March 1867 it marked the 1 year anniversary of Colfax's Presidency. Several advances had been made including improvements to the South, even though not everyone agreed on how many had been made, and a new Amendment to the Constitution. However that didn't stop heavy debating from happening throughout the Congress. In fact only 5 pieces of Legislation were signed by the President as he held stark views in opposition of the Lincolnians. He took an extended summer vacation in 1867 which had eventually to be cut short due to economic woes.
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Following the War the Government began borrowing money, lots of money. The situation began to get so bad the Treasury Department tried to print its way out of the mess. This actually ended up doing more harm than good. Inflation rose and to counter it many civilians within major cities began protesting. Protests however soon turned violent and clashes between the Police and Rioters became more and more common. The turning point into bloodshed however began when a young boy named Theodore Roosevelt wandered into the streets outside his home while one of these clashes was going on. He ultimately as part of the crowd was soundly beaten to the pint of near death. He held on for just a few more hours on his deathbed before passing away late in the evening. The wealthy Roosevelt family was furious and blamed the Radicals for their problems. Theodore Roosevelt Sr. then made a major turning pint by changing his political affiliation to Lincolnians and announced that he would be seeking the Governorship in the election in 1868. He then began pushed the Lincolnians on Capital Hill to work against the President whose approval ratings had spiked down following the violent turn of events. A Bill was passed which would temporarily stop money making activities and the President had no choice to sign it due to the urging of William Richardson, his treasury Secretary.
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The child of the Protest: Theodore Roosevelt
The child of the Protest: Theodore Roosevelt
As 1867 closed the nation's future seemed vary uncertain. Riots and protest had faded a little in New York, Boston, and Chicago but were still present. It would be said that 1867 was "the year in which Colfax got gray"
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on September 16, 2012, 12:12:21 AM
The First Term of Schuyler Colfax Part 3
Finally in the bitter cold of January the protests ended. Although they went home the demonstrators never forgot. Some blamed Congress, some Colfax, and some ultimately Richardson. Regardless they pledged they would return come Spring. A promise Colfax could only pray wouldn't come true.
Colfax felt as though he had sealed the last nail of his coffin of any chances for reelection but he still announced at an almost unusually early time that he would indeed run for his own full term. His remarks, although short, affected many of his allies and enemies alike. The Lincolnians began working on potential candidates. Senators, Representatives, and Governors alike were all given equal scrutiny. However the preferred region was to be the Midwest as it contained the "swing states". Richard Yates, a Senator/Governor from Illinois decided against running as many viewed him as too moderate. 2 candidates however eventually announced: Illinois Senator Lyman Trumbull and Mexican War veteran/ Former Minnesota Senator James Shields. The campaign had officially began.
The last months of the First term of Colfax were fraught with uncertainty. Although the Panic of 1867 was over economic concerns remained and the President privately revealed that he believed either he or Congress would take the blame and gain the majority of all three major areas of government. One party, he stated, would control Washington.
The most controversial piece of Legislation passed was done so in at one of the most controversial times as well. The Aid of the Districts Act gave quite a bit of Union Government money to help rebuild Southern cities. Lincolnians supported the Act while Radicals were appalled. Eventually however they became helpless as their President realizing the popularity of the bill signed it into law in order to gain support. This political move wouldn't be forgotten.
As the Lincolnians held their convention first there was much less tension than the previous attempt. There was no feeling of desperation now that the war was long over, instead it was replaced with one of rebuilding united as a nation. In the early days of the convention Trumbull dropped his campaign on the first day as he had been the one the Radicals were heaping attacks on. Therefore James Shields had high popularity and name recognition as the decoy candidacy ended and the true Lincolnian one began. For his Vice President Shields named in fact the "moderate Lyman Trumbull" in an effort to attract further members into the party. As the Convention closed the Lincolnians appeared much better organized than they had in the previous election.
The Radicals nominated Colfax almost universally except for 40 or so delegates abstaining. This was just a week or so following the Aid of the Districts Act which the party still hated. Colfax heard news on this and reportedly told an advisor that he did partially regret signing the bill but it was too late now "so they should stop their moaning and start their campaigning".
The election was near and the nation acted as it was so.....
()
Finally in the bitter cold of January the protests ended. Although they went home the demonstrators never forgot. Some blamed Congress, some Colfax, and some ultimately Richardson. Regardless they pledged they would return come Spring. A promise Colfax could only pray wouldn't come true.
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Colfax announcing intention to seek a second term
Colfax announcing intention to seek a second term
Colfax felt as though he had sealed the last nail of his coffin of any chances for reelection but he still announced at an almost unusually early time that he would indeed run for his own full term. His remarks, although short, affected many of his allies and enemies alike. The Lincolnians began working on potential candidates. Senators, Representatives, and Governors alike were all given equal scrutiny. However the preferred region was to be the Midwest as it contained the "swing states". Richard Yates, a Senator/Governor from Illinois decided against running as many viewed him as too moderate. 2 candidates however eventually announced: Illinois Senator Lyman Trumbull and Mexican War veteran/ Former Minnesota Senator James Shields. The campaign had officially began.
The last months of the First term of Colfax were fraught with uncertainty. Although the Panic of 1867 was over economic concerns remained and the President privately revealed that he believed either he or Congress would take the blame and gain the majority of all three major areas of government. One party, he stated, would control Washington.
The most controversial piece of Legislation passed was done so in at one of the most controversial times as well. The Aid of the Districts Act gave quite a bit of Union Government money to help rebuild Southern cities. Lincolnians supported the Act while Radicals were appalled. Eventually however they became helpless as their President realizing the popularity of the bill signed it into law in order to gain support. This political move wouldn't be forgotten.
As the Lincolnians held their convention first there was much less tension than the previous attempt. There was no feeling of desperation now that the war was long over, instead it was replaced with one of rebuilding united as a nation. In the early days of the convention Trumbull dropped his campaign on the first day as he had been the one the Radicals were heaping attacks on. Therefore James Shields had high popularity and name recognition as the decoy candidacy ended and the true Lincolnian one began. For his Vice President Shields named in fact the "moderate Lyman Trumbull" in an effort to attract further members into the party. As the Convention closed the Lincolnians appeared much better organized than they had in the previous election.
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The surprise candidate: James Shields
The surprise candidate: James Shields
The Radicals nominated Colfax almost universally except for 40 or so delegates abstaining. This was just a week or so following the Aid of the Districts Act which the party still hated. Colfax heard news on this and reportedly told an advisor that he did partially regret signing the bill but it was too late now "so they should stop their moaning and start their campaigning".
The election was near and the nation acted as it was so.....
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: FEMA Camp Administrator on September 16, 2012, 06:39:01 AM
I guess I'm rooting for Trumbull. Cool stuff on the Roosevelts.
Title: Re: The Crisis of Sucession: 1865
Post by: Spamage on September 22, 2012, 04:07:10 PM
James Shields and President Colfax generally were more polite to each other and the parties were much more peaceful than the last campaign. Several Lincoln-Douglas Debates were held and the President was viewed to have won. Shields/Trumbull eventually just failed to excite the nation and Colfax won reelection by a closer amount than his 1st election.
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President Schuyler Colfax/ Vice President Charles Sumner 51%
James Shields/ Lyman Trumbull 48%
President Schuyler Colfax/ Vice President Charles Sumner 51%
James Shields/ Lyman Trumbull 48%