Peshawar Lancers Redux: North America

[Roisterer]

Originally Posted by Claudius

Having established control of San Diego, Mexican patrols were roving outwards, as far north as Encenitos, rumor had it.

I think that would be Encinitas, which is close to where I live.

Regards

R

[Roisterer]

Originally Posted by Claudius

Of course Masterson was a bit of a dude.

Yeah, I see from the photo that he fancied himself. Something of his personality comes through.

Regards

R

[Claudius]

Originally Posted by Roisterer

I think that would be Encinitas, which is close to where I live.

Regards

R

Thanks for that info. Corrected

[Archangel]

I hope Burke is not planning something nasty on Pershing's group, although Pershing can probably outmaneuver attempts to silence him, and too many people will have heard of his story.

[chris N]

There is another person who could enter the California arena Major General Oliver O Howard, who was serving in the Northwest at the Time of the fall. In fact it would be logical if he departed the state of Washington to assume command of US military forces in Califonia.

[Claudius]

Just read up on Howard. A very admirable fellow and definitely resident at Fort Vancouver in 1878.

Thanks.

[CoomerREC7]

Even if he's around, how does he know about what's going on to his south? I don't remember the US Government making any contact with the Northwestern territories.

[Shadow Knight]

Originally Posted by CoomerREC7

Even if he's around, how does he know about what's going on to his south? I don't remember the US Government making any contact with the Northwestern territories.

Ah but the state government in California did which has been virtually cut off from the east.

[CoomerREC7]

So, California is off on its own, and has contacted the territories to its north. This would allow them to get in contact with Howard, barring any unfortunate mishaps.

[chris N]

Should Howard make it to California thing will change in short order. Major General Oliver Howard was an extremely capable General. He had lots of experience both as a combat officer and as an administrator. He would not tolerate corruption or treason. Should he arrive with even a small detachment of regulars he will sweep the governor away and prepare the state for a war with Mexico.

[Claudius]

Originally Posted by CoomerREC7

Even if he's around, how does he know about what's going on to his south? I don't remember the US Government making any contact with the Northwestern territories.

Not really a problem In the aftermath of the Fall, the weather on the West Coast deteriorated greatly. Those living much to the north of Oregon would probably move southwards for the same reason as people in the East did. before that though, Howard would find himself a commander without a command, unless he can find a way to pay his troops. That would provide a motive for him to move as well.

[chris N]

Another reason to move was the US Mint was located in San Francisco, this a source of Money. Howard would also be the Highest ranking US Army officer on the West Coast and thus all troops would fall under his command.

[chris N]

Major Clement B Hebb was the Commanding officer of the USMC detachment at Mare Island. He was in charge from 1871 to 1880 and with the Fall he probably would not have been relieved. .The USS Jeanette arrive at Mare Island in 1878. It was equipped for Arctic Exploration. It had a crew of 30officers and men.

[Claudius]

Manuel Flores arrived at the President’s House about nine in the evening. Burke had taken the precaution of dismissing the servants for the night. The two men were quite alone. Flores found the President in an agitated state, sweating, and with the obvious smell of whiskey on his breath.

“Mr. President, mi amigo, what is the matter?”

Burke stared at him, obviously angry, then thrust a piece of paper at him.

“Explain this Flores! What does this mean? Why was I not told of this? You told me that the Army of the West was no longer a concern. Those were your words, Flores, “no longer a concern.” His words were coming out in a rush. The man was obviously panicking, thought Flores.

Flores read the message Burke had received earlier, and then re-read it, scarcely believing it. How in hell had Pershing survived the trip back from Santa Fe? From what he had been told, they were starving in the field months ago. More importantly, as far as the Ambassador was concerned, how was it that Burke had gotten this information before he had? His informants in Texas should have alerted him. He made a mental note to get to the bottom of that question. Heads would roll, if he had anything to say about it. But in the mean time, the immediate problem must be dealt with.

“Mr. President, this accusation that “Mexican troops” were involved in fighting with the Army of the West is absolutely not true! Mexico only wants to be friends with the United States.” He paused, then added, “Of course I cannot state unequivocally that bandits or revolutionaries from my country might not have made their way north and allied themselves with the Indians. Surely that is the only possible explanation.”

Burke seemed a little calmer. “But what can we do, Flores? Tilman will raise the Devil himself when this accusation, true or not becomes known.”

“I assume you have blocked further telegraph communications?”

“Of course.”

“Then we have a few days to resolve your immediate problems. For my part I will do what I can to sway a few votes in the Senate in your favor. Once this impeachment fiasco is past, as Commander in Chief of the Army you can order the soldiers to keep their mouths shut.”

Burke nodded, then staring straight at Flores asked “Then there’s no further bad news regarding Mexico out there?”

“Mr. President, you sadden me. We have only the highest regard for you and your country. We would never do anything to jeopardize our good relations.”

“Well then do what you can to influence things in the Senate, but carefully, I want no connections made to me personally.”

“You have my word, Mr. President. I will do what I can.”


In California, Governor Stoneman had begun to doubt the usefulness of further negotiations with Mexico. Telegraph communications with the southern part of the state had ceased entirely and the rail lines had apparently been cut to the south of Los Angeles.

In San Gabriel, John Mosby had no such doubts. A steady stream of refugees from the southern counties had been trudging past for some days now. He and his neighbors began to organize themselves for resistance

[Shadow Knight]

And the the opening moves begin. Knight takes pawn.

[chris N]

So it would seem that the man who was famous for his leadership of a Confederate Cavalry Uninit in the late war will again be called upon to prove what a well led band of mounted forces can do against a "superior sized enemy".

[Claudius]

Originally Posted by chris N

So it would seem that the man who was famous for his leadership of a Confederate Cavalry Uninit in the late war will again be called upon to prove what a well led band of mounted forces can do against a "superior sized enemy".

Yes. The "Gray Ghost" himself. Among other things, he and some of his men entered a Union encampment and captured a Major General. The Partisan Rangers were so effective that Grant threatened to hang any Rangers that were captured. Mosby (who had far more Union POWs}, threatened to do the same, forestalling the threat.

Post war, he and Grant became friends and he was later appointed US Consul to Hong Kong. He afterwards lived in California, as he does in this TL

[chris N]

King David Kalakaua of the Kingdom of Hawaii was wondering what had happen to the outside world since the Event. His country had had some merchant ships stay in the Hawaiian Island after the craziness and the weird weather. Now he was wondering if he should ask one of the ship captains to dare to sail to California to see what they might learn and to get goods that will be needed in Hawaii. Below the King.

[Claudius]

Mosby and those who he counted as friends did what they could to help those refugees who seemed most vulnerable. All had left behind most of what they owned, leaving behind all but the most portable of their property. From them they learned that the town of Los Angeles and the surrounding villages, farms and ranches had fallen under a rule far more rigorous and militaristic than most were used to.

A few of these migrants however were well aware of what could happen in a rather less democratic system than the American one. One such family, that of one Levi Jacobowitz, his wife and three children had fled the Jewish Pale to escape the terrors of Cossack-led pogroms, arriving in California in 1872. Mr. Jacobowitz had begun to prosper, plying his trade as a watchmaker in Los Angeles. The arrival of General Sandoval and his army had frightened him. The presence of uniformed troops in the streets, the sudden announcements of new restrictions on movement, on newspapers and the right of assembly and the arbitrary seizures of property reminded Jacobowitz far too much of the conditions that he had fled in Russia. He was not willing to stay in a place where, as in his old shtetl, everything a man had, including life itself, might be taken away for entirely arbitrary reasons. Although there had been no overt anti-Jewish action by the Mexican government, there had been several waves of arrests and a number of public executions of those who resisted the new regime. Jacobowitz was no coward, but he had his wife and children to worry about. Foreseeing only increasing danger, he had fled one night taking only his family, his tools, and little else but the clothes on their backs.

As luck might have it, the Jacobowitz wagon had broken a wheel not half a mile from Mosby’s home some four days later. Levi had gone looking for help and came to the Colonel’s door. Taking pity on the little family, Mosby had provided them shelter for the night while one of his hands took care of the needed repair. He also provided them some food, and the names of some Jews in San Francisco of his acquaintance who might be able to further assist them. Jacobowitz had been effusively grateful, and promised not to forget the kindness.

A few days later, a Mexican official and some soldiers came to Mosby’s ranch. He was told that as a former candidate for high public office, he was a person who was of interest to the new government. All land deeds and landholdings which in the view of the new government had been illegally seized by the United States after the last war with Mexico were under review. Insofar as he had a legal background, and since everyone knew that he had been unlawfully cheated of the office of Governor by Mr. Stoneman, surely he had little reason not to support the Provisional Government of the Province of Alta California. General Sandoval needed “distinguished Anglos” such as himself to assist in setting up a new administration. General Sandoval and President Diaz were aware that the considerable Anglo population of California would need officials who could assist them in the adjustment to a new situation. Eventually, Mosby was promised, California would assume an honored place in the Republic of Greater Mexico, and he could count on being an important part of this historical epoch, with the wealth and power commensurate with that role. Of course, if he chose not cooperate, things might go rather harder for him. As for outright resistance, under the new laws proclaimed in Los Angeles, any actions against the new government would be dealt with most harshly.

He was given a week to think it over.

Never a man to dither, Mosby had made a plan of action within hours. He placed his wife and daughters in the care of a ranching family well up in the hills that lived in a safer location. Having done so, he and his oldest son left the following day, riding fast on some of his best horses bound for San Francisco

[Shadow Knight]

I bet his plan involves raising some hell and killing Mexicans.