DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER AND GODS AND GENERALS
June 18, 1862
Frankfort, Kentucky, C.S.A.
It has been about three months, since the famous Battle of Versailles and the liberation of Kentucky from the Yankee's and now things couldn't get any better for the Confederate States as more men were recruited for the southern cause, more supplies were able to be sent to supply other confederate Armies. The industry of the confederacy had dramatically improved, thanks to Kentucky joining the Confederacy. Not only just that, but also the Nations of U.K. and France recognize and joined the Confederate States in its war of independence.
This cause Lincoln to pull some units from the Union Army of the Potomac and New Orleans, along with other parts that the Union are occupying that belong to the Confederacy. Lincoln even had to make another Enlistment and Draft Act by Executive order to which the Yankee Congress fully supported. James could say that this will cause a major draft riot in the union as people were being forced to serve for their country, and even the people who just came to the Union States for a better life and away from the old life that they had just left. Now they were forced to fight against their will and just wanted to have a new life were now at risk of being killed in war.
It was no doubt in James's mind that Lincoln lost any chance of being re-elected for the 1864 Presidential Elections. However, this is what James wanted. He knew that in case this war suddenly turns into a stalemate by 1864, then when a new Union President is elected. That president will give what the people wants and that is peace. Although James hoped to cause enough trouble on President Lincoln to force him to negotiate peace with the Confederacy.
That is when James realized that he has an opportunity as the Union Forces face a multiple front war that is not mainly in the south and east, but also north and west. Right now, The Union are trying hard to beat back the British at the New England States and the Great Lake States. However that didn't stop the Brits from capturing the city of Detroit, and the State of Maine. Not only that, The Union Blockade of the South was crumbled by the more Powerful British and French got even worse for the Union as General Polk managed to defeat Frémont not far from the state capital city of Missouri; which would later have the State of Missouri leave the Union and join the Confederacy. In James's mind, there is no way the south could lose this war now. Though James wasn't going to get over confident. Burnside was over confident and look where that got him at. He knew that in order to bring Lincoln to the Table of Peace, he must cause enough stress on Lincoln to want peace.
James read as he knew this report that his radio operators intercept that is for Mr. Lincoln saying that the Union forces that were fighting to defend the City of San Diego for the past 4 days have surrendered to the attacking Confederate, French, and Mexican Imperial forces. James smiled as he knew that San Diego and the Southern portion of California are now in Confederate hands. It even meant that fort that was near San Francisco that is filled with Gold is also in the hands of the Confederates. James could image that look on President Lincoln's face for when he hears the news, especially when the Union papers hear about this.
James then heard a knock and said for whoever it is at the door to come in. he turned around looking away from the map of the state of Kentucky along with parts of the surrounding states and realized who it is. It none other than the President of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis. Jefferson was a man of over 50 years old; he had marks showed stress of being president of a nation trying to achieve its independence, he wore an expensive business suit that was made out of fine Southern Cotton.
"Mr. President!"James saluted.
Davis saluted back as he said "General Lee, I was hoping to see you here. I was hoping for you to attend my speech that will be made at Versailles, tomorrow."
"I will be honored to attend your speech, also since you're here. Mr. President, I was hoping to show you my plans on winning this war much quicker?" James asked.
"Very well and also General-In-Chief James Lee please call me Jefferson. Ever since Fort Henry, you have earned my respect. Although for my vice-President Stephens doesn't agree with everything with you since you managed to convince Congress to pass the Negro Enlistment Act, which I believe helped formed your African Corps, if I am correct?" Jefferson asked.
"Yes, that is correct, Mr. … I mean… Jefferson."
That was correct; James was made General-In-Chief of the Confederate Army. It was after his decisive victory at Versailles, the Confederate Congress decided as congratulations to promote him to the position. The whole position meant that his is second in command of the Confederate Army; only President Davis is the only one that overrides his orders. President Davis was more than happy to give James the position, while people like Vice-President of the Confederate States Alexander Stephens didn't agree of giving James the position; seeing him as a Traitor to the South after convincing Congress to pass the Negro Enlistment Act.
Although they couldn't convince anyone after James's victories at Fort Henry and Versailles, so they decided to shut up and wait for the right moment. As speaking against him was like treason to many royal southerners that have faith in James.
Though James hated the fame he was getting. All he wanted to do was to have the south be inspired to fight and see that they have to be stronger to win the war, but personally he wanted to defend the South (as well as Virginia) until the end of his life, but now he was seen as National Hero like the Napoleon of this Era. Especially when he had to do a picture with his hand in his jacket like Napoleon.
That was when James understood that every Southern Mother and Child, that now has a relative in the Confederate Army was depending on James to end the war quickly so that they can be with their loved ones. He hopes that the plan he has formulated will do just that if done correctly. All he needs to ensure that this plan will work is to have Jefferson's permission for this plan to be initiated.
"As you can see here, Jefferson, on this map. The Union are facing multiple fronts to defend against. They have to deal with General Douglas's Army that now occupy Detroit, which is the main gateway for any of our ally's advance (in order to capture all of Michigan), and General Keppel's Army that now controls the state of Maine and threaten to advance to the New England States. While that happens Lincoln has being trying to do a mass recruitment in order to change the tide of this war. So he has fortify and increased the size of the following Armies: obviously the Army of the Potomac (since they fear what my father could do as much as they fear me)..."
"And I wouldn't blame them. As you did things that no average General could think of in this century. Many people believe that you are possibly Napoleon reincarnated." Jefferson said, in admiring manner.
James chuckled, as he said "Jefferson, I ask that you do not compare me to Napoleon the First; because in my opinion that is jinx for when someone is claiming themselves to be like Napoleon, in the future they have their own Waterloo or Humiliating Defeat. For example: Santa Anna of Mexico claimed to be the Napoleon of the West. About a month after his victory at the Alamo, Santa Anna was ambushed at the Battle of San Jacinto and was humility captured and was forced to recognized the Republic of Texas as a Nation. So, Jefferson, I ask that you don't compare me to Napoleon; unless you're asking for me to be in decisive defeat."
Jefferson nodded in understanding.
"Now on to the Union Armies. Now Lincoln has improved the following: Army of the Potomac, Army of the Northeast, Army of the Great Lakes, and the 2nd Army of the Ohio." James continued.
"The Armies of the Northeast, Great Lakes, and 2nd Ohio are the newer Armies correct?" Jefferson asked.
James nodded as he said "Yes, Jefferson, that is correct. Now, as you can see on the map, the 2nd Ohio is stationed at Cincinnati, which is also my best way into Ohio and in order for me to march into Pennsylvania. However, the man in charge of that Army isn't going to make things easy for me. Plus the fact that he has at least over a 100,000 men under his command; but I plan to reduce that by a third in order to even the odds for me. For my plan to advance into Ohio. However, that cannot be done without my father putting into effect a plan I have for him."
"I see, so what you are saying is you need a distraction in order for you to achieve that goal of advancing into Ohio and you need your father to make that distraction." Jefferson continued.
"Correct, Now I will send General Cooper of the newly formed Army of Eastern Kentucky advance into Western Virginia to support my father in his advancement into Pennsylvania, while at the same time liberate Western Virginia that the Union have stolen from our beloved Virginia.", James explained.
"I see. But do we know who is in charge of the 2nd Ohio?" Jefferson questioned.
"Yes, sir. We do. His name is Winfield Scott Hancock. Nicknamed 'Winfield the Superb' after some minor Union victories that President Lincoln claim to be decisive in the Union Peninsula campaign that McClellan lead. I sense that he knows that I am as clever as a Snake in the battlefield and will be cautious and nervous of what I can do.", James continued.
"Yes, the Peninsula Campaign. I still remember how I had to replace Johnson for your Father, after he allowed McClellan to get very close to Richmond. To say I had never been more nervous in my life. However from what I am understanding from your plan; this is a multi-front attack to where the Union are being forced even more to split their forces to where they weaken other fronts."
"Yes, Jefferson. When my father reaches into Pennsylvania, I want him to find a place where the Union will face their own Waterloo. Then while that happens, I will force Hancock to attack me at a place of my own choosing as I have reports from our agent inside Hancock's Army that he plans to advance down to Falmouth, Kentucky and then try to head to somewhere to force me to attack him on his own terms."
"I, see. But I doubt that you will attack him just like that, General-In-Chief."
"No, Jefferson. I won't. I plan to be at Falmouth before Hancock. President Lincoln will demand for him to attack me, even if he doesn't get the high ground that he needs. Lincoln is desperate for a victory and will do anything to get it."
"Well, General Lee. I see that you have everything plan out. But there is one thing that still concerns me, how are you sure that Lincoln won't take the bait and send part of Hancock's 2nd Ohio to McClellan back at Maryland?" Jefferson said, looking over the map that James laid out.
"Because, Jefferson, Lincoln knows that if he loses Washington and Maryland then he would lose all of his support in the war, the Yankee Congress will demand for peace and will threaten to impeach him if he doesn't, and people will revolt against Lincoln non-stop as they fear of the blood being brought to them that they caused."
"I see. Well, General Lee, if anyone can make this plan work then it's you and your father. You have my approval of this plan and I wish you the best of luck as well as god bless you."
James nodded and saluted, as Jefferson continued "Now, come on, General, we mustn't be late for me to deliver an address to our fellow Confederates."
"Yes, Jefferson. Of course, lead the way." James answered as he followed the First Confederate President to the carriage that would take them to the trip to Versailles.
Washington, D.C.
In the War Office, a frustrated Abraham Lincoln threw his Top Hat to the ground hard enough that it got the attention of every Operator working there as he got the bad news of the surrender of San Diego to the rebelling Confederates.
"How could this have happened?' he yelled, "This shouldn't have happened."
But the Sixteenth President knew that it did and now he was going to have to face the music, just like Versailles after trying to keep it quiet; but somehow Jamie Lee sent a message to the New York Times and other major Newspapers about Burnsides surrender.
When Burnsides surrender at Versailles was heard nationwide, everyone was shocked in the U.S. and blamed Lincoln for the defeat. Especially with the fact that Lincoln was fooled by James Lee, when he sent Burnsides orders and turned out that he was sending to Lee's Army. People began then began to think that if the President could be fooled by the enemy then he was not fit to be President of the United States of America. It got even worse when England and France heard about the victory and decided to support the Confederate Rebels, while also declaring war on the U.S. This forced Lincoln to sign a 750,000 man draft by the executive order, but so far only about 285,000 men were recruited for an enlistment and draft.
The only reason why he didn't get the number of men that he needs right now is because everyone believe that the war is lost and that there is no hope what so ever. Especially with the fact English occupying Detroit, Michigan and the whole state of Maine. As well as The British and French Naval ships that destroyed all the U.S. ships blockading the Confederate ports and are now blockading the Union. Preventing any transportation of supplies and Reinforcements being able to be sent to the Union Forces that are trying to hold on to New Orleans, as well as escape for the Forces stationed there as the Confederate Rebels and French forces kept attacking. Lincoln knew that it was only a matter of time before General Butler surrenders New Orleans to the enemy.
However Lincoln still believed that there is always a chance and that the war is not lost yet. He believe that the only way to change the tide was to destroy Robert Lee's Army of Northern Virginia and James Lee's reformed Army of Northern Kentucky. This would increase Morale and have everyone believe that the war can be won. He knew that soon that Hancock will soon in a matter of a days will be advancing to Falmouth, Kentucky, that will no doubt force Jamie Lee attack Hancock in his own terms. While Robert Lee will obviously will advance into Pennsylvania in the matter of a month or two, so that was not a worry yet. As he knew that if Jamie's Army is destroyed, then Robert will send some units to help out James in future engagements. Making Robert Lee's Army weaker.
Lincoln sighed as he went to his desk to drink in shame for he knew what storm the public will make once they heard the surrender of San Francisco. He prayed to God for the plans that he laid out will work or else the Union will forever be lost.
Versailles, Kentucky, C.S.A.
James sat a stand as the Confederate President Jefferson Davis gave his speech to about 100,000 Confederate citizens that were eager to listen to the speech that Jefferson began to give to which would be famously be known as the Versailles Address.
"My fellow Confederates, about 86 years ago, our founding fathers built the nation that we were once whole; upon the values of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Now, we are at war with the nation that they built, for the Government there have ignored those values and refuse to acknowledge the laws that our founders have wrote in order to build a more perfect Union. However, that Union is broken by a corrupt administration the North. The ideas that the founders that we honor have always been remembered and right the way it should always be. For that Democracy will always be run by, of, and for the people. Freedom shall always be free and by the grace of god it shall always be, even in the Heavenly Kingdom of the Lord Almighty."
The people clapped and cheered as the band began to play Dixie. While the crowd sang with the music as James decided to join in the singing as loud as his lungs would let him. He smiled as he saw people began waving their flags of the Confederate Battle Flag; which has criss-cross bars and thirteen stars inside the bars. The inside of the bars were blue while the triangles outside of the bars were red. James couldn't help and feel that the people in the crowd believe that as if the war is already won; but James knew that not's true yet and he is going to make that it is won.
He looked up at the sky and in his mind prayed "Father, you who knows all things, I ask you to end this war and have the Yankee's come for peace to the Confederacy and that after the war, an era of peace and friendship between the Union and the Confederacy to be made; even after I die. Even if it costs me my life, I will consider it an honor. Amen."
He kissed the cross around his neck as he knew that the Holy Father is with him right and has heard his prayer.
Sorry, again. It took me so long; I've been in writer's block. However I plan to try to make up for that before the summer ends if possible. I am now determined to continue working on this story; I hope to have another chapter soon. Please leave a comment and until next time.
