For my people: California Empire AAR

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An rather distinguished man walked down the streets of San Fransico. Joshua Norton Emperor of America and Protector of Mexico was dressed in his regal attiare of a blue military uniform, his ceromonial sword at his side. He was a local oddity, declaring himself Emperor of an empire that never exsited. But the People liked him, he stopped a roit by preaching the lords prayer before a crowd.
As he walked Police saluted him, people bowed respectfully, many followed behind to see what the Emperor of America was up to, and why he requested to speak with his “people.” On the steps to the San Fransico City Hall, he looked out at everyone assembled. He pulled out piece of paper turning to the crowd. Clearing his throat Norton addressed his people.
“Today July 17th 1860 I stand before you all, my loyal subjects, and announce distressing news. A war is currently waging between rogue elements within the eastern half of the American Empire. The so-called Confedrate and United States of America are forcing young boys to go fight for pointless causes. Because I can no longer allow such hostilities among my people I issue the following edict.” Some people in the crowd laugh, others remain silent listening to their “Emperor.”
“ WHEREAS, a body of men calling themselves the National Congress are now in session in Washington City, in violation of our Imperial edict of the 12th October last, declaring the said Congress abolished; Due to their lack of concern for the American people, the following shall occur; One: The Confederate states shall be recognized as an independent nation, Two: The US will announce its disbanding, Three: All who are loyal to the Empire will join in the fight to bring down the rogue government.
WHEREAS, it is necessary for the repose of our Empire that the said decree should be strictly complied with;
NOW, THEREFORE, we do hereby Order and Direct Major-General Scott, the Command-in-Chief of our Armies, immediately upon receipt of this, our Decree, to proceed with a suitable force and clear the Halls of Congress.
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Frank Sibal couldn't believe his ears. The eccentric Emperor Norton just commited treason in front police, soldiers, and government officals. Not to mention the general public of San Fransico. Gripping his baton Sibal wondered why he didn't go to arrest him. He was crazy afterall.....is he? All the confedracy wants is to live the way they want to. Thats what the US is all about, right? Before his brain could sort everything out, Frank moved through the crowd.
Emperor Norton looked at him smiling. Sibal knelt down, Norton did the same smiling, "Ahhh good constable. You honor your Emperor so. But please arise." The old mans hand surprisingly strong on Franks shoulder. Other people moved up cheering at the Emperor.

Within hours the San Fransico naval base was overrun, political bigwhigs were placed under arrested. Days later the California people's milita moved out into nieghboring areas preaching the words of Self determination, and breaking away from a controlling Eastern government. A week later Frank Sibal joined the Californian 1st army.
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Stephen Kirby pushed his men hard. Less then three months ago he was recruiting men to go off and fight for the Union. Now he was fighting to expand the Empire of California. He was sent to San Fransico to stop the rogue element from rallying support. But once he heard the Emperor talk the California wondered why the US was fighting the south. The symbol of the new republic was an amazing speaker. Along with Prime Minister William B. Ide, the Empire was spreading nicely.

The 6th volunteer army was moving quickly into Neveda. Kirby knew that within a month or three the US calvary would arrive. The Emperor had ordered its forces to spread out and liberate as many fellow Americans as possible. Kirby pushed his men hard, but not because they needed it. Everyone in the army was a believer in Self Determination, the phrase coined by Imperial forces and even used by the Confedrates these days, but he pushed them to make sure they got enough land to force a treaty with the US.
The town of Las Vegas was before him. His men lined up in as perfect a row as volunteers could muster. Drawing his sword Kirby screamed out, "FOR THE EMPEROR!"

 

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This seems interresting.
Almost all I know this Norton person comes from Lucky Luke comics (or is this same Norton?)

 

[Mike von Bek]

Oh My Freakin' Gawd! The Emperor has arisen! Go Norton!

 

[Rensslaer]

"I must be going now, for there go my people, and I am their leader!" :rofl:

You know, in medieval times, they believed that crazy people had gifts of insight that were not posessed by normal people.

Rensslaer

 

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The first voluunteer army moved across Neveda with lightning speed. Frank Sibal savored the break. For perhaps the first time in three weeks the San Fransico police officer turned army private got to lay out his tent and rest. Utah was a large desert that bordered the Rockie mountain range. Time was not on their side. Already June of 1862, and yet no Union troops had come to fight. Sibal was glad for that. Each day more men joined up to wear the imperial blue. Frank laughed at that, the armories everyone encountered had Union uniforms, Emperor Norton said they were the color of the Empire. And who was Frank to say other wise?

Sargent Grant, no relation to the general, walked around the camp smiling at everyone. A private before the Imperial Edict, Grant was given command of the southern half of the 1st army. Walking along his hands clasped behind his back, bright red hair sticking out from under his cap. "Okay boys, we are gonna rest up for two days. Everyone got that two days. Eat, sleep, write letters back home. You will drill out in this field every morning before breakfeast, and again before supper. Crossing the Rockies will be easy for us, winter is a ways away, but once we pass them the odds of us reaching the Union will be even greater."

Sibal stood up and trotted over to Grant, "Sir!"
"Yes Pvt. Sibal?" Grant stood a good head taller then Frank but he smiled like he knew the man all his life.
"Permission to go out hunting?"
Grant nodded, "Good idea, go get some men together bring back at least a shoulder each. That is if you don't mind spliting your catch up?"
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Sacramento was larger then the Emperor remebered it being. But the people were quite freindly, even in this time of rebellion to the east, and south. Norton shook his head as he stepped out from his royal coach. An honor gaurd stood proudly before the temperory capital. Prime Minister William Ide bowed low, awaiting the Emperor to let him rise.
"William how is the day treating you?"
"Very good my Emperor. Our army has sent word that they have crossed the Colorado Rockies."

Norton nodded smiling, letting himself be escorted into the Capital building. The marble building built in the greek style, the Emperor prefered gothic, but he dealt with his surroundings in the manner befiting a ruler. "Have the Mexican people responed to my request? At the very least I suspect the Confedrate government, and Queen Victoria answered my correspondense?"
"Errr...Mexico has yet to answer you sir. I am having talks with the Confedrates as we speak. No word on the British Queen, but our mail system has be disrupted."
The Prime Minsiter moved to his office, the Bear Republic flay by his desk. Norton eyed it for a second, then smiled happy the Ide remebered the national flag at such a troubling time. "Very well. The local elite have put their favor within the Empire."
"I have heard of such things. But do recall the elections will assist in our determining the future of the Republic....I mean the Empire."
Emperor Norton laughed, " Ahh William. You are getting forgetful, I disbanded the Republic long ago."
William laughed as well, "Yes, how silly of me. But please forgive me for taking up some much of your time." With that said Emperor Norton I left the office, moving down the grand entryway. "Ahh Williams is a fine man. GAURDS!!"
Two men ran over saluting crisply, "Yes my Emperor?"
"Please gather some men and arrest Prime Minister Ide on the charge of treason." The men nodded, one running to watch the door, the other going to get more men.
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The fifth volunteer army was well into South Dakota by March of 1864. In the mind of General Clark it was to be another easy victory. Rush in post gaurds in the nearest fort, and secure the area. With the Unionist fighting the Confedrate's, barely any were in the way of the Empires army. California was trully an Empire now, the failed attempted to take power away from Emperor Norton by Prime Minister Ide. The bastard planned to arrest the Emperor, and set up a republic or some such thing he failed to do before the Mexican-American war.
Yet the moment he his forces reached Rapid Falls all hell broke lose. An earthworks, looking to have been perpared for months in advance was set up. The fifth ran hard and fast, but the first battle between the Empire and the US was a failure.

The word along the grapevine was that the Unionist forces were making a push along the line. General Clark was too wrapped up in taking Rapid Falls to
move out and assit the other Armies. The Union General Sherman was in control of the Western Campaign. Clark was happy that raiding parties were so easy, what with the Union and Empire troops having the same uniform.

 

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Cool! What is the population of California in the 1860s?

 

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Cool! What is the population of California in the 1860s?

1,050,000 people

 

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Diary of General Wesley Clark

June 15th, 1864
I never imaged war like this. Throughout my military schooling, those brief years before I was packed up and sent West, I was taught to send men out in tight rows, see the enemy, one instructor said as a leader to tip your hat to the opposing side, then fire. Repeat until victory is assured.
But today such notions became absurd. An entire platoon was wiped from the face of the earth. My fellow officers and I laughed at the Unionist soldiers hiding behind mounds of dirt. But as I write this I see the ravages of war. Young boys fighting for the Empire dead on the ground. Did they hear the one that got them? See it? I think it odd how nice the day is. The sun is out, birds are singing, the fields are filled with wildflowers, and yet not two hours ago hundreds of men fell to their deaths.
With no cannon, and very few horses I have ordered a defense of the line. My visions of marching into the White House disappeared quickly. I had my men raid nearby villages and get anything that would be usful in making a defense. At this point one long trench is being dug, the Unionist army isn't moving towards us. I thank god that I left some men behind, to be fresh for the final push, if not my army would be in name alone.

July 4th, 1864
While I would never have imagined celebrating the birth of America fighting said nation, the fighting goes well none the less. South Dakota is being held. My 4th army securing the south, and the 5th under Grand General Scott holding the north. Waiting seems to be our best strength at this point. Digging in, hopping that the Unionist’s will try and attack us by the time our artillery arrives. Not being one for waiting, as my WestPoint instructors will inform anyone, I have raids ordered almost every day.

Lt. Simon Birch is an ingenious raider. Using a few men he crossed into the Union lines, having the exact same uniform doesn’t hurt either. Birch moved around behind Rapid Falls main line, I had hoped such actions would divert enemy troops. But all it did was break up a good dragoon unit. Too bad I liked the San Francisco Dragoons, they brought back the best “supplies.” My aides tell me this is due to the level of Unionist soldiers out here. I, like all of my fellow Californians, assumed the best of the Union troops would be sent out to the Confederate lines. But Sherman was sent to face us with his best, I image the general plan is to knock us out of the war, then return to the south.
But of course Sherman is my problem now. Out to the East General Sherman has a rather impressive earthworks setup. Every attack my forces have made upon it was pushed back. While my forces out number those of Sherman’s, he is fortified with heavy artillery support. The Napoleon three pounder cutting a swath through my men.
When the artillery arrives I plan to try again, with assistance from the 3rd volunteer army. But this may be all in vain, new from the 5th tell of some General in charge of Calvary roaming around North and South Dakota. This “Custard” fellow could tip the scales in the Unionist favor.

July 28th, 1864
Today I am ready. As I speak the sounds of cannon are firing at the Union lines. No longer do I have the small force for defense, but instead a true force has been put under my command. The 3rd army under Major Corey Andrews, the 1st Imperial Artillery Brigade, as well as the remains San Francisco Dragoons are all with my 4th. With the 5th army engaged up North Sherman has moved his men to join in the attack. I watched the Rapid Falls earthworks for a good hour this morning. I know this is the time to attack for the rows of cannon I remember are down. Hopefully we can take the fort, and the town in three days. If not our line may fall apart.

 

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What are your war aims?

 

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What are your war aims?

Independence or independence with as much land as I can get away with.

 

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How much did US divert its forces from confederation front?
How is "normal" civil war going?

 

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How much did US divert its forces from confederation front?
How is "normal" civil war going?

Oye... General Sherman is in rapid falls with three divisions, one of which is artillery. Two calvary forces running around the north. The rest of the forces, I think five in total, is infantry.

The Union has pushed its way into Virginia, and North Corolina. The Confedracy is fighting back hard.

 

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Try and get the UK on your side.

 

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Oh goodness gracious!

I assume you would wish to preserve the CSA here in order to weaken the Union?

 

[Da Swede]

Great AAR =D

I wish all luck to the new American Order...

 

[Kaiser Franz]

nice AAR...good story..keep it up...

 

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Diary of General Wesley Clark

August 9th 1864

The Union troops poured out from Rapid Falls faster then we expected. Luckily the first Imperial Army under General Kirby arrived to hold the advance.
I on the other hand am not so lucky stuck out in Carson city surronded by Unionist troops. When Rapid Falls fell I was shifted from the 4th army to the 2nd volunteer army. I fear our lines have been broken. Having close to seven thousand men I know they would be of use to the West. But my orders were to dig in and await reinforcements.

August 21st, 1864

Today I have lost my mind. No word from the Empire for weeks, my men are jumpy and fearful of a Union attack. Hell I am too. We all know Carson City is lost, but without orders I was to sit still. Deciding that the chain of command is broken I am taking action. There is a small opening in the Union lines to the East. I am going to have my men break through in, and then make a long circle around to head west. Sounds insane, sounds crazy , but I don't care anymore. I'm not dying in this town, and I'm not going to let my men die here either. I have scrounged up as many American flags as we could, maybe if we are lucky my ruse will work.

September 5th, 1864

My fine fighting force has been turned into a makeshift pirate army. We go into town, make a speech abvout giving to the nation, and take whatever food and supplies we can get our hands on. We are moving in regiments of five hundred or so. Each a mile or more apart. I want the locals to think we are Union army, and I want the Union army to think we are huge.
I don't feel all that right taking from civilians, but these are desperate times.

A local newspaper shouts of Union victorys in the West, as well as the South. That made me very depressed for a few days, yet on the 3rd of this month rumors circled around. The Confedracy was pushing back into Virginia, and much to my joy the Empire was holding off Sherman. About time that cocky bastard learned what it was like to fight a defended postion. My aides spread the word along to my men. Maybe in six months I can be back on Empire soil, if I'm lucky I can cause havok back here against the smaller forces and irregulars.

 

[Mike von Bek]

WHoa... thats one heck of a ruse, lets hope Wesleys 'Long Trek' works out!

 

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Diary of General Wesley Clark

April 1st, 1865

As we marched through the US my army has grown. The remants of the 3rd,4th armies and San Fran Dragoons have joined up with my army, which has been given the colurful name "Clarks Irregulars."
My grand scheme of returning home has hit a snag. A annoying blonde snag with a waxy mustache. General Armstrong Custer has been following my army. We have had two scuffles with his calvary so far. Each time I break it off and run. The strain is hard on my men, but I know they will last out.

Hell the strain is hard on me. I have been on my horse for what seems like days now, in what is true Irony of Rapid Falls, South Dakota. I plan to have them dig in for the night, maybe two days just to let them rest. Custer is roaming somewhere around these parts, and as much as I hate it the more troops sent against my men the less the Empire has to deal with.

December 21st, 1865
My days just keeping getting worse. The closer my Irregulars get to the Union lines, and my dear Empire, the more organized soldiers we encounter. Custer was more of an annoyance then a true threat. He would attack, we'd fight him off. The boy would sulk for a few days then try again.

The men Sherman has are dangerous though. Almost of year of combat for each one. Artillery, Calvary, and Dragoons coordinating their attacks. We are due to make it by 1866. Once their we shall resupply, and get back into this war.
I've had to redirect my army multiple times, but this will work. We will link up with the 1st Imperial army under Kirby. From there the California Empire will defend our land for Emperor Norton. I will then go home to San Fransico. I will then see my wife. And life will finally be good.

 

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Looks like the US is bringing its forces to bear. Make peace!