Alternative history ranging from the Mexican War through World War II.
Most people don't recall—if they ever knew—that the United States Army invaded México in 1846. A year later they entered México City and received an unconditional surrender. Then they walked away with Texas, New México and California. What would have happened if they hadn't walked away?
The Hundred Years Farce, is an alternative history that postulates what might have happened if an obscure piece of American history had gone differently. That's on the surface. The soul of this story is social and political satire.
I'm confident it has something to offend everyone.
Excerpt
President Taylor's daughter, Mary Elizabeth Bliss, greeted the Southern gentlemen as they entered the White House. She led them daintily to the conference room where her father intended to address them. He kept them waiting.
"Daddy," Mary Elizabeth clucked. "Fix your hair." She licked her fingers and tried to smooth his errant locks. "And there's dandruff all over your shoulders and lapels."
"My dear girl," he soothed her, "they call me 'Old Rough and Ready' with emphasis on rough." He entered the room with the long table in the center and was cheered by his colleagues.
"Gentlemen, thank you for coming—"
"Mr. President," a familiar voice said, "we could hardly refuse."
He let the laughter subside then continued, "We are all natives of the slave holding states. We have endured much calumny from our Northern brethren and are suffering a general loss of enfranchisement at the hands of those who oppose us. However, the developments of the recent past have cast a new light on the situation. I have called you here today for two reasons—aside from my natural fondness for your company."
Applause.
"When the inspiration struck me to use the territory of our conquered southern neighbor as a repository for the product of our peculiar institution we obtained the means to reunite our sorely divided nation. Nevertheless, there is still careless talk of secession on the eve of the rebirth of unity. I warn all of you here today that, if necessary to uphold the law, I will personally lead the army and any persons taken in rebellion against the Union, I will hang with less reluctance than I hung deserters and spies in México."
No applause.
The honorable governor of South Carolina, Whitemarsh Seabrook, coughed. He removed the cigar from his mouth and rolled it between his fingers. He liked Taylor and knew him to not stand on formality. Without requesting the floor he said, "Mr. President, I believe you would."
Later John C. Calhoun, wheelchair bound by tuberculosis, got the President's attention. His white hair floated wildly about his head as he struggled for sufficient breath to speak. "Mr. President, as a man of the South you certainly are aware that slavery is not our only grievance."
"Of course I am, Mr. Calhoun. You know that, but slavery is the issue that the North most enjoys rubbing our noses in. The fact that we have numerous grievances with them is lost on our Northern cousins. Moving slaves to a place where Congress has marginal control whilst reserving us the economic benefit of their labor is a coup, wouldn't you agree?"
"Indeed, Mr. President, but one-hundred percent removal of our slaves is not really practical, is it?"
"I believe that gentlemen such as Mr. Webster and Mr. Van Buren will be able to look the other way if we reduce the slave population to the odd manservant and cherished chambermaid."
"But what about the influx of so many Méxicans?"
"As long as they go home when the weather turns cold, why should anyone object?"
"I only hope you're right, General." Calhoun had expended the last of his strength. A few days later the great secessionist was dead.
Fleeing from a scorned past,Catherine Merit struggles with her failing medical practice and a rich man's obsession of her.Book Four in the Indignities Series
Compelling historical fiction that traces the life of a young English immigrant woman who travels to America at the turn of the century to start a new life for herself. Encountering danger, romance, heartache and tragedy, she strives to fit into a
