A Land Divided (IC)

by **Paketo** » Wed Sep 17, 2014 7:24 am

Link to OOC: http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=312372

This the IC for A Land Divided. Do not post here unless you have signed up in the OOC and have been accepted.

Rules:

1. Obey NationStates forum rules
2. Obey the OP and those appointed as per their role
3. Make sure you are not metagaming, godmodding, numberspamming, or generally RPing in bad form
4. Have a couple of paragraphs a post and good grammar & spelling
5. Exercise common sense generously
6. Be active every couple of days at least

OP: Paketo
Co-op: Chihuahua y Tejas and Alleniana

Now get posting

by **Neo-Assyrian Empire** » Wed Sep 17, 2014 7:35 am

La République de l'Ouest
The Western Republic

Ah, the frontier. Some say there are no laws out in these parts, no society to govern the people. That is far from the case here. As snow gently fell from the air, then sun began to rise. A new day. A new century. Everything that had happened before was now behind the République as Président Leblanc rose from his bed. He looked out his window to see what he thought of as the dawn of a new era. Literally.

It was around noon when the Président heard a knock on his door. He opened the door only to find several of his advisors standing by the door. "Come in, come in," said Leblanc, "We have much to discuss." As the four advisors situated themselves in the foyer, the Président stood before them.

"Gentlemen, as America celebrates the new century, I believe that it is time for major changes to both our nation and our neighbors. We all know of the eye-sore to our east, the Federal Republic of Ohio. An invasion of them, on our own, could result in years of stalemate that would destroy both nations. But, if we were to have an ally, we could easily dominate the weak Ohioans. I have heard that the Federation of Delaware shares a similar view of the Federal Republic, and an alliance with them could allow us to dominate Ohio."

Jacques Mont, the Vice President, spoke up. "Mr. Président, with all due respect, I believe that this could be foolish. Why just ally with Delaware for the point of war? And who's to say that they won't backstab us after the conflict is over?"

"Do not fear, Jacques. We will make sure they won't by allowing them to take half of the spoils of our campaign. They can take Ohio and parts of south-east Indiana. We shall take the rest of Indiana and Michigan territory. I doubt they would try to back stab us when they gain large tracts of land from such a deal."

The room fell silent.

"So, we are in agreeance. We shall ally Delaware and burn Marietta to the ground."

To Thomas McKean, President of the Delaware Valley Federation, for your eyes only,

Salut, Monsieur! I have been hearing good things about your nation. As such, I have a proposition for you. I am sure you have heard of the Republic of Ohio, and their occupancy of the Great Lakes. Well, if your nation were to ally with the République, then we may finally deal with this issue once and for all, conquer their territory. Aside from claiming Ohio, we could spread our influence and become the dominant powers in North America.

So, beat so you say, Monsieur? Will you take a risk to improve your nation?
Signed Thybault Leblanc, Président de la République de l'Ouest

by **Paketo** » Wed Sep 17, 2014 7:36 am

Raleigh, North Carolina,
January 1, 1800

President John Baptista Ashe stood to the side of the grand ballroom as the New Years party was in full swing. Beside him stood William Polk, the commander and chief of the military. "Meir, we suspect that the Shawnee plan another uprising from Cherokee reports. The Chickasaw and other tribes seem content as always. We should send reinforcements to the frontier Corps before the situation escalates" stated Polk very quietly to the President. "You are correct" responded Polk with the America quietness "I will order the 25th regiment there tomorrow but do not speak a word more of this here. We do not want a panic like 1793". Polk nodded content with the response and the two separated, returning to the main floor.

Western Frontier of Tennessee, Fort Polk

The garrison of this small fort that protected the small settlement of Baptista, was made up of 200 regular soldiers and the 500 militiamen in town. Wooden walls had been erected around the entire town and the fort looked over the two main gates making it very defensible. A quality that was needed as a war ray sounded from the forest before almost 400 Shawnee warriors descended towards the town. The townspeople were quickly forced behind the gates and the doors closed. The soldiers took position behind the wall and prepared for a long battle.

The thunder of the single cannon in the fort have alerted anyone who did not know of the attack yet that something was wrong. The 200 soldiers fired through small firing holes in the wall and on positions from on top of the walls. The militia would take awhile to arrive at the wall in full strength but the soldiers had to hold out till then.

3 hours later

The battle was long and heard but the defenders had won the day. They had lost 30 soldiers and 70 militia and the Indians were unknown but the soldiers guess that at least 100 dead and another 70 wounded. The defenders infirmary was packed full of wounded from the attack numbering at 60. The Baptista was the first battle in what would be the second Shawnee revolt. The frontier regiment would be hurrying to Baptista within days to do battle with the Shawnee.

by **Quirina** » Wed Sep 17, 2014 7:37 am

Reserved for Genoese/Ligurian Republic. Here come the money.

by **Chihuahua y Tejas** » Wed Sep 17, 2014 1:50 pm

Union of Democratic Mexican States

by **Lingang** » Wed Sep 17, 2014 6:24 pm

Union Republic of Carolina & West Florida

Charleston
January 1st, 1800

The docks of Charleston were as busy as ever, with ships from various nations coming to port. The sea-side city had grown into an economic hub in the American continent, with traders from across the East Coast coming to do business with Carolina. The Union Republic had become a fairly large economic player, relying on the labor of Black slaves from West Africa. The cotton, tobacco and sugarcane harvested by the enslaved men and women had blessed the Carolinian's with bounty and riches previously unseen in the American South.

Of course, this new economic golden age wasn't being enjoyed by everyone. Citizens from West Florida, a semi-autonomous State of Carolina, was beginning to feel the bitter sting of dissent. West Florida was a mostly marshy, rural State, made up mostly of farmers and small plantations. Decades ago, the Carolinian's had annexed West Florida into their nation, and interrupted their peaceful agrarian lives. Now Federal and State taxes were imposed upon them, including a regulation exclusively for Floridan's. West Florida was not allowed to trade with other nations, including Alabama, Carolina's biggest trade partner.

Today, the Congress of West Florida was planning to convene. They were seeking greater economic freedoms, and were willing to declare secession to gain it. The President, Edward Rutledge, would also attend this meeting. He had his own agenda; to keep the Union Republic intact.

by **Timothia** » Thu Sep 18, 2014 12:38 pm

Commonwealth ~ of ~ Massachusetts
New Years Day, 1800

The city of Boston seemed to be bursting from it's seams. The city was growing so quickly, it seemed now to have a life of it's own. The city itself was alive, and not just the people in it: the roads and the alleys, from the Harbor to Harvard and even beneath the waves of the Atlantic, a beast was alive on the seaboard of the new nation. In the matter of a decade, Boston had gone from a modest 18,000 citizens to a burgeoning 25,000 and growing. They came from Ireland and from England, from Germany and Italy and Hispania, boatload after boatload of people coming to the bustling capital of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Daily, more goods passed through Boston's harbor than nearly any port on the earth. Daily, more money changed hands in Boston than many of the Kings of Old had in their coffers at any one time. Just outside of Boston, the city of Cambridge served as the center of a new alliance that promised to be a major player in the future of the region. The future looked about as bright and hopeful as one can imagine for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The celebration of the New Year in 1800 was indicative of the life of the city itself. Out of every nook and cranny of the city came a noisy, sweating citizen with a smile and a beer, out of every pub and tavern stumbled an Irishman who'd celebrated until he could no longer remember what it was he was celebrating, and out of the countryside came the thundering fireworks and cannon salutes. It was chaotic and unbearably loud, the streets full of shouting and cheering masses of people and the Boston Harbor - nay, seemingly the entire Massachusetts Bay - was full of ships that were anchored down for the night in one of the busiest cities on earth. But in a way, it was just another day in Boston.

How things had changed since the Puritan days! The ancestors of these men would be ashamed of what their city had become, but the new breed that now dominated Massachusetts no qualms. For them, faith was all good and well, but the old days of witch trials and strict church attendance had waned to a much more money-focused atmosphere where everyone was either rich or going to be. God had been left somewhere on the wayside, only to be picked up when a bad storms swept over or a family member died. It wasn't that they had lost their faith, it was that it mattered less when compared to the allure of shimmering coins and a future full of hope and freedom.

It was 1800, and the world was going to have to be ready for Massachusetts because Massachusetts was ready for the world.

by **The Kingdom of Glitter** » Thu Sep 18, 2014 4:48 pm

The Delaware Valley Federation

Congress Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Delaware Valley Federation had managed to prosper despite the disunity and disharmony on the North American Continent. However, they had a new President now, and Thomas McKean had plans to grow his nation. The Delaware Valley Federation had always maintained friendly relations with the Maryland Republic, and talks had been taking place between the two nations' governments. The topic of the annexation of Maryland by the DVF was discussed, and many in Maryland had supported the idea. However, President Benjamin Ogle was opposed to the idea, as he felt it was best for Maryland to remain independent. However, Vice President John Francis Mercer supported the movement, as did many in the President's Cabinet.

Secret negotiations ensued between Mercer, his supporters, and the government of the Delaware Valley Federation and it was decided that a coup against President Ogle was to occur. It would be led by the Marylander Military, which planned to storm the Presidential Mansion and demand the resignation of President Ogle, making Vice President Mercer the President of the Maryland Republic. After which, Maryland would be united with the DVF and gain statehood status within the Federation.

An agreement was reached and a plan hatched, and on the second of January the Marylander Army stormed the Presidential Mansion in Baltimore and issued their ultimatum to President Ogle. Ogle refused to accept their demands, and order them to step down, at which point he was shot several times by his own countrymen. Ogle was pronounced dead after being assassinated by a Virginian anarchist, and Vice President Mercer was sworn in as the President of the Maryland Republic. His first act as President was announcing the unification of Maryland with the Delaware Valley Federation, making him the Governor of the State of Maryland.

More to come later.

by **Reatra** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 12:08 pm

"¡Viva a Las Californias!"The people yelled.
"¡Viva la República!" They screamed. This went on for several minutes, it was only three hundred people, mostly natives and rancheros, as the majority of the others were either still arriving from theirs farms and villages. Each of the missions and coastal cities were holding celebrations for Independence Day, only the fourth one. This was only organized by El Presidente in California proper. Beyond the Sierra Nevada and Colorado River the local governors administrated the lands and followed El Presidente's orders. The celebration was where people drank and ate for their nationalism!

The Mexicans at the border, threatening their independence, and the New Irish to the north slowly encroaching on Californian settlers' lands, but for today, this was forgotten, and California celebrated.

by **Jamessonia** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 12:41 pm

Greendale, New Ireland, 31. December 1799

The tavern rang with the sound of drunk men. A score of them sat gathered around one long table as the barkeep stood behidn the counter, watching them while drying a glass.

"Get over here Finn, you old bastard!"

The old barkeep smiled.

"Don't you think you've drunk enough?"

"That's just like you, always ready to close up for the day! I got news for you, my friend! We ain't never leaving! Don't you know what day it is?"

"How the hell could I not know what day it is? It's the only thing you all have been talking about all day. I get it, I get it, it's a new century. But that doesn't mean you need to stay up all night, drinking yourselves into oblivion!"

"It's a new century, that right! But this century is going to be different! The Brits are gone and we control our own destiny. This is New Ireland's century! And I don't know about you, but I'm ready to grasp it with both hands!"

The men indulged in a resounding roar of approval and drained their cups. The bartender, Finn, didn't react.

"I suppose you haven't heard, then?"

"Heard what?"
"Yeah, what?"

"Some good Irishmen have been skirmishing with those Californians down south-"

"Who bloody cares, they aren't a thing but cowards, all of 'em. Come one, share a round with true men!"

The bartender balked, smiled, and walked over.

A cheer was released, the first Irish cheer of the new century.

by **Timothia** » Sat Sep 20, 2014 11:53 am

Commonwealth ~ of ~ Massachusetts
January 9th, 1800

Over the past several months, the foreign affairs of Massachusetts had come to the forefront of the attention of Timothy Pickering. He had drafted multiple letters to foreign governments which he passed by the legislature and all the necessary outlets, and was now glad to see leaving Boston on courier ships taking them to where they needed to go. He wished them only the best, and prayed that the returns would be favorable.

Office of the Governor of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
To whom it may concern in the Republic of the Californias

Dear sirs,

Fairest greetings from everyone Massachusetts. We have known of your independence for some time now, but we were unsure of your nation's ability to survive in the face of a difficult position. We now see that you are clearly capable of such a feat, and we are interested in pursuing you as a partner in trade going forward.

As you well know, the shipbuilding industry is booming currently. Drydocks and shipyards are putting out vessels of every conceivable kind, and Boston is on the most advanced tip of that technology. But as you also know, building vessels takes lumber, and the forests of Massachusetts aren't limitless. To lighten the strain on our lumberjacks, we propose that you permit some of our contractors to establish sawmills and logging camps. We would also wanting to inquire if there are any islands along your coastline which you would be willing to sell us: we would gladly pay or trade for a small port on the western seaboard. In exchange, we will encourage our merchants to make the trip around South America and all the way back up to California on a regular basis, delivering loads of whatever your people need. We can also offer weapons to your nation's military, though that would be a more complicated process which would require greater compensation than any of the other, commonplace goods.

We would also like to discuss the institution of the Massachusetts pound into your economy as the official currency. This would come with many varied benefits and bonuses. If you are interested in discussing this, then please contact us about it immediately. With this letter we send diplomat Elijah Hunt Mills, to negotiate potential offers, and he is authorized to sign an agreement with the full power of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Thank you for your time, and please return your reply as quickly as possible.
Sincerely,

Timothy Pickering, Governor, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Office of the Governor of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
To whom it may concern in the Kingdom of New Ireland

Dear sirs and majesties,

Fairest greetings from everyone Massachusetts. We are intrigued by your plight and also very interested in the great wealth of the region you are in. However, if you'll forgive our intrusion, you utter lack of a navy could prove to be your downfall. The ocean is the highway upon which all nations can either make their riches or fall by the wayside. We don't wish to insult you, not in the least, but rather we wish to offer you a solution. In exchange for the creation of one port city on your coastline which will belong to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, we offer you two vessels with which to start your fledgling navy. Also, as part of the same offer, we would send 2,500 .69 caliber flintlock muskets, of the latest make and model from the Springfield Armory, to your government.

The port city would consist of 21 square miles of land in a position that we agree would be ample for a decent port. We would also claim the ocean out half a nautical mile as Massachusetts water. this would officially be a part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, but your people would be granted the right to live, work, trade, and coexist in the city without any need for citizenship of our nation and without any undue infraction. Dual citizenship could be granted but would not be necessary, and there would be no taxes or tariffs for your people or government when dealing with the proposed port.

We understand that our proposition provides a difficult decision, but we also believe that we both stand to benefit equally. We would introduce additional industry and a greater population into your Kingdom, and our offer of two naval vessels and 2,500 armaments are both offers that we believe you ought to take seriously. Like most offers we make, this offer is up for negotiation. We would also like to discuss the institution of the Massachusetts pound into your economy as the official currency. This would come with many varied benefits and bonuses. If you are interested in discussing this, then please contact us about it immediately. We send with this letter we send Christopher Gore, a diplomat who is authorized to negotiate the treaty further.

Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,

Timothy Pickering, Governor, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Office of the Governor of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
To whom it may concern in the Republic of Colombia

Dear sirs,

Fairest greetings from everyone Massachusetts. The story of necessary rebellion, eventual victory, full independence, and everlasting liberty is one that rings equally true in both our nation and yours. We understand that you are working on developing a stronger navy, and we believe we can reach an agreement with you that helps us both achieve our goals. Our proposition is one that doesn't achieve an overnight navy, but rather one that is steadily and surely developed, modern and strong. Another nation may be able to help you get a navy faster, but we promise quality and effectiveness as well as maintainability and serviceability.

Our proposition involves the islands of Trinidad and Tobago becoming the shipbuilding center of the Caribbean. The basic idea is that you cede the island of Tobago to Massachusetts in exchange for the establishment of government navy facilities on the island that are solely focused on the creation of a navy for Colombia. For three decades, ships would be launched as regularly as possible at the lowest price for the Colombian government. The designs and outfitting would be done by Massachusetts - with extensive input from you, of course - and the vessels would be in the same style as the most modern Massachusetts vessels.

We would also assist the creation of a port in Trinidad that would entirely belong to Colombia. Our merchants would regularly visit that port, and it would serve an excellent purpose as the exchange point for our nations. We understand that this deal has much to worked out and many details to be finalized, so we send with this letter a fully staffed diplomatic mission headed by the honorable Rufus King, who has been authorized to sign an agreement in the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We would also like to discuss the institution of the Massachusetts pound into your economy as the official currency. This would come with many varied benefits and bonuses. If you are interested in discussing this, then please contact us about it immediately.

Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,

Timothy Pickering, Governor, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

by **Reatra** » Sat Sep 20, 2014 2:48 pm

To whom it may concern in

The Commonwealth of Massachusets

From La Oficina del Presidente

Dear Governor Timothy Pickering;

Thank you for taking the time to write a letter to our nation, and thank you for your proposition. Although I must unfortunately decline in the most respectful way possible. Although, since my people's wellbeing is first always, I have a counter-offer.

Your's being one of the greatest nations on the Eastern Seaboard, we will grant you the same privileges as the Russian merchants are given here in California. Your vessels will have unlimited access to our ports, your merchants will be allowed to take up residence in any of our cities, and they will be allowed to build their own workshops, lumber mills, water mills, mines, etc. As long as the Californian Government receives a set percentage of either the profits or refined materials. Furthermore we will increase our output of timber in order to help with your shipbuilding industry.

In exchange for these Massachusetts will send firearms and cannon to the Californian government at the same value of the timber being delivered, and you will deliver machinery to build small factories here in California at a value determined by our governments annually.

Furthermore, this deal will continue until we both deem it necessary to terminate it.

Thank you for your consideration,

Presidente René Soto de La Repúblicas de Las Californias

With the letter sent, René had time to focus on the matter at hand... the New Irish to the north. Recently there had been a number of skirmishes between Californian settlers along the coast and Irishmen from the north-east. So far no major damage had been done to the fledging colony, but the idea of an attack made the settlers nervous, so much so that they demanded more troops be sent to the area to set up small forts in the hills of the Oregonian coast. René of course agreed, but that made the Mexican border slightly less secure, which was never a good thing.

Something needed to be done about these Irishmen encroaching upon Californian territory...

René ordered the mobilization of a few thousand natives living in Utah and Nevada, hopefully some extra bodies would scare the Irishmen into submission.

by **Jamessonia** » Sat Sep 20, 2014 4:34 pm

Teach Mór, Glasdale, Nua Éireann, 10. January 1800

The King of the Irish sat up straight in his chair. Some people believe that such things are important, but to be honest, if Brendan McEvoy wasn’t the Rí na hÉireann, he wouldn’t worry about such things. Actually, if he weren’t the King, he’d probably be down at the Drunken Beaver, getting drunk with the dockworkers and lumberjacks. But life had dealt him a different set of cards, so he was stuck in this stuffy office, its elegance lost on him. But the fine curves of the polished pine met with appraisal from someone, at least. The Taoiseach, Dermot O’Casey, had an eye for such fine things. That may have been the reason he stopped Brendan and his men from smashing the place to bits all those years ago. Then again, if he hadn’t, the Rí might not have chosen him as his first head of government. The tall, fair haired man who his countrymen called an Easóg, or the Weasel, was aptly nicknamed, both for his wiry physique and for his shrewd capabilities as a statesman.

On the other hand, Brendan McEvoy, though he was king, didn’t have what anyone would call an aristocratic appearance. His average height, his jet black hair and the sideburns running down his face made him look more like someone you’d encounter wearing the classic overalls of a lumberjack, or the thick coat of a fisherman. The only thing that made him remarkable were his piercing dark green eyes and his distinguished-looking uniform. The white coat and matching pants were adorned with the shamrock green color heavily adopted by his race of transplanted Irishmen. He had several medals pinned to his chest, announcing his status as king and as general. Finally, a green sash was flung across his left shoulder and wrapped around his left side just above his waist. His large and hairy hands seemed almost comical as they handled the delicate paper that had made such a long journey across the continent. As he finished reading, he dropped the paper and stared at the door across the room.

Dermot O’Casey picked up the dispatch and began to read. When he finished he stared out the window over the shoulder of the King. The town of Glasdale, or Greendale in English, was spread out before them, as the Teach Mór, the residence of the King and other government officials, sat atop a hill looking across the settlement and into the Pacific Ocean. Finally, the Taoiseach spoke across the fine desk to the Rí.

“What are you thinking?”

The King stroked his chin before he answered.

“I don’t know what to think. This could be an opportunity for our nation to grow, in terms of population and industry. But I don’t know how comfortable I am with the thought of another power owning land in the Fatherland. And adopting the currency will bring us under the influence of Massachusetts, but it may also speed stable growth.”

“I understand. I also know that the people may not like the idea too much either. But I think it would be foolish to not at least try to negotiate. As you know well, the Californians have been skirmishing with some of our soldiers. Tensions may be rising soon, and if we are caught off guard it could have serious consequences. I know this opinion may not be popular, but having the New Englanders invest in our nation may even protect us from a full war.”

The King nodded slowly. He picked up the letter again, rereading the final sentences. After a long pause, he spoke.

“Has this diplomat arrived?”

“Yes. He is currently being allowed to stay in one of the guest rooms.”

“Summon him."

by **Saarth** » Sat Sep 20, 2014 6:53 pm

To: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
From: The Republic of Virginia
We have considered your offer and believe it to make some good points. While we are unwilling to give exclusive access to the majority of our products, we will offer the same deal with 40% of our cotton in exchange for a 2% price increase.

To: Kingdom of France
From: Republic of Virginia
We believe your nation to be one of the most powerful, quite likely the most powerful nation on earth. You have foothold on 3 continents and are the most respected nation in Europe. Even Britain, the only who could even try to compare to your glory, lost to you in the American revolution.
That said, we have noticed you do not yet have a foothold on the continent of America. As I do believe this continent's influence will increase through the years, it would be highly useful to have a nation here allies with you, to serve as your base to spread your might through America.
On the opposite side, Virginia is powerful, but our overall influence has largely declined due to decades of isolation. An ally to protect us and help spread both of our lands would be highly useful, and this we ask you consider our offer. This is negotiable.

To: Republic of West Florida
From: Republic of Virginia
Both your nation and ours are on the same continent. Both have similar culture, political, religious, and ethnic views. And we are both nations of Dixie. Therefore we believe it would be highly useful to have an alliance between our two nations, to protect each other and times of war and to strengthen in peace. Virginia is already bigger in both land an population to all other nations in the area. With another nation at our sides, and us at yours, only God could destroy us.

To: Republic of Ohio
From: Republic of Virginia
Your nation is one fast on the rise, but surrounded by enemies. My nation has declined but is still mighty and looking for a chance to rise once more. Together I believe our nations would be nigh invincible, and therefore I offer an alliance between our two nations. While this is negotiable, think of how much our two nations will gain from mutual support-and how much we will lose if we have none.

by **Reatra** » Sat Sep 20, 2014 7:49 pm

California was growing. The promise of increased quality of life and citizenship had some natives from the rockies immigrate to the Utah territory. Although numbering only a few thousand, it was a major jolt to the local administration, which only ruled over 12,000 citizens to begin with. This, along with the realization that expansion would be key to California's future, led to a few government-funded expeditions beyond the Rocky Mountains. One of the first was the expedition into Colorado, and it brought back.... nothing of value. Still, the land, seemingly unclaimed, was "
claimed" by California. As was modern-day Southern Idaho. While little of anything was discovered to be worthwhile in the Rocky's except for snow, it was still an achievement for California.

Apart from mountain climbers, more and more Californian were becoming mountain miners! Or, at least, the economy was growing. Watermills were springing up every week along the Sacramento River, new docks were increasing the capacity of Californian ports and therefore attracting more trade from Russian, Canadian, and even Mexican merchants (greed transcends borders). This gave a much-needed boost to the economy, and while it only really affected those along the coast, that would soon change. For now, though, the coast became more and more industrialized. With huge workshops, massive lumber mills, more modern farms in the valleys, even tiny factories!

WIP

by **Timothia** » Sat Sep 20, 2014 9:21 pm

Commonwealth ~ of ~ Massachusetts
January, 1800

Christopher Gore was not an easily excitable man. Everything he did was calculated and to the point: he had amassed a fortune this way, and it was clear that it worked. Regardless of the sums of money he was dealing with or the magnitude of the situation he was in, he always acted as if though he was unfazed and unimpressed. He had held tens of thousands of dollars in his hand before. At this point, very little could catch him off guard.

This diplomatic mission had proven to be no different.

Christopher had very little acting to do, for he was literally unimpressed. He was genuinely confused as to why this land thousands of miles away was so important to the Commonwealth. But he'd received his mission, and he was going to accomplish it to the best of his ability. Presently, a knock came at the door. Christopher took a long, deep breath and stood to his feet, hoping for the best. He allowed himself to be escorted into the court of the King of New Ireland, and observed at the impressive decorum that the King had acquired. He was clearly a man who commanded respect and wealth, and stories circled the Americas of this man who had fought off the British all but single-handedly. He was rumored to be brilliant, a lowborn man with a nobleman's disposition.

After a trip full of things that failed to catch his eye, Christopher had found out how this upstart Kingdom had managed to survive this long. The green-eyed Brendan McEvoy was a leader through and through, and it was clear that he was aware of it.

Respectfully, Christopher bowed, then addressed the King directly. "Your Highness, do you wish to discuss the terms of our agreement?"

With the Authority of the Governor of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
To whom it may concern in the Republic of the Californias

Dear sirs,

Fairest greetings and thank you for promptness of reply. Your adjustments to our agreement have been noted, and we understand most of them. Before agreeing to the terms and finalizing them, however, we wish to make some amendments, particularly in the matter of the exchange of weapons.

In exchange for the unlimited access to ports, permission to take up residence without requiring citizenship, and permission to tour merchants to create their own lumber mills, mines, etc., we will encourage our people to take advantage of these opportunities and we will also ensure that 9% of either the profits or the refined materials are presented to the government of California. 10% is all that God asks of His children, so 9% ought to be all that you ask of us. We believe that you will find this agreeable.

But pertaining the exchange of small arms, cannons, and factory equipment for lumber, I believe we can both look at that exchange and know that it would take a ludicrous amount of lumber to equal the value of the goods we would be sending to you. We are not looking to deflate the lumber industry on the East Coast, nor are we interested in having so much excess lumber that it is wasted or rotten. Instead, we have an offer with which we both stand to benefit better.

We will send 3,500 .69 caliber flintlock muskets, along with 15 howitzers of the highest quality and 70 swords, to the California government. All armaments will be of the latest make and model from the Springfield Armory, and will be equal to the weapons we use in our own military. factory equipment is not something our government owns, but we will purchase $10,500 worth of to ship to you, to be used as you wish. But, in addition to these weapons and equipment, we will send a crew from the Boston Mint to begin minting coins and printing money. You will make the Massachusetts pound the official currency of your nation, and the mint will be transferred to your control, with the understanding that that it will be held to the same standards as the Boston Mint is, and will follow all the rules to ensure that inflation doesn't devalue the currency. We will invite a representative from California to our Board of the Treasury of the Commonwealth of Greater New England, that way the management of the currency will not be arbitrary.

If you adopt our currency, we will also introduce a bill to the Massachusetts legislature to change the name of the currency to the "American pound", that way it will be more ably adopted in the entirety of the Western Hemisphere. The American Pound will, inevitably, become the standard of exchange on this continent. It's stability and roots in a secure government make it one of the least volatile and most dependable units of exchange here, and it will also foster trade between your nation and ours.

Contrary to what many people think, the adoption of another nation's currency is not a showing of weakness. Rather, is a wise investment that shows humility and common sense, which are both virtues that I believe you posses. Choosing to make one currency universal between our nations is a step in the right direction. It is also a choice that the merchants will approve of because it standardizes exchange with your newest trade partner. I understand if you still have apprehension about it, but have no worries about approaching me with them personally.

I am currently staying in the local hotel, and I will be more than pleased to speak with you further if you believe our agreement needs further tweaking.

Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,

Elijah Hunt Mills, Diplomat to the Californias, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

by **Jamessonia** » Sun Sep 21, 2014 4:24 am

Teach Mór, Glasdale, Nua Éireann, 10. January 1800

The King, seated in his armchair behind the desk, motioned for the diplomat to take a seat across from him. He took out the diplomatic dispatch from a desk drawer and laid it flat on the surface. Looking at the New Englander, he began to speak in English.

“Yes, that is my intention. You may or may not have met Mr. Dermot O’Casey. He is the Taoiseach, or Prime Minister if you will.”

He gestured to an Éasog, who sat just to his right. The man nodded and allowed his King to continue.

“Having thoroughly read the dispatch brought by you from your government, we are, overall, pleased with the terms. However, there are some scruples I have that we must consider.”

“First of all, on the subject of this proposed port city. You must forgive me, but I, and therefore my people, are rather concerned with having a foreign nation own land in our country. I am very interested in coming to an agreement, but the fact is that I cannot allow twenty-one miles of my kingdom to belong to Massachusetts. Our independence was just recently gained, and the idea of any power encroaching on our independence will be seen by the people as suspicious and foul. My counter-offer is this.”

“We will be willing to allow the building of a new port city. But Massachusetts and New Ireland must be equal partners in the governance of the land, the governance of the harbor, and the governance of all goods passing through. This will give you the freedom to do as you please, but you must remember that this is a foreign land from your own, and the people who inhabit it won’t allow anyone full control over what is by right a part of my kingdom.”

by **Timothia** » Sun Sep 21, 2014 1:08 pm

Commonwealth ~ of ~ Massachusetts
January, 1800

"I understand about as well as one can your concern about a foreign nation owning a portion of your shoreline. We would most certainly respond in a similar fashion if France or England were to propose their own port on our rightful territory. You are clearly interested in the well-being and livelihood of your citizens and you keep a close watch on their interests, gauging your own decisions based on what is best for your Kingdom. But, with all due respect to your reasoning, I would like to point out one possibility that you might not have considered."

Christopher paused before continuing, being sure to enunciate and not rush. The man was no fool and he had clearly looked at this offer forwards, backwards, side ways, and upside down. He was wary of the effects and reactions that an improper treatment of this possibility could create.

"Massachusetts is not in the business of creating nations. It is not our place in this world. We are also in no position to ensure that nations - even our partners in trade - remain independent. We can supply you with weapons and money, but we cannot ensure your independence because we have very little force with which to back up what we would say. A port owned equally by both governments isn't a bad idea, but you have to realize that that means the Commonwealth of Massachusetts would be obliged to expend valuable resources to protect it from encroaching invaders - Indians, Californians, Mexicans, Russians - not to mention the protection of *ahem* beg pardon, from pirates and privateers, from here around the tip of South America and back up again. It would be a significant investment by us, and such an investment ought to receive more than half a share of a city we are willing to build ourselves."

"I'm unsure if you have considered the massive risks and expenses that would come to our people and government from this mission. A decent amount of Irish-Bostonians would find their way to the new port, so we stand to loose a considerable amount of our population as well as 2 vessels, valuable and of high quality, 2,500 armaments, and then we effectively count as loss the entire overhead of the expedition. If you were us, would you find access to one port as ample compensation for this? I think not, majesty."

"I would like to ask you to reconsider. Our most strategic interest in the region, and the reason that we are willing to loose all of the aforementioned, is one port on the western seaboard that we can call our own. If necessary, we can talk to Mexico, California, or Canada about a port instead, but we believed that you stood to gain the most from us in return. I will accept the square mileage being decreased to 17 square miles, and I will also be willing to personally write a $10 (Massachusetts pound) check to every grown man in the Kingdom of New Ireland. We don't intend to encroach on you any further than one port and one port alone, you can have that put into writing if you like. But we aren't willing to tie up over $100,000 worth of capital in a city that we only partially own."

by **Saarth** » Sun Sep 21, 2014 3:44 pm

To: Commonwelaht of Massachuetts
From: Republic of Virginia
We will accept 45%, but we would prefer a 2.5 increase in price if that is the case. If not, then we will gladly revert back to your original offer. We hope you understand both our hesitation and temptation.

To: Republic of Nee Ireland
From: Republic of Virginia
We are looking to expand our worldwide influence, with our allied at our side. You cannot deny the power and influence Virginia holds over the American continent. However, your nation is also goring and has the potential to become a continental power. Therefore we offer you an alliance, in which both our nations shall protect each other in times of war.

by **Alleniana** » Mon Sep 22, 2014 9:16 pm

Old Presidential Dock, Bogotá, Colombia
11th of January, 1800 A.D.

One trip and suddenly he rolled down the wooden planking coming down to the pier, making only a single full rotation before flailing arms stopped the journey, though his satchel and its contents made it but slightly further.

A surprised fisherman had only just lifted his leg in time to avoid the careening messenger, the boot's bottom now a few fingers' breadth from his abdomen, and he quickly pulled it back, grizzled grey eyebrows in no way belying his bemusement at the interruption, and his fingers still clutching the rough-spun net as he stepped back to let the fellow get up.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, sorry about that, er, yeah, I just, yeah, tripped, sorry..."
The brown hair sitting on his head seemed the only part of his appearance not unruly right now, and the only part the fisherman could see clearly as he stood, watching the fellow scramble around in as dignified and fast a manner as possibly, which was not at all, trying to gather the few trinkets that had spilled out of the satchel.

Finally, after what seemed like a mortifying century but which was really no more than a handful of seconds, the young man stood up, dusting himself off and crumpling his attire even more in the process.

"Um... sorry, sorry about that. I... hope I didn't disturb you... or anything?"
His eyes look down.

"Don't worry about it, kid. Watch your step."
The old man turned back to his nets, fibres as coarse as his hair sliding through his fingers as he picked up the nets to load them onto his boat.

The wooden planks were salty, creaky and worn enough for any seagoing pontoon bridge's likeness, but they sat on shore. He appreciated the fact as he moved away from the scene of his embarrassment, luckily only witnessed by a couple of porters and the fisherman. Why couldn't he... just... not be a klutz? Was it that hard?

By the time he reached the place on shore, just a few dozen metres away, where he was meant to wait for his ship, his breathing and face's colour had calmed down, but he was still a bit annoyed. The scratches and bruises had come out to play, and he could feel keenly where he'd hurt himself; the elbows, and a joint in the groin. The joint's pain would go away, the grazes not so easily. It was not the actual injury, though, that concerned him; they were small enough wounds, most likely to be unnoticeable by the morrow. It was his clumsiness.

He was working for the state! He was visiting a foreign country! He was nearly a damn ambassador, representative of his family and his upbringing and his entire damn nation! He couldn't run around tripping down stairs and not knowing how to talk to strangers without feeling like he'd made a mistake. Dammit, was he cut out for this?

He was much too early for the ship, and so he reflected, his mind soon drifting away from these subjects, first to philosophy, then to the sea, then back again, and then to the people he know back home; thinking, soon, about such subjects as all people his age did, love and money and life and death. It got to the point where he felt uncomfortable in his self-reflection, though, to the point where he was more self conscious that he normally was, and he welcomed the interruption in his train of thought that came with the ship that came up, men soon running all around to secure it. And, he knew, as they looked at him, that this ship, its voyage, was nominally for him. So much for the ship interrupting his thought and making him less self-conscious, then. He prepared to board.

To Governor Timothy Pickering of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,

It is always good to hear from our brethren in liberty; we have indeed shared much in our paths, from independence to today, and we appreciate closer relations. As natural allies and friends in this dangerous new world, purveyors of democracy and freedom must band together to defeat those who are not, and liberate their people, in the spirit of equality. However, we must respond, that such liberation, even put in terms of naval warfare, would not quite require what you have proposed, though we appreciate the spirit in which it has been done.

We regret to say that the arrangement would most likely not be beneficial; not only is Trinidad a fairly developed part of our economy already, a result of colonial importance attached to it, but our navy would not require such expansion as such a scheme would suggest. Though we hope to expand our naval forces, and indeed in the Caribbean, it is such problems as prohibitive cost of maintenance, manpower and even time taken that affect it, rather than the simple ability to construct the ships.

Though we would welcome Massachusetts in aiding the Colombian fleet's upgrading and expanding in future, at present, we do not seek such an increase in warship numbers. Our shipbuilding industries are already large, Amazonian timber used precipitously to provide the raw resources and imported metals to complete the vessels, and expansion of the war navy would come at the expense of government expenditure, which, in peace, we believe is put elsewhere, and cause growing pains for the fleet that we wish to avoid more than the boons of increasing numerical superiority.

So, while we are most glad at the willingness of your state and its government to become friends in this New World, we think that such measures would be unhelpful, unnecessary in the current situation, and generally something that might be attempted only if Colombian troubles in the area of ships and their repair and construction comes to pass, something we are sure that both of us wish to avoid. We hope that it would be possible to cooperate on some other matter, and welcome further talks. It is so that we look forward to your reply, if you would have anything else to say on the matter.

President Francisco de Miranda of the Republic of Colombia

by **Paketo** » Tue Sep 23, 2014 9:58 am

January 12th, 1800
3 miles from Baptista

"Fire" shouted the commander and the order was echoed by the rest of the gun crews. The ridge was suddenly shrouded in a cloud of smoke from the firing of the 8 cannon battery. Down below the ridge, groups of soldiers formed up in sparsely wooded plains. The Shawnee were on the other side and pounded by cannon fire. These soldiers were all part of the frontier regiment about to face off against the Shawnee. The cannon fire had been going for 5 minutes now and finally, the Shawnee charged. 2000 warriors ran out of the trees and onto the plain in a frenzy. The soldiers quickly took their shots dropping few at this range and then reloaded. The warriors were only about 100 yards away when the second volley took place and the order was yelled out "Bayonets". The Frontier regiment dissolved any battle formations and charged into a wild melee. Swords and bayonets clashed against axes and clubs. The soldiers were trained to be able to fight this way and fight they did. The battle was over in minutes with the Shawnee surrendering in droves. They had lost 800 warriors before surrendering, a loss to great for them to continue. The frontier regiment had only lost 300 though it would be hard to replace them.

Baptisa, Western frontier on Tennessee

The 25th regiment had arrived four days ago and reinforced the garrison of the town. They were the only reinforcements available to aid the frontier garrisons as the natives became more hostile everyday. The Cherokee quelled most of the tribes before a ting could happen but the Shawnee were a different story. They resisted every advance by North Carolina at every turn. They were the major reason North Carolina had not expanded her borders.

Raleigh, North Carolina

President Ashe was in anger as he wrote the document currently in his hands. The Shawnee had revolted again after he had forgiven them for the first rebellion. It was now time for major action against them. The document in his hands if approved by the senate would enact the forced removal have the Shawnee into Kentucky and other surrounding states. The President walked into the Senate hall and delivered the document. It was unsurprisingly voted for by the entire senate. It was decided the Cherokee would be given control over what used to be Shawnee Kandahar and the order signed into law. This would come to be known as Shawnee removal Act.

by **Lingang** » Wed Sep 24, 2014 4:31 pm

Union Republic of Carolina and West Florida

Charleston
January 12th, 1800

The day in Charleston was cold and brisk, the frigid wind blowing in from the Atlantic. Around this time at midday, a light drizzle began to pick up, as President Edward Rutledge sat in his office, sifting through the mountainous pile of paper on his desk. Edward had first opened the letter he got from Massachusetts. He was immediately interested in the prospects offered, and with fervor he hastily wrote his response.

Official Seal of the President of the
Union Republic of Carolina & West Florida

To the Government of Massachusetts,

We have read your message, and have pondered. Now we come to a sound conclusion; that we will take you up on your offers. We are very interested in trade, and will allow your people access to our port in Charleston. Us in Carolina wish to trade extensively with Massachusetts, as we believe the revenue generated will provide great benefits to both our nations. But there will be one small divergence. Carolina will not adopt the Pound as its currency, and instead we wish to keep the Carolina Dollar as our official currency.
We wish to hear a hasty response.

Warm regards,
President Edward Rutledge of Carolina and West Florida

by **Kiruri** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 9:40 am

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
January 12^th, 1800 A.D.

It was a normal, tropical, rather paradisaical day in the Imperial Capital. Nothing was out of place and business was the usual. His imperial highness sat in the study, analyzing a two proposals he wished to send to the Parliament. (WIP)

by **Alleniana** » Fri Sep 26, 2014 7:55 am

Panama City, Colombia
23rd of January, 1800 A.D.

Nominally on a sort of trip, partially for popularity amongst Panamanians and partially to inspect the area, Francisco de Miranda appeared to spend most of his time in Panama doing rather showy, if substance-less things; riding through the streets, visiting the city's main amenities, watching parades at military bases at the area and living it up in his temporary accommodations there, but he was there for a somewhat more weighty reason.

Though the most publicised, well-known activities included opening up the newest, and incidentally, largest cathedral in Panama, presiding over a huge military parade, horsemen and infantry alike flooding the streets for a day, and making several speeches with private chats for the lucky few afterwards, he did a fair bit more. An experienced military man, he knew that one needed to scope out the enemy, get to know them before one attacked, if possible, without letting them know you were coming. Not that Panamanians were the enemy, though.

As he, now, in one of those actions, walked through columns of musketeers, he considered the movements that might be made. Propaganda was already being projected over the border, spies, pamphleteers, all sorts, as well as limited funding to the local independence groups and other troublemakers, but when push came to shove, it would be military force that determined who owned what. The second stage of the plans were coming to fruition, and soon, Colombia would aim to take over the land that looked as if it didn't know what it wanted; the land in Central America.

As such, he gathered information on his troops, watching them, making sure that they were of high quality, of high morale, and using parades to call them up, mobilise and ready some of them, and boost their training. This had the added side effect of discouraging Panamanian regionalism, which his trip was also, slightly more ostentatiously, for, but that could be done in other ways. Ways like winning wars.

It made a welcome change from shaking hands and hoping to make supporters and publicity to walk among serving men who he might well have fought against during the war for independence not so long ago, and even as a light shower began, he did not mind; crystal droplets soon covered heads and hats, and darkened the ground ever so slightly. He was done with this formation today, and as he left the forest of tassels and cold steel and sashes, he waved. No speech; that had been done at the beginning.

He mounted, and nodded, in the most visible gesture to the assembled forces; the local unit of musket-men.

He thought they were probably ready.

To Visconde-Grandee Manuel Alves Branco of the Empire of Brazil

Truly, it was with happiness that we received your communique, a message of friendship, reaching out from an otherwise hostile, dangerous world; often only in the Americas bearing the fruits of freedom that the garden of mankind should produce everywhere. Immediately, it is easy for us to agree that the long path in front of both of us is best traversed with friends, and upon that sentiment, it is that we roughly concur with all the suggestions you have put forwards.

With threats, both European and otherwise, we believe that the erection of an embassy in our capital would be most beneficial to us both, and we therefore hope to be as conducive to your envoy as possible in the construction of a Brazilian embassy to Colombia; hopefully a place that will be a centre of friendship in future. We welcome as many ambassadors as you would care to send.

In addition, in the spirit of a mutual, equal relationship, we will too follow in your lead; we have also sent a mission to Rio de Janeiro, diplomats and retinues, and we hope that they will be sufficient to warrant a Colombian embassy to Brazil there. In a similar vein, we hope that they will be as helpful as we envision your people in Bogotá.

We, too, believe that once these actions have been taken, it would be most beneficial, with this communications channel set up, to start negotiations for such agreements as non-aggression pacts and economic treaties, perhaps milestones on the way to a greater alliance, but for now, we merely await, eagerly so, the establishment of official ambassadorial diplomatic services between us; surely a step both to a greater good, and an excellent suggestion and decision in itself.

President Francisco de Miranda of the Republic of Colombia

by **Timothia** » Sat Sep 27, 2014 1:12 pm

Commonwealth ~ of ~ Massachusetts
January, 1800

Timothy Pickering impatiently waited on one side of the street separating him from his waiting carriage. The busy street took quite some time to get across, especially as of late. The everyday population hearing the rumors of the events going on in New Ireland, and investors were hearing about the deals with nations like California, Colombia, and Virginia. The general consensus was that these new changes were an excellent thing for Massachusetts. Movement around the city was more active than ever as lumber was being brought to the shipyards, goods were being loaded into warehouses, and produce was brought to the weekend market. The culmination of all this activity was that Timothy was going to be late to his meeting, this time one of great importance.

When he finally arrived to his destination in Cambridge, Timothy was disheveled, flustered, and somewhat sweaty. He virtually sprinted across the courtyard, bounded up the steps, and then slowed his pace as he entered the doorway into the Presidential Mansion of the Commonwealth of Greater New England. Despite being five minutes late, Timothy wasn't even the last man there. But John Adams gave him a frown as he walked in, a frown which Timothy responded to with a slight shrug. Boston was busy, and so was he! What more could be done to get here on time?

After a time, the final representatives arrived: there were two representatives from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, then one representative from Tortugas and Northern Massachusetts. The final to arrive was the Governor of Rhode Island, who apologized repeatedly to the others. The meeting was called to order by John Adams.

It meeting was called concerning the currency of the Commonwealth. Since it's founding, the Commonwealth had used the Massachusetts pound. The pound was minted in Boston and had been circulated enough already that it's institution represented more of a recognition than a change. But the currency was soon to be adopted in nations outside of the Commonwealth, and the meeting would dictate the future of the Massachusetts pound.

That meeting would not be the last. over the next week, several more were held. The topic was debated at length. Finally, on January 19th, 1800, the changes were all approved and the Currency Dictate of 1800 was passed unanimously by the Commonwealth of Greater New England.

The Currency Dictate of the Commonwealth of Greater New England
Issued on this, the one thousand eight hundredth year of our Lord and passed by the government of said Commonwealth.

Recognizes the agreements of this Commonwealth's original Charter to institute the "Massachusetts pound" as the official currency of the Commonwealth,

Fervently insists that this arrangement was the best choice at the time, and has not caused serious issue for the Commonwealth to the issuing of this Dictate,

Preemptively recognizes the expanded use of this currency, both nationally and internationally, and as a tool both economically and diplomatically,

Institutes several major changes to the Massachusetts pound to make it more marketable and stable.

I. On Changing of the Name
1.0 - The nomenclature of the currency known as the 'Massachusetts pound" shall be changed as follows:
1.1 - The Massachusetts pound shall henceforth be replaced by the American pound, of a differing value.
1.2 - The Massachusetts shilling shall henceforth be replaced by the American shilling, of a differing value.
1.3 - The Massachusetts pence shall henceforth be replaced by the American pence, of a differing value.
1.4 - In all other places where the Commonwealth of Massachusetts would be referenced in this currency, it shall be replaced with either the word "America" or the term "Commonwealth of Greater New England".

II. On Denomination and Design
2.1.0 - The denominations of the American pound shall be as follows.
2.1.1 - 10 pence shall equal one shilling.
2.1.2 - 10 shillings shall equal one pound.
2.1.3 - 5 Shillings shall equal one half-pound.
2.1.4 - 50 pence shall equal one half-pound
2.1.5 - 100 pence shall equal one pound.
2.2.0 - The sizes and content of the coins shall be as follows.
2.2.1 - The pence shall be a circular coin one-third of an inch in diameter and five one-hundredths of an inch in thickness, made of 80% silver and 20% copper.
2.2.2 - The shilling shall be a circular coin one inch in diameter and six-hundredths of an inch in thickness made of 90% silver and 10% copper.
2.2.3.1 - The half-pound shall be a circular coin one and one-quarter of an inch in diameter and eight hundredths of inch in thickness, made of 85% silver and 15% copper.
2.2.3.2 - The half-pound can, alternatively, be expressed by a bank note issued by the mint, signed by the mint master, and of the design of that mint, and it will represent the equal imperishable value of half a pound in a bank or mint (see 4.3).
2.2.4.1 - The pound shall be a circular coin one and one-half of an inch in diameter and one-tenth of an inch in thickness made of 90% silver and 10% copper.
2.2.4.2 - The pound can, alternatively, be a circular coin one and one half of an inch in diameter and seven-tenths of an inch in thickness made of 65% gold, 25% copper, and 10% silver.
2.2.4.3 - The pound can, alternatively, be expressed by a bank note issued by the mint, signed by the mint master, and of the design of that mint, and it will represent the equal imperishable value worth one pound in a bank or mint (see 4.3).
2.2.5 - The creation of a 2 pound, 5 pound, 10 pound, or 20 pound coin is permitted and left to the discretion of individual mints.
2.2.5 - The creation of an official coin valued higher than 25 pounds is not permitted by the mints.
2.2.6 - Bank notes for various denominations from half a pound to 500 pounds are permitted and left to the discretion of the mints, but the bank notes must be signed by the mint master and must represent an object of equal imperishable value that is kept in a bank or mint (see 4.3).
2.3.0 - The design of the coins shall be as follows.
2.3.1 - One pence coin
2.3.2 - One shilling coin
2.3.3 - One-half pound coin
2.3.4 - One pound coin
2.3.5 - Inverse of all coins (in various colors)
2.4 - The Massachusetts shilling shall be worth half of one American pound, but minting of the Massachusetts pound shall cease immediately upon passage of this Dictate.

III. On the Committee of the American pound
3.0 - The creation of mints shall be done as follows.
3.1 - The Committee of the American pound shall be created to oversee the American pound.
3.2 - This committee will have one member representing each nation using the American pound, appointed by the head of state of said nation.
3.3 - This committee will have an additional member from each mint of the American pound, and this member will be the master that mint.
3.4 - This committee will meet biannually in Cambridge, Massachusetts to discuss and legislate on matters of the currency.
3.5.1 - A special session can be called by the elected chairman of the committee at any time.
3.5.2 - A special session can be called by any three members of the committee at any time.
3.5.3 - A special session can be held at any location in the Western Hemisphere, and the location will be dictated by whomever calls it.
3.6.1 - This committee will not be directly and solely subject to any one government, regime, or family.
3.6.2 - This committee will be indirectly subject to the various legitimate governments which use the American pound, equally and as a whole.
3.6.3 - The responsibilities of this committee are to the greater good of the economies of the nations using the American pound.
3.7 - New member nations of this committee are to be be given entrance only after a majority vote of current member nations.

IV. On Creation of Mints
4.0 - The creation of mints and the running of the same shall be done as follows:
4.1.1 - Mints shall be defined as "places where the currency of the American pound may be coined and stored"
4.1.2 - One such mint exists at the time of this Dictate, and it is the Boston Mint.
4.1.3 - One more mint will be immediately authorized as part of this Dictate, and it is the Pacific Mint (to be placed on the Western coastline at the discretion of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts).
4.2 - Future mints will be granted by majority vote of the Committee of the American Pound.
4.3.1 - Mints must not create more paper money than there is an object of equal imperishable value in possession of the mint (see
4.3.2 - Gold, silver, copper, bronze, iron, and crystal will all be considered imperishable valuables. Other items may be added to this list with unanimous consent of the Committee of the American Pound.
4.4 - Mints shall be protected by the legitimate government of the nation they are in with the utmost security.
4.5 - Mints shall hire only the required staff members to accomplish the necessary goals of the mint.
4.6.1 - Each mint will be presided over by a master of the mint, who will be selected by the legitimate government of the nation the mint is in.
4.6.2 - The master of mint will be responsible for ensuring that all codes, qualities and values expressed in this Dictate are followed.
4.6.3.1 - Punishment for a master of the mint found to be counterfeiting, embellishing, intentionally devaluing, embezzling, fraudulently converting, or committing an act of larceny will be fired from their position and will be accused of treason.
4.6.3.2 - The Commonwealth of Greater New England will find mint masters confirmed as guilty of said crimes to also be guilty of treason.
4.6.3.3 - The Commonwealth of Greater New England urges all nations to pursue the same or, at the least, similar course of punishment.
4.6.3.4 - Any nation that decides not to pursue treason if a mint master is convicted of said crimes but is not convicted of treason, jurisdiction over further proceedings will be requested by the Commonwealth of Greater New England.
4.7.1 - Each nation using the American Pound will be permitted to pass their own legislation concerning common counterfeiting and similar crimes.
4.7.2 - The Commonwealth of New England recommends a minimum sentence of five years in prison for counterfeiting or similar crimes.

Executable
The passage of this law by the Commonwealth of Greater New England - and all of her member nations - does the following:

Creates the Committee of the American Pound,
Institutes the American Pound as the official currency of the commonwealth of Greater New England,
Declares the use of the Massachusetts pound to be archaic, and both ends and bans it's minting, to be exchanged to the government for it's equivalent in American pounds,
Declares and protects the value of the American Pound as expressed in this Dictate,
Extends the offer of adoption of the American pound to all states of the Western Hemisphere,
Establishes this Dictate as the governing charter for the Committee of the American Pound,
Permits the Committee of the American Pound to pass further changes and, if necessary, override this charter pertaining to the currency.

Signed and accomplished on February the 14th, in the one thousand eight hundredth year of our Lord.

A Land Divided (IC)

A Land Divided (IC)

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