The Battle of Brooklyn began in the early hours of August 27th with the sound of gunshots and cannon fire echoing in the late summer air. Over three intense days, General Howe led twenty thousand British troops to overpower and outmaneuver a Continental Army of ten thousand soldiers that dwindled to less than nine thousand near the end of the conflict. It would've been a significant British victory had Howe not acted conservatively against the protest of many officers wanting to continue the offensive assault. It seemed hopeless for the remaining American soldiers with their backs to the East River whose only saving grace from death was surrendering themselves. The British didn't suspect the Americans had any other option until one foggy morning did they grow suspicious of the eerie silence on the other side of the battlefield. When the British got to the American fortifications without any resistance, they were stunned to discover the surviving Americans had successfully retreated to Manhattan during the night. Howe and his troops could still rejoice in gaining control of Long Island, but General Washington and his army were still free to continue the fight another day. Certainly, this war was far from over.

Though confident in his chances of victory, England still wasn't keen on war. This wasn't like past wars with France and Spain where he could potentially win land and resources. This was a war against his own blood. England could only hope to regain control of the situation and not much else. He would rather not have to worry about paying the price of war. Sadly, the other option that was offered to him would've cost him even more. Never in the world was he letting that happen. To that end, England sought once more a chance for reconciliation that could put an end to this bloody conflict.

Sitting on one side of the dinner table, England calmly poured himself a glass of rum before asking the grouchy young man sitting across from him, "Have you thought things over and learnt your lesson?"

"Nope," New York answered bluntly. "I told you for the tenth time. I was forced against my will to work with them."

"I see... That's disappointing to hear." He sipped some rum.

He sighed out of annoyance, "Why are you here? Shouldn't you be heading to Manhattan?"

"That's my intention, however, I've decided to halt my military campaign for some time to rethink my strategy for the war."

"That's funny. Isn't that how America and the others escaped Long Island when you were so close to capturing them?"

"Why you..." He stopped short of losing his temper, taking a deep breath to recover his composure. "Don't say things that may jeopardize your position. You're lucky to be here under house arrest instead of a cramped cell on a prison ship in Wallabout Bay."

New York couldn't argue with him there. "If you're hoping to hear me spill some tea on the Continental Army, again, there's nothing I can say you haven't known already."

"Even if you do have something interesting to tell me, I can't say I trust you completely just yet. With that said, I suppose I have little choice but to leave it at that. There are other important matters I need to discuss with you."

"Like what exactly?"

"An opportunity to end this senseless war," England proposed. "I've given some thought, and I've decided to let you go on parole on the condition you deliver a message to America and the other colonies."

"Don't you have twenty thousand redcoats, one of whom can be your messenger instead?"

"Yes, but you're the only one who can perform this task."

"Why me?"

"America had twice rebuffed my letters," he lamented. "This past week, I sent a letter to Pennsylvania. I had high hopes her steady head could persuade America and the other colonies to acknowledge my proposal for pardons and a peaceful reprieve from this bloody conflict. Unfortunately, her response was written in a harsh and forceful tone that wasn't quite what I expected. Even after our most recent battle, they still foolishly and stubbornly refused my reasonable offer for a cordial conference." He sighed. "For their sake, I figure you're my final best shot at convincing them to speak with me directly before things get worse for them. Of course, that all depends on your readiness to cooperate with me."

"Hmm... I suppose it would be nice to finally step outside this stuffy house." New York paused to consider the Englishman's proposition. "While I don't mind delivering your message, I can't guarantee they'll agree to your proposal."

"Oh well. So it goes." England takes up his glass for a drink, appearing rather unbothered by that disappointing scenario. "I've tried within my powers to make amends. I've been honorable to halt my military campaign, providing them a period to recuperate from a major loss. I've been patient despite their unwillingness to see eye to eye with me. But if they again refuse this chance to reconcile, I have no choice but to continue this war until its bitter end." He looked him dead in the eye. "Again, for their sake, I want you to deliver my message and convince them to speak with me. Because otherwise, they'll deeply regret passing up this opportunity to seek mercy from me."

☆☆☆☆☆

On the second day of September, New York arrived in Philadelphia with a message to Congress that proposed an informal meeting to discuss ending the armed conflict between England and the Thirteen Colonies.

The other colonies took the news as well as anyone expected.

"Quack, quack, quack! Be a little loyal duckling and swim back home to Bushy Brows, will you?"

"Listen assholes!" New York urged the snickering skeptics to take his message seriously. "This is our last chance for a compromise. If we don't—"

"Quit flapping your fucking lips!" Massachusetts rose from his seat, pointing an accusatory finger at him. "You're a decoy duck whom England has sent among us to seduce us into a renunciation of our independence!"

"Absolutely!" South Carolina agreed. "Why should we listen to a loser who got captured in the recent battle on Long Island and chose to cooperate with the enemy?"

"It makes us wonder whose side you're actually on." North Carolina glared.

"Oh, fuck off! Don't give me that crap when none of you bums were battling in Brooklyn!" New York grouched. "Besides, I'm just a fucking messenger. I don't fully support England, but I do think it's crucial we give his proposal some serious attention."

Massachusetts scoffed, "We'll only consider it when England acknowledges our independence. Can you say for certain he'll do that?"

"No, but—"

"I thought so." He sat back down in his chair, giving a huff of annoyance. "Quite honestly, I wish the first ball that had been fired on the day of the defeat of our army on Long Island had gone through your head. That way, we won't have to hear this absolute nonsense."

New York silently watched them continue to shit on him, feeling his face flush furiously. He was close to snapping a wooden chair over Masshole's head until he inhaled and exhaled a deep breath. He calmly informed everyone in the room, "I spoke with America and the others in Manhattan about England's proposal." 

"Really? What did they say?" Georgia asked.

"Nothing too different from everyone else here. America adamantly believes it's foolish, still stubbornly insisting on avoiding a meeting with England. Even so, he says it's a decision he entrusts us to make for everyone's best interest."

"I see," said Massachusetts with indifference. "No surprise, we're all in agreement about this. Unless there are any other objections, I have prepared a proper message in response to his proposal." He held up a piece of parchment paper.

"That's a sketch of shit."

"Indeed."

"Hang on." Virginia grabbed everyone's attention. "Before making assumptions, I do agree with everyone's sentiments. I have low expectations of a peace conference at this point in the war. Still, I think it's fair we accept his proposal out of courtesy."

"Excuse me?!" Massachusetts furrowed his brows at her suggestion. "I can't say I support your idea. His proposal is clearly a distraction to the war. We'll only be wasting our time and breath."

"I agree," Pennsylvania sighed, "but I'm afraid we don't have a choice."

"How come?"

"Not everyone in this land is all for the patriot cause. At the very least, they're not as passionate as you." The ex-Quaker adjusted her glasses. "Declining his proposal will likely irk moderates, getting them to blame us for wanting to prolong the war. Should we lose their support, we'll be even more outmatched against the redcoats and Tories."

"You make an excellent point," Virginia commended. "We're at a disadvantage. We can't afford to lose many soldiers, nor can we afford to have dissension break us apart."

"Damn it." Massachusetts gritted his teeth, clenching a fist on his desk. "We shouldn't be wasting our breath on him. We know how it's going to end."

"We know," assured Pennsylvania, placing a hand on his shoulder. "But if we wish to demonstrate our independence, we need to appear respectable like representatives of a country rather than rebellious teenagers."

~ Nine Days Later... ~

Billop's Point of Staten Island was selected to be the site of an informal peace conference between representatives of the British Crown and the Thirteen Colonies of America. Specifically, it was organized to take place inside the Billop House, built in 1680 by the grandfather of Tory Colonel Christopher Billop who recently permitted his inherited property to be turned into the barracks of British troops and Hessian mercenaries. When New York and England arrived at the two-story rubble stone manor for the meeting, they were shocked and disgusted to discover the place in a filthy state of disarray. There wasn't much time on their hands to clean the whole residence. The American delegation had been spotted later that afternoon on a barge floating across the Arthur Kill from Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Not wanting to look like a slob in a horse stable, England sternly ordered New York and the soldiers to clean and prepare one room in a jiffy until it was spick and span to his liking. All the while, the Englishman took charge of cooking a scrumptious dinner. Black smoke spewing from the chimney could be seen from the beach where New York greeted Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina upon their arrival on the island.

"I have a bad feeling about this place," Massachusetts muttered ominously, unable to take his weary eyes off the Hessian guards in front of the house, all of whom wore faces as fierce as ten furies while armed with muskets and bayonets.

"Would you rather send back the British officer accompanying us?" Pennsylvania recalled their decision not to leave a hostage behind American lines to guarantee their safe return.

He huffed, "Of course not. That's absurd and childish. Quite unnecessary for England to go that far to gain our trust for this conference to happen."

"He wouldn't lie and set a trap to capture us, yes?" South Carolina asked.

"I wouldn't have bothered cleaning the house had that been the case." New York directed his gaze to the white sheet hanging above the doorway of the house, unbothered by the Hessians saluting them in a mighty exhibition of military etiquette. "Either way, there's no turning back now that you're all here."

New York led his fellow Americans inside the Billop House, escorting them to a handsome parlor within the messy manor. By handsome, the room had a rustic quality that came about from a frantic effort to make the place appear somewhat presentable. Much of the room was absent of antique furnishings, likely stored elsewhere for safekeeping. Only an ornate mirror hung on the off-white wall at the back corner between a dusted fireplace and a pair of curtained windows wiped clean just hours ago. Everything, including the wooden chairs and square table at the center of the room, appeared clean except for the stained floorboards. There was little time for New York and the British soldiers to clean or even replace them. Instead, they went with the wacky idea of covering the floor with moss and green sprigs gathered from bushes and shrubs in the neighborhood. The American delegations were a little surprised stepping onto a natural green carpet, but it was nothing to complain about. They collectively thought it was wholesome and romantically elegant.

Appearing on time for their arrival, England entered the parlor with soldiers carrying trays of silverware, wine glasses, and white ceramic plates filled with impalpable food. His emerald green eyes came upon the American delegation with a cordial sparkle of confidence, pleasantly pleased to finally see them. Furthermore, he was impressed to discover they brought with them the hostage who was supposed to appease their concerns of protection. He gave them a slight bow at the waist, expressing out of fondness, "Good day. How do you do? You make me a very high compliment putting yourselves in my hands."

Massachusetts was about to say something unsavory when Pennsylvania stepped forward to greet the Englishman with a curtsy and a courteous smile. "We're glad to see you, my Lord. We trust you well enough to retain our conviction in this conference."

England smirked, "Of course. I am flattered for it has been a long while since I had this chance to entertain all of you. I'm certain you're famished after coming all this way upon accepting my proposal." He pulled her a seat at the table.

Thinking otherwise, Massachusetts grumbled, "I rather skip the meal and pleasantries— Oof!" He balked from an elbow to his ribcage.

"Oh, goodness," Pennsylvania chuckled, ignoring Masshole's glares. "We're so honored to have a light meal made by you." She and South Carolina took their seats at the table without hesitation.

Massachusetts begrudgingly followed their example and took his seat across from England.

~ Motherfuckers... ~

New York stood between the front windows, observing his fellow Americans slowly consume a small repast of soggy bread, cold ham, and burnt mutton with tongue. Not once did he feel bad for them, especially Massachusetts whom he hoped would choke on a glob of dough. Yet, somehow, they managed to get through a lousy dinner without dying of food poisoning. With plentiful glasses of claret going around, this diplomatic meeting could've easily passed for a happy family dinner in a humble home (disregarding the drunk and aloof New Englander). Though slightly tipsy, England maintained a dignified sense of sympathy in his long-winded speech to the American delegation. He almost teared up while expressing his viewpoint on the events leading up to this conference. The American delegation would've been fooled had they felt any resemblance of guilt. Had that happened, England wouldn't forgive them in the manner he described. No matter how pitiful his story sounded, they refused to be dissuaded from independence. It took some time for England to recognize the fiery determination in their eyes wouldn't be extinguished so easily. 

But when he finally realized that unfortunate reality, England gave a sharp question, cutting the warm ambiance of their conversation. "I have been wanting to ask for a while now why America isn't here with us." His tone was hard and cold like the ham that was served on their plates.

Unintimidated, Pennsylvania answered nonchalantly, "America is elsewhere. He trusts us to represent him. No need to be concerned over his whereabouts."

"I beg to disagree," he scowled. "This is a peace conference to end a war between us. It's vital for him to be present. Is there a valid excuse he couldn't attend this meeting?"

"Would you acknowledge him as an independent country if he attended this meeting?" Her retort stunned the Englishman for a short moment. "Either way, neither he nor us can promise to agree to anything you say."

"Excuse me?" He became more flabbergasted. "Why bother coming here if that's the case?"

"We're simply here to listen to what you have to say, ask questions, and report our findings to Congress upon our return." She calmly swirled and sipped her glass of wine. "If you think that's a waste of our time, we'll apologize and take our leave upon your request."

Considering their limitations, England did think to end the negotiations right then and there. Yet, a part of him insisted on continuing to see whether the conversation had the possibility of leading anywhere. He wanted to believe there was a chance to change their opinion of him.

"Please be sensible. This is a delicate situation that has stretched my powers of leniency. Know I am not your enemy, nor do I want a war against you brothers and sisters," England implored. "Had I been another foreign power, I would've gone to Philadelphia and put an end to Congress. Instead, I chose to move my military to New York City in the hopes of meeting America before things could further escalate between us. To that end, I suspended my campaign and called for this conference, wishing to create an outline that could lead to a truce and a mutual plan to satisfy everyone's demands." He gave them looks of sympathy, pleading for their understanding. "Sadly, I cannot negotiate until you renounce Congress and your so-called Declaration of Independence. I wish not to view all of you as wrongdoers and traitors, however, that isn't possible should all of you continue to claim independence from the British Crown. I do acknowledge you're all people of great ability and influence, but you're all still British subjects in my eyes. "

"My apologies," Pennsylvania responded in earnest. "It isn't necessary on this occasion to distinguish our role within this conflict. You may consider us present in any view you think proper, but we're all at liberty to consider ourselves perceivable to our real character. If you don't wish to treat us as enemies of an illegal government, you may better view this conversation as being held amongst family."

"Indeed," Massachusetts huffed as he downed a whole glass of wine, "you may consider me in what light you please ... except a British subject."

England glowered, turning to the ladies, "Such appears to be a decided character."

Pennsylvania simpered, "We're all decided characters, my Lord."

His frown grew deeper. "This is no laughing matter, young lady. Quite honestly, your insistence on independence is baffling. As your caretaker, I've been earnest in my desire to make all of you happy." His thick caterpillar eyebrows furrowed at their snickers. "I'm serious! I do not see why all of you rather turn to a new government that hasn't proven stable when my government system has proven many times over the years to be effective. I can create reform in whatever legal effect through Parliament that can address any real grievances. Your aid is all I asked for in return. That is all. Everyone knows how difficult and expensive it is to maintain an empire, yet you all continue to make the mode of contributions contentious."

"That we never refused upon requisition," she retorted.

"Believe me," England urged, "I understand such feelings of unfairness and resentment. I want to do right. I want to regain America's trust for I'm reliant on his support in the same way he's reliant on my support. The same goes for all of you. For your cooperation and happiness, I'm willing to pardon the American people from paying all direct colonial taxes set by Parliament—on the condition you tax yourselves enough revenue to my satisfaction." He grew irritated by their exasperated groans. "Do not mistake me for a greedy tax collector. Your money is the least of my concerns. I'm happier having you all provide your commerce, your strength, and your growing population of men."

"Ah, yes, we have a pretty considerable manufactory of men." She let out a sneering laugh.

"Penny, please," England moaned. "I truly desire an end to these ruinous extremities. Every American that dies in this war, I'll feel it. For the sake of everyone involved in this conflict, can you and your fellow Americans tread back on independence and open negotiations for a full discussion?"

She shook her head. "I'm afraid not, my Lord. We're all determined to be independent. If we can't resolve this conflict now, we'll surely find a resolution at another time in the future."

"But—"

"Besides," Pennsylvania continued in a sinister tone, "this could've been resolved long ago had you taken our petition seriously. We had faith in your ability to heed our words and appease our demands. Rather than do that to avoid war, the King chose to cut off the vital vein of our familial livelihoods and pour salt in our burning wounds by declaring us traitors." Her eye twitched in annoyance. "We, the American people, hardly expect to come under the domination of the British Crown. You've burned down our towns. You've obliterated all former attachments we had with you. You've destroyed our trust in British rule. Right now, all we can expect from you is suppression by force—a rather large force that'll undoubtedly be very expensive to maintain here at all times. We'll surely become impoverished by the end of the war."

"That would be awful, yes?" South Carolina snickered. "We were exceptionally shocked to learn you rather impede our economies than make some concessions to us. After all, we made sure to write our petition in a reasonable and respectful manner that didn't upset you or the King. Because even after all your wrongs and mishaps, we wanted to give you a chance of redemption to avoid the fallout of war." She gave a halfhearted shrug. "If you truly want to accommodate us for the sake of peace, I suggest you do everything we asked in our petition. For starters, you can repeal the Prohibitory Act and allow us to resume trade in the Atlantic."

England frowned, "I'm afraid that's not possible."

"Why not? You have the power to do so, yes?"

"No, I don't have the authority to void an act of Parliament. I don't know how you got that idea."

"I..." South Carolina with a flushed face glared at New York who immediately turned his face to avoid her angry gaze.

"I can possibly suspend the enforcement of the naval blockade," England suggested, getting everyone's hopes up. "Truth be told, I'm only granted the authority to suspend executions and grant pardons at the moment. If it interests all of you, I've made a list of people to pardon for their crimes in this rebellion, many of whom include yourselves and some of your dear leaders."

"Is that so?" Massachusetts raised a brow. "Am I on the list?"

"Well..." He hesitated. "Regardless, I can't grant any of those things until you all agree to end hostilities, make fixed contributions to the British Crown, and renounce your independence."

South Carolina sighed in disappointment, "Never mind, I guess."

"That's alright," Pennsylvania smirked. "No need to bother pardoning us since we're not at fault for anything wrong."

"Actually, I can name a lot of faults with this rebellion," England argued.

"Sure, but have you also considered the greater advantages you can have in a potential alliance with us and America?" South Carolina proposed with a smirk. "It's likely your best option if you wish to salvage a good relationship with us and America. You'll still get to enjoy a great share of our commerce such as raw materials for manufacturing goods. All the while, we can help in your place protect trade in Newfoundland and the West Indies more efficiently since we're located a lot closer to them. Should you decline, I can't say you'll like another foreign power taking our deal instead."

"Cough! Mr. France. Cough!" Pennsylvania muttered into her fist.

"Again, as Miss Pennsylvania said earlier, I hardly doubt the American people will consent to come again under British rule. I've seen firsthand the cruel oppression committed by Crown officers who claimed privilege and punished people that dared to criticize it."

"Cough! Whited sepulcher. Ow!" Massachusetts winced from a stomp on his left foot.

Ignoring his glares, South Carolina continued to finish her argument. "We're at the point the American people no longer believe the King is fit to oversee their affairs. They rather rebel and take the seat of government for themselves despite the risks. You may not approve, but we feel much happier settling our affairs without your obtrusion."

"You're absolutely correct," England grumbled. "I do not approve for what you're doing is completely selfish and reckless. I've spent over a century raising and protecting all of you. The rebels clamoring for independence cannot possibly do better than myself at appeasing and governing a growing country like America. Even if the war goes in your favor, you're all likely to fall into bankruptcy and come crying to me for help. You may not like my style of governing, but I know for certain independence won't make everything better."

"Maybe fucking not, but it isn't your right to decide for us," Massachusetts argued angrily, arising from his chair with a furious flush across his face. "The Declaration of Independence isn't just a document voiced by rebels. It's a declaration made by us and America, expressing our natural right and legal consent to form our own government for we no longer want to be treated as anything less than independent states by you and your so-called effective government." He bared his teeth. "No matter your opinion, I warmly intend to not depart from the idea of independence. I swear on my life. We'll prove we're better off without you."

"... That's disappointing to hear," England lamented bitterly. "I apologize for making you all go through the trouble of coming so far for little purpose. I'm afraid I cannot accommodate your sentiments, nor can I recognize your independence. Should all of you continue to rely on Congress, it'll be impossible for us to enter negotiations again for possibly a long time."

"We understand." Pennsylvania finished her glass of wine. "We all know surrendering isn't an option for us. For any settlement requiring us to surrender, it'll take, I suppose, three months for us to hear Parliament's terms. By that time you receive fresh instructions from Parliament, we'll already have sent multiple messages to Congress and gotten answers from them."

"Don't be arrogant," he warned in a snappish manner. "You're treading on delicate ground. Remember, I can only vow not to hang everybody."

"In that case, my Lord," she calmly rose from her seat, "America is to expect nothing but unconditional submission.

"H-Hang on! Just a moment!" England got up from his chair in a panic. "I do not require unconditional submission! Don't leave with such an outlandish idea!"

"Not to worry," South Carolina smiled and curtsied upon leaving the table. "Everyone else thinks this meeting is meaningless, but I am glad to have this conversation happen."

Massachusetts scoffed, "Don't try to spin this into a pointless compliment. Nothing substantial has come out of this waste of time except my stomach juices." He stumbled and grabbed a hold of the doorway in a drunken stupor. "Fucking damn it. You dirty limey bastard. I swear you fucking poisoned me. I feel like a sack of shit. Never am I eating that fucking cursed crap again."

"My goodness. Have some self-control." South Carolina rolled her eyes, helping him out of the room.

Stopping short of leaving the parlor, Pennsylvania turned back to the distraught Englishman, asking, "Are there any words you wish to tell America when we see him again?"

"I..." England paused, unsure of what he wanted to tell America had he been here. Deep down, he always cared for him. He was initially sympathetic for he felt partially at fault for paying little attention and forcing a lot of unpopular responsibilities onto him. However, the troubling teenage rebel had done damage too great to dismiss with words of displeasure and disappointment. It was a sad reality he must accept and take responsibility as his caretaker. Win or lose this war, his relationship with America would no longer appear the same as the innocent blue skies of long ago. "... Tell America, I'll feel his loss like the loss of a brother."

With an easy air and a collected countenance, Pennsylvania responded with a curtsy and a callow smile, "We will do our utmost endeavors to save you that mortification."

"And I suppose you will endeavor to give me a formidable time," England sighed in a dispirited tone, unable to stop her and the other rebellious colonies from leaving his company.

The only colony remaining in the room was New York who couldn't exactly defy the terms of his parole. Regardless, he still showed some sympathy for his caretaker, approaching him with concern. "Sir, if you don't me asking, what do you plan to do now?"

Sitting back down at the table, England poured another glass of wine, grumbling, "I've tried to be merciful, but it seems I have no other choice. I'll have to use force to make them see the error of their ways." He drank until nothing remained in the bottle.

After three hours of intense discussion, the peace conference ended on an empty note. They met. They talked. They parted. And now nothing remained but to fight it out.

~ America! ~

Hey, hey, daddy, give me cranberry juice!
Hey, hey, mommy, hey, hey, mommy!
I cannot forget the taste of that
Boston cream pie I ate long ago!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
I'm Massachusetts!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Looking closely, that's the Earth!
Or maybe, that's the Earth?
I am the Bay State!

Ah, with just a brushstroke,
A wonderful world can be seen!
The mayflower welcomes you to
Massachusetts!

☆☆☆☆☆

+ The Staten Island Peace Conference was an informal diplomatic conference held in the Billop Manor between representatives of the British Crown and its rebellious North American colonies in the hope of bringing a rapid end to the American Revolution. Before the meeting, British forces had taken control of Long Island under the leadership of General William Howe and Admiral Richard Howe. Both brothers represented a significant Whig minority of Parliament that wanted to avoid a bloody war and support a policy of accommodation with the colonies. To that end, they convinced the captured American General John Sullivan to deliver their proposal for a peace conference. Members of Congress were unenthusiastic by the proposition, believing it would surmount to nothing and deter their cause for independence. Still, Congress agreed to send three hardcore patriots to represent them at the meeting: John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, and Edward Rutledge of South Carolina. While both parties were cordial throughout the three-hour conference, they couldn't find common ground. Upon their arrival, the American delegation expressed they didn't have the authority to make agreements. Likewise, Admiral Howe's diplomatic powers were limited to granting pardons, therefore he couldn't recognize Congress and the colonists' demands without getting them to end hostilities. As expected, the peace conference ended without a resolution, allowing the American Revolutionary War to resume.

~

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