Halifax Ledger (1812-1815)

<p>June 1812 Halifax. A semaphore mast climbs the Citadel and the bells begin to govern the day. Orders are posted in plain view; rumours are sorted onto boards; pilots clerks and captains learn a new doctrine-timing over pattern; trap not chase. As war spreads along the St. Lawrence and privateers comb the sea-lanes Halifax is told to hold. Mi'kmaw pilots sound the shoals; Black Loyalist crews take the oars and wheels; the Gazette prints minutes as fast as clerks can pin them. Civil and naval authorities must share the same ledger without tearing it in two.</p><p>From 1812 to 1815 convoys form in Bedford Basin's numbered grid while American cutters test the coast and winter presses close. Each quarter hour brings a five-minute decision: sail or stand signal or stay silent spend the last powder now or save it for fog. If Halifax keeps its rhythm the Atlantic lifeline holds; if the rhythm breaks the Empire's last northern harbour becomes a prize.</p><p>Halifax Ledger (1812-1815) is Book 1 of Crown & Republic: Atlantic Hinge a procedural character-driven alternate history of the War of 1812 told through posted boards bells receipts and the calm nerve of a harbour that survives by schedule and seamanship.</p>