Duchy of Clove-Hamhock

Having been inundated with countless refugees from the ongoing conflict(s), Herzog Wilhelm Fredrik von Servens II of the Duchy of Clove-Hamhock has decided to make use of the surplus of manpower by impressing all able-bodied refugees into the duchy's army. Further information about the duchy can be found at http://18clovehamhock.blogspot.com/

Happy New Year when it comes.....

Gentlemen
Happy New Year (when it comes ) to you and yours. Another picture by Anna - my middle daughter.It features her Aunt,Uncle and their dog who we are going to on New year's day. Here's to 2008 and 1758!

Raising a New Army

Generalfeldwachtmeister Ernst Anton Friedrich Freiherr von Blei-Sammeln found himself wondering for the thousandth time which of his rivals at the court of the Empress had managed to inflict this painful sentence upon him. Who was the hidden assassin? What did he have to gain from Blei-Sammeln’s fall? Why send poor, suffering Ernst to this forsaken town while the court danced in Vienna?

In a rare moment of self-honesty, Blei-Sammeln wryly noted that while he was indeed suffering, that he was in no way “poor.” Perhaps his unknown antagonist was jealous of Ernst’s fortune?

Blei-Sammeln’s reverie ended as he handed his card to the footman. “This way, Herr General. Her Excellency is expecting you.”

Her Excellency Princess Ulrike Louise von Solms-Braunfels, Regent of Hesse-Homburg sat in her late husband’s Cabinet room together with several dithering bureaucrats. She eyed the Imperial officer with a mixture of wariness and hope.

“Good afternoon, Herr General von Blei-Sammeln. I hope that you are doing well?”

Blei-Sammeln sketched the not-quite-practiced bow that was all the rage in Vienna and answered, “It is a fine day to be conducting the Empress’ and your Excellency’s business, Princess.” He rose from the bow, and upon meeting the Regent’s gaze but not being addressed, assumed an expression of bland contentment.

“Have you had a chance to review our proposal for the New Year’s troop establishment, Herr General?”

“I have, your Excellency, and may I compliment you upon your enthusiastic and patriotic suggestions for the coming campaign. As I also bear instructions from the court of the Empress, I have taken the liberty of combining the two proposals into a single declaration. Furthermore I am empowered to publish this declaration, with your Excellency’s approval, of course.”

Blei-Sammeln drew a document from his breast pocket and presented it to the Regent. Princess Ulrike pulled the string to untie the ribbon, and rolled the document out on the table.

“Mein Gott!” she exclaimed. “Nine regiments of foot! And six of cavalry! And artillery, and what are these ‘light troops?!’ Homburg cannot possibly afford this!”

Blei-Sammeln deployed his practiced smile. “Of course not, My Princess.” He only used the singular possessive when he wanted the Regent to think he really needed her help. “You will see that only the units designated as ‘Leib’ are to be funded by Homburg. The rest will be paid for with the Empress’ florins, but raised and equipped by you.”

“So that the Empress can call them away to be fed to the Markgraf of Brandenburg’s war machine, like those poor Wurzburgers?”

“My Princess,” Blei-Sammeln began, spreading his hands like an innocent child accused of stealing the honey. “Her Imperial Majesty has always employed troops completely within the letter of the contract for their use. As stated in my letters of introduction, Her Imperial Majesty cannot afford to send more troops to your aid, but can help you to defray the expense of raising forces yourself. If you choose to accept the Imperium’s offer, Homburg can raise sufficient manpower to crush the Fedoran breakers of the Imperial Peace and reclaim your rightful domains.”

The room fell silent as the Regent looked back down and read the document in full. “This document calls for 14 battalions, 18 squadrons, and 3 companies of artillery. Where could we find this many men?”

“Your Excellency, both the Dayton Consortium and the newer Minden recruiting companies can provide the raw material for your army. You have but to say the word and they can produce soldiers almost as if from lead!”

“And if I agree, who shall command these legions?”

Blei-Sammeln flashed his ingratiating smile again. “You can see the answer in the attached document, My Princess. No, the third sheet. Yes, that one.”

The Regent glanced at the last page of the set. “So, you bear Imperial commissions for six Generalfeldwachtmeisters, to be nominated by me but approved by you. Yet you are only a Generalfeldwachtmeister yourself?”

“That is so, My Princess, until you sign the agreement. I am delighted to say that if you do so, that you also sign the commission making me a Feldmarschallieutenant and commander of the Imperial troops raised with those funds.”

Blei-Sammeln watched the thoughts as they crossed the Regent’s face. Finally, she turned to the nearest clerk. “Bring me the ink.”

Feldmarschallieutenant Blei-Sammeln bowed again and wondered what it was going to cost him to become Feldzeugmeister. In the meantime, he had a Declaration to publish.

Raid into Tradgardland !

Border patrols have warned of a raid by the forces of the Imperium deep into the Duchy of Tradgardland. Already Ducal forces have been mustered and are on their way to stop this border violation.

Dear Reader the forthcoming skirmish will be played out in the next few days upon the tabletop. You will be the first to hear what happens.....

The Action at Zollamtstadt. . .

The corps of observation belonging to the Grand Duchy of Stollen has been wrested from Zollamtstadt by the Army of Zichenau under General Philip de Latte. A short by sharp action this afternoon inflicted heavy losses on General von Drosselmaier's smaller force, which limped from the field and was seen heading north along the postroad to Krankenstadt. General de Latte now controls the key bridge and highway into Stollen. He has occupied Zollamtstadt and will use that town as a staging area from which to launch a proper invasion once warmer summer weather arrives. For a more complete account, see: http://grandduchyofstollen.blogspot.com.

Exactly how this development will affect the balance of power, politics, and finances within imaginary 18th century Europe remains to be seen. However, Zichenau's Princess Antonia is rumored to be exploring all possible avenues as she schemes to undermine Stollen and its ruler, Grand Duke Irwin-Amadeus II, in her quest to regain the long disputed border region that is currently under Stollenian rule.

On the feast of Stephen

The Duke and Duchess have had a busy day. The feast of Stephen is when horses are blessed for the coming year and then, weather permitting, given a good hack through the countryside. The traditon continued this year following custom.

Whist riding the Duke pondered his place in the Universe, enjoying the solitude and snowy countryside. He inwardly gave thanks for his family, for the joys of the season and the greater family of the Duchy of Tradgardland. His thoughts turn to his deceased son and to the letter from Max in Schwartz Wald See. Max conveys his concern over the intentions of the Imperium . He sees a threat to his new realm and that of his father too. Max suggests that they need to plan together , to share troops and intentions in the coming year.

Karl Frederick has indeed much to think of. With a conscious effort he turns his thoughts to the Mummer's performance this night as they re tell the Tradgardland legends beloved by one and all. The Ducal traditions and legends help all to see their place in the scheme of things under heaven. Karl Frederick feels the rightness of this. And now with a gallop he turns the horse for home.....

It's Christmas in M'Uedail!

Beannachtaí an tSéasúir - Season's Greetings, in Gaelic of course!

"Twas the Night Before Christmas, And all through the land,
We all give thought, To what shall come from Per Noel's hand.

For me it's a battalion, Or even two or three,
For the Lady Katherine, Some new French finery for me to see.

For all of the children, I'm sure it's toys or sweets,
But as we all well know, There will be joy regardless of the treats.

I do give a prayer, One that I hope you all share,
For the fine boys and girls, In uniform everywhere.

They're all so young and so fine, And so far from home,
I pray you Father Christmas, Make them your own.

As we all share our Holiday, With the ones that we love,
Let them share it too, With help from Above.

As they can't be re-painted, Or re-based as our toys,
Let them all take care, Those fine girls and boys.

As for all of us, For you and for me,
I'm sure we'll all eat too much, with perhaps a little grog, We'll just have to see.

For all of you My Friends, Wherever you are,

A Joyous Season be upon you, Under the Guiding Star."

Sir William

Compliments of the Season. . .

. . . and Merry Christmas from the Grand Duke Irwin-Amadeus of the Grand Duchy of Stollen.

Although the Christmas celebrations have brought their characteristic quiet to this part of northeastern Europe, rumors abound concerning the visible build-up of troops from the Electorate of Zichenau on the southern bank of the Lesser Zwischen. Indeed, the mercenary French General Philip de Latte, currently in the service of Pricncess Antonia of Zichenau, has been positively identified with his small staff on the far side of the river.

Stollenian officers stationed in an around the small town of Zollamt and in surrounding villages on the northern side of the river report the presence of a large enemy force. It includes cavalry, artillery, and a strong infantry contingent on the far side of the river. When and where will the Zichenauer eagle strike? Or is this build-up simply a calculated bluff? Time will tell. Stay tuned in the coming days to find out. . .

Christmas Eve - Scotland 1757

On Shetland the small pox has receded since the vaccinations took place. The Morale is higher than it has been. Mass was heard, a cooked meal prepared and enjoyed. The men settle to their posts dreaming of the Duchy and their families. It is a quiet night under the stars here too - as it should be on Christmas Eve.

In Edinburgh the Town Guard are leaving the High Kirk of St Giles after the Watch Night Service. They have been stood down- the Jacobite menace has at least passed for the present moment. The men and officers will return to the New Town , to their elegant houses, to drink and talk the night away. It is braw to be in Auld Reekie on Christmas Eve.

Deep in the secluded Glen Frey, where the Eagles fly, the Jacobites have made camp for the festive season. The huddle in crofts and in hastily made shelters under the trees . The french are singing songs of their homeland around the campfires whilst the highlanders dance to the sound of bagpipes. The Officers gather behind the blue door of a croft and toast victory in peat flavoured whiskey. The Christmas feelings of companionship pervade the encampment and the thoughts of battle are left for future days to come . Under the dark skies all is as it should be upon Christmas Eve

Hesse-Engelburg Annexes Vergoldeten!

After over a month of negotiations, word has been released that the representatives of Prince Arnold and Hesse-Engelburg have come to an agreement on the fate of Vergoldeten. While there are rumors of additional deals, it is publicly confirmed that Prince Arnold has agreed for Hesse-Engelburg to annex the town in exchange for a Hesse-Engleburg committment to ensure the free flow of all supplies except weaponry through Vergoldeten if destined for either Arnold or Asgar. The agreement is said to make no mention of supplies for Bad Nachtschwein, the only party within the Ober-Schweinsberg civil war with whom Hesse-Engelburg has open hostilities.

To the south of the town, the men of the Black Brigade are striking camp and marching southeastwards, towards the winter quarters of Arnold's army, while to the North the Hesse-Engelburg generals have begun detailing a garrison to enter and secure the city.

(I hope to post more details later onto the blogs of the respective states)

Out of Character

Gentlemen,

I wanted to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas when it comes and am doing so with my daughter's picture. Having computer probs so I am sending greetings now.

P.S I have really enjoyed my time with you all in Europa - roll on 1758!

Oops! (undeliverable email address)

Gentlemen,

Once again I have someone who wishes to join our group blog . . . but who has an "undeliverable email address" so that I cannot get the invitation to him (Mike C., this is you this time).

Please be sure that you let me know your correct email address. I am not a spammer. You don't have to hide your true address from me. In fact I NEED the correct address in order for Blogger to get the invitation to you.

If you do want to join, please email me at . . . bluebear@uniserve.com . . . and I'll have an invitation sent your way.

Happy Holidays to All,


-- Jeff