Hans Hoffman

[Father William Souris]

Hans Hoffman, son of Jurgen Hoffman from Tanlay, looked out at the sun bathed city of Paris, as the coach began the last half-mile of the journey. 

Capital of the Catholic Kingdom of France, thought Hans, musing that although far larger than his home, it was also far less beautiful.  A foreign land, where a foreign King spoke a foreign language, and ruled a conglomerate of many disparate states under the guise of a single nation.

At the gate Hans climbed from the carriage and turned to collect his luggage.  As he bent his stocky 6 foot frame to do so, a hand clamped his shoulder firmly.. and asked in French "what's your name?"

Hans rolled and twisted, taking the wrist of the offending hand and only then seeing the uniform, of what he now presumed was the Paris Guard did he reply "Hans Hoffman!"  He also releases the wrist.

The guard spat and spoke poor English "an englishman?"

Bewildered for a moment, Hans made a crisp salute in the French style, resisting the urge to add a German flourish with his heels, answered in fluent French "But no, Sir, I am called Hans, my family name is Hoffman.  I come from Tanlay in Burgundy to serve his Majesty, maybe in the Army!"

Seeing his perfect salute, well kept (if old) overcoat, despite the warm weather, military-style hair and moustache, polished boots and clean, crisply creased in the right places,  civilian clothing with a military style, the guard said "we have need of good men such as yourself in the Paris Guard!"

Hans gave a wry smile "No doubt!" and resisted the urge to add that he'd rather bathe in urine than serve in anything less than an excellent true Military Regiment.

[Father William Souris]

Hans approached the Dragoon Guards office, but was given short shrift. Not up to their standards? Pah! Indeed!

Hans made himself known about town, attended an event being hosted by a Nobleman, and then reapplied to the Dragoon Guards. This time he was successful, and he asked to whom he should apply for time off .. but the recruiting sergeant pointed out the notice - and smiled "to War?"

Eagerly he got his Horse, equipment and uniform and made ready to ride out of Paris. Just one of many men in the Regiment. Soon he would be more than just one of many!

[Father William Souris]

(Dec 1633)

Military life suited Hans, but then he had been training for war all his life. Appointed as aide to the Brigadier, he followed him to glorious victory.

Now, though, it was time to face the more terrifying 'battlefield' - the social life of Paris. Though with a medal for valour to display on his uniform, he was confident that he would survive and maybe prosper. He had to prosper here to progress his Military career!

[Father William Souris]

Gah! Exhaled Hans as he worked through the checklist of things to do to purchase a House. Finding it was the easiest, finding a suitable servant, one who did not look down his nose at a Cavalry Subaltern, was not too bad. The lace and bedding, and all manner of fittings and fitments.. that was where the real hardship lay!

But he had seen a Lady, and a Lady of Refinement and beauty she was. And she had to be his....!

[Father William Souris]

Hans relaxed, his feet up, a fine brandy in a fine glass in his hand. A fine lady, a fine house, a carriage, secure as a Subaltern in the Finest Regiment in Europe. Life really was good.

Yet he could not rest upon his laurels, a brief period at the Front had shown his mettle, his ability, and the rewards had flowed. Now the challenges of a Baptism and an Engagements and, then, a wedding. All good practice should his success lead to attendance at a Royal Ball.

He smiled remembering the words of his late father, that one should not relent, but drive on, for muscle turns to fat and wits to insanity if they are not used, much as a sword rusts if not kept well.

[Father William Souris]

Looking back, Hans wondered where the time had gone. Promotion bought, serving at the front with minimal rewards... indeed minimal excitement though plenty of time serving, doing his duty. The enemy had been quelled, and it was back to Paris. A flurry of events, and then a derth.

Coming up a Baptism, though his lady was important enough to attend the party afterwards, he apparently was not. Though as a lady she was not invited. A meeting with Sieur Doc Death... er De'Ath .. and see how he mistreats his servants. Explain to him the nature of military service. Maybe convince him to serve as Regimental Surgeon - though - no - that was unlikely. Listen to his incessant stories of bunions and bad breath!

One serves in many ways!

[Father William Souris]

Hans has a carriage, house and a lady on his arm. A regimental position, a correct and proper confessor. Yet things are getting somewhat staid, it feels as if he has reached a position where further progress is impossible.

Therefore he considers a trip home, to refresh his energies. Oh to see Burgundy once again. His lady should, one hopes, be willing to travel there, perhaps to visit her family?

[Father William Souris]

Susanna,

Let us name our son Johann, after your father.

Arrangements for a christening may go forward for September!

Hans

[Hans Hoffman]

August 1635

Darling Susanna,

I hope little Johann is well. I shall soon be returning to Paris and we can then go ahead with the delayed christening.

Hans

[Hans Hoffman]

December 1635

Darling Susanna,

I arrive at the Front, only to find all the Enemies of France have taken fright at my arrival and made peace. A bitter pill to swallow, that my fame should be so great that none dare face me on the battlefield!

I also am handed a letter. My letter that I sent, returned! It seems that the bureaucracy of the Regime is more difficult to navigate than a Great Maze. I am returning to Paris, to sort out this problem.

I will serve as a mere Cavalryman, or as even a footman if I must. So my time in Paris will be short!

Hans