August 1636

[Louis XIV]

The Social Whirlwind by Sieur Matheus Mallette

The royal court (and your noble journalist) arrived in the province of Normandy without incident. Our Minister of State, however, was taken sick along the road and spent the month in seclusion. Not even the pious Mlle Bougiedure could coax him from him sick bed.

The King’s addresses to the provincial parlement of Normandy was mostly unremarkable although the Royal Foot Guards regimental chaplain, Father Vincent de Pooh, deported himself much better in front of the assemblage than he had the previous month.

In Paris, the Viscomte de Ploërmel appears to be grooming the Benedictine Curate, Father William Souris, as the two of them were seen together at the Fleur-de-Lys in the first week of August. Later in the month, Lord De’Ath attended Father William’s sermon at the parish of Saint-Josse.

The army returns from campaign next month and I hope for a more interesting social scene upon which to report.

[Louis XIV]

A Romantic Interlude by Comtessa Yvonne De Villepin

As the majority of the ladies of Paris are unaccompanied due to the summer campaign and Lord Balls’ expedition to West Africa, the Comtessa has decided to take a much deserved vacation of her own – Ed.

[Louis XIV]

Financial News by Comte de Money

Lord Balls returned unscathed from his self-funded expedition to West Africa making an enormous profit for investors in the venture. His dispatch from the Gold Coast (detailed below) arrived in Paris at almost the same time as the Managing Partner of the Ile de France Investment Company landed in Marseille

Letter from Africa – Auguste Balls

It will be some time before I return to Paris (I write this in June) but I thought to get this message back to France by entrusting it to a Flemish ship that will be calling at Calais on its way home. I trust it arrives safely.

The less said about the voyage itself the better. Several weeks on board a cramped and smelly ship is not for the squeamish. The same people day in and day out. The food, if it can be called that, is a necessary evil.

However, upon crossing the equator, those of us who had not yet experienced the Southern Hemisphere were intiated into the court of Neptune. It reminded me of Mardi Gras, a boisterous event. The initiates are hazed by the shellbacks (those who have undergone the ceremony). In my case, I was forced to down a pint of rum and dance a jig 10 minutes later. I will not be performing said dance at the Johi Theatre.

One of the crew dressed as King Neptune and others were members of his court. After the shellbacks had their fun, we were drenched with sea water and welcomed into the club. I do not recall the celebrations after, as I felt the need to lay down. Soon after that, I was standing at the railing of the vessel (The St. Jean) getting rid of the rum.

The arrival in Africa was a day of great joy for all of us. Shipboard life had grown tedious, and sighting land was a relief. The fresh food and water was most welcome, although some of the food is hardly to a Frenchman's taste. The clothing of the locals is most colorful and very light in weight. The hot and humid climate is hardly the place for woolen garments.

I have found a highly educated man here, a fellow who has studied in a town of learning called Timbuktu. He knows the Classics and even speaks Latin! I have offered to bring him back to France for an opporutnity to see true civilization. He has the character and intellect to appreciate it. Sadly, he is a follower of Mohammed, but is otherwise quite convivial. He specializes in healing which may appeal to my friend Bastien De'Ath.

[Louis XIV]

An Ecumenical Matter by Bishop Henry Defour

Father Vincent made amends for his previous month’s sermon with a homily on the importance of keeping the Sabbath holy, to the resounding praise and generosity of the Norman congregation.

Father William’s sermon in praise of Docteur Bastian Anton De’Ath generated only mild feeling amongst his flock but they were completely taken aback by an original hymn composed by the good Father and performed by the parish choir.

[Louis XIV]

Reports from the Front by General Georges Boulle (rtd.)

Mild hostilities on the eastern border as things heat up in the south.


Flanders Frontier

A patrol from the frontier regiment was ambushed by Spanish forces.


Lorraine Frontier

The summer campaign draws to an end with a brilliant series of maneuvers by the infantry division and its assigned brigades. So masterful was the positioning of the infantry regiments by these commanders that more often than not, the enemy chose to withdraw rather than stand a fight. Lord Bougiedure received the Criox de Guerre, two mentions in dispatch (one in lieu of promotion), and a fair bit of loot. The Lorraine Frontier Regiment’s commander was lost to the bloody flux.

Regrettably, the army as a whole was not able to capitalize on the division’s success, owing largely to the poor performances of the Royal North Highland Brigade and the cavalry brigade. Both brigade commanders paid with their lives. Lieutenant Burnet of the Dragoon Guards received some fame for successfully fending off an infantry attack on the regiment, allowing it to withdraw in good order. No promotion or mention but he did recover a fair amount of loot, something that he will likely prize more.

Mention – Jacques Bougiedure

Promotion – Jacques Bougiedure (MiD)

Loot – Jacques Bougiedure, Gadiffer Burnet


Savoy Frontier

The Savoy Frontier regiment, its commander no doubt eager to regain his honor, wasted little time in besieging the Savoyard rebels in their stronghold. The regiment took a key position and scattered the rebels to the surrounding countryside


Spanish Frontier

Several incursions by Spanish forces against Basque rebels in the French Pyrenees resulted in an unfortunate incident in which a patrol from the Spanish Frontier Regiment was decimated. The Minister of Foreign Affairs sent a strongly worded missive which has been met with an increase in troops committed by the Spanish.


Next month:

Flanders Frontier HL 3 Alert Field Ops

Lorraine Frontier HL 3 Alert Field Ops

Savoy Frontier HL 2 Garrison Garrison

Spanish Frontier HL 5 Guerrilla War Field Ops

[Louis XIV]

Court Circular

September

Location - Fontainebleau

Week 1 – Travel
Week 2 – Hunt
Week 3 – Government
Week 4 – Hunt

October

Location – Province (Burgundy)

Week 1 – Travel
Week 2 – Minor Envoy from England
Week 3 – Government
Week 4 – Royal Envoy from Netherlands with Royal Ball

November

Location - Fontainebleau

Week 1 – Travel
Week 2 – Minor Envoy from Savoy
Week 3 – Major Envoy from England
Week 4 – Government