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Post by Jacques Bougiedure on Jan 13, 2021 0:06:21 GMT
A letter to Eloise leBeau:
My Beauty, My Heart,
I expect that this missive shall proceed my arrival back in Paris, albeit for only a short time, by a matter of days. I shall revel in the time that I will be able to spend in your society before the Regiment departs for the Flanders Front. Duty is a cruel mistress and were it not for my devotion to our King, I should be glad to snub her in favour of your company.
You will be glad to hear that our final month along the Savoy front has been a mostly quiet one. The pitched battles of the previous months gave way to a rather desultory pursuit of the retreating Savoyards. Engagements were few as the enemy would turn tail and run at the sight of our forward patrols. While no distinctions of a martial variety were to be had, we did confiscate several of the slower wagons from the enemy’s train.
I am disappointed that brevet Brigadier Courtet chose not to take command of the cavalry brigade, instead leaving us under the leadership of a no name amateur. Incompetence at higher levels of command will inevitably have an impact on the success of our Regiment. I will do my utmost to ensure that I return to you in September unharmed.
Always Your Loving, Jacques
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Post by Jacques Bougiedure on Jan 25, 2021 18:51:32 GMT
A letter to Eloise LeBeau:
My Beauty, My Heart,
I hope that you are enjoying your vacation in Burgundy much more than I am enjoying the Flanders front. It has been unseasonably rainy and dreary owing, I suspect, to an unusually stormy spring in the North Sea. Mud is everywhere and it is impossible to keep a uniform clean. The weather has contributed to the stalemate as the enemy forces here in the Spanish Netherlands were reluctant to meet us for battle.
The brigade commander put our regiment in a position quite far removed from where the enemy would eventually show and got himself and the King’s Curiassers driven from the field for his short-sightedness. By the time that we were recalled, our Spanish foes had all but retired from the field although a little bit of loot was to be had. How I do wish that General Courtet had heeded my advice last month to quit the regiment for a brigade command.
The relative quite in the Netherlands has allowed time for sightseeing and socializing with the other officers. I also had time to have a small cameo made of myself which I have enclosed in a lovely silver locket that I found in a small shop in Namur.
Always Your Loving, Jacques
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Post by Jacques Bougiedure on Feb 8, 2021 19:47:43 GMT
A letter to Eloise leBeau:
My Beauty, My Heart,
Summer is at full height as we pursue our Spanish quarry. The heat makes me long for the cool of my estate in the Ile de France where I may leisurely bask in the radiance of your beauty. Only one more month until we are reunited.
Our regimental commander, brevet Brigadier Courtet, was selected as Adjutant to the Lorraine Army Commander leaving me in command of the Dragoon Guards, a posting that I have sot for several months now but only temporarily. I had hoped that the General would have been promoted out of the Regiment by now but that opportunity has been denied to us both.
Overall, the situation on the Flanders front went against us in July. The weather was improved which encouraged the Spanish to come out from their defensive works to engage in open warfare. The set-piece battle that was planned fell apart and the bulk of our army was driven from the field. The Cavalry Brigade, in reserve, performed much better than the rest of our forces.
Deployed to cover the withdrawal of the First and Second Brigades, the Cavalry Brigade was able to beat back the advancing Spanish. The Dragoon Guards, under my leadership, struck hard at the enemy reserve. So focused were they on moving to exploit the retreat of one of the infantry regiments, they completely ignored our movement to their flank. I ordered the charge at a critical moment and we broke the enemy formation before they could be brought to bear on our infantry. For my actions, I have received the Croix du Roi and have been mentioned in dispatches as well as receiving monetary compensation for paroling a Spanish infantry captain that surrendered to me. My promotion, however, appears to have gone missing.
Enjoy the pearl earrings that I send to you and resist any suitors who may have followed you to Burgundy.
Always Your Loving, Jacques
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Post by Jacques Bougiedure on Feb 23, 2021 22:55:38 GMT
A letter to the Marquis du Dampierre,
Monsieur,
I have a short time before my Regiment returns to Paris to write a few lines to you, my mother, and Mlle. leBeau. I wish to take this opportunity to reflect with satisfaction on last six months that I have spent on campaign with the Dragoon Guards.
Although very successful against the Spanish in Flanders, this last month did not bring the rewards that I hoped for. It seems that the military command has come to expect a superlative performance from the troops under my command, but are reluctant to give me permanent command of the Dragoon Guards. I didn’t even receive a mention in the dispatches in August. Still, I return to Paris richer than when I left last March, a Barony awaits me, and I look forward to a reunion with my dearest love, Eloise.
September is a banner month for royal appointments and I plan to compete for a governorship, hopefully in Paris. There are rumours, however, that the Dragoon Guards will remain on campaign as the Spanish continue to plague our southern border. I hope that we shall be allowed to return to Paris as my 1st Squadron is in desperate need of refit. Regardless, we are true sons of France and will fight where the King tells us.
I am your devoted Son, etc. Jacques Bougiedure, Captain Dragoon Guards
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Post by Jacques Bougiedure on Mar 31, 2021 0:24:23 GMT
A letter to the Marquis du Dampierre,
Monsieur,
I wish to express my satisfaction at the letter of congratulations that you wrote to me after His Majesty awarded the Barony de Chevreuse to me. I am glad to hear of the great honor that you believe my accolades brings to the family name, even if you continue to disapprove of the means by which I have gained them. Would that my brother Henri were as successful as I.
The trial that I presided over at the beginning of my tenure as Governor of Paris was a disagreeable affair. The case against Monsieur Aubert was flimsy to say the least but the little birds around Paris are saying that Sieur Arnold finds my justice distasteful, lacking a sense of honor. I am certain that you would have ruled in Sieur Arnold’s favour, seeing as he is in the service of the Cardinal. I myself was tempted to let the bonds of friendship overtake my good sense. In the end, the Law prevailed though I must see if there is some way to repair the breech between myself and Sieur Arnold that this affair has apparently created.
Tell mother that I intend to pay the arrears of society that I have incurred to Eloise, especially with regards to her dancing. The enthusiasm with which she approaches society and life is very endearing and makes me love her all the more.
I am your devoted Son, etc. Jacques Bougiedure, Baron de Chevreuse City Governor of Paris Captain Dragoon Guards
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Post by Jacques Bougiedure on Apr 14, 2021 3:41:57 GMT
A letter from the Marchioness du Dampierre
My Dear Son,
I take quill in hand after the Marquis read the letter that you sent in response to his most recent admonishment. Your letter sent him into such a rage that the barber had to be called to administer a bleeding and a tincture of opium. I know that you had other reasons than avarice to purchase the Chateau Beau Jardins and I must compliment you on your desire to provide a comfortable home for your future wife.
I must object to your representation to the Marquis that “women of low repute are the only ones worth knowing”. I know that your heart is hurting after Eloise ended her relationship with you but I beg you to be generous with your sympathy. I have no doubt of her love for you and that she is deathly afraid of failing in your eyes. She lacks the education and upbringing of a noblewoman that might have sustained her during your elevation and through the duties that you perform.
Without the moderating influence of a feminine hand, I fear that you will let your anger lead you into rash behaviour. I know that you eschew your father’s extreme piety but I encourage you to seek out the counsel of a man of faith to help explain the wondrous nature of God’s plan. The Franciscan Father Gerard has made news of late. Perhaps he can help you find meaning in this loss.
I am as Always, Your Loving Mother, Janine Bougiedure, Marchioness de Dampierre
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Post by Jacques Bougiedure on Apr 29, 2021 2:21:51 GMT
A letter from the Marquis de Dampierre
Viscomte de Chevreuse, My Son,
I have heard that you have deported yourself in a most excellent manner this last month despite the set-back that you suffered at the end of October. Your speech to the Parliament of Paris was a trifle pedantic but your audience with the King was the topic of much discussion at Bothwell’s. I will be delighted to attend your titling ceremony whenever the Royal Steward schedules it.
I must encourage you to stop wasting your time with women who are unworthy of your exalted position. It is a pity that Viscomte de Bearn and Baron de la Azur were able to snap up the only landed noblewomen before your arrival in Paris but perhaps there will be another amongst the debutantes coming out this season.
Your mother has the outlandish notion that you should ignore land, titles and rank, and instead marry for love. I hope that the unfortunate affair with Mlle. le Beau has taught you the better of such foolishness.
In Service to God, Luc Bougiedure Marquis de Dampierre
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Post by Jacques Bougiedure on May 13, 2021 2:19:03 GMT
A letter to the Marchioness du Dampierre:
Marchioness,
I set quill to paper to beg your forgiveness for the very great pain that I caused your son and family when I refused Jacques’ proposal of marriage this past October. At the time, I felt that I was unequal to the task of being the mistress of a noble, loyal servant to the King, and decorated military officer much less to be the wife of so exalted a personage. I knew that I would be wounding the best of men
After parting from Jacques, I felt the immediate relief of no longer being under the pressures of his awe full responsibilities but an inexplicable something was missing. Throughout the month of November that feeling grew, especially as I saw him about Paris with other ladies. I finally came to understand that it was loneliness, that Jacques absence was a hole that I could not fill.
I had no hope that Jacques would renew his affections when I saw him, resplendent in a silver doublet and dark blue coat, at Madame Duschne’s. My heart was in my throat whenever we danced and I was saddened to the point of tears when he gave his attention to the other ladies. When he confess that he still loved me I was so overcome by joy that I very nearly fainted right away.
It wasn’t until Father Gerard’s sermon at the Midnight Christmas Mass that I understood that Love was what would sustain me through the challenges of Jacques abilities and ambition. My love for him. His love for me. God’s love for both of us.
I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me.
Your humble and penitent friend, Eloise
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Post by Jacques Bougiedure on Jun 1, 2021 4:20:50 GMT
A letter from the Marquis de Dampierre
Comte de Chevreuse, My Son,
More congratulations are due upon your elevation to Comte and appointment by His Majesty as Controller General of Finances. Remembering back to your efforts at administering my estate before your departure for Paris, I am little surprised by our King’s choice. It certainly seems that you are rapidly becoming a royal favourite.
I am most pleased to learn of your patronage to Father Gerard Chatten. I had hoped that you would more directly apply your talents to the service of God and His Church but I will have to be satisfied with you using your money and power to meet the earthly needs of God’s shepherds so that they may concentrate on more spiritual matters.
On a separate note, I heard a rumor that someone claiming to be your brother Henri was seen attending a costume party at the Frog and Peach. It is said that he was drinking quite heavily. You won’t have any information about this, would you?
In Service to God, Luc Bougiedure Marquis de Dampierre
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Post by Jacques Bougiedure on Jun 19, 2021 13:27:32 GMT
Dearest Maman,
I shall need to keep this missive short as I am completely done in by social engagements over the course of the winter. Attendance upon the King, more balls that I can count on one hand, duties as Governor and Controller-General, horseraces, and winning back the hand of my lovely Eloise have conspired to sap my energies leaving me all but comatose. One cannot argue that my efforts have been for naught and it has been almost a month since I received a letter from the Marquis admonishing me for my lavish lifestyle and encouraging me to join a monastery.
My efforts have brought me to the threshold of the pinnacle of Parisian society. Only the Comte de Bearn is held in greater esteem. I have received such preferment from His Majesty that jealous tongues wag about me being a royal favourite. The spring promises no respite, however, I feel that I must take a month or two to rest. Perhaps I shall take time to visit you and the Marquis.
I regularly ride past the barracks of the Dragoon Guards from whom I am on detached duty. I confess that I feel the draw of regimental duty and find myself longing for the simpler days on campaign with my regimental brothers. If the King should tired of my loyal service to him in the ministry, I shall happily return to my command.
I am eager to hear of the results of Doctor De’Ath’s ministration towards my brother, Henri. If he continues to be possessed of jealousy over my advancement and success in Paris, I would be happy to send Father Gerard out to perform an exorcism.
Your Loving Son, Jacques
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Post by Jacques Bougiedure on Jul 30, 2021 17:47:11 GMT
A letter from the Marquis de Dampierre
Comte de Chevreuse, My Son,
I was able to use some connections that I had made in previous years as His Majesty’s ambassador to the Papal States and the Holy Roman Empire to get a seat at the trial of Father Gerard. Your oration in the case was magnificent. Mssr. Croiseur did a very service job in his defense of the good Father’s but after your testimony, what else could one have expected? It pleases me greatly to see you looking after Mother Church as a landed noble, although I am hearing rumors about Father Gerard clandestine meetings with a certain artist from Paris but I am certain that it is nothing more than slander from those same villeins who regularly plot against the Catholic Church.
Your recommendations to His Eminence Cardinal Armand Jean du Plessis about the size and structure of the Army for the upcoming Summer Campaign was prescient in light of the successes of the Spring. You were wise to spend few livre authorizing additional regiments in order to save many more later, wasting funds on Marshals and their staffs laying about Paris, drinking in the wine shops and chasing skirts in the brothels. With our enemies firmly on the defensive in the East, our King can concentrate on giving the Spanish the good thrashing that they deserve.
Speaking of military matters, is it perhaps time for you to resign your commission in the Dragoon Guards, as your friend Viscome de la Azur has done, to seek an occupation more favourable to your position as a senior minister? The Church prefers her clergy to eschew noble rank but perhaps the Pope could be applied to for special dispensation much as was allowed for the Duc de Richelieu?
In Service to God, Luc Bougiedure Marquis de Dampierre
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Post by Jacques Bougiedure on Aug 12, 2021 0:57:01 GMT
A letter to the Marchioness du Dampierre
Dearest Maman,
I am writing to you from the charming estate of Mssr Claude leBeau outside of Chalon-sur-Saône in Burgundy. Eloise has been insistent throughout the Spring on the topic of visiting her family. Luckily, there has been a sufficient break in my royal duties and the Parisian social scene to allow me to bring Eloise to her family before the weeks of government meetings scheduled for July.
Mssr. leBeau, Eloise’s father, is a gentile sort of man in possession of a small holding of land that supports a vineyard which produces a fine vintage of red wine. The estate is only slightly smaller than my own county in Ile-de-France which is slightly upsetting. Surely a Comte and the Controller-General of France is deserving of a larger estate! Hopefully the King will see fit to redress this oversight in the near future. Madam leBeau is a comely woman and it is evident the source of Eloise’s fair complexion and beautiful continence. Indeed none of Eloise’s sisters would be out of place at court or in any of the best Parisian salons.
The family has been most ebullient in their reaction to my visit. Their daughter’s receipt of the attentions of a Comte and powerful government minister has been a source of much pride for father and mother in the various family parties and visits that have been arranged this week. There have been several not so subtle hints that I should propose marriage again and that Eloise should accept. I am not sufficient certain, however, of Eloise’s feelings on the matter to forward such a scheme at this time.
I shall close my missive now. I desire one more ride along the River Saône before me and Eloise begin the journey back to Paris. July promises to be deadly dull what with all of the government meetings that I must attend.
Your Loving Son, Jacques
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Post by Jacques Bougiedure on Sept 10, 2021 15:54:32 GMT
His Most Christian Majesty, Louis XII King of France and Navarre
Majesty,
The death of Brigadier d'Blancheur weighs heavily upon my mind. It was my advice to the Minister of State regarding the size of the army for the Summer Campaign and although the force authorized did slightly reduce the hostilities from the Spring whilst saving His Majesty a good deal of coin, I cannot help but feel some responsibility for the death of Sir Arnold. I would offer to stand as adoptive parent to his daughter by way of recompense but fear that my marital state would not be acceptable to the court.
I was perhaps not the best friend to Sir Arnold while he was alive but I intend to be a better one to his memory. Thus it is with this in mind that I tender my resignation, at your Majesty’s pleasure, as Controller General of Finances and return to my position in the Dragoon Guards. From there, I might hope to extract from the dastardly Spanish a measure of revenge for my friend.
I am always obedient to desires of your Majesty but would ask that you look favorably upon my request.
I remain your most humble and devoted Subject, Jacques Bougiedure Comte de Cherveuse
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Post by Jacques Bougiedure on Sept 23, 2021 0:37:05 GMT
A letter from the Marquis de Dampierre
Marquis de Chevreuse, My Son,
Congratulations are due for your recent elevation by his Majesty to Marquis. When you left our family estate in the Spring of 1631, I had no idea that you would rise so high so quickly. And if rumour amongst the other nobles in my club are to be believe, you may soon eclipse my own achievements in the service of the late King Henri. Your brother does not take it well. He should be out gaining his own accolades but he is tied here to managing the estate and caring for his young family.
I must say your recent resignation from your appointment as Controller-General came as a complete surprise. I cannot fathom your reasoning for quitting so lucrative a post for the duties of a Lieutenant of Captain (and yes I know that you have retained your rank as Senior Captain). True that Sieur Arnold was a friend but I cannot think that his death justifies so warm a reaction from you against our Spanish foes. Had it been your boyhood friend the Viscomte de Dammartinn it would still be a remarkable reaction but you always were an impetious youth.
I can only implore you that the offensive you have taken at the passing of your friend does not drive you to greater risks. You must look to the future, to your title and legacy. You must produce an heir! I have been critical of Mlle leBeau in the past but she has matured quite well socially this last year and would be a most suitable Marquessa.
In Service to God, Your Father, Luc Bougiedure Marquis de Dampierre
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Post by Jacques Bougiedure on Oct 7, 2021 17:15:06 GMT
A letter to the Marquis du Dampierre,
Monsieur,
It is gratifying to know that I am having some measure of success avenging the murder of Sieur Arnold. The army deployed to siege the Spanish encampments is slowly but persistently wearing away the will of the defenders, thanks in no small part to my Regiment’s harrowing of every column that attempts to relieve the besieged. Regrettably, the enemy appears to have lost their courage as they frequently withdraw at the sight of His Majesty’s Dragoon Guards and I have been unable to fully engage them as I would like. Nevertheless, my efforts have been rewarded with promotion to brevet Brigadier General, an honor that was been delayed due to my service as City Governor, then as a Royal Minister.
I was happy to receive information from you that Silvermane finished a respectable second in the Steeplechase. His performance in the past year has been a mixed lot and remembering your advice from two years ago, I am considering forgoing attending this year’s racehorse auction. There are other matters that will be occupying my attention should the situation against the Spanish settle sufficiently to allow us to return to Paris at the end of this campaign.
I am your devoted Son, etc. Jacques Bougiedure, Marquis de Chevreuse Brevet Brigadier General Captain-Lieutenant Dragoon Guards
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