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To the esteemed Captain Jean de Lacey, Royal Foot
Guards
Mon cher capitaine
Thank you so much for your recent correspondence,
that included your most gracious offer to second me in a duel against (and I
quote your exact words): "some Major from the Archduke Leopold Cuirassiers".
The person in question is one Major Jean Baptiste
Doutron (JBD), but of course, as one who serves in such an illustrious regiment
as the RFG, there seems little reason why you should be acquainted - or would
want to be acquainted! -with a regiment (I use the term in its loosest sense)
such as the ALC.
Regarding your noble offer of assisting me as a
second in the forthcoming duel with said Major: I have already had an offer from
no less a person than Lt. Colonel la Pointe, and since his missive reached me
before your kind offer, I deemed it courteous to respond to him first. Howver,
there are a few complications, for you may know that the Lieutenant Colonel will
not be visiting Paris for the next year, as he has bravely chosen to devote this
time to defeating our accursed foes here at the front for that period. He
therefore suggested that I approach Doutron, and ask him to postpone the duel
for a year.
Please note that this suggestion came from the
Lieutenant Colonel himself, and not orginally from me. I would hate anyone to
think I was showing any signs of cowardice. Nevertheless, I suspect that some
evidence of cowardice will manifest itself in the course of events, for I doubt
that Doutron has either the pluck or fortitude to delay the duel. The thought of
facing me in a year's time, when I have had the time and opportunity to improve
my station and talents, will doubtless be far less desirable than an
opportunity to take what little glory there is in defeating some inexperienced
youth in a month or two.
If Doutron does insist on this lily-livered course
of action, and insist on the duel occurring in Paris in two months' time, I
would be most obliged if you would then assist me in the role of
second.
However, if Doutron surprises all France and is
manly enough to postpone the duel, I will most respectfully decline your
gracious offer, and ask Lt. Col. la pointe to assist me, for, as mentioned
above, his offer was first to reach me.
Thank you also, sir, for your offer of other
assitance. There is, however, nothing I require at present. Nevertheless,
while action during the last month resulted in my promotion, I received was no
pecuniary gain from loot recovered from the enemy. I trust that situation will
alter in the next two months, else I fear establishing myself within the capital
when I return to Paris may be a difficult endeavour. I would therefore, sir,
humbly ask that I might approach you again in the future, but be assured, I
will only pursue this course if absolutely necessary.
Thank you again for your kindness and
support
Your friend and servant
Henri (HSE)
Captain Henri Serf-Edly of the glorious Grand Duke
Max Dragoons
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