To: Duc Axel von Fersen, Minister of State
and Marquis Oeufs Brouilles, Minister of Finance and the Marine
Greetings,
Word in the mess is that our objectives for the coming year will be at the expense of
the Spainards. If this is so, I hope you will allow a mere Lt. Colonel to make note of
an unusual opportunity France might be able to take advantage of in the coming
campaign.
As you know, much of Spain's power comes from the wealth of her colonies in the
Americas in particular the gold convoys from Mexico which arrive every Fall. If we
were able to intercept one of those convoys, it would severly hamper the Spanish in
their war effort as well as provide an advantage to the coffers of France.
With Duc Senior's appointment to the Governorship of Dominica we have a unique
opportunity to attack and hopefully intercept those gold shipments. One can only
assume that a man such as Duc Senior can easily organize the colony so that elements
of the Fleet can use it as a base of operations against the Spanish [as a side
offensive, with some reinforcements, Duc Senior could probably also take Spain's
Haitian colony]. Dominica is very close to the Spanish trade routes, and could provide
great advantage in any Carribbean conflict.
To my untrained eye, in order to act against Spain in the Americas, France will need
to reorganize the Navy somewhat. In particular, we would need to attack the stigma
that most gentlemen feel about serving in the King's Fleet. I must admit that I am
uncertain about how that can be done, but I know that doing it is well worth the
effort. A strong fleet opens many opportunities against both the English and the
Spanish should the Government decide to exploit them.
Again, I thank you both for your patience in reading this far. I hope that this letter
has provided some insight on how the coming campaign develops.
In Service to the King
LtC Renald leBlanc
Executive Officer, 4th Arq
