To: Duc Axel von Fersen
From: Lt. Col. Henri duBois
Mon Cher Duc,
Rumors abound concerning questions on the strength of His Majesty's navy.
No matter how it pains me to say, England's navy is by far better suited to
said task than our own. A distant cousin serves about His Majesty's ships
and has always talked about the strength of Spain and England on the waters.
Perhaps, as scuttlebut has rumors, that if we were to carry out a war with
Spain, that an alliance with England might allow some of her maritime
strength to support our iniatives. Although privateering may be another
method of obtaining additional presense, however those who serve due to gold
are known to turn coats as when more gold is offered elsewhere.
Yours,
Lt. Col. Henri duBois
King's Musketeers
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bj�rn Hedin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2001 2:22 PM
Subject: Re: Banana: Preparations for war
To: LtC Renald leBlanc
From: Duc Axel von Fersen,
LtC leBlanc,
it is exactly these kind of initiatives we need! Would you be willing to
assist in planning such an operation?
The question of increasing our naval strength is not an easy question
however. To build new warships takes several years and consumes a lot of
resources. I earlier expressed an idea that we might try to grant
privateering licenses to some so called pirates in the americas. Do you have
any thoughts about this idea?
Duc Axel von Fersen
Ministe of State
----- Original Message -----
From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2001 7:06 PM
Subject: Banana: Preparations for war
>
> 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
>
