A Letter from Abroad

Banging his hand on the table, President Rapp finally brought silence to the cabinet room.

"Thank you! As I was saying, we have today received a letter from Terry O'Gabhain. Terry is, as you may remember, currently in Europe. He is attempting to find employers for the regiments, a task that is not proving easy. One problem is the sea voyage to Europe. When the troops are required, they are generally required immediately. But the sea voyage to Europe takes at least seven months, often longer. And that has proven detrimental to his efforts.

Just let me say this- we need the income generated by renting the regiments! Those damned clauses in the constitution ,that prevent royalties from mining being used for general revenue, have severely restricted our options in pursuing our aims to improve the standing of the Republic. But while our fellow Sudlanders refuse to pass referenda to change the royalties clauses.. SHUT UP NED! Like it or not, "royalties" is the accepted term!

Where was I? Ah, yes. Our roving ambassador has managed to find a way to negate this tyranny of distance. The British have agreed to allow us to barrack a mixed brigade of cavalry, infantry and supporting troops on the Isle of Guernsey. I shall read the letter to you and I suggest we follow Terry's suggestions:

President Rapp and my esteemed colleaugues of the Parliamentary Cabinet,

I hope this missive finds you all safe and well, the country at peace and the Wet coming to a close.

As you know, the situation in Europe is quite unsettled. Tradgardland, Stagonia, Saschen-Vindow, Hetzenberg and other states are either engaged in hostilities or about to become so engaged. Although we would normally expect this happy state of affairs to be most propitious for the employment of the regiments, to date I have had no offers for the regiments' employment.

When pressed the main reason given has been the delay in transporting the regiments to Europe. Most of the wars here are short affairs, unless one or another of the Great Powers becomes engaged. But those nations who most need the added strength our regiments can provide are the nations whose conflicts are ended well before the troops can set foot in Europe.

After much consideration I approached an acquaintenace who is involved in the governance of the Channel Isles. He suggested I approach the British Parliament and put my case to the Prime Minister, which I have now done.

In short, we are allowed to garrison a mixed brigade of four infantry battalions, a light infantry battalion, a cavalry regiment and one battery, including supporting pioneers and trains, on the Isle of Guernsey until such time as they may enter service. The offer is made on the following conditions-

The troops may not enter the employ of France, Austria nor any other Great Power.

We must also supply two squadrons of cavalry, be they militia or regulars, to be used to contain the unrest in the Midlands of England.

The troops may not be employed against Brunswick, Hannover nor an ally of those states.

I appeal most strongly that a force of troops, consisting of a brigade of infantry, four companies of the Fuss-Jaeger, a regiment of dragoons, Kaufling's battery of guns and two squadrons of militia cavalry be embarked, with supporting troops and under the command of FML Leahy, for transport to Europe immediately. I caution you against sending the 3rd Foot, however, as many disparaging remarks have been made about this regiment, said remarks seeming to again originate from France.

I leave you to your deliberations on this matter but also entreat you to act soon, if you choose to act.

Your Obedient and Humble Servant,

Terence Patrick O'Gabhain"

Rapp looked around the table.

"Any comments?"

He was utterly surprised when there were none.

"Very well, I propose that we send the 6th Brigade, the 4th Dragoons, Kaufling's Battery, three companies of the Jäger and a company of pioneers. They can hire train troops on arrival, if they are needed. For service in England may I suggest we send the Linlithgow Dragoons and a squadron of the Dragons d'Cooma."

"Send the whole regiment, Kel. They're nothing but trouble, raiding the Mormoan settlements across the Marches borders. And they'll not hold back with any rioters, if they have to be used by the Poms!" growled Ken Signet, the treasurer.

"Good idea, Ken. Someone wake up Smith, please, and have him prepare the orders. Rather than Leahy, though, I suggest we send General-Major Altarsch. After all, we expect the regiments to be employed in the Germanic states."

And thus the regiments were prepared again to go to war in Europe. Soon couriers were riding out to the 8th and 9th Regiments of Foot and the gunners, while the Colonel in Chief of the 4th Dragoons was summoned to the Parliament, to see the Prime Minister.