A Reply to General von Drosselmaier. . .

Spiessburg

31 July 1768

My Dear General von Drosselmaier,

Thank you for your communication of 30 July.

As you are no doubt aware, the Grand Duke has suffered something of a relapse in the last several weeks while here at Spiessburg. His grasp on reality varies from day to day, and sometimes from hour to hour, though there are times where he seems quite lucid.

His physicians Herr Doktor von Oetker and Herr Doktor von Eierdybe, while assuring us that no physical danger is present, seem neither able to discern the cause behind the Grand Dukes’ increasingly bizarre behavior, nor able to offer a possible cure. For the time being, the Grand Ducal household will remain in summer residence here at Spiessburg Palace

We are also certain you know by now that the Principality of Pillau-Zerbst to our northwest has allied itself with Zichenau against the Grand Duchy of Stollen, placing us in the uncomfortable position of fighting a two front war with only very limited resources at our collective disposal.

Given this situation, the War Ministry has advised our generals to dispatch at least some troops to the frontier shared with Pillau-Zerbst to function in an observatory role, hopefully deterring a secondary invasion from that direction. The few remaining soldiers available to us are earmarked to function as a garrison for the capital Krankenstadt in the event that Zichenauer forces are able to advance as far as the capital. I do not need to tell you that the situation is very grave.

In view of the developments outlined above, it is impossible to augment your army around Pelznikkel with even a company of infantry, much less a regiment of cavalry or a battery of guns. We trust that you will do your best with the forces at your disposal.

If I can be of further assistance, do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Von Wilkewiczeske

Comments

A J said…

Uh oh... It looks like General von Drasselmaier is on his own for this one. I'm sure he and his army will do their duty as best they can.

1:52 PM

Bluebear Jeff said…

I sense the hand of Koenig Maurice the Vile in the condition of the Grand Duke.

Are Stagonian fiends augmenting either or both forces threatening Stollen?

Did either Doktor von Oetker or Doktor von Eierdybe study in Stagonia?

What is this mysterious malady that has disabled Grand Duke Irwin-Amadeus II?

Will the nefarious schemes of the vile Stagonians succeed? Only time (and Stokes) can tell.

-- Jeff of Saxe-Bearstein

2:43 PM

Fitz-Badger said…

The Soweiter League had the same suspicions as Saxe-Bearstein...
We hope someone is watching out for Maurice.

8:07 PM

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