Battle for Scotland

For almost two weeks the English Army had dogged the heels of their Scottish counterparts. So far it neither side had seen battle as being in their favor. Finally Prince Charles and the clan Chiefs had grown frustrated and insisted that it was contrary to the honor of the army and Scotland to surrender Edinburgh or Glasgow without a fight. General de Burre counseled they continue to maneuver and not give battle on unfavorable ground against greater numbers. Accusation of cowardice rang out from several Clan Chiefs and had the Prince not shouted for silence and demanded apologies from the offenders duels might well have resulted. After much argument a compromise was reached the Army would offer battle but only on ground of it’s choosing. Like many military compromises it was a bad choice. Sir Murray found a position in the ground between Glasgow and Edinburgh where a swamp would cover the Left flank and a low hill would cover the right. General de Burre expressed his disapproval as the right would be almost completely open, but the Prince stood fast on his decision. So Burre suggested his Irish troops and the Scot Cavalry (which was too small face the English horse head on) to make a march around the swamp and attack the English flank and rear, as the Scots struck from the front.

On the Day of battle the Scots formed up from left to right by regiment Atholl, Stewart of Appin, 1st Battery, Duke of Perth, Frasier of Lovet, Cameron of Lochiel, Manchester, Cameron, Glenbucket with the Grant/MacDonald regiment on the left with the 2nd Battery on the hill to their right. The English came in with their Cavalry on the Right and a long line of English infantry stretching to the road in the center were the Brunswick regiments stood. The English sent their Cavalry against the artillery on the left; the French Gunners stood their ground sending the 17th Light Dragoons tumbling back Glenbucket and Grant/MacDonald formed “sheltron” back to back in face of the on rushing cavalry. The rest of the English line moved forward steadily. The French gunners choose sell their lives dear, pivoting and firing grapeshot into the Scots Grays and Queens Dragoons.

More English troops arrived to the left of the Brunswick troops, six fresh regiments in all and every Scottish heart sank on seeing this for it was too many was too many as General de Burre had warned. English cannons began their deadly work firing on Manchester and Cameron. The English Cavalry struck the Scots Grays, may the traitors burn in hell, charged Grant and Macdonald while English Hussars struck at Glenbucket. General Mixter, Exiled scion of MacDonald, cried for his men to stand and stand they did striking the traitorous Grays as they came near. Both Regiments held and the English horse stymied fell back, though the 17th Lt. Dragoons stood with sabers bright over the bodies of the gallant French gunners who had fought to the last.

As the English move forward the Scots strain to hold fast as they are coiled like a spring waiting for the order to charge, all know the battle may already be lost but perhaps fortune will favor the bold. The on the left the sound of shill fiefs and snap of drums joined soon by the sound of Scottish pipes can be heard. The Wild Geese the Sons of Ireland by way of France have come General de Burre riding Sword draw with Highland Cavalry. The Men of Athol and Appin see them and charge forward swords and bayonets bright. The English 9th regiment is over thrown and a scatter the 35th is also thrown back but the Highland Cavalry, half its men know dead or unhorsed has fought its last. Brave de Burre his sword red with blood falls back and rejoins the Wild Geese. Perth charges and drives back the Brunswick of regiment Von Specht, and to its right Frasier drives back Prince Fredrick’s regiment, but the Camrons of Lochiel face a tougher foe, Von Riedesel ‘s men meet them with disciplined fire and drive them back. The Manchester regiment struck the 5th Foot a telling blow sending their men back and George II watches his men stream past him and he can see the Scottish blades reaching for him… but it is not to be. The Carmon charge against the 59th Foot die on English bayonets. On the Left Mixter and the Brave men of Grant and MacDonald charge headlong at the 17th regiment’s flank but the commander of the 17th is ready his men wheel to face the charge and fire a devastating volley and the sons of Grant and MacDonald lay on the field in a mass as they had charged at their head would be found the gallant Mixter his Claymore still in his hand.

The Scottish attack is worthy of song but the English take it, absorb it and strike back with equal furry. The 33rd and 38th Regiments avenge their fallen brothers as their musketry cuts down the sons of Atholl and Appin the wheat before the scythe. Perth and Lovet face attacks form the surviving Brunswickers and are driven back. The men of Manchester are struck on three sides, by the 10th foot on their left, and the Royal Welsh on their right while the 5th foot rallies at the sight of their king and strikes them from the front. A blood bath ensues the Manchester Regiment is cut down. Glenbucket now alone on the right faces attack the Queens dragoons and Luckner’s Hussars. Somehow they hold and throw the English horsemen back.
All this General de Burre sees he orders the picked men of Frances Scottish and Irish Regiments to fall back; they do so with good discipline facing fire from the 33rd, 38th and hand to hand fighting with the grenadiers of the 3rd and 4th Foot. The Regiments Perth and Lovet form a wall around Prince Charles and make their way off the field. Cameron of Lochiel falls back with them tough without order ad English artillery rips in to their ranks. The men of Glenbucket make their own way off backing away from the English host, of all the clan regiments theirs has faced more than any other and survived all.

Congratulations to Luke on his first victory, the Scots lost about 7,500 men form their ranks. Five Scottish regiments were so badly damaged (Manchester, Cameron, Grant/MacDonald, Appin and Atholl) that they had to be disbanded. The surviving men were placed in the remaining regiments to bring them up to strength. The four Scottish Regiment (Duke of Perth, Frasier of Lovet, Cameron of Lochiel and Glenbucket) and the 1st and 2nd Gaelic Picquets Royal (picked men from the Irish and Scottish Regiments in France) withdraw, barely escaping the English pursuit making their way to the walled city of Perth where they dig in and hope the French and negotiate a deal for them. Sorry no pictures you can look at the Scottish regiments on my Face book. I tried to tell this one in a more ‘epic’ tone hope it worked for people.

Turn 4 Moves and Counter moves

Turn 4.
Two French Armies (approximately 70,000 men) unite and advance into Hanover. Six Hanoverian Regiments (9000) and their artillery withdraw into fortifications in preparation for a formal siege. The remaindered of their army withdrew into Prussia at King Frederick‘s invitation. Marshal De Saxe begins to invest the fortress while his cavalry makes a relentless pursuit killing or capturing 2,500 (5 SP) men in the process.

Scottish forces prepare to face the long anticipated attack by English government forces. The entire English home army (36,000 men) has advanced into Scotland. The Scottish Army (20,000) grimly waits for the English to come within range of their broad swords. The English have a clear advantage in Cavalry and Artillery in addition to their significant advantage in men.
The War is grinding to its inevitable conclusion and its almost certain the Scots will be one of the biggest losers.

Winter in Scotland.

Room in a castle some were in Scotland. General de Burre is sitting in a chair by the fire place drinking a glass off whisky; the bottle stands on a table a short distance away. Col. Mixter is sitting a similar chair not far away; he’s also drinking a glass of whisky. De Burre is dressed in the yellow sleeved-waistcoat and breeches of Regiment Clair; Mixter is in similar clothing but the dark blue of Royal-Ecossaise. Both men’s Uniform coats can be seen hanging in the back ground. A number of letters and news papers lie on the table with the whisky bottle or have fallen about the two men. Neither seems bothered by the mess, their attitude as they converse could be described as comfortable frustration.

Mixter: (looking up form a sheet of paper) I assume you have read Marshal Saxe’s report from the Field? Our old regiments are doing well.

De Burre: Yes, I’m pleased, I would like to believe that its much of it is due to our efforts here.

Mixter: I’m sure we are doing our part though I had hoped for a more active and heroic role. Acting as the Prince’s Prevost corps fine, and we had some fun digging out those English hold outs but…

De Burre: You mean you don’t find sorting out 300 year old clan feuds to be rewarding and fulfilling work? Well we may be done soon Minister Carriere has written me, he plans to send the English a peace offering.

Mixter: It will include a free Scotland?

De Burre: So he says but seriously France would abandon us if it suited their interests… but a free Scotland, allied to them, is in their best interests. In any event Carriere won’t leave us twisting at the least he’ll arrange for French Volunteers to be returned home.

Mixter: Exile again… no I don’t think I could live with it….

De Burre: Well a ‘friend’ of mine in London says the Electors army is on the march you may get your heroic death, or if we can win… then I think you ‘home’ in Scotland will be free… but taking back my home in England is still beyond our power.

3rd turn

Minister Carriere sits at his desk surveying the map of Europe and his correspondence, a fine bottle white wine with an Alsatian label sits at his side.
The news was good overall one of his primary goals had been to secure the Austrian Netherlands and other boarder territories to shield France in the event of a long war.

So far the current war did not look like it would be a long one. Austria had agreed to terms surrendering both Silesia to Prussia and the Austrian Netherlands and Milan were both in French hands.

The letter he had received from Montcalm in Italy spoke of results that exceeded his wild expectation. Montcalm had used a combination of force and diplomacy, and he had won over most to the petty princes of northern Italy to support French aims. Savoy, Tuscany and Modena had added troops to the French army swelling it ranks. Milan was also in French even if half the income had to be sent to Vienna on as a condition of peace.

Reports from Saxe and Broglie indicated they had backed the Elector’s troops to Hanover. This was good, he needed them brought to battle but Saxe would accomplish this if it was possible.

General de Burre had written him from Scotland the letter was full of frustration. Burre didn’t like being stuck in Scotland while the Celtic division he had trained won glory in Europe. It seemed Burre’s men had become the de facto provost corps of the Highland army. If the stories of feuding clansmen were half as bad as Carriere had heard, well… Robert had cause to feel frustrated. Still Burre and Mixer seemed to have kept the Scottish rebellion alive for almost a year. More importantly they had secured Scotland rather than trying to march on London with a few score swordsmen. With trouble at home England gave him a free hand here in Europe, the question was how to make the most of it.

The letter from his ambassador in Berlin was a source of concern. Fredrick flushed with his success against Austria had turned east and made Poland the next best thing to fief of Brandenburg. Poland was a traditional French Allie for many years it was weak but reliable (after a fashion) Prussia had the potential to be very powerful and their refusal to attack the Elector of Hanover was a concern.

Battle of Vienna

Set up:
Prussian center and right deployed having seized the key crossing of the Danube. The Empresses army formed up in front of them behind a tributary. They have two forts one in the right center the other the left center of their line the infantry of the Reich army in and between them. The Austrian home guard is on their left facing the Prussian right. Woods dominate the left side of the Prussian position these woods crawl with Austrian light troops, the Reich Cavalry and Hungarian Hussar corps are behind the woods facing east threatening the Prussian center.





Turn 1.
The Prussian 1st Infantry Division advanced on the bridge on the right, facing the Austrian Home guard with the 2nd Infantry Division on their left. The 7th and 8th Infantry Divisions advance toward the right most of the Austrian forts aiming at the German infantry to the left of the redoubt. The 1st Cavalry Division angled to the left guarding the flank form the threatening cavalry.





Turn 2.
The Prussian troops on the right hold position as the troops in the center move forward, Austrian Heavy Artillery begins to fire across the river. The Prussian Field Artillery unlimbers and begins to fire on the Reich Army troops. The Cavalry moves forward still staying close to the Fusiliers in the Center. The Austrians Light troops moved to the northern edge of the woods while their Hussars moved into the open space between the two woods. The Reich Cavalry Charged the 1st Cavalry Division and was driven back with significant Causalities.





Turn 3
The Prussian Left and reserves arrive. The 3rd Infantry Division is the left most formation with the Heavy Cavalry Division of the reserves on their right between the 3rd and the woods. They are on the Flank of the Hungarian Hussars. The Prussian Grenadiers appear to the right of the woods. The 1st Cavalry Charged and destroyed the remnants of the Reich Cavalry division. The 2nd Infantry division makes an abortive attack across the tributary stream but is unable to hold its position on the far side of the river. (The Austrian General is getting concerned at this point) The Hungarian Hussars commence their ‘Death ride’ striking the 1st Cavalry as hard as they can two brigades strike the 8th Cuirassiers, while the 1st/3rd Dragoons and 10th/13th Cuirassiers each face one brigade. The attack is audacious and in keeping with the best traditions of the Hungarian Light Cavalry it’s also more damaging to the Hungarians than it is to the Prussians. The Hungarian cavalry fall back in disorder.



Turn 4
In the center Prussian and Austrian artillery play across the tributary river. The 2nd Infantry division falls back across the river one of its regiment eliminated the other permanently disordered. The grenadiers Advance on the Center left and unlimber the heavy battery that accompanies them. The Prussian Cavalry advance on the Hungarian Hussars, one Brigade of Hussars is destroyed the other two are driven back. After this the Hussars again reform as best they can they cannot counter charge due to division Exhaustion but they can block and reform facing the Prussian. The Grenzers and Pandors in the woods seem to be confused that the Prussians march around them Austrian Grenadiers charge across the bridge and are driven back by the second Prussian. Regiment Duechmaster advances on the Village by the bridge and exchanges fire with the 3rd Prussian regiment and the 5th Prussian regiment.



Turn 5
The exchange of fire continues in the Center between the Artillery on both sides of the River. The 8th Prussian Division turns to the right to replace the tattered 2nd Division. The Prussian Grenadires turn to the left and march for the Flank. The Heavy Cavalry Division strikes at the Hussars, the hussars are overwhelmed two are destroyed the third and final Brigade falls back across the river. The Austrian Grenadiers again throw themselves at the 2nd Prussian and are thrown back for a second and final time; Regiment Duechmaster continues its bloody shoot out with the 3rd and 5th regiment. (The King of Prussia is impressed with the willingness of the Reich troops to counter attack.)


Turn 6
The Prussian Heavy Cavalry Division least the way across the river on the left, the 3rd Division is behind them followed by the Prussian Grenadiers and the Guard Regiment. The 8th Infantry division moves across the river on the right they and the 2nd Imperial and Austrian home guards engage in bloody melee that damages both sides. Duechmaster eliminates the 3rd Prussian regiment in fire combat then moves in to the village. The Grenzers and Pandors leave the woods and form themselves on the flank of the Grenadiers and infantry on the left though little damage was done. Bavarian troops attempt to storm across the river in the center then engage the troops of the 7th Prussian Infantry Division and are driven back in confusion.



Turn 7 and Beyond.
The 3rd Infantry division drives back the Grenzer regiments, the Grenadiers cross the river and turn right with the Heavy Cavalry at their head. Over the next two turns the Prussians Exhaust the Austrian Home Guard and Bavarian Division. Only the 1st Imperial Division clustered around the redoubt on the left. With Prussian Swords and Bayonets poised for slaughter Frederick King of Prussia offers them terms which are accepted.










The Prussian Army lost 38 Strength points or approximately 19,000 of 37,500 men. The Austrian defenders lost 51 Strength points or approximately 25,500 of 27,500 men. Yes the Austrians fought almost to the last man Luke deserves a lot of credit for playing a losing hand as well as could be expected.

Peace is negotiated in Vienna after the battle Prussia receives Silesia and France will receive the Austrian Netherlands. Milan will be occupied by France but half its resources will be sent home to Austria France Promises not to invade Venice providing them with a buffer. Austria cannot be attacked until turn 7 and must give a one turn warning if it chooses to initiate a renewal of hostilities.

Turn two Moves and Counter moves.

Minister Carriere’s Marquee several generals stand around the table including Marshal de Saxe, Taskovicts, and Rock. They are gathered around the central table were a map of Western Europe.

de Saxe: I’m sorry to say that our victory was less complete than I had hoped it would be, still they lost more than 5000 more or less the entire Legion Britanique. Winter is coming on but would like to conduct a winter campaign see if we can take Westphalia this winter then we can take Hanover in the spring.

Taskovicts: Will we move to unite with General Broglie in Westphalia or perhaps they can take Hesse? Cut them off from their reinforcement’s central Germany?

Rock: I like it! No more Germans and the English have to fight their own battles and they don’t have the stomach for that, especially with an Army of Scottish rebels rising up in arms against them.

de Saxe: I can’t disagree with the Generals observations at least so far as theory goes but I think the English will still be able to get German volunteers as long as they have gold to spend and they have plenty of gold.

(Minister Carriere finishes his wine, a servant refills glass then checks the other guests refilling glasses as needed).

Carriere: Well you both have a point If the army of Hanover chooses to fight us; we will want Broglie’s men with us. His light Cavalry would have helped a great deal in pursuing them after the battle. I have my doubts about him being willing to fight short of Hanover.

de Saxe: You may be right… I do have enough men to defeat him if he stands… well Broglie would help our pursuit.

Rock: The plunder of Hesse will help the spring campaign and limit his support on the continent.

Taskovits: Our victories in Italy have filled the war chest and thanks to the King of Prussia the Austrians are in no position take them back!

Carriere: Well, the decision doesn’t have to be made tonight we’ll have a formal council of war tomorrow.




(Game details the Army of Lorraine has moved north into Berg while the Army Du Nord has won a defensive battle in the Austrian Netherlands at Charleroi. In Italy Montcalm has advanced into and taken the Duchy of Milan, which in keeping with its fine tradition surrendered without firing a shot. Meanwhile in Germany the Reich Army has moved from Bavaria to Austria just in time to defend Vienna from the Royal Army of Prussia. The Western army of Prussia has moved into Silesia, the main Austrian Army is still in Bohemia.)

... and I'll be in Scotland before ye.

A French Two Decker all sails set heads a line of warships and transports pan down to a figure standing on the Quarter Deck, General de Burre. His outfit has changed now showing the golden yellow of the Claire regiment with additional gold-lace. The ship’s Captain approaches him and clears his throat.

De Burre: What News Captain Fragossec

Fragossec: We should sight land within the next six hours, if my Navigation is correct and I have every confidence it is we should make Ayr and be off loading your men by night fall.

De Burre: If things go well you should be turned around by morning then… I appreciate the risk you taken in these narrow waters… but it seemed safer to me the easier eastern ports.

Fragossec: If mister Carriere says it’s worth the risk…(he shrugs) well as minister of War he gets to decide that it is worth the risk. I expect you have preparations to make so I’ll leave you to them. (Fragossec extends his hand Burre accepts it.)

(De Burre heads below)



After dark numerous boats filled with soldiers are off loading voices ring in French, Gaelic, and English. General Burre is at the center of the action giving orders and occasionally cursing in all three Languages. An older man with an average builds and a shock of white hair wearing the uniform of an officer in the Dillon Regiment approaches him.

White: Pardon me General some of the locals have offered to show us to his Highnesses camp! Oh and you have to sample the local spirits Sir! I do like French wine but it’s nothing like good whiskey!

Burre: Thank You Captain White! I will sample the libation as soon as is proper now get some of your men to help unloading that 3 pounder! We’ll find the Prince soon enough but I won’t get caught with one leg in the sea!

White: Get right on it General but you need not worry… only English men in the area ran away weeks ago!

Burre: Never the less get those munitions off the boats or I’ll have your lazy hide!
(Several days latter a column of Red and Blue uniforms march into the Camp of the Prince Charles.)

Burre: Col. Mixter! You damd fool where are you!

Mixter: hear Sir! Good to see you isn’t this Glorious!
(Prince Charles and his men Cheer the arival of their allies)



Burre: Aye but you were supposed to persuade him to wait until more men were available and we had kicked the damd Electors balls up between his ears in Flanders.

Mixter: well the Prince is a hard man to say no to!

Burre: (rolling his eyes) yes, I know…

Battle at Charleroi

Turn 1
The French army formed up in the hills north of Charleroi. Marshal de Saxe had chosen the ground well, perhaps too well. General Chevrette’s Hanoverian marched on the field and form up in a strong position of their own. On the Left they anchor their forces on the river and the cross road village on their right at a small forest.


Marshal de Saxe seeing the Germans will not do him the favor of attacking he gives order for France to advance. On the right the 3rd Cavalry of General Fitz-James. In the center the General Taskovic's Swiss advance on the right with the Heavy artillery on their left and General l'Rock's 1st Division in the center of the field. Behind them the Grenadiers and French Guards men move forward ready to exploit any weakness in the line. To the left General Campbell's Celtic Division advances with the 3rd Division and the 2nd German Division deployed in Echelon behind. On the Far left the Elite 1st Cavalry move forward at the quick step.



Turn 2
General Chevrette pull out his wild card as the Legion Britanique (5,000 men) completes its flank march and appears on the French left. De Saxe is caught unprepared but quickly improvises ordering part of the right flank cavalry turn and ride to the left. Louis XV eager to gain fame dashed to the left as Generals Villroi and Triggs turn their division left to face the attack. There is no time for a stately wheel the unit’s wheel individually then oblique in to a ragged line. The 3rd Field battery unlimbers and fires but over shoots the target. The Gendarmes de Bourguignon Turn and charge the flank of the Von Mauw regiment of the legion.



Turn 3
The other 4 Regiment of the Legion move into range and exchange fire with the 3rd Division inflicting some casualties. A Hessian division move up and engages the Irish Division and 1st Cavalry. Under the watchful eye of their King the 3rd division surges forward Bourbouais lead by their gallant Sergeant-Major Lincoln, Bourgogne to their left and the Cambesis beyond them. Royaly-Duex-ponts and La Courone strike with the bayonet at the left most of the Legion Regiment Von Appleborn. The 3rd division will conquer but Von Appleborn throws back its attackers. The Irish continue to exchange fire with the Hessian's.





Turn 4
The Battered Legion Britanique rallies as best it can advance again to exchange fire. The Grenadiers of the Prince Karle Regiment charge the Flank of the Bourbonnais Fighting is fierce may French men die... but the Victory is bitter sweet for the Germans as grape shot for the 3rd field battery mows them down. Louis XV rallies the Bourbonnais we will surge forward Sergeant-Major Lincoln at their head and cries of Vive l'Roi on their lips. The 3rd Division and the Regiment Royal Estrangers destroy the Legion. The First Cavalry counter attacks destroying the 1st Netherland regiment.

Turn 5
General Chevrette his flank attack destroyed and overwhelming French forces advancing on his center the English commander order his men to with draw. Regiment Mansbach is ridden down by the first cavalry before they can escape but otherwise the Hanoverian and Hessian withdraw in good order.

Luke’s army lost 21 SP= 10,500 men. My army lost 12 SP= 6000 men. Luke will be able to recover half his lost SP while I will recover two-thirds of my losses.

Flanders Fields

A party of men horse back stand on the prometory of a large hill. Bellow we can see the gray-white uniforms of french infantry, the the red uniforms of the Swiss and Irish regiments Artilery is unlimbering near the men. I the far distance Men in Blue and Red Uniforms are marching on to the field.

As we move closer to the men they are Louise XV(dressed as shown above), Minister Carriere(dressed in a gray coat with black cuffs and silver lace) and Marshal de Saxe(dressed in the blue red and gold of a french general), and an escort of Musketeers from the Kings house hold a number of lesser generals and officers also stand near by.

de Saxe: The ground is favoriable and numbers favor us with Your Majesties permision I will begin the music and see how well this Englishman Dances.

Louise XV: Here my dear Marshal you comand please think of me as nothing more than another officer under your command. (de Saxe apears awed and gratified by the public show of confidence)

(Minister Carriere is silent at this statment, his face betrays nothing but inwardly he is torn between admiration and terror. Rather than say any thing he puts his spyglass away and checks the prime on his Pistols)

First turn moves, counter moves... and unexpected devolopments

Focus on a letter.

Your lordship,
I am writing regarding the exiled Charles Edward rightful Prince of Wales etc., by the time you receive this His Highness will have sailed for Scotland on the evening tide in the privately fitted Frigate le Du Teillay. I know his departure is premature from your point of view, as an outline of your plan was conveyed to me by Gen. de Burre when he dispatched me to keep an eye on the Prince before his departure to Flanders. I have used the authority I have to gather a company of volunteers to accompany the Prince; with the aid of God and Fortune I hope they will be enough. Send additional forces soon we sail for Scotland and history!
YH&OS,
Col. B. Mixter

Pan up to the face of Minister Carriere then back to reveal the Marquee ten that serves as his mobile headquarters. Two men including general de Burre and one teenage dispatch rider with long curly hair are standing around the table looking at the map all appear concerned.

Minister: DAMD HIM! (crumpling the letter between his hands) it’s too soon! The English army here in Europe is unengaged and free to move back to England! Our reinforcements aren’t ready to move in support of his rising!

(Teenage dispatch rider recoils fearing momentarily he’ll be struck as the bringer of bad news, the other men pretend not to notice this.)

Minister: Pardon the outburst gentlemen… in addition to our other bits of good news our dear Prince Charles has left for Scotland without trying to coordinate our efforts at all!

(One of the men a tall man with graying blond hair speaks up, he is dressed as French General)

Taskovics: It’s not all bad news, Fredrick has taken Silesia and his brothers army escaped Bohemia without significant damage.

De Burre: And at least Col. Mixter has gone with him he knows some of your plan and if I leave know I can be in Breast by the end of the week at the latest.

Minister: You’re right old Friend, you won’t have support I had wanted and we don’t have time to send them. Your picked unit is at Brest take an escort form FitzJames and ride hard!

(de Burre gets up bows and heads out of the tent.)

De Burre: On my way! (calling over his sholder)

Minister: I only wish Col. Mixter had taken his wife with him… she’s the one with stratigic sense in the family! (Taskovics cackles and the dispatch rider laughs briefly then looks guilty about it) Steven, we’ll need to alert Marshal De Saxe that his reinforcements will be less substantial than anticipated.

Taskovits: Very good, if I can ask what’s the new plan?

Minister: Saxe will hold in Flanders, Broglie will have to move north to join him. The Prussian are on their own for now except for whatever aid Montcalm can give them with his offensive in Italy. We have to send the prince what aid we can while shielding France.

The Plan...

Location: French Minister of War Adam Carriere’s Field Headquarters somewhere in North Western France. It’s a Marquee style tent several comfortable chairs, and small tables. A large table with a map of Europe and a desk of paper work dominates the room. The left hand side of the tent shows a collection of swords and hunting weapons on right is a well stocked liquor cabinet beside it is a small table of bread, fruit and cheese precut for snaking.

The Minister himself is seated at his desk working on some document he is dressed in a well made by simple blue frock and white small cloths. A plate with the remains of a working dinner sits on the desk beside him. Another man enters the tent his uniform is red with green cuffs, and small cloths there is a not insignificant gash across the upper left sleeve of his coat. (He’s a heavily built man with dark hair and a cherub face that seems out of place on a military man).

Minister of War: Ah Gen. de Burre, you have arrived. (Scribbling a last note or signature on the document)

De Burre: I apologize m’lord for my tardiness his royal high…

Minister: (Waiving aside the apology) I understand how the Prince can be, think nothing of it. You do me a service keeping him… is that a sword cut on your sleeve? (Burre looks at his left arm apparently noticing the gash for the first time.)

De Burre: Well that dog almost did have a bite. (Burre speaks in a low voice almost to himself before continuing to the Minister) His royal highness decided to “pursue” a local wench, and her brother or lover or pimp, I didn’t ask for the details, and some friends took acceptation and came at our party swords drawn. It didn’t last long my valet killed one, I dispatched a second and left a third with a whole in his thigh and a livre or two in his hand to pay the surgeon. One of them got close to me than I thought apparently (gesturing at the damaged sleeve) but not close enough to do harm, beyond the loss of one of my better coats.

Minister: Well I was going to say you do me a service keeping the Prince ‘entertained’ but keeping him alive is a greater one. Would you care for some refreshment? I have a fresh bottle or two of Calvados and I would say you have earned a drink. (Minister Carriere goes to the liquor cabinet prepares to glasses of the golden liquid and hands one to de Burre)

De Burre: Thank you for the drink and the honor you do me.

Minister: Please we are old friends and servants in this case are an extra set of ears I do not need. I wanted to discuss a special project concerning the Prince that may impact the upcoming campaign. As you know you will be commanding the Celtic Division in Flanders but your association with Prince Charles makes you an Ideal candidate to assist me.

De Burre: I am of course at your lordships service.

Minister: First let me give you an over view of the current situation. (Both men move to the map Burre gabs a slice of bread as they go) The King of Prussia plans to launch an all out attack on Silesia and add it to his kingdom as soon as the Emperor dies. You have heard of the recent breakup of the House of Bavaria?

De Burre: Indeed I had I heard you are sheltering one of the elector’s heirs.
Minister: You are correct but for now his rival controls the country and will throw his support and with it the Reich Armiee behind Austria. The Duc de Broglie will be moving to unite with a Prussian force and deal with them. In the mean time I will have Marshal De Saxe take an army into the Austrian Netherland.

De Burre: That would trigger war with the Dutch and the English pretender.

Minister: The English and Hanoverians almost certainly I have placated the Dutch stadholders with considerable bribes and favorable trade arrangements. You and your men will be part of the attack in Flanders. Saxe’s Army is in effect a large red cape to distract the English Bull form out real targets in central Europe and Italy. At the same time we are stepping up our activities to raise support of the right full King of the United Kingdom.

De Burre: M’lord I can assure you we exiles stand ready to do our part if you can but get us across the channel.

Minister: Indeed that is the problem. Moving a large army across is a great difficulty do you think that the Prince can gain enough support to raise an army of his own?

De Burre: In Scotland yes…. In Ireland probably, though many of the most spirited are already in your ranks. In England itself I suspect most people are more indifferent then favorable. A King who arrives with an army will find the country pliable as William did. (Burre finishes his bread and washes it down with the last of his Calvados; Carriere has not drunk more than a sip or two from his glass.)

Minister: I see… Well this confirms my own feelings. To this end I want to you to go through the returns of the Irish and Scot regiments in our army and select a pick force. Send it Breast as soon as possible. Also go through the rolls of Irish and Scottish soldiers in our other regiments and use them to bring your division back up to strength or to supplement the picked force as you see fit.

De Burre: For an attack on England? I assure you volunteers will not be a problem.

Minister: I’m sure it won’t but do not let that get out say only that it is a special mission that will serve his Majesties interests. Do not mention this to the Prince at this time (Burre nods his understanding)

De Burre: Beyond selecting the picked force what role do I play in this? (Burre is tapping the table clearly trying to control a racing mind)

Minister: You will command you corps in Flanders but if our efforts are successful I intend to transfer you to command our picked force when it leaves for Scotland. I hope you will serve as my personal representative to the prince. Securing Scotland I believe is the first step to reestablishing his Dynasty.

De Burre: He will want to invade England as soon as possible.

Minister: I understand this but only if Scotland is already his… I hope to have the Amy in Flanders put King George in a difficult situation… as he tries to decide between protecting England or Hanover and use this posttion to secure Scotish indepence.

De Burre: I’ll do what I can the Prince is not a pawn… he’ll follow his own interests first.

Minister: Naturally but you must impress on him that the interests of France and the interests of the house of Stewart are the same in the long run.

De Burre: I shall do so, is there anything else I should know?

Minister: I believe that is all for now unless you have any suggestions… (Burre thinks for a moment then shakes his head no) then with business done, on to pleasure. (Carriere at last takes drink from his own glass and takes a seat in one of the chairs) Please pour yourself some more if you wish and tell me more of the Prince’s adventure tonight.