Paris Gazette #2
April, 1615
Section A: Headline News
Treason & Sedition Trials to Begin in May
THIERRY des ROCHES, Political Correspondent, PARIS -- Following investigations by the office of the Queen Mother last month, several top military officers have been interviewed by the Commissioner for Public Safety. For several tense and dramatic hours, the Commissioner produced documents, physical evidence and eyewitnesses which uncovered a major conspiracy to overthrow the rightful King of France, the young Louis XIII.
While no confessions were obtained, the next few weeks look to be quite bleak for the cabal, as they
The vague rumors regarding the timing and provenance of these charges seem to have faded quickly, no doubt having been spread by political enemies of the Royal Family. One hopes they remain in the shadows, and it is with deep regret that this reporter fell victim to repeating those scurrilous claims.
Watch this space for the outcome of the trials.
Section B: Court Scene
Reconciliation in the Palace
VALENTIN, Special Correspondent, PARIS -- The recent tensions between the young King of France and his mother have largely been resolved, according to spokesmen from the Palace. A press conference held in the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris today explained that with his recent majority, His Majesty felt the need for impetuous action fueled by youth and inexperience, and felt burdened by the caution of his ministers. Through perhaps some misplaced palace gossip, that situation was wrongly reported as a matter between the Crown and the Queen Mother.
While untrue, some matters tend to take on a life of their own, making problems occur where none truly exist. It was for this reason the Queen Mother insisted upon a meeting to clear the air. When it became apparent that no differences of opinion actually existed, the two resolved to work together in greater harmony, His Majesty graciously inclining towards the wisdom of his mother. With the newly-installed General Follie leading the defense against the Spanish threat enjoying the confidence of the entire Royal Family, we can expect a new era in leadership in a future of French strength.
Section C: Social Scene
The Club Scene in April
With much of the military concentrated on the Spanish Front this month, plus the anticipation of the High Command's decisions regarding a summer campaign this year, it could be no surprise that it might be a slow time at the clubs of Paris.
Regardless, it us both encouraging and inspirational to discover that the staff of Red Phillips has been kept busy by one handsome couple; namely, Subaltern
Not only did this duo dine and make merry at the esteemed establishment, they did so twice! Weeks one and three were busy, as the staff bustled to accomodate the pair. There is a rumor that during their second visit, Monsieur d'Orbec was spied wearing an officer's lace. Congratulations, sir, for a remarkable peacetime promotion!
Affairs of the Heart in April
CHRISTINA LeCROIX, Society Correspondent, PARIS -- War may be inevitable, darling, but even in the face of danger, love blossoms. While we draw a tasteful curtain on the conquests of our heroes on the fields of Mars, closer to home still provides examples worthy of note.
One such tale is the romantic exploits of Bertrand Castillon and his paramour, the stunning (and well-heeled) Roxane Cavineau. Having eventually won her heart a month earlier, Messr. C insisted on paying her court! Isn't that sweet!
Mlle. Cavineau must have a soft spot for hard luck cases, however, as it ought to be noted that Castillon's en deshabille and malodorous air would offend another,
Elsewhere, we have the affair of the Norman Hugh d’Orbec and the influential S. Enemme. Their love sweetened this month as he literally wined and dined her, not once, but twice. The two were seen enjoying one another's company in a booth at Red Phillips, and d'Orbec toasted his lady's charm and wit to the entire establishment.
We wish all such lovers success and happiness, for not only is love the solvent of war, but also its balm. Until next month, my doves!
Section D: Military News
Reinforcements Force Spanish Retreat
YVES M. d'EGMANN, Military Correspondent, BAYONNE -- After a month of stalemate, during which Spanish forces slowly inched onto French soil, it seems the arrival of new forces has swung the initiative. The arrival of the 3rd Squadron of Princess Louisa’s Light Dragoons under Major Henri de Nantes and the 3rd Battalion of the Picardy Musketeers led by Major N. Picée provided General Armand Follie with the cavalry strength necessary to abandon the fixed positions in favor of a field offensive.
Positioning his dragoons in the front ranks for a charge and buttressing them on either wing by infantry, Follie waited until the enemy sought to increase their foothold, at which point he ordered a general charge. The fighting was fierce, particularly in the center, as horsemen contended with massed pikes and flying musket-balls. Fortunately, as the Spanish were surprised by the assault, they had not readied field guns; on the other hand, due to the short window of opportunity, neither had the French.
The infantry did their duty and won the day, however, pressing the Spaniards from the field inder a steady fusillade.
In the aftermath of battle, the field was strewn with abandoned Spanish gear, horses, dead and wounded. Likewise, in the rapid retreat, the enemy baggage train was abandoned in the field, so some plunder was had. After the wounded were tended as prisoners of war and the dead returned to Spanish clergy, a celebration was held in the French camp.
General Follie did single out one officer, Captain Jean Neige, commander of Company F, Picardy Musketeers, for his initiative to relieve his cavalry allies by advancing on the left flank. While these actions merited a promotion, he said, the acaptain must content himself with being mentioned in dispatches.
Military Dispositions for the Summer Campaign
Pressures continue to mount as the Spanish seek to claim French territories. The newly-appointed Minister of War, Emmanuel Grouchy, after conferring with the general staff, has chosen the Spanish Frontier as the front. All soldiers serving in the Dragoon Brigade, the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Brigades of Foot are likewise commanded to march, as are the Frontier Regiments and the Royal North Highland Borderers.
The Order of Battle follows:
Field Army
- Commander: TBA
- Commander: TBA
- Adjutant: None
Adjutant: None
1st Division
2nd Division
- Commander: TBA
- Adjutant: None
- 4th Brigade of Foot
- Royal North Highland Border Reg't
Frontier Division
- Commander: TBA
- Adjutant: None
- Frontier Regiments
Dragoon Brigade
The current plan of battle is to lay siege to the fortress at Le Perthus to break the line of Spanish forts guarding the Pyrenees. Details are pending, following the results of the Spring offensive.
Section E: About the Town
Rumors from the Streets for April
The rumormill has been in a low simmer of late, as Subaltern Bertrand Castillon has been quite vocal about his intent to duel any and all members of the Cardinal's Guard unfortunate
Section F: The Back Page
Letters to the Editor
From the Front
By Capt. Jean Neige
3rd Battalion, Picardy Musketeers
Brothers and Sisters of France, as was reported last month in this Gazette, Major N. Picee inspired commander of the brave men of the Picardy Musketeers, 3rd Battalion, volunteered to join the campaign against the Spanish aggressors. Unable to rest in Paris while our fellow Frenchmen fought so gallantly and shed blood in the battle against the Spanish threat, the Picardy Musketeers bade our loved ones farewell and marched off to the frontier. So it is here gentle reader, from the front lines of war, that I put quill to parchment in order to convey the thoughts and longings of a humble French solider, a loyal subject of our King, Louis XIII, from the front. Allow me to digress a moment to say the horrors of war may be too much for readers of a more delicate disposition to endure and I encourage them to read no further. For those who are stout of heart, I will continue and say the hardships of battle are impossible to describe to those who have not experienced them. Those at the
I will send word as I can,
Your loyal servant,
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