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Yes!

Le Poireau Parisien du Mai 1622





Court and Social

A Hero Falls at Montpelier

Sad news from the Front from where it is reported that General Salers, the Hero of Montpelier, fell leading his troops on a fierce assault on the east gate of the city.

The General had ordered a dawn assault intended to take the defenders by surprise and force a way into the city. The Forlorn Hope was led by Colonel Le Thorė of the 13th Fusilers, who stood nobly by his General while shot and shell whistled around their ears.

All attempts by the Fusiliers to escalade the towers were in vain, until at last the General was struck down by an enemy ball and fell, nobly praising the courage of the Royal Army and enjoining his troops to fight to the limit.

Despite this grievious loss, the 13th Fusiliers did not abandon their post until a huge enemy cavalry force issued from the gates and drove them back by sheer force of numbers.

Captains Girad and Le Main distinguished themselves in their stout resistance against overwhelming odds, until the Fusiliers were rescued by the Infantrie of the Picardy Musketeers and the Gascon Regiment who drove off the cavalry and furthermore captured a large number of horses.

The resistance of the rebel garrison will surely be swiftly reduced then the whole Royal Army arrives at Montpelier early next month.



Around Town

Week 1:
The Colonel Bael of the Picardy Musketeers marched his regiment to Montpelier, leaving the F company in Paris as a cadre for recruitment.

The Baron Mauvoisin entertained his Mistress Camille, Mr Roland LeBlanc and his Mistress the lovely Olympe, at Club Bothwells. The bar bill was substantial!


Week 2:
The Colonel Bael again attended Bothwells accompanied by Mr LeBlanc and their ladies The young Mr LeBlanc made his way to the dice tables and began to play bets of 100 P, which on seeing this Mr. Bael interjected that a better way to do it was to bet large. He then cast 500 P on the table and threw his die but came up short, losing his gold. Onlookers however admired his aplomb in risking such a large sum on a single roll of the die.


Mr LeBlanc went on to win four rounds and lost none while he cut strategically in five proving he has learned something of the ways of the gambling houses and went home with a useful 150 P in his purse.


Week 3:
An entertainment or public exhibition of Fencing was held at the regimental headquarters of the Royal Marines, the guests being some of the Royal Foot Guards and some members of the less unsalubrious lower orders were permitted in order for them to be instructed at the the seriousness with which the Royal regiments take their training duties.

Several friendly passages of arms were made between on the one hand the heavy Cutlass of the Marines and on the other hand the light and swifty Rapier of the Guards, and all agreed it was a most entertaining and instructional session though the 13th Fusiliers would no doubt have done it much better.


Week 4:
There was no activity by any significant gentlemen around Paris.

The Commissioner of Public Safety was observed to have completed a full month of Sabre training and is said to have become a most fearsome artist with that weapon, though Le Poireau is sadly unable to congratulate Mr Le Tacommane on his virtuosity with a blade since his primary duty is to sniff out and persecute traitors against the Crown, a duty which he has sadly neglected for some time!


Paris
A mysterious blue box, about 10 feet high and with English writing upon its sides and a lanthorn on the top, was seen in the place des Vosges, however when the Constable sent his men to carry it away, it had been moved and none know where it may be found.
 
 
La France
Great heat scorched the Midi leading to loss of many lambs by reason of excessive thirst. The Farmers have called on the Government to intervene.


International
Portuguese naval forces are reported to have been defeated by a combined English and Persian fleet in the storming of the fortress of Hormuz.

Huzzah!

The General died as he lived, a glorious testament to French courage and sturdiness. Huzzah for the return of the editor of Le Poireau Parisien! Huzzah!

Kilkrazy wrote:
Paris
A mysterious blue box, about 10 feet high and with English writing upon its sides and a lanthorn on the top, was seen in the place des Vosges, however when the Constable sent his men to carry it away, it had been moved and none know where it may be found.

...Hello?

Le Poireau Parisien du Juin 1622



Despatches From The Front

Montpelier, Juin 1622

The rebel towne glowered defiance at the Royal Army camped outside its gates. As more troops arrived from Paris, General Abondance took council and gave orders to organise the new battalions for the siege.

The late, lamented General Salers having fallen late in Mai, a good commander was needed to fill the position of General commanding the 2nd Division of Foote.

Brigadier-generals Chevrotin (2nd Bde of Foote) and Mimolette (4th Bde of Foote) vied with each other to be promoted. Quarrelling over precedence, they exchanged angry words and swords were drawn. In the ensuing passage des armes, Mr. Mimolette had the better of his fellow, and Mr. Chevrotin was forced to withdraw from the campaign owing to wounds received.

To his chagrin, though, the Brigadier was reprimanded by the General Abondance for his presumption, thus, Mr Mimolette took the next express coach to Paris under a cloud.

With the issue un resolved and practical matters of the siege pressing on him, General Abondance summoned the Colonel Thoré of the 13th Fusiliers (huzzah!) to his head quarters and gave him temporary command of the 2nd Brigade until a fully qualified officer could be found. Colonel Banon was appointed to command the 4th Brigade.

The General anticipated a quiet month but his judgement was shewn false as the Rebels issued forth from the towne on the 12th of Juin and set to attack a division of the newly arrived Infanterie, whose entrenchments had been neglected.

Fortunately the great energy and local knowledge of the experienced regiments proved its worth. As the new Brigades attempted to organise a formal counter-attack, the heroes of the siege, the Baron Guderian and Colonel (Brevet-Brigadier-general) Thoré mustered their troops quickly to defend the Royal lines.

The attack was driven off with small loss, though Lt-Colonel Le Blanc of the Royal Marines was seriously wounded by a pike, however it is hoped he will be able to return to his duties within a few weeks.

During the battle it was found a supplie column of the Rebels had approached the towne, and while much of the waggonry was able to enter the gates, some stragglers were captured by the Picardy Musketeers, who feasted that night on the best supplies.

The benefit of this shock of battle was that the Royal Army lost any complacency and the General Abondance was led to confirm his intentions quickly.

General Chaorce is appointed to command the 2nd Division.
General Valançay is promoted to command the 1st Division.
Colonel Bael is promoted to command the 1st Brigade of Foote.
Lt-Colonel the Baron Guderian is brevetted to command the Picardy Musketeers.

Also mentioned in despatched are the young Captains Mr. Le Main and Mr. Girad of the 13th Fusiliers who emulated the example of their glorious Colonel in their bravery and determination to do down the enemy.


Northern Borders
A quiet month as our staunch Dutch allies skirmished with the Spanish forces around Namur.


Dutch generals in their most colourful uniforms



Court and Social


King to Hunt the Haggis

An embassy from The King of Scotland, proposing a Royal Visitte to the fair northern Realm renowned of its excellent hunting of Grouse, Deer and of course the Haggis. This to be commenced in August when the fell beasts are full grown.

It is not known if His Majesty will embark on this glorious hunt or if the arduous demands of rule in these dangerous times will keep him in Paris.




Military News
The Royal Foot Guards were despatched to re-enforce the siege army at Montpelier.


Around Town

Nothing of note since all the young blades are at the Warrs.



Paris
The Constable was summoned to break into the offices of the Commissioner Of Public Safety, who has not been seen for many weeks even by his own loyal ferrets.

The door being smashed down the chambers within were found to be in disarray and empty, so noone has knowledge of the Commissioner’s whereabouts or movements and it is greatly feared that foreign agents have kidnapped the Officer in order to facilitate the persuance of some crime against the State!
 

Warm congratulations to the Captains Le Main and Girad. Their bravery shall no doubt be confirmed again and again in the coming months.

Le Poireau Parisien du Juli 1622



Despatches From The Front

Despatch from Montpelier

Juli 1622
New dispositions have been made by the General Abondance, as follows:

General Valancay, commanding the 1st Division, was sent to scour the countryside for rebel columns and sympathisers.

This strategem quickly bore fruit, as the 1st Brigade, boldly commanded by brevet Brigadier Mr Bael, was able to seize many supplies of cheese, sheep, lavender and other military essentials, which country people, deluded away from their proper loyalty by the promise of Huegenot gold, were proposing to bring inside Montpelier for sale.

A small action was fought against rebel cavalry, who were driven off with some loss. The Baron Guderian was again prominent in this skirmish and has been commended by the General.

The 2nd division was reinforced by the Royal Foot Gardes, and continued to build lines of circumvallation. The work was greatly speeded by the large number of servants accompanying the Gardes.

Another sortie, boldly pushed forward near dusk when the works were empty of men who had gone to their dinner, was in danger of breaking down a newly established battery, however quick action by the Colonel Thoré, of Paris’s finest, the 13th Fusiliers, supported at some distance by a battalion of the Gascons, was able to drive back the enemy.

Some number of gabions, fascines &c was set alight by the rebels, but the flames were extinguished before the whole battery caught alight.

The captain Mr. Le Main of the 13th Fusiliers, again distinguished himself by his noble bearing in the fight, and was congratulated by their brigadier and rewarded with promotion to Major commanding the 3rd battalion. Major Niolo moved to the 2nd Battalion, replacing Major du Versours, who was very severely wounded.

Now that General Abondance has set the siege on the right path, it is to be hoped that the enemy fortress can be reduced before the end of the campaign season.



Sedan
The Royal Forces made a colourful, martial parade through the town, and attended a banquet with dancing at the invitation of the Mayor.






Court and Social


Midsummer Ball a Great Success
The Cardinal du Richelieu held a great ball to mark the passage of the day of Midsomer, which was attended by the King and many gentlemen. The Cardinal remarked on his satisfaction that the number of duels was greatly reduced in the summer, thanks to the ardent work of his Guardes, who are in support of the Constable of Paris to stamp out this dangerous and illegal street brawling.

At these words, many boos and catcalls were sent up by certain young gentlemen, wearing the sash of the King’s Musketeers, and fighting began in the gardens, however the Cardinal’s Guards were able to expel the intruders.

The evening’s entertainments were concluded with a display of firewerks, which set light to hovels in the quartier of Pigalle.


Around Town
Another quiet month.


Paris
The Constable learned that the last sign of the Commissioner of Public Safety, was in the market of Les Halles shortly before a great fire broke out there. His servants and ferrets are also missing from their posts.
 

La France
A record Prune harvest is expected in the region of Agen, thanks to clement weather with just the right amount of soft rain.

Farmers complained that the glut of fruit would be sure to make prices fall, and they would be ruined. The Government was called on to take more care about the agriculture of France.

Ah, Major Le Main, the 13th is proud of your accomplishment. I would not be surprised if the Baron tried to poach yor for his own staff. Of course, the men of the 13th will not hear of it! ::all cheer::

Congratulations on the promotion Major, truly well deserved on all accounts!

Le Poireau Parisien du Août 1622



END OF THE SIEGE AT MONTPELIER

Août 1622
It is with great Joy that Le Poireau reports the successful conclusion of hostilities at Montpelier.

The town has returned to its natural allegiance, and the Royal Army is on return to Paris.

The siege was brought to an end by a noble parley between the General Abondance, and the Duc du Rohan, leading an Huguenot army from La Rochelle.

The Huguenot army approached Montpelier from the west, during the first week of the month, and drew itself up for battle, confronting the Royal Army which bravely held within its sieges lines.

After several days, the General thought it necessary to confront the rebels and the army was ordered to array itself. The battle was joined on the 17th.

The plan adopted was a steady advance into the face of the Huguenots, and to trust to the bravery of the troops to carry the day.

The divisions were ordered with the 1st Division on the right of the line, the 2nd Division on the left of the line, with the place of honour in the centre, held by the 4th Brigade. The Royal Foot Guards were held in reserve.

Since neither army had much supply of field guns, the combat was performed with the sword, pike and musket, to the great satisfaction of all.

The Royal Army advanced boldly, with the fifes playing and drums beating. When the range was achieved, the army halted to allow the musketeers to discharge their weapons. The Huegenots did not fail to reply in kind.

This combat of gunpowder lasted about one hour so that both sides fired nearly a dozen volleys, ammunition began to run short, and the dense cloud of powder smoke produced, filled the dip between the lines.

The Royal 1st Division, eager to break the impasse, was launched in a charge by General Valancay, the Royal Marines and the Picardy Musketeers leading the assalt, being supported by the Royal North Highland Border Regiment under its doughty Colnel Mr. de Busch.

A sudden disaster rocked the line, when one of the last balls shot by the Huguenots, struck Colonel Pelardon of the Royal Marines full in the breast, so that he sank down at the head of his regiment near to death. The heroic action of his deputy, Lt-Colonel Le Blanc, saved the Division from disgrace. Seizing the regimental standard, he ran ahead of his men, who followed quickly, leaving the Colonel to be attended by his servants. The pace of the charge was regained, and nearly 1,000 Royal troops crashed into the Huguenot line with a ringing of swords.

Meanwhile the centre of the army was under threat. The Huguenots, taking advantage of the cover of smoke, had advanced their troops some 30 yards and taking careful aim, were able to hit Colonel Banon, commanding the 69th Arquebusiers, who fell instantly, causing a distinct waver to run through his troops.

Seizing their advantage the enemy pushed forwards quickly and for some minutes it seemed that the good work done by the 1st Division would be undone, however, the Major Gagnon of the Gascon Regiment, who had taken up station in the rear of the line, was enabled by his position to run quickly back to the Royal Foot Guards and alert them of the danger.

The Guards moved forwards, a completely fresh elite regiment nearly 800 strong, and seeing their approach the Huguenot troops withdrew to their own supports.

On the left of the Royal front, the fighting was hot. The Huguenot regiments facing them were the strongest in the Duc du Rohan’s army, and pressed hard. A number of casualties resulted, the young Major Le Main (13th Fusiliers, Hurrah!) being wounded, and the Captain Girad, though both held their posts and made bold defiance of the enemy.

Since the day was now well advanced into the late afternoon, the men on both sides were greatly fatigued, ammunition was spent, and it seemed impossible for any conclusion to be brought. Thus both armies withdrew to their encampments.

The next day, the General Abondance sent officers under a flag of truce, to enquire of the Duc his intentions. Negotiations which lasted several days, and the result was that the army of the Duc would withdraw to the south of Montpelier, while the Royal army would withdraw to the north.

Thus the army was commanded to pack its baggages, dismount and draw up the siege artillery, and prepare for the march. Couriers were sent to ride ahead, and purchase rations, and discover congenial billets for the officers.

The final act of the siege was a feu de joi, by both armies and the garrison of the town, which rang around the countryside like a peal of church bells.

Once these necessary preliminaries had been completed, the season being well advanced, the General gave the order to commence the march and not to pause until five miles had been put between the rearguard and Montpelier. This great distance was achieved in the first day, an extraordinary effort which confirms the fine qualities of the Royal Army.

General Abondance then prolonged the march day by day, until it became clear that Paris was the intended destination, and the troops began to enter into the city at the end of the month, met by the cheers of the population, weeping of wives and mothers, and clusters of moneylenders seeking gentlemen to whom they had made loans in the preparation of the campaign.


Sedan
The Garrison paraded in the ceremony of handing over the guard of the town to units of the Frontier Regiments, and returned to Paris.






Court and Social


Ambassador from the Swedes
His Excellency the Count Torstensson, Ambassador from Sweden, presented his credentials at court and informed His Most Christian Majesty King Louise XIII of the joyous news of the birth of an heir to the Throne of Sweden. The King was delighted at the news.

The new Prince is to be christened Charles Gustav and will be the tenth King of that name if Providence decrees that he ascend to the Swedish Throne, an event Le Poireau fervently hopes will not occur for many years.

The Cardinal withdrew with the Ambassador, to discuss matters of state.


Military Appointments
All currently serving officers are reminded that their appointments expire formally on the 1st September.

Applications for all offices will be entertained until the 30th of the month, and the new year’s appointments will be announced in the Issue of October 1622.


Around Town
The Clubbes, Barrs and Bawdy Houses prepared themselves for a renewal of business in September. New stocks of Bavarian dice have been procured, and the best wines of France and Italy, together with Scottish beer, pack the cellars to the roof beams.


Paris
The Mysterie of the Commissioner of Publick Safety
Nothing is known of the whereabouts of this Officer of the State. The Constable, assisted by the ferrets of the Office of Publik Safetie, is scouring Paris and the Isle de France in hte hope of finding some clew.
 

La France
Violent thunderstorms shook the region of the Ardennes, dislodging the new acorns from all the trees of the forests, which led to a glut of pigs and wild boars. Farmers warned of a possible shortage of sausages and liver pate in the winter, since the glutted pigs will have to be slaughtered early to prevent their losing weight in the autumn.


Foreign
A Spanish Army under General Tilly approaches Heidelburg. If the city should fall to the Imperials, the situation of France’s eastern borders must be reckoned serious.

Woo hoo!

Sacre bleu! What am I going to do with all this plunder?, thought the brevet-Brigadier. Oh! There are new dice in town! Well, that makes that an easy decision!