„Uns bleibt nichts erspart“
Emperor Franz I von Österreich-Ungarn, in Gottes Gnade
General Mack has withdrawn into the fortifications of Ulm, the only chance to rest his men for further resistance--and to buy time. But his reports are confused and he seem so indecisive, as if he has no idea of where the enemy's strength and weakness are.
His orders to von Schwarzenberg have been so contradictory, that the poor man can move neither forward not back. He's resigned to remain near Memmingen until some clarity is reached, now when time is of the utmost importance.
My dear young cousin Archduke Ferdinand had a letter smuggle through the lines to me, “The bombardment of Ulm has ceased since the wall was breached. The men have rested some, but after two horrendous battles, most are in greater spirits than strength. I've heard reports that the French are drinking cognac outside the walls, not in celebration, but in preparation. I assure you Francis, we will all do our duty when they attack.”
Archduke Johann has rushed his troops to Munich to gather their defences. Innsbruck cannot be held with the French sealing the roads south and soon north as well. He must buy us time.
The defenders of Prague were eliminated in an enormous thrust from Davout's Corps after a short battle. The defender fought a hard defense, but were suddenly overwhelmed with the greatest number of them surrendering. It's all my fault; I underestimated the enemy far too greatly.
Prague will no doubt suffer the same consequences as Ulm. My world is shrinking so quickly, like a rose wilting under the burning sun.
Archduke Karl has brilliantly disengaged from an overwhelming enemy to take up a defensive position behind the Piava. But this leaves Trevisa and her large depot to be plucked by the enemy along with my Jewel of the Adria to fall as quickly.
I cannot help think the enemy has let us escape for a reason. Did Massena expect us to run to Venice to hide behind the walls? That would be a sure death trap, and not a gift I wish to present to Bonapart.
Lötringen's cavalry is moving for Balogna, one of Massena's main supply sources. It will do nothing in the short term, but with help from the a friend, perhaps we can expand a small foothold in the Romagna to close off Massena's life line. Time will tell, and we have so little of it.
Reinforcements are training, but time, so little time.
Where are our friends? Will they be quick enough?
[HR][/HR]
Russia is far simpler and far more complex; her problems are small of yet.
Persia signed Defense Treaties with Armenia and Azeria and then declared war on Russia—what a bastardy thing to do—so both of them were forced to declare war as well. But that was last week, and this week the war may have already ended. We are not so sure as we have yet to see the enemy and reports are conflicting. But prepare we must for the worst and for the future.
Strange as it may seem, but to “convince” Chechenia to solidify their loyalty to us, we must first demonstrate our power to them. A quick conflict ending with with their surrendering the road between Grozny and Fort Vladikavkaz will insure this. Of course the Azurian section of the road will also be acquired, but they've already opened the door for me; how convenient.
My forces are already arriving ..
.. and the Dogs of War unleashed.
What was I saying about time? Oh yes, of the utmost importance. I wish all would think the same way.
[INDENT]
I've heard rumors that Kutuzov has a tendency lean on Cognac far too much, when he should be marching. We shall wait and see.[/INDENT]
In the middle of Russia, it seems the only one actually marching is Leontievich, and he has a long march ahead of himself.
But what we
can do, is bring other forces together and apply pressure where it may hurt. Did I hear the expression somewhere, the soft underbelly of the beast?
The first Russian force to sight the enemy may however be already in the Adria.
This time however, the Austrians will assist another nation in their undertaking.
On a more strategic note, the last turn I purchase some EP's to use this turn to develop the Depot Logistics National Modifier. With the long, long distances, being able to gain replacements far more quickly will be important for the future.
I've also request Transports form the British to move troops from the Black Sea into the Mediterranean. We will see if that is possible and practical.