NationStates Jolt Archive

The year is 1760. The Golden Age of Swedish expansion is over. She holds extensive territory, including the whole of Finland, though her armies (ooc:historically) have just been driven from Brandenburg and a full scale war with Denmark has been concluded peacefully with no real gains on either side. Sweden holds important trading assets and a large trading fleet and a poor naval presence, despite being one of the dominating influences in the Baltic. Its main naval strength is the highly effective coastal fleet, or 'Skärgårdsflottan', which is in fact under the control of the army and is used mainly in the protection of Finland. They employ many small vessels and even some galleys and rowing boats and are a useful tool. (historically, from 1780 onwards, Swedens deep sea fleet became one of the strongest navies in Europe so we shall have to see whether that happens or not).

Sweden and Denmark have a long running rivalry for domination of the Baltic and it is known that Russian eyes have been passing over Finland for some time now. Swedish society is, in the main, of the Lutheran Protestant faith and supports Protestant causes throughout Europe. King Karl X is weakening and increasingly has had heart difficulties, he has named his successor as Karl XI, who will come of age and be ready to rule in 1872. The King governs with a council and with the help of the Rikstag, or Parliament, which seems to be gaining confidence and possibly hungering for more power.



Sweden's total territory:

Sweden
Finland
Pomerania

Sweden's Army:

22,000 regular infantry (reform coming soon historically). Well trained in the main and experienced.

750 other troops employed in the artillery arm.

Sweden's Navy:

Skärgårdsflottan-

24 Galleys (can be sailed or rowed)- 250 crewmen on each, two 18/22 pounder guns on each galley. Main strength is manouvreability.

58 Gunsloops (the first Navy in Europe to have these)- rowing boats with heavy artillery. One 24 pounder in bow and stern plus four smaller weapons for close combat. Manned by 26 soldiers.

14 Coastal Defence Frigates- Around 24 guns mounted on each frigate.

Deep Sea Fleet-

5 Ships of the Line-

Gothenborg- 68 guns
Gustavus Adolphus- 64 guns
Stockholm- 62 guns
Luther- 62 guns
Helsingborg- 62 guns

16 Frigates-

Each carries between 20 and 32 guns.

37 Sloops-

Each carries between 6 and 14 guns.

Placeholder.

Any Earth NE nations please post alliance requests/threats of war/trade deals etc. to Sweden in this thread. Basically, Earth NE nations, your news threads for your own countries should be along these lines, though you don't neccesarily need to post any military information yet. Anyone looking for information on Earth NE, which stands for Napoleonic Earth, can find information on joining and what the Earth is about, here:

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=449185

Hats

(the historical Swedish party that longed for Swedens glory days and is the exponent of military action, this is also the party of the nobility and the small but growing middle class)

Caps

(historically the representatives of the farming class. Take into account the fact that at this time around 90% of Sweden farmed the land. Nevertheless, they were less politically inclined than the Hats and so a balance was achieved in the Rikstag between the 'Nobles Party' and the 'Farmers Party', the Hats and the Caps.

The Caps gain a comfortable majority, as they often do in peacetime, in the Rikstag. The Caps are known to favour the British and the Hats the French. the Hats are fuming about the result and swear revenge in the next election.

For the moment however, peace, and a prosperous trading relationship with Britain, is maintained.

To Our most closest friend, King Karl X.

Austria most truly wants to continoue the friendship of our empires and seeks a chance to strenghten the bonds that would unite our empires into a strong and influent pact. Austria also completly supports Swedish rights over Denmark in Scandinavy, and Sweden can relay on full support from Austria.

Yours most loyal friend,

Empress Maria Theresia

To Our most closest friend, King Karl X.

Austria most truly wants to continoue the friendship of our empires and seeks a chance to strenghten the bonds that would unite our empires into a strong and influent pact. Austria also completly supports Swedish rights over Denmark in Scandinavy, and Sweden can relay on full support from Austria.

Yours most loyal friend,

Empress Maria Theresia

Alas, we do not claim sovereignty over Denmark and have renounced our other Baltic claims. We are also not ready for any war yet, with a small navy and a well trained, though small army. We only have around 22,000 men always under arms and can call on the trained support of another 40,000 in wartime though this is not nearly enough to consider massive offensive operations. For the moment we shall not indulge in war but in expanding trade and industry. However, we thank you for the hand of friendship you have reached out to us.

Deepest Regards,
King Karl X

To King Karl X


I Tzar (or Czar) Peter II of Russia wish to Create an Alliance between our two faithful countries. May disputes over Religion and What not have been going on debates have been debated fights have been fought between us. I wish to bring an End to this nonsense and Propose a Peaceful Trade route Etc...

Yours Faithfully

Tzar Peter II of Russia

To King Karl X


I Tzar (or Czar) Peter II of Russia wish to Create an Alliance between our two faithful countries. May disputes over Religion and What not have been going on debates have been debated fights have been fought between us. I wish to bring an End to this nonsense and Propose a Peaceful Trade route Etc...

Yours Faithfully

Tzar Peter II of Russia


We cautiously accept your terms on the condition that you renounce your claim to our province of Finland. We would never normally enter into an alliance with our sworn enemies but, as Spain even now forges a Catholic Alliance, so must we move to find friends to take on the threat. We intend to declare war on the Spanish backed alliance if it ever comes to fruition, can we count on your support? It would likely mean invading the Holy Roman Empire from the East to break up the alliance otherwise it shall simply become too powerful.

Regards,
King Karl X

To King Karl X


Russia Accepts your Terms and I denounce My Claim for the Country Known as Finland. The Holy Roman Empire Are Now are sworn Enemys tell us when to strike and we Shall.

To King Karl X


Russia Accepts your Terms and I denounce My Claim for the Country Known as Finland. The Holy Roman Empire Are Now are sworn Enemys tell us when to strike and we Shall.

Wait for any alliance to be formed between the three Catholic nations that could be involved and then we shall give the word.

Regards,
Karl X

The Kingdom of Sweden hereby issues a call to arms among the Protestant states of Europe to unite against the spreading Catholic disease. The call for an alliance of neccessity between ourselves, Russia, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Prussia and Denmark is called for to defeat this great threat. Please respond as swiftly as possible.

Also, we call on the French nation NOT to join this unholy Catholic alliance of Spain and the Holy Roman Empire. We respect the French nation and would not wish war on it. Cast out this warmongering evil and no war shall come to pass between our two nations. To the rest of the Protestant world, join us in standing up to this Catholic pestilence. Who will answer me?

King Karl X of Sweden.

Stop for the moment and consider your actions, invading at least 2 of the most powerful states in Europe shall not lead to your Swedish promised land. At the best it will lead to a blood filled continent, Germanian kingdoms are not threatened by such threats, especially ones that come from such a backwater nation.

The votes of the Electors have been tallied, 8 out of 9 in favor of war with the Protestant Coalition. An army is already being raised in 1 month it shall be at it's full strength of 150,000 which shall march on Promania. We should hope that the Swedish Kingdom can be Wiped from the Earth to cease the Suffering of many European Nation.

Signed:
Major General
Horance Von Brandenburg
Mangrave of Brandenburg

France is angered by the Holy Roman Empire's blatant power grab and attempt to subjagate French power in Europe, not only by forming an alliance with Spain, but now by attempting a war against the Swedes.

As such, King Louis the XV has issued a decleration of WAR against the Holy Roman Empire.

EDIT: Jensai's puppet.

The Austro-Hungarian empire declares its support to the Holy Roman Empire, and will aid them with full means. The people were already call to arms and are being armed in Graz and Vienna. If the Protestand coalition will continue, Austria is prepared to go as far as WAR!

Empress Maria Theresia

Sweden's actions are reckless and pathetic. We feel sorry for the French who have acted foolishly enough to move against their brothers in faith, just to defend this aggressive little annoyance in the north from Holy Empires rightful revenge. Let us hope that you come to your sense soon enough, to avoid the unnecessary bloodshed between true catholics.

Poland is not willing to go to war just yet, and will therefore not use military actions against the protestant scum. However, if our trusted allies of Spain decide otherwise, or are threathened, we will immediately respond. Until that, we give all of our prays and support to the brave catholics of the Middle Europe in their war.

Let thier Crusade to be succesfull!


Jaromir Rokossowsky, King of Poland

ooc: can I just say I am not at war with anybody yet, neither did I make a Protestant Coalition. I simply threatened to make one if a Catholic Alliance was created. We have not attacked anybody yet and I have no idea what you are talking about with a 'Swedish Promised Land'. To clarify, we said we would make an anti-catholic league IF one was formed, as was threatened by Spain, which has warmongering intentions in itself, so at least dont call [I]us the warmongers.

OOC: Don't mess up the OOC and IC. My king can come and say that he is the king of Egypt, and you have no reason to cry about it in OOC, like "Nononononono, Egypt is part of UK!111". He can say what he likes, be that true or not. Thus he can (and realistically even should) call you attackers in case of hostilities. That's what leaders usually did, and do, when war breaks up: blame the other side. Now I got the impression that France just declared war to HRE. My king thinks (regardless if that's the real situation) that France is now allied with evil coalition of heathens, and that major war has already broken up in Europe. That's the basis his reactions come from.

After Sweden and Frances blatent acts of agression upon my allies, The Holy Roman Empire and Poland, I feel moved to declare war upon both fracne adn Sweden, currently I am moving my armies up to the fronteeer of France and Spain. Though i hope I shall not have to use my forces.

Charles the III of Spain

After Sweden and Frances blatent acts of agression upon my allies, The Holy Roman Empire and Poland, I feel moved to declare war upon both fracne adn Sweden, currently I am moving my armies up to the fronteeer of France and Spain. Though i hope I shall not have to use my forces.

Charles the III of Spain

OOC: Don't mess up the OOC and IC. My king can come and say that he is the king of Egypt, and you have no reason to cry about it in OOC, like "Nononononono, Egypt is part of UK!111". He can say what he likes, be that true or not. Thus he can (and realistically even should) call you attackers in case of hostilities. That's what leaders usually did, and do, when war breaks up: blame the other side. Now I got the impression that France just declared war to HRE. My king thinks (regardless if that's the real situation) that France is now allied with evil coalition of heathens, and that major war has already broken up in Europe. That's the basis his reactions come from.

I do realise this but sometimes players get confused as to which alliance was started first and which side they should be fighting for. Also it is a bit blatantly stupid if one side clearly made the alliance first. Yes, a King can say what he wants, but this is clear to the world that he has his facts wrong. Everyone would acknowledge that the Catholic alliance was formed first. Therefore it would be obvious that the Protestant and opposing nations were just defending themselves.

IC:

Acts of aggression? What are you talking about? We have declared war on NO nation on the continent. Your leaders are clearly as deluded as they are foolish. In the face of [I]your[I] aggression we have no option but war. Our sympathies lie with your country for its impending destruction.

Regards,
King Karl X

All Swedish Army reserves are mobilised with immediate effect. The size of the army is increased to-

60,000 Infantry - 20 battalions.
8,000 Cavalry - 6,000 light, 2,000 heavy.
85 Guns of all calibres - mainly 12 pounder field guns.

No expeditionary force is yet planned for Europe and the Navy is being put on full alert with the ships of the line staying together around the coast. The coastal fleet is being readied for action and the garrison of Helsingborg Castle have been put on high alert for contact.

TO: Stockholm, Sweden
FROM: The Hauge, United Provinces

To His Majesty, By the Grace of God Almighty, King Karl X:

We in the Netherlands have indeed heard your call to rise against the Catholic Menace, to bear arms against the Crown of St. Stephen and her supporters and although the peoples of our United Provinces cannot help but satisfy our duties to the Protestant cause, we must ask for what reason must we sacrifice our men.

Already, the Thirty-Years War has proven what destruction religious frevor is capable of, as central Europe was burnt and pillaged by Austrians and Swedes, both looking to advance the causes of their own respective faiths. Thousands were killed and many more starved, the immense wealth of Europe was swallowed up and we soon found ourselves with only our faith and nothing else.

So, I must ask you, is it truly worth all the bloodshed, the pain, the hardship, to secure only a few more Protestant bastions on this continent, at a time where stability still thrives and prosperity is gorwing among nations? Must we fight again, another disastorous war, that we know will never meet our ambitions? Yes, it is among all our dreams that Europe is united under one Protestant faith, but in truth, it is simply an un-reachable goal.

So choose wisely now, my dear King. As the future of Europe and all those who live upon it now hang in the balance.

Signed,

Herman Willem Daendels
Foriegn Minister of His Excellency, Stadtholder Wilhelm V of Orange
The United Provinces of The Netherlands

TO: Stockholm, Sweden
FROM: The Hauge, United Provinces

To His Majesty, By the Grace of God Almighty, King Karl X:

We in the Netherlands have indeed heard your call to rise against the Catholic Menace, to bear arms against the Crown of St. Stephen and her supporters and although the peoples of our United Provinces cannot help but satisfy our duties to the Protestant cause, we must ask for what reason must we sacrifice our men.

Already, the Thirty-Years War has proven what destruction religious frevor is capable of, as central Europe was burnt and pillaged by Austrians and Swedes, both looking to advance the causes of their own respective faiths. Thousands were killed and many more starved, the immense wealth of Europe was swallowed up and we soon found ourselves with only our faith and nothing else.

So, I must ask you, is it truly worth all the bloodshed, the pain, the hardship, to secure only a few more Protestant bastions on this continent, at a time where stability still thrives and prosperity is gorwing among nations? Must we fight again, another disastorous war, that we know will never meet our ambitions? Yes, it is among all our dreams that Europe is united under one Protestant faith, but in truth, it is simply an un-reachable goal.

So choose wisely now, my dear King. As the future of Europe and all those who live upon it now hang in the balance.

Signed,

Herman Willem Daendels
Foriegn Minister of His Excellency, Stadtholder Wilhelm V of Orange
The United Provinces of The Netherlands


But Europe is not stable. This Catholic Alliance fomented by the Spanish and the Holy Roman Empire threatens to obliterate all we have worked for. Honest Protestants are persecuted in their German homelands by their overlords and we hear the cries for help. Spain has made no attempt to mask its ambition to once again call all of the United Provinces the Spanish Netherlands and is already stepping up military movements on the borders of France. France is wisely showing restraint in joining wild Catholic Pacts and will, we believe, fight off a Catholic incursion. Also, our Protestant Alliance will only be activated if the Catholic Coalition launches offensive action in mainland Europe against another state. For example, the Protestant Alliance will not exist until a member of the newly formed Catholic Alliance moves against another sovereign nation.

We Swedes cannot do much. We do not want war, but we will not desist from protecting ourselves against the evil that abounds on the continent. We only ask that you stand with is if the Catholic Coalition makes aggressive action, until then, we will continue our peaceful initiatives to increase trade, prosperity and co-existence.

Regards,
King Karl X
Monarch of Sweden, Finland and Pomerania.

TO: Stockholm, Sweden
FROM: The Hauge, United Provinces

To His Majesty, By the Grace of God Almighty, King Karl X:

Then we shall stand by this Leauge of rightful nations and in the event that Catholics do challenge our realms, wherever that may be, I can assure you that Dutch men across Europe will rise to the cause and protect their rightous faith.

Signed,

Herman Willem Daendels
Foriegn Minister of His Excellency, Stadtholder Wilhelm V of Orange
The United Provinces of The Netherlands

TO: Stockholm, Sweden
FROM: The Hauge, United Provinces

To His Majesty, By the Grace of God Almighty, King Karl X:

Then we shall stand by this Leauge of rightful nations and in the event that Catholics do challenge our realms, wherever that may be, I can assure you that Dutch men across Europe will rise to the cause and protect their rightous faith.

Signed,

Herman Willem Daendels
Foriegn Minister of His Excellency, Stadtholder Wilhelm V of Orange
The United Provinces of The Netherlands


Dear Sirs,

We thank you for your support when the time comes, and we also congratulate you on the Dutch Expedition we hear is heading for the Americas. Our Government is setting up an company also for expansion. The Swedish Orient Expedition, as it will be known, is led by business leaders with the backing of the Rikstag and is at this very moment equipping a fleet for sailing to the Orient. To be precise they are being sent to scout out the possibilities of trade with Japan. Business and Government representatives, along with Protestant Ministers are being dispatched at once for Japan.

We hope to establish in Japan the Protestant faith and the groundings for an effective Swedish trading presence in the Far East.

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In other news, Swedish Privateers are being outfitted at the expense of the Swedish Government to haunt the Gold Bullion routes from Latin America to Spain, mainly around the Caribbean. hoping to capture some of the Treasure Galleys known to be sailing to the haven of corruption that is Spain. Any gold taken will be divided between the Privateer who takes the ship and the Swedish Government.

Secret IC:

The Swedish Government requests that Swedish Privateers be allowed to take on supplies (paid for of course) at Dutch ports in the Caribbean. This will be for the good of both of our nations and indeed the whole Protestant world as it will hopefully dispossess the Spanish of some of their ill-gotten riches.

TO: Stockholm, Sweden
FROM: The Hauge, United Provinces

To His Majesty, By the Grace of God Almighty, King Karl X:

We wish you luck in your trade ventures in the Far East and can assure you that in the even these assets are threatened by any Power, Catholic or Protestant, the Dutch East India Company and her supporters within the United Provinces will act on your nation's behalf.

Furthermore, as all Dutch ports are free to any faction besides that of your enemies, all Swedish Ships are permitted to enter Dutch ports so long as they provide the proper documentation and fees for harboring.

Signed,

Herman Willem Daendels
Foriegn Minister of His Excellency, Stadtholder Wilhelm V of Orange
The United Provinces of The Netherlands

TO: Stockholm, Sweden
FROM: The Hauge, United Provinces

To His Majesty, By the Grace of God Almighty, King Karl X:

We wish you luck in your trade ventures in the Far East and can assure you that in the even these assets are threatened by any Power, Catholic or Protestant, the Dutch East India Company and her supporters within the United Provinces will act on your nation's behalf.

Furthermore, as all Dutch ports are free to any faction besides that of your enemies, all Swedish Ships are permitted to enter Dutch ports so long as they provide the proper documentation and fees for harboring.

Herman Willem Daendels
Foriegn Minister of His Excellency, Stadtholder Wilhelm V of Orange
The United Provinces of The Netherlands


Signed,


We thank you for your understanding in these matters and inform your nation that we fully back the Republic against the Spanish dogs that would make the Netherlands a Spanish Dominion once more. If attacked we shall not stand idly by.

Regards,
King Karl X

The Swedish Orient Expedition has outfitted a small flotilla preparing to sail for Japan. The Swedish Government has lent financial backing to the convoy as well as the frigates Konig, Finn and Christi. Each frigate has 22 guns apart from Konig which has 34.

600 Government troops are also aboard under the moniker of the 1st Orient Regiment. The expedition includes a score of merchant ships, several privately hired escort vessels of frigate strength, and 12 sloops. In addition to this, 1,500 privately hired Swedish Mercenaries are aboard. Though lesser in training and discipline than the government troops, they are nonetheless enthusiastic volunteers and should fight well. The Orient Expedition aims to provide a permanent trading base in Japan for the Swedish Government and to establish closer ties with the notoriously isolationist Japanese people. The fleet leaves tomorrow. Commanding the Swedish Orient Expedition is Per Kaldrup, while the Naval contingent comes under the authority of Admiral Helguson, who also, as the governments representative, has the ultimate veto over decisions taken by the Swedish Orient Expedition.

9 Swedish Privateers have departed today for the Caribbean to harry Spanish shipping in the area. They carry Letters of Marque from our government entitling them to legal protection and to enrich themself at Spain's expense. ALL Spanish shipping will be targetted.

The ships have been partially funded by the government but our captained and crewed by civilian volunteers. Each ship is around frigate strength and is built for speed.

The ships:

Caesar- Swedish built, 28 guns.
Luther- Swedish built, 22 guns.
Karl V- Swedish built, 22 guns.
Skald- Danish built, 18 guns.
Skudengen- Danish built, 10 guns.
Marie- French built, 14 guns.
Anne- British built, 24 guns.
Kingfisher British built, 24 guns.
Rhone- German built, 12 guns.

12,000 Government troops and 3,000 cavalry of all types have been gathered at Stockholm Harbour and are preparing to set sail. Rumours are flying around but they are doubtless prepared for action. Some say they are setting sail for the Orient, some say the Americas, some say Africa. Who knows? Still, the fleet, which comprises of all 5 ships of the line and 11 frigates, has set sail in the last half hour. Another 6,000 troops are said to have been activated and ready for action on possible landing sights in Sweden while the construction of coastal fortifications continues apace.

The Swedish Orient Expedition has today landed in Edo and is beginning trade discussions with the Emperor. They are so far unreceptive but it is believed that they can be persuaded with the power of the flintlock musket and the use it can be to them.... or against them.

A new branch to the army has been created, the Coastal Cavalry Arm consists of dragoon type troops, armed not with carbines but with full muskets and swords. They will ride to any threatened point of the coastline to provide a rapid response force. The CCA hopes to be around 3,500 strong in around 4 months.

An increase in cavalry in general has seen numbers rise from 8,000 to 10,000 regulars in the past months.

OOC: I'll leave you to start the raiding thread. Oh, adn you do realise that a merchant ship will have at least 12-14 guns don't you. And they travell in convoy....still your choice.

OOC: I'll leave you to start the raiding thread. Oh, adn you do realise that a merchant ship will have at least 12-14 guns don't you. And they travell in convoy....still your choice.


ooc: I realise this but merchant ships are not manned by soldiers and are unmotivated workers more than fighting sailors, thus they will have slower gunnery and less stomach to fight. Also we are hoping to pick off individuals from slower convoys by trickery and deception, such as flying flags of other nations requesting assistance etc.

ooc: I realise this but merchant ships are not manned by soldiers and are unmotivated workers more than fighting sailors, thus they will have slower gunnery and less stomach to fight. Also we are hoping to pick off individuals from slower convoys by trickery and deception, such as flying flags of other nations requesting assistance etc.
OOC: Yes they where manned by the passangers with some sailors, however should the be drilled enough they can still fire. And also convoys where usually escorted. Anyway, we'll see what happens.

ooc: As I mentioned in one of my above posts (on the last page I think) I embarked 12,000 men and 3,000 cavalry onboard ships together with 5 ships of the line and 11 frigates. Their destination was unknown to all but their ships commanders but they had been practicing escalades with ladders and grappling hooks for weeks before they embarked. The fleet after 2 weeks at sea from Helsinki seemed to be heading for the Americas, however, after 2 weeks they turned sharply south towards Spain. With no ships of the line to guard against a landing the fleet cruised in to a beach near Cadiz where they landed the troops, including 1,000 of the 1,500 marines available, and they begin marching on Cadiz.

This is possible because

a) total surprise, we havn't even declared war.

b) the entire Spanish fleet has been sent to the Caribbean to fight privateers.

c) the Spanish won't be expecting a seaborne landing and naturally have small garrissons, even in major cities, as they are not at war and have never been threatened before.

d) town defences are poor and at most only around 1,000 fighting men will be stationed in Cadiz and they will be poorly trained as the main Spanish army is on the French border.

e) communications are poor and it will take around a week for Madrid to send help as messages will be going back and forth from local authorities demanding to know facts, in the meantime Swedish cavalry will be raiding and pillaging and burning the countryside to spread confusion and disorder.

IC:

"Admiral, the troops are being landed, it should take around a day", said a nervous looking junior naval officer, "The heavy swells prevent it any faster, but the forward companies of the marines have established a beachead."

"Thank you Lieutenant. From now on, liase with General Malm, he has shore command. Our orders are to maintain position and wait for the Cadiz guns to be silenced, then we move into the port, take what we can, burn the rest and get home. You will attack yourself to Malm's headquarters and meet me back on board in a week. See you in Cadiz. Oh and lieutenant?"

"Sir?"

"Well done. Keep them moving ashore."

Positively glowing with pride, the Lieutenant hopped into the ships cutter along with a dozen or so marines and slowly inched towards the shore.


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Newly ashore, General Malm presided over a hubbub of activity. This kind of operation had not been attempted before and confusion reigned supreme. The cavalry were coaxing their reluctant mounts out of the boats and towards the road, where some sense of order was maintained. One squadron of cavalry, the 6th Finnish Light Dragoons, had already trotted off into the distance and a plume of smoke was rising where they had evidently just got aquainted with a Spanish village.

Malm watched approvingly as a young naval lieutenant forcibly hauled a horse over the gunwale of a boat and crashing down into the foam. A squad of reluctant looking marines was following him and they formed double ranks ashore and waited for their commander to follow. Obviously the Admiral thought highly enough of this young man to give him an escort.

Now the General turned to his aide, "Captain, how long till the we can march on Cadiz?"

"A day sir, no longer. We don't need to land guns so it shouldn't be too long. The cavalry have been sent out already though sir, as per your orders."

"Good, good.", mused Malm, "Ready the storming parties, have them march at the head of the column, I want an hours rest once we reach Cadiz, we offer them surrender, then we storm if they say no. They can't defend the entire wall, there aren't enough of them. Once we are there there will be NO pillage, keep the men on a tight rein. Remember, Cadiz is the hub of their trading empire and we can't let a load of farm boys steal everything. The pioneer troops still aboard ship will be landed at port and it is they, and they alone, that will remove everything of value. Then we torch the city and get out before the Don's notice anything. Thier entire fleet is in the Caribbean so, say, a week for Madrid to organise a response from the army, another week for them to get down here. 2 weeks for a message to get to the Grand Fleet heading for the Americas, 2 weeks for their first ships to get back. We should be gone in 3 weeks. Cadiz can't withstand one assault nevermind a week. Then a week to load up what we need, another few days to torch it and then we'll be away."

"If everything goes to plan.", chipped in the Captain.

"Yes Karl, yes, if everything goes to plan. And things rarely do in war. We shall see."

OOC:A actually only a third of my forces are on the boarder, half are in Badjoz (10 regiments of the line, 7 of caverlry and 25 artillary batterys (150 guns). This is because I was planning an invasion of protugal. The rest of my army are new recruits being trained at verious places around Spain. The garrasion of Cadez stands at 500 trained soildiers, 250 in the act of being trained, 500 sailors, and as many men as can be equipped and basically trained from the armoury.

Plus you have the partisans who will almost certainly spring up if your cavalry begin 'raiding and pillaging' as they did against the french. That means your facing a gurrila war from the word go as many will have hunting rifles and things.

IC: The garrasion of Cadiz gained knowlage of the impending invasion when ships where spotted on the horizion to the west by the garrison of a watchower that stood on the westen shore. Seeing that some of the ships where ships of the line,and knowing that the Spanish fleet was away in Carabieen the garrision immidetly sent a rider to Cadiz, followed by a second rider once the ships ensigns, baring the Sweidsh flag, where noted.

This gave the govenor of cadiz ample time to send his owner deligation to spy upon the ships, and it wasn't long before the troop carriers where ntoed. From the size of the transports it was estimated that 14,000 Swedish troops where coming to Spain.

Within minuates of this being reported to the govenor two riders where sent out, one for the fastness of Badjoz where the main Spanish army was based, and another to Madrid. yet mroe where sent warning other goveners, village headmen and garrisions what was afoot.

The govanor of Cadiz was Senor Rodrigio, a tall, able mn that immidetly began planning for his next move. He presumed the Swidish where ehre to inavde, to take Cadiz and provide themselves a foothald in Spain. Meanwhile, he supposed, Swedish horsemen would be attempting to rape and pillage the Spanish coutnryside. They would find it a tough job, with his messangers he had sent out budles of muskets and ammunition to the peasent headmen with instructions that they where to commit a Gurrila (Little) war upon the Swedish cavalry.

With that done, Rodrigio ordered all of the garrisions of the watchtowers along the coast to withdraw from there towers to Cadiz and bolster the garrision. This gave himn a extra 500 men on top of his 500 strng trained garrision force, 250 trainnees and 250 sailors. He then ordered that the citys stores be built up, so that it could survive a seige.

The walls of Cadiz where not huge, like the fastnesses of badjoz and Caucide rodregio, but they where tall enough to deter a escalade and force the enermy to attampt a bombardment. A river ran round the citys north and eastsides, and that would deter any attack on those sides while the west had new stronger defences. The south, however was overlooked by a small hill that would provide the perfect placements for artillary and the walls there where old. Thus the govanor would concentrate his defences there.

By the time the news came that the Swedish had landed he had already increased the garrsons size, gauranteed a gurilla war and decided upon an action plan. He could not, of course, gaurantee that the Swedish would not attempt an escalade, but a escalade was not possable to the north and east, the west would be almost impossable to climb with it's crestillations , and he had mined the north wall. His men and guns where based on those walls and they would blast any enermy attampting to approch over the long plains and short feilds that approched the walls.

To make sure they had no cover though he ordered the feilds be burned, so that there would be no cover at all to any attacker.

A few points here.

A guerilla war from the word go? I think not. These people have never fought in their lives and a persons first reaction when they see foreign cavalry is to run to the hills, not to stay and fight. They know the enemy is not there to stay.

And you have mined a wall, how can you mine a wall? You can mine a space between the walls but that takes months to be completed. Also how can the commander have armed the entire peasant population and estimated the precise size of the attacking force by seeing only their sails?

Next, it is impossible to be planning an invasion of Portugal, you were planning war with France and you have not stated you moved troops from there. Therefore, most of your troops are on that border.

Also, if you have burned all of your fields, that is 50% of our objectives completed right there. Our cavalry wouldn't bother raiding if the fields were already aflame.

Next, the guerilleros only started fighting when their country was occupied, not when it was raided, for example when Drake raided Cadiz in Elizabethan times. He was in and out so fast there was no resistance from the populace.

Next, most garrisson troops were the leavings of the army in peacetime and as I said before, your best troops were, as you said, preparing for war with France and no country, no matter how insane, can plan to fight a war with two powerful countries on its borders without having a vastly superior army, which Spain does not.

Fair enough, I will grant you that you warned Madrid from seeing my fleet on the horizon, but you could probably only scrape together around 7,000 men what with most of your army still being stationed on the French border.

And lastly why can't I escalade the other walls? I could simply cross the rivers if, as you say, you have withdrawn all nearby troops into Cadiz. I will make a new thread for this shortly but I have to be going out soon. Needless to say, all of this is OOC.

ICly my troops move to surround Cadiz and the cavalry, seeing their job done for them by the Spanish, burn a few more villages and townships and move back to shield the main force. Advance units are ordered to capture river crossings that have been left unguarded by the retreat to the fortifications of Cadiz. and the army readies itself for a night escalade in several places (though this doesn't happen yet).

A few points here.

A guerilla war from the word go? I think not. These people have never fought in their lives and a persons first reaction when they see foreign cavalry is to run to the hills, not to stay and fight. They know the enemy is not there to stay.


They may run to the hills but if people are armed they'll fight. I havn't armed em all but have handed out weapons from the armoury to v erious headmen-as the British did the the penisular war. I havn't formed a gurrila war just planted the seeds.

And you have mined a wall, how can you mine a wall? You can mine a space between the walls but that takes months to be completed. Three examples-the seige of Septingham, India, when the Tipu mined a guard tower next to the war gaurnteeing that when the British created a breach the wall would explode along with the tower and destroy the attackers, Caucid Rodrgio, the French mined under the wall there and blew the attackers off the breach, Badjoz, the French did the same. It'ss simple to do, you put barrels of gunpowder eather under the wall or next to and when the enermy take it....BOOM.


Also how can the commander have armed the entire peasant population and estimated the precise size of the attacking force by seeing only their sails?
There where reports of seas=man beiung able to tell the type, nationallity and name of a ship from a distance of aroun 15 miles by the cut of there sails. The diffrence between a landing craft and frigates are easy to see and both sides used roughly the same ships so that you can easly tell how many people are on each ship, A 74 carried about 700 men for example, a frigit 300

Next, it is impossible to be planning an invasion of Portugal, you were planning war with France and you have not stated you moved troops from there. Therefore, most of your troops are on that border.
I stated exactly how many troops moved to the French army, 8 Regiments of the line, 3 of caverlry and 2 of Skermishers with 25 batterys. The rest I can put where i want at my leasure.

]
Also, if you have burned all of your fields, that is 50% of our objectives completed right there. Our cavalry wouldn't bother raiding if the fields were already aflame. Only outside the town though, to clear a 'Killing feild' most of the country outside, say, a 500 meter radius is completely unharmed.


Next, the guerilleros only started fighting when their country was occupied, not when it was raided, for example when Drake raided Cadiz in Elizabethan times. He was in and out so fast there was no resistance from the populace.

There is a diffrence in times here and Drake didn't raid as in kanding, he used fire ships against Cadiz and the Spanish fleet, he never, to my knowlage, landed. The Guerilleros began fighting the french from the moment they became 'hostile' there are reports of attacks on the french even when the French where allies with spain. And these are men without, encouragement, warning or arms. i've given them all three.
]
Next, most garrisson troops were the leavings of the army in peacetime and as I said before, your best troops were, as you said, preparing for war with France and no country, no matter how insane, can plan to fight a war with two powerful countries on its borders without having a vastly superior army, which Spain does not.
Did I say they where anything but? And i've stated how many troops where moved to the boarder-exact numbers. And i don't think any nation would leave it's tradin g hub completely unprotected. I said that there where 500 trained garrison troops-never said how well trained, 250 trainees who will eventually join the army, plus sailors and the garrisons of watchtowers along the chost.


Fair enough, I will grant you that you warned Madrid from seeing my fleet on the horizon, but you could probably only scrape together around 7,000 men what with most of your army still being stationed on the French border. Ah, but most of my army arn't based on the boarder are they-see above.

G]
And lastly why can't I escalade the other walls? I could simply cross the rivers if, as you say, you have withdrawn all nearby troops into Cadiz. I will make a new thread for this shortly but I have to be going out soon. Needless to say, all of this is OOC.
You could cross the rivers but that would be loud, visable and hard, the banks are right up against the walls so your ladders would flouder and sink, your troops would be crowdered in a small space and easy to kill with oil. It takes time to move across a river and that would give me plenty of time to move against you and renforce the walls.


ICly my troops move to surround Cadiz and the cavalry, seeing their job done for them by the Spanish, burn a few more villages and townships and move back to shield the main force. Advance units are ordered to capture river crossings that have been left unguarded by the retreat to the fortifications of Cadiz. and the army readies itself for a night escalade in several places (though this doesn't happen yet).
I won't respond to this until you RP it properly.

Yes you can mine a wall, but only if there is a BREACH. The attack I'm planning would be an escalade with ladders, not to blow a hole in the walls with the guns. An escalade is straight up the walls, take the casualties. The tactic is especially effective against a city with older fortifications such as Cadiz. For example, an escalade would be practically impossible against a city such as Almeida or Badajoz, which were built to be fortress towns. Cadiz is a trading port and historically its defences were not improved until the Spaniards fortified it when the French invaded.

And also, if you are mining the entire wall, not just the breach, then yes we will lose men, but if you demolish the whole wall our men would just march straight over it, unless the city has a double ring wall, which it does not I think. Or if it did it would be vulnerable to escalade again as it could simply be rushed at night as it will not be a modern wall.

And a guerilla war only starts after occupation, our men aren't occupying any areas, they are just marching towards Cadiz. They landed a days march from Cadiz and therefore they will simply make camp outside the walls preparing for assault. The cavalry are riding out and burning villages but nobody stays in one place. Also, there are no supply convoys as

a) the men are only marching for a day and each man carries 7 days rations anyway and

b) they can be supplied from sea at any time they want.



And yes Drake did land in Cadiz in 1587:

"No single campaign of Drake better illustrates his qualities as a commander than the famous "singeing of the beard" of King Philip II of Spain, in his enormously successful attack on the port of Cadiz. Queen Elizabeth and her government had become convinced that a war with Spain was inevitable, and so Drake was sent out from Plymouth, on April 12, 1587. He appeared before Cadiz on April 29th, and late in the afternoon of that day he sailed boldly into the harbor, completely surprising the defenders, and throwing the Spanish land and naval forces there into a panic. All the remainder of the day, and all the next day, Drake cannonaded, plundered and burned."

http://www.loc.gov/rr/rarebook/catalog/drake/drake-7-cadizraid.html

Anyway, enough of this arguing.

IC:

As the last infantry regiment, the 16th Pomeranians, a battalion of hardened German campaigners landed, the lead column of infantry moved off.

Dust rose in a thick plume as the blue and yellow coated column inched down the road towards Cadiz. A hard days march followed with frequent reports of cavalry exchanges with local opposition. Smoke rose from at least a dozen villages as the soldiers passed them by. As they looked to the West onto the ocean they could see their fleet bouncing across the waves. A cool breeze blew in off the sea and the spirits of the soldiers lifted visibly. They were reassured by the presence of their fleet that they were told was even now stationed off Cadiz.

General Malm rode his mount along with a small group of aides, sweat poured from his tousled blonde hair and his uniform was as dust caked as any of his infantrymen. He was busy discussing tactics with the battalion commanders at the head of the column.

"We attack one wall, understood? The cavalry will take the river crossings and we cut off the city. The fleet will take station off Cadiz and when the time is right they sail in. The garrison can either hit our land parties or the ships. They fire the cannon at us, the remaining marines will attempt a landing on the harbour, they fire at the ships and we have a clear run on the walls. If they do fire at us, the frigates and ships of the line will also have a clear shot on the walls and will dismount as many guns as possible.

We will escalade the walls. I want skirmishing parties to keep them awake at night and then at dawn we attack. Let the sun blind them eh? Anyway, back to the present, keep a third of the cavalry close to the column, have the rest of 'em keep up their raids."

"And the Catholic Priests sir?", a major chimed in.

"Hah, those filth spreading weasles. Tie waits to their feet and throw them down the wells. That will foul the wells and lower the number of those nasty little creatures."

"Sir, we can't just...kill them."

"And what mercy have they shown to us? Inquisitors have been persecuting everyone who isn't kissing the Pope's arse for centuries. No. The Priests die."

"No." A harsh voice cut across the gathering. A small, dark figure in obscure military dress. "They will be taken back to Sweden for... re-education." Malm quailed before the mans authority.

"Very well Roikennen. You have your wish.", the assembled officers looked at eachother quizically and exchanged bemused glances.

"Dismissed gentlemen! You have your orders.", like a pack of frightened rabbits the men split and returned to their regiments. Malm was concerned, this government man had a strange influence over the king, but he was undoubtedly of military background. But he was a Finn! Malm despised the Finns, he therefore despised Roikennen. Nevertheless, Roikennen was a man not to be unduly crossed.

The march continued. That same night, an hour before dusk. The men caught sight of Cadiz. The army moved to encircle the city. A loose ring, mainly of cavalrymen, would stop the Spaniards moving from the city. Meanwhile, a young major was sent forward with a letter to the Cadiz garrison. It read as follows:

Dear Sirs,

As fellow soldiers, we request that you lay down your arms. We wish not for bloodshed to civilians or to military personnel. We simply request you cease any resistance and confine your troops to barracks and leave your weapons and ammunition outside. We simply seek to ressupply in Cadiz and take what we can, there is no need to die for a cause you do not need to defend. Resist and no mercy will be shown. Nothing can help you now, help is weeks away. Simply surrender and you will not be taken prisoner, you will simply be incarcerated for the duration of our stay, which will not be more than three days. Then you can leave with honour intact. You have ten hours.

Good day and deepest regards,

General Malm on behalf of Swedish Armed Forces Spain.

OOC: It would have been wise to make an independent thread for this campaign... But whatever :rolleyes:

Due the outbreak of hostilities between the warmongering, bloodthirsty faction of the Northern Heathens, also known as Sweden, and the glorious, peaceful Empire of God, Holy Roman Empire, Poland has decided to support her trusted and beloved brothers in faith.

State of war now exists between
The Land And Kindom of Free Poles and
The Despicable Host of Godles Swedes.



Jaromir Rokossowsky, King of Poland

Dear Sirs,

As fellow soldiers, we request that you lay down your arms. We wish not for bloodshed to civilians or to military personnel. We simply request you cease any resistance and confine your troops to barracks and leave your weapons and ammunition outside. We simply seek to ressupply in Cadiz and take what we can, there is no need to die for a cause you do not need to defend. Resist and no mercy will be shown. Nothing can help you now, help is weeks away. Simply surrender and you will not be taken prisoner, you will simply be incarcerated for the duration of our stay, which will not be more than three days. Then you can leave with honour intact. You have ten hours.

Good day and deepest regards,

General Malm on behalf of Swedish Armed Forces Spain.
The Govanor decided to wait for his ten hours, knowing that every hour meant that renforcements came closer to Cadiz. It had been a day since the landings and no doubt his horseman had reached Bodjoz by now and the Spanish army would be marching south.

After the ten hours he handed the Swedish leader a reply
I am afraid that I cannot let you take Cadiz. I know what you hertics wil;l do to my fair city and I cnnot let you do that. I know the peniltys that I risk ehre, that you will sack and rape Cadiz if I lose but I will not lose my honour in surrendering

Regards, Govanor Rodregiez

In foundrys and bakerys around the city, cannonballs where being heated in anticipation of a Swedish attack from sea. Chainshot, bar shot and canister where all loaded into ships. The heated cannonballs would set the enermy ships on fire when they made contact while the chainshot would de-mast the enermy.

100 cannon where faced towards the sea, a further 10 where dragged up to join the batterys.

Wolfenbach i think made a new thread.

Sweden officially calls for Russian aid in crushing the rag-tag kingdom of Poland. A Russian invasion now would be met by a favourable Swedish response.

Regards,
King Karl X

Russia Sends In Aid to The Swedish Country sends 20,000 of it's Heavy and Light Cavalry and 100 Gunmen

This Is as Much as We can Spare Since 3 of the Four corners of Russia must be Defended

Tsar Peter II

Offical Declaration of War

In response to the delcaration of war among the nations of Europe, the United Provinces of the Netherlands stand ready to defend the Protestant faith. Thus, as of the this moment, our grand nation, in accordance with her support of the Swedish peoples, has now declared a state of war between herself and the following nations:

- The Grand Duchy of Poland/Lithulania
- The Kingdom of Spain
- The German Confederation

It is in these times that the faith, virtue and resolve must precipitate decisive action. May Sweden and her allies fare well in their conquests and trample over all advesaries.

Regards,

His Majesty, Willem V Batavus of Orange
Stadtholder of the United Provinces

Herman Willem Daendels
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Cornelis Tromp
Minister of Military Affairs

Keulen Schooneveld de Friesland
Supreme Commander of Dutch Forces

To King Karl:

We write to you to confirm our neutralitly in the war upcoming in the Europe. We ashure you we will not declare war on anyone, unles it is declared on us...

Signed:

Prince Josef II.

SRA Jungle Headquarters, 110 Miles South of Bogotá

Beads of sweat continued to condensate upon the General’s brow, threatening every second to spill over unto the blank parchment upon which he wrote. The month of October was an especially heated one in South America, which, when humidity was factored into the mix, the temperature was over one hundred degrees. Sanchez was now attempting to do something he had never been a champion at, diplomacy. If the SRA was ever to stand a chance against the massive Spanish Army in South America, numbering over 70,000, they would need outside support. And thus, Sanchez began his letter to the Swedish King…

Dear the Most Honorable King of Sweden,

I write to you from a most secluded place on this, our fine earth, in hopes that my people could gain your support in the coming days of our freedom. My name is General Jose Sanchez of the South American Liberation Army, the eternal enemy to the King of Spain, a devoted soldier to the notion of freedom, the eternal servant to our omniscient God. For over two hundred years the Spanish Empire has dominated the peoples of South America, forcing them into slave labor, forcing unto them their oppression, all the while taking no regard to the needs of the people. For some time now, the people of South America have begun to resist. We have assembled and gathered arms to ourselves. We have assembled and begun our plots. We have assembled and in one voice declared that we shall now, and forever be free of Spain. I hold the capability to summon a grand army to my side, one which will doubtlessly overthrow Spanish Rule in Latin America. However, oh grand king, we do not posses the weapons needed to successfully launch such a revolution. We require aid in the terms of rifles, cannons and knowledge. If we were to have these things, the Spanish would never again feast upon the riches of South America. Your grand nation is locked in combat with the Spanish foe, a foe that would die a most gruesome death without its constant shipments of gold from the New World. The SRA launches constant raids against these gold lines, and the death camps from which it is derived. However, the Spanish Army here numbers too many for us to overcome, for I simply cannot amass enough muskets to arm every soul of liberty which lives in this land. I ask you to supply us, if not for your care of freedom, then for your own interests, for the destruction of Spain. Muskets, Cannons, Blacksmiths, Shipwrights, anything you could devote to our cause will create a most painful thorn in the side of our common enemy. We hope you consider this offer, as a post revolution South America would provide a keen economic ally to the Kingdom of Sweden.

Sincerely,
~General Jose Sanchez

We are most interested by this proposition. We are greatly enamoured by your endeavours in conveying this letter to us and we shall respond just as gracefully. Sweden at present is indeed locked in mortal combat with the Spanish adversary and would also like to see men freed from their imperialist yoke. We will send what we can, which is evidently not money.

We shall send a shipment of 4,000 muskets and 200 rounds for each weapon, along with 18 brand new 12 pounder cannon. We will send them via the baltic ports and the ships shall travel under Portuguese colours. A Portuguese ship seen heading for the Southern Americas will not be remarked upon by our Spanish friends and will not be hauled over. Especially with Spanish naval patrols no longer active in any strength on the route since the dispersal of the Grand Fleet into the Caribbean.

Although we are helping you with your freedom, freedom comes at a price. We expect to have friends in South America once this long business is done.

Accompanying the shipment will be a cadre of 19 serving officers from our armed forces under the command of Major Groenborg. 4 of these officers serve with the cavalry, 9 are artillery officers and the rest are with the infantry. We hope you will find this most useful in your struggle.

Best Wishes,
King Karl X

To King Karl:

We write to you to confirm our neutralitly in the war upcoming in the Europe. We ashure you we will not declare war on anyone, unles it is declared on us...

Signed:

Prince Josef II.


We thank Austria for this statement of intent and reassure you we will consider any current Austrian propositions.

Regards,

King Karl X

A letter of application:

Since England has not replyed to our offer, we turn to you with our application. You know well of our war with Lombardy to strenghten our influence in Mediteranium. But contoling ports is not enough, so we need ships, and your country is one of the best in building ships. We ask you to build our fleet and train our crews, for a reasonoble price that is...

We will be most gracius.

Signed:
Pince Josef II.

ooc: Now WTF is so funny abouth that? :confused:

Its not my fault if Rodenka went missing...

Thats enough on my News Thread chaps.

Sweden will consent to sending shipbuilders across to Austria if and when Lombardy falls. If the Austrian nation supplies raw materials for the ships then we will build them. We will be paid double for this endeavour however, as our shipbuilders are needed at home as well.

Regards,
King Karl X

We agree with your terms and will inform you as soon as we take ports for our ships in Lombardy.

We thank you again...

Empress Maria Theresia

As we promised, we inform you and call for you now that Lombardy suredered.
We ask you to sent as much training oficers and shipbuilders as you can in a shortest amout of time.

Empress Maria Theresia

As we promised, we inform you and call for you now that Lombardy suredered.
We ask you to sent as much training oficers and shipbuilders as you can in a shortest amout of time.

Empress Maria Theresia


ooc: replied in your thread.

(OOC: do you have a map of the HRE and Polish territories during this time period, it would help me greatly if we were all working of the same one.)

Secret IC: We would like to know when you plan to strike at the Catholic Alliance as this will tell us the amount of time we have to organise our army and begin our march, also is their a posibility our army may resupply, by some of your ships, at any ports we can capture in Poland, as our supply lines will become stretched and vulnerable if we are forced to use land-based methods of supply and we lack the ability to supply a large amount of men by sea.