Colonial Campaigns Club (CCC)

Gentlemen,

Though I haven't quite re-applied boot to stirrup yet, I'd like to issue an open challenge to any two or three enemies of the Crown to meet me one-on-one, my entourage, and Bartholomew, mid-field at Guilford Courthouse for a gentleman's handshake, a silk glove tossed at your bare dirty feet, and a most generous offer to accept your pitchfork, escargot pot-sticker, or heap-big-stick-with-rock, in exchange for your creeping back into the woods and thickets and under the rocks without contesting this field of honour.

I humbly request some time to familiarize my staff with a current map of the battle area, as I haven't shed Rebel, Frenchie, or Noble Sauvage blood on that land in many years. Though it can be a serious test for the British and Allied forces, there's something inspirational about leading those perfectly formed ranks and columns of red, each bristling with polished bayonets, and those fine von Bose Hessian gentlemen who know no fear. And then of course, there they are...the unparalleled First Foot Guard, my sons, my children.

So make your "X" here and let's exchange couriers. Would prefer a casual pace with a commitment to complete the 2 or 3 Guilford matches.

Field Marshal the Marquess of Brandywine, KCB
1st Company, 1st Battalion of His Majesty's Royal Marines
Phil Natta and Bartholomew

I saw the challenge, but did not want to take you up on it till I return from my grand-daughter's wedding. I bet you'll have one by that time (next week)

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Garry Cope, FrenchArmy
Maréchal, Le Prince du Copé, l'Armée de Terre Royale - Commanding
Regiment d'Dillon
CCC Secretary of War (Club Records)

I figured your dance card was filled via pm already. I will be available after mid-August.

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LtGen Al Amos
1st Continental Light Dragoons
Commander Lt Dragoon Bde - American Army

Messieurs Cope and Amos, t'would be an honour to engage you both again after such a long respite. Please let me know, at your convenience of course, when you'd like to cross bayonet to butter knife.

Field Marshal the Marquess of Brandywine, KCB
1st Company, 1st Battalion of His Majesty's Royal Marines
Phil Natta and Bartholomew

Please refrain from littering OUR fields with your discarded silk gloves.

If your still in need of opponents I would be glad to accommodate, however, if you have reservations about being publicly bested by a lowly corporal leading a motley assortment of farmers' sons I will understand.

Humbly submitted in jest,

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Sergeant John Brown
2nd Regt. New Jersey Continental Line
New York - New Jersey Regulars Brigade
First Division
Continental American Army

Okay Phil, it has been awhile since I've played. Got a bit delayed during August, but here we go. Send a file to ...

thesapie(at)yahoo(dot)com

and hope I remember how to open it!

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LtGen Al Amos
1st Continental Light Dragoons
Commander Lt Dragoon Bde - American Army

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[Ensign Tye the Ethiopian Regiment

Welllllll.......normally I wouldn't beset Bartholemew on a green field hand, as such. But your admittal to such provenance is refreshing. And so let's exchange couriers and consider our options.

Field Marshal the Marquess of Brandywine, KCB
1st Company, 1st Battalion of His Majesty's Royal Marines
Phil Natta and Bartholomew
philmisterb(at)earthlink(dot)net

By Jove, a most generous and thoughtful offer. I must say though that in my entire career as a servant of His Majesty in the CCC, I've very, very seldom took to the field against a fellow countryman or allied officer. Not that the outcome mattered at'all. I just always had a hard time engaging real gentlemen I might some day share tea and snuff with, as opposed to those other people hanging about the colonies. After I dispense with my two matches against Mssrs. Amos and Seeney, perchance we can combine our fine armies (and introduce mastiffs) in a team match, 2v2. Thank you for your gracious offer Sir!

Field Marshal the Marquess of Brandywine, KCB
1st Company, 1st Battalion of His Majesty's Royal Marines
Phil Natta and Bartholomew
philmisterb(at)earthlink(dot)net

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[Ensign Tye the Ethiopian Regiment

Opponents and Sworn Enemies of the Crown,

I'll be receiving my battle maps from London soon and we shall engage within a fortnight, proceeded by my communiques to you within days. So get your fields plowed and raggedy "uniforms" patched and sewn up! And please make this your new colonial motto..."Bathe Before Battle!"

Field Marshal the Marquess of Brandywine, KCB
1st Company, 1st Battalion of His Majesty's Royal Marines
Phil Natta and Bartholomew

I should have realized what that foul and fetid odor was when I caught wind of it a few months back. I see that Cerebus has recrossed the Atlantic,and brought his handler Phil with him.

I can only blame myself, as I should have realized what the omens meant. A stench of brimstone, normally hardy soldiers of freedom unable to sleep, breaking out in cold sweats.

(Welcome Back Phil! I'm still here, if really, really quiet.)

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Major General Gary McClellan, DSM
5th Maryland Regiment
Maryland Brigade
Second Division
Continental American Army

"his handler..."

I'll have you know Sir, that Bartholomew has his own entourage to pamper and coddle him, and are at his every growl and bark in obedience! If I'm any sort of handler, it's a handler of the Crown's enemies I say!

That being said and declared, it's jolly wonderful to hear from you Gary! We've had some magnificent battles in the past yes? In fact, you were one of a small number who really knew how to handle what would otherwise be termed farmers, street urchins, and vagabonds.

Bartholomew did three backflips on seeing your post. Hard to say if in joy or anticipation of shredding the backside of your well worn breeches Sir!

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Field Marshal, the Marquess of Brandywine, KCB
1st Company, 1st Foot Guards
Great Master of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath
Lord Phil Natta and Sir Bartholomew

Ah yes, I forgot that Cerebus has a slightly larger entourage than the pox besotted, mad King George himself. My apologies for offending his canine dignities.

In any case, my lads shall have to remind Cerebus what good steel feels like when properly applied to his tail fur. However, that shall have to be delayed slightly, as I'm going to be on leave visiting my yeoman family for a week.

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Major General Gary McClellan, DSM
5th Maryland Regiment
Maryland Brigade
Second Division
Continental American Army