Oh, my poor maligned little country! Occupied by both France and Prussia, forsaken by Russia at Tilsit, only to later be overrun and returned to our rightful union with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. A country that is an unfortunate whipping boy for the great powers of Europe. It should be little wonder that my simple goal is to put a bullet in that magnificent Corsican brain that lies at the nexus of all this consternation and bloodshed. Only then might I be able to return to my farm and hunting the lands that I hold so dear, and that all of the European Powers seemingly covet so much. Do not harbor any illusions my stalwart, French adversaries, my heart belongs to Hanover and my loyalty to the great king who rules it since the Congress of Vienna. I follow the commands of his great captain, Lt.-Generaal Marco Bijl, with steadfast devotion. My cause, and my loyalty, is clear.

How is it, I wonder, that the Commander of France’s Imperial Guard, would deign to notice, much less acknowledge, my small contingent of brave soldiers? I have, in the final count, only eight officers under my command, most of who are newly graduated Ensigns with very limited combat experience. My loyal officers are hardly worth the attention of an Imperial Marechal chosen to lead all of Napoleon’s elite troops. Surely our meager resources are not on par with the great nation of Prussia.

Be forewarned esteemed commander, a challenge against the Hanoverians is an unbalanced risk. There are no Guardsmen within our brigade to match your status. There is only one who is of suitable rank to meet you on the field of battle and, in good conscience, I could not ask him to place himself at risk while I remained safely in my headquarters. It is my duty as the commander of the brigade to lead by example, never ordering my officers into harm’s way without preceding them there myself. Consider your course carefully great Marechal, for there is no high honor to be gained by defeating a dowdy Hanoverian. I, on the other hand, could stand to gain a great deal in the securing of a victory over a Marechal of France and the Commander of your Emperor’s Imperial Guard.
