Various and Sundry

 A good friend of mine recently posted on his blog that I had created a persona of him in miniature for my wargames. I do like to honour friends that way, by including them in my games, particularly if they cannot be there or the period is one they enjoy. 

The Graf von Gruber

A native of Tradgardland, the Graf von Gruber found himself in the employ of the Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel at the time of the American War of Independance. His service will be the topic of at least one future post. Von Gruber also served in the Hessian contingent that were reluctant allies of the English during the Jacobite Rebellions as well. And he also served in the Seven Years War as a member of a couple of expeditions. His story, I'm sure, will prove ready grist for the mill. 

In his corporeal form, Alan, and our friend Ronnie, went over and above the call of duty when Sandy and I visited Edinburgh in 2022. Alan very generously hosted us at his home for a day and both Ronnie and Alan are true gentlemen. Zoe, Alan's daughter, was also extremely generous and kind and entertained my wife, whilst us lads piled into Ronnie car for a trip to Warbases. So, I try to include my friends into my games when and as I can. 

On another note, a new book has found its way into the Ducal Library. 

This is a fascinating book about the "Subscription Warships" that were built and then donated to the infant US Navy by several cities on the coast during the Quasi War with France. A little-known subject within a little-known conflict. Some of these vessels, such as the USS John Adams, built in Charleston, SC, had very long service lives and interesting careers. They were called "subscription" warships, because the money to build them was donated or "subscribed" by private persons. Today, that would be illegal under Fiscal Law, (it's called "Augmentation" and is a Purpose violation) but in 1798, the new Republic was trying to sort out all kinds of things no one ever thought about before. And how to build a navy was one of them. Highly recommended, at least so far as the Introduction and First Chapter have presented themselves. 

More anon. But I need to get back into that book, and finish Ian Toll's "Six Frigates"....