"The God of War Hates Those Who Hesitate." - Greek Proverb
"Men should be either treated generously or destroyed, because they take revenge for slight injuries - for heavy ones they cannot."
- Niccolo Machiavelli
"Pride goeth before a fall, and an haughty spirit before destruction" - Proverbs 16:18
A Coordinated Torstensson War - Introduction and point of departure
(OTL) In late 1643 - as the nightmarish 30 years war and climate induced crop failures ravaged Germany - Swedish Field-Marshal Lennart Torstensson disengaged the main Swedish field army and led it on an invasion of Denmark.
The regency government which ruled Sweden in the name of the young Queen Christina I* had devised an elaborate plan to coordinate other attacks with this invasion. However the courier who brought Torstensson his orders took 3 months longer than expected and so the Swedish Government could not be sure Torstensson had recieved his orders until the invasion had begun. So no preparations for the other, coordinated attacks were made.
This timeline will explore what may have happened, had the courier reached Tortensson as expected and the planned coordination been achieved. The last few years of what historians in our timeline call the 30 years war will take a different course, we will see a different peace and a different course for the early modern period and General Crisis induced by the 'little ice age'.
I will give a fairly detailed account of the alternate Torstensson war, and many of the military operations, told George RR Martin style from the perspectives of different characters. A lot will happen in a few months. This will explain the divergence in detail. After peace is made between Sweden and Denmark time will move more swiflty the geographical scope will widen.
This won't all read like a Sharpe novel (unless I get a lot of positive responses to that stuff) even if some of the beginning does. Once I have established the details of the Point of Departure, politics and worldbuilding will be my focus. In our timeline 1645 the Ottomans were in two minds about attacking Austria or attacking Venice. The Swedish representative pleaded for the former in vain and The Ottomans attacked Venice which was a disaster for them. In this timeline, Sweden will be stronger and Austria looking like weaker pickings...
I would like to make this as realistic as possible while keeping it entertaining. I will include genuine sources from our timeline in quote tags. Commentary and suggestions welcome.
I started this while writing a presentation on The OTL European Wars of Religion, Military Revolution and Development of the European Warfare State. This TL is a creative writing exercise that let me do something else when my mind wouldn't leave that topic. It will continue if people enjoy it.
Also, I really want to hear if anyone thinks I have gotten details wrong or anything would happen differently. Tell me early enough and I can make changes before I have written too much that I don't want to rewrite.
*While she was addressed as 'Queen' in Law her title was 'King'
Source (OTL):
The Lion From the North
The Swedish Army During The Thirty Years War: Volume 2, 1632-1648, p 99
Michael Fredholm von Essen
"The Swedish regency government devised an elaborate strategy that was well ahead of its time. Torstensson would attack Denmark from the south, through Germany. He would conquer Jutland and then ship his army to Danish islands of Fyn, Lolland, and Zealand so that he could attack Copenhagen. Simultaneously, a smaller corps from Pomerania (200 cavalrymen on foot and 2000 infantry under Colnel Erik Hansson Ulfsparre) would invade southern Zeeland. At the same time Field Marshal Gustav Horn would attack Scania and the other Danish provinces in modern-day southern Sweden. Horn, too would then ship his army across the sea to Copenhagen where he and Torstensson would join forces.
Simultaneously the regency government ordered an invasion of Jamtland, a province of Norway which protruded into Sweden. There was also talk of a diversion from Livonia against the nearby island of Osel, which belonged to Denmark.
The plan was intended as a surprise attack. No war preparations would be undertaken that could be observed by the Danes
...
Torstensson invaded Holstein [Danish posession south of Jutland] in late December [1643]
...
communications interfered with the Swedish war plans. Torstensson had moved so rapidly that when he marched into Holstein, his dispatch to Stockholm with confirmation of the plan to attack Denmark had not yet reached the regency government. In Stockholm, the regency government despaired over why Torstensson had not yet confirmed receipt of his orders. Oxenstierna's order to Torstensson should have reached him in, at most, four to six weeks, but because of dificulties in Silesia and Moravia, the couriers travels had taken almost four months ... Stockholm only found out in early January that the invasion of Holstein had been initiated, exactly as Oxenstierna had planned. This upset the entire war schedule. So as to avoid giving warning to the Danes, the regency government had not yet given Horn his marching orders for the invasion of Scania. So, while Torstensson despite the delayed order carried out his part of the plan on time, Horn was unable to cross the border into Scania before February 1644. In addition, the planned maritime invasion of Zealand from Pomerania could no longer be carried out, since the Danish navy now was alerted and surely would act to prevent such an attempt.
First came the Greycoats to eat all my Swine, Next came the Bluecoats to make my sons Fight, Next came the Greencoats to make my wife Whore, Next came the Browncoats to burn down my Home. I have naught but my life, now come the Blackcoats to rob me of that.
- Anonymous poem
July 25, 1643 Swedish Camp, Moravia
"Everyone get out, attend to your duties, give the appearance nothing has changed" Torstensson told his staff and senior officers in a voice that bordered on weariness. He could not quite hide the pain in his voice, the Gout was clearly flaring. His voice softened, "not you Charles Gustav, you will stay". Charles straightened and saluted.
"So, my boy", the old general said with affection rolling up the encyphered message he had just read out, "We are to abandon this campaign. In December we are to invade Holstein and The Jutland Peninsula. A surprise attack covered with the pretense of seeking winter quarters. How would you have us proceed? Show an old man just how much you have learned."
Charles relied at once.
"First, send an entire cavalry squadron, 200 men with the courier confirming reciept of our orders. Stockholm having confirmation so they can coordinate other attacks matters above anything else." Charles paused "We will not be wintering anywhere near here. Preparing logistics and securing a line of communication for operations in Austria is no longer our goal."
"Gallas has systematically avoided battle and we should stop seeking it. I would look to our defenses - no more attempts to take fortresses south of our position we strengthen those we have, and take Imperial strongholds that remain within our territory. Oxenstierna will be sending no reinforcements, we need to recruit. Half our troops I would commit to these endeavours."
"Second, the others half I would split and scatter. I would act as my uncle did in Bavaria. Kill All, Loot All, Burn All. The winter storms have delayed the harvest and it is still being gathered. The Peasants have not had time to hide it. Destroy all not close enough to compel the peasants to carry to our strongholds. Kill all livestock. With weakly defended towns, do not euphamise about contributions, impose the Fire Tax as Mansfeld did. If Gallas starts picking off our divided units, we can lay a trap and bring him to battle." *
"I would have Cavalry raid in several directions to conceal our intentions. Königsmark I would have take settlements on our line of march under the guise of raids. We always have typhoid, dysentary and other poxes in our camp. As we depart leave the sick in those settlements we don't intend to keep. Prepare Our Swedish Drink.** As our army marches let our cavalry raiders offer it's taste far and wide, south of our strongholds. They can catch up with the main army when this grim duty is done."
"I would march for Denmark in mid September, this gives us some time. We march divided and take time to gather all the provisions we can along our Line of March. Königsmark will have taken some settlements, our forces will have time to take more. This helps us conceal our intentions and deny supplies to our pursuers. I do expect pursuit eventually"
Charles paused
"For the record, Sir, I don't like these orders either"
The old man smiled, Life and the sharp, energetic intelligence for which he was so famed, returned to his weary frame.
"My boy, I have taught you so well"
August 07, 1643 Stockholm
"Torstennson has confirmed reciept of his orders. His army will enter Holstein in late December, on the pretence of seeking winter quarters and commence our invasion of Denmark" Lord High Chancellor Axel Oxenstierna informed the Regency Council he dominated with undisguised relief, shared by all the men in the room. Christina shifted in her seat.
"I will order all preparations for the planned invasions of Skane and Norway - compatible with secrecy - begun at once" replied Lord High Constable, Field-Marshal, Jacob De la Gardie "I will also have couriers dispatched to Pomerania and Estonia with encrypted messages ordering the discussed invasions of Zealand and Ösel."
"Well, I think that conculdes matters" Oxenstierna said after a pause.
"No it doesn't" interjected Christina. "We recommend the Navy be heavily provisioned and make ready to put to sea in autumn before ice traps our fleet in port till spring** when the element of surprise is lost. Our fleet should head east along the swedish coast to avoid suspicion, then turn around and head for the Pommeranian coast timed to arrive after the invasion has left for Zealand, but as soon as is compatible with the secrecy of our other plans."
"We recommend giving our fleet operational freedom to act as it see's fit according to what will no doubt be an unpredictable and developing situation. We do not know where the Dane's will be, but they cannot be everywhere at once. However We have a strong preference that our fleets first action be to position itself between Jutland and the Danish Islands, preventing a retreat from Jutland, ensuring that the Danes can be defeated in detail. This will also ensure our veteran German troops with battle and siege experience and the most Terrifying Reputation make it to the Islands."
The Queen paused
"One should never risk one's whole fortune unless supported by one's entire forces" The Queen quoted Machiavelli.
Admiral of the Realm Carl Gyllenhielm tried to control his temper and failed "Ones entire fortune" he spluttered "Does her majesty truly realise how much our new fleet has cost? Unless our armies take an ice free port our Fleet will remain at sea for 6 months. Does her majesty realise the risk this poses to our ships. Does she realise how disease ravages any crew long at sea. How this will degrade their combat effectiveness when they engage the Danes. How hard it is to replace trained crew?"
"Her Majesty realises all of this. We have no doubt the Danes will engage our fleet long before the fears you express come into play. If they do not then we have already won." The Queen stood and came close to raising her voice. "You gentlemen decided on this great gamble. Now is not the time for half measures. What is our fleet for, if not this!"
Field Marshal and Count Jacob De la Gardie looked at His Queen with admiration and new eyes. "I agree with Her Majesty in every detail. Bringing everything we have to bear at once maximises shock and increases the chances of a swift settlement which would allow us to return to Germany with maximum haste. The war will be over by Spring."
This was a debate The Queen would win.
She privately assured Gyllenhielm, humiliated as the other councilors came close to accusing him of cowardice, that he would receive the continued royal favour of a Monarch soon to reach her majority should he propose a promotion for herbe loved cousin and heir presumptive Charles Gustav - that he might win some of the glory he so desired in the coming war. A proposal that was to pass.
*Gallas had orders not to give Battle
** Something horrible, biological warfare. Look it up if you like, you have been warned.
***During 'the little ice age' Sweden posessed no ports free of ice between Autumn and Spring
I intend to write most of this timeline as a narrative however I thought it would be helpful at this point to give a list of dates and locations to indicate what is happening where and when as things kick off.
14 November 1643: Courier reaches Torstensson with Charles Gustav's promotion to Major-General
26 November 1643: Stockholm, Riksdag authorises war
Various dates in December 1643: 100 dragoons, 1600 foot and 4 guns gather in the provinces of Medelpad and Ångermanland and invade the Norwegian province of Jämtland (geography does not permit large scale operations so multiple dates and locations)
12 December 1643: Swedish fleet, having followed the coast north at the first signs of autumn ice, returns to Stockholm
13 December 1643: Colonel Erik Hansson UlfSparre makes landfall in southern Zealand 200 dismounted Cavalry and 2000 infantry. Horses are soon requisitioned and this force makes its presence known.
15 December 1643: Torstensson invades Holstein with 8,000 horse, 10,000 foot and 60 guns
17 December 1643: 200 dismounted cavalry and 1600 infantry land in Ösel.
20 December 1643: Horn, having mustered at Markaryd, crosses the border on a forced march with 3,300 horse, 8,700 foot, and 40 Guns. This force is mostly raw recruits but does include 1,400 veterans withdrawn piecemeal and in secret from Livonia and Ingria*
21 December 1643: Torstensson storms Christianspreis, news of the massacre that followed spreads demoralisation
26 December 1643: Swedish Fleet having taken a crooked route to avoid detection picks up soldiers (500 foot), supplies, pilots and current intelligence off Rügen (island off Stralsund)
27 December 1643: A Pomeranian firsherman spots the Swedish fleet and quickly flees back to his village. Wanting some measure of vengeance for his many murdered kinsmen he decides to set out the next day to report what he has seen to the Danish authorities on Lolland.
28 December 1643: Horn takes unfortified Lund
29 December 1643: Swedish Fleet departs intending to hug the German coast, land the soldiers on Fehman island, continue to hug the German coast as long as they can before moving into position between Jutland and Funen. Contact to be made with Torstensson at whatever Jutland port(s) they find he has taken
30 December 1643: Horn arrives at fortified Malmö with 3,200 horse, 8000 foot and 33 guns. His orders advise Immediate Storm in the tradition of Gustavus, to take advantage of shock and surprise, and this is the course of action he decides upon.
By the end of 1643, no formal declaration of war has been made.
Numbers are the round ones reported by Officers.
* this italicised part is a deviation from OTL enabled by greater time to prepare.
(please DM me or comment if you think realism demands any of this be different. Oh and if anyone knows how much the Swedish did to add to the Fortifications of Malmö between when they took it OTL and 1677 that would be super helpful for the next section. There is so much more detailed English language material on the 1677 siege of Malmö than the 1644 one).
“it cost the king dear trying to give freedom to Germany, what with giving Sweden the salt tax,
what cost the poor folk a bit, so I've heard, on top of which he had to have the Germans locked up and
drawn and quartered 'cause they wanted to carry on slaving for the emperor. Course the king took a serious
view when anybody didn't want to be free. He set out by just trying to protect Poland against the bad people,
particularly the emperor, then it started to become a habit till he ended up protecting the whole of Germany.
They didn't half kick. So the poor old king's had nowt but trouble for all his kindness and expenses,
and that's something he had to make up for by taxes of course, which caused bad blood,
not that he's let a little matter like that depress him. One thing he had on his side, God's word,
that was a help. Because otherwise folk would of been saying he done it all for himself
and to make a bit on the side. So he's always had a good conscience, which was the main point.” - Berthold Brecht, 'Mother Courage and her Children
Painters always leave out fog, dust and darkness ^
28 December 1643, after Sunset, fishing village north Malmö
"Are we Vikings now?" Cavalryman Brage Dalman joked in an effort to keep his comrades spirits up. Eric Åkesson tried to laugh, but gave a hacking cough instead. That cough was beginning to worry Brage.
When Lund surrendered on terms well before noon the Foot and 500 Horse had been billeted and granted leave till sunset the following day. No doubt whippings were threatened for anyone who came late. Knowing how the Old Man had conducted the campaign so far Brage expected he was planning a Night March. At this time of year! The Old Man was a Finn, they didn't understand cold. Brage thought of Eric's cough and shuddered.
Brage had not set foot inside Lund, though his share of the 'contribution' the Burghers paid to avoid a sack sat reassuringly in his pouch. While the main army rested thousands of cavalry had, as usual, been assigned other duties. This was normal. As the main army entered Lund, Brage and Eric had been on one of the many patrols which ringed the city ensuring no word got out. On the march from Markaryd cavalry patrols had circled the moving army killing anyone – man, woman, even child! - who might give word of their armies movements. Brage thanked the saviour he had never been in a position where he had to do this himself. He was an honourable man and longed for the chance to kill enemy soldiers in battle and prove himself a true Krigare worthy of promotion. He loved his country, had sworn to do his duty and he trusted his priest – who had told him every order he received was Gods Will – but by the saviour and his love of his children, this wasn't what he had signed up for.
5 days into the march at the mouth of the river Rönne 500 cavalrymen had been sent west to burn villages and send the poor peasants forth to spread panic and make it look like the armies true destination was Helsingborg. Brage gave thanks he had not been chosen for that Duty.
So here they were at a fishing village just north of Malmö. Sleeping in shifts, watching with weapons in their hands as under the watchful eye of the engineers these poor folk took their boats - their livelihood - laid up under canvas as ice covered the bay, and loaded them onto sleds brought from Lund. Eric, who had entered Lund had helped requisition as many Sleds as they could find in the city and every sled they now had here was fitted with the Ski's cannibalised from 3 of those had requisitioned.
Two fishermen who had appealed to their shared devotion to The True Lutheran Faith had been shot for protesting. When a woman began to weep and wail, Brage's Superior Officer had given her the flat of his sword then cut her face. The chief engineer seemed oblivious to the human suffering around him, so focussed was he on his measurements. All for pontoon bridges apparently.
God moves in mysterious ways Brage consoled himself quietly. Footslogging it would be as they moved to the rendezvous point with the main army, somewhere they would hunker down just out of sight of the main road. Horses would be needed to pull these Sleds. Brage would volunteer to walk so that Eric could stay mounted.
29 December 1643, Dusk, A Windmill within cannon shot of Malmö
Brage moved on foot with 4 other volunteers and the engineer-officer seconded to their unit. By volunteering Brage had bought Eric the chance to sleep. He carried a sledgehammer, the head wrapped in muffling cloth. Two of his comrades carried a bundle of wooden stakes. The officer carried a covered lamp for signalling.
Brage's squadron had ridden as close as they dared to the windmill that was now their base, before advancing on foot to take it. They would bring up the horses once night fell. Another squadron was doing the same on the other side of the City.
Now they crept to the positions the engineer had chosen for the Artillery to plant the stakes. Then they would sleep in shifts just behind the hill they were to plant stakes on. Until the time came for their unit to guide the artillery into position. Moving artillery was easier in the winter – winter sleds didn't have wheels that got stuck in summers mud. But digging entrenchments for the cannon... there was a special unit called 'pioneers' for such tasks, but Brage had no doubt he would have to help. His whole body ached at the thought.
December 30 1643, Dawn, Swedish Battery outside Malmö
Mornings mist seeped into Brage's bones. He felt colder than he had at any time in the night, but The Old Man, Field-Marshal Gustav Horn was here – Eric had predicted this, he would position his staff near here for the best vantage point. The Old Man had personally commended Brage; and his unit was to be held in reserve. Pride mixed with relief filled him with a warm glow and he suppressed his shivers.
The chief Engineer rode up. "Ladders and components for pontoon-bridges all in place", he reported. The walls of the city were barely visible. “Can you train your guns on the gatehouse and the top of the wall either side of it with reasonable accuracy”* the Old Man asked. The chief-engineer looked through his telescope for a long moment, then said “Yes Sir”.
“Do so” The Old Man commanded “dispatch a runner to our forces to the south with the following order: train your Guns on the gatehouse and the top of the wall either side of it, once you have done so order the advance. Do not fire until either We or The Enemy do. If enemy Guns fire, half your guns are to redirect their fire and silence them. The other half are to bombard the area they are trained on where our men will storm. If we fire first, fire everything at the area we are attacking and redirect half your guns when the enemy reply”. One of his staff saluted and made it so.
He turned to another of his staff, “the two squadrons of horsemen I ordered concealed in the centre, ready to advance directly between the two gates and to the south of the southern gate ready to advance there.** Their orders to torch the buildings they find near the city walls as a distraction and to illuminate our targets when we conduct counter battery fire. They have their orders and are in position?” “Yes Sir” came the immediate reply.
The Old Man looked at his Swiss watch for a long time, however long he thought it would take for his orders to be received and enacted then Ordered The Advance.
He handed his priceless watch to the chief engineer. "You have made your predictions for how long it will take for your equipment to be moved close enough that it is likely to be spotted. If our gunners have not opened fire before then, when that time has elapsed, order them to do so immediately."
With that he ordered Brage and his squadron to join the reserves and took his Staff out of the line of potential counter-battery fire.
*Accurately by the standards of mid 17th century artillery
**Far enough from either gate to avoid illuminating either Swedish assault
December 30 1643, Dawn, Malmö Northern Gatehouse
Tobias Andersen was exhausted, but he would do his duty. The Swedish Barbarians were wintering in Jutland. His wife said she could feel war coming and he believed her. Stories that froze the blood were being told by men fleeing southern Zealand. Unpaid mercenaries from The German War in search of rich plunder in a land they had not devastated? A Swedish Invasion? No one knew. His wife thought the latter.
The beloved King had taken many men to Funen to contain the situation in Jutland. His cowardly regent would send no reinforcements to Malmö until the situation in Zealand was understood. So the garrison was on triple watch. Tobias was exhausted, but he would do his duty. Wait, his Duty, he had become lost in thought when he was supposed to be on watch. He snapped back into the world of his senses.
He saw a shape coming out of the fog. “Sir” he yelled immediately. Running to where his superior officer rested his eyes, he yelled “Sir look”. The officer rubbed his weary eyes and blasphemed. “That is what? a boat?!” he muttered in weary agitation. Then his training kicked in. “Run and alert the garrison!” he ordered Tobias “Men, to me, man the cannon!” The officer ran to the nearest gun and began to train it on the advancing shapes himself, heaving and straining. “Bring match quickly we are under attack” the officer roared.
A moment later a fragment of rock, torn from the wall by Swedish cannon fire broke open his skull.
The pictures don't perfectly reflect what is going on. The top one is a painting of the OTL 1667 Danish siege of Swedish Malmö. All the others are from the 30 years war. A german peasant begging for mercy from a soldier of unknown allegiance (actually made during the 30 years war). Swedish cavalry. Swedish artillery - unlike in my story these ones aren't protected by entrenchments. Nor are any of the pictures in winter.
Contrary to possible appearances I am not interested in writing an endless Sweden wank. But they do have to do well at the beginning for a significant departure from OTL. Malmö is the only major danish settlement with a name beginning with M and 'The Marriage of Malmö' was a title I couldn't pass up. 'The Marriage of Magdeburg being what contemporary media tended to call this:
“Sometimes I see myself driving through hell with this wagon and selling brimstone.
And sometimes I’m driving through heaven handing our provisions to wandering souls!
If only we could find a place where there’s no shooting, me and my children —what’s left of ‘em—we might rest a while.”
Berthold Brecht - Mother Courage and Her Children
29 December 1643, noon: Nykøbing Castle, private chamber
“Your Majesty, Prince-Elect, I hate to interrupt” said the garrison-commander. “But...” sighed Christian, Prince-Elect and Heir Apparent to the throne of Denmark. “But there are two delegations waiting to see you. One is a courier from your father The King. The other... I regard as even more urgent” the commander finished.
Christian gestured for his mistress to refill his wine glass and downed it in one swig before gesturing for her to make herself scarce. “Boy” he called to his manservant “make me presentable”. Turning to the garrison-commander he softened his tone, “Inform them I will be with them shortly.”
29 December 1643, just after noon: Nykøbing Castle, grand hall
“Your majesty, I bear a summons from your father The King. You are summoned to Copenhagen to act as his Head of Government” the courier was politeness itself. “Can't ignore that.” Christian turned to his secretary “Inform my household to start preparing our departure” Christian turned back to the courier. “Why? Is my father ill?” Worry threaded Christian's voice. “The letter doesn't say your majesty. I wouldn't presume to speculate.”* The courier handed the letter to The Prince-Elect.
"That will be all. Commander, send in the delegation you regard as more important than this summons."
“Who is this wretch in rags” Christian muttered to the commander. Not quietly enough, but the wretch couldn't understand Danish. The commander gestured and the wretch spoke in German.
“I am a humble fisherman from Pomerania, my name is Harlan Diechert, I come to your majesty bearing intelligence your officer here instructed me to bring you” The fisherman looked fearfully at the commander for support. In all his life he had never met a nobleman, let alone a Prince.
“And what intelligence is this” Christian sneered. “When I was out fishing I spotted a fleet of warships anchored of Rügen. Swedish by the look of the flags. I counted 31 massive buggers and 9 big ones. Sorry I can't be more precise, not a naval man. No idea where they were headed. As I say they were anchored and I made myself scarce as soon as I was done counting. I hate the Swedes, they killed my wife and took my sons. I want to help you any way I can, Your Majesty.”
Suddenly Christian felt quite sober. “You may not be a naval man, but you remember what you saw, yes? Commander, find the best naval experts in the city to interrogate this man. Also gather horses and every man of yours who can ride fast. We will have to risk a short crossing to Zealand but I will make as much of the journey as I can by land and if the rumours are true I will need a military escort.”
"That wont be necessary Your Majesty, there is a galliot waiting in the bay to take us jo join the 2/3 of the Danish fleet we have patrolling the south-east coast of Zealand" said the garrison-commander.
“Secretary, have this man provided with fine boots and clothing and given a fine meal. You, Herr Diechert, are coming with me.”
*When the courier was dispatched The Swedish army 'seeking winter quarters' in Jutland had been reported to the government in Copenhagen but they had managed to keep this information from the public.
01 January 1644, just south of Fehmarn Island
“That's the last of the army infantry disembarked” Admiral Claes Fleming heard his second mate report. “Good, it will take them long enough to circle behind Burgstaagen to regain their land legs. Wait the allotted time then order the fleet into the bay commence bombardment and send the marines ashore.”
“Do we really need to waste time like this? Can the army men not handle this themselves?”
“A word in private midshipshman” said the Admiral, gesturing his subordinate aside. “Not only will our guns and marines assist in the capture of Burgstaagen, I have ordered our marines to accompany the army men to the town of Fehmarn itself so they can return with all the victuals they can lay their hands on. Yes, this will waste 2 days. 3 at most. However, I am much more concerned about the wasteage of our crews.”
03 January 1644, early morning, Kiel
“The Duke of Holstein has surrendered” Torstensson informed his 3 Generals. “Those fortresses not already in our hands will accept garrisons. Not Glückstadt or Krempe of course, they are held by the Danes rather than Dukes men. They will attempt to harry us no doubt, so we will need to leave significant garrisons.”
“Königsmark, I am giving you 3,500 men to do what you do best. Move fast, spread terror and confusion throughout Jutland. Ensure the Danes can never be sure where we will next strike in force."
"Charles Gustav you are now my chief of staff and will accompany me with our main force to hit the strong-points in Jutland and seek battle with the danish army."
"Wragnel, you will take a smaller force along the eastern coast and coordinate swift strikes on coastal settlements to gather boats before they flee. Bring them to the rendezvous at The Little Belt where we will cross en masse to Funen."
03 January 1644, Rosenberg Castle Copenhagen, Grand Hall
“To tell of all the misery and misfortune is not within my power, not even what I know and have seen myself. If I did report everything which I have seen and so painfully experienced you would not believe me.” The man was gazing into the middle distance, he looked like he was trying to weep but lacked the strength to do even that.
“You are a Burgher of Lund?” Prince-Elect Christian asked. “Am? Was?” Franz Hilner looked disoriented for a moment. “The Swedes were so gentle with Lund. We paid a hefty contribution sure, and they took a lot of hostages, an awful lot; myself among them. But they protected our property and womenfolk better than our own governor ever did. Hanged 14 of their own men in the main square."
“But Malmö … they put loads us on horseback, brought us into the city and paraded us around for 3 bloody days with an escort so we came to no harm ourselves but made sure we saw as much of what they were doing as they could. Took us everywhere but near the Malmöhus, don't think they managed to capture that.”
“They took the walls first, used our guns to fire on any boats trying to flee the harbour. For 3 days. Then... Then they let people from Malmö run, only on the smallest boats, mind. Split us Lund Burghers up and put us among them that could flee.”
Prince-Elect Christian gripped his temples. “I think I see why."
03 January 1644, Rosenberg Castle Copenhagen, Private chamber
Prince-Elect Christian took a long swig of wine.
"So my Father took half the Zealand garrison and a third of the fleet to Funen, to contain Swedes on Jutland" Prince-Elect Christian asked his councellors.
"Correct, your Majesty"
"And we can't very well send him naval reinforcements because the Swedish could attempt a crossing from Malmö any time and for all we know their fleet is on its way to support them." He winced, sighed and finished the glass.
"Dispatch our fastest two ships on separate routes. Also send 5 couriers in disguise on humble fishing boats, separate routes again. Warn the Funen garrisons and get my father word and warning of all that has developed. Be swift in this matter!"
05 January 1644, Malmö
“Sir, the Malmöhus has mutinied and surrendered. They handed over their commander”. The runner reported breathlessly to Field-Marshal Horn.
Horn turned to his chief of staff “Call the troops to the colours, order the sack stopped at once. The 3000 men we have kept outside the city besieging the Malmöhus will remain as a garrison. Everyone who has participated in the sack camps outside the city tonight. You are authorised to hang our men as an example, as many as you need to, should that prove necessary.” Those had been the terms. No mercy until the Danish garrison surrendered.
The commander was never going to surrender for the sake of civilians, but the common soldiers were not going to tolerate the sack of their home town forever. He wouldn't know the full number until the muster, but even with shock and surprise the storm had cost him well over a thousand men. No way was he storming the citadel as well.
“Let the Malmöhus garrison march out with their weapons, standards and all the honours of war. Put the commander on a boat to Copenhagen. I am sure he will get a promotion.”
“Bring the hostages we have taken from the prominent Malmö burghers to our camp outside the city. Tomorrow we divide our forces and move against every fortified settlement this side of the sound. I will take half our forces north along the coast, hitting Landskrona then Helsingborg. You will take other half east and capture Kristianstadt. Leave a significant garrison then fan out moving back west to the sound. I give you operational freedom. When Landskrona, Helsinborg and Kristianstadt have fallen the lesser towns and smaller fortresses will surely fold."
"When our armies arrive outside a settlement they will send in a group of burghers from Malmö and a group of burghers from Lund. These will do our negotiating for us.”
"Oh, once you have Kristianstad dispatch a squadron of cavalry to take news of the campaign to Stockholm.
“Make a sound in the east, strike in the west. All warfare is based on deception.”
- Sun Tzu, The Art of War
"An alliance with the powerful is never safe."
- Greek Proverb
Map showing Locations mentioned ^
26 December 1643, Port of Odense, North Funen
“You are not staying with us Your Majesty? Danish Admiral-General Jørgen Vind asked his King. “Forgive my impertinence, but I cannot overstate the effect your presence has had on the morale of my men.”
“Admiral-General, I have complete faith in you” The King said in a kindly voice. “My presence is needed more on land to ensure that our militia's rapidly report for duty swiftly at full strength and are willing to serve outside their home province should that prove necessary”
The King paused on the edge of a rueful laugh. On the 18th he had received word of the Swedish armies movements from his agents in Lüneburg who had blown horses riding to Lübeck. He had ordered 9 warships and half the regular soldiers on Zealand mobilised at once.
“I may even need to negotiate with their envoys, though I find that doubtful. No, their objective is not Jutland or winter quarters. They will try to cross. Your orders are to depart with all haste the moment the last soldier has disembarked. You will proceed to the little belt with haste and cross it at night. From there you will patrol the coast of Funen and Ærø.”
“Above all else you must not allow your presence to be known on Jutland. When the Swedes try to cross in force let them get at least two thirds of the way across before taking them unawares and sending the little boats they will steal to the bottom. Your priority is to maximise casualties.”
07 January 1644, northern tip of Ærø Island
“Admiral, we have spotted what looks like a fleet to the south, come see for yourself.”
Jørgen Vind roused himself, and moved with speed and dignity. He took a long look through his priceless telescope. He could just make out what could only be a fleet. Barely visible but so many dots on the horizon clumped together could only be a fleet of boats.
“Torstensson sent his men to cross from Kiel!” Such recklessness was stunning in its audacity. They were in open water, far from any shore no doubt in whatever civilian ships they had plundered. The closest land to what could only be the enemy was Ærø. They were still far away but getting closer.
“Signal the rest of our fleet.” Admiral Vind's voice was suffused with excitement. “Lads, we have them exactly where we want them. Signal the rest of the fleet to follow us and move in to engage.”
09 January 1644, Flensborg
“Admiral Jørgen Vind, I am honoured to dine with such exalted company. Please, make yourself comfortable. I have had the finest chef in the city prepare this banquet. You have been how long at sea?” General Wragnel asked his guest.
“I will dine with you, but you must know I will not provide you with intelligence” Vind replied curtly.
“But of course, I would not wish to spoil this dinner with talk of business. Have no fear you will be treated with all the dignity appropriate to your military rank and social station.”
“Your officers have already been interrogated separately and forced to tell the truth. We know you had nine warships. Our fleet sank two, captured three and four are in the harbour of this town. My orders were to collect boats to cross the little belt. However, given that our main fleet has arrived and set itself that task my orders seem less urgent some of the boats I have collected still need to go north, but we have boats to spare. We know your King is on Funen. We know how many men he has.”
“My superior officer has always encouraged my initiative. So I will be sending my infantry and my dismounted dragoons to take Ærø and Longland to help ensure no one runs. The ships you so kindly provided will be most helpful in this matter.” Wragnel smiled “Our fleet has been appraised of everything I just told you, I have no doubt once our main Army has been shipped across the little belt our fleet will patrol the eastern coast of Funen. No one runs.”
“You see Admiral Vind, you have nothing to hide. You can relax and enjoy your meal. Tomorrow I ride north with my cavalry to join the main army. You will join me as my honoured guest of course. Anyway, enough of business. Let us dine!”
14 January 1644, Kolding
“General Wragnel, I received your courier only a few hours ago. You have ridden fast.”
Wragnel could sense a trace of envy in his superior officer's pain-threaded voice.
“Yes, Sir, I moved as swiftly as I could to achieve conjunction so as to best facilitate what you no doubt have planned.”
Torstensson gave a weak smile and ordered prepared the swift and efficient troop movements for which he was so famed in a voice that was slow and weary.
“Indeed. We broke the Danish army this morning. They will retreat to Snoghøj, my cavalry led by our redoutable Charles is in pursuit. I have given my infantry a days leave billeted on Kolding, in the morning I will leave 2000 in Kolding and the rest will follow towards Snoghøj. I am taking almost all the guns, we will need them at Copenhagen.”
“This morning, I dispatched most of our Dragoons to meet our fleet which has sent a courier reporting it is anchored off Hjelsminde. They will embark dismounted be landed south of Middelfart. Then our fleet will move to blockade any crossing from Snoghøj and ship our infantry across to assault Middlefart from both the west and once the Jutland Danes have surrendered over the crossing at Snoghøj itself. I have taken great care with the timings.”
“You will remain in Kolding. When the Jutland Danes have surrendered half my cavalry will return to Kolding and be placed under your command. I leave the occupation of Jutland to you. I encourage you to act at your digression and use your initiative. The horses of the embarked dragoons will be led north to Kolding. You may dispatch them to Snoghøj for shipment to Funen or retain them for your own use as you see fit.”
Wragnel saluted “It will be as you say Sir. All Jutland will be ours. One more thing Sir, I have brought you a guest.”
17 January 1644, north of Snoghøj
“Leave me” Henrik Danielsen said to his closest comrade Lars Ursen name, “you must get to Snoghøj before their horsemen catch us, then you can cross to safety”. Neither of them had slept in 3 days. “On your feet soldier. I will never leave you behind. We have got this far and we are almost there.”
Lars pulled his friend to his feet and half dragged, half carried him forward. The battle outside Kolding had been a disaster and became a disordered rout. The Swedish cavalry were in pursuit cutting fleeing men down, there had been no time to rest. The two friends had taken a long route heading north from Kolding before circling south to Lars dragged his comrade forward.
“Look!” Lars tried to raise Henrik's spirits, “we can see the sea!” Henrik took a groggy look. “And see those shapes. Our fleet is here”.
The two friends picked up their pace. Thunder. No, that wasn't thunder. “Lars, I don't think that fleet is ours.”
Everyone with any sense in the broken army would be running for the crossing at Snoghøj. If that fleet was the enemy they were trapped and would have to surrender, if the barbarians even understood such a thing. Lars heard the clatter of hooves.
17 January Skærbæk west of Snoghøj
“Men of Great Sweden, do you want to live forever?” Charles Gustav called to the assembled infantry in a rousing speech. “Do you hear the cannons of our Fleet roaring? The Danes will be pissing their breeches.” Charles paused to let the men laugh. “All the wealthy men of Jutland have fled to Funen and taken their gold and silver with them! Do you know that none of the towns on Funen are fortified? This battle will be remembered as one of the most important in the history of our Great Nation. Get on those mighty ships and win rich plunder and eternal glory!”
With a roar, the soldiers rushed to the ships.
18 January 1644, Amsterdam
“Monsieur Ambassador, I assume you have heard the news regarding the Swedish invasion of Denmark?” Jacob Cats Grand-Pensionary of Holland addressed the French Ambassador to the Dutch Republic.
“But of course, this development is most alarming. Our supposed allies start a new war – while they are supposed to be occupying our mutual enemy - without even consulting us. And they don't even have the decency to declare it.” Replied the Ambassador.
The Grand-Pensionary smiled “Indeed. The Council of State has just discussed the matter. The Danish refusal to allow arms exports across the sound has upset powerful interests here and does help the Hapsburg cause. Louis de Geer is hiring mercenary warships here to assist the Swedes and I suspect he is bribing men of influence.”
“However, the Council of State has no desire for Sweden to simply replace Denmark as Queen and Mistress of the Baltic. It is our wish to limit Swedish gains and impose a swift settlement. We desire your assistance in this matter. I have for you a detailed document outlining a range of terms we would be willing to accept.”
“We would like to send a special envoy to Paris to negotiate our two nations presenting a united front in this matter.”
“But of course, I will prepare my formal authorisation and approval in this matter, then let your envoy be dispatched at once. I am sure France will be most agreeable.”
22 January – Stockholm
“We have received a courier” Oxenstiernna told the regency council. “Malmö was taken in immediate storm with great sack. Field-Marshal Horn let some of the burghers flee to Copenhagen alongside hostages from Lund which surrendered on terms and was treated with excessive gentleness. Horn is using the fastest boats in Malmö harbour to probe and scout moving towards Zealand and retreating as soon as they spot a Danish warship. When the courier was dispatched their fleet was concentrated patroling the south and west Zealand coast.”
“He aims to keep it that way. He split his forces. Significant garrison in Malmö, half the rest under his personal command moving north along the coast to take Landskrona and Helsinborg, from where he will also let some of the burghers run to Zealand and tell of their fall and from where he will send probes. He expects them to surrender swiftly when he sends hostages from both Malmö and Lund in to give evidence of what his ultimatums entail.”
“He dispatched a significant force to take Kristianstadt while the enemy fleet is where it is and where he intends to keep it.”
Oxenstiernna smiled.
“He exceeds his orders” Lord High Justicar Per Brahe noted. “He was to keep all his forces at the coast, should the opportunity to cross to Zealand present itself.”
“Be that as it may” Lord High Constable and Field-Marshal, Jacob De la Gardie added “I think given the success he has achieved, he may be permitted some initiative. If the Danish fleet is where Field-Marshal Horn says it is, then Torstensson will cross to the Danish Islands. We should avoid negotiations until that has occurred.”
“I agree with the Lord High Constable” Oxenstiernna said “However, I believe it is time for us to send the formal declaration of war”
“We cut with swords.
A battlefield death is the happy portion of the brave,
for he stands the foremost against the storm of weapons.
He, who flies from danger, often bewails his miserable life.
Yet how difficult is it to rouse up a coward to the play of arms? The dastard feels no heart in his bosom.”
The Death Song of Ragnarr Loðbrók
Oh, gather 'round me, comrades
And listen while I weep;
Of a war, a war, a war...
where hell is six feet deep.
Along the shore, the cannons roar.
Oh how can a soldier sleep?
The going's slow on Anzio
And hell is six feet deep.
Praise be to God for this captured sod
That's rich where blood does seep;
With yours and mine, like butchered swine;
And hell is six feet deep.
That death does wait
There's no debate;
No triumph will we reap
The crosses grow on Anzio,
Where hell is six feet deep.
- Audie Murphy, The Crosses Grow On Anzio
19 January 1644 – Kristianstadt
Seargeant Brage Dalman inspected his 43 Men and 109 Horses on a ridge behind the siege lines. His personal commendation from the Old Man Field-Marshal Horn had ensured his promotion. The Malmö guns had collapsed one of the buildings their squadron had been torching on top of his old Seargeant. That wretched man had died slowly, legs crushed, burning and screaming. Brage was convinced he was still doing so. The Lord would never take a man so lacking in honour.
Eric, Brage was certain, was with the Lord.
"Horses well cared for, at ease, look after each other, you have all done me proud so far" Brage told his men. He turned to look at the dust and gunsmoke which had replaced morning mist wreathing the walls of Kristianstadt.
Brage and his men had brought the Lund and Malmö Burghers to the gates of the City and ensured their entrance – presenting it as a release of prisoners and gesture of good faith prior to negotiations. As ordered, once this had been achieved, they had delayed with protocol and formalities as long as practical before handing over the ultimatum offering terms then high tailed it back to the Swedish position. The offer of terms lasted until nightfall.
As soon as Brage and his men were out of range, the Swedish Guns had opened fire.
Mid-afternoon, the Danish Guns fell silent and Brage thought he could make out a white flag.
23 January, Håre, Danish Command Post
“Feigned retreat, oldest trick in the book” King Christian told his officers, heartily laughing, showing no sign his laughter was forced and making it infectious.
As soon as he realised the Swedish landing was supported by their Navy he had begun pulling back his lighter Guns and ordered first an orderly withdrawal of the militia he had raised, then his professional soldiers, south in stages. The gunsmoke meant his own army didn't see this, let alone the enemy.
He had left the heavy guns to fire on the Swedish ships for as long as possible and personally assured their commanding officer surrender would be honourable so long as the Guns were destroyed first. He had sacrificed 1000 militia stiffened by 200 professionals. A rearguard ordered to run for Odense when the odds became overwhelming. The regulars set fire to Middlefart to cover the retreat.
The Swedish fleet would have moved to blockade Odense. Of course their fleet would stick together in case it made contact with His Own. No longer could their beachhead be supported by naval bombardment, they would be conducting the rest of the crossing in small boats.
Christian's scouts reported no sightings of the enemy naval fleet. That was the advantage Christian possessed. For now. Intelligence. He had 2000 elite cavalry. It was a difficult thing to transport horses by sea, and once landed it took time for them to be ready to be ridden without killing them within days. So half his cavalry had fanned out eliminating enemy scouts, keeping them blind and providing him unparalleled intelligence. The other half were gathering his infantry to make sure his feigned retreat did not become a real one.
Once his forces were gathered, they would advance on a blind enemy. Of course the Swedes would take the bait and pursue to Odense before all their forces were landed. Offence was the only combat doctrine they had. The Spirit of The Offensive, Shock and Momentum was the only strategy these barbarians knew.
Once his scouts reported the enemy had split their forces he would Go Unto this blind foe and give them a taste of their own medicine.
23 January, Ruins of Middelfart, Swedish Command Post
Less than 1/6th of the town had escaped the flames. Here the Swedes had established their command post.
Charles Gustav forgot protocol and embraced his superior officer as if they were brothers. The old man returned the embrace warmly, Torstennson had more vitality than Charles had ever seen. Seeing such life in his mentor filled Charles with emotion.
“A glorious victory, Sir, Your name will live forever. The Danes are routed.”
“Indeed. A Rout must be pursued, a victory consolidated. Odense is where the enemy have retreated, it is unfortified and the largest concentration of food and other supplies on this island. You must take it.”
“Alas, for now, we lack cavalry. Nevertheless you will take our 4000 freshest infantry and march swiftly on Odense. I will coordinate landing the rest of our forces. We have less than 300 horses we can expect to survive two days if ridden now. After deducting those needed for the senior officers, I will give you the rest.”
Immediately and without thinking Charles saluted and went to carry out his orders. As he hastily gathered his forces from along the coast, he wondered for a moment why there were so few Danish guns given the fire they had taken while crossing and why all of them were successfully spiked, then he returned his full attention to the task at hand.
24 January, Funen, Odense Road
Colonel Johan Albrecht was nervous when singled out by a commander he did not trust. This whelp half his age had been promoted by nepotism and carried an arrogance Albrecht did not like. Albrecht felt the other gathered officers felt the same way.
"Colonel Albrecht, you are to take your regiment to Odense, the rest of you are to come with me back to Middelfart. Forced march, double time." Charles snapped. The General was agitated.
“With respect...” Albrecht began. Charles cut him off “The enemy have not fled this way in numbers. We have been drawn off, I expect a Danish attack on the landing." Albrecht hesitated, “You... know this how?”
Charles placed his hand on the hilt of his sheathed sword. “You will take Odense without serious resistance. If this is not the case, you have my permission to retreat and join the rest of us”. There was more steel in Charles eyes than his hand. The threat of accusations of cowardice hung in the air.
“You have your orders, carry them out! The rest of you with me!”
As tired men were resentfully chivvied on a forced march the way they had come, their officers gave Charles ugly looks. This abruptly changed when they heard gunfire.
“Hear that? Charles roared. Change tack, tripple time. Everyone follows the sound and heads for the cannons. Relay those orders to my officers” Charles told his Chief of Staff “I will exhort and inspire the enlisted men for the coming fight.”
Charles drew his sword and came to life.
Exerpt from a pamphlet, mass printed in Copenhagen and Stockholm April 1644*
"The Scene was one of utter destruction. King Christian had arranged the complete destruction of the Swedish landing. Despite seeing so many of our comrades dead, dying and maimed we could not but admire the man.
We approached the roaring cannon which had broken all order in our forces. The Danish Cavalry had scattered, falling upon our broken men like wolves. Their infantry advanced in impeccable order slaughtering all before them. Two Squadrons of their cavalry – clearly their finest – had stuck together lead by their Gallant King, seeking our command staff and finding them.
Dismay gripped us but Charles was fearless. He gave his orders, for us that were mounted to charge the guns immediately and for the infantry to follow. He led from the front and dyed his sword in crimson. Two horses were shot from under him before their guns fell silent. But fall silent they did.
When the infantry joined us Charles gave his orders with calm and humour. Even at so dark an hour he had us laughing. Their own guns were trained on their infantry. One of our infantry regiments was to fire and defend the guns. The other two were to be sent forward to take them in the rear.
“Not so fast, Charles said”, laughter in his eyes. “Every man who can ride is to take one of the draft horses from the artillery and form up with our cavalry. I will not lie to men so gallant as yourselves”, he roared, “this is a dangerous duty. But I swear an oath on my honour as a soldier and my faith in Christ that every man – and the family of every man - who joins me will be richly rewarded.”
When this was done we charged to engage the Danish King."
Sworn testimony 107 Swedish Cavalrymen, 9 Officers
"Torstennson and most of his staff were dead. We had pinned them in the ruins and none escaped. All the Swedish Staff with their field-marshal fought with courage and died with honour. None surrendered. The King in his wisdom sought disengagement with their commander dead and his body in our hands. But our blood was up and to our shame we would not withdraw while there were common soldiers and lesser officers to kill.
Then we were pinned as they had been. They charged us from the rear, had us on all sides. Once the melee began they used their pistols, ours were all spent. Some of them carried muskets. After the initial charge with their rapiers these dragoons fell back, dismounted and took cover in the ruined buildings. They fired and kept firing. Most of us had our horses shot from under us.
All was lost. King Charles was in the melee wherever it was thickest. Eventually he found a pause. When he beheld Torstensson impaled on our standard many of us saw tears in his eyes. He looked to the Old King Christian and began yelling for a ceasefire. The good old King reciprocated.
There we stood the new king and the old backing their forces down. Should the fight continue our defeat was certain.
“Your Majesty King Christian, I offer you these terms. Face me in single combat and I swear your men can withdraw with their lives and their honour.” He gestured to Torstensstons corpse and tears ran down his face. “I am the ranking officer, your men can withdraw now. Or if they wish to remain to ensure none of mine intervene in our duel they may leave when one of us falls.”
“None of my men will intervene. “That man was like a father to me” The New King roared, pointing to Torstensson's desecrated corpse. “I mean to kill you myself. I offer your men their lives and you the chance to kill me. These are my terms.”
“If you kill me it is my Order as ranking officer and my last will and testament that Your Majesty King Christian be permitted to withdraw with honour. You may trust that or not, but you can be sure of the rest.”
The Old King accepted. Both of them dismounted, saluted oneanother and raised their blades.
It was a duel for the ages. None of us had ever seen such swordsmanship nor such honourable courage. The Old King - burdened with age - fought alone to buy the lives of Us his loyal and young men. The New King blazed with passion. He fought out of loyalty to the man who had been his superior officer and out of love for the man who had been his mentor.
'Vengeance is mine sayeth the lord' (Romans 12.19) and “a prince and lord must remember that he is God’s minister and the servant of his wrath” sayeth Martin Luther (Against the hordes of murdering and robbing peasants). The New King fought for revenge as was the right due to his station.
In the weeks that followed we spoke of little else but the duel we had the enormous privilege of witnessing. What we all agreed upon was that the Old King was ice and precision while the New King was passion and fire.
Age had ravaged the Old King yet he burned with life. Age slowed him, but only to a pace that was no slower than the finest swordsman among those writing here. And his Age had given him so much experience..."
(there follows a detailed and dramatic blow-by-blow of the duel and how Charles Gustav ensured that the witnesses were permitted to withdraw with all the honours of war)
Sworn testimony 47 Danish Cavalrymen 12 Officers
We did receive those men who tell the tale given above and heard it from them as it is written here in the week that followed the Battle of Middelfart and heard from them the tale they have written here.
Sworn testimony, the mayors of Håre, Assens and Faaborg
24 January, Swedish Command Post, West of Middlefart, Dusk
“The day is ours, the Danish Army has surrendered and their King is dead but the butchers bill is on the wrong side of hillarious” One Colonel ventured nervous and brittle. “If you hadn't returned General...” another Colonel ventured voice filled with awe.
“Indeed” Charles said calmly. “But we must look to the present and the future not the past.”
“First order of business, the death of Torstensson will be kept secret from the men for reasons of morale. His litter is to be carried prominently and you my Colonels will give the impression of speaking with him infront of the men. He never nomally campaigns in winter, his illness does not allow it. Torstensson is sick but as capable as ever, that is the official line. I as the ranking officer will issue orders in his name. A courier will of course be dispatched to inform General Wragnel. Does anyone have any reservations about this course of action?”
Silence.
“Very well.” Charles turned to his chief of staff. “Have a written order in Torstensson's name dispatched to the navy that our artillery is to be embarked on ships and taken to Odense by sea.” He turned to his colonels “We will complete the landing of men and horses, then move to Odense. Dispatch our two freshest regiments there now, and think at all times of morale.”
“Dismissed.”
After the Colonels had left Charles gathered the 6 most loyal cavalrymen in his personal retinue and handed them fat pouches of silver.
“That courier to Wragnel. Follow him, kill him quietly and destroy the message.” Charles paused and smiled. “There will be much more where that came from.”
As his loyal men left Charles realised he was starving and very much looking forward to dinner with Admiral Vind.
* Authors note: Given that King Christian features so prominently in the Danish National Anthem, I felt that he deserved a hero's death. I leave it to the audience to determine how accurately this pamphlet tells of events.
Act 2 Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott,
ein gute Wehr und Waffen.
Er hilft uns frei aus aller Not,
die uns jetzt hat betroffen.
Der alt böse Feind
mit Ernst er's jetzt meint,
groß Macht und viel List
sein grausam Rüstung ist, auf Erd ist nicht seins gleichen Mit unsrer Macht ist nichts getan
A mighty Fortress is our God
A powerful Defense and Weapon,
He lifts us free from all Terror,
which has now struck us
The old evil Enemy
now he seriously means it
great Power and many Strategies
Are his cruel Armour
on Earth he has no equal
With our own power nothing gets done
- Opening lines of the most popular Hymn composed by Martin Luther*
Christ commands when he says 'render unto Caesar the things that are Caesars'
- Also Martin Luther
^ Painting commissioned by OTL Charles X Gustav depicting him as a Roman conqueror.
29 January 1644, Odense, Royal Residence requisitioned by Charles as his command post
“My Lord, almost all the surviving prisoners are still blind.”
General Charles Gustav smiled.
In the evenings, for solace and inspiration Charles had taken to reading Torstensson's personal writings. In the day he had a team of clerks furiously copying them. All he knew of war he owed to Torstensson.**
The old mans writings mostly concerned his beloved artillery and his speculations on their future development. One idea, not exactly novel, had struck Charles. A design for a mortar shell – metal ball filled with a mixture 4 parts quicklime 1 part gunpowder. Fuse connected to a core of pure gunpowder. Fair weather weapon that would have mens eyes out.**
So Charles had tasked this young artillery officer – who uncannily reminded him of the old man - with testing it. It had been simple to convert 18 existing mortar shells. 3 groups of Danish prisoners who had refused to enlist in the army which had honourably captured their standards had been tied in place and bombarded with 6 shells. That was 3 days ago. They worked.
“Officer Göte Segerstrom, you have just won a promotion and my personal favour. I expect Field-Marshal Tostensson will be very happy with you for making his idea work."
"I want as many of these shells as possible prepared before we reach Copenhagen. I also want as many mortars improvised as possible. I do not care if they fire only 3 times, or only once. Unreliability is acceptable. Misfires which kill the crew are acceptable. As many as possible, for a short bombardment which is to be as intensive as possible."
"I will speak with the Field-Marshal and I have no doubt he will instruct the chief of artillery to collaborate with you on this and make it the main focus of all our artillery men. You will have whatever resources you request and may have anything or anyone you wish requisitioned from our forces, the settlements we control and move through and the Navy."
"I predict a bright future for you Göte Segerstrom. You know of course to kill the prisoners now they have served their purpose. Dismissed”
As the young officer left, Charles had his secretary draft three orders in Torstenssons name, then summoned the Chief of Artillery and the Navy representative.
29 January 1644, a few hours later, Odense, Royal Residence requisitioned by Charles as his command post
“Field-Marshal Torstensson is indisposed at present so you are speaking to me. Here are your written orders.”
“You will have everything you ask for” Charles told the Chief of Artillery “However there is one thing I must take from you. A cadre of experienced Artillery men and Officers sufficient to train a large artillery force.”
Charles turned to the Navy Man.
“Shipping all our forces across the Great Belt will take two trips, yes? We land at Kalundborg.”
“Two trips.” The Navy Man assured Charles.
“Good. we want every ship you have gathered which is not a combat vessel but could be expected to sail to Ulster identified. Most of the Danish prisoners have sworn us an oath of loyalty with the condition that they will never fight their countrymen. So we are sending them to fight the Irish Papists in Scottish Covenanter service. Landing at Carrickfergus.”
“They will of course be shipped separately to their weapons, and a small Naval escort, capable of sinking the civilian ships, should the Danes get any funny idea's will be required. The expert Artillery Cadre and several other Cadres Wragnel will provide will sail with the small arms. Wragnel has been instructed to gather the Artillery, most of it captured, which we left in Jutland due to our rapid advance as well as anything else he can spare in the ports of east Jutland. This you are to also ship to Carrickfergus.”
“I have had two copies of Torstensson's private writings on Artillery prepared. One is for you.” Charles gestured to his Chief of Artillery. “The other is for the Senior military man among the Scottish Covenanters in Ulster, whomever he may be.”
“The Navy does not answer to me or Field-Marshal Torstensson. However, it is our preference that once the Army is landed on Zealand the Navy makes its presence known, strikes if their fleet is divided and numerical advantage is overwhelming but does not seek decisive battle unless their fleet flees for Norway in which case we desire decisive battle. Odense is a fine base, but if you get the chance in the coming weeks a position just north of Isefjord would be ideal. As soon as Copenhagen falls we would like to land a significant number of troops west of the Norwegian capital.”
Charles could not tell if the Navy man looked terrified or awed.
“I would love to discuss matters in detail with you fine men, however I have a pressing engagement with the Odense Burghers. Politics.” He sighed and chuckled without mirth. “Unless you have necessary questions, dismissed.”
The two men saluted and left. Charles suddenly felt very tired. Wragnel wasn't going to like his orders. They would disrupt his entire campaign and he was to lose over a thousand men and some of his best officers. Charles was only leaving a tiny force on Funen – reinforcements would be required to hold it. Still so long as Wragnel believed the orders came from Torstensson and all was to assist the assault on Copenhagen he would obey.
Charles gestured to his manservant, the gesture ugly, but not unkind. He wearily spoke as much to himself as to the servant.
“Please make me presentable, I must make a good impression on these Burghers. I need from them a list of traditional privileges Danish Burghers have lost to The Crown. They must be honest with me as I intend to include these in my terms to Copenhagen.”
09 February 1644, Copenhagen Castle, Private Chamber
A knock on the door. Hard and insistent.
Prince-Elect Christian groaned, pawing his two mistresses for reassurance. His nerves had snapped days ago. He rose and grabbed his manservant by the collar.
“Go and tell whoever it is to see the Garrison commander. Those have been my clear orders, he acts in my name. If the impertinent wretch does not leave immediately he is to be whipped.”
“Your Majesty, it is the Garrison commander.”
Christian gestured for his mistresses to conceal themselves, made himself decent, took a long draught from a bottle of wine, and gestured for the door to be opened.
“You have been ordered not to disturb me and given authority to act in my name. What impertinence is this?”
“Your Majesty the Swedes have landed in force at Kalundborg and are advancing in force.”
Christian twitched and shuddered.
“General, you have my full confidence I defer to your expertise in military matters. You have authority to act in my name. Act as you see fit and obey my orders that I not be disturbed.”
“Your Majesty, we have not seen you in days. Your inspirational presence...”
“GET OUT!”
Christian roared hurling an empty wine bottle at the General who ducked smoothly. The General saluted and left with reluctance.
“Lock the door and come here Boy.”
Christian snarled at his manservant. As the man dutifully approached Christian raised his walking cane.
11 February 1643, Roskilde Palace, Zealand
“You will escort your old Kings body to Copenhagen.”
Admiral Jorgen Vind heard Charles Gustav say casually over one of their regular dinners. He had been expecting something, but never such a show of trust. He was somewhat stunned.
“I have enjoyed our dinners and our conversations. I do hope they continue.”
“I admire you Admiral Vind. Your loyalty to your king did you much credit. However, he lies dead and your oath to him no longer stands. You love for your country still stands. I admire that also.”
“The rivalry and conflict between our two great Nations has served neither. It has been exploited by foreign powers to make both Denmark and Sweden weak.”
“You have listened politely to my dream of restoring the Kalmar Union and I have sensed you thought it the impractical dream of a naive youth. Yet here we are, your King is dead and my army is on Zealand preparing to march on Copenhagen. Consider what news of the Kings death will do to morale. The city will fall, Christina and I will be made co-monarchs and we will marry.”
“I am not Oxenstierna. I am not a cautious man. I will take the city even at the cost of half my men. Do you know what I want from you?”
Admiral Vind understood and answered immediately “If the city falls as you expect you want me to prevent the fleet from retreating to Norway.”
“Very good. With Copenhagen fallen a continued war can only bring devastation to Denmark, the only possible outcome is a weaker position for Denmark in the eventual relationship between our two Nations. If our fleets destroy oneanother, who wins? The Dutch, The French, The Spanish.”
“I have spoken to you of what they could achieve together. How I intend to make our Nations interests harmonious. How my plans, with your help, can bring riches to Denmark which she could never achieve locked in rivalry with Sweden. I am not a fool like my Stuart namesake and know I must act in Denmarks interest to hold the crowns together. Failure to do so will make Denmark a desert and exhaust Sweden. I need men like you to tell me what Denmarks true interests are.”
“Do this for me and you will be one of my most trusted and honoured advisors. Here is a list of lands, titles and honours I will bestow on you and your descendants if you do this for me. You will see half of them are Danish Crown Lands and half lie in Sweden. These will require Christina's approval but I will persuade her or formally make this part of the peace treaty if you so desire. The former makes you look better, the latter is more secure.”
Admiral Vind was too stunned to reply. If the city fell. A big if. He did not know what he would do.
13 February 1644, Walls of Copenhagen, western bastion
It was so cold that even next to the sea, the air was dry as bone.
Morgens Osmundsen knelt in prayer with his comrades. Their Seargeant led them led them singing Luthers Hymn 'A mighty fortress is our God' over and over. The hymn was soothing. Morgens now felt no fear. He felt strong, peaceful and at one with the Lord. One of his younger comrades had quipped earlier that the enemy would be singing the same song. Morgens had slapped him hard for such blasphemy.
The enemy had formed up around the city carrying ladders. Attacking from all angles. The garrison had been rushed to the ramparts. And here they were, singing to raise their spirits and purify their souls should it be Gods Will they meet him today.
“Louder” Morgens seargeant roared as the first cannon fired. “The song of The Lord is louder than any gun”. Louder they sang.
Morgens Osmundsen could not say how long it took for the song to fall silent, drowned out by gunfire, as he still heard it. Morgens was dimly aware of his comrades rising. Morgens still knelt, eyes closed, the light of god filling his heart. His comrades would respect his prayers until he had to fight.
The world shook and Morgens became deaf to all but The Song Of The Lord. Fire gripped his mouth and nose. He pulled his hat over his face. He had fallen on his side.
After what seemed like an age, sound returned. Morgens couldn't make it out. He placed his fingers in his ears and let his mind sing 'A Mighty Fortress Is Our God' all the way through before taking them out.
His comrades were screaming. “My Eyes”, “My Eyes”, “Can't See”, “Mum?”
Morgens Osmundsen slowly peeled his hat away from his mouth. Fire. He waited before trying again. No fire. Slowly he removed his hat and opened his eyes. No fire.
Morgens looked around. His comrades were staggering aimlessly clutching their faces. So was the seargeant. Morgens took charge.
“I can still see. Praise the Lord the enemy have withdrawn. There is a procession approaching the gate under a white flag. Sit down if you can't see. Give me a moment and I will lead anyone who is wounded down to the city where you will be cared for. Comrades, if you still have voice, let us sing.”
13 February 1644, Copenhagen main street
Prince-Elect Christian had run to mount his horse as soon as he heard the news and ridden with his retinue for the main gate. It couldn't be true.
But it was true. He met the procession – and... and Admiral-Vind before he had even got half way to the main gate. His father lay dead before him. Carried by soldiers hands in solemn procession. Through all the drink and despair, his military training kicked in.
Why had this not been concealed. A crowd had gathered. The town criers were already ringing bells proclaiming the King dead and calling the Burghers to mourning and prayer. A common soldier like the gate commander would never challenge the rituals mourning a King, or Admiral Vind. Damn Admiral Vind. This was why the presence of Prince-Elect Christian had been required.
Prince-Elect Christian crushed his shame. What was done was done. He dismounted, paid his respects to his Father and began issuing orders for all that was proper as his duty required. He remounted, kept the tears from his eyes and took up a military bearing as he escorted his Fathers corpse to the castle where they had both been born.
13 February 1644, Copenhagen Castle, Council Chamber
“Admiral Vind, why did you not act to conceal my fathers death from the mob!”
Prince-Elect Christian was ranting and snarling. Admiral Vind held a salute the very picture of dignity.
“I swore your Father a solemn oath. My honour would not allow me to disrespect his memory with lies.”
Rage crawled all over Christian's face but he found no words.
“Your Majesty, I will remain here as long as you require however I wish to inspect my men for reasons of morale.”
Christian struggled to speak and sensed that the council approved of Admiral Vind's request. He snapped.
“Dismissed”
Christian turned wearily to the assembled Privy Council, military men and Burghers representatives. He needed a drink.
“What are our orders of business, let us proceed swiftly.”
“Your Majesty, the Swedish General Charles Gustav issues an ultimatum, either what they did in Malmö or surrender on terms that are exceedingly generous.”
Said the Burghers representative. The General in command of the garrison moved to stand supportively behind him.
“The prisoners released with Admiral Vind have leaked it to the mob.”
Spat one of the high-nobility. The General silenced him with a glare.
“Please continue good sir, the details of the terms. His Majesty wishes this discussed swiftly.”
“We have been given 3 days to mourn our beloved King before an answer is expected.”
Everyone made the sign of the cross.
“The garrison may march out with all the honours of war and either join the Swedes or march to Roskilde and take civilian ships to Norway. Any ships headed from Copenhagen to Norway will be engaged by the Swedish fleet. Those who ship to Norway are to receive a bounty worth a years wages. Those who join the Swedes, two years. Pay to be received as they leave the city.”
“No German will set foot in Copenhagen. A light contribution is to be paid. In the immediate term Copenhagen will be occupied by the Swedish National troops in the army facing us. There is to be no pillage or harm to civilians. Their behaviour will be subject to either the courts of the Copenhagen Burghers or their own Courts Martial whichever our courts prefer, decided on a case by case basis. The occupying force is to receive all its arrears of pay.”
“This is a temporary arrangement. The occupying force is to be replaced by the Swedish Life Guards regiment and two other Swedish regiments to be chosen by the Copenhagen Burghers. Subject to the same conditions.”
“The Copenhagen Burghers are to be confirmed in all their privileges. Further there is a list of privileges the Copenhagen Burghers once held which are to be restored. And every adult male in the city is to receive a bounty the total sum equivalent to the total of last years Sound Dues.”
Christian was pacing and clutching his head. One of the Upper Nobles cut in, a vipers hiss.
“I assume all this money is to come from our Royal Treasury? Who does this Charles think he is? Caesar? He thinks he is Caesar!”
“That is exactly who he thinks he is.” Christian agreed with sombre aggression.
The room fell into animated discussion. Just over an hour later a clerk entered. The terms under discussion were for the surrender of Copenhagen. Another set of terms had been sent. Encrypted, with cypher provided. The clerk had just finished decrypting them. They were terms for peace between Denmark and Sweden, intended for Christian alone. They were significantly less generous.
Christian read them and stuttered.
“I cannot accept this... my honour... I cannot... We fight.”
Christian read the room and broke down. Screaming. Weeping. Wailing. The General had prepared for this. He looked to the Burghers representatives who all nodded. At this he drew his sword, a signal for picked men to enter the room.
“What Treason is This? I am your King!”
“Not until the formalities have been observed. My men and I have sworn you no Oath. At present we owe more loyalty to the Burghers of this city than we do to you. Morale is devastated by your Fathers death. We cannot win this fight and will not permit what happened in Malmö to happen in fair Copenhagen.”
“I am sorry your Majesty, you are unfit for command. Take him.”
15 February 1644, Church of Our Lady, Copenhagen Cathedral
Just over half the Danish Nobility were in attendance, including the entire Rigsrådet. The Notable Burghers were all present as was every foreign representative in Copenhagen. Admiral Vind had ensured no one ran. The Bishop of Zealand presided. Swedish soldiers stood at attention along the walls.
Prince-Elect Christian seemed to be in a trance as he was Crowned King. He had been hurt in ways that left no marks.
Once the ritual was complete he signed endless copies of two documents which every member of the Rigsrådet, the Bishop and most of the Nobles also signed. Then he named Charles Gustav and Christina of Sweden to be co-monarchs as his chosen successors. They were duly confirmed as Princes-Elect.
There followed Christian's formal abdication, renunciation of many lands and titles and an Oath never to leave the island of Bornholm which he and his house were to rule under Swedish guard. That he would remain as Charles guest until practicalities were arranged and the Nobles of Bornholm duly compensated for their loss.
Charles Gustav was formally elected and acclaimed King Charles I of Denmark and a preliminary Coronation Ceremony was held with the understanding that there would be a more elaborate one as soon as Christina arrived.
Authors note: This concludes the detailed war story. Where this TL is going is Ottoman inclusion at Westphalia, which requires an Ottoman intervention which they considered in 1645. For this to happen, the Swedes need to be doing better at that point. I have had Charles Gustav take command and act... independently, because he would be much more ambitious and reckless in negotiations than Oxenstierna. From what I know of his Character and Policies it does seem like he basically wanted to be Julius Caesar. He was an awful man, but talented at war. I promise his luck will not last forever.
As for Christian Junior all my sources say he was a depressed alcoholic. In my opinion he was probably traumatised by his experience commanding defeats during the Danish intervention in the 30 Years War. I have taken the liberty of having him behave... like royalty. If people show enough interest in this TL I will try and find accurate names for the Danish Notables.
Question: Have I leant too heavily into the horrors of war stuff? I have done this to show that I don't think Kings, Lutherism or Swedish Imperialism were good things and because war actually is hell. Particularly this war.
* I decided to give the German original and my own translation as the English versions that rhyme are... bowlderised. I expect most with english as a first language and an interest in history are familiar with german terms incluting 'Wehr' and 'Waffen'
** If people have a strong opinion that this is anarchronistic I will take it out. I know that Torstensson wrote extensively while bedridden by illness. Most of it was speculations on future artillery developments (artillery was his obsession, pride and joy) which he never got to test because artillery struggled to keep up with his rapid movement. "All I know of war I owe to Torstensson" is a genuine quote from OTL Charles X Gustav.
"Come here, dear girl.
Look at the amazing things going on.
Horse-taming Trojans and bronze-clad Achaeans,
men who earlier were fighting one another
in wretched war out there on the plain,
both keen for war's destruction, are sitting still.
- Homer's Illiad
15th February 1643, Dusk, Copenhagen Castle, private chamber
Charles I Gustav, King of Denmark, felt a terrible sadness as he finished his letter to his cousin by blood and closest childhood friend Christina I Queen of Sweden. Writing in the private cipher the two of them had developed as children – oh how Christina excelled him in mathematics and never let him forget so – had brought back memories. What had happened to him since then?
Writing in a cipher left no room for the expression of feeling. He just gave her the facts. All of them. What he had done and why.
The terms of the Treaty, and the leaking to the people of Stockholm he had arranged, had been calculated to force the privy council to declare her Majority early. That his planned intervention in The Three Kingdoms was to bring a settlement that would free far more experienced troops for The German War than it would temporarily require and bring a swifter end to the war. But that wasn't his main goal. His main goal was to remove Oxenstierna for the sake of her autonomy. An Ottoman alliance would end the war faster, but it would also free them from dependence on France. He had presented a fait acomplit and soon there would be another far more dramatic one. He informed her now of news that would be kept from all around her for weeks.
He advised her to convene the Estates as soon as her majority was declared. The Danish territory could be distributed as spoils, balancing the Estates and winning everyone her favour. The Peasants, Burghers and Clergy could have the Reduktion they clamoured for and more besides and the Nobles who lost out compensated with formerly Danish land. The details they could discuss in person. He advised her to order the Estates convened as her first act on achieving her Majority, with the fate of the Danish territory to be the main point on the agenda. Oxenstierna could not stop her coming to Copenhagen to be crowned. All he did he had done for her.
Soon they would be together and Free.
With tears in his eyes Charles rolled up a long letter that looked like nonsense. He sat for a long while before having his secretary summon some of his most loyal men. They would see that this reach Christina and travel on the same vessel as his vague, disingenuous and omission ridden report to Oxenstierna – also a fairly lengthy document full of unsubtle reminders on how unwise it would be to paint him as anything but a hero.
Red Territory ceded to Sweden effective immediately, Yellow Territory to be ceded to Sweden on the declaration of The Majority of Christina
Here follows a brief summary of the Treaty of Copenhagen. Signed by Christian V 'The Afternoon King', 15 February 1644
Effective immediately:
1. Denmark declares war on The Holy Roman Emperor, no separate peace excluding Sweden.
2. Denmark is to completely and unconditionally support the Swedish position in the Westphalian negotiations, whatever that position may become.
[Secret Clause: Sweden is to demand appropriate gains for Denmark at the Westphalian negotiations the nature of these gains to be negotiated in secret and demands made when politic]
3. Denmark and Norway to accept Charles Gustav and Christina as co-monarchs.
4. Frederick of Denmark is to renounce his position as administrator of Bremen and Verden. Each of these Bishoprics are to have three co-administrators, one elected by the Swedish Council of the Realm, one elected by the Danish Council of the Realm, one elected by the Haneatic League of cities. Garissons to be half what they were and an equal mix of soldiers in Swedish and Danish service.
5. The majority of Danish troops to be withdrawn from Gluckstadt - no further tolls on ships trading with Hamburg.
6. The immediate cessation of the islands of Gotland and Ösel to Sweden
7. The immediate cessation of the Norwegian provinces of Bohuslän, Jämtland and Härjedalen to Sweden.
8. A general adjustment of borders between Sweden and Norway to cede in perpetuity all significant Norwegian border fortifications and mountain passes to Sweden. (not shown on map)
9. Norway is forbidden in perpetuity from constructing new fortresses anywhere near her Swedish borders.
10. Norway to accept Garrisons in Swedish service in the capital and significant fortresses until the end of the German War.
11. All Norwegian regular troops (militia not included) to enter Swedish service. Effective until the conclusion of The German War.
12. Sound Dues to be lowered by 5% for ships of any flag which recognises Charles Gustav and Christina as co monarchs of Denmark and Norway.
13. Sound Dues to be lowered by 10% for ships of flags that are members of the Hanseatic League of Cities.
14. Sound Dues to be lowered by 10% for ships flying the Dutch Flag. To be increased to 15% on Dutch recognises Charles Gustav and Christina as co monarchs of Denmark and Norway.
(An embassy was swiftly dispatched to the Dutch Republic to provide assurance that Dutch interests in The Baltic would be respected and considered and to facilitate Dutch requests)
15. All Swedish shipping is henceforth and in perpetuity exempt from the sound dues.
16. All shipping carrying armaments for Swedish use is henceforth exempt from the sound dues. Effective until the conclusion of The German War.
17. 20% of revenue from the sound dues is henceforth granted in perpetuity to the Swedish Estates to spend however they see fit. 10% to the Burghers Estate. 10% to the Peasants Estate.
18. 5% of revenue from the sound dues to be likewise granted to the Burghers of Copenhagen.
19. A commission elected by these Estates to audit and oversee the collection and accounting of the sound dues.
20. Copenhagen to retain a Swedish Garrison, To retain its own laws and all Privileges confirmed and granted in the Terms of Surrender. To remain the Capital of Denmark... much waffle, vague as the Peace of Augsburg. Much more confusing than the status of Berlin in 1946.
Effective as soon as practical
1. Bornholm Island is transferred to Sweden and shall host a significant Garrison and Naval base. To be granted as a Swedish Fief to the house of Oldenburg. To retain Danish Law and be divided or shared among the legitimate sons of Christian IV however they see fit.
2. All Danish and Norwegian provinces to permit Swedish recruiting at a rate to be determined by a commission comprising Swedish Military Representatives, The Local Clergy, representatives of the Swedish Peasants Estate and an organisation of local peasants created by said commission. Purpose of the commission to fairly determine a rate of conscription which will not significantly interfere with agriculture. This to last until the end of the German War. Noblemen's estates are not exempt.
Effective 15th March 1644
1. Sound Dues to be tripped for ships of any Flag which does not formally recognise Charles Gustav and Christina as co-monarchs of Denmark and Norway (Dutch Excepted)
Effective on The declaration of the Majority of Christina by the Swedish Regency Council
1. Denmark to pay a significant indemnity to Sweden
2. Denmark to take on 25% of Swedish government debt.
3. Norway to take on 10% of Swedish government debt.
4. The 75% of revenue from the sound dues not granted to Estates in perpetuity to be transferred in perpetuity to the Monarch of Sweden as a personal income.
5. The Danish provinces of Scania, Blekinge, Halland, Zealand and Møn to be ceded to Sweden in perpetuity.
Effective on the conclusion of the German War
1. All traditional Autonomy and Privileges formerly belonging to Norway and Her Estates lost under the reign of Christian IV to be restored.
Note, just because Christian 'The Afternoon King' and the Danish Nobles in Copenhagen have signed this under duress does not mean Norway (or anyone else) will automatically accept it.
Terms to Scottish Solemn League and Covenant offered by diplomatic mission departing Copenhagen 15th February 1644
1. Reciprocal formal recognition of legitimacy. Denmark to formally recognise The Solemn League and Covenant and Scottish Estates as legitimate on the condition that they recognise Charles Gustav and Christina as co-monarchs of Denmark and Norway.
2. Offer of Military Alliance. Conditional on the Solemn League and Covenant renouncing its alliance with Parliamentarian rebels. Should this come to pass the Solemn League and Covenant is invited to assist in the garrisoning of Norway. For every man they send they are permitted to recruit 3 for their own service. This to be subject to limitation by recruiting commissions discussed in The Treaty of Copenhagen once the become active. Further mutual military assistance to be negotiated.
3. Offer of mediation in the Three Kingdoms dispute, Oxenstierna's name prominently mentioned.
4. [secret set of instructions, for various scenarios, to be opened and followed after a set delay]
Terms to King Charles of The Three Kingdoms offered by diplomatic mission departing Copenhagen 15th February 1644
1. Offer of mutual recognition
2. Formal apology for Swedish support for Parliamentarians.
3. Explanation of how the situation has changed now Denmark-Norway, once linked to Charles Stuart by blood, is no longer extant as a Swedish rival.
4. Emphasis of shared interests of monarchs holding personal unions together so close to oneanother. Example set by Parliamentarian rebels a threat to Swedish-Danish-Norwegian personal union.
5. Assurances that diplomatic efforts are being made to end the Covenanter-Parliamentarian alliance and request for guidance in this matter.
6. Offer of mediation in the Three Kingdoms dispute, Oxenstierna's name to be prominently mentioned
Terms to Ottoman Sultan offered by diplomatic mission departing Copenhagen 17th February 1644
1. News of Denmark joining the war in support of Sweden and great detail on how this will strengthen the Swedish position to be communicated.
2. Offer of a defensive military alliance directed at Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
3. Invitation to join the German War.
4. In such an instance Denmark swears to demand Ottoman representation at Westphalia
5. Invitation to negotiate a formal alliance prohibiting separate peace.
6. In the event of alliance prohibiting separate peace, Denmark offers to demand all Hungary, or as much as can be taken plus territories that ensure Ottoman representation in the Austrian, Bavarian and Swabian circles of the Empire for The Ottomans.
7. Offer to negotiate mutual demands.
8. This is a chance to achieve long term security for your northern border.
9. Once all this has been communicated to The Sultan, Danish diplomatic mission to liase with and update Swedish representative in Constantinople.
All diplomats are Danish lesser nobles suggested by Admiral Vind sent with Swedish escort. The diplomats to the three kingdoms had their Lands and Titles doubled prior to departure. The diplomat to The Sultan had his Lands and Titles tripled.
The mission to Constantinople carries lavish gifts including a significant number of books and scholars from the University of Copenhagen, examples of all the most up to date Swedish military equipment and a large number of officers and military experts to serve as advisors and/or a training cadre – with instructions to provide The Turks with as much intelligence as possible on The German War, its conduct and the nature of the foe.
Help Requested. Does anyone have sources on how long it took to sail from Scandinavia to Scotland, England or Constantinople in the 1600's (or just sail places in Europe generally)
if a man is an open rebel every man is his judge and executioner
- Martin Luther
Pray Child, Pray!
Tomorrow comes the Swede,
Tomorrow comes the Oxenstierna,
He will soon teach you to pray,
Pray, Child Pray!
- German Children's rhyme (found in many regions and dialects)
Audience Chamber Copenhagen Castle, early morning 16th February 1644
Charles I Gustav, King of Denmark listened with feigned politeness as the English Colonel in Swedish Service ranted and raved, completely ignoring the enlisted man in the corner. Charles interjected.
“Of course, Sweden's sympathy has always been with the English Parliament. Oxenstierna has offered material support in the past. Now we are in a position to do more. Would you kindly slow down, I have summoned you that I might have a written list of your legitimate grievances for my use in the assistance of Parliament. Please speak slowly enough that my clerk may record what you say.”
“The. King. Plays. Caesar.”
“The anti-enclosure commissions. The fines. He panders to the feckless mob. When gentlemen do the public service of taking it upon themselves to improve worthless, unproductive land and put it to good use he stands in their way and robs them! All so some peasant can spend his days in indolence; sauntering after a cow and some geese to which he is in no way entitled. Sloth! Idleness! Popery! All so The King can be the darling of the mob!”
Charles cut in, “Anti-enclosure commissions. Fines.” That's something I can work with, do go on...
After the Gentleman Officer had left, Charles spoke kindly to the enlisted man. Charles had offered a large sum of money to the man who could compose the best ballad celebrating his triumph at Middelfart. This man had won the contest.
“May I ask who your Father was? I don't mean to flaunt rank, I just like to know the men I am working with”
“He was nobody of importance, but the best man I ever knew. We had a farm in Kent and we were happy.
Till a man like that come with his band of thugs. Killed my brother, took my mum and sisters off to whore. Drove me and my dad from our home with nothing but the clothes on our backs. We was starving. So my dad enlisted in Swedish Service and took me with him. It were that or I starve. I was 12 years of age.
Brave man. Saved his officers life, Officer granted him a favour, had me apprenticed as a clerk. Dead now."
The man stared into the middle distance and lapsed into his native tongue.
“They hang the man and flog the woman,
That steals the goose from the common,
But let the greater villain loose,
That steals the common from the goose.”
Charles clasped the man on the shoulders and looked at him with delight. “Remind me your name, son.”
Hank Christopher** Your Majesty
“Hank Christopher. You. Are. Perfect. I hereby Enfeoff you, your sons will be Danish Noblemen. My secretary will arrange an estate for you. I have a mission for you. Do me proud and that estate will be much larger.
As you know I don't intend to intervene in support of men like him. I summoned him here that you might have his bile as material to work with. Yesterday the Bishop of Zealand and God Almighty made me a King. Do you know what a King is?
A King is a man to whom God has entrusted the sword to defend the virtuous weak from the evil strong.” Charles drew his sword, kissed the hilt and sheathed it again.
The enlisted man nodded. “You saved my life at Middelfart.”
I intend to take London. For men like him to rise against their rightful King that they might further trample on men such as your father? I have been called by The Lord to prevent such blasphemy. With a combined Swedish-Danish fleet, carrying a combined Swedish-Danish army I will seize the mouth of the Thames and march on London.
I am sending you ahead, posing as a merchant to prepare a pamphlet justifying my actions. I will send you with considerable funds, and a printing press. Two of my officers – one of Royalist, the other of Scottish Covenanter sympathies - will accompany you along with a Theologan from Copenhagen University. They will all assist you and have veto power over what you write. Once London has fallen I intend to broker a swift and just peace. I cannot do this if my position is inconsistent with the Rhetoric of either of these factions or the doctrines of true religion. However, you are in command.
Within these parameters I want you to mirror as much as possible of what is said in the pamphlets favoured by the common people. I leave this to your discretion and initiative however I recommend a focus on the enormous tax burden the Parliamentarian tyrants impose on honest, true believing Englishmen to support their army and how much better off England would be with that army in Germany, paid for by conquered German Papists.
‘If the reign in its social and agrarian policy may be judged solely from the number of anti-enclosure commissions set up, then undoubtedly King Charles I is the one English monarch of outstanding importance as an agrarian reformer.’
W. E. Tate, The English Village Community and the Enclosure Movements
‘From 1635 to 1638 compositions [fines] were levied in respect of depopulations [enclosures] in several counties of which an account is fortunately preserved. Some 600 persons were fined during this period, the amounts in some cases being considerable.’ – E. C. K. Gonner, ‘Common Land and Inclosure’
Copenhagen Docks, 16th February 1644
Admiral Jorgen Vind stood beside his new king as the younger man personally oversaw the distribution of a large and equal bounty to every crewman of the Danish Warship Lindormen, bantering easily with the enlisted men for an unseemly length of time. The King asked each man his name and a fact about himself before repeating the man's words back to him. Only then did he take an oath of personal loyalty, before granting a days shore leave and dismissing the men. No officers would be pinching the bounty.
The King intended to do this with every warship in the fleet. This was going to be a long day.
Vind had counselled against this course of action. With the expense of what the King had planned the Danish Treasury would lack the funds to pay the Swedish indemnity. But of course his new King did not entirely trust him and expected great riches to be captured shortly. The Admiral's presence had been requested and given this was happening he might as well take a share of the popularity that was being bought.
The lack of trust was mutual of course. Vind had been furious with the harsh terms imposed by the Treaty of Copenhagen though he could not help but admire their cunning. Charles Gustav had tied his personal power to the strength of the Danish position in the new relationship with Sweden. Patriotic Danes who understood statesmanship were thus obliged to support him. He had also given all influential Danes strong reasons to desire a swift end to The German War.
After the fact, King Charles Gustav had told Vind that he demanded as much as he could for Denmark without looking like an usurper in Stockholm. And that he would get the terms revised if he could. Whatever the new Kings intentions he was clearly extremely capable.
Admiral Vind had endorsed his new King's great plan with far more enthusiasm than he felt, and would help carry it out as it represented the swiftest practical way to get the Swedish Army out of Denmark before his homeland was devoured.
Copenhagen Castle, private chamber, February 16th, Evening
Admiral of the Realm, Carl Gyllenhielm, had strong reservations about this bold plan, but an old Admiral knew which way the wind was blowing. Right now it was blowing in King Charles Gustav's direction. For a moment the old Admiral looked upon the new King and saw the lad's uncle in him. The late King of Sweden, Gyllenhielm's own, beloved, hated and oh-so-legitimate half-brother. The lad had his uncle's courage, passion and charisma and seemed to enjoy the same divine favour.
Gyllenhielm halted a seditious train of thought about just where that had lead them all to focus on the matter at hand. The New King addressed an audience of six over dinner. Himself, The kings new favourite the Danish Admiral Jorgen Vind and four senior Army men, two Swedes, two Danes.
“I appreciate the logistical difficulties, however we must move swiftly if we are to make the most of our position. I wish to make the strongest possible demonstration of what our forces can do, operating together, while no one expects them to do so. We must strike a balance between logistical concerns and maximising shock. You may requisition whatever you require and the Crown will pay a good price.”
“Our objective is the Thames Valley and the City of London. Our combined Navies will shatter whatever force guards the river and our armies will land with a large war chest and full artillery train as close to the city as possible and achieve a swift encirclement. Once this has been achieved the Thames valley is to be conquered to secure supply and bases for our navies.”
“If the city surrenders on terms, no Swedish or German soldiers will enter. With London and the Thames Valley in our hands we will mediate peace negotiations from a position of strength. Oxenstierna will chair them. Should The Scots prove receptive to our terms of alliance, our Fleets and shipping will be made available to transport a force of equivalent to half our combined numbers and Scots will form a third of the London garrison.”
“If the French and Dutch want their interests represented at the London Conference, they will have to accept the Treaty of Copenhagen. From this position we can compel the Popish Cardinal who directs French policy to stop playing silly buggers, support terms favourable to Sweden and Denmark at Westphalia and cease acting to prevent us achieving decisive success in The German War.”
“Oxenstierna is a more experienced diplomat than I and the terms will be up to him. However we will be positioned to swiftly and maximally tap the resources of The Three Kingdoms for The German War reducing the strain on both Sweden and Denmark and bringing the swiftest and most favourable end to the war”
Admiral Gyllenhielm had heard this all before in a private audience with the new King a few hours ago. As Admiral of the Realm he understood the importance of Sweden retaining Zealand - and how the maritime powers would oppose it - better than anyone. But still... the risks. He had received some private assurances, not for Danish ears. The Danish fleet would depart first, carrying two Swedish regiments picked up at Helsingborg to Ribe. Where the combined fleet would muster. At Ribe Konigsmark would embark with picked men, for of all the Swedish Generals he had the most fearsome reputation. The Swedish fleet would depart later, with the assembled civilian transport flotilla as it must first land forces in Norway.
Once the Danish fleet had departed the Swedish Fleet had the King's permission to press gang whomever it wished from the Danish islands to replace lost crew and secure whatever supplies were needed to maintain the health of those who remained. A short period of shore leave, rest and repair was also permitted. It would not do for the Danish fleet to see such behaviour or such weakness. From Ribe the flotilla would head to Glückstadt at the mouth of the Elbe, picking up the significant Danish army the Old King had positioned to menace Hamburg then proceed to target.
Thankfully, the civilian flotilla Admiral Gyllenhielm had been assembling for an intervention in Ireland had not left yet and could be redirected. He made a point of avoiding the wine. Logistical discussion would entail a long evening.
20 February 1644, Vienna
“You know I still disprove of this course of action?”
Count Maximillian von und zu Trautsmandorff told his namesake The Holy Roman Emperor to whom he was First Minister. Last week they had received a letter from general Matthias Gallas stating that the Swedish field army had withdrawn north from the Lands of the Bohemian crown. Denmark was the only likely place they could have gone.
“I have heard and considered your objections. Gallas will be proceeding blind, far from our bases. You fear the logistical consequences. I understand. However, if we do nothing they will eventually make peace with Denmark, return to my hereditary lands and continue their horrifying depredations. I cannot allow this, I have a duty to my people.”
“The Swedes will surely struggle to take the Danish islands, just as Wallenstein and my Father did. If we trap them in Jutland, the war is as good as over. My decision is made and the courier already sent.”
Library, Tre Kronor Castle, Stockholm 26 February 1644
Reading the letter she had just deciphered for the fifth time, Christina still felt giddy. After so many years of stifling frustration, she knew events were soon going to move very quickly.
She had not seen Charles in years, though she adored the man she remembered. Her servants informed her that the treaty of Copenhagen was the talk of Stockholm. Given what he had achieved already, he was surely capable of delivering on the promises he made here. On unsteady feet, she walked to the fireplace and burned what she had just written.
Still there was a lot she could do here. 17 years Christina had spent waiting, she didn't intend to do any more of it. She dispatched both her servants, one with a note to Oxenstierna asking that he accompany her to Copenhagen to be crowned, the other with summons for her most trusted lady in waiting – she wanted a list of Oxenstierna's allies with Scottish connections, intending diplomatic missions for all of them. As the servant left she began composing a formal congratulation of Charles and praise for the treaty he had secured to issue as a public statement.
Private Chambers, Tre Kronor Castle, Stockholm 26 February 1644
Lord High Chancellor Axel Oxenstierna, regent to Christina Queen of Sweden, experienced the third sleepless night of his life.
* *OTL this is what the Polish called Charles X Gustav
**Naturally this character is a homage to Hans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen
The most perfect political community is one where the middle class is in control and outnumbers both other classes
- Aristotle
we are thus unconstrained in our private business, a spirit of reverence pervades our public acts; we are prevented from doing wrong by respect for the authorities and for the laws, having a particular regard to those which are ordained for the protection of the injured ... whereas they from early youth are always undergoing laborious exercises which are to make them brave, we live at ease ... I have dwelt upon the greatness of Athens because I want to show you that we are contending for a higher prize than those who enjoy none of these privileges, and to establish by manifest proof the merit of these men whom I am now commemorating.
- Pericles Funeral Oration
There are few prisoners more closely guarded than princes
- Christina I, abdicated former Queen of Sweden*
^ Authentic contemporary painting of Christina dressed as Minerva/Athena. In my TL her costume is less modest, more dramatic, less roman, more greek.
Copenhagen Castle, Great Hall, March 08 1644
“I hope you have enjoyed my hospitality, I have had to keep you here to ensure the secrecy of our upcoming campaign. Happily that will soon no longer be necessary. Yet before I bid you farewell I must ask, how can I securely trust you?”
Charles I Gustav, flanked by what the mob had taken to calling his Praetorian, addressed his assembled nobility Unwilling guests at Copenhagen Castle this past month, their numbers had recently swollen following the fall of the Norwegian Capital.
“For just under a third of you, the answer is, I can't. You were closely allied to the previous dynasty and for some presumably unrelated reason happen to own most of Denmark. Franky your conduct has also been deeply irresponsible, driven sometimes by the interests of your narrow clique, more often by the interests of yourselves alone - rather than the patriotic duty that befits nobility.”
“Therefore you will be forfeiting your titles and your entire estates. You will remain my guests indefinitely. Of course none of the Rigsrådet have been included here, despite being just as I have described. So they have all signed my decree framing the general outline of this Reduktion.
The King gestured and a document was handed out.
“As you can read, a weeks deliberation as to the specifics is permitted – however this deliberation will be advisory only. The document before you, authorised by the Rigsrådet, makes the final terms mine to decide.”
The 20 noblemen, elected by their peers, who had legal veto power over the decisions of the king nodded and gestured their agreement with guilty nervousness. They knew laws were silent in times of war. Gasps filled the room.
“For the rest of you I have happier news. Your estates are to be significantly increased. Those who currently possess the least will gain the most, but everyone not listed will gain significantly. You will notice that as well as the Rigsrådet there are a fair few of the high nobility I have chosen to exempt from confiscation. Anyone listed who wishes a private audience to plead your case for similar exemption will be granted one within the week. Lastly all noble lands, bar an exempted few, in the provinces ceded to Sweden are confiscated. Those not listed who lose estates there will be far more than compensated with land in Jutland.”
“Oh, there are also a few emergency legal measures effective until the end of the German War. Swedish occupation will remain a possibility until then, not even I can change that. I have drafted a series of laws to both assist and mitigate it. Peasant villages suspected to have assisted rebels are to be deported wholesale to New Sweden, that sort of thing. I am afraid this is the best I can do, and a far better fate than what Field-Marshal Wragnel is now doing. Penal torture is to be permanently abolished – deportation is now to be the penalty for all non-capital crimes. I require your cooperation in preventing revolt, continued and harsher Swedish occupation is the only place revolt will lead.”
“Gentlemen, if the Dutch wish to humble our new commonwealth, the New World is where they will strike. I have ordered an entire regiment, an amalgamated regiment, half Danish, half Swedish sent to garrison New Sweden as soon as its objectives in England are achieved. Denmark ought to get her foot in this door.”
“The confiscations are legally effective today. A week from today some of you will receive your new lands and titles. Tomorrow deliberations begin as to the specifics – who gets what and what taxes and other obligations will be involved. To be admitted to the deliberations you are required to demonstrate both verbally in public and legally in writing your support for this decree.”
“Guards, please remove the listed ex-gentlemen to their quarters.”
The King paused as hundreds were removed from a hall containing over a thousand. His soldiers outnumbered the unarmed noblemen, however the lack of bloodshed was determined by the fact those not listed made no move to support their betters and even shouted down their protests. The impotent rage of those led away was directed more at the nobles who remained than at the King or his men. Once the doors closed, Charles resumed.
“The Danish expedition to England sailed for Ribe last week. The Swedish contingent will depart to join them tomorrow. When I have news that the combined expedition has left Ribe, all those who sign my decree before clergy and lawyers, and, before the assembled Copenhagen Public, enthusiastically declare your support for our reign in general and this decree in particular - will be free to depart my hospitality.”
“Anyway, enough business – there will be plenty of that tomorrow. Tonight is a great feast. I would be honoured, and you would be wise, if you joined me. I would take questions, however there are matters for me to wrap up regarding the Swedish expedition before tonight. Unlike the listed ge... ex gentlemen, you have the freedom of the castle as before. In the coming week all of you are all encouraged to seek private audiences.”
With that, the King turned and left, flanked by his Praetorian. He had intentionally failed to mention the clauses regarding peasant and burgher estates to be established on the Swedish model.
Moravia, Imperialist Headquarters, 14 March 1644
General Matthias Gallas took a long swig of wine then hid the bottle in his desk draw. After taking a moment to make himself presentable he bade his clerk have the colonel enter.
“Report” he demanded, clipped and professional.
“Sir, the Transylvanians are like ghosts. They strike and fade, always one step ahead of our pursuit. There have been some nasty ambushes. I hear their motto is 'we are the kind of cavalry God doesn't want and the devil is afraid of.' I see no end to this, they are almost as bad as the Swedes. There is nothing left here, my men are starving, and pestilence is rife. Permission to speak freely?”
“Granted” Gallas sighed.
“We should take our field army in pursuit of the Swedes as The Emperor orders. Nothing of value remains to defend here.”
Gallas took a deep breath, and forced conviction into the rote line he had been reciting these past months. If he said it often enough he might even convince himself.
“Colonel, God certainly does not want these heretics, but I assure you the Devil does not fear such cowards. They are not ghosts but sinful men who will meet divine justice. They need to eat, just like our men. As you say there is nothing here. We hold the fortified towns which is where all the remaining food it. Their cavalry is fast, but they surely have a supply train – catch it and this is over.”
“Even if we don't, they lack siege capabilities. When they realise the Swedes will not be assisting them and they are dying faster than we are for no gain, they will run home like the cowards they are. A month. Two at most. Then and only then we pursue the Swedes. Defeat in detail Colonel.”
“I want you to assemble our senior officers. I will address you all tomorrow and take advice. I also want a meeting of lesser cavalry officers and intelligence staff. We. Find. That. Supply. Train. I have already written to Vienna requesting further supplies. Colonel, terror and confusion are these cowards only weapons, remember that. Stick to my line and think at all times of morale.”
After the Colonel had been dismissed, general Gallas reached once more for the bottle.
London, Palace of Whitehall, 06 May 1644
The two most powerful members of the Swedish Riksrådet – aristocrats who advised, and if you believed the pamphleteers, controlled, their monarch - met in what had once been the Throneroom of the English King. The King who fled his capital for Oxford.
Admiral of the Realm, Carl Gyllenhielm was elated and greeted his old friend with informal delight.
“Axel, I instructed my servants to wake me as soon as you arrived and I came as soon as I could. Forgive me, the past months have been most taxing and an old man finds he needs his rest.”
Reading his friends expression, he paused.
“My dear friend, what troubles you?”
Lord High Chancellor Axel Oxenstierna, once one of the most powerful men in Europe, had a thousand reasons to be troubled. The brat Charles Gustav had wrought havoc with his life's work and worse was loved for it. Oxenstierna had bowed to the inevitable and declared Christina's majority early, tied as this was to ratifying the treaty with Denmark and tying up the Danish war. Charles had over-reached, the French, the Dutch, +Everyone+ would retaliate. The system of alliances he had devoted his life to maintaining would be undone. But it was a fait acompli and a display of disunity would only invite worse retaliation. So he supported her early majority.
Christina had been so meek afterwards, said she wasn't ready, insisted he come with her to Denmark. After all what would she do without him? A huge crowd had gathered for her departure, so many notables present and the crowd had demanded to hear her speak. Prearanged. He was already on the ship, she had pretended to dawdle. Her lifeguards had restrained him as she address the crowd.
And what did she say? Instructed that the first instalment of the Danish indemnity – conveniently held offshore for this moment - be distributed to the Copenhagen mob! She instructed that his choice of regent be replaced with hers and distributed a detailed document regarding grievances to be addressed with instructions culled from the writings of the most insolent representatives of the Peasant and Burghers Estates. And then? And then she formally convened the Rikstag of the Estates for 'a general redress of grievances and to decide the distribution of the conquered territory, to discuss the long clamoured for Reduktion of the nobility and noble compensation from the conquered territory'. In the middle of the greatest war the world had ever seen!
Worse was to come.
She had insisted on bringing that harlot Ebba Sparre and the whole journey they taunted him with their tittering and unseemly affection. At her coronation in Copenhagen she spoke of restoring the ancient rights of the Danish Estates. She would not let him speak with her darling Charles Gustav alone, so it was before his Queen and the Jezebel that never left her side, that he confronted the usurper.
And that was when he heard of this English folly. The fleet had left, recall was impossible. The usurper had exposed Denmark to foreign attack, destabilised the kingdom internally, and sent over half of the Swedish field army, with an equal number of Danes and most of the fleets of both nations on this fools errand. And where were they now? He had learned that most of his Aristocratic allies had been sent to Scotland as diplomats – secret written orders dispatched the day Christina gained her majority, so they could not attend the meeting of the Estates. And neither could he. As soon as she had the news that London had fallen, the Queen had dispatched him to oversee a peace conference – practically under guard!
Ever the diplomat, Oxenstierna chose his words.
“We are almost naked here. Where are our ships? Where are our men? I saw wrecks that will not sail for months - no matter how they swarm with repair crews - more than I can count - coming up the Thames. Seaworthy vessels? I have seen only a token force at the mouth of the Thames. You are Admiral of the Realm! How can you be happy?”
The Chancellor glared at the Admiral.
“I am happy" the Admiral replied "because the Lord favours us and we have won a stunning victory which will awe the world. I will admit, the King of Denmark's plan was bold to the point of madness. Even I had no idea how superior English ships are to ours in artillery duel. But they knew not our intentions and didn't fire until we were close. Their guns took a severe toll but they were pinned and outnumbered and our ships carried army men. As soon as it came to boarding it was all over. We took so many prises almost all of them seaworthy, including the flagship.”
“Few of the ships you saw being refitted were put out of commission during the battle of the Thames Estuary. London fell after 8 days of bombardment. Soon after she did our combined fleets sailed the length of the coast of the Spanish Netherlands, bombarding the towns. That's where we took the damage, from skirmishing and shore batteries. Lots of casualties, but it will be the talk of Europe!”
“We had to get close enough that there could be no mistake that 3 nations operated together. Fire ships and the Spanish desire to avoid mutual destruction enabled us to disengage. The English flagship 'Sovereign of the Seas' suffered terribly. At one point I thought she wouldn't make it back, but she had to be clearly seen so we exposed her. Still, make it back she did, and while she won't fight again this year within two months we can escort her back to the Baltic!”
Oxenstierna ground his teeth.
“Where are our ships and men? Engaged elsewhere. Engaged several else where's. We did what we must to demonstrate our capabilities and now we achieve our remaining objectives before foreign powers respond. As we sailed for the Spanish Netherlands, a third of London's treasury was dispatched for Copenhagen. Swedish Regiments alongside the London Trained Bands - enlisted in Swedish service – departed for for Bremen. They will be seconded to Hesse-Kassel until more of our forces return to Germany. As they didn't surrender immediately such were the terms. Naturally warship escorts were required. A flotilla of English prizes go with the English embassy to Constantinople. They carry treasure, and an artillery train with crew plus a cadre of experienced siege engineers, to be seconded to our Transylvanian allies.”
“Copenhagen, Transylvania.” Oxenstierna repeated.
“Our fleet returned. After resupplying and having received the English King's terms, most warships ships still seaworthy plus our requisitioned transport fleet headed north with the bulk of our artillery, most of the swedish troops who could not find horses as well as half the Danes. To take Hull. They carried much of the treasury and all the provisions we could gather. News of the fall of London should make Hull surrender, Hull is where almost all our infantry will remain. Hull because the English armies are concentrated near York.”
“And you expect to recruit them?” Oxenstierna interjected.
“Precisely, their King agreed to such terms. After Hull, the fleet moves on to Newcastle. At Newcastle we pick up the Scottish and our fleet divides. A third of the embarked Scots will be brought to London escorted by most of our warships. The other two thirds of the Scots head for Ireland with the artillery train and massive war chest we have provided them, a small naval escort as well as all those who can ride but who we could not horse here in so short a timeframe. Bar a few token horesemen for Hull. An infantry regiment – half Danish, half Swedish heads for New Sweden.”
“Ireland. New Sweden.” Oxenstierna sighed.
“Indeed, it is imperative that we ensure the Scottish complete the conquest and pacification of Ireland before the King in Oxford stabilises England. In terms of our direct interests, the Parliamentarian Fleet is divided, patrolling the coast to intercept royalist arms shipments from the Netherlands. The sally North will enable our concentrated fleets to hit them, defeat them in detail and take even more prises!”
The Admiral radiated glee.
“The ships you have seen are only the worst damaged, those that can sail, but barely, have gone North. Those capable of reaching Norway will do so. Those unfit to leave the coast will be given to the Scots. For every ship of ours sunk we have taken 3 prizes. However, we have lost a great many sailors. Many warships now sail with skeleton crews as transports unable to fight. The Danish King anticipated this and we are instructed to sell as many of them as we see fit to the French on the condition that the French accept the Treaty of Copenhagen.”
“All our men we could horse in so short a timeframe, General Königsmark has taken, to give those English counties of strongest parliamentarian sympathy a taste of what the pamphlets call 'German Barbarism'. In London, the Danish King's orders clearly stipulated that we enact many of the demands of these so called 'levellers'. Subsidised bread and other basic commodities. Guaranteed work or maintenance. Granted having moved so rapidly with inadequate logistics and with so many ships to repair we have no shortage of work. But labourers commitees set the wages and it all adds up. The homes of wealthy parliamentarians have become almshouses for the crippled. Hank Chistopher, the radical English pamphleteer the Danish King saw fit to enoble, holds court over a 'committee of public welfare' in St James Palace. Worst of all, the mob has begun to think and reason! Every street seems to have a committee. There is no censorship of anything but criticism of our occupation, and the printing presses have never been busier. The Danes allow it all.”
Oxenstierna blasphemed.
"Indeed, I too baulked at first, however one must admit this is an ingenious way to compel both the English King and the London mob to accept a Scottish garrison in London after we leave – the Scots as you well know being our reliable allies. And the mob gleefully endorsed Danish looting of known Parliamentarians. Give the poor man a crumb and he will help you ship the rich mans cakes out of the city. Of course this can only end very badly, but it isn't us who will have to hold London long term. However, combining this with our military demands means what remains of the treasury, even what we have stripped from the property of known Parliamentarian's, will soon be exhausted. So we must resort to Königsmark and the Fire Tax."
“As for why I am so happy, I personally negotiated with the King in Oxford and he accepted our preliminary terms with alacrity. I think his game is to play for time and he imagines it can all be rescinded. He doesn't know the Scots will garrison London or that their expedition to Ireland will have the Artillery train, experienced cavalry and war chest we have provided. He thinks they will still be bogged down when he has stabilised England and we are forced to withdraw.”
Oxenstierna exhaled. “And what preliminary terms did you negotiate?”
“Broadly thus:
Britain recognises the treaty of Copenhagen.
A treaty of defensive alliance to be signed between The Scandinavian and British Commonwealths.
Treaty to include mutual assistance against rebels (with special exceptions and clauses regarding Scotland to be negotiated)
England declares war on The Emperor.
All Parliamentarian soldiers (and with a few exceptions officers) to be granted a full pardon, the security of their property and the eventual payment of their arrears; on the condition that they enlist in Swedish service for the duration of the German War.
Some Royalist forces and officers to accompany and supervise them to ensure they will be loyal on return.
The English expedition to Germany to be funded (figures specified) by the sale of the estates of Parliamentarian's without military experience.
England sends a lavish embassy to Constantinople to detail her commitment to The German War and urge the Sultan to attack The Emperor.
The reconquest of Ireland to be assigned to the Scottish Covenanters.
Presbyterianism to be the official religion in Ireland and the Scottish empowered to enforce it.
The property of Irish Catholics to be confiscated and its redistribution to be decided solely by the Scottish Parliament.
Irish Expedition to be funded and supplied by England and Wales (figures specified). Territory captured by the Scot's to be held as security until Irish conquest is complete.
Royal writs summoning Newcastle, Dublin and Drogheda to surrender to the Scot's (carried north with our fleet).
The Danes have had both the full document and a summary pamphlet mass printed and sent invitations to every association and interest group they have been able to find out about. Such have grown like weeds during the civil war.
And in exchange? We ensure no further Scottish operations in England, and take as many Parliamentarian combatants to Germany as we can. Enabling The King to do as he pleases with England. He returns to London once the bulk of the Parliamentarian Armies have agreed to the terms I outlined, for a sham peace conference where he gets his way with everyone but the Scots – a conference chaired by you! Oh, and some commitments about the restoration of the Palatinate to become effective once significant English forces are in Germany. As I said, I believe he thinks time is on his side, all this can be rescinded, and appearing united with us is the best way to demoralise his enemies. Then he thinks he will hit Scotland while their forces are bogged down in Ireland. Do you see why I am smiling?”
Oxenstierna sighed.
“I hope our Fleets get back soon. I assume the French and Dutch ambassador's in London want to see us? Send excuses, I need time to think and make myself presentable. Have them meet us and the senior Danish representative here in two hours. France first.”
Danish-Swedish Forward Command Post outside Hull, England, 10 May 1644
Sergeant Brage Dalman liked reconnaissance and diplomatic duties. He had distinguished himself in battle during the conquest of Bohuslän and he had liked that too. An understatement if ever there was one. The connection he had felt to his men and the holy spirit, the exultation of breaking the enemy – something to live for. Brage had lead his men from the front shared their danger and always been where the fighting was thickest. Two Norwegian horsemen had fallen to his rapier, one to his pistol. Baptised in fire he had become a true Krigare.
However the cavalry veterans of The German War chilled him. Their open and proud cruelty. The way they joked about it. 'Offensive logistics'... So Brage was happy to have been among the recently recruited cavalry sent to Hull rather than those who went with the German veterans who followed Königsmark or those en route to Ireland. He was considering requesting the transfer of his unit to the New World.
There had been no battle for Hull. Seeing the Swedish army and receiving prominent London citizens announcing the cities fall and delivering the English King's terms the garrison surrendered, were paid a bounty, enlisted in Swedish service and were dispatched for Bremen. Brage met his colonel at the forward command post outside Hull and delivered his report.
“The Scots were gone before we reached York, abandoning the siege and heading north. They gave the Parliamentarians no explanation. We delivered the English Kings terms and the Danish noble diplomats to both Prince Rupert and the Earl of Manchester. The Earl of Manchester surrendered, however his army mutinied before the Royalists reached York.”
“Both English armies have split. The Parliamentarians who followed Manchester are still at York being disarmed and reorganised by the Royalists under Baron Byron. The mutineers follow Oliver Cromwell. They outmanoeuvred everyone and are racing south. Prince Rupert is in pursuit.”
“The confusion was too great to ascertain proportions. Manchester insisted I take his diplomatic representative to Hull immediately. May I present Lord Fairfax*.
Rikstag of the Estates, Lund, Sweden (former Denmark), 27 May 1644
.
Christina and Charles looked resplendent as they opened the meeting of the Swedish Rikstag of the Estates. They had come directly from their coronation in Norway and were bedecked with the Crown Jewels of Norway and Denmark. They wore Classical garb, Christina was dressed as Athena and carried a spear, a real one. At her side Ebba Sparre, her lady in waiting, was a vision to behold, dressed as Venus.
Charles was dressed as Mars. His picked men wore the garb of legionaries and their entry was marked with the trappings of a Roman Triumph.
Once the raucous cheering and applause died away, Christina spoke. Nervous and shy as a youth, three coronations in swift succession had made her bold. She spoke of wisdom, harmony and the role of a monarch. It was a monarch's place to bring harmony to a kingdom, to balance the Estates.
During her minority the harmony of Sweden had been lost. A clique of irresponsible nobles had ruled in her stead and trampled the other three estates. She had called this meeting of the Estates, this Riksdag, to restore harmony. She expressed her will, to be debated and amended by this meeting. Unusually for a Rikstag, she was asking for no new taxes, though naval expansion and the reorganisation of naval recruitment was to be discussed to meet recently increased need and make naval service more voluntary.
It was her will that the Reduktion of the nobility, long called for, be implemented in its most radical form. The nobles who lost land would be compensated with conquered territory but for the high nobility the compensation would be partial. This meeting was to work out the details. The irresponsible high nobility were to lose, but lesser nobles who had behaved with justice and responsibility would only gain from this meeting. What she did not mention was her intention to exempt those allies among the high nobility she had secured in advance.
It was her will that the conquered territory be equally split four ways between the Crown and the Noble, Peasant and Clergy estates. An enormous gain for the Clergy, she wished to establish a parallel body, responsible for secular learning, which would henceforth form half the Clergy estate. She cited the shortage of competent administrators for a growing empire and how those administering German territory found theology graduates unequal to the necessary tasks.
She would hear and address Peasant and Burgher grievances. Increased powers and more permanent organisation were to be granted the Peasant and Burgher Estates, including permanent elected representatives on the Riksradet Royal Council.
She saved her most controversial proposals for last. A Women's Estate – organised like a micro Rikstag with equal representation of Noble, Peasant and Burgher women – to be a permanent body that would be represented at future meetings of the Rikstag. Ebba Sparre would be entrusted with establishing it. And her wish to amend the constitution that the Rikstag meet regularly, not only when called by the monarch.
She concluded her opening speech by emphasising the importance of restoring harmony to the effective conduct and conclusion of the German War, then asked Charles the conquerer and hero to speak.
Charles began by emphasising how much he had won for Sweden. Dominarum Maris Baltici – he used the Latin. The Sound Tolls. How as King of Denmark he had stripped the Danish Nobility of almost all their possessions in the conquered territory before it was transferred to Sweden. So in fact almost the entire conquered territory he presented as spoils and tribute to the assembled Riksdag and the Swedish Queen to distribute as they saw fit.
Then he spoke of his experiences as a General. He cribbed Pericles and spent a long time praising the Common Swedish Soldiery to highest heaven. The conqueror spoke of how the freedom and artistic passion of Swedish culture, embodied in the rights, liberties and independent land ownership of the common Swedish peasant – of having something wonderful to fight for - were the source of Swedish martial prowess and unequalled fighting spirit. Then he spoke of how this had eroded under the tyranny of Oxenstierna's clique, of demoralisation, desertion and mutiny. He gave his advisory opinion that if Sweden was to triumph in the German War and hold her empire after, then the grievances of the Peasant and Burgher Estates must be honestly and fully addressed, further that the common people must receive a large portion of the spoils of victory.
He finished by speaking of his youth with Queen Christina, how he knew her better than anyone present. She was wiser than Oxenstierna and his beloved mentor Torstensson combined. Her wise mind was married to a valiant heart. She was truly Her Fathers Daughter, her reign the dawn of a new age. She would eclipse even Her Father in the glory she would bring Sweden.
* This is an OTL Quote
** Not Thomas Fairfax who commanded the New Model Army OTL. This guy is his more conservative father.
Classical fancy dress was an OTL obsession of Swedish Royalty. Gustavus once appeared before the Rikstag dressed as a Goth. Christina and her friends regularly performed plays with classical themes as young teens with Ebba Sparre (Christina's suspected lover) regularly playing Venus. I have included a genuine painting of Christina dressed as Minerva/Athena.
All my sources tell me Christina's relationship with Oxenstierna was unhappy. Oxenstierna being controlling and Christina resentful. Geoffrey Parker says that when Oliver Cromwell made himself Lord Protector, Christina publicly claimed Oxenstierna had schemed to do the same. Geoffrey Parker also details bitter class strife in Sweden towards the end of the 30 years war with civil war narrowly avoided following the peace of Westphalia. In this timeline Christina is more confident due to the atmosphere at court in the run up to the Danish war. When Charles Gustav gives her the chance she makes all the allies she can to emancipate herself and is now kind of drunk on power 17 years old and having 3 coronations in swift succession.
For Charles Gustav's populism (classical meaning of the term populism): as OTL king, he actually did implement part of the Reduktion called for by the Peasant and Burgher Estates. Michael Roberts claims he tried to abolish serfdom in Swedish Pomerania and was stopped by the Imperial courts. In my timeline he is a nicer guy than OTL because he spent less time with Torstensson – though as we have seen he still learned great cruelty from that mentor.
While both these characters are young, reckless and as arrogant as royalty - they were both very competent and skilled politicians.
The other Charles: Geoffrey Parker details how over and over again humouring people and playing for time was the M/O of Charles, King of England Scotland and Ireland when confronted with shocking developments.
Time is moving faster now and Ottoman involvement isn't far off.
I made a mistake and misread Königsmark's conquest of Bremen as occurring in 1644 when it actually occurred in 1645. So In this timeline it doesn't happen
I will be editing my previous posts. Königsmark was always in Jutland working with Wragnel. He departs for London from Ribe. No Swedish presence in Bremen-Verden on the fall of Copenhagen. After this, Charles Gustav is directing all his resources to the English expedition, nothing to be spared.
So the terms of the treaty of Copenhagen now stipulate that Frederick, second son of the fallen King Christian IV of Denmark, is to step down as administrator of Bremen and Verden and join his brother as co ruler of Bornholm Island. Bremen and Verden are each to be administrated by a junta of three administrators, One elected by the Danish Rigsrådet council of the realm, one elected by the Swedish Riksrådet council of the realm and one elected by the Hanseatic League of Cities (territories shared by a number of rulers was a common practice in the Holy Roman Empire).
The Hanseatic League gave Sweden crucial diplomatic support, at this point a key Swedish diplomatic goal was to demonstrate credentials as a defender of 'German Liberty', The Hanseatic League (Cities like Lubeck, Hamburg, Bremen etc) were most concerned about Danish hegemony and saw Sweden as a counterweight. At this point, the French/Swedish game at Westphalia was to get the German Estates included in the conference rather than just the Big Nobles as the Emperor wanted - which meant pandering to them and courting public opinion to the extent that they avoided making any territorial demands till years later. Liberation of the Palatinate is what Sweden was banging on about at Westphalia in 1644 and also something England has dynastic interest in.
Union of Crowns changes everything re Sweden and the Hansa, Treaty re Bremen/Verden must take care to appease the Hansa. However no move is made to enforce the Treaty until the London auxiliaries / trained bands enlisted in Swedish service, with an escort of Swedish nationals return from England. Sweden is over extended, overcommitted and doesn't have the capacity.
I have tried to keep this chronological, but narrative wise found this the best way to discuss this. I may give you some tarrantino time skips, as there are probably some other important events to address earlier. George RR Martin doesnt write entirely chronological so...
^ Swedish campaigns utilising English Forces.
Siege lines around Leer, East Frisia, 04 June 1644
Philip Browne had been a weekend warrior. He had been a successful clothmaker, with apprentices under him, who joined the London Auxiliaries because it seemed easy and he was a social climber. And now he was being told he was lucky, by a smug Danish professional soldier of peasant stock.
The city of Philips birth had fallen to foreign barbarians. His brother had died in their 8 day bombardment and when a breach was made, his officers surrendered because it was the only way to avoid sack and massacre. The terms were that he and his comrades, now under Swedish officers, were to be shipped to Germany.
Nearly 6000 Englishmen, with 2000 Swedes had landed at Gluckstadt. Swedish cavalry joined them from Holstein. Philip had been force-marched through the Bishopric's of Bremen and Verden enforcing the treaty of Copenhagen. Treasure looted from his home city had been used to pay the Danes so mercifully they did not resist.
The treaty said the garrisons of Bremen and Verden were to be halved and those who remained were to be an equal mix of men in Danish and Swedish service. And they were to have three administrators apiece A Dane, A Swede and A representative of the Hanseatic League of Cities. German customs were so backwards and inefficient. Anyway, the natural choice for the Swedish garrison were the weekend warriors recently recruited to Swedish service, whose training specialised in garrison duty. Lots had been drawn, those who were chosen had been lucky. Not so for Philip Browne. So some of his comrades had been replaced by masses of Danish professionals. The forced march had continued into Oldenburg – where the ruling dynasty was a branch of the dynasty which ruled Denmark until very recently.
Philip saw his first taste of what the London pamphleteers called German Barbarism as the Count was compelled to formally ratify the Treaty of Copenhagen, to accept and pay for the garrison of his capital, of his second strongest town, to accept and pay for the enlistment of his men in the conquering army and to be obliged provide supplies by sea to East Frisia. In the end, the Swedish commander softened the original terms – they had more important objectives and little time. Swedish nationals garrisoned the capital, Englishmen the city of Varel. Again, Philip was not lucky.
Philip was in East Frisia before peace was made in Oldenburg. This land of stinking marshes and barren heath, on three-quarters rations. A third of his comrades were sick. Here, 4000 men, recently arrived from Hesse-Kassel - one of the Swedes few German allies who had not deserted them – had been squaring up to local forces who were seeking to evict the Hessian garrisons. Oldenburg was rich and full of forage. East Frisia was barren and the armies facing off had already eaten the place bare.
With such numbers against them, the locals didn't stand a chance in pitched battle and the county soon belonged to the Swedes. But taking the towns was another matter. Most surrendered on generous terms. But only one really mattered. Leer controlled the river Ems, the only way to move bulk supplies to sustain the planned offensive to overrun Cologne and liberate the Palatinate - once ruled by the Husband of the sister of his King. Philip had questioned the wisdom of dividing the English expedition to Germany in two – half sent to the Elms, half to the Elbe. Hunger made him see the necessity of this. Everyone who could be mounted had been sent south to pick off Imperial garrisons on the line of march.
The city had to fall before the main expedition from England arrived. So here Philip was. Hungry, in a stinking, waterlogged trench, digging like a peasant as comrades around him coughed, cannon from the city shooting at him. It wouldn't be long before the Colonel ordered the city stormed.
And he was lucky. Because once the city fell he would spend the rest of the war garrisoning it – rather than going south with the field army.
All courses of action are risky, so prudence is not in avoiding danger (it’s impossible), but calculating risk and acting decisively. Make mistakes of ambition and not mistakes of hesitation. Develop the strength to do bold things, not the strength to suffer ... There is nothing as likely to succeed as what the enemy believes you cannot attempt.
- Niccolo Machiavelli
The path that leads to truth is littered with the bodies of the ignorant
- Myamoto Mushashi
Paris, May 1644
Hugo Grotius, Swedish Ambassador to France, had instructions from his Queen dispatched on the day of her Majority. He was to play for time. Before he heard of the fall of London, he had questioned their wisdom. Loyal to his sovereign he had complied and contributed to the confusion. Then he had feigned illness.
But today he saw a chance he could not ignore. Riots gripped Paris and today the Chancellor of France had barely escaped with his life. Every year harvests fell and the price of bread rose. Taxes rose faster to fuel the Spanish and German wars. Unrest and bloody rebellion had been escalating for as long as he had been in France. The last armed peasant rising – and they grew more frequent - had called themselves 'the men without shoes'. Pamphlets and street corner prophets shrieked that these were truly the End Times.
It was obvious events in England – rebellion against the King – spread that pestilence to France. Every third seditious pamphlet came from England. Grotius would impress on the French how much resolving English matters in the Kings favour would help stabilise France.
He had his secretary prepare letters to The Chancellor, The Young Kings Mother and Cardinal Mazarin – the real power in France. Announcing his recovery and urging that France abandon this petty and divisive pact with the Dutch that delegitimised the Treaty of Copenhagen, that France might play her role in stabilising England and in doing so stabilise France. That French ratification of the Treaty would help stabilise The Scandinavian Commonwealth, allowing swifter recommitment to The German War. Let us cooperate again in good faith to end the war quickly and bring Peace To Christendom.
With the letters dispatched, Grotius summoned and armed his remaining servants to brave the violent streets. He would head directly to Mazarin and wait as long as necessary to be seen.
Coastal Essex, Unknown location, 04 June 1644
Captain Brage Dalman was looting again.
In light of his swift and reliable service effecting important communications in hostile territory, he had been promoted and assigned this mission. With the 86 men under his command – 34 of them English, picked by the Earl of Manchester for their loyalty and local knowledge he had come ashore under cover of night. Now his men needed horses.
According to the two once senior Parliamentarian officers he had brought, Admiral Vind was a genius. Had played Prince Rupert like a fiddle. The Prince commanded exactly the sort of cavalry Brage didn't want and had come to Hull fleeing a defeat and demanding aid. The Prince had chased Cromwell's mutineers into East Anglia.
As Brage understood it,the infantry had engaged, Cromwell's cavalry were beaten, off then The Prince charged and broke all before him. But The Prince's cavalry were not the sort to regroup and scattered driven by bloodlust and the desire for loot. Cromwell's cavalry did regroup. And the infantry that had broken were fresh levies and sacrificial lambs, the veterans having been hidden in reserve. So the Prince had fled to Hull, woefully short of infantry.
Manchesters senior officers remained, but almost all their men with a Royalist, and a Scandinavian regiment, escorting them had already left for East Frisia. So the Royalists who had guarded them were free for The Princes use. He wanted the Scandinavians as well. Manchester and all his officers had been present when this was negotiated.
Vind had played on The Prince's pride. Said of course he would help, but as the rightful second in line to The Palatinate, Prince Rupert was the obvious choice for English representative at Westphalia. That he had asked the Danish King for this but wanted something to show his King to make the case. So Vind asked for two written guarantees of extensive demands.
Regarding The Eastern Association:
The Kings terms of full pardon, security of property and eventual payment of arrears to all who have borne arms for Parliament are confirmed on the condition that they enlist in Swedish Service for the duration of the German War.
Formal neutrality of the Eastern Association in The Engilsh War to be recognised.
Eastern association to accept garrisons
Eastern association and its garrisons to be administered by a Junta comprising The Duke of Manchester, A Danish representative and a representative appointed by prince Rupert.
Following surrender no one enlisted in the Counties of the Eastern Association will be asked to fight for the Royalists. For the restoration of the Palatinate only.
6. Following surrender no taxes or requisitioned goods will be for Royalist use. For the restoration of the Palatinate only.
7. Guarantees of good behaviour for occupying forces. Manchester empowered to ensure this.
Regarding Lancashire:
1. The Kings terms of full pardon, security of property and eventual payment of arrears to all who have borne arms for Parliament are confirmed on the condition that they enlist in Scottish Service for the duration of the Irish War
2. Lancashire to be administered by a Junta comprising A representative appointed by the Duke of Manchester, a representative appointed by The Scots and a representative of Prince Rupert's choice
3. The Scottish are permitted and encouraged to garrison Liverpool.
4. Following surrender no one enlisted in the Lancashire will be asked to fight for the Royalists. Enlistment for Scottish Service for the Reconquest of Ireland only.
5. Following surrender no taxes or requisitioned goods will be for Royalist use. For the reconquest of Ireland only.
6. Guarantees of good behaviour for occupying forces. Manchester's representative empowered to ensure this.
The documents had been signed, unwillingly, by the Duke of Manchester who affirmed that in his person as senior commander of The Eastern Association and Duke of Manchester (in Lancashire) he had access to muster records and had provided them to Prince Rupert. That he and his men had surrendered on these good terms, that most of his enlisted men had already left for Germany, that he and his officers would assist in overseeing the Royalist occupations as ordered. All his officers signed it too.
So Prince Rupert had a Scandinavian Army which marched with him on The Eastern Association. There was little left in Hull and environs. So much had been taken to provision the expedition. A token garrison remained.
Admiral Vind had documents which had been mass printed. Fast ships were sent north with the latter, for the Scots with letters from Admiral Vind encouraging them to land agents with them in Lincolnshire and to take Liverpool by sea as soon as their position in Ireland was secure.
Brage and his men had been sent south with heaps of the former document. Their orders to link up with General Königsmark (known to be operating in Essex) if possible, update him on developments, carry Admiral Vind's request that he link up with the Royalist-Scandinavian Army if possible and most importantly to see to it that the document was widely distributed.
Smaller dismounted cavalry units had been landed further up the coast to distribute the document – though they weren't expected to link up with General Königsmark.
Amsterdam, 11 June 1644
“If ever there was proof that autonomy and the states rights and liberties go too far and undermines our Republic – this is it.”
Frederick Henry - Prince of Orange and Stadtholder of Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Guelders, Overjissel and Groningen - thundered to his most trusted advisers; as he prepared to confer with the Regenten. Powerful men who regarded him as an aspiring Tyrant.
“The Swedish monarchy has acted with a decisive coordination that our divided confederacy – parochial and jealous of its liberties - could never match.”
Danish Exiles called the new Danish King 'Caesar' but Frederick Henry knew he was dealing with a Hannibal.
His preference had been a decisive naval confrontation months ago. However, powerful interests it would not be politic to ignore would have opposed this. Now the arms trade to the Baltic was resumed the Dutch economy boomed and Louis de Geer – the leading captain of the Dutch arms industry and a man the Swedes had enobled – had made very effective propaganda.
Franco-Dutch plans to limit Swedish gains had been contingent on their role in the mediation of a peace. The swift fall of Malmo and Copenhagen, the defection of the Danish Fleet and the complete capitulation of the 'afternoon king' had never been planned for.
When Frederick Henry heard of the peace of Copenhagen he had wanted the majority of the Dutch Navy redirected to the Sound – hang the blockade of Antwerp and the agreements he had made with the French. De Jure he was commander in chief of the Navy. De Facto he ruled captains - jealous of their independence – by persuasion which took time. The treaty of Copenhagen reduced the tolls paid by Dutch shipping crossing the Sound by 15% while demanding nothing for this. And a Swedish commission had arrived in the Netherlands to facilitate the requests of the Dutch mercentile community. The Danes had never been remotely so considerate. Frederick Henry expected that the Swedes planned to revoke such generosity when their position was consolidated. However, powerful Dutch interests were keen on waiting; until both the blocade of their competitors in Antwerp and the defense of their merchant shipping from the vast Spanish Pirate Fleet, was no longer needed.
He had not been half way to organising his show of force, when he heard of the Swedes landing at the Thames. At once he put out feelers for a separate peace with Spain which would allow him to make his own invasion of England while cutting off all Scandinavian support by sea. This too would take time.
The Ems offensive changed things again. If the price the Swedes paid for Dutch Friendship was that the Ems offensive serve Dutch interests, the terms of peace with Spain would be so much better. The Swedes were giving the Danes, Norwegians and English little cause to love them. Once peace with Spain was secured, Frederick Henry could use all his forces to set a match to this powder keg. In war, timing was everything.
Two weeks ago, when priorities were different the West India Company had dispatched a force of 600 men to take New Sweden and humble the upstarts. Recall was impossible.
Now he prepared to meet with the Regenten and hammer out a brief for their ambassador to London. All must be done swiftly to extract good terms from the Swedes before the assault on New Sweden became known.
London, June 1644
“The Hero of Witstock!”
Axel Oxenstierna greeted an old friend who had spent 8 years as a senior officer in Swedish service and played a crucial role in the battle which saved the Swedish cause from utter disaster.
David Leslie, Lord Newark was now a Major-General of the Scottish Covenanter's and had landed in London with 6000 men.
“Good to see you old friend. Alexander not with you”
“Afraid not. The Earl of Leaven has taken the rest of our field army, 10'000 men, to Ireland. Still, much of the Scottish gentry is either here with us or en route to make our case in this conference.”
“Excellent. Excellent. I am so happy London now has a Scottish garrison. But to business. If you have anyone with you, who you can spare and has the status, capabilities and confidence of his peers necessary to represent you in Paris, I do recommend he be dispatched forthwith. France and Scotland, hereditary allies.”
Leslie smiled “That will be arranged this very day.”
“Fantastic. In that case, what news do you have for me? Most of all I wish to know what happened at Hull and the disposition of our fleet.”
The Scottish commander told him. Oxenstierna's expression grew cold. It warmed slightly when he read the terms Admiral Vind had extracted from Prince Rupert. He handed the document to his clerk and ordered that it be mass printed and distributed forthwith.
“We sailed south with 56 warships. Many with skeleton crews, my men made it look otherwise when a Dutch squadron tailed us. I hear two parliamentarian squadrons were intercepted on the voyage north. 44 warships remain at the mouth of the Thames, most of them in dock to rest the crew and effect repairs. The heavily damaged ships which went north and the prizes severely damaged in the taking are in Scotland or Norway now. Nearly 20 I am told.
“Your fleet remains divided. We bombarded just about every town we passed on the East Anglian coast in support of Prince Rupert's invasion. A squadron of 12 ships has headed back to keep it up. Escorts for the expedition to East Frisia. Escorts for the expedition to Ireland. Two of the best gone to New Sweden. Of course those escorting treasure back to Copenhagen stayed so there would be some serious warships on the Sound backing the Swedish inshore galley fleet and the light warships recruited by Louis de Geer.”
Oxenstierna was silent for a long moment.
“Such is the situation, I have dealt with worse. I must speak with Admiral Vind, the Dutch representative grows more insolent and begins to hint at threats. Anyway, that isn't your concern. The Danish Kings orders are that in this city, you, as the senior Scottish commander, are to have equal authority to the senior Dane. Remember that, my clerk will provide you with the written decree. Once your men are billeted I suggest we meet to establish an agreed framework for the occupation.”
Constantinople, date forgotton by protagonist
[Authors note, if this section reads Orientalist, remember it is from the point of view of an Arch-Cavilier English Aristocrat]
James Stewart,1st Duke of Richmond, Third cousin to the rightful King of England, Scotland and Ireland, was waiting.
He had come to The City of The Worlds Desire with a flotilla of five warships The Danes had taken as prizes from the Parliamentarian mutineers and nine merchant vessels. He was an ambassador heading an entourage of 140. His King had chosen him, the man of highest rank in the kings capital of Oxford and sent him with practically half the court. Once the Swedish privy councillor Gyllenhielm had concluded negotiations with the King, Königsmark's cavalry had escorted his entourage to London.
His ships had been weighed down by artistic treasures the Danes had looted from the homes of wealthy parliamentarians and all the valuable trade goods they could lay their hands on. The Danes had pressed every master shipwright repairing their ruined fleet on the Thames. However, before Richmond departed they had taken one in 3, arbitrarily chosen and loaded them on this flotilla – chained like negroes and guarded by Danish blades. Destined for life as slaves supplying The Turk with a Navy equal to that of the Christian Maritime Powers. His free entourage included bankers and colonial merchants to negotiate trade. All this to impress. The Warships too were handed over – Kings orders extracted by Gyllenhielm. Handed over as a token of good faith, or as their hosts had put it afterwards, tribute!
And all his finery looked shabby compared to the Grandeur of this city. And for over a week they had kept him waiting.
Still, he had achieved his basic objectives. Liaised with the Swedish, Danish and French representatives in Constantinople, presented the Treaty his King had signed and communicated England's extensive intentions, commitments and obligations regarding the German War. It had been easy to find someone to translate his King's Treaty from Greek to Arabic and get it repeatedly copied. He had it presented to every official he came across and as the wait grew longer to the medrese schools of mohamedian learning. Humiliation had made him a pamphleteer!
With the help of the French, Swedish and Danish representatives, a Grand Fellow, who he had been told later was but a minor courtier, had been accessed and secured passage and an escort up river from Salonica, past Belgrade to the part of Hungary controlled by the Transylvanians. To take the Scandinavian Artillery Train, its crew, heaps of arms and war materiel plus an obscenely large war chest – all presumably looted from London – to their Transylvanian Allies.
This served a dual purpose. He had found great hostility to Venice brewing in Constantinople. A number of the merchants and bankers in his entourage had extensive Venetian connections. This expedition allowed him to dispatch them to Venice with offers of English mediation without suspicion.
So now he waited. He had made a fast friend in the Danish representative, a man who knew how to live as a noble. The Dane had introduced him to the delights of opium and together they had organised shipments to England and Denmark as part of their duty to establish trade. With his entourage favourites and new friend, he waited in bliss and eyed with indolent smugness his opposite number. The Bohemian Count recently arrived with an entourage as impressive as his.
New Sweden, June 1644
259 Danish Soldiers disembarked with their families at the mouth of the Delaware. They were the survivors of the 300 who began the journey. Enough to bolster the tiny garrisons in the Swedish fortresses controlling the river but a tiny part of the force despatched to the New World. The Fleet had split. Nearly 1000 men - Scotts, Germans and Swedes were bound for Nova Scottia and were to sweep south, conquering the northern provinces of New England - those of Parliamentarian sympathy - in the name of The King in his Scottish Person for Scottish Governance.
Lund, Sweden (former Denmark), June 1644
“Oxenstierna and his cronies have deliberately prolonged this war. It served them that all our young men who can fight have been dying in Germany because that left no one to rebel when they trampled the Peasantry and took so much of the Land. Such is not my will. My will is the conclusion of a swift peace. All our policies must change and Oxenstierna's son must be recalled from Westphalia immediately!”
The dual monarchs, Christina and Charles, met alone to discuss a united line on The German War. Even Ebba Sparre had been asked to wait outside. Charles replied;
“My Queen, should you want a separate peace, after all I have achieved, we can arrange that within months. However I know it is a general peace and security against future war which you truly desire.”
There were daggers in Christina's eyes.
“Sweet Kinsman, you are not wrong. A separate peace is something I refuse to countenance or consider – though I know we must give the impression of seeking one to frighten the French into compliance. My beloved cousin, I warn you, if you talk like Him, I may lose my temper.”
Christina smiled then. So did Charles. This was the Christina Charles remembered, magnified and blossomed. He remembered how much he loved her.
“Oxenstierna Junior is a drunken fool without imagination or initiative. He has a simple objective at Westphalia – the inclusion of the German Estates. Replacing him before then will only slow negotiations and delay peace. Once that has been achieved we should replace him immediately and we should plan his replacement now."
“Whatever changes you wish to make to our policy at Westphalia can be expedited through the Danish and English representatives. I have arranged for them to take whatever orders The Queen of Sweden wishes to give.”
Christina paused then. A lifetime of frustrated rage warring with a gratitude that was foreign to her.
“Very well, cousin. I appreciated all you have done. I understand why you had to act swiftly and unilaterally to confound and outmanoeuvre our enemies at home as well as abroad. I appreciate your coded letter. The intelligence was very useful. However there must be no more secrets between us. You have made yourself King of Denmark, but you must always remember that you are a Swede first. And you will be taking orders from me. Let us talk of long term strategy.”
Charles knelt and presented his sword to His Queen in a show of Feudal submission.
“My Queen, what I have unilaterally set in motion requires one more objective be achieved. The Turk must enter the war. I have sent Danish and English embassies for this purpose along with English prize ships and shipwrights, and from the Swedish Army the sort of weapons and military advisors we have long given the Russians. However this can only achieve so much. For the Turk to enter the war I must strike down the Elbe, win victories and threaten the Emperor – that gives the best chance of their entrance. I will have Danish and English forces as well as our long standing Swedish-German force for this purpose.”
Charles looked up and gave Christina a smile that reached his eyes.
“If the Turk enters the war, we demand their representation at Westphalia. Our dependence on France is broken. The Danish ambassador to Constantinople has been instructed to negotiate a defensive alliance directed at Poland. With a Turkish Alliance we can end Sigismunds claim to your Throne and secure a lasting peace. A lasting peace.”
“Given your life so far, you are wise not to entirely trust me. My advice is this: Let representatives - chosen by this Council of the Estates - rule in Stockholm. Establish your court in Copenhagen away from the traditions which have stifled your beautiful spirit. I will be in southern Germany and you will be Ruler Of All. You can remake everything as you see fit.”
Tears reached Christia's eyes, but did not fall.
“Get up and never humble yourself again My Champion. I believe you are the only man I have ever met who is worthy of love. I do hope I am not wrong – again – in such matters. I hope I can trust you. I have many questions and you will tell me everything. Your surprises have served us well, but from now on I will know them all in advance.”
The Monarchs talked for a long time, then had a clerk enter to prepare a great many royal writs for the Riksradet to sign. Charles spoke of what Denmark would need from the peace to keep the union stable – among other things Hamburg and Lubeck, Swedish allies who would need to be betrayed when the time was right. Also of his plan for the redirection of Danish forces for a surprise attack against Brandenburg-Prussia once The Turk was committed to the point that swift withdrawal with honour was impossible and the situation was hopeless for The Emperor.
Unlike Sweden, Denmark had no peace treaty with them and the way Brandenburg-Prussian interests clashed with Sweden had long been a roadblock to peace. Charles also suggested Christina's vast, treasured, library be scoured and any book unlikely to already be in the Sultan's possession and it be copied in Greek and sent as part of a more impressive embassy with more weapons, military advisors and treasures.
Christina had her own ideas and Charles pledged to support them all. When agreement had been reached and conversation tapered off Charles asked if now was the time to dictate to the Riksradet. Christina shook her head.
“I have missed you Charles. Enough of business. It has been far too long since we sparred. Our loyal Clerk, fetch us blunt swords and leather if you would.”
- - -
They duelled in earnest, swords crashing each time they met, both striking wicked cuts that would do far more than would be needed to kill had the swords been live. Beneath the padded leather they were both soon covered in deep bruises.
Christina had received an education traditional for a boy who would be a king and trained with a blade every day. Her tutors were the best. However she had never seen combat.
Charles had. Yet in a competitive spar this was a hindrance as much a help – especially for a young man who had not yet had the time to process his experiences on the battlefield. So much of his focus was spent restraining himself from falling into a battlefield mentality. Focus he could not apply to the spar. Christina had scored 27 cuts to his 11.
“You are holding back” she spat. “Just like my tutors who see me as a Lady. I will not have it. You have seen true war and I want you to teach me to fight like a true Krigare.”
Gradually Charles mastered his passions, felt secure in attacking the person he held the most affection for with more aggression and began to oblige her. The score grew more even. Still, he talked too much, giving both pointers and praise. This cost him.
“God, your footwork is impeccable”
He would have said more, but she disarmed him, lunged inside his guard and held her blade to his throat before dropping it and clasping his shoulders.
“You know I disbelieve all religion” She told him, her eyes fixed on his radiating Joy and Hope.
“I know, your free mind is one of the reasons I love you so. Religion has military applications, but that is for the common soldiery. Forgive me but an officers theatre has become a habit to me.”
Charles was hesitant. Did he believe what he was saying?
“I know that. For our subjects we must put on a show. But when we are alone, never speak that way. You have freed me from the joyless, blind fanatics who made my youth a prison and for that I will love you forever. But we have so much more to do. We cannot allow their prejudices to poison our minds. The world is changing and all they can see is a prophecy of apocalypse which they make self fulfilling.”
“I have words for you Charles, words I want you to remember every time you think of me.”
Christina raised her voice then, she spoke with anger but also joy and affection.
“The Future is Unwritten. The Future is Unwritten Because We Have Not Written it Yet.”
Charles gently kissed her forehead, embraced her and spoke softly. “Words to live by. I will remember them always. I have always been proud of you, always admired you – but never as much as in this moment. I swear you my complete trust and loyalty and there is nothing you ever need hide from me.”
Christina returned his embrace and wept for a long while, speaking of the cruelty of her upbringing, of her nightmares and fears, of the strain of having to act all the time and how she wished he didn't have to return to Germany. Charles consoled her, spoke of the wisdom of their plans and made many promises.
After a long while her tear reddened eyes were smiling again and she felt a calm she had never known. Yet a calm with furious purpose.
“My Champion, My Saviour, My Comrade in this endless battle with the cruel and joyless men who raised us - what you mean to me I can't put into words. I really, really needed that. Now lets pick up our swords. Attack me again. Once more with feeling.”
Lund, Sweden (former Denmark), several hours later
After a wait of hours, the Riksradet were admitted to meet the Dual Monarchs, both glowing with joy, drenched in sweat and casually swigging wine.
Lord High Treasurer Gabriel Bengtsson Oxenstierna – cousin to the exiled Axel - simmered with humiliation, repressed rage and the shame of defeat. He feared for his life.
Lord High Constable Count Jacob de la Gardie was more at ease though no smile reached either his lips or his eyes. His son was one of the young Queen's favourites and his family set to gain vast lands. He had been given a long private audience with both monachs where war plans made by Charles and Wragnel had been outlined. He liked the plans. He was also seeing vindication in his old quarrel with the Oxenstierna clan, yet all this held little joy for him. He too was outraged by the actions of his Queen and the Caesar she would probably marry. He was resigned to comply.
Lord High Steward Count Per Brahe had been promised significant Danish land as well as a vast investment furthering the reforms he had introduced as Governor-General of Finland. Yet he too was not smiling.
Lord High Chancellor Count Axel Oxenstierna and Lord High Admiral Baron Carl Carlsson Gyllenhielm were absent in England.
Four more figures entered the room. In her opening speech before the assembled estates The Queen had suggested all the estates have a permanent representative on the Privy Council. Before the meeting of estates made this law, The Queen had invited them to send observers.
The humanist scholar Bishop Johannes Matthiae Gothus hadd been selected by the Queen to represent the Clergy. He had been the Queen's tutor. The vast lands she offered to the Clergy and her plans for a secular arm of the Clergy Estate - for secular education - delighted him. She could count on his full support.
Both the Burghers and Peasants estates had sent elected representatives.
Last of all entered Ebba Spaare – Christina's favourite, appointed to found a Women's Estate.
"I am Riksrådet" she said simply. Charles moved to stand behind her, daring anyone to object.
There followed hours of acrimonious negotiations in which the Old Nobles came to terms which would preserve stability.
Then one of Charles colonel's entered breathless. My King pardon my interruption but there is news you insisted be brought to you immediately in any circumstance.
“Gallas is in Mecklenburg” Charles said for the Colonel.
Oxenstierna and Per Brahe shared a glance and a smirk. Perhaps Caesar had miscalculated and was about to fall.
“He is late” was all Charles had to say before gesturing to Jacob.
“Our Queen presented me with plans for this long foreseen eventuality. Plans drawn up by Field Marshal Wragnel and The King of Denmark said the Lord High Constable presenting a collection of documents. All Cavalry stationed in Pomerania are to be ordered west immediately, in time levies from Northern Jutland will replace them. They are to harry Gallas and if possible rendezvous with our other forces.”
“The King of Denmark will land at Kiel with all our forces - Swedish and Danish – in Scania and the Danish Isles bar essential garrisons. He will link up with Wragnel who is surely already in Holstein with most of his forces. Your Highness?”
Christina presented an order for the Riksrådet to sign making Charles supreme commander of Swedish forces in Germany.
“Sweden no longer has need to defend against Denmark. Extensive conscription in the conquered territories will keep the manpower requirements of occupation minimal. We mobilise everything for the Elbe Campaign. Not Norway. All Norwegian resources remain at Scottish disposal for use in Ireland.”
She asked her cousin to outline his plans.
“No one lives and nothing grows in Mecklenburg. My uncle Gustavus - god rest his heroic soul – made sure of that. Gallas men are surely already on half rations. We hold the towns and the sea. We will have supplies and they will not. Hungry men march slowly. Gallas surely intends to trap us in Jutland believing the Danes still fight us, holding the sea and the Islands.”
“We will fight a war of manoeuvre taking him from behind and driving him into the Dismarchen mashes – a hell Wragnel has diligently prepared. Ravaged of all crops, encircled with fortifications this swamp is where he has herded starving Danish rebels who have outdone even Torstensson in their cruelty to the locals in search of food which does not exist. Epidemics are already rife. We will trap Gallas here. With his army destroyed we will strike south down the Elbe and finish this war.”
“The strike down the Ems was always a feint – and a false promise to the French and Dutch. All future English forces and resources not already committed to the Ems which we will access are now to be sent to the Elbe. That order must be dispatched tonight. The the pride of the Stuart King will likely compel him to reinforce the Ems offensive at his own additional expense.”
Jacob de la Gardie and Per Brahe sniggered.
“So, I have much to prepare. Her Highness has all the necessary writs and orders for you to sign. My Beloved Queen, Lady Spaare, radiant muse who never fails to bring sweet clarity to deliberation ... Gentlemen, I must leave you now to make preparations. I will address the assembled Estates tomorrow before departing for Kiel.”
As he approached the door, Charles paused and turned back, drew his sword kissed the hilt, held it aloft and used his battlefield voice.
We Cut with Swords:
I was very young, when towards the East, In the straights of Eirar,
we gained rivers of blood for the ravenous wolf: Ample food for the Eagle, There the hard steel sung upon the lofty helmets.
The whole ocean was one wound, the raven waded in the blood of the slain.
The Death-Song of Ragnarr Loðbrók
I look around and I see my home fade away
My time at home now feels far too short
Just a youth, barely a man when duty took me
If I get to see my home again, I cannot not know
With my friends from my village, I went out to fight And the world burned
Sabaton, En livstid i krig (translation my own)
Content Warning: Antisemitism
Copenhagen Castle, Scandinavian Commonwealth, July 1644
“The husband is the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head of the church.”
Lord High Steward Count Per Brahe rudely interrupted Lady Ebba Spaare's report on the progress of the Womens Estate. He smugly quoted scripture, reminding the assembled Privy Council of the words of Saint Paul.
“What has the female sex done to deserve such shameful treatment? I call every wife a slave and every nun a prisoner” Christina roared back.
“Besides” she spoke softly “how many Swedish women have the chance to marry? So many of our men of marriageable age lie dead on German Soil. My plans will work because of the ineffective prosecution of the German war practised by Oxenstiernna and yourself in my minority. I will succeed in my plans to raise Swedish Women to the position of an Estate because Swedish Women outnumber Swedish Men by a huge margin. This is your doing and what History will remember you for. You will be remembered, by your ilk, by anyone you would admire as one of the few men whose murderous incompetence led Sweden into Uxoriousness and Cuckoldry. And in the future I will build such men will be few. This will be your Legacy. This Is Your Fate.”
Ebba Spaare laughed loudly. The Peasant and Burgher representatives giggled. Bishop Johannes Matthiae Gothus smiled, but managed to repress his laugh.
“Now Lady Spaare will continue her report and not be interrupted. Interrupt her again and I will have you removed.”
Ebba Spaare finished her report. The Council of Estates had established the Women's Estate in law, but it held all the appearances of a dead letter which would have little consequence. And the Peasants, Burghers and Clergy Estates had been so keen on the Reduktion of the Nobility and the spoils offered to them from conquered Danish land that they could only bring themselves to offer token objections.
All this changed when Queen Christina made huge gifts of Land – taken from Peasants under Oxenstiernna, then transferred from his Nobles to The Crown in the Reduktion - to the new Women's Estate. The Genius of this move was that the area around these lands was where conscription had fallen heaviest to ensure there were no fighting age men to oppose the Noble land grab. Now there were no fighting age men to prevent women with the support of their Queen raising themselves to a place of dignity. Land was power.
Every parish now had significant lands in the possession of the Women's Estate. The centre of its power was a huge swathe of territory in Scania (conquered from Denmark) where women were trained to represent and administrate the lands of their Estate across the realm. The women of every Parish now also elected some of their number to be sent to Scania for education. Some of the training was in arms – though for now this was a strict secret.
As part of the Reduktion sweeping measures, organised at the Parish level, to guard against famine and combat poverty had been introduced. The womens Estate was to have a significant role in these measures and the Queen had made clear that these measures and perhaps the Reduktion itself would be delayed as collective punishment for Parishes where men acted illegally against the Women's Estate.
Part of the revenues of the vast lands now in the hands of the Women's Estate were to pay Burgher Women to attend great meetings in the manner of the Athenian Assembly – to ensure that the interests of Burgher Women were represented both in The Women's Estate and their cities. Both Carrots and Sticks had been prepared to ensure cities facilitated and did not hamper this.
Most of the Clergy were furious.
Once he was sure Ebba Spaare had finished Per Brahe vented his spleen.
“There has been far too much Classics in our Queens education. And she has not even understood what she has been taught. She is acting out Lysistrata without understanding it is a comedy. We will be the laughing stock of...”
He would have said more, however Christina gestured indolently to her lifeguards who seized him.
The Humanist Bishop Johannes Matthiae Gothus spoke gently to his queen. “If I may, I have words for the Privy Council that I would like my colleague to hear before he is ejected.”
The Queen smiled and nodded her acknowledgement.
“Scripture decrees that marriage is the proper place of a woman. However our Queen is right, many Swedish Women simply do not have the prospect of marriage because so many of our men are dead. What happens to them? Often, without a husband to provide for them, they are compelled to enter The Brothel. The Brothel! As Our Saviour showered his mercy on Mary Magdalene, so our Queen offers mercy and redemption to the many women deprived of husbands by this bitter war.”
The kindly and learned Bishop winced with compassion.
“What our Queen has done is unorthodox, I grant that of course. However it is my firm belief that this will save many women from lives of sin and depravity, improve the morals of our nation and save many souls. As Bishop of Strängnäs I declare my unconditional support for the policies of My Queen and advise every man who has condemned or mocked them that he publicly repent and privately pray for Christ's forgiveness.”
The Scholar-Bishop turned to His Queen.
“My scholars and I are busy preparing theological justification that Mohammediansm is The Lesser Evil to Popery. For it its The Truth that The Turk tolerates True Religion far better than The Pape. However we can no doubt prepare theological justification for your Women's Estate. If what I prepare meets My Queens approval we can order it preached from every pulpit.”
Micro-expressions warred across Christina's face, then after a moments hesitation she nodded her assent. “Any more temperate wisdom for the Council, most learned Bishop?” When he shook his head, Per Brahe held up his hands and said “I was leaving anyway.”
The council spoke of many more topics. One was recruitment. Now the contract of new Swedish recruits stipulated that they would not be sent to Germany – for they were needed to Garrison Denmark, to conscript Danes for The German War and to enforce the Reduktion in Sweden. As enlistment for The German War had been long recognised as a death sentence desertion and mutiny had been very high. No longer.
Last of all the Queen moved to discuss Per Brahe's replacement.
Hours after the meeting had ended the Scholar-Bishop Gothus came to see His Queen and former student who was alone save for Lady Spaare. Gothus knew by now that anything private he had to say could and would be said in front of The Queen's favourite. The eyes of the kindly old Scholar were misted with tears.
“My Queen, I must ask you something. Was Axel truly so cruel to you?”
Christina's face said Everything. Gothus made the sign of the cross and bowed his head.
“How did I miss this? How did I fail to intervene? My Queen I have sinned so greatly that I will not ask your forgiveness. Not now. I have so much to atone for and I will do all I can to do so. And for whatever it is worth, I am so so very sorry. This calls me now to prayer, however you have my word that I will do all I can in your service to atone.”
He left in silence as Christina was torn on how to respond.
Western Mediterranean, date and precise location unknown to protagonist
“Mercy! Mercy! Mary Mother of God have mercy on your humble, weak children. Deliver us from this place, deliver us from these foul heathens, I beg thee in the name of Thy Infinite Mercy!”
Mathias Gallas, Count of Campo, Duke of Lucera, once Supreme Commander of The Emperor's forces wept aloud. After what must have been at least a month – or could have been three - in a prison ship; he was careless of how he humbled himself before those who had been his officers. Johann Werth, once his cavalry general, eyed him glumly. The shaking - which the sailors daily ration of rum to which he was entitled barely touched - had subsided weeks ago. Yet he wanted a drink more than ever.
There was an irony here. The Imperialist officers who had shown the most woe and despair when first captured had been taken south with the Scandinavian-English Army to be released as emissaries to tell of their defeat. Such behaviour earlier might have saved him.
After Gallas second attempt to break out of the Dismarschen marshes had failed, a mutiny by his starving men had compelled surrender. With all his senior officers he had been loaded onto a prison ship. They were well fed, exercised, the ship even had a doctor who checked them daily. Their captors took great pains to keep them alive.
The fleet he sailed with had been joined by five of the most modern English Warships and the men who had repaired them – prisoners like him now their services were no longer required. These ships and the men able to build more like them were now in Algiers – Swedish gifts to the Barbary Pirates!
But not Gallas. He and almost his entire staff were among many Swedish gifts intended for the Turkish Sultan.
Port of Candia, Crete, August 1644
Antonio Paulo stepped off the ship feeling dizzy. He had never seen so many men. Men like him, if you could call him a man, truly he was too young for all this. Yesterday the high-born had laughed at The Turk. Now the foul hearted heretics from the north had sunk so low as to give The Turk Christian ships. Rumour was the High-Born were scared. So they had taken him from his village, the only place he had ever known, placed a weapon in his hand and put him on a ship. Now he was here.
It had all happened so quickly. He wept at night, calling out for his missed mother. The older men comforted him, said he was never going to have to fight. "Bit of graft repairing the forts – but he was a farm-lad so he was used to that. We are just here to scare them off. Thats all lad."
Sometimes he was comforted. Sometimes he wondered if they were being so kind to him to convince themselves.
Dresden, Saxony, August 1644
Johan Georg, Elector of Saxony stood on the walls of Dresden staring into darkness. This was new. For the past weeks he had watched the villages that surrounded his capital burn. “Torches to light your drinking bouts” had been the insolent message the Swedish Field-Marshal Wragnel had sent him with Saxons who had been officers in Gallas Imperialist Army - annihilated in Dismarschen.
Saxony faced invasion by Swedes, Danes and Englishmen. At best estimate, a field army three times the size of the one that went North last year. The Electors authority was collapsing as lesser, regional, authorities made separate peaces and accepted English or Danish garrisons to ensure that Wragnel's men did not operate in their territory. Leipzig now had a Danish garrison.
Today The King of Denmark had offered a suspension of hostilities and the dispatch of Wragnel and his men south of Saxon territory on the condition that The Elector meet The King at Breitenfeld to discuss terms. Breitenfeld – the site of Sweden's greatest triumph and Johan Georg's greatest humiliation. But what else could he do but accept.
Breitenfeld, Saxony, August 1644
The Elector found the Warrior King lost in reverie, staring into the middle distance. The King did not even notice his approach. Was The King reliving his uncles great triumph? Or the Second Battle of Breitenfeld, two years past? The King's own baptism of fire and blood, in which he had personally fought, where his horse had been killed under him, where he had become what the Swede's called 'A True Krigare'? Who knew?
One of The Kings guards had to gently shake his shoulder to get his attention. The King shuddered, put thumb and finger to his temples, then recovered quickly, handing his unsheathed sword to his guard and holding up his hands in a gesture of friendship.
“Honourable Elector! I gladly offer you a truce, but it is your Alliance I truly desire.”
They negotiated. The King wanted security for his supply lines – meaning the fortresses which controlled the two major rivers which passed through Saxony as well as some other lines of march. And he wanted Saxony to provide significant supplies to feed his armies. The King seemed pained at how many men he had lost, not to combat, but to hunger and the pestilence it made men vulnerable to, during his recent campaigns where he had moved too swiftly to properly supply his men. The King was most insistent on this point yet he stressed that he wanted Saxon supplies through negotiation rather than Pillage. He asked for many horses, though little in terms of financial contributions and for no men.
The terms Johan Georg negotiated were very favourable to Saxony – save on one point. The King would not permit this treaty of peace and neutrality to last any longer than six months. Which made Johan Georg suspicious.
“Why not? To give you time to bring your artillery to Saxony?”
The King sighed, then laughed.
“Because I would have your Free and Full Alliance, not mere neutrality. Our interests are harmonious.”
“We share a rival in Brandenburg. It serves Sweden that the lands you contest with them – Magdeburg and Halberstadt - fall to Saxony in the final peace settlement.”
“What is the worst case scenario for me? When my armies strike south and meet The Imperialists in decisive battle they are routed? What happens then? We have far more resources than we did 10 years ago – another Nordlingen and we bounce back. We regroup in Saxony and Saxony is where the intensive fighting happens. You don't want that.”
“Now what is the Best Case. According to my latest reports, the City of Cologne is besieged. Should it fall we will demand the transfer not only of the City but the Electoral Title to Hesse-Cassel. Loyalty must be rewarded. Closer to your home, we mean to drive The Hapsburgs from Bohemia, take from them the Bohemian Electoral Title and restore the Palatinate. If we are victorious we will demand the abdication of The Emperor.”
“Now, who will replace him? Christina is a woman, we could never make her Emperor. I am seen as enough of a usurper as it is. You surely have your agents in Stockholm and Copenhagen. You know Christina is not her fathers daughter. She wants a lasting, stable peace. Of all the German Princes you have done the most in pursuit of such an end. You would make the Emperor most pleasing to the Queen of Sweden. Or your son, should you prefer. Of course we could never make significant demands on behalf of a mere neutral.”
“I know you are a cautious man. So I offer you a six month treaty of peace and neutrality. Think about my offers. Wait on events and witness my coming victories. We are prepared to negotiate a Treaty of Alliance and coordinated demands at Westphalia whenever you are. Think about it.”
A stunned Johan Georg signed the temporary peace treaty. What else could he do?
“Well then, our business is concluded and I have much to do. I wish you a long and happy life and hope for your fast friendship.”
The King then turned and began to walk away. The moment the Elector could no longer see his face, his forced cheer vanished. He resumed his reverie, eyes unfocussed and vacant - staring into nothing. Irritably, he gestured for his sword. Holding a blade, his hand ceased to shake. It seemed to bring him a small measure of comfort. His ashen face began to stir with something like the edges determination and hold the barest beginnings of a smile. A smile more the baring of teeth than anything that resembled mirth.
Copenhagen Castle, Scandinavian Commonwealth, August 1644
Martin Luther was a proto-nazi. I deplore his ideology and all forms of antisemitism. I have included this to show the depths of bigotry Christina is up against and avoid this story coming across as 'Sweden is Rojava now, lol'. If mods want me to take out the antisemitism, I will.
“If I were to avenge myself upon the Devil himself I could not wish him such evil and misfortune as Gods Wrath inflicts on The Jews!”
Lord High Treasurer Gabriel Bengtsson Oxenstierna thundered, quoting the spiteful words of Martin Luther as if they were gospel scripture.
Christina sighed tiredly and clutched at her face. No one had ever told her how exhausting being a Monarch would be. She recovered quickly.
“What on heaven or earth are you talking about? Dutch Bankers are Calvinist heretics who worship Mammon. I have a realm to rule and a war to win. I have no time for your pretentious theater.”
“Usury and its dangers.” The Lord High Treasurer hissed. “The grace of god rescued us from ruinous debt and your first thought is to plunge us straight back in. You will incur the Wrath of the Almighty.”
“That is no way for a subject to address his Monarch. You speak of the grace of god to avoid mention of the Valiant King of Denmark and Swedish Arms. My father borrowed to win his wars and so will I. You are bitter that I took negotiation of the Dutch Peace out of the hands of your timid cousin and with French mediation I myself negotiated better terms that he ever could. That and because I have replaced his oaf of a son with a competent representative at Westphalia. Your talk is demoralising and you dishonour our people.”
The terms were very good terms in the eyes of the few who knew Christina's plans. To those who did not they seemed to favour France, far more than Sweden. As intended. And she would never share her plans with one of the Oxenstierna clan. The Dutch had attacked New Sweden, an act of war. They were doomed to lose, as they had not been aware of, or planned for, the much larger Scottish-Swedish force to their north. Lose they had. In a surprise attack, intrepid Scotts had even taken their ships – poorly guarded on The Hudson River.
When Christina received news of initial hostilities, she had gone straight to the French Ambassador and requested not only French mediation but assistance in her response. France was offered whatever she wanted from The Dutch. The sword of Damocles – a separate peace with The Emperor – which Sweden had been holding over France since the destruction of Gallas Army in Dismarschen, was left unspoken.
So it was that France reaffirmed her recognition of Charles and Christina as co-monarchs of Denmark and Norway and expressed her outrage at Dutch actions. The French Fleet abandoned their campaigns against the Spanish and their commitments to The Dutch, moving both to cover The Thames and The Sound. All Scandinavian naval assets were withdrawn to The Sound and ruinously high tolls imposed on Dutch Trade with The Baltic. What the Dutch called 'The Mother Trade' – Baltic Grain – was simply siezed and distributed Gratis to the burghers of Copenhagen, Stockholm and Riga in the manner of Caesar's Annonae. This to occur until proper restitution was made, the negotiation of which was to be mediated by France. Louis de Geer closely advised the Queen.
Everyone wanted a quick settlement. The Uti Possidetis Swedish possession of The New Netherlands 'the conquests of a defensive war won by the sword' was formally recognised by the Dutch. The Dutch were required to provide shipping to transport Scandinavian and Scottish colonists to The New World. There was a large indemnity which carried the condition that every Guilder be spent in The Dutch Republic – either on mercenaries or war material. Most, if very far from all, of which seemed to be directed to the pursuit of French, rather than Swedish, interests. Sweden, Denmark and Norway were to gain privileged access to Dutch Banking – as much to give the Dutch a stake in The Scandinavian Commonwealth as it was a source of funds. The Dutch Republic also guaranteed, by treaty, non interference with the establishment of Swedish colonies and trade on the African Gold Coast – a long held dream of Louis de Geer.
France got a treaty with The Dutch Republic which prohibited either side from signing a separate peace with Spain and ensured closer coordination of their war. For Frederick Henry this was an incredible victory over his domestic opponents. His immense power came from the war which his countrymen were increasingly unwilling to fight. He could never have achieved this without foreign pressure. Now he could claim he was forced into the treaty to feed his people. What he had been able to do was prevent the Dutch Republic enacting a coordinated military solution. Publicly, Dutch face was saved by the extraction from Sweden of the redirection of the Army of the Ems – which was to abandon its designs on the Lower Palatinate and instead coordinate with the Franco-Dutch assault on the Spanish Netherlands and The Dutch Republic ratified a revised Treaty of Copenhagen which gave further concessions to Dutch interests.
A Lifeguard captain had come to Christina with rumours of a puppet show which depicted her sexually servicing the French Cardinal Mazarin asking if she wanted the performers hunted down and broken on the wheel. Christina declined. In truth she was pleased – this was exactly what she needed foreign powers to think.
Returning to the present, Christina recognised how much she misssed Charles. Removing privy councillors was constitutionally difficult. Per Brahe remained. However she had learned that appointing new ones was comparatively easy. Then and there, she resolved on a massive expansion of the Riksradet privy council, young talent to drown out these old fools.
City of Cologne, August 1644
For the observant, this is the 1643 storming of Bristol not Cologne
Baron Byron commander of the English contingent of the Army of the Ems - advanced slowly over a heap of dead and dying men – most of them his own. A vanguard with fire-pikes ran past him. He passed one of the enemy. A man wounded, yet vital, and plunged his blade into the foeman's gut.
Two days ago, an imperious order had come from the Swedish Queen to abandon the siege of this most strategic city as well as their designs on The Lower Palatinate to support the Dutch. He had managed to persuade the Hessian commander that they should storm the city first.
Most of his men were Parliamentarian rebels his king would rather never came home. However after two days of battle, and with a Spanish relief army closing in, morale was so low that he had to commit his own Cavaliers and lead the assault personally.
As the fire-pikes screamed their shocking fury he held high his sword. When his hearing returned he roared to his charging men.
“Kill for the living! Kill for the dead!”
Lisbon, Portugal, August 1644
Magnus de la Gardie - A Favourite of Christina I Queen of Sweden, Denmark and Norway, son and heir to Count Jacob de la Gardie, Lord High Constable of the Swedish Privy Council disembarked from a frigate flying the Scottish Flag. The lead escort of a merchant flotilla.
He had come via London, bringing with him a regiment of veterans from the German war as well as 500 Scottish soldiers who had served Sweden before the covenanter's – taken from the London garrison. A cadre to train the Portuguese.
Many Swedish, Danish and Scottish noblemen accompanied him. He had an important mission. When the Portuguese rebelled against their Hapsburg overlords, The English had offered support and Alliance. When The King of England fled his capital for Oxford this became something of a joke. Magnus was here to reaffirm this alliance – but with a demonstration of clear Scandinavian and Scottish dominance. Danish and Scottish Noblemen were present to network and negotiate marriages. And to arrange for Portuguese purchase of weapons from their Dutch enemies through a chain of intermediaries.
Yet all this – important as it was – concealed a bolder and more important objective. Magnus was to amass supplies, recruit sailors and An Army. A Catholic one rebellious to Spain. To enable this he had been empowered to sell The Bahamas – de facto taken from the English royalists by Scottish Arms, their legal possession extracted from The English King by Oxenstierna's diplomacy.
And this mere preparation for his Queen's plan to Eclipse her cousin in boldness.
Bandon City, Southern Ireland, September 1644
Hannibal Sehested of The Danish Privy Council – who had once governed Norway in the name of Christian IV and fought valiantly against the Swedes - now fought for redemption. He had landed at Cork with almost the entire professional Norwegian army which he had ordered to surrender to The Swedes on the Fall of the Norwegian Capital.
His new king had made him many promises, should he be successful. Including his long-coveted post as foreign minister. The parliamentarians at Cork had surrendered without a fight – accepting the English Kings terms of Amnesty and security of Property, in the knowledge London had fallen. Cork now had an entirely Norwegian garrison as he took all the former parliamentarians with him.
Like the man he had been named for, he had done the unexpected – made a decisive dash across mountains; and taken the city of Bandon by surprise. He now held Cork, Bandon and Kinsale - the three important cities in the Area of Operation assigned to him.All that remained was the task his new King had chosen him for. To be a poacher-turned-gamekeeper and deal with Mountain-Partisans. Or as was much more effective, deal with those who supplied them. His ongoing operations were all for one purpose - to ensure that when winter fell, Colonel Hunger and General Sickness would come for The Irish. Then these Papist savages would all dine in Hell.
He would not fail. He would once more be an Important Man, secure in his lands and titles, with the ear of his King.
Essex, England, September 1644
It was said, war was 99% killing time and 1% Killing Time. Brage Dahlman was killing time. Listening to news and rumours of news from his Men and nuzzling his favourite horse. His mission in Essex had been easy, it was simple to find Konigsmarks scouts – all he had to do was follow the Hangings. The Terms had been distributed throughout the Eastern Association. With a Royalist-Scandinavian army closing in from the North and Konigsmarks operations in the south most towns had surrendered to the Kings terms. Cromwell and his bitter-enders had not offered battle and abandoned The Eastern Association to link up with what remained of the Parliamentarian assault on Oxford.
The surrendered Parliamentarians had been shipped to The Elbe – along with the increasing stream of Parliamentarian Deserters camping outside London and seeking the promised amnesty. Brage had become a recruiter. Then The Dutch had closed the sea. Now priorities were changed. All English recruits and most of the Scandinavians in England were being sent to The Ems, to support The Dutch. Bad luck, as cavalry made the best recruiters – but apparently his talents were valued enough that they wanted him where the action was.
So he was saying goodbye to his horses.
Trenczyn, Upper Hungary, October 1644
A man in the uniform of an Imperial soldier wolfed down the soup a kindly woman fed him. Where was he? How had he got here? Could he even remember his name? When had he last slept? Mary Mother of God, where were his comrades? The woman's lips moved, but he struggled to hear her words. All he could hear was the clattering of hooves.
After he had finished his soup and the woman had held him a while, gently praying that The Virgin give him her mercy and he began to calm. Some focus returned. 'Don't worry, you made it to Trenczyn. Strong city, mighty walls. You will be safe here. Listen, we all know the Transylvanian savages don't have artillery. They will never get in here. Never. You are safe and your uniform says you are A Hero. I will look after you.”
She smiled and coaxed a vacant nod out of the man.
Later that day, they both heard thunder and saw the mighty walls shake.
Vienna, November 1644
“After the Saxons capitulated, the Swedes scattered in all directions, no doubt to sow confusion as to their concentrated movements. However, I have my informants.”
First minister Trautsmandorff Reported.
“That gelded, black-hearted heretic.”
The Emperor spoke of The Saxon Elector
“Indeed. The Swedish inshore Fleet now controls the Elbe entire, all the way to Prague which the Danes now invest. By river they receive ample supplies and ever more Big Guns. The English swept south through Bavaria. With the Bavarians engaging the French to the West, there was little resistance. The English now hold the Upper Palatinate and all Bavaria north of the Danube where they dig in establishing winter quarters and defensive positions. Our Spanish Allies have the English-Hessian Army of the Ems bottled up in the City of Cologne, yet the French move to relieve them. I hear of significant enemy reinforcements reaching Silesia. It seems the scattered Swedish cavalry now converge on Bohemia. Oh, and the Translyvanians are at their old games.”
The Emperor was decisive.
“We must save Prague. Either by relieving the city or cutting their supply lines. We still have a rebuilt Field Army and I will permit it reinforced by a third the men garrisoning The Turkish Frontier. Keep your faith, we will be victorious, I know it, for the Blessed Virgin sent me a dream.”
February 1645,Scandinavian Flagship “Spear of Metis”, Tyrhennian Sea, Western Mediterranean
This had all begun, as so many things did these days, when Queen Christina read a book. A book by the Neapolitan historian Camillo Tutini which spoke of the ancient Roman constitution of Naples and how the Spanish Tyrants had tampered with it, to impose arbitrary oppression and ruinous taxation. The people of Naples were rebellious and this was their most erudite spokesman. This reading and the knowledge that The Turk was gathering a fleet.
Three men met on the prow of what had once been the English Flagship Sovereign of the Seas. As far as anyone aboard knew, she was the largest, mightiest warship in all the world. The artistic stern had been reworked weighty and valuable precious metal removed both as loot and to make the ship more seaworthy. It was at once more beautiful and more practical. Swedish, Danish, Scottish and Portuguese flags all flew from the masts.
The ship was just about seaworthy but in no state for Battle when the fleet sailed for Portugal. They had to move before the Autumn Storms. Months of frenetic repair in The Port of Lisbon had followed as the fleet she led was provisioned to excess and Portuguese recruits were drilled both by veterans of The German War and by the strange Danish 'Count of the People' Hank Christopher, his followers from London and French 'men without shoes'.
The Ship entire was painted with Lightning. The Prow and Stern bore shining imagery of Pallas Athena – in her aspect as Avatar of Disproportionate Vengeance – holding high her spear and commanding her fathers lightning. She passed through the Pillars of Hercules at the head of a vast armada – Heavy Scandinavian and Portuguese warships, troop transports and merchant ships carrying Baltic grain. This Leviathan was wreathed by a cloud of fast Dutch privateers – mostly in French service.
They had covered a landing of Portuguese troops in their own Nations service at Ceuta, Morocco – the only traditional Portuguese territory in Spanish hands. Most of the Dutch – who were in French Service - had then headed north to raid the Spanish coast and grant Naval superiority to the French invasion of Catalonia. No doubt they were surprised The Scandinavians had not joined them.
Many, if not most, Dutch privateers were in Scandinavian Service – recruited by Louis de Geer and under the command of Admiral Marten Thijssen. And they had performed faultlessly, sowing confusion and misdirection. They had carried near a thousand 'men without shoes' and hardened bandits, released from French prisons, spared the noose and the wheel. Instead these men were offered redemption through the commission of their old sins. Landed in Sardinia, and Western Sicily, moving under cover of night and burning the homes of Spanish Nobles as they slept.
Thijssen had lured out the Galley Fleet which guarded Naples – with much of the garrison – while the main fleet moved in. The Spanish fought like Lions. The city fell not to its attackers, but to treachery as the citizens of Naples opened a gate. Now they had Rights, Liberties and a Constitution which named them a tributary and protectorate – but not subjects – of the Turkish Sultan. They were free of the ruinous taxes which fuelled the Spanish war machine. Perhaps more importantly they had Bread – half the Grain ships, also holding large stocks of Dutch Arms - had been left in the Port of Naples under the command of Hank Christopher and his merry men. 10'000 men from the army recruited in Portugal along with a cadre of German veteran infantry and half the elite Bavarian cavalry - surrendered and enlisted at Dismarschen - had been released of their oaths to The Scandinavian Commonwealth. Before a great crowd in 'The Plaza of The People' they had publicly sworn allegiance to the new Republic of Naples, its constitution and its protector; The True Heir to the Empire of Byzantium and Rome - Sultan Ibrahim.
When the fleet anchored off Salerno and Neapolitan ambassador's went ashore, the city joined the revolt without a fight. Now they proceeded to their most important target. The Port of Messiana. They would take the port. The Turkish Fleet would meet them there and make it their base of operations. They offered The Turk Naples, Sicily and with their fleets combined complete naval superiority in the Mediterranean. Malta - which had so offended The Sultan - would be an easy target after that. But only so long as The Turk made war on The Emperor. The Scandinavian Combined Fleet had one more vital objective - which The King of Denmark had promised to Admiral Vind - before peace was made with Spain. So the Admiral had no wish to dally.
The Dutch mercenary Admiral Marten Thijssen had come aboard to report on his fleets operations on the west coast of Sicily. More misdirection. More success. His services would make him very rich and see him admitted to The Swedish Nobility. Admiral Jorgen Vind commanded the Scandinavian fleet – though all armed marines on every warship were Swedes - whatever the nationality of the unarmed sailors. Admiral Gyllenhielm had returned to Sweden to oversee a massive programme of naval expansion. Gustav Horn commanded The Army – 20'000 porutguese, 2000 elite Bavarian cavalry with all the surrendered artillery men who had been with Gallas and every Dutch gunner and siege engineer they could hire.
Thijssen spoke.
“I dislike what we are doing.”
“For what reason?” the other two asked in unison.
“For every reason.”
- - -
Authors Notes:
1. Swedish Logistics are completely different from OTL 1644. They have 3 times the men in their field army. Gallas army is pinned and forced to surrender en masse rather than chased south and destroyed piecemeal. Peace with Denmark and Saxony gives the Swedes control of the Elbe all the way to the Vlatslava. So they can move bulk supplies (and heavy guns).
2. I feel that events in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and The British Isles require some more discussion - however they will be super complicated and I feel much more motivated to jump straight into the Ottoman Intervention and Charles-Christina character development.These events will probably be covered as reminisce in later posts.
3. I may change some details on what happened in the confrontation with The Dutch. I welcome pointers on this.
4. I will get round to making a map showing the distribution of North American territory and edit it into this post.
“The best fortress which a prince can possess is the affection of his people.”
- Niccolo Machiavelli
April 1644, Chesapeake Bay
*This section covers the first force, sent hurridly with little attention to diplomacy, by Charles-Gustav almost immediately after his Coronation.
Didrik Rasmus and The Danish Force sent to New Sweden had found themselves unwelcome. After acrimonious negotiations The Governor of New Sweden had accepted an equal number of Danes to Swedes in all his fortresses. This left many Danish Warriors with idle thumbs and the Devil found them work.
The English made war on the natives, with whom New Sweden had strict orders to maintain good relations. Virginia fought the Powhatan, while the Maryland Papists had declared war on the Susqhannok. Any Susqhannok was to be killed on sight - be they Man, Woman or Child. New Sweden had joined the Susqhannock. This was a war of skirmish and limited objectives. The Danes, unwelcome in New Sweden decided to give the Papes a taste of decisive battle.
So it was that the Danish Ship-of-the-Line Lindormen – carrying an entire company of 156 men - entered Chesapeake bay, flanked by the canoes of as many Lenape auxiliaries as the trade goods they had brought with them could purchase.
They had taken Lenape canoes ashore, under cover of night. The Lenape encircled the 'captial city' – if you could call something between a town and a village that – to ensure no one ran. They also went first, killing quietly. As soon as the operation went noisy, The Lenape fell back, The Danes charged. The Lindormen, which had been hidden just up the coast, moved in for shore bombardment.
- - -
The Lenape, had performed faultlessly. No one ran. At least, no one ran and lived. Didrik, along with almost the whole population of the 'city', watched 5 men burn alive. Catholic priests. As a warrior, Didrik knew that buning alive was one of the more painless ways to die. Smoke inhalation rendered them unconscious long before the flames hurt them. The screams were of fear, not pain. They then took communion in the Lutheran manner.
A corporalship – reinforced from the others to its full strength of 56 men - along with half the Lenape remained at St. Marys City. Renamed Karl-Gustavburg they were to turn it into a fortress. The Lindormen relinquished some of her Artillery.
- - -
Didrik proceeded to the next target. St. Kitts Island. A trading post, contested between Maryland and Virginia. Currently under the control of the Virginian pirate William Claiborne who sought to rally the Maryland Puritans against their Papist rulers. He eagerly agreed to a parley, was duly captured and sent under guard to New Sweden in a Lenape canoe. The Island was stormed, plundered and left entirely in the hands of the Lenape who were given a pair of light cannon and fewer than 10 Danish advisors.
- - -
Most of The Danes encamped at the mouth of the Susquehanna river which they proceeded to fortify. Blood of the Saviour, this was a river which dwarfed the Weser, dwarfed the Elbe and made the Thames look puny. The Lindormen sailed upriver – though canoes ranged ahead to ensure this show of force was wise. Didrik was among those set to guard all the Influential Families from St. Mary's City Karl-Gustavburg. These people, along with the trade goods pillaged from St. Kitts Island and the 'City' they had taken, were to be made gifts to the Susquehannock. On the condition that they strike south in force. Supported by the Lindormen, Susquehannock canoes would have complete operational freedom in Chesapeake bay. The Maryland colonists were few and scattered – mostly along the many rivers of Chesapeake bay. It would be a simple matter for massed Susqhehannock warriors – to whom the Swedes had been trading muskets for a generation – to pick them off and defeat them in detail.
They would receive the same Magdeburg-Mercy they had shown the Susqhehannock.
June 1644, Fort Kristina, New Sweden
^ Historical Map. Shows New Sweden and The New Netherlands as the conflict begins.
*This section covers the second force sent, a fraction of the combined Scandivanian-Scottish force sent from Newcastle to enforce the treaty of 'mutual assistance against rebels' signed between King Charles of the Three Kingdoms and Sweden-Denmark-Norway; sent to reinforce New Sweden.
Governor-General Johan Printz, who ruled the colony of New Sweden in the name of his Queen and the Lenape called 'big belly' was agitated to the point he had lost his appetite. More reinforcements had come. Mixed nationalities and they were led by a Swedish Noble who he couldn't ignore.
It would appear the Danes who came earlier had not been liars trying to muscle their way in. New Sweden was vulnerable to foreign attack. He bitterly regretted sending more than half of the Danes away. As much for the havoc they had caused as for the assets he had thrown away. He was trying to console himself with the thought that grateful Susquehannock would surely assist him. That and with wine.
21 days later the Dutch Invasion arrived
August 1644, Salem Massachusetts
Samuel Wilder had sworn allegiance to the Solemn League and Covenant. Before him were hundreds and hundreds of women gathered from across massacheusets who hadn't. One being dragged to join them recognised him and looked him in the eye. He didn't know her name, but she had refused his sexual advances, so he had accused her of witchcraft. By all accounts, the trial - if there had even been one - would have been short.
“Vengeance is mine sayeth the lord and his vengeance will come for you.”
She cursed him.
“A prince and a lord must remember that he is Gods Minister and the Servant of his Wrath!”
Roared the German Officer directing proceedings – quoting Martin Luther – before gesturing that his men cut out her tongue. This officers father was a Lord, yet he pursued a mercenary career. Samuel had heard that he had killed 3 men for mentioning that his mother was but a classy whore and his birth illegitimate.
Salem was where the Scots, Swedes and Germans had landed their Army, before assaulting Boston by Land and Sea. Salem was the centre of their power. There had been little resistance as so many Massachusetts men were in England fighting, the now doomed seeming fight, for Parliament.
The Scots had conscripted Massachusetts men who had sworn allegiance to their Covenant – as they compelled all to do. This began when word came of The Dutch attack on New Sweden, when those in Swedish Service who had fought with The Scots promptly abandoned their allies to attack The New Netherlands. Samuel assumed he had been conscripted to garrison Massachusetts. But No.
As every recruit was required to place a flaming torch to the pyres beneath these women, Military-Chaplains preached of a Holy War against the Papists of Maryland and the Crypto-Papists of Virginia. “Religious Freedom is Atheism” they cried. Through such Sin had the people of Massachusetts let the Devil in and brought upon themselves a Plague of Witches. Only through Holy War could this pestilence be exorcised.
Samuel's brother, too young – or perhaps too intelligent – for the recruiters liking, had said The Scots saw him as a potential rebel and didn't trust him to kill his neighbours. Wanted him out of the way like their cousin fighting in England. Whatever the reason, he put his torch to a pyre as every recruit was compelled to do and watched the women burn. Tomorrow they were taking ship from the same spot where The Mayflower landed.
November 1644, Copenhagen Castle
Johan Printz, a senior representative of the Army which had taken The New Netherlands along with Lenape and Susquehannok delegations which contained Swedish-Speakers had an audience with their Queen. And their Queen was Angry.
“What? Happened?”
“Simply put: we lost control of the Scottish. After our forces in Massachusetts left them to attack the New Netherlands, they acted on their own initiative. The planned assault on The Bahamas was forgotten. I was able to redirect their 'crusade' there with much difficulty and only with the promise of Loot. Bahamas much richer than Virginia. Still, was never going to happen till after they had sacked Jamestown. Few days after that the Susquehannok moved in, burned the place to the ground, carried off everyone they didn't kill.”
“Well” the Queen replied, “we had better hope the Scots and their recruits got to the Bahamas before the Portuguese. For the first time I am thankful negotiations in Portugal took months.”
“I managed to keep the stores of Arms and War Material we captured in Dutch Merchant storehouses out of Scottish hands. Pretended to send it with them, then my men took it up the Potomac river as a gift for the Powhattan Natives Virginia is fighting. Most of it anyway, kept some back for the Bahamas. Weaken Virginia without damaging relations.” Said the Army representative. “And we got a bloody good treaty in the End. All the territory north of The Potomac and navigation rights to that river.”
So long as I swiftly divert to The New World significant manpower and resources needed in The German War, thought The Queen. She consoled herself with the difficulties getting this Treaty rattified in England must have caused Axel Oxenstiernna.
“Tell me everything. Leave nothing out.”
- - -
Christina listened for a long time. Then she dismissed the Swedes and listened to the Susquehannok and Lenape for even longer. She was captivated.
- - -
Next she summoned her economic advisors. Five men appointed to the Privy Council to make Gabriel Oxenstierna a minority within a committee. She took advice on the nature and substance of European trade with the New World and the policies of other colonial powers. Sweden could never match The Maritime Powers in volume of trade for she lacked the Merchant Fleet. She also had fewer colonists in the New World than any other power.
To hold her gains she needed the loyalty of her native allies, so she resolved as far as possible to provide her allies with the means to produce themselves what the New World imported from Europe. Distilled Alcohol would be the easiest.
- - -
Exhausted, she summoned the Lenape and Susquehannock delegations, one of her Lifeguard Captains and The Scholar-Bishop Gothus. She instructed the Captain to treat these men and women with the utmost honour and take them on a tour of Copenhagen where they were to see every trade that was practised.
It was their custom to hold prisoners of war for seven years before releasing or adopting them as equals. So they were to be gifted master-practitioners of any trade they showed an interest in. Culled from Scandinavian prisons if possible. From the streets of London if necessary.
Finally she turned to Gothus and instructed him to find Swedish scholars of Finnish language and tradition. Quietly she resolved these men would be sent with printing presses and would teach her new allies to read Swedish. What books? She would have many Swedish-Language copies of Aristotle, Homer, and the works of Snorri Sturluson printed. No Bibles would be sent.
More importantly they were to record the Oral Traditions of her allies – for her reading – and to develop a written script for their language and their use.
Tiredly, she dismissed the men and headed eagerly to her bed and the warm body of Ebba Spaare.
November 1644,Copenhagen Castle, 3 days later
Christina announced her plans to her Privy Council, which now numbered over 40.
All the acquired territory was to be regarded in Law as Swedish Crown Land. Any military supplies Johan Prinz or the Army representative thought necessary were to be sent post haste. For a month New Sweden would receive all soldiers who would otherwise have been sent to Germany and to have priority over Germany in the provision of Arms, Armour and war material.
The Crown was to pay for the passage of all future colonists. Any landless Swede, Dane or Norwegian who wished to emigrate would be given twice the land of an average member of the Peasants Estate. Four times such land, should he marry. Married Veterans of five years service in The German War were to be offered 8 times the land, a hefty bounty and indentured servants transported from Ireland or from the families of Dutch or English colonists who had resisted and found themselves without a Man of The House. French policies were to be adopted and expanded upon – a large bounty would be paid to colonists on the baptism of every child, lower for Danes and Norwegians than for Swedes, but still large.
Any family could send a son and daughter to New Sweden in lieu of conscription. The Women's estate was granted vast lands and was instructed to provide impoverished Swedish Women with a place of dignity in The New World. Charles had already made it law that Danish rebels and criminals convicted of non capital crimes be transported.
By treaty Dutch shipping had been secured. Christina instructed her councillors to negotiate and purchase more – from Portugal and The Hanseatic League.
Cultural missions, under the direction of The Women's Estate were to be sent to every Native Power. With lavish gifts of trade goods and indentured tradesmen, they were to purchase Land in the heart of Native territory. Establish distilleries, grow the crops necessary to feed them and teach the entire process. Experienced men would be sent to ensure the 'fire water' would be of the highest quality. From such bases would they pursue their mission of establishing friendship, alliance, cultural exchange. The first such would be established at the furthest extent of The Hudson River which The New Netherlands had reached. Every Susquehannok and Lenape Chieftain who fought Valliantly against Maryland or in Defence of New Sweden agaisnt the Dutch Invasion to be gifted a pair of light cannon and an advisor on their use as a sign of respect and something with which to demonstrate prestige.
“My Queen, the Expense...” One of the council. She neither noticed nor cared who.
“Is Irrelevant. Oxenstierna saw New Sweden as a mercentile venture to fund a losing war. I am building An Empire. We can secure new loans, and I instruct you to do so, as long as we maintain... what is it the Spanish call it... Reputación.”
“These efforts to secure Native allies” Johan Printz spoke softly “I have observed them grow ever more wasted and fear for their future utility. It seems Gods Will that they perish and Christians replace them. The Smallpox...”
Christina cut him off with a dismissive wave of her hand.
“I have spoken. You are all dismissed. My will be done.”
- - -
Printz words had given her an idea. She had given a long and eager audience to a physician returned from the cultural mission her cousin had sent to Constantinople. The man had spoken of how some in Circassia believed they made their children immune to The Smallpox by deliberately infecting them in a controlled manner.
Learned Swedes – even Gothus – had laughed at this heathen folly. There was no way she could get this tested in Sweden. However desperate men will try anything. And if her Lenape and Susqhehannok allies were as desperate as was claimed, they could be persuaded. She resolved to have the Physician write down everything he knew of this custom, have the writings distributed to every cultural mission to the New World, and put the man on the first ship.
If this was proven to work in the New World, she could introduce it in Sweden.
Map depicting the Treaty of Petersburg
Treaty ratified by Sweden-Denmark-Norway, The Dutch Republic, The Scottish Covenanters, The King of Scotland-England-Ireland, and The Kingdom of France.
Very little 'Swedish' territory has Scandinavians in it. Scandinavian presence limited to the Delaware and Hudson rivers, the mouth of the Susquehanna, the North-Bank mouth of the Potomac and a few other river mouths. The rest is in First Peoples possession. In this treaty with Europeans these peoples are named 'Swedish Protectorates' so any aggression against them is an Act of War against Sweden. In their treaties and negotiations with the First Peoples themselves the Swedes are far more respectful and diplomatic. They will be purchasing land for cultural missions, land at the mouths of all major rivers, negotiating treaties of defensive alliance and asking for little else.
By the terms of the treaty every adult male in Virginia is required by law to swear allegiance to The Solemn League and Covenant and The Royalist Cause. Failure to do so carries the death penalty. Scottish commission to ensure this is genuinely implemented. Further Scottish intervention to occur should the commission not be satisfied.
A devastated Virginia remains at war with well armed Powhattan.
