Having been apprised of an imminent state visit to Pfalz-Kognat-Obersayn by a Prince of the Church, Msgr. Baldesar de Chiarocurso, S.J., minister plenipotentiary to the Imperial court is obliged to take his leave for some weeks to return to Hunsruck to supervise preparations for the visit. 
F.M. Reich Duke Wilhelm gratefully accepts the toast of his Generals. Maj Gen Reich Graf Adolph von Coors Baron von Blatzberg from the Principality of Saxe-Bearstein, Maj Gen Reich Graf Lothar Blutundedonner Baron von Alesgarden from the Elector of Hunnunter, Generaloffizer Reich Graf Picklemany of Frankszonia, and Gen Reich Graf Mackay of the Duchy of Tradgardland were the guests of honor at this farewell dinner. All of Beerstein rejoices in the triumph of these heroes and wishes them well on their journeys home. Wihlhelm asked each General to express his deepest appreciation and affection to their sovereign for sending such distinguished officers to aid the Reich Duchy of Beerstein in our hour of need!
A Grand Victory Ball was held at Schonbrunn Palace to honor the newest heroes of the Austrian Empire. It was an opportunity for the Empress to introduce them to Viennese high society and to formally recognize them before the court. The honorees were Field Marshal Reich Duke Wilhelm von Beerstein, Prinz Wilhelm II von Beerstein Baron von Brewswick, Maj Gen Reich Graf Adolph von Coors Baron von Blatzberg, Maj Gen Reich Graf Lother Blunderdonner Baron von Alesgarden, General Reich Graf Pickelmany, Generaloffizer Reich Graf Mackay, General Reich Graf Joffery Lista Baron von Lista, and Colonel Honking Thirst.
Empress Maria Theresa summoned Reich Duke Wilhelm, his son Wilhelm II, and the heroes of the Battles of Alesgarden and Blatzberg to Vienna. During their presentation, Empress Maria Theresa promoted Reich Duke Wilhelm to Field Marshal, invested him into her newly constituted Order of Maria Theresa, and proclaimed him "Lion of the Empire." Duchess Lynda was heard to say, "Thrice a knight at his age is something to behold."
Maj Gen von Coors deployed his Corps of Observation in a strongly prepared position, in front of the village of Blatzberg, to await the on coming Prussians. Although greatly out numbered, he was willing to fight to the death until Reich Duke Wilhelm's reserves could come to the rescue. The Corps of Observation avoided battle for nearly a week while Maj Gen von Coors sought the perfect battlefield. Anchoring his right flank on the River Blatz and his left flank by dense forest, he positioned his infantry and artillery on the high ground. His cavalry and grenzers blocked the main road that could force him to retreat yet again. As the Prussians deployed, they were hampered by the narrow valley and strong position of the Beerstein troops. After several hours of deploying, they had no choice but to conduct a frontal attack. The first brigade was repulsed with heavy casualties forcing the second line to regroup before they could attack. In the meantime, Maj Gen von Coors' cavalry counterattacked capturing a battery and destroying a Grenadier unit. As the second line advanced, Reich Duke Wilhelm arrived on the field behind the Prussians. Panic ran through the Prussian army as their second attack also failed. Maj Gen von Coors watch as his cavalry captured a howitzer battery and engaged the Prussian Cuirassiers. As the Prussians tried to retreat back toward their supply line, Reich Duke Wilhelm's re-enforcements closed in. The Prussian Commander, realizing he had no were to go asked for terms. With minimal casualties, Wilhelm captured 12 Flags, 4 Standards, and three batteries. Maj Gen Kieth and his dispirited troops were paroled on written promise that none of the officers or troop would participate in any further hostilities against The Reich Duchy of Beerstein. For his courage, valor, and tenacity, Reich Duke Wilhelm invested Maj Gen von Coors into the Military Order of the Golden Crown, proclaimed him Baron von Blatzberg, and presented him with a local estate. Major Honking Thirst was recognized with a battlefield promoted to Colonel. General MacKay's artillery severely punished the advancing Prussian lines and was recognized for his exceptional skill. The unparalleled efforts of these heros presented the Reich Duchy of Beerstein it's greatest victory. Reich Duke Wilhelm proclaimed five days of thanksgiving and rejoicing! Photos of the battle are posted on my site.
The Austrian Military Border- Sunday morning , mist sweeps across the heath outwith the military settlement...
Two battle hardened veterans converse as they mount guard on a typical Sunday morning. They talk of the price of pigs, target practice, the merits of Orthodoxy and rumours of a new officer being sent all the way from Vienna who is due to arrive tomorrow. A crack causes them to turn round only to see wood pigeons taking off and alighting once more...
Major General Adlolph von Coors and Major Honking Thirst have been monitoring Prussians maneuvers near Hopsberg. General von Coors believes the Prussians are making final preparations to reinvade Beerstein. He has sent an urgent appeal for Reich Duke Wilhelm to bring all possible reserves immediately. His plan is to pin the Prussians and allow the Reich Duke to enjoin the battle in the Prussian's flank. Speed and stealth could mean victory!
