April 22nd, 1809
I've finally been given a moment to talk with the King of Prussia. He wasn't too keen on war with France just yet. He politely reminded me of Prussia's failure to fend off Napoleon only three years earlier. That's also ignoring the fact that Prussia is waging war against Russia as we spoke.
I'm not surprised by his answer. After the siege and defense of Grodno happening well within a week, I doubt Russia will just roll over and accept peace. I simply wish for Prussia to fight the French while some of their army is stuck in Spain and while Austria and Britain batter away at them when they can. Still, the French are strong but they'll break. Their allies aren't fairing too well, or at least the Poles aren't. Austria managed to take Warsaw. Warsaw, of course, used to be a part of Prussia. So I'm rather concerned, hoping Prussia doesn't side with France against Austria. Even if they don't side with France, they'll still be fighting a potential ally against France.
Recent events have been interesting, for lack of a better word. I'm leaving for Grodno again tomorrow. Hopefully this war will end soon.
April 24th, 1809
Russian activity in the area hasn't slowed down. There is a bit of skirmishing between Prussians and Russians, with skirmish being the keyword. The armies are small, hardly armies at this point. More like regiments against regiments. Considering my new rank, I've taken it upon myself to take a few men and help patrol the frontier. About 20 total, with two cannons to help keep the enemies' numbers down while hopefully preventing ours from dropping as well. I can't help but remind myself of Spain, how harsh times call for little wars. Ambushes, sabotage, underhanded tactics. Except, I'd be the French invader in this circumstance. Not sure how I feel about this.
April 25th, 1809
I'm honestly surprised this strategy is working. In a way, at least. Apparently, Grodno is more a Lithuanian city than a Russian city, along with the nearby towns and villages. I feel a bit ashamed for forgetting about Lithuanians, but it's easy to point at a map and say "That's Russia! Invade it!" I couldn't be more reminded of this than with an earlier skirmish between my 20 men, a Russian detachment of 80 men, and a bit of the populace from Szaly that the Russians figured they'd raid because why not?
My cannons got stuck in the mud so weren't able to be of much help during this encounter, but my few men that did make it fought very well. However, the sheer numbers of the civilians still helped win the day. Had it not been for their numbers and our experience and firepower, I do not think we would have been victorious. The Russian general was captured but I ordered him to be let free in the hopes that he would appeal to the Tsar to end the war.
Looking back, he was rude and arrogant so I do not think he will. But I can hope.
Regardless, after the battle the populous of Szaly was quite content with our actions. An older gentleman even gifted me some sort of archaic battle axe. I'm not sure how old it is or where it came from. I insisted he keep the axe for himself, but he insisted harder and further and I eventually took the damn thing with a fake smile to shut him up. I rather like the axe, to be honest. A keepsake for the frontier I defend, eh?
April 30th, 1809
I've been patrolling the frontier for quite some time. Usually I fight bandits or highwaymen, perhaps even some Lithuanian upstarts looking for their nation back. The fights are quick and easy as it has become hard to ambush in broad daylight and we often enough see them before they see us. Every now and then, we'll see Russians. Usually caravans, sometimes regiments. I don't like attacking caravans, even if it'd encourage a quick end to the war. The regiments, I don't like to attack unless I know we have an advantage or they are attacking settlements or villagers. And even then, I sometimes hesitate.
I did get in a larger battle earlier today at Glebokie. More Russians than we fought at Szely, but the results were similar. I did suffer some more direct casualties, losing several of my men. However, the Russians were still repulsed and that's all I could ask for.
Not soon after the battle, a courier arrived looking for me. It requested I join our Field Marshal in the Siege of Ostrog, a city further south of Grodno. The letter also notified me that I was given an offer. I was asked to join the Foot Guard of Prussia.
I became a Guard along with the rank of Lieutenant of the Great Prussian Army, defender of the King himself and a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. Very prestigious, but hardly the plan I had set for myself. This entire time, I thought I was lucky but Prussia thinks I'm actually an able fighter. Time will tell who is right. I left immediately as the sun began to fall in the west before setting up camp near Lida. As I write this, I try to remind myself that I don't want to fight the Russians. I'm also reminded that with rank comes more persuasion. That and the Russians like to raid former towns and villages of Russia.
May 2nd, 1809
I met up with Ernst von Rüchel's main force not far from Ostrog. In fact, we could see the city. Even the defenders setting up stakes and barricades to defend their "Motherland." I'm feeling confident. I'm wearing a new jacket with silver bars on my collar and cuffs. I couldn't help but feel superior when I put it on.
Still, this is setting up an important duty for me. Tomorrow, we charge the city and I'm supposed to have my place on the field. My heart skipped a beat when I was told this. Apparently I'm a coward, but nobody told us (us being me and the ENTIRETY of Prussia). I've made it this far. Maybe I can make it a bit further.
May 3rd, 1809
Before the siege started, a regiment tried to join the defenders in the city. I took my remaining men with me to try to cut them off. Strangely enough it worked and they decided to return to wherever they came.
The day started well, but things can change quick when the battle actually begins.
The Siege began in light rain. The sun was out, but it was still raining. There have not been too many days without the rain in Eastern Europe, but at least there was sun today. We all charged, myself behind General von Blücher. It was a long run, and when we reached the battlements I was partially out of breath. Maybe the run wasn't that far. Maybe I just didn't want to be there, I don't know.
Whatever the case, I decided that I didn't want to stab anyone with a bayonet. I hung back and shot into the Russians. It seemed to work, too, as almost every shot ended with a fallen Russian. I just kept firing my musket. Before I knew it, it was only Prussians standing. Our casualties were even less than Grodno. I think I'll stay here for a while until the garrison is sorted out.
May 5th, 1809
Well, the generals seem more keen to prepare Ostrog for a defense than they did at Grodno with nearly double the men they stationed there. This is great for me because it means I can head back north and help keep Lithuania in line. I'd hate to imagine the Russians raiding the towns and villages without me and my men there.
Besides, I'll be a lot better suited for the frontier now. I stumbled upon a horse from Spain here in Ostrog. It's a beautiful thing. Looks fast, probably is fast. It'll certainly help my feet from hurting. I wonder if my men would mind if I rode it.
They might. Especially after hearing that I've been promoted again. I'm now a Captain in the Prussian Army. I'm pretty sure Ernst von Rüchel has picked me to be his favorite. Maybe von Blücher thought I heroically followed him far enough before I started shooting.
May 7th, 1809
I'm thankful for my new horse. As was one of the Prussian Generals whose name I can't remember. Probably von Something. I found him at the losing end of a battle on my way north. The odds were heavily in the Russian's favor, even if I joined. But, I took a quick poll with my men asking if they wanted to help.
They all said no and I told them "Too bad, lets move."
Surprisingly, we didn't lose any of our men. Our Prussian comrades, however, weren't so lucky but they were able to stand their ground. The Russian foe was cut down, mostly. A lot ended up fleeing the field. I, however, was the only casualty for our warparty. I was shot by a stray musket ball in the back as I rode through the Russians. The thought occurred to me that it may have been a friendly musket ball, but the surgeon insists it wasn't. If it wasn't for my pack that it had to go through, I'd probably be done for.
The surgeon suggested I take it easy for a few days. Maybe I will.
May 10th, 1809
I've realized I'm lazy. I realize this because I intentionally don't write in my journal on slow days. But really, should I? The Russians haven't been in these parts for a while, I'm told. Usually, I'm too caught up in the hectic chaos that is the frontier. But now? I have too much time. I'll have to promise myself to write something when something interesting happens.
May 15th, 1809
One of my men got drunk and shot a squirrel. Not sure why but I couldn't stop laughing for an entire hour.
May 23rd, 1809
Apart from the occasional bandit, you won't see much on the frontier. Any Russians we find, we harass, we go about our day. We have suffered no casualties which is grand, but also nothing is happening in the world. I often go to Grodno just to make sure nothing is happening like Prussia invading France finally. Getting tired of Lithuania's countryside. Everything was so action packed once. I've been occasionally reading the stray book here and there to help pass the time. It's easy to forget that the entire reason I am here is to help Spain.
Maybe Russia is preparing for a huge offensive.
May 26th, 1809
I meant PRUSSIA is preparing for a huge offensive. Prussia always invades, after all. Just not France. I received word that I am needed to push into Belarus from Lithuania to help our NEW Field Marshal, Bogislav Tauentzien von Wittenberg (most renowned for easiest pronounceable name in the Prussian army) take Minsk.
I'm tired of offensives and defending these damn trees. I just want Prussia to make peace so I can take my Spanish ass back to Berlin. I'll ask about France later.
However, I have noticed something. I've noticed I often get promoted for just showing up to these sieges. So, with another promotion, I'll become Major. Here's to hoping.
May 28th, 1809
Well, we're here. The siegework is almost finished. Not sure who I prefer, Ernst or Bogislav. Both are equally ambitious, wanting to keep invading an enemy who should be an ally. But, that is not my place to talk. It's also not my place to talk about Ernst being openly supportive of the King of Prussia and secretly less so. Honestly, I feel I respect Ernst for that. He's not openly spewing slander about his Majesty, but he isn't blindly following him either.
Maybe I can convince Ernst to help push for peace.
May 29th, 1809
Minsk had far more men than at Ostrog. At first, we were losing men by the handful. But once we reached their fortifications, they fell just as easy as Ostrog.
Not sure why, but I think I can feel the exhaustion of the Russian people. I'm growing sympathetic. A stark irony considering what they were doing in Lithuania and what I thought then. If peace doesn't happen soon, I may desert the army. Go back to Spain. Been saving my pay just in case I needed to. Ah, well.
June 6th, 1809
The Battle of Lida will be a battle that will forever define me. Two-hundred men against myself, fifteen of my own, and a battery of twelve pounders. On the outskirts of Lida, we were met with all these men in open ground. The General Nikolay something Russian and thus unpronounceable encouraged me to surrender. I don't surrender. If I did, I'd still be in Spain. So I said something along the lines of his mother being a sultry wench who was able to take drinks like an entire row of sailors who purchased her those drinks and he seemed to be rather offended. I'm never sure why.
I rode back to my men and told them that if they have any regrets, they should make peace with themselves and the good lord above. It isn't my place to let them know that as protestants, they are soul-bound for hell anyways, but I'd prefer them to fight and die rather than run and die.
When the first cannon was fired, I charged. Prior to the battle, I told the men who were on foot to take two shots and charge and the few on horses to stick with me. We charged, headstrong expecting to be crushed quickly, but we weren't. Otherwise, I wouldn't be writing this.
Rather, they began to route. They ran en mass, their quantity fearing us few. It was strange. Maybe it had something to do with the exhaustion of the Russian soldier. Whatever the case, I took it and ordered a full charge and chased down as many as I could, hoping they won't decide to turn back and fight. The general was captured, trampled underneath the boots of his own men, and I ordered his release as well as the release of another general who fought with him.
I watched as their army kept running through the forest, but I decided not to follow. We lost six of our men in that fight, the fact that we survived is an act of God.
There was an old saying, from back when Spain was undefeated. "God is Spanish." Maybe he still is.
June 11th, 1809
After that victory, I was promoted to Major. Not at the siege like I predicted, but I stopped caring well after. It was so impressive, King Friedrich Wilhelm III held a ball in my honor. All the Prussian noblewomen wanted to talk to me and kept referring to me as "The Spaniard." It was odd as I suggested they just call me "Esteban." Ernst, the gentleman that he is, overheard and told me they didn't call me that because I was Spanish but because the Russians call me that because I was Spanish. They have been since my defense in the Lithuanian frontier, apparently.
I was surprised, and a bit honored. I didn't think I was a fearsome person, I just didn't want the Russians to raid the settlements near Grodno. My Prussian colleagues ended up joking how if every Spaniard was as tenacious as I was, that Napoleon's armies would soon be out of Spain.
Here's to hoping. I ended up leaving early to sleep at a local tavern.
June 12th, 1809
I was rather embarrassed this morning. At the ball, everyone was dressed as well as possible. I was wearing my dirty blue uniform that had been stained with the grime of the Lithuanian forests. No one seemed to mind, the Prussian Noblewomen in particular seemed to enjoy the 'ruggedness'. However, I abide by my own standards. It's been a couple months since I wore something that isn't a uniform. So, I decided to spend some of my commission getting more formal attire should another ball arise. Berlin didn't have exactly what I needed, so I decided to check all the tailors on my way from and too Lithuania. Stettin will be my next stop.
June 13th, 1809
Bad idea. I was ambushed in Stettin in front of the tailor's. One of these scoundrels asked me at gunpoint if I was Esteban Inzunza, of which I politely informed him that he should ask his mother as I was in front of the entire row of sailors whom she had her ways with.
He seemed to take offense to my suggestion and it ended in a drawn out gunfight in the middle of the street, guardsmen surprisingly absent. Fortunately for me, their shots were all over and it ended an hour later, all the while they cursed at me and insulted my name. I ended up finding a large sum of francs on one of the bodies, so I feel I have to wonder who sent them.
Whatever the case, I decided to stop looking for new apparel in case I bump into more brigands.
June 24th, 1809
I saw the Tsar himself recently. He had a rather large army with him, and I decided not to harass him in case he took offense and decided to feed me to a bear or something of that manner. I did end up following him, to make sure he wasn't intending to push back into Prussia and her new found territories. However, this is not the case. He turned his force east and headed to Kiev right as he past Ostrog. Wasted my time to be sure.
June 27th, 1809
I hate the English. I don't mind the Scots or the Irish, but I hate the English.
May be random, to see all this about Eastern Europe only to find me complaining about the English. But it's true. Reason being, they made peace with their long time rivals, the French. Possibly has something to do with Napoleon capturing Sir Arthur Wellesley, their best general. Regardless, this leaves Spain and Portugal to fend for themselves. England has always been a poor ally. Look at the Dutch and how many ways they've been forsaken. The Portuguese as well. Spain could invade Portugal, and England won't respond. However, a man named Jenkins claims to have his ear cut off and it's off to war!
My goal to get Prussia to fight France is a fleeting dream. The war with Russia seems like it will only end with the destruction of the Russian nation. I've seen a map before, I know that's a lot of nation to destroy.
June 30th, 1809
God is Spanish. He must be. England, the devils of bad weather, may have abandoned Spain but Prussia and Russia have finally made peace. I'm so glad to hear this. Austria has almost annexed the entirety of Poland and is still waging war with France and her puppets. Maybe Prussia will join soon. I know it will be a lot easier to convince the king now that the war has ended, and I know for a fact that the Prussian generals LOVE invading their neighbors. Not far now.
If France falls too quickly, maybe I'll push for the invasion of England. Play it by year.
