Special Message to the Count de Veloute

     Your Highness,

                 I hesitate to impose upon your time of grief at the loss of your father, a brave and bold man was he, but crucial bit of information has come to my attention in speaking with soldiers that survived the last battle. The Buorgiugnonner troops were in such a hurry to head on their way after the last fight that they neglected to carry away the cannons that your father had sent to aid in the battle. Reports are that they had only burned the carriages and left the barrels lying on the field.
                A small force of skilled and motivated men could easily enough recover the precious gun barrels and bring them back to the city, providing double service to your Highness; preserving the cannon bought by your father and depriving the enemy of the chance to capture and use them against us later. I would hasten to point out that the Bourgiugnonners are doubtless aware of the valuable items that they left behind as well and are without a doubt planning to recover them as soon as is feasible.
               Speed is of the essence. I would be happy to place myself, and my company of bold soldiers, at your service in the execution  of this vital mission.

                         Your Faithful and Honest Servant,

                                                           Jacques sans-Pantaloons, Captain