excerpts from a letter to the Duke of Tradgardland

It is with regret I write to say that my illustrious collegue and myself are being held as prisoners in the Castle of Duke Peter having been independently captured by Hussars and jaeger belonging to the Duke. The Duke's secretary kindly writes this on our behalf to ask you to send gold to seek our release.
Fear not ,we are being kept in good if basic accommodation. The days are long - time to recall our failure upon your behalf. Time too to recall the good men lost under our command- for this we are eternally sorry.
your obedient Servant
Von Trimbach