Prior to the battle over New London I attached my flagship to the Essex battlegroup and assisted in the coordination of its efforts while Admiral Dagon lead from the front. As you may be aware, she collided with the bridge of the Castres, and is quite clearly deceased. I took command of the Essex following her untimely demise, and finished off the Castres battlegroup and routed the Athos to Dublin.
As for current status of myself and the battlegroup, I am well, though my spirits are low following news from Leeds. The Essex saw considerable fighting in New London, and its forces are nowhere near full capacity due to losses sustained, though if needs be it will fight. With your permission, I would like to take permanent command of the Essex for the forseeable future, with the Stirling battlegroup passing to a junior commander when one becomes available.
It is my recommendation that the Essex take up position in Dublin and chase the Gauls permanently from that system, as well as clean up some loose ends. Should our Liberty allies provide us with reinforcement with either the Concord or Alma, or indeed, should we feel desperate enough, I would be willing to take the Essex to Leeds via Dublin to expediate the removal of the noose around her neck.
Commodore John Redmond
Dreadnought Venerable, Essex Battlegroup
Bretonian Armed Forces
You have your command. I cannot promise you any Liberty reinforcements right now, they've taken a beating, although I will ask all the same.
Admiral Paul McKinley
You are to continue your defence of Newcastle to the best of your ability, I shall attempt to resupply your men at the earliest possibility.