War Letters

War letters were missives written by Assassins and Templars that were sent around the globe during the mid-18th century. However, some of these messages were lost when their couriers died en route, leaving them to be collected by Shay Cormac.

War letters

A door of no returnA thief in the nightAll over the worldArranged marriageArt history

1751

Grand Master,

We must cease slavery operations from Goree Island at once. We are too close to two major centres for the trade, Saint-Louis in Senegal and Gambia, to the south.

I realize the operation in Chichen Itza will be slow without manpower, but we risk discovery by our enemies if we continue. Already, exaggerated reports of Goree’s slave trade begin to circulate. Surely you can find slaves closer to the site? The French or Spanish colonies in the West Indies are surely more feasible.

John Harrison

Goree Island

1751
Dear Achilles, Do you remember your Auntie Rhona? You were but a wee bairn when I last saw you. We would not even let you carry a real blade, but from all accounts you are making us proud up there in the North. The reason I am writing to you after all this time is that I have gone and made a bit of a mess. You would think, being a Master Assassin in charge of Havana that I have neither the time nor the energy to carry on these dalliances with the stunning array of beautiful menfolk that wander through Havana. And yet, I feel that must take every opportunity to enjoy myself, because Lord knows I am not getting any younger. At the very least, you might think I would know better than to get caught in bed with a Templar. Again. I’m not making you uncomfortable with all this randy blather, am I? You were always such a serious child. Anyway, the scoundrel’s name is Rafael Joaquin de Ferrer. He has fled Havana with some of the items bequeathed to me by Ah Tabai, ancient maps of the Yucatan Peninsula and some of my correspondence with other Assassins in the West Indies. Things here are tenser than the knots in de Ferrer’s muscular back. The Spanish, French, and British are all itching to control my lovely city. My lovely Assassins desperately want to chase after de Ferrer and murder him, but I need everyone to stay in Havana to keep the people safe from another boring conflict between Empires. I am as busy as I have ever been, but, it all feels so terribly bland. What happened to the grand adventures that saw us racing against the Templars for a powerful artefact that time forgot? Now it is just a territorial squabble between faraway regents. Maybe that is another reason why I let myself get fooled by that sinewy devil. He made me feel young again. Being of a Spanish persuasion, if de Ferrer is not in Mexico, he will likely be in a colony close by, either Florida or perhaps even France’s Louisiana. If you find him, be a good boy and give him a stab in the neck from your old auntie. Rhona Dinsmore
Havana

1746
Brothers and Sisters, I am writing to inform you that a new Brotherhood is being created in the New World. Already I have allies amongst English colonists, French colonists, and the indigenous people of the area. I have sent similar letters of friendship across the known world. For I believe that we are growing ever more connected, day by day. If my Brotherhood is to succeed, we will need allies from all empires, of all genders, of all races, who believe in the same thing: The Creed. I hope I can count you among them. Yours,
Achilles

1748,
Grand Master Birch, My informants in Port-au-Prince tell me that Mackandal shares your interest in relics from the First Civilization. He collects them. There were whispers of something called “the Heart of the Brotherhood”, a fragment of a larger relic that was stolen by a slave woman named Jeanne, who had ties to members of his Brotherhood. Jeanne was sold to a merchant last year, but as luck would have it, that merchant is Philippe-Olivier de Grandpré, who owns a rival business company here in New Orleans. If you can use your influence in the world of economics to dampen his financial prospects, I believe that I can secure a relationship through marriage and the promise of renewed stability in his business. As always, I appreciate your faith in me. May the Father of Understanding guide you.
Madeleine de l’Isle
New Orleans

1748
Dear Master Johnson, It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Grand Master Birch has made arrangements to connect me to Count Heinrich von Brunau and be appointed secretary of his magnificent library, containing some 40,000 volumes of exquisite knowledge. While on the surface, my task is to assist the Count with writing a book on the Holy Roman Empire, I will be penetrating said 40,000 volumes for anything which can help Grand Master Birch locate any Precursor sites of power. What a marvelous idea this First Civilization is! And what a bold vision Grand Master Birch has. I have long believed that the only way for us to become great is to emulate the ancients. However, when I first came up with that thought, I was referring to the Greek and Romans. But if we could be like Those Who Came Before, there would surely be no stopping us. I wonder what kind of art the First Civilization created. Did they have music? What did they consider to be beautiful? But now, to the point of my correspondence. Should you discover any tomes related to the history and mythology if the indigenous people that surround you, please send a copy to yours truly, so that I may add them to my research? How I wish I could publish a book about the Precursors. They are my new, albeit secret, obsession. I suppose I will have to settle for publishing books on human art. May the Father of Understanding guide you.
Johann Joachim Winkelmann
Nöthnitz

AuditionChichen ItzaCuban salvageDead endDeath of the executionerFamily reunion

1747

Mademoiselle Madeleine de l’Isle,

Your masterful handling of your father’s business has not escaped our notice. Your elevation into the upper crust of New Orleans society has not escaped our notice. Your discovery of our Order hiding beneath the skin of the world has not escaped our notice.

You have our attention. We are well aware of your desire to join our ranks. Here then, is our offer.

We believe there is something of immense value beneath the ancient Mayan stones of the Yucatan peninsula. Our endeavour will require large quantities of raw materials, including a constant supply of disposable labour.

If your cunning can supply our needs, we will see to it that your power and influence is not limited to the paltry colony of your birth. By receiving this letter, you have already agreed to our demands. Stand ready for further instructions.

May the Father of Understanding guide you.

Magdelaine Levesque

1751
Grand Master, Regretfully, I have not found any trace of the Precursor box. However, I believe I have stumbled upon something greater. A large Mayan city. It is my humble opinion that we should begin an excavation immediately. I request permission to allocate large quantities of resources and manpower to Mexico. Rafael Joaquin de Ferrer
Chichen Itza

1750
Dear Father, I have arrived in Cuba. Since the loss of Grand Master Torres, the underworld of Havana has been in the grip of the mad Scot Assassin Rhona Dinsmore. Dinsmore is old, but well protected. I fear there may be no Rite established here until her Brotherhood is eradicated. I fear the West Indies may be lost to us. I will stay in Havana for a time. I will search for this Precursor box to the best of my abilities. I trust my work here will erase any debt our family owes to that wretched Birch. Your loyal son,
Rafael Joaquin de Ferrer
Havana

1746
Master Harrison, I do not know what your sources are, but after conducting a thorough search of Lisbon and the surrounding area, I have found no trace of a Precursor site. I believe that your intelligence has failed you. If there is nothing else, I must return to my duties. As the nations around us continue to bicker, trade has increased. There are other more pressing matters to attend to. I am sorry I could not serve you in this matter.
Duarte Jorge Correia Pinto
Santa Maria de Belem

1744
Mentor, I have followed John de la Tour to his homeland in the North. The weather does not agree with me, as I am too used to the climate of the West Indies. But I will not let this arrogant bastard know how much I suffer. We arrived in Quebec to find Mathieu Léveillé, a slave from Martinique who was purchased by the French government to serve as executioner. He was said to possess certain knowledge of the First Civilization. But we were too late. The cold weather took its toll on the poor man and he died from an illness last September. But all was not lost. To cure Léveillé’s depression, the government procured him a wife from the West Indies. As the marriage could no longer take place, she was put up for sale. John de la Tour, acting on instinct, bought her. And he was right. Though she was scarcely allowed to be in her intended’s presence due to the fear of infection, the executioner gave her his most trusted secrets and she promised to keep them safe. I asked for her name. She told me that she had just been baptized Angelique-Denise, and before that, she had another name given to her by another master. I told her that, as she no longer had a master, her freedom would begin by choosing a name for herself. She laughed – she has the most delightful laugh! – then she told me that her name was Abigail. I have changed my mind about John de la Tour. Your disciple,
Achilles
Quebec

1751
Hello, father, The situation in Port-au-Prince remains grim. There is still no sign of Vendredi, and I begin to suspect, as you do, that Mackandal sent him away with a sinister purpose. I suspect that he is dead, but I do not think it was the earthquake that killed him. Our contacts in the colonies to the north have revealed that Lawrence Washington has returned with the stolen artifacts in his possession. Your old friend Achilles is there. I suggest you seek him out. I remain here, to do what I can, but Mackandal grows ever more unstable. I fear that by starting over, our deranged Mentor will be driven to committing a truly awful act. As promised, I will keep a watchful eye on him as best I can. It is my hope that when your business in the colonies has concluded, you will return here. Help me reform our Brotherhood and make Saint-Domingue a home. Please guide me to victory.
Babatunde Josephe
Port-au-Prince

Family vacationFirst mateFit to serveFront companyLawrence of America

1751

Master Gist,

Lady Luck was on my side, and I did not have to find an excuse to abandon my brother in the tropics. George caught a small case of smallpox, so I was able to slip away to Port-au-Prince while he recovered. I am relieved that he survived the illness, though it is likely he will have some scarring. He is a bright boy and I hope to spare his tender heart from the ugly truths of our most serious business.

Once in Haiti, I wasted no time in tracking down the Assassins. They are led by a one-armed Maroon leader named François Mackandal. A reckless tyrant if I ever have seen one. I tracked his man Vendredi to the entrance of a cave of some kind. My plan was to ambush him on his way out. But as I lay in wait, an earthquake struck. The Assassin came running out of the crevasse, but his legs were crushed under falling debris. I promised to free him if he told me where Mackandal was hiding. He did, and I slit his throat. I should have liked to explore the cave myself, but the entrance was obliterated.

The devastation provided an excellent cover for my approach on Mackandal’s camp. I stole two Pieces of Eden in his possession: a strange Precursor box and a mysterious manuscript.

By the time you receive this, I will already be on my way back to Virginia. Prepare yourself. Our true work begins now. Upon my return, we’ll be able to share the glad news with the Grand Master in London. Perhaps my leadership in the colonies will finally be recognized.

May the Father of Understanding guide you.
Lawrence Washington

Barbados

1751
My dear Chevalier, I am sorry to hear about your troubles with the captain of the Aquila. A ship like that deserves the best, and as such, I will not take her helm. I am unworthy of such a vessel. I would only bring her to ruin, and I would never forgive myself if anything were to happen to her. I do feel able, however, to serve as first mate. I will look after that ship as if she were my own flesh and blood. I will make damn sure the crew treats her the same. However, before I set foot aboard I have identified some obstacles closer to home. I believe that two powerful French shipping companies are Templar-owned. The Levesque family of France and the De l’Isle family down in Louisiana. They are sending twice as many ships out to sea, but their profits do not seem to be increasing. What are those devils hiding? We still have some work to do securing our operations here before I can justify leaving my life here behind and joining your cause completely. Until then, I will do as much as I can to lend aid, for I have a feeling that dark days are ahead for you lot. I feel a storm coming on, and I am rarely wrong about the weather. Kind regards
Robert Faulkner
Saint John’s

1748
Dear Achilles, Thank you for the kind invitation to join your Brotherhood, but I must decline. I have recently married my sergeant’s daughter and I am committed to serving the Dutch Army. Your admiration for my skills and devotion is appreciated. Your concern for my well-being is also appreciated, but unnecessary. I will not let the rules of society keep me from my duty. As someone who believes in freedom, I trust you will understand my decision. I wish you good luck in your future endeavours. Yours in friendship,
Jan Van Ant
Breda

1746
Master Gist, We are basically just sending letters out filled with secret plans and praying they arrive safely. We need a front company, or a series of companies, to double as a communications network. Master Johnson in New York has recently been appointed as the Colonel of the Warriors of the Six Nations. Not only is he well-established, but his relationship with the Mohawk may well benefit us in the future. I suggest we begin friendly overtures immediately. In the meantime, I plan on influencing my in-laws to create a trading company a little closer to home. May the Father of Understanding guide us.
Lawrence Washington
Virginia

1738
Master Washington, Three years ago I obtained a journal from Edward Kenway. Inspired by his discovery of the Observatory, he dedicated many years of his life to seeking out other First Civilization sites. He found several vaults in Italy, of which we are already aware. There was a hollowed-out temple in Alamut. But the most interesting parts of the journal were his suspicions that something was hidden in the New World, a location so grand that it would make the Observatory seem like a latrine. I want this grand temple. I have set it as my Order’s highest priority and I am using every asset at my disposal. I am reaching out to Rites across the world. Whatever it contains, be it technology or knowledge, I will use to usher in a new age of peace. As a Master Templar, you have learned your lessons well, and have earned this opportunity. You are my eyes and ears in the New World now. Do not fail me, Lawrence. May the Father of Understanding guide you.
Reginald Birch

Mediterranean defenceMonroMy faithful acolytesRuinous reinetteSavannahThe clerk

1748

Senor Achilles,

Although we have begun preliminary designs for a ship for your Assassin fleet, we will be unable to construct her here in Spain.

We are growing concerned over a growing British presence in the area. While on the surface it appears to be its rampant imperialism at play, we suspect its ultimate cause is the Templar Order. It seems their Grand Master is becoming increasingly obsessed with the legends of the Precursor race. We choose to focus on more worldly affairs, and in accordance with that we are working to appeal to the Spanish crown to prepare us for any conflicts that lay ahead.

I have sent our designs to the Assassin Council in France. I believe they are your best hope for an ally at the present time.

Respectfully,
Gaspar Velasquez

Cartagena, Spain

1750
Master Washington, I am less than pleased with paltry results coming from the colonies. I have other agents around the globe searching tirelessly for Pieces of Eden and you and your motley crew are busy building a postal service. What is more, I understand that an Assassin Brotherhood has taken root somewhere outside of New York. This simply will not do. I am making arrangements to transfer one of my agents to the colonies. His name is George Monro. Although he is your better in every way, he will be your subordinate as you are the expert on that part of the world. However, he is there to solve your problems. Make good use of him. Be ready for further instructions. May the Father of Understanding guide you.
Reginald Birch
Troyes, France

1738
Anto, I reject your offer of help. I have recruited my own Brotherhood, liberated from plantations. My faithful acolytes are all I need. They are willing to die for our cause. I reject your calls for peace. There will be no peace while the French continue to spread across Saint-Domingue like a plague. What would you know of peace, raised by such a soft Mentor as Ah Tabai? If I found a Precursor relic, I would not destroy it! I would use it as early and as often as possible. My knowledge of the Brotherhood comes from its source. "Laa shay’a waqi’un moutlaq bale kouloun moumine.” I understand these words in a way you never will. My Creed is pure, undiluted by centuries of weakness and compromise. If your so-called Assassins oppose me, they may possibly die. If your so-called Maroons join me, they will surely die. All things end in death. It may as well be French deaths. François Mackandal
Port-au-Prince

1749
Master Harrison, We regret that you will not be able to attend our soirée. Madame de Pompadour wishes to see the sea, and King Louis XV has chosen our fair city to satisfy her. The visit will no doubt disrupt the finances of the city to a great degree, but that hardly concerns people like us, does it? I trust your Grand Master Birch is well. Business between our two companies is going rather well. As per his request, we have begun to expand our colonial operations to include searches for Precursor elements. We have made contact with Madeleine de l’Isle in New Orleans. We are also talking to our Spanish contemporaries, who are also quite active in the area. They suggest that while gaining access to the Yucatan peninsula via the West Indies is dangerous, an entry through the English colonies might be safer. Please thank Grand Master Birch for his thoughtful gifts, and rest assured we will inform him if and when we make a discovery. May the Father of Understanding guide you.
Magdeleine Levesque
Le Havre

1751
Grand Master,
Florida under Alonso Fernández de Heredia looks to be running smoothly. Already he has established a naval stores industry, and the Spanish government is poised to populate the area. I would expect no less from the first Templar governor the area has seen since Laureano Torres, God rest his soul. As instructed, he continues to send raids against British forces here in Georgia, to divert attention away from our operation. As slaves are sent to Florida, he transfers them to de Ferrer in Mexico. I recommend that we make Fernández the governor of Yucatan as soon as possible as de Ferrer’s work site will soon need protection from prying eyes. I further recommend that the Order leave Florida. Although the Assassins have not set foot in Florida for centuries, there is a new Brotherhood at work in the northern colonies, and Florida is too accessible. I recommend Louisiana as a new base of operations for the Chichen Itza excavation. The de l’Isle woman has proven herself ruthless and capable. I believe a promotion to Master Templar with the mandate to oversee the Chichen Itza operation would be a logical next step for her. May the Father of Understanding guide you.
John Harrison
Savannah, Georgia

1748
Monsieur d’Abbadie, I imagine you have questions about how it is you are no longer a prisoner of the British Empire. As you are deeply stupid, let me explain it to you. Officially, your release is a minor footnote in the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle. Unofficially, I freed you. You are, at best, unremarkable, and at worst, irrelevant, not only to your country but to the history of the human race. Either way, you belong to me now. I am something of a businessman, and I have need of someone unremarkable. You will soon be granted a position in the naval bureaucracy, and I will make use of what passes for your administrative skills. They certainly surpass your skills as a naval officer. To begin, you will be my eyes and ears. Small jobs for small pay. In time, you will speak with my voice, and your rewards will also get… louder. I do not expect you to understand at present. All you need to know is this: you serve a noble purpose and a Grand Master. Charles Gabriel Sivert, baron de l’Espérance
Paris

Reference

• Assassin's Creed: Rogue