Galveston, CTX (HNS) – November 23 The French Empire announced that is will dispatch troops to Confederate Texas to support the fight against Apophis. The primary support will be France’s II Corps supported by six ironclads and transport ships. In addition the Empire can provide 12,000 rifles which correspond closely tothe P1851 Minie Rifle which is already in widespread use in the Confederacy. The expedition departs immediately from Marseilles for Morocco, marches overland to Casablanca, and will then embark on transports escorted by the new ironclads of the French Atlantic Fleet. Upon arrival, the ironclads will join several protected steamers off the coast of Texas in attempting to interfere with Apophis' supply lines. II Corps will work in support of Texas forces on land.
The order of battle of II Corps entails:
French II Corps of 39,000 men
5th 6th, 7th 8th, 9th Divisions made of up Regiments of line
2nd Cavalry Division made up of: First Brigade of Chausseurs, 2nd Brigade of Lancers, detached 7th Hussars, detached 4th Light Lancers
II Corps of Artillery: 4 horse batteries
The French ironclads are:
Formidable 5,630 tons
Neptune 5,500 tons
Indomptable 6,100 tons
Intrepide 4,500 tons
Algesiras 5,900 tons
Marie Louise 6,400 tons
