Conscript Fathers,
I am pleased to report that the Epirotes have taken the defensive following our earlier victory. Both Consular Armies have now united and are marching towards southern Italy to defeat the Epirotes. I cannot reveal our exact marching directions as it is imperative that the plans be kept secret from the enemy, and I cannot risk this letter falling into the wrong hands.
However, I must address some troubling rumours I have heard. I wish to make clear to the Senate the reality of the military situation here. If you have sent me out to defeat King Pyrrhus, then by all means, I shall do this, and I shall return to Rome and you may call me a victor, if you like. But in reality, we will have lost Italy.
If you have sent me to lead our armies to stop the crisis endangering Rome and her right of governance, then you have sent me, Senators, to fight not a battle but a war. This will be a fully-fledged campaign, particularly now that Pyrrhus has retreated to Southern Italy.
Our allies have deserted and betrayed us at the first sign of danger. This outrageous act of cowardice cannot go unpunished, or else all of our remaining allies will abandon us as well. Pyrrhus is our key target for now, but after he has gone, it would be suicide to not punish our allies for their conduct.
Defeating the Epirotes will require the capture of the towns of Tarentum and Croton. I say with absolute confidence that these places WILL be delivered to you by myself and Ahenobarbus Agelastus before out term is up. But after that, it will be essential to force our old allies to join us again. We must eradicate the rebels, the traitors, those who would wish to oppose our rule. Particularly Corfinium, as they stand between Rome's lands and Tarentum.
I am informed that we have aroud 5,000 remaining in the treasury. This is the last chance for a very long time we have to spend any money. I do not request more troops, per se, but I am requesting that any money the Senate does not have earmarked for other uses should be used to levy more of our allies into the field before they have the chance to betray us. With both of our armies away now, Rome has few defence forces in place, and it would be a bad thing if you had to order the retreat of a consular army for the sake of a band of brigands.
The italian states will not be a pushover. They have many strong and battle-hardened men, and they will fight to the death in their streets and cities. I urge you to be wise in this most treacherous time.
Strength and Honour,
CAIVS FLAVIVS CRASSVS