neatness in their dress, it produces econo- NORTHERN WAR. What effect these -The merce with England. 66 as It The details of the bloody battles fought in Saxony, on the 19th and 20th of the last month, will be found below; and they will, I should imagine, convince every rational and well-informed man, that the Allies will not be able to stop the progress of the arms of Napoleon. It is, I think, very probable, that an armistice may take place, followed by a continental peace, on the principles of the Continental system. Irilous abuse?—This writer, in speaking see no other means of escape for the King of the scene between Napoleon and the of Prussia, and, if he fall, what else is the Duke of Friuli, says: "Amongst those Emperor Alexander to do? It is well- "who were mortally wounded, was one known, that this war arose out of the refu-" DUROC, the son of a scrivener, and, for sal of Russia to adhere to that system, << many years, a servile attendant on the agreeably to the treaty imposed on her at" tyrant, who, in return, had created him Tilsit. It has been said, that Alexander" Duke of Friuli. To this person, in his was not so hostile to the Continental system "last moments, Buonaparté paid a consoas his nobles, who profit from the com- "latory visit; and the poor dying wretch ing, and contemptible HYPOCRITE;" Napoleon, or this his assailant? —And, suppose the Duke of Friuli to have been the not many sons of scriveners in our army? And are they never to rise to distinguished rank on that account? If so, all those officers who do not belong to the aristocracy, would have no encouragement to render any particular service. What stupid, what senseless, what mischievous abuse is this! I remember, that, when it came out, that the Duke of York had given a commission to Mrs. Clarke's footman, who was the legitimate son of a foolman, and not the bastard of an officer, as some, at first, pretended; I remember, that, at that time, the Members of the Honourable House had the justice to say, that they saw no reason for excluding talents, though found in low life, from promotion in the army. Why, then, object to the advancement of the "son of a "scrivener ?"—But, he was, we are told, created Duke of Friuli for his servile attendance on Napoleon. This the whole "is described as carrying his adulation and "servility to the very borders of the grave. "The scene, however, is too much for "Buonaparté; and this butcher, who could" son of a scrivener," what then? Are there "behold unmoved the wanton destruction "of so many thousands of his fellow-crea"tures, for no other object than to raise him "from his native beggary to a throne, this "monster of ferocious and unrelenting cru"elty, is overcome by his feelings, and re"tires to his tent to indulge in the luxury of "grief alone.Odious, disgusting, con"temptible HYPOCRITE!"- -Now, as to this latter character I will venture to prove, that Napoleon has not a better claim to it than the person, who, for the last six months, has had the conducting of this "newspaper. -That paper, during that time, has told us, that the French people were grievously oppressed by Napoleon; that they were, at every moment, ready to rise against him; that they abhorred him and his wars, which they knew were carried on for the gratification of his ambition; that the persons composing his army served by mere compulsion; that they were drag-world (except the thinking nation), and ged to his army in chains. This we were told at the time when he was advancing in Russia; but, as soon as it was known, that he was compelled to retreat, and when the merchants in London were toasting the intended of Miss Platoff, then this vile paper, represented the French nation as partakers in the guilt of Napoleon, and asserted that, as they were his willing instruments, they ought to share in his punishment, the nature of which they pointed out by assertion, that there was no way to a safe peace but over his dead carcase. -But, seeing, that, contrary to all their predictions, he arrived safe at Paris and was calling upon the peo-new, and the use of them can do no harm, ple of France to come forth again to the combat, this same newspaper had the audacity again to tell us, that the French nation detested him; that they sought and prayed for his destruction; that they were unwilling instruments of his ambition; and, again and again it asserted, that his soldiers were dragged to the army in chains. -Now, however, when they see, that those soldiers are fighting and triumphing under his banners; that France is pouring forth her legions to support those who are in the front, and that nothing like insurrection is apparent in France; now, this vile and unprincipled and mischievous paper describes the French nation by the appellation of "THE SAVAGES ON THE BANKS "OF THE SEINE!". -Say, now, reader, who is the most "odious, disgust especially the enemies of France, know to be false. It was, not in return for servility, but for many and many a successful battle that Duroc was made a Duke. No: whatever be the sins of Napoleon, they are not those of giving to pimps, panders, buffoons, and bottle-companions, the rewards due to military service. If he had been in the habit of doing this, he would, indeed, have been an object of contempt to those who now dread him as they do the thunderbolt. As to the terms " butcher and "monster," they are unworthy of any particular comment. They are nothing except to exasperate the French, who, if this news-paper ever reaches France, and is republished there, must be already suffi ciently exasperated against us.- -But, the worst of it is, this news-paper knows that its language and sentiments suits the taste of its readers. It knows well, that it is feeding their passions and their hopes; and it knows that that is the way to keep up and increase its circulation and its profits. This is the most dismal reflection. And, really, I shudder to think of the ultimate consequences of the prevalence of notions such as appear in this paper.We are shocked at horrid murders and assassinations committed amongst ourselves; but our vile news-papers are continually asserting the propriety of assassinating Napoleon. What are we to think of men, who, at a public dinner, could toast the intended of Miss Platoff; that is to say, any one who might, in any manner, kill Buonaparte? Can we wonder, if such base and horrible sentiments are thus promulgated, that they produce an effect? But, the whole of this system of abuse is to be reprobated in the strongest terms. It is never imitated by the French news-papers. "The SA"VAGES on the banks of the Seine" never abuse our Sovereign or his people. One would think, that, in time, this example would have some effect; but, it has had none; and, indeed, our papers seem to grow more virulent in proportion to the forbearance of those of France. To return, for a moment, to the war in the North: I shall not be surprised to see a peace speedily follow these battles; a peace that will round and complete the Continental System, and that will leave us to carry on the war with the ports of all Europe and all North America shut against our commerce. -But, we are not, for that, to despair. Good often comes out of apparent evil; and who knows, but those very events, which seem the most deplorable, may finally lead to general liberty and happiness? WM. COBBETT. make it our main object, immediately to fall on such part of his force as was, on his side, considered to be the best troops: in order, after such a stroke, to give larger space for the operations of our flying corps, over whom the enemy had latterly acquired a superiority. Therefore it was requisite, if possible, to direct the attack immediately against his rear-most troops. For this purpose, the main army broke up in the night, between the 1st and d of May, from Notha and Botha, in two columns, and pushed forward as far as the defile of the Elster, in the vicinity of Pegau. General Von Winzingerode received orders to mask this operation, to leave his posts of cavalry standing, and to unite himself with the main army by the way of Zwekau.———At break of day all the troops passed the defile of the Elster, near Pegau, and drew up in order of battle on the left bank of the Elster, with their right wing to the village of Werben, and their left to that of Gruna. By reconnoitring, we discovered that the enemy's main body already extended beyond Weissenfels, to the villages of Gross Gorschen, Klein Gorschen, Rahno, Starsiedel, and Lutzen. The enemy did not venture to attempt disturbing our march, nor to get before us into the plain, but took his position in the village between Gross Gorschen and Starsiedel.- About twelve o'clock at noon General Blucher received orders, as commanding the van-guard of the army, LONDON GAZETTE, May 25. and supported by a part of the Russian artillery, to attack the enemy. The attack (Gontinued from page 800.) was made on the village of Gross Gorschen, Alexander and his Majesty the King of which was obstinately defended by the enePrussia therefore went to their armies, to my. It was taken by storm. General animate the courage of the troops by their Yorck marched with his corps to the right personal presence: But the better to be of the village. The whole army wheeled enabled to judge of the enemy's strength, to the right, and presently after the battle a reconnoissance was undertaken with Ge- became general along the whole line of neral Von Winzingerode's corps from Leip- Blucher's corps. The enemy, at the same sig, on the road to Weissenfels. This con- time, displayed a numerous artillery, chieffirmed the intelligence received, of the ene ly of heavy caliber, and the fire of musketry my being there in considerable force. Upon in the villages was kept up with great vivathis a very severe engagement took place on city for several hours. In this murderous the 1st of May with the said corps, by battle the villages of Klein Gorschen and which we were convinced, that the main Rhano, as likewise the villages of Gross force of the enemy was in the vicinity of Gorschen, were early taken by storm, and Weissenfels and Lutzen. It was believed with unexampled bravery, and kept posthat the Viceroy's position was between session of for several hours. At length the Leipsig and Halle, and consequently the enemy returned in considerable force, surenemy's plan for the battle was clearly ap-rounded, and in part retook these villages; parent. General Count Von Wittgenstein resolved on being beforehand with him, to obstruct him in his dispositions by a bold attack, and to restrain his offensive operations. It was necessary in this attempt to OFFICIAL PAPERS. but on the attack being renewed, was not able to retain possession of them. The Prussian guards moved forward, and after a most obstinate combat of an hour and an half, those villages were again retaken from now peace on the freedom of all nations. the enemy, and remained in our possession. During this time the corps of General Winzingerode on the left wing, and the corps of General Yorck, with a part of the Rus-liberty of Germany was once before consian troops under General Berg, had taken quered. With the courage of lions did. a share in the battle. We stood opposed both Russians and Prussians fight for it, to the enemy, at a distance of one hundred and their endeavours will not have been in paces, and one of the most bloody battles vain. The loss we have sustained may became general. · Our reserves had amount to about ten thousand men, but the drawn nearer to the field of battle, to be in most of them are only slightly wounded. readiness wherever needful, and thus was the Among the killed, on the Prussian side, we battle continued till near seven o'clock in the have among several other valuable Staff-ofevening. During its course, the villages ficers, to lament the loss of the Prince of on the left wing were likewise several times Hesse-Homburg. Our wounded are, on taken and retaken by both parties. At se- the Russian part, General Von Kanoniecven o'clock the enemy appeared with a new zyn; and on the Prussian, Generals Blucher corps on our right wing, before Gross and and Scharnhorst slightly, and Hunerbein Klein Gorschen-probably with the Vice- dangerously. On the French side, accordroy's army-made a brisk attack on us, ing to the report of the prisoners, we learn and endeavoured to tear from us the advan- that Marshal Bessieres is killed, Ney and tages we had gained. The infantry of a Souham wounded. Upwards of one thoupart of the Russian reserve was sand prisoners are already brought in, ten brought forward to the right wing, to the pieces of artillery taken, and some thousand support of General Yorck's corps, which muskets captured at Halle. Our light was briskly attacked, and the most despe- troops are now occupied in pursuing the rate engagement (in which the Russian ar- enemy. Although the numerous viltillery during the whole remaining time lages lying near to each other in this terrigreatly distinguished itself, as did the corps tory, and its canals, together with the preof Yorck, Blucher, and Winzingerode, the caution taken by the enemy never to appear whole day) was now continued until night in the open plain, did not afford our cavalcame on. The enemy had likewise again ry an opportunity of charging in line, yet attacked our centre and the villages with the Prussian Garde-du-corps, and the regigreat briskness, but we maintained our po- ment of Brandenburgh Cuirassiers, cut sition. In this situation night put an end down several masses of the enemy's infanto the battle. The enemy was to have try, even amidst the villages, and under been again attacked on the following morn- his cross-fire, and have thereby gained a ing, the 3d of May. He had meanwhile share in the immortal honour which the taken Leipsig during the battle. This Prussian warriors have again obtained in obliged us to manoeuvre with him. It was this murderous battle: and in like manner not till afterwards that we were informed, have the Russians proved that they can fight that in consequence of the battle, he had on the German soil, with the same sentiagain been forced to quit it, and had by the ments which ensured victory to them in same means lost Halle, and fifteen thousand their own country. These are the results men of his best troops; many of his cannon of this day, up to this present. God bless are dismounted, and a number of his powour arms! He visibly and during the batder waggons blown up. Our light detach- tle protected both our beloved Monarchs, ments are again at liberty to harass him, who several times exposed themselves to and to prosecute the advantage gained. We danger, even in the villages where the bathave consequently kept the field of battle, tle raged the hottest. May he furthermore the victory is our's, and the intended purbless and preserve them to us! pose is accomplished. Near fifty thousand of our best troops have not yet been engaged: we have not lost a single cannon, and the enemy must have perceived what can be effected by the united national feelings, between two firmly allied nations, in courage and resistance; and that the high hand of Providence protects the just cause of those Powers, who have no object but their independence, and to found a durable Official Intelligence from the Combined Ar mies, from the Field of Battle, May 3. The Emperor Napoleon had quitted Mayence on the 24th of April. Being arrived at his army, every thing announced that he meant immediately to act on the offensive: in consequence the combined Russian and Prussian armies had been united Here, towards evening, a combat commenced, which was likewise exceedingly obstinate, but the enemy was also completely repulsed at this point.—Every thing was disposed for renewing the attack at sun-set, and orders had been sent to General Miloradowitsch, who with his whole corps was posted at Zeitz, to join the main army, and to be there at break of day; the presence of an entire fresh corps, with one hundred pieces of artillery, leaving no doubt as to the issue of the day. But towards the morning the enemy appeared to be moving towards Leipsig, always falling towards his rear-guard. This mode of refusing the challenge made for engaging, gave room to believe that he would endeavour to manoeuvre, either to move towards the Elbe, or on the communications of the combined armies. Under this supposition, it became necessary to oppose manœuvre against manoeuvre, and by occupying a commanding front between Colditz and Rochlitz, we immediately became possessed of every benefit of this kind, without for such purpose quitting too far the points for making an offensive attack. On this memorable day the Prussian army fought in a manner to fix the admiration of its allies. The King's Guards covered themselves with glory. Russians and Prussians rivalled each other in valour and zeal, under the eyes of the two Sovereigns, who did not, for a moment, quit the field of battle. The enemy has lost sixteen cannon; and we have taken one thousand four hundred prisoners; not a single trophy has been conquered from the allied army; its loss in killed and wounded may amount to eight thousand men; that of the French army is estimated at twelve or fifteen thousand. Among the wounded are, the General of Cavalry, Blucher, and Lieut.-Generals Kanovnitzin and Scharnhorst; their wounds are not dangerous. The enemy, having but few cavalry, endeavoured to get and keep possession of the villages, the ground of which was rugged and broken; consequently the day of the 2d of May was a continual combat between the infantry. An uninterrupted shower of balls, bullets, grape-shot, and grenades, was kept up on the part of the French, during an action of ten hours. between Leipsig and Altenburg, a central position, and very advantageous in all possible cases. Meanwhile the General in Chief, Count de Wittgenstein, had soon convinced himself, by good and spirited reconnoissances, that the enemy, after having concentrated himself, was debouching with the whole of his forces by Merseburg and Weissenfels, whilst at the same time he sent a considerable corps on Leipsig, which appeared to be the principal view of his operations. Count Wittgenstein immediately decided on taking advantage of the moment when it would be out of the power of this detached corps to co-operate with the main body of the French army, and to attack this immediately with his whole force. For this purpose it was necessary to conceal his movements, and during the night, between the 1st and 2d, he drew to himself the corps under the orders of the General of Cavalry Tormazoff. By this junction, he found himself enabled to throw himself en masse on the enemy, at a place where the latter might suppose he had only to deal with a detachment, whose aim was to give him disturbance on his flanks. The action commenced. Generals Blucher and Yorck entered into it with an ardour and energy, which was in a lively manner participated by the troops. The operations took place between the Elster and the Luppe. The village of Gross Gorschen was the key and centre of the French position. The battle commenced by the attack of this village. The enemy was sensible of the whole importance of this point, and wished to maintain himself in it. It was carried by the right wing of the corps under General Blucher's orders; and, at the same time, the left wing pushed in front, and soon charged on the village of Klein Gorschen. From this time, all the corps came successively into action, which soon became general. The village of Gross Gorschen was disputed with unexampled obstinacy. Six times it was taken and retaken with the bayonet; but the valour of the Russians and Prussians obtained the superiority, and this village as well as those of Klein Gorschen and Rhan, remained in the hands of the combined armies. The enemy's centre was broken, and he was driven off the field of battle. He, nevertheless, brought forward fresh columns, which being come from Leipsig, were destined to support the left flank of the enemy. Paris, May 26.-Her Majesty the EmSome corps drawn from the reserve, and press Queen and Regent has received intelplaced under the orders of Lieutenant-Gene-ligence from the army, dated from Hochral Kanovnitzin, were opposed to them.- kerch, on the 21st, at 5 in the evening; it FRENCH PAPERS. |