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Story
November 19, 1798
The Gazette
Portland, Cumberland County, Maine
What is this article about?
On June 5, French officials Rapinat, Rochiere, and Pommier forcibly seize Zurich's treasury despite protests from local authorities Pfenniger and Weiss, breaking seals and carting away the treasure in wagons.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
THE POOR SWISS!
A letter from Zurich, in Switzerland, dated June 10, gives the following circumstantial account of the carrying away of the treasure of that town—"On the 5th of June, the French war commissary, Pommier, gave notice that citizen Rapinat would come in the evening to inspect the treasury, and that therefore the deputies of the chamber of administration might hold themselves in readiness. About six o'clock, Rapinat, Rochiere, and Pommier made their appearance with soldiers, and required the keys of the treasury. These were refused him, and secretary Metz hastened to fetch the stadthalter Pfenniger, and the president of the chamber of administration, Weiss; both of whom came and protested against such a proceeding.
"Rapinat then demanded the keys, saying menacingly, "Voila les bayonettes. You see the bayonets:" to which the stadthalter Pfenniger replied, "Had we as many bayonets as you, we would dispute it with you. I shall immediately send an account of this proceeding to Aarau.""You will?" said Rapinat, "then do not forget to add, that we shall carry it away in four days time." He then broke off the seal and ransacked the treasury, which was yesterday carried away in waggons by the French."
A letter from Zurich, in Switzerland, dated June 10, gives the following circumstantial account of the carrying away of the treasure of that town—"On the 5th of June, the French war commissary, Pommier, gave notice that citizen Rapinat would come in the evening to inspect the treasury, and that therefore the deputies of the chamber of administration might hold themselves in readiness. About six o'clock, Rapinat, Rochiere, and Pommier made their appearance with soldiers, and required the keys of the treasury. These were refused him, and secretary Metz hastened to fetch the stadthalter Pfenniger, and the president of the chamber of administration, Weiss; both of whom came and protested against such a proceeding.
"Rapinat then demanded the keys, saying menacingly, "Voila les bayonettes. You see the bayonets:" to which the stadthalter Pfenniger replied, "Had we as many bayonets as you, we would dispute it with you. I shall immediately send an account of this proceeding to Aarau.""You will?" said Rapinat, "then do not forget to add, that we shall carry it away in four days time." He then broke off the seal and ransacked the treasury, which was yesterday carried away in waggons by the French."
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Misfortune
What keywords are associated?
Zurich Treasure
French Seizure
Swiss Protest
Bayonets Threat
What entities or persons were involved?
Pommier
Rapinat
Rochiere
Metz
Pfenniger
Weiss
Where did it happen?
Zurich, Switzerland
Story Details
Key Persons
Pommier
Rapinat
Rochiere
Metz
Pfenniger
Weiss
Location
Zurich, Switzerland
Event Date
5th Of June
Story Details
French war commissary Pommier notifies of inspection; Rapinat, Rochiere, and Pommier arrive with soldiers, demand keys refused by locals; Metz fetches Pfenniger and Weiss who protest; Rapinat threatens with bayonets, Pfenniger retorts and threatens to report to Aarau; Rapinat breaks seal, ransacks treasury, carried away in wagons by French.