The New Hampshire Gazette

NATIONAL CONVENTION

1 Messidor--an 2.

Barrere, in the name of the committee of Public Safety.--"Yesterday I informed you of the capture of Ypres: I am now enabled to lay before you the following letters, containing more particular details than I was yesterday able to present."

Letter from Richard, Representative of the People with the army of the North, to the Committee of Public Safety.

Head Quarters at Ypres, 30th Prairial, June 18,

I yesterday announced to you the capture of Ypres. The garrison, consisting of almost six thousand men, remained prisoners of war, and all the artillery and ammunition are delivered up to us. The place contains, as we believe, upwards of one hundred pieces of cannon. It is not necessary for me to point out to you the importance of this acquisition: It is in a great measure due to the army of Observation, commanded by General Souham.

The victory gained on the 25th, at Hoglede, determined the surrender.--Generals Macdonald, Danveede, Jordan and Vinture, considerably contributed to those brilliant advantages, by their talents and their courage. The conduct of the soldiers of freedom, was worthy the cause which they defend: they force even their enemies to do them justice, by yielding to their superior valour.

(Signed)

RICHARD

P. S. The Besieging army distinguished themselves by the most unwearied patience, and invincible courage: they carried on their works with the greatest ardour, and repulsed the enemy in the most vigorous manner, in all the sorties which they made. They were commanded by General Moreau, and by General Michaud, General of division, Deemars, Laurent and Vandamme, who all acquitted themselves with the greatest credit on their important functions.

Pichegru, Commander in chief of the army of the North, to the Committee of Public Safety.

Brielen, near Ypres 20 Prairial.

Ypres has capitulated after the most obstinate resistance. Your Colleague, Richard, has transmitted to you the details by which you will perceive that the garrison are prisoners of war, and that the place is delivered up to the Republic in the state in which it was at the period of its surrender. All who were employed in the siege, strive who should distinguish themselves most. The fourth battalion of the North, impatient to see the effect expected to be produced by a battery of six 24 pounders, dragged the guns to the place intended, under a heavy shower of grape shot, for the space of 150 toises.

The army of Observation, under the command of General Souham, frustrated the attempts which were repeatedly made by Gen. Clairfayt, to succour the place. During the short continuance of the siege, there were three battles; thrice victory remained on our side, and thrice the troops of the Republic performed prodigies of valour; particularly in the last action, which was the most warmly supported, because the troops of Clairfayt proportioned their exertions in, an additional allowance of pay, and of spirits, which were that day allowed to them.

Health and Fraternity.

PICHEGRU.