The New Hampshire Gazette

Successes of the French.

NATIONAL CONVENTION, AUG. 2.

GENERAL PICHEGRU TO THE COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC WELFARE.

"You are, without doubt, already informed, Citizens Representatives, that General Moreau, the day before yesterday, took possession of the isle of Cadzand. He took there 70 pieces of cannon, a third of them brass, tents, waggons, &c.

"The possession of this island will make it impracticable for the enemy to evacuate Sluys, and I hope soon that fortress, and all that it contains, will fall into the power of the Republic. According to reports, there is a numerous artillery there, many troops, and ammunition of all kinds.

"All our soldiers employed in this expedition signalized themselves with zealous competition.

"The passage of Cadzand furnished them a glorious occasion. This strait is near 100 feet wide, and 9 or 10 feet deep; our only means of crossing it were a few boats, and the bravery of Republicans which supplied the rest.

"Eight companies of grenadiers advanced to the Canal, and gained the boats, precipitating themselves into them, amid the dreadful fire from the dyke on the opposite bank. Several of these not finding room in the boats, plunged into the water, and, swimming, aided to guide them forward.

"The Chasseurs of Mount de Castle, and the carbineers of the 18th regiment of light infantry, made the same manoeuvre. It appeared so desperate to the enemy, that panic struck, they flew towards Ysendyck, abandoning guns, tents, baggage, and ammunition of all kinds.

"One of the boats was filled with cannoneers, who, upon the opposite bank instantly found cannon to fire at the fugitives, who had abandoned them.

"Our loss has not been commensurate with the boldness of the enterprise.

"I transmit you the names of those who most signalized themselves in the action:

"Citizens Bernard, a corporal, Beugny, a sergeant, and Ventre, sergeant-major of the battalion of Chasseurs of Mont Castle, conducted nine or ten boats by swimming.

"Citizen Latis, Captain of Grenadiers of the 16th regiment, was the first who leaped into the boats.

"Citizen Bonnot, aid-de-camp of Gen. Moreau, was the man who swam across, guiding the first boat.

"Citizen Bouilly, Capt. of Carbineers of the 4th battalion of Chasseurs, kept himself undiscovered upon the bank of the canal, firing his carbine upon the cannoneers of a battery which kept up a constant fire until the moment of his being able to pass, which he did one of the first.

"I send you annexed a letter from Gen. Jardon, who, a native of Liege, desires to be sent to command there, and to make levies. This, which might be advantageous under one aspect, has its contrary under another. I think it difficult for any man in authority to be just and impartial, when surrounded by relations and friends, and yet more exposed, it may be, to the lust of some resentments. I beg your intentions on that head, or that you will send them to him direct."

Signed,
"PICHEGRU."