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Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser
Portland, Cumberland County, Maine
What is this article about?
Emperor Francis addresses Austrians on the war with France, denying ambitions of conquest and explaining peace negotiations after enemy invasion, vowing not to accept dishonorable terms.
Merged-components note: Direct textual continuation of the Emperor Francis address across page break, same topic and flow.
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IMPORTANT
ADDRESS OF THE EMPEROR FRANCIS TO THE AUSTRIANS.
The Munich Court Gazette of September 14th contains the following General Order, published in the Austrian Head-Quarters.
"My beloved subjects, and even my enemies know that I did not engage in the present war from motives of ambition, nor a desire of conquest. Self preservation and independence, a peace consistent with the honor of my crown, and with the safety and tranquility of my people, constituted the exalted and sole aim of my exertions.
"The chance of war disappointed my expectations; the enemy penetrated into the interior of my dominions, and overran it with all the horrors of war; but he learned at the same time, to appreciate the public spirit of my people, and the valour of my armies. This experience, which he dearly bought, & my constant solicitude to promote the prosperity of my dominions, led to negotiation for peace.
"My ministers empowered for that purpose met those of the French Emperor. My wish is, an honorable peace—a peace, the stipulations of which offer a prospect and possibility of duration. The valour of my armies their unshrinking courage these...
ardent love of their country, their die strongly pronounced, not to lay down their arms till an honourable peace shall have been obtained, could not allow me to agree to conditions which threatened to shake the very foundations of the monarchy and disgrace us.
The high spirit which animates my troops, afford me the best security, that, should the enemy yet mistake our sentiments & directions we shall certainly obtain the reward of perseverance.
Signed
Francis.
What sub-type of article is it?
What keywords are associated?
What entities or persons were involved?
Where did it happen?
Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Austria
Event Date
September 14th
Key Persons
Outcome
negotiations for an honorable and durable peace ongoing; no agreement to conditions threatening the monarchy's foundations.
Event Details
Emperor Francis declares the war was for self-preservation and independence, not ambition. Enemy invaded but learned of Austrian valor. Ministers met French counterparts for peace talks, but terms must be honorable; troops refuse to lay down arms otherwise.