The New Hampshire Gazette

Translation of a letter from the King of Prussia to his ministers at foreign courts, April 28, 1759.

It is known to all Europe, that I have provided for all the officers who are my prisoners of war, as well Swedes, as French and Austrians, and lately for the Russians the best accommodation and every conveniency; having for that end permitted them to pass the time of their captivity in my capital. Nevertheless, as some of them have grossly abused the liberty allowed them, by keeping up illicit correspondences; and by other practices, with which I could not avoid being offended, I have been obliged to cause all of them to be removed to the town of Spandau, which must not be confounded with a fortress of that name, from which it is entirely separate, and where they will enjoy the same ease as at Berlin, but will be more narrowly observed. This is a resolution no body can blame. I am sufficiently authorised in it by the law of nations, and by the example of the powers who are leagued against me; the court of Vienna having never suffered any of my officers that have fallen into their hands to go to Vienna, and the court of Russia having sent some of them even to Kazan. However, as my enemies let slip no opportunity of blackening my most innocent proceedings, I have thought proper to acquaint you with my reasons for making this alteration with regard to the officers who are my prisoners, &c.