The Patowmac Guardian, And Berkeley Advertiser

BRUSSELS, August 24.

Russia having abandoned us, our courage is abated, and our army is inactive, whilst that of Austria is making rapid progress. The volunteers that were ordered to join some thousand peasants, to reconquer the provinces of Limbourg, and which were to have been collected five from each village (Brabant alone contains 586 villages, therefore the number would have been very considerable) have, under different pretences, refused to assemble, So that for these two days past every thing is at a stand.

The peasants had not only a want of confidence in their General, who holds a commission in the service of Austria, but were likewise dissatisfied with their pay, which is only eight sous, while that of the volunteers in Limbourg, raised for the service of Austria, is fourteen sous.

Things are come to such a crisis, that the nation must instantly determine either to fight for its liberty, or return to its old government.

An assembly of the states was held yesterday, and another to-day, by order of Congress, to take into consideration our political situation with regard to foreign powers to consider the means of defence, and the resources for it, &c. in order to have a decisive part what measures to adopt.

The result of these deliberations is impatiently expected by every one. I shall make no reflection, but if I may judge, from the preparations that are making, and the temper of the people, there is reason to fear that this country will shortly become the theatre of a most horrid and bloody war.