The Patowmac Guardian, And Berkeley Advertiser

FRENCH NATIONAL CONVENTION.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13.

Letter from the national commissioners.

Valenciennes, April 10.

We inform the national convention, that the enemy are making movements against Conde. They began to show themselves yesterday in several columns, and appeared as if making preparations for erecting batteries. A cannonade was kept up upon them from the town, during the whole night.

They kindled a great many fires, and we do not know whether their attack is real or feint, but at present all communication between that place and Valenciennes, is intercepted. We have just now received letters from citizens Chancel, chief de brigade, and Langlois, the temporary commandant, which announce the good disposition of the garrison, and the resolution of the brave soldiers who compose it, to defend themselves like true republicans.

The Austrian general sent a flag of truce by an officer to general Chancel, to tell him verbally that the Emperor was disposed to treat favorably all those who should acknowledge the former French constitution. The general answered verbally, that he and his brave garrison would remain invariably faithful to the republic; that they know how to defend themselves, and that they would live and, if necessary, die republicans.

A good spirit begins to be re-established among our troops, and when they are fully undeceived respecting that traitor Dumourier—when they shall be convinced that the deceitful and perfidious bait of that constitution which is held forth to them is only a stratagem of tyranny to seduce them and again subject the nation to the yoke of the most odious despotism, their error will then be changed into profound indignation, and our defeats into victories.