The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

RUSSIAN MANIFESTO.

The events which have spread over Europe the horrors of bloodshed and desolation, from an insatiable thirst of conquest and aggrandisement in the present usurped government of France, are manifest to the whole world. Our endeavors to set bounds to this evil, and to preserve the tranquility and integrity of the powers in alliance with us by pacific measures, all proved ineffectual. The perfidy with which the common enemy violates the sanctities of treaties and the rights of nations, threatening Europe with universal devastation, induced us at last to take up arms in support of neighboring Kingdoms. The series of disasters that befell the Austrian armies, obliged that monarch to conclude a disadvantageous peace, on terms dictated by the ambition of the conqueror at the dire necessity of circumstances.

After this, Prussia, vainly attempting to check the chief by the establishment of a general and solid peace, through the means of negotiation, notwithstanding all her sacrifices for the sake of preserving an alliance with France. Notwithstanding all her compliances with the demands of this common enemy, could not long remain exempt from the calamities of war. Lulled into a state of delusive security by the prospect of peace, which she vainly hoped to enjoy, and the mistaken confidence she reposed in a treacherous ally, she was suddenly plunged into the very abyss of ruin. The armies of Napoleon, falling on the Prussian troops before they had been made an easy conquest of the defenceless Capital, and seized the greatest part of the provinces of that kingdom.

In such a situation of affairs, seeing this neighboring power which divided the western borders of our empire from France, destitute of all further means of defence, it became indispensably necessary for us to advance our armies under the command of field marshal count Kutusoff, for the defence of our territories, menaced on that side with an hostile invasion, we ordered every effort to be made for the defeat of this dangerous assailant, who, in the proclamation he has published, carries his audacity so far as openly to threaten that he will extend his triumphs even over our dominion.

At the commencement of this inevitable war, the whole burthen of which, after the total overthrow of our allies, devolves upon our country, we consider it our first duty to redouble our unceasing efforts for the preservation of the tranquility and integrity of our empire, by augmenting and collecting the armed force of a faithful, brave and magnanimous people, entrusted to our administration by Almighty Providence. The miseries which have so rapidly overtaken the neighboring powers, evince the necessity of recourse to unusual means to grant and vigorous measures which can only be carried into effect by a zealous attachment to our country, a manly firmness of spirit, and a transcendent national honor. A people really inspired and actuated by sentiments of this description, or arising in a body my rise an formidable rampart against every hostile attack, however formidable. Neglect in providing for the internal security, by such general armies has, during the present contest with France, opposition to her by the mass of her armies, has been attended with the most pernicious consequences to Austria, and not a little contributed to the downfall of Prussia.

Their fate was determined by the loss of a few battles, after which the enemy meeting no obstacle, and dreading an opposition from any unarmed populace, suddenly forced his way through the interior provinces, spread devastation and terror by his rapid and violent depredations, destroyed the scattered remains of a routed army, and effected a total overthrow of their empires. The bravery of the Russian troops, and the victories which their unequalled armaments, for a century past is gained over every foreign foe, to the remotest corners of the earth: the trophies existing in various parts of these islands which have been extended by their achievements: and the recollection of the glory they have thus acquired, affords us the strongest ground to hope that on the present occasion, under the protections of Providence, whose blessing attends the arms of the just, all the ramifications of our enemies may be confounded, and that the only traces they leave behind them upon our soil will be their own graves.

The immense tract of country upon which these armies must act, occasioning many difficulties in the way of their speedy and mutual co-operation for the defence of an extensive frontier, the evident danger which would arise in case (which God forbid should ever happen) the enemy might penetrate into the interior of our empire, compel us to adopt the most efficacious measures to avert it by the establishment of a general temporary armament or militia, which may be ready in all quarters at a moment's notice, to support the regular troops, and able to oppose to the enemy at every step the invincible force of the true sons of their country, united for the preservation of their most valuable enjoyments.

In such arduous circumstances we refer with the fullest confidence to the distinguished order of the hereditary nobility of our empire, by whose faithful services in the field of battle, and extensive sacrifices both of life and property, Russia has been elevated to her present greatness, to that order which by examples of heroism, has on all occasions animated and assisted the subordinate members of the empire to participate in the salvation, defence and glory of our country. The memorable proofs of patriotism and of loyalty displayed in ancient and modern times by the nobility of Russia, and their well known readiness on every occasion where the common good requires their exertions, to obey the summons of their sovereign, to meet with spirit every toil, and every danger for the service of the empire, convince us how cordially, zealously and efficaciously it will co-operate with us for the speedy and successful completion of such a provisional armament of militia, as is indispensably required, and now ordained for public security, according to the regulations annexed hereto.

We are likewise assured, that our faithful corporations, and every class of citizens, as well as the crown peasants, and free boors through the country, will unite their efforts to bear the common burthen of this important public duty for the defence of our holy faith and for individual preservation.

May the servants' of the church of God offer up in concert with ourselves, and all our faithful subjects, the most fervent prayers towards the Supreme disposer of events, that he may shed his divine favor on our efforts to avert the common danger, to vanquish and exterminate the foe, and to restore the blessings of peace and tranquility in the heart of our empire."

To this manifesto is annexed a proclamation for erecting immediately a provisional force, or militia of 612,000 men. For this purpose, the different governments throughout the Russian empire are divided into seven districts each of which, according to a plan laid down, is to furnish a certain number of troops. These seven armies or contingents of districts were to be formed as soon as the making out lists, and appointing officers, had been gone through but they were to continue no longer embodied than the present danger existed.