The Kentucky Gazette

THE following extraordinary instances of remarkable bravery, happened during the continental war, in 1759.

After the surrender of Breslau to the Prussian troops, the Imperial garrison, consisting of above ten thousand, marched out with two pieces of cannon, drums, colours, and other honors due the Soldiers who had made as gallant defence. As his Majesty of Prussia was riding through the town, he observed a man with his back to a wall, endeavouring to defend himself against thirty grenadiers, who threatened every instant to run him through the body if he did not submit. The King, amazed at his valor, and pitying his rashness, cried out Austrian? why don't you surrender? Are you made of iron or marble, to withstand the fury of thirty armed men? Please your majesty, said the Austrian soldier; I was of the former garrison, and being asleep at the evacuation of the town, I could not persuade myself that your Majesty had any right to detain me as a prisoner of war, being included in the general capitulation. True, replied the King you cannot alone be a prisoner, when the whole garrison have marched out. Your grenadiers would have made me so, said the Austrian, if I had not resolved to lose my life in defence of my liberty. Brave! but rash man, answered Frederick, give up thy arms, and save thy life; then, call off these grenadiers, replied the Austrian. The King ordered away the party, and going close to him alone, demanded his musket and bayonet, saying, a man who has so high a sense of honour, can never be guilty of a base act; the less thou seemest to value thy own life in this case, the more thou wilt regard mine. The Austrian fell on his knees, delivered his firelock into the King's own hands; his Majesty bade him rise, returned his arms, told him he was free, and offered him a pair of colours in his own service. I cannot accept your favour, said the Austrian I have sworn allegiance to Maria Theresa, and will not fight against her, though to be made a general. Illustrious soldier! replied the King. go thy way in peace, but not without a few pieces to drink my health and thy comrades. Not a penny, answered the Austrian; I return your Majesty my most sincere acknowledgments, and vow to drink to your good health with my Royal Mistress's money. So saying, the Austrian saluted the King, and marched off to join his companions with his fire lock on his shoulder, and three pence halfpenny in his pocket, leaving the King and all who heard him astonished at his courage, probity, and true greatness of mind.