The Providence Journal, And Town And Country Advertiser

STATE PAPER.

CIRCULAR LETTER of his Royal Highness the Archduke Charles, in his capacity of Field-Marshal-General of the Imperial troops and of those of the Empire, to all the Princes who are members of it, concerning the furnishing of their contingents to the army of the Empire, dated August 29, 1799.

THE High Decree of Commission to the General Assembly of the Empire, respecting the renewed state of the war of the empire, and the duties to which that state subjects its members, affords me an opportunity to communicate to you my thoughts upon a subject with which my mind has been occupied for some time, as absolutely necessary for the honour and welfare of our common country, namely, the furnishing contingents for the Imperial army and the army of the empire.

The proceedings of France, at the negotiations of Rastadt, when Germany sincerely wished for peace, are universally known. It is also known how, during an armistice, the German empire has been offended, and exposed to fresh dangers of invasion and revolution, by the subjugation of Switzerland. Its proceedings against the fortress of Ehrenbreitstein, during the negotiations and contrary to the existing treaties, are circumstances unparalleled in history. In short, its offences against the rights of nations in general, or which it had been guilty ever since the opening of the negotiations for peace, could leave no doubt that it had not only resolved on the renewal of war against Germany, but also the destruction and subjugation of this ancient confederation, so formidable when undivided.

Preparations were actually making for this purpose. The enemy's plan of operation, in its material points, was the same as that on which they proceeded in 1796 and 1797. Jourdan's army was to occupy Swabia, to penetrate into the heart of the empire, in conjunction with the armies of Italy and Switzerland. The only difference was in the manner of executing their plan, as the faithless policy of the French government wished to deceive us, under the mask of peaceable sentiments, to weaken our means of defence, and to carry on the most dangerous war of extermination with less resistance. It was pretended, artfully distorting the true sense of the words, that they only took such military positions as the circumstances required, but without stating their extent. The whole army of France advanced from its positions; ambiguous proclamations (the object of which was nevertheless evident) accompanied by threats of the Directory, as well as of the generals, preceded this. The line marked out at the conclusion of the armistice was transgressed, without previous notice being given, as had been agreed upon; Swabia was invaded, and treated worse than a hostile country, at least among civilized States. Already, on the 6th of March, in the present year, was the Grison country and that of Vorarlberg, attacked by Massena, without giving any previous notice to Gen. Aufenberg, who commanded in the Grison Country: while on the other hand, Jourdan's army advanced from different points in Germany, without the least declaration of war. The enemy made himself master of the town and fortress of Mannheim, and disarmed the garrison in the most disgraceful manner. Gen. Bernadotte summoned the commandant of Philipsburg, threatening him, in a letter in which the most sacred principles of the rights of nations are trodden under foot, called upon the magistrates to become traitors against the Emperor and the empire, and attempted to get possession of Philipsburg by bribery, intrigue, and secret plans: he published proclamations which laid open the atrocious views of the enemy, and filled the breast of every German with detestation.

In consequence of all these hostile proceedings of the French, I advanced across the Lech with the troops under my command, took such positions and employed such measures of precaution as circumstances absolutely demanded, for the honour and preservation of Germany the enemy having advanced as far as Ostrach, was beat en there and at Stockach. By pursuing the enemy to Switzerland, I endeavoured to secure the left flank of Germany, and several states of the Empire are already restored to their rights, possessions and revenues. From the many acts which had taken place, and from the avowal of the French Directory, their generals and commissioners, it remained no longer a secret what would be the fate of the neighbouring circles of Swabia, Bavaria and Franconia, should the enemy's plans succeed: and it must be confessed that much has been done for the security of Germany by the victories gained over him. A convincing proof of this is the tranquility which some German states already enjoy, when compared with former times, in which they were exposed to French intrigues, arbitrary threats and oppression: this confirms it, that the war into which we are again forced, is the only and best means for effecting a speedy, true and lasting peace. Another object, of similar importance, yet remains, namely, to consolidate the advantages we have gained, to drive the enemy entirely from the German territory, and to secure its frontiers. Still are German fortresses in his possession. still are countries kept under his yoke, which form considerable parts of the strength of the Germanic body, and who wish to be joined again to their common country.

The negotiations at Rastadt fully show how much it was the intention of the French to retain full power to invade Germany again whenever they pleased, with little danger to themselves. But the present moment, when so much has already been done for the safety of Germany, is particularly adapted to regain its ancient limits, and to acquire its former dignity, integrity, liberty and independence; to reinstate in their rights, possessions and property, princes and individuals saved from the most humiliating oppression and to conclude an honourable and lasting peace. But to obtain this grand object; it is absolutely necessary that the German states, who have hitherto been equally offended by the proceedings of the French, whose future security and independence have been exposed to the same danger, should no longer suffer themselves to be treated with contempt, but, without delay, unite all their strength to attack the enemy in his position from which the same danger threatens every member of this powerful confederation, which united, has given so many proofs of its bravery. This is the moment in which with mutual sincerity, with increased public spirit and harmony, all means must be employed to preserve our country against the rapacity, ambition and plans of our enemies.

It cannot be doubted, that when every state of the empire fulfils its duties, particularly by furnishing its quintuple contingents, the enemy will soon be forced to accede to the conditions of peace, which have been laid down as a basis in the resolution of the empire of the 22d of June, 1795, to the 10th of February, 9th of March, and 19th of November, 1799. We may be firmly persuaded, that then the enemy will not only be driven back to his ancient limits, but first he will also be obliged to desist from all further plans against the security and independence of Germany.

As I am fully convinced that the present is the proper moment when the empire, and every individual member of it, may obtain future security and welfare, I think it my duty, as Field Marshal General of the Empire, forcibly to enjoin the furnishing constitutional contingents which I am particularly bound to do, from the pressing circumstances. and according to the orders received from his majesty and the empire.

His Imperial Majesty having carried on the measures of defence for so many years, at an immense expense, and by every means in his power, and the preservation of Germany having been effected almost only by imperial troops, I think I am entitled to expect. and have that confidence in the members of the empire, that they will fulfil their duty, and take the necessary steps to furnish their contingents as soon as possible.