Virginia Argus

STATE PAPER.

The following Proclamation from the Archduke Charles has been published at Prague:

"Charles Louis, Prince Royal of Hungary and Bohemia, Archduke of Austria, &c. &c. earnestly as his majesty, the emperor and king endeavours to procure an honorable and lasting peace for the whole of his hereditary dominions, and as much as it is to be wished, that, in honor of suffering humanity, after a long period of devastation, the enemy would be inclined to join for the same purpose, it nevertheless remains advisable, and is now more than ever absolutely necessary, to be prepared for the worst, if, contrary to our wishes and hopes, the obstinate refusal and extravagant demands of the enemy should make a continuation of hostilities indispensably necessary, and go prepare for the greatest possible general defence. Precaution and prudence demand speedily, and with sufficient means, zealously to erect whatever the existing laws and the increasing danger of the country require at this decisive moment. From this consideration, the extraordinary armaments in the kingdom of Hungary, Transylvania, in Austria and Tyrol, will be effected with the utmost activity in a short period. The same precaution of his majesty also induces to prepare full security for the kingdom of Bohemia & the adjoining Moravia, as well as for all his faithful subjects, against any destructive attacks from the enemy. For obtaining this great object, his majesty orders as the most suitable means, to form a legion of 20 battalions of infantry from among the faithful inhabitants of Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia solely and wholly to be employed to the defence of the country, to be entrusted to my command, and to be called after my own name. This internal armament, however: must be speedily, completed, by zeal and courage in every class of inhabitants, according to the present circumstances of the armies. The exertion necessary for this purpose can justly be expected from natives, the proper and prominent features of whose character have ever proved themselves by their attachment to their firm principles and sound judgment, which in every thing looks for the evidence of truth, and fixes the stamp of conviction and necessity to an undertaking like that now resolved upon. This conviction will be the more decisive and general, as, without having recourse to artificial or intricate reasoning, it is founded merely upon facts, the strongest proofs of the ruin and degradation which have befallen the countries occupied by the enemy being manifest. Let the melancholy sensation of these events examples rouse our full patriotic strength: let it steadily animate our spirit of resistance to the arrogant demands of the enemy, let the consciousness of our own strength and dignity speak so powerfully to our hearts, that we fear no personal services, nor evade any exertions and sacrifices whatever; let nothing prevent our having at heart the interests of our country: The enemy seeing the zeal with which animates our bosoms, and the courage which strengthens our arms, will desist from menacing with any attacks. However, be the plan on which he has resolved whatever it may, it will be defeated by the united exertions of an organized whole, by increased patriotic sentiments, energy and perseverance, which is even the only means of determining the enemy to an equitable and just peace, and which as experience has shown, is the only form of a behaviour with which security and independence can be conveyed. On my part, I shall take upon myself, with the most conscientious care, the management of all that, with the honorable confidence placed in me, can lead to the great point in view. In return, I confidently expect from the well meaning states and subjects (agreeable to the plan of organization, which will be communicated to the proper officer) the most vigorous and undivided co-operation in the defence of this just concern, which leaves no choice between ignominy and honor. I am fully persuaded, that by an emulation of the behaviour of our loyal and brave ancestors, on similar occasions, the security and happiness of our country, will further be obtained, as it has hitherto been gloriously preserved, under the protection of Providence, by perseverance, energy, and virtue even at the period of universal danger and misery.

(Signed)

CHARLES, Archduke

Done at Prague, the 24th of October 1800."