Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger

FRANCE AND RUSSIA.
April 3.--We yesterday stated that the Russians were fully prepared for the commencement of hostilities, and we have now to communicate the important intelligence that an express has arrived in town, from Petersburgh, with letters from that capital of the 4th ult. The Russian army on the frontiers of Poland is stated to consist of 280,000 men, but we may presume that this number is as usual over rated--200,000 is more likely to be the real number. The Emperor Alexander is to take the command of this immense force in person. Generals Barclay de Tolli, Bennigsen and D'Armstadt, are to serve under him.

In the expectation of large demands on the public treasury, many new taxes have been imposed under the authority of an Imperial Ukase, and others have been augmented; among these are an impost on land, an excise on tea, a stamp on merchants books, and an increase of the capitation tax, to the extent of one third.

The messenger who had passed through Berlin on the 3d of March with the ultimatum of Bonaparte to the Court of St. Petersburgh, it is understood had returned with the ultimatum of the Russian government. Berthier was hourly looked for in that city, and it was supposed that Napoleon and Frederick William were to have an interview at Dresden, where the palace had been prepared for their reception.

A gentleman who has arrived from Prussia by the late Anholt packets, states, that a corps of French troops was daily expected in Konigsberg.

The following are extracts from some letters which have been communicated to us:

"PILL AU, March 11.
All is confusion here, in consequence of the arrival of accounts, that the French armies are marching against Russia. It is said that not less than 400,000 men are proceeding to that destination, viz, 200,000 French, 150,000 Austrians, and 50,000 of the Confederation. Thank God, none of them are expected to come this way."

"Leipsic, March 12.
All the Prussian troops have received orders to march from this neighbourhood, to join the French armies, which are to be commanded by Marshal Ney. It is also said, that Austrian troops to the number of from ninety thousand to one hundred thousand men, have received orders to unite with the French. For this last week there have been French troops continually passing through here; the heavy artillery has also passed through. This day, it is said, that Murat is to join the army, and that he will command the French cavalry. It is also said, that the Austrians will be under the command of French Generals. The whole of the French force is estimated at about 300,000 men. In consequence of all these movements, provisions have got very dear."

"Rugenwalde, March 18.
Sixty thousand French have passed Stettin; the Prussians have joined them; and in Konigsberg there has been quarters ordered for them, as it appears they enter as friends and allies to his Prussian majesty."