National Gazette

FOREIGN AFFAIRS.

PARIS, Dec 15.

"The explanation of the affairs of Frankfort, has laid open the most horrid, the most infamous scene that ever shocked human nature; the most premeditated scheme of murder and assassination; and sorry am I to add, that this barbarous business did not appear reprehensible to the king of Prussia or the duke of Brunswick. Can you hear and not revolt with indignation, that the Landgrave of Hesse ordered the knives with which the soldiers of the republic were butchered, to be forged under his immediate inspection. That he sent some of his satellites, and a band of carpenters to direct the massacre of the Second. The Hessians distributed money amidst the populace, got drunk with them and then formed their infernal plan.

When the town was summoned to surrender, the soldiers were, upon the drum beating to arms, assassinated as they repaired to their quarters; some by their hosts, others from the windows in the streets, others were seized by the groups on the ramparts and thrown over the walls. The wives of the soldiers were all, without compassion for their sex, inhumanly murdered, notwithstanding our brave soldiers made a most obstinate resistance; but the assassins, to the amount of 1000, forced the Coblentz gate, and butchered the artillery company, and volunteers on duty.

The battalion of St. Onge, seeing their situation, fought in desperation. They mowed down whole companies of the Prussians, and after burning their last cartridge they took to the bayonet.

Here the Prussians, frightened at the "Arme Blanche," called out to them to surrender—this was complied with by the soldiers reversing their firelocks, and the officers lowering their swords and colors.

After an awful silence, the Prussians opened their ranks and let in the disguised Hessians, &c. The volunteers, with that confidence which soldiers have in their enemy, gave up their arms; when on a sudden these villains drew their knives and butchered every man without exception.

My eyes are so full I can scarce see what I write!

Some few escaped along the Mayne, under the protection of a detachment of the first battalion of chasseurs, with two pieces of cannon, and some cavalry, who had advanced to cover their retreat; in this affair 1200 men have been slaughtered.

Monday the 3d, to complete the horror, several French soldiers were sent from Frankfort to Mentz with their hands cut off!

I entreat you for the honor of humanity, to state these circumstances which I announce to you from the best authority; and to add, that the generals of the French army have still continued their usual generosity and humanity to the Prussians, wounded and prisoners; and have ordered this detail of horror to be published in German and dispersed all over the countries we have conquered.

Tell me what instance in history furnishes so shameful an example in time of war, from one enemy to another?

Dec. 20. The Landgrave of Hesse Cassel has published in his dominions a proclamation, that whatever subjects loved him, & were desirous of defending their country, should appear on a fixed day at the place of his residence; but not one appeared. In consequence of this notification, the following letter was addressed to the Landgrave of Hesse Cassel by Gen. Custine, on the 28th of November.

"The Landgrave of Hesse Cassel endeavours to assemble in the centre of his residence numerous warriors. Does he not remember that the last day has appeared for all unjust sovereigns, which will be the day of delivery for their blinded and deluded subjects?

"He has placed those around him by whose assistance he expects to secure his shaking throne—The lives of the best part of the nation, which he sold to fill his coffers, is a circumstance that will decide the fate of this tyrant.

"Thou monster! over whose head is gathered a dark cloud from the carcasses of the German nation—the tears of widows whom thou hast made breadless—the cries of orphans whom thou hast made wretched—and thy ill-treated soldiers—will deliver thee to the just cause of the French. Thy flight shall not save thee, for how could it be possible to expect a nation in the world that will give thee refuge, tiger as thou art?"