The Virginia Gazette

Hague, Dec. 29. N. S. We hear from Hanover, that the Duke de Belleisle, Marshal of France, having cross'd (coming out of the Territory of Eichsfeld) a little District belonging to the Electorate of Brunswick Lunenburg, arriv'd the 20th Afternoon, at Elbingerode, a small Village of the Dependence of the said Electorate in order to take fresh Relais of Horses, which had been order'd for his Use, by a Courier, who had preceded the Marshal 24 Hours.

The Bailiff of the District having heard that a General of Distinction of the French Army was to pass that Way, interrogated the Marshal upon his Arrival, concerning his Quality, and whether he was provided with proper Passports; and he not concealing 'being a Marshal of France, and owning he had no Passport for himself or Retinue, among whom was the Chevalier de Belleisle his Brother, the Bailiff declared them all Prisoners of War, in the Name and on the Part of his Britannick Majesty; and caus'd them to be conducted, as they arriv'd, to Scharzfels, and from thence, as the Place was not proper for their Reception, to Otende.

Upon the Road, the Marshal wrote a Letter to the Ministry of Hanover, dated at Newhoff, the 21st Instant, complaining of his being separated from his Domesticks, which, as they write from thence, was only occasion'd by the Badness of the Roads, and want of Horses in that Part of the Country.

The Marshal added, (In engaging his Parole of Honour) that he acknowledg'd himself, as also his Brother, to be Prisoners of War to the King of Great Britain; and desir'd that the Ministry would send for his Majesty's Orders with Respect to what had happen'd.