Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

ARMY OF HELVETIA.

Head quarters at St. Gall, 14 Germinal.
7th year of the French Republic, one and indivisible.

Proclamation of the General in Chief to the People of Helvetia.

HELVETIANS,

The French commanders inform me that perfidious or lunatical persons commit acts of violence against the French troops when they march single or in scattered bodies. I learn likewise, that symptoms of insurrections have appeared in several quarters of Switzerland.

Helvetians! Why this sudden change? Why do you destroy that indispensable harmony which existed between you and the French army? Why do you disturb that peace which reigned in your abodes?

It would thus seem, that you give ear to the insinuations and atrocious plots of the enemies of the French Republic, who are also your enemies! It would thus appear that you conceive the French army is no longer in a state to resist the Austrian forces! The army which I command has beat them at every point where it has been engaged, and will still beat them, should they dare to enter your territory.

But can you imagine that amidst the efforts of courage, and the sacrifices which that brave army makes for your defence, that it would coolly see its heroes falling under the attacks of cowardly assassins? Do you think that I myself will hesitate to take terrible vengeance on these infamous enormities!

Helvetians who remain attached to France and your constitution! Save your country from the evils which threaten it by repressing the guilty! Point them out to your government, that their crimes may be instantly overtaken with punishment.

As to myself I have shown that I knew how to protect you, whilst I beheld in you a faithful ally, so will I show myself capable of punishing you, if you become traitors, and violators of the faith of treaties.

The security of the French army and your own security also, will be the rule of my conduct.

I therefore declare, that from this moment, I shall hold the several communes responsible for all the events that shall happen within their territory to the annoyance of Frenchmen.

I further declare, that columns of the French army will march with rapidity towards the cantons which shall shew any disposition to insurrection, and that such cantons shall be ravaged with fire and sword.

This proclamation shall be printed in the two languages, published and posted up through the whole of Helvetia and copied into the general orders of the army.

(Signed)
MASSENA.