The Sun.
London, England, 1832-12-05 00:00:00

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

0. 0. o.'s Letter has been received. We certainly think that
greater activity in the case he alludes to might have secured the
offender, (for there was only one) ; but there is hardly cause for
charging a Magistrate with bribery, or connivance at bribery.

r ,
'kM)-#. Al+ +

LONDON,
WEDNESDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 5, 1832.1

Despatches were received last night by M.
Van de WEYER from Antwerp, dated late on
Saturday Hight, or rather early on Sunday morn-
ing. At that time all the negotiations for se-
curing the neutrality of the town had failed,
General CHASSE having refused to respect it,
except on conditions which Marshal GERARD
could not listen to. One of these conditions we
hear was the free navigation of the Scheldt du-
ri

ng the siege, which would enable him to re-
ceive constant supplies of ammunition and provi-
sions, and to hold out for twelve months. If
General CHA ssE has really made this proposal,
it could only have been as a pretext for refusing
to respect the neutrality of Antwerp, for he must
have known that it could not be complied with.
At the date of the last official accounts Mar-
shal GERARD had not opened his fire upon
the Citadel but every thing was prepared for it.
The Duke of ORLEANS was in the trenches,
exposing himself with the greatest ardour and
courage, and making himself an universal favour-
ite with the troops. The King of BELGIUM
had declared his intention of being near the scene
of operations as much as possible, in order to
render effectual assistance in the event of any
division being attempted by the army under the
Prince of ORANGE.

Since writing the above, we have received
news from Antwerp up to Monday afternoon,
by which it appears that the French had not
then opened their fire on the citadel, though

they were making every exertion to complete
their batteries for that purpose. Sixteen batteries
out of nineteen were mounted, and it was fully
expected that by Tuesday (yesterday) morning
everything would be perfectly completed, when
the Dutch would soon find that they had
reckoned without their host.

As General CHASSE has not agreed to re-
spect the town of Antwerp, the opera-
tions of the besiegers will be greatly fa-
cilitated, the position of the forts on the town
side affording double advantage. We are of
Opinion, that if the French open their fire of
shell and shot on the citadel from all the bat-
teries within their power, such a storm of fire
and death will descend into the citadel
as will astonish the Dutch soldiers whose
bravery, however great, will be put to a severe
test. It is calculated that the besiegers can throw
three shells for one into the citadel; and should
the result of a day or two's fire be as favourable
as is expected, the French will cut the matter short
and storm the citadel at once. Indeed the troops
are already impatient for the assault.
We refer to another part of The Sun for co-
pious particulars from the Second Editions of
the Times and Herald.

Prince TALLEYRAND has been much indis.
posed during the last few days, but is now re,
covering rapidly.

It is not true, as stated by the _Morning He-
rald, that the Portuguese Ambassador, Count
FUNCHAL, is seriously indisposed. He is in
perfect health.

We learn with reference to our suggestion as
to the course which Don PEDRO ought to
adopt in his present exigency, that the evacua-
tion of Oporto by the Constitutionalists had
been determined upon, and that the EMPEROR
was merely waiting for the cessation of the winter
rains and the arrival of reinforcements, to take
the open field against the Miguelites, and com-
mence his march towards Lisbon. The erection
of batteries commanding the Douro, by the Mi-
guelites, has defeated the object of Don PEDRO,
as far as regards reinforcements; but we see no-
thing to prevent his taking the field with his
present force, which consists of 15,000 men,
even should he fail in his efforts to open the
communication with the sea. It is highly pro-
bable, however, that by this time the chief bat-
tery of the Miguelites has been either silenced
by the Constitutionalist battery of Monta da
Rebia or by a sortie, it being stated in the last
accounts from Oporto that the Regency
could detach a moveable column of 6,000
men for the purpose of a sortie without
endangering the security of the city. The
next accounts from Oporto will enable us
to ascertain, with some degree of certainty, the
real situation of things there.—At present we
have to guess between the opposite statements
of persons who have a direct interest in paint-
ing every thing couleur de rose, and of those
who, having quitted Oporto under circumstances
of discontent against the Regency, exaggerating
the difficulties of the Constitutionalists. Colonel
HODGES, however, we are happy to say, is not
one of these. Although, in his anger, he threw
up his appointment, and even returned some
of the honours with which he had been deco-
rated for his gallant services, he does not seek
to depress the minds of the friends of Don
PEDRO in this country, by gloomy pictures of
his situation. On the contrary, he appears to
regard the situation of the Constitutionalists by
no means as one which warrants despondency.
The Royalist, and the Nimrod, are both ex-
pected from Oporto, and one of them will pro-
bably arrive at Falmouth this week.

An express arrived this morning from Paris,
bringing the papers of Monday, and the Mes-
sager des Cha2nores dated yesterday. They
are principally filled with comments on the de-
bates in the Chambers, and the commencement
of hostilities between France and Holland.

A Council of Ministers was held on Mon-
day, which sat for some time ; after which de-
spatches were sent off to the head-quarters of
the French besieging army before Antwerp. A
telegraphic despatch had been received from
Marshal GERARD and the Duke of OR-
LEANS, announcing that the works were
in a very advanced state; and that the
general attack upon the citadel of Antwerp
would immediately take place, as General
CIIASSE would not enter into any negotiations,
atsendtehtuersmiaisted miprteovarielseitsit
atuolotnhge
the troops
The
greatest rneda t
ews•
who were eager for a grand assault. Antwerp
was in possession of the French. Strong rein-
forcements were ordered from various parts of
France, to march immediately towards the
North, in case treachery might be at work on
the part of Prussia, who professes to be neuter,
but that is much doubted by Ministers, as the
Prince of ORANGE is reported to have ex-
pressed a determination to carry on the war.
It was reported at the close of the Bourse on
Monday that the French army had opened their
batteries on the Citadel, but this cannot be cor-
rect, as we have later news direct from Antwerp.

Dail► interviews take place at Paris between
the Ambassadors of Austria, Russia, and Prussia.

Private letters from Spain mention that FER-
DINAND was fast recovering. Ca►list plots still
continued to be discovered in various parts of
the kingdom, which were soon suppressed
by the new authorities. Great hopes are en-
tertained by the Constitutional party at Ma-
drid that the Cortes will again be re-esta-
blished ; but the treachery of FERDINAND is
so great, that no reliance can be placed on any
promises he may have made when he expected
he was drawing near his death. The firmness of
the QUEEN, and her great influence with the Li.
berals, may oblige FERDINAND to comply with the
demands of the nation when he resumes his
power. Several interviews have taken place be-
tween the Duke de BROGLIE and Lord GRAN-
VILLE at Paris, regarding the affairs of Portugal,
and the most earnest solicitations have been made
by the French Ministers to Lord PALMERSTON
for the immediate recognition of Queen DONNA
MARIA by the British Cabinet, which have
met, it is expected, with great coolness on the
part of his Lordship, who adheres to the non •
intervention system. Paris continues tranquil.

ANTWERP.

(From the Second Edition of the Times.)

ANTWERP, SUNDAY, 2 O'CLOCK.
The firing during the night mid morning has been
more frequent than yesterday morning, yet it is slow
enough. The French ridicule it as mere play. I have
been to Berchem, where are the French head-quarters,
and find the soldiers are amused with the works, though
not with the provisions, in which there is some fault, for
several of them said that they hid not had food since yes-
terday at noon. There are several regiments hutted close
to the village.
The Dutch made a slight sortie this morning at 11

o'cloek, which was repelled with the loss of four or five
killed and wounded on the French side. I have not
heard how many were injured on the Dutch side. The
French have taken a non-commissioned officer belonging
to the besieged.
The workmen continue to work in the formation of the
batteries, which, notwithstanding there are 18 inches of
water in some, are expected to be completed to-morrow.
In the river there is but little change. The French
troops are stationed in small parties along the dike leading
from Calloo to Fort Austreweel, or, as it is sometimes
called, St. Isabel. The Dutch in that fort fired some
musketry and a cannon at the French when approaching.
The reason of the slow firing of the garrison during the
night and morning is said to be the hazy weather, which,
with the trees that are growing between the trenches and
the citadel, renders it difficult to descry the workmen.
Chasse did not cut the trees, and is now much embarrassed
by them. The Belgians would have prevented him.
The French are in high spirits ; they ridicule the Dutch
cannoneers. One of the shots on Friday had the luck of
shooting through the head a cow driven by an old woman.
The number of persons said on the French side to be
killed, on the whole, does not amount to more than 10
or 12. This, however, may be doubted, as occasional
grape-shots are heard.
The citadel has been found to be more difficult than

the French first imagined. They, therefore, are resolved
to take their time, and to make every preparation in the
best order before they begin their cannonade.
Some persons imagine that there may be a second
summons to General Chasse before the French will ope❑
their fire.

The weather is wet, and the roads, except the paved
ones, almost impassable for the mud. It is far from be•
ing cold, which is a great advantage to the besiegers.
ANTWERP, SUNDAY NIGHT, HATA' PAST 11.
The firing during the evening, which was rather fine,
was brisker far than on any former occasion. The
Dutch garrison appear to have found their range, and
they now fire i❑ order to delay the works, by frightening
the workmen rather than by doing them injury.
It is asserted that the Dutch nation found their hopes
of future fame upon the defence now to be made by
the citadel. It is unfortunate for them that the princi-
ples which actuated their glorious ancestors in their ce-
lebrated defences against the Duke of Alba and their
Spanish oppressors, 250 years ago, are changed. It
Alba could awake from the long fast sleep, he would
recognise in the present King of the Dutch the precise
"mercantile" superstition which in him was "religious."
Both would compel mankind to abide by their stubborn
will. It is a historical fact, that the Dutch are in
commerce as intolerant as the Spaniards are in religion,
and they fight now to establish an inquisition in the
Scheld r.

It appears that various means of deceit are used to bias
the British people in favour of the Dutch " commercial
bigotry." Among other arguments, one was lately ad-
vanced in London, that the British ships pay 10 per
cent. more on the importation of commodities tha❑ do
Belgian vessels. The fact is true; but when fairly ex-
plained, it will show its origin to be Dutch. Some years
ago Mr. Huskisson attempted to bring his reciprocity sys-
tem, and to have permission, among other things, for
British vessels to import salt into the Netherlands. The
Dutch diplomatists contrived to hoax him, and from that
period British ships in the then kingdom of the Nether.
lands were subjected to that higher duty than the Dutch
or Belgian ships. The Belgian Legislature has not revi•ed
its commercial code ; and that proof of " Dutch into
lerance" yet subsists here and in Holland teo. The Belgians
are sure to do away with it ; but will the Dutch bigots
do so? Not as long as they can support it.
It ought to be known that in Germany, where the
public mind, in consequence of being precluded from the
study of politics, has turned tow irds commerce, the at-
tention of all the States along the Rhine has been turned
to the question of the free navigation of the Scheldt, as
the only means of abolishing the odious monopoly esta-
blished by the Dutch, and rivetted by the deceitful con
vention of Mayence of 1830. The German journals, and
in particular the Gazette of Augsburg, have published
articles to show the utility of having rival markets in
Belgium and Holland. Is it not the interest of John
Bull also " to have two strings to his how ?"

Yet these are the commercialists, and theirs the system,
which the British retrogradists wish to uphold. Let any
one of the supporters of the Dutch monopoly change the
question of Belgium into that of Holland, and state that
the former wished to levy a prohibitive toll on the Maas at
Rotterdam, how great would he the outcry ? Let justice
be done to all. The Dutch may use their ports as they
please ; but, for the sake of la men fairness, let the Bel-
gians also have their natural advantages in the commerce
of the world.

Yet this fine old city is perhaps doomed to perish.
fear it from the perusal of General Chasse's last commu
nication, which I remit you. It threatens to destroy the
city, if Marshal Gerard shall make use of the same means
to attack the citadel as did the besiegers in 1746 and
1792 ; and it demands that the Scheldt be declared free for
his having all communications from Holland during the
siege. From very good sources, I learn that the Belgian
authorities are to-morrow to give notice to all vessels i❑
the harbour to quit it immediately under the white flag,
and that henceforth none will be allowed to come up the
river. General Sebastiani's corps, which has already
re-established and armed the Fort St. Marie, near Cal-
loo, will prevent them effectually. The last of the mer-
chant ships detained yesterday arc to sail to-morrow under
the neutral flag.

To-tnorrow,or rather this day, fur it is now past mid-
night, and the cannons of the citadel are growling with
more vehemence than on any previous night, the French
are expected to have their batteries fully ready ; they will
then attack, and the corps of General Sebastiani will,
at the same time, move on the Tete de Flandre. It is
therefore difficult to insure the safety of this city during
twenty-four hours.

MONDAY MORNING.

1 The efforts of the French Government to give Holland
a chance of ending this fruitless contest have been proved
by the missio❑ of M. Glasson to the Prince of Orange.
M. Glasson went to the Dutch frontiers, and bad, as it
is confidently stated, several communications with the
Prince of Orange, which ended with a declaration that
a French agent could not be re:eived in Holland : he
therefore last week returned.

I have been assured that the best understanding Con-
tinues to exist between Marshal Gerard and Colonel
Catadoc, the British agent at the French head-quarters.

MONDAY', TEN O'CLOCK.
The weather continues showery, and, of course, not
favourable to the operations of the besiegers. The earth
is wet and the trenches watery and muddy, so that it is
very difficult to remove the guns along them. It is there-
fore said that the French cannot commence their firing
upon the citadel until to-morrow. The firing of the
citadel is a little brisker than that of yesterday. There
was some sharp ft ring of musketry heird during the
night and before 6 o'clock [this morning ; some conjec-
ture it to have been caused by sorties from the garrison.
Since writing the above I have made inquiries respect-
ing the fusilade, and find that it originated in a mistake
of a sentinel, who fired, it is supposed, on some persons
coming from the citadel.

TWELVE O'C LOCK.
I have been to examine the state of the river, and find
that the permission for the safe departure of the vessels
that were delayed on Saturday has arrived, and two per-
sons are to go with them down the river to show the flags
to the Frrnch troops at Calloo, who mistook them for
Dutch conveying persons from the citadel.
The number of vessels in the basin now amounts to
about 20, most of which have nearly discharged their car-
goes ; those that draw less than seven feet of water are
expected to pass by the canal to Ghent, Bruges, and
Ostend. The larger must endeavour speedily to take
their departure by the Scheldt.
The populace has hooted the keeper of a cabaret, whose
opinions are considered to be of the Dutch st anp, as be
gave evidence against some persons who got drunk in his
house, and who have been acquitted : he passed under the
windows of the Governor, whose appearance soon caused
the hooters to disperse. The police of the town is on the
best footing; thanks to the activity and intelligence of the
Governor, Colonel Buzen. Some sentinels have been
placed at the door of the carbaret to prevent all mischief.

ONE O'CLOCK.
I have been assured that there are 16 batteries now
armed by the besiegers out of the 19, which will be reedy

at day-break to-morrow morning to begin the fire. Nine
Of those batteries are for bombs.

' COPY OF THE ANSWER OF GENERAL CHASSE TO
THE SUMMONS OF MARSHAL GERARD
" Citadel of Antwerp, Nov. 30.
" M. le Marshal,----In reply to your summons, which I have
just received, I have to inform you, M. le Marshal, that I shall
not yield the citadel of Antwerp until I shall have exhausted
all the means of defence within my reach.
" I consider the city of Antwerp as neuter, as long as no
use shall be made of the fortifications of the city and of the
exterior works depending thereon, the fire of which can be di_
rected against the citadel and the Tete-de-Flandre, comprising
therein the forts of Burght, Zwyndrecht, and Austreweel, as
well as the flotilla stationed in the Scheldt before Antwerp. It
is of itself understood that the free communication of the
Scheldt with Holland, as that has taken place up to the pre.
sent, is not to be interrupted. I learn with surprise, that
while your Excellency opens negotiations there has been a com-
mencement of hostilities by works of attack to the southward,
under the fire of our cannons, as to which I have the honour
to inform you, that if at mid-day there be not a stop put to
those works, I shall find myself under the necessity of prevent-
ing them by force.

" Accept, I beg you, M. le Marshal, the assurance of my high
consideration.

" The General of Infantry, BARON CHASSE."

COPY OF THE ANSWER OF GENERAL CHASSE TO
THE SECOND LETTER OF MARSHAL GERARD.
"Citadel of Antwerp, Nov. 20, 1832.

. ,
" Monsieur le Marshal,—ln reply to the second letter of
your Excellency of this day, I have the honour to inform your
Excellency, that while you make propositions for not attacking
the citadel on the side of the city, your troops were already
occupied, without it, in forming works of attack against the
citadel, which I have found myself compelled to combat. It Is
therefore on your part, M. le Marshal, that the hostilities have
begun. Besides, all the fortifications of the city, with the
detached works and forts, can never form a part to besiege the
citadel, without compromising the city of Antwerp ; and I
have to inform you, M. le Marshal, that the first cannon fired
from those places shall cause me to consider the city as having
assumed a hostile attitude, which will expose it to total ruin ;
the fatal consequences of which will fall personally on yOur
Excellency.
"It is incontestable, M. le Marshal, that the aforesaid
works have been constructed for the defence of the place, and
not to attack the citadel, and as such they have been always
considered and admitted by the military authorities of Antwerp.
"The free communication with Holland by the Scheldt,
which has always taken place, is a point so just, on which I
cannot yield, not conceiving that this communication can be
injurious to your operation of siege.

" You see, by thew propositions, M. le Marshal, that I am
always disposed to spare the city, in the manner already too
well proved by my conduct during two years, notwithstanding
the provocations of the inhabitants and military authorities.
" Receive, M. le Marshal, the assurances of my high con-
sideration.

" The General of Infantry, BARON CHASSE."

COPY OF THE REPLY OF MARSHAL GERARD TO
THE ANSWER OF GENERAL CHASSE.
" Quarters-General, at Berchem, Nov. 36
" Monsieur le General,—The first hostilities are in the can-
non shots which you have just fired on my troops, at the very
moment when I received your letter of this day's date. The
cutting of: the dikes near Liefkenshock, on the 41st and 25th
of this month, and the cannon shot fired on the 21st on the
Belgian officer, could be considered as a rupture of the ar-
mistice, even much more than the arrangements commenced
on the ground which I occupy before the citadel. Previous to
firing, I am desirous to offer you a means of preserving the
city of Antwerp :Ind its population from the miseries of
war, and with this wish I have offered to renounce the ad.
vantages which are presented to me by an attack from the
neighbourhood of houses by confining myself to the exterior.
The Lunette of Montebello is necessarily comprised among
the latter, as well as the contregardes, and the works not form-
ing a part of the enciente, properly so called. In acting thus,
I rely on the examples of the sieges of 1746 and 1792, in which
the city was by mutual accord considered as neuter, without
however, on that account, the besiegers having lost the faculty
of extending their operations on the exterior works. When I
shall use this power, if you therefore should take occ.lsion of
firing on the city, I shall have the right of attacking your ci-
tadel on the side which shall suit me best, and you know the
disadvantages which can thence result from your defence.
" If, for the preservation of the city, I may consent to
make use of the exterior batteries to fire on the Tete de
Flandre, it cannot therefore be regarded as on that account
admitted that you are to preserve the free navigation of the
Scheldt. That would be on my part the equivalent of besieg-
ing you without a blockade.
" I must therefore, N. le General, press you anew to ac.
eept the arrangements, which make of the city of Antwerp a
neutral point between you and me, in the interest of your
honour and of humanity, or remind you that all the responsibi.
lity of a refusal will devolve personally on you.
" Receive, M. le General, &c.
"The Marshal Commander-in-Chief of the Army
of the North, " C. GERARD."

(From the Second Edition of the Morning Herald.)
We have just received the following communications
from our Correspondents
BERCHEM, Head-quarters of Marshal Gerard,
Saturday, Dec. 1, 11 o'clock at night.
There have been various versions of the reply of General
Chasse to the summons of Marshal Gerard,but I believe the
following to be most authentic :—" I shall not quit the
citadel until after I have exhausted all the means in my
power for its defence. I demand, in order to guarantee
the neutrality of the town of Antwerp-1. That all inter-
course with the citadel by vessels, as well as the debark-
ment of troops, remain free to me-2. That the forts on
the left hank of the Scheldt be not attacked ; such as the
Tete de Flandres, Fort Burgbt, and Fort Saint Hilaire—
S. That the city of Antwerp does not fire a single shot."
Marshal Gerard was willing to agree to the first and
third conditions, but refused binding himself to the se.
cond ; and, as I mentioned yesterday, he demanded a more
satisfactory reply from Chasse, but, up to the present hour,
I have reason for believing no further communication bas
been received from the citadel.

The French are now working at the third parallel, and

it is generally supposel that byto-morrow all the batteries
will have been placed, and that the attack on the citadel
will commence at latest on Monday. It is but just to
give every credit to the workmen for their indefatigable
exertions, aad the enthusiasm with which they seem ani-
mated. The weather has been dreadful, the toads almost
impassable, and although the miners were up to their
knees in water and mud, they were shouting away, and
singing patriotic songs. The Duke of Orleans is doing
everything he can to render himself popular with the
army. He remains in the trenches all night—he drinks
with the men, and has a kind word for every inquirer.
Marshal Gerard is constantly at work, and, 1 am told, has
not laid down for more than three hours during the last
three days. There is a curious anecdote related of one of
his nocturnal adventures. On Friday night the Marshal,
the Duke of Orleans, and General Baudrand, disguised
themselves, and approached the neutral ground between
the citadel and the town, for the purpose of reconnoitring
the exact state of defence of the citadel. Not being able
to ascertain all they wished to learn, they passed into the
neutral ground, and excited the suspicions of a Dutch of-
ficer, who called out to them, and warned them of the
danger they were running. Having obtained all the in-
formation they desired, they returned to head-quarters.
The Dutch continue firing at intervals during the whole
of the day, but with little effect. I have only heard of
six persons being killed, and seven or eight wounded. A
bomb, which fell in the trenches this afternoon, was pre-
vented from doing any mischief from the presence of mind
of a miner, who, seeing it fall, with the greatest san;/
froid, went up to it and cut the fusee. The French do
not fire in return, and will take no notice of the shots
from the citadel, until they are prepared to bring all their
artillery, consisting of 114 pieces, whip will all play at
the same time.

Part of the French army is echollonnes in the dikes
between the Pope de Tabac and Fort Isabel. There are
5,000 men in the neighbourhood of Callio, ani about
1,000 men on the Doel near Lillo. The division of
General Sebastlmi is approaching the Scheldt, and orders
have been sent to the General to attack immediately the
forts which cover the Tete de Flandres.

Antwerp, to all intents and purposee, is occupied by
the French, notwithstanding the flimsy pretext of only
placing sentinels at retain particular posts. Tnis morn-
ing a whole battalion of French infantry entered the city,
and were instantly quartered in the barracks, and on the
inhabitants in the Rue de la Ciullier. This is neutrality !
In the course of the afternoon a French superior officer
went to the top of the spire of the cathedral to reconnoitre
the operations of the citadel. Neutrality again ! A tele-
graph has been established on the tower of the cathedral
to carry information of what passes in the citadel to the
French. Neutrality with a vengeance ! But the foll.w_
lug convention which has been signed between Marshal
Gerard and Colonel Buzen, the military Governor of An-
twerp, is the ne plus ultra of neutrality.
Article 1. The Lunette Montebelle shall be placed in the
hands of the French.
Article 2. The gates of the city shall continue to be occu-
pied by the Belgian troops.
Article 3. 500 French troops shall enter the gates of Ma-
lines to occupy the first line of posts.
Article 4. The Belgian troops to occupy the posts of the
second line of barricades and the bastion of the Bel-

giants.
Article 5. The day and hour when this convention shall
be put into execution shall be determined on by Mar-
shal Gera, d, and notified to Goland Buzen.
AI you bare already been Wormed, Marstial Gerard de-

:'',,

.tiled the fulfilment o Cr., eune.itition on the 29th, anal
the French teool;s are n,:e
The people of Antwerp are more tranquil than might
hive been expected, and place mreatlaith in the presence
,1 Colonel Caradoe. amafraid'if piiip rely on any active
ar determined assistance fr,oirl thol,ificli Government they
.ire greatly mistaken; noeiLlaikgpsc that Marshal Gerard
rarer one straw either for the" presence of the British
Commissary or his protestations. Gerard's honour is
mixed up too much with taking of the citadel—he is de-
termined on succeeding, and sooner than be defeated he
will enter the city at all risks, and storm the citadel from
the esplanade. Of what weight is a few thousand houses
and the property of as many merchants and mechanics to
the honour of a Field-Marshal of the Grand Monargui:
Resides, Gerard. has other objects in view—he is preparing
for a general war ; and, notwithstanding all the peaceafde
reports of interested Ministerial Journals, I am credibly
informed that, by the sth of the present month, there will
be nearly 150,000 Frenchmen in Belgium, with about 220
pieces of artillery. The peace of the hirelings is like the
neutrality of the Belgians!
I have just heard that the Dutch made a sortie this
afternoon, about two o'clock, with 500 in n, with the
intention of destroying the works of the French, but
were compelled to return without effecting their purpose.
Tee following I believe to be a correct statement of the
manner in which the summons reached General Gears,
Friday I .st. About tire o'clock in the morning the
Marshal gave the summons to Colonel Auvray, who im-
mediately set off for the citadel, accompanied by as officer
of the staff and a trumpeter. At the Dutch outposts be
was refused admission into the citadel, and was compelled to
remain in the guard room. A superior officer having been
sent for, demanded the object of his mission ; having been
informed, he retired and went to Chasse, who sent him
back again almost immediately with the answer, " that
his orders prevented him from admitting any French officer
into the citadel, and that he must transmit any thing he
had to communicate in writing." Colonel Auvray de-
elared that his orders were to deliver into the hands of
General Chasse the summons to surrender the citadel,
It bad no effect, and he was compelled to send his des.
spatches to the General by the Dutch officer. Colon 1
Auvray was kept waiting until eleven o'clock, and was
then told that the answer of General Chasse would be
sent to the French bead-quartere...- About two o'clock lie
fitlfilled his promise.

BERCHE3I, DEC. 2, ELEVEN O'CLOCK.
The firing from the citadel ceased late last night, and
was not resumed until this morning at day-break. It has
continued ever since at intervals of about five minutes 4
The French are erecting their batteries, and it is expected
that the attack on the citadel will commence this evening
shout six o'clock. The miners have been actively at
vork all night in helmets and cuirasses. The first attack
will be directed at the Lunette St. Laurent.
Great dissatisfaction reigns among the French troops
in consequence of their being ill-provided with sufficient
fuel to keep themselves warm in this inclement weather.
They care little for the orders of their commanders ; cut
down the hedges on the road side, and rob the farm-
houses of straw with impunity. In one word, they corms
duct themselves more like a victorious army in a con-
quered country than the friends of a people they profess to
serve. An inquiry has been instituted as to the mischief
already done to the roads and hedges, and it has bee❑ va-
lued at 50,000 florins.

The French are grumbling this morning about an im-
,nense quantity of tents which have reached the army, and
not been made use of.

We shall have some severe work befme this formidable
army quit the country—which, by-the.bye, I do not thick
likely to be very soon.

General De:prez, the Chirf of the Belgian Staff, has
taken up his quarters at B,rcheni.
The greatest silence is ordered to h observA among
the French workmen.

The inhabitants of Antwerp, residing in the immediate
neighbourhood of the cira-lel, have received orders to
chain up thi-ir dogs, lest their barking in th ni,!ht should
direct the attention of the Dutch to the spot where the
French are at work.

TWELVE O'C OCK
It is currently reported that General Seb,stiani at
the present moment firing on the Dutch steam-vessel the
Comet.
The taking of Fort St. Maria appears to be confirmed.

BRUSSKLS, SUNDAY, TWO O'CLOCK, DEC. 2.
The reserve of the French army, about 25,000 str, ag,
has passed the frontiers ; part of them slept last night at
Tournay ; the artillery at Ath, and the advance guard at
ilal (about nine miles from B, ussels). Time batteries
of artillery reached Mans yesterday.
Is it necessary to employ the whole of the present
French force in Belgium, to reduce the citadel of An.
twerp only?
Before a shot is fired the corps de reserve enter the
kingdom. Be not deceived, the object of France is not
the storming of the citadel of Antwerp only.
Leopold intends remaining at Lierre until the citadel is
taken.

As yet no Ministry is formed. 1 am told the division
of General Schrom (the corps of reserve), were ordered to
advance by force marches. The first day they made S-ik
miles, and the second 2EI miles.