The Sun.
London, England, 1832-11-24 00:00:00

EXPRESS FROM BRUSSELS.

(17,0 m the Times.)
We last night received an express from Brussels and
Antwerp, containing letters of Thursday. Their contents
are interesting. Our correspondent alludes to a paltry
controversy which has been raised on the point, whether
the convention allows Marshal Gerard to enter the city of
Antwerp. Of course the convention. which empower,
him to take the titadel, implies that no necessary means
of taking the citadel should be prohibited: and if he, as a
military man, pronounces it necessary that he should
have possession of the city, be must have it. It is impos•
sible for rational men, out of the sphere of particular
motives, to appreciate the fantastic crotchets of disap-
pointed faction. It is amusing to see the sympathy he-
ta•een the GmFervatives of England and the Mouvement
party in Belgium.

" BRUSSELS, WEDNESDAY NIGHT.

" From the numerous arrivals of French troops of
cavalry, infantry, and parks of artillery, which have taken
place to-day, it would appear that the army destined to
invest the citadel of Antwerp will be in much greater
force than was at first announced• It is now said that
the whole of the French force will be between 50,000
and 60,000 men ; and from the demonstrations made on
the side of Prussia, it is not improbable that a still greater
number may be assembled on the northern frontier of this
kingdom. When the French forces began to concentra'e
on the southern frontier, it was said that the army which
was to invest the citadel would not exceed 35,000 men—
a force certainly more than sufficient for that purpose,
considering that the forts of the city are in the possession
of the Belgians. The great addition that has since been
made to that force would seem to indicate that Marshal
Gerard feels it necessary to be prepared for any attempt
that may be made, either to raise the siege, or to make a
diversion by the entrance of a Dutch army into a more
distant part of the Belgian territory. The position taken
by the Dukes of Orleans and Nemours, at Westweezel, be-
tween the north aide of Antwerp and the Dutch frontier
on that side, goes to favour the notion that some attempt
in that quarter may be made. You have been informed,
in a previous letter, that the younk Dukes will be present
at the siege of Antwerp, unless their presence should be
required at the head of the advanced guard on the northern
frontier.'

" The accounts from Antwerp to-day describe the head-
quarters of Marshal Gerard as being still at Merxem, as be-
for e. The most active preparations were going on for the
formal investment of the citadel ; hut, as I stated yester-
day, they will not be in a condition to commence a oil'.
nonade before the 24th. Some accounts mention the 27th.

" This siege, it is said, will give an opportunity to the
French engineers and artillery to carry into operation a
new and improved system of attack on fortified places.
Amongst other destructive means of offence mention is
made of ' the infernal machine'—an invention of M. Fa..
yard, to which the power attributed to the Cadiz mortar
in your St. James's Park is but as that of a pocket pistol in
the comparison. This machine, I understand, consists of an
immense cask or barrel, hooped round with massive iron
binding of enormous strength. It is fixed in the ground, at
the same angle of elevation as is used for the discharge of
a shell, and is so contrived as to be brought to bear on any
given point, the same as a mortar. Its great power con-
sists in the enormous size of the- projectile, which it can
throw to an immense distance, the destructive effects of
which, on explosion, are said to be irresistible. I have been
told, that in an experiment made with it in a wood in
France, the explosion of the projectile tore up and shat-
tered to atoms some scores of large trees in every direction
round. The materials which it scatters on exploding are
calculated to set any combustible substance in a blaze. The
citadel, with all its powers of resistance, could not long
hold out against the terrific effects of such a machine,
which, if it realize only half what is said of it, would well
deserve the name it has received.

" The papers here of this day are filled with the most
contradictory statements as to the course pursued, or about
to he pursued, by Marshal Gerard in his attack on the
citadel. One statement is, that the Marshal wishes to get
possession of some of the forts of the city which overlook
the citadel, but that the Belgian- Government are unwil,
ling that any French troops should enter the city. A
paper known to be in the Orange interest says, That a
deputation of the authorities of Antwerp arrived here last
night in great haste, to protest before the King against
the measures which it was believed Marshal Gerard was
about to take for the occupation of the city, in order to
insure the speedy success of his attack on the citadel.' On
inquiry I learned from another and a much more respect-
able source, that no such deputation had arrived ; but that
it was true that the Marshal had expressed a wish to oc-
cupy the city, to which the Belgian Government was
strongly opposed, and that General Levain had given an
assurance that the city should preserve the most strict
neutrality. Now, though I have every reason to respect
the general accuracy of the source from whence this
comes, yet I cannot bring myself to receive it without very
considerable doubt ; for, from everything which has tran-
spired, from the convention by which France and England
otreed to carry the decision of the Conference into ex-
ecution, by force if necessary, we have been given to un-
*dsrstand that Belgium was to he neutral in the affair,
unless attached by the Dutch ; but the occu•
pition of the forts or city of Antwerp by any portion of
the French troops would, and very naturally, be considered
by the Dutch as a departure from that neutrality.
It
Marshal Gerard should desire to occupy by his troops any
of the forts, or even the city, merely as quarters for a por-
tion of his army not engaged in the siege, it is impossible
to conceive on what principle it is he could ask of Baron
Chasse to respect the neutrality of the city (and that he has
already made, or is to make, such a demand is admitted
on a I hands). On this subject the Antwerp correspon-
dent of an evening paper, L'independant, of to-day,
zin ler d rte of this morning, says-4 It is certain that ac-
cording to the terms of a convention made with General
Goblet, a small detachment of the French army is to
enter the city, and to occupy the advanced posts oppo-
site the citadel.' lam assured,' he adds, that this is
quite contrary to the wishes of General Desprez and Evain,
that they resign these posts to the French, and it is
certain that a long correspondence on the subject has
itaiwn place between them and Marshal Gerard.' The
writer then proceeds to argue that this will be a viola-
tion of that neutrality which it is sought to impose on
Baron Chasse with respect to the city, and that it will be a
;nurce of great discontent to the Belgian garrison. Others of
the papers here also speak of a correspondence having
taken place on the subject. I may add my opinion, that
if the matter be as is here stated (of which I have still the
strongest doubts), the bombardment of the city by the
citadel can be no longer uncertain ; for if Baron Chasse
fights at all, he will fire on his assailants, whether in or
out of the city. The accounts from Antwerp to-mor-
row will put the question as to this point beyond doubt.
" Amongst other matters stated in the letters from Ant-
werp Otis morning, I find it mentioned that four barges
laden wp,:, provisions sailed up to the citadel yesterday.
This, taken in conjunction with the accounts from the
Hague, evinces a disposition on the part of the Dutch Go-
vernment to go to extremities before it surrenders the cita-
del. By the Handelsblud of the day before yesterday,
which you may probably see before this reaches you, it
appears that Royal orders have been issued by the King
of Holland for calling out the militia—the Schuttery—.
(like our local militia), and organizing them in their re-
spective communes, so that they may be ready for active
iieivice beyond those communes when called upon by a fu-
tun :Royal order. The reasons assigned for these orders are,
as you will observe, that English and French ships-of-
:vast have arrived on the Dutch coasts, and that a French
army has erttaed Belgium with the avowed object of em-
ploying force in an expedition which compromises the
honour and interests of Holland ; and that, under these
circumstances, his M tjesty feels it his duty to employ all the
means in his power to defend the territory and the country.
" Private accounts add, that the students of the Univer-
sities are to have their arms restored, and to be allowed to

join the army, if necessary, and that a project is to be sub-
mitted to the Chambers tor the purpose of enabling his
Majesty to call out the landstrum or levy en masse. This
does not look very pacific, or as if King William of Hol-
land would consent to surrender the citadel of Antwerp
without a contest.
" From some of the accounts it appears that a portion
of the French army is intended to invest the Tete de
Flan& es. This, as you are aware, is a small port on the
south side of the Scheldt, nearly opposite the citadel. It
is of no great strength, but, if in possession of the French,
would be a point from which the citadel could begreatly
annoyed by shell and shot. The grounds in its immediate
vicinity have been for some time laid under water by the
Dutch. The women and children have been already sent
out of this fort.
" The account of the attempt on the life of the King of
the Fiend), which transpired here this morning, has pro-
dticed no other effect than a slight exhilaration to the spi-
rits of the Orange party, who look upon it as a proof of
an unsettled' state of things in France ; and such a state
may, they think, serve as a sort of point d'appui to their
forlorn hope of a restoration.' One of the papers here
under the dominion of that party is filled to-day with long
accounts purporting to have been written from the various
stations occupied by the French army. The principal
f at ire in these accounts is a statement of some difference
g et .ret a Marshal Gerard and 5014 of the Delgian authori-

ties, in consequence of an alleged deficiency in the supply
of provisions. The French troop., it is added, already
begin to feel the consequence of the negligence of the &I-
rian Minister in this respect. There is not the slightest
foundation for this charge. I call your attention to the
circumstance, because I have no doubt (knowing the
source from which it comes), that you will find the same
account in an English dress in a day or two, in the cor-
respondence of a London Morning. Contemporary.
" The address of the Senate, in answer to the speech
from the throne, was presented to the King yesterday, by
a deputation from that body. His Majesty replied—
" Gentlemen,—l am happy to receive this expression of
the sentiments of the Senate, and to find in it the patriotism
and attachment to the country which they have always evinced.
The Queen is not less sensible, Gentlemen, of that which your
address particularly expresses towards her.
" The situation of M. Thorn has not ceased to engage my
attention. Active negotiations are at this moment in progress
to terminate the captivity of that honourable member of the
national representation. lam in expectation of a near and
happy result.
" I observe with satisfaction that the Senate approves the
line of policy pursued by the Government- In adopting that
course I have only seconded the wishes expressed in your last
address.

" ' Harmony among the powers of the state is, in actual cir-
cumstances, the first necessity of the country. I see with
satisfaction that the Senate appreciates the value of this har-
mony.'
" The deputation then returned to the Senate, where
the answer of his Majesty was ordered to be printed and
distributed. The Senate then adjourned sine die.
" In the sitting of the Chamber of Representatives
yesterday, a conversation took place on the Order of the
Dly for the discussion of the Projet d'Adresse, which
some of the Opposition contended ought not to proceed
until the whole of the documents mentioned in the speech
of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and which the Cham-
ber had ordered to be printed, should be in the bands of
Members.

" Some Members complained of the delay in the print-
ing of those documents.
" M. Nothomb accounted far it by mentioning that the
documents were very voluminous. They would, however,
be in the hands of Members that evening. The discussion
was then deferred to this day.
" Several Members urged the necessity of the Chamber
meeting at 10 o'clock ; but it was replied, that, as expe-
rience had shown the almost impossibiliy of procuring a
sufficiently numerous attendance at that early hour of the
day, it would be better to meet at the usual hour of noon.
This was agreed to, and the Chamber adjourned.
" The sittings were resumed to-day at half-past twelve,
when the Chamber proceeded to discuss the project of the
address. At any other time the discussion which took
place would be read with a lively interest, but the ap-
proaching events at Antwerp, and, not improbably, on the
Dutch frontier, absorb all attention. The tribune+ occu-
pied by strangers were crowded during the discussion; but
I have no doubt it was in the hope that something would
be elicited in the course of it, on the subject of the attack
on Antwerp.
" Before the order of the day was read, _ _ .

" M. Miry wished to know whether the Minister c
Finance would delay the budget until after the discussion.

" The Minister of Finance said that the estiir.ates con-
nected with the ways and means and the public expendi-
ture would be ready to-morrow, or the day following.
" For the discussion on the address, as well as the
preliminary discussion, I must refer to the pap rs of to•
morrow, which will accompany this.

" THURSDAY, NOON.

" Nearly the whole of the papers published here this
morning are taken up with the reports of the proceedings
in the Chambor of Representatives of yesterday, no doubt
to the great disappointment of their readers, who have
been anxiously on the look out for details from Antwerp.
These are more meagre and less circumstantial than one
could imagine, so near the scene of operations; but by 3
o'clock I expect a courier with all the news up to 10, this
morning. In the mean time I may mention as one of the
accounts which are circulated here, that Baron Chasse his
consented to recognize the neutrality of the city, provided
that neither French nor Belgians occupy the forts. It
this be correct, it is confirmat,ry of what I stated yester-
day, that Chasse would consider the occupation of any
part of the city by French troops as utterly incompatible
with his recognition of its neutrality.
" The Memorial _Beige, a paper entitled to great credit
for its general accurate information, has in its number of
this morning the following :—" We learn that the Minis-
ter of War despatched on the day before yesterday an of-
ficer to Namur, who was yesterday to have left that place
for Arlon, with M. Pescatore, who it is said will there be

exchanged for. DI. Thorn. The same journal, quoting
from the Journal de Verniers of the 19th, confirms the
news forwarded from this to you, by express, on Sunday,
as to the illness of the King of Pripsia. The last ac•-

counts from Berlin describe his Majesty to be so danger-
ously ill as to be wholly unable to attend to state affairs.
The news, it is added, has caused a serious fall, in the
funds at Frankfort.

" By one of the papers received from the Hague to-day,
it appears that a Dutch frigate had captured a French brig
of war of 18 guns.
" A letter from Antwerp, written late yesterday, states
that the summons to Baron Chasse will be made to-day:
it is added, a French General will go to the citadel, ac-
companied by the English commissioner, Colonel Cradec,
attached to the French head-quarters. The most explicit
declaration will INr required from the Baron as to his in •
tentions with respect to the city. Should the most clear
and distinct assurances, as to his recognition of its neutra-
lity, not be given, the forts of the city will be immediately
occupied by a joint French and Belgian force. A similar
account is given in the Memorial Beige of to-day, but
the most violent of the Orange papers say that the sum-
mons will not he before the 24th or 25th.
" Active operations are still going on for placing the
citadel in a state of effective siege. The different corps
which are intended to cover the operations of the beseig-
ing army will all have arrived at their destined quarters

by to-morrow evening.
" I perceive, in the correspondence of a London morn-
ing paper, a statement, that the writer found Brussels all
in confusion' on Friday last. He must, I suspect, have
gone to some part of the city unknown to all the rest of the
inhabitants in order to find it out. I have been much
about, and saw none ; nor did anybody else that I con-
versed with. The confusion, I rather think, must have
been in the imagination of the writer ; and no wonder,
:or the last twelve months he has been almost constantly
drawing upon it for his facts. For ' confusion,' read
hilarity and gayety,' and you will come much nearer to
the actual stet...! of Brussels on that day and every day since.
" 6 O'CLOCK, P. at.

" I have this moment received the following from -,
at Antwerp, and lose no time iu sending it forward by
courier.

" ANTWERP, THURSDAY NOON, NOV. 22.

"The unfounded reports circulated respecting the situa-
tion of this city, the arrangements of the Ftench and Bel-
gian armies, and the approaching investment of the citadel,
are almost innumerable. It is therefore a duty not only
to caution you against them, but to supply intelligence on
which reliance can he placed.
" Within the last few days the Belgian journals have
teemed with reports of communications between Marshal
Gerard and the Belgian Government relative to the occu-
pation of Antwerp by the French soldiers, and it was even
-aid yesterday evening in one of them that the Belgian
posts had been occupied by the French, in the direction of
the esplanade. No French soldiers are allowed to enter
the gates, and although some of the artillery from cut iosity
endeavoured, the sentries turned them back. It is the
wish, not only of the Belgian Government, but of the
French authorities, to preserve the city, and to have its
neutrality respected. Therefore it is known that there is
no truth in the report circulated by a Brussels Orange
paper of yesterday, that a deputation had left this city to
wait on the King to pray his Majesty's interference to
prevent the danger in which the city might be placed, if
hostilities were caused between it and the ctafiel by the en-
trance here of the French troops.
" Next there is no foundation for the repeated state-
ment of communications between Marshal Gerard and the
citadel, and of offers and terms of compromise relative to
this city having been offered. It is stated, on good authority,
that as the military dispositions for enforcing the sum-
mons, in case of a refusal, are not yet ready, no intercourse
has taken place between the Marshal and General Chasse.
The heavy artillery, battering train, &c., not having ar-
rived, although the great part was yesterday landed at
Boom, there is no expectation of the summons being re-
mitted to the Commander of the citadel until Monday next
at the soonest; nor is there any chance of hostilities being
renewed between the Belgians and Dutch, unless some un-
foreseen incident should arise.

" The preparations for the siege are not neglected. I
saw approaching Berghem this morning numbers of the
French soldiers, employed in cutting the twigs necessary
for forming gebions, &c.
" The French army continues to extend itself to the
Belgian frontiers from Sautbliet, by Westweezel, to Turn-
Emir. Its positions are not yet exactly fixed, but will be
within a few days.
" In consquence of the rapid marches of some of th e
corps, provisions have not been ready at some of the places
for the troops; it therefore became necessary to quarter

them on the inhabitants: This produced some dissatisfac- I
tion, and has been magnified by the Orange journals in
order to excite discontent, but the evil has been removed,
for the French Intendant-General of the army has already
purchased 2,000 bullocks, and flour arrives in abun-
dance, of which bread is made with rapidity ; for in each
regiment there are five or six bakers. All the Commissariat
arrangements are now in activity.
" The division in which are the Dukes of Orleans and
Nemours was thus circumstanced. It has proceeded now
towards Westweezd. The head. quarters of the Princes
have been at Braschaet. A courier arrived this morning
for them from Paris.
" The Duke of Orleans and his brother continue to
support the fatigues like the other officers. The former,
when asked why, as Prince Royal, he could submit to
them, judiciously replied, " None can expect to be a King
at this period of the world, who does not earn and deserve
his title.'
" In the citadel, and in the opposite forts, *fete de
Flandre, Isabel, and some smaller redoubts at Burcht, &c.,
on the left bank of Scheldt, preparations continue to take
place for opposing resistance to the assailing forces.
" General Chasse, last Saturday, on learning the arrival
of the French troops in Belgium, read a most energetic
proclamation to the garrison, in which he exhorted them
to sell themselves dearly fur the honour and interests of
their country. It is, however, imagined, by some per-
sons acquainted with the character of the Dutch people
as well as soldiers, that the garrison, now consisting of
from 4,000 to 5,000 men, will not submit to inevitable
destruction. The soldiers are young, and not accustomed
to the tremendous fire of the heavy batteries which will be
brought to play upon them. The ex imple of Van Spyck
is brought forward on all occasions as that of a martyr :
but the Belgians who witnessed his feat in the Sclie!dt be-
fore this city, say that he baying, from unskilfulness, drawn
his vessel into their power, blew himself and it up in a fit
of drunkenness.

" The Orangeists of the city were last week highly de-

lighted at the prospect of the Prussian armies coming to
the assistance of the Dutch Monarch; but their disap-
pointment now equals their elation on that occa9ion.
Their great object now is to disunite, if they can, the
French and Belgian soldiers, and to make them dissatisfied
with each other.

" The weather continues delightful, although some per-
sons fear that it will not long continue so favourahle. Some
officers of experience state, that if the citadel be properly
defended, it can hold out for a month.

" During the day, there is now no difficulty more than
on former occasions, to enter into this city. Commerce
stil continues, and ships arrive ; even an Austrian vessel
from Odessa came up the river yesterday.
" The twelve Dutch gun-boats continue in their 1d
stations—two before the Tete de Flandres, and ten oppo-
site the citadel. The frigates and ships of war are sta-
tioned variously down the river.
" I must not omit to mention that the division of
French troops under General Tiburce Sebastiani, are
quartered near St. Nicholas for the purpose of making an
attack on Cie forts on the left bank, at the sante time as
Mat shal Gerard on the citadel. This division is stated to
be 12,000 strong. .

" The Dutch are making some additions to the fort
Tete de Flandre, in the rear of it, as they appear to dread
a coup de main there. The number of men and guns i❑
those forts vary every day. To-day, at the Tete de
Flandre there are 250 men, and 20 guns ; yesterday,
only '7. At St. Isabel there were yesterday about 20,
who can be increased when nt cessary. At Burcht, the
number is about the same, which, with two or three

small redoubts, constitute the whole support of the Dutch
in the poiJers.

" The head-quarters of Marshal Gerard remain at
Merzetn, about two miles from the town. Colonel Carador
resides there also.
" Great interest is felt here to know the termination of
this affair. Some sensible men dread lest the King of Hol-
land and his counsellors, who are described as fit subjects
for stria j.ckets, will sacrifice the blood of mmy brave
men for no good purpose, and with no chance of ultimate
success. " A."

There was a long and warm debate tra Wednesday last
in the Belgic Chamber of Representatives on the draught
for an address in reply to the King's speech. The debate
was commenced by M. Osy, a Member from Antwerp,
who strongly censured the system of the Ministry, which
he stigmatized as a decided departure frotn the wishes of
the people and the existing laws. The Ministerial system,
he argued, would lead to an Orange restoration. All his
constitients, he asserted, were of his opinion. This asser-
tion M. Verdussin, another Deputy from Antwerp, denied.
M. Nuthomb made a long speech, in which he supported
the question of evacuation. In the conclusion, he observed
that Congresses had been assembled at Laybach and Verona
to destroy revolutions, hut nosy they had seen a Congress
assembled, as it were, for the inauguration of one. What
was now refused to Belgium he hoped would soon be ob-
tained. The Minister for Foreign Affairs vindicated, in a
. .

long speech, the policy of the Government. Though the
number of speakers was considerable, the debate did not
terminate in that sitting. It was adjourned to the follow-
ing day.