The Statesman.
London, England, 1809-08-11 00:00:00

THE STATESMAN.

SIEGE OF GERON.I.

ANSWER.

We have received a voluminous journal. of the
siege of Gerona, a city in Catalonia, sAich is
antions to emulate at the same time the former
reputation of this Province, and the mute recent
glory attained by Saragolse. We have room only
for a few abridged extracts from this noble
diary :
Juke 25.... The bombardment has lasted eleven
days, without any intermission, day or night.
About eight bombs are discharged every quarter
of an hour. Some houses have reteived from 20
to 26 ; and some convents more than 90. On the
17th, the tower of St. Lewis was attacked; and
after the enemy had been twice driven away, was
destroyed. This enabled the enemy to attack and
take the tower of Saint Narciso, and afterwards
that of Saint Daniel, .the draw-bridge being de.
stroyed, and the garrison having made its retreat
in good order. _ _

Jute 26..-. A proclamation was this day pub.
dished, declaring the determination of the principal
citizens to behold with indifference the destruction
of their houses and effects; relying upon the jus.
lice of the nation, which would nut fail to grant
them the same distinction and privileges which
were given to Saragossa, whose example Gerona
would emulate. The ladies of the city, at the
same time; are declared to have merited the re.
wards due to patriotism. Their services on the
ltth are especially praised, when they appeared
on the works, carrying ammunition and provisions
to those who were actually hieing.
JOU 28.-.-The bombardment, which has never
ceased, has been succeeded by red.hut balk, which
are fired in so great abundance upon Monjuich,
that many fall into the city. As the efforts of the
enemy are principally directed against this castle,
our principal means of defence are applied to this
s•nut. We shall not fail to make the enemy feel
the superiority of our artillery, and that he is ex:.
haunting his reng th upon a rock which bids defi.
ante to his efforts. Ott the 25tri, 26. h, and 27th,
the bombardment of the castle was incessant from
the tower of St. Daniel. The Governor has
granted badges of distinction to many of the corn.
puny of the Geroncee crusade, and rewards to se.
veral officers, in the name of Ferdinand VII. On
the 2Gth, General Fabre sent a summons to the
Governor of the Castle of Mequincnza to 'wren.
der, in which the General intimated that the
neral in Chief had ordered heavy artillery, miners, I
&c. to be sent against the castle, which he had im.
plored him not to do. The Commandant of the
Castle sent the following answer:
" I have mad your summon, sad am sorry fur the request
you made to your General. I beg of you to eta your influ-
ence with him to entrust you with his heavy artillery,
minem, and sappers, that you may expTrience what a brnso
garrison and inhabitants can effect, who know only to coo-
quer Or die."
JUL! 1....4The Governor made known dis.
patch s received from the Marquis of Conpigny,
Governor-General of Catalonia, promising, in the
name of the nation, that all buildings destroyed,
should be rebuilt at the public expence.
Jutt .2.—The enemy, though so long in pos-
session of the towers, cannot avail himself of
ti/use positions, owing to the fire of Monjuich.
JULY 3.—The following documents have been
published :

" From the Camp before Germs. July 9, 1809.

" Goynnison-1 have the honour to inform you, that I
am authorised by his Excellency Count St. Cyr, General in
Chief of the French area•, to make suitable proposals to
you, ender the present circumstances.
" 1 invite you to scud wane of your Officers, wbo enjoys
our confidence, that he may confer with me In the advanced
posts, where he left the prisoner who carries this letter.
"6 To avoid false ioterpetrations, you may nasociate with
hits a Member of the Junta, and ono of the superior Clergy.
" 1 have the honour to be, Ike.

" KIRGENER: Baron de Planta."

" MOST r.ICLLLINT 31111-I have nothing to treat about
with your E scene:lcy; I am more than suSciently acquainted
with your intentions, an I for the future, your Excellency
will understand, that I shall sot admit or respect any fag of
trace or trumpeter."

JULY 4.—They who are unacquainted with the
inhabitants of both sexes of this city, could net
credit the composure and tranquillity with which
the terrible bombardment is endured. But wean
assured that succours will arrive at a proper time,
which will inflict vengeance on the enemy for his
rash attempt ; and this is sufficient to induce
every one to attend to his own duties, without in.
Bulging in a vain curiosity concerning the projects
of the chiefs, resolved that the obstinacy of an
inhuman race shall not weary out the constancy
and fidelity of Gerona.
Jv t. v 5.1-A formidable battery of 17 pieces of
canuon had been raised, within half musquet shot
of the castle of Monjuich ; and another battery
of grenades and red-hot balls, besides two other
batteries of eight guns. These are constantly cm.
ployed against Monjuieh, which is answered with
the utmost valour by our brilliant artillery. The
Governor of Monjuich sends intelligence, that
though 150 men have been employed to clear away
the ruins of one of the bastions, they increase
very fast.
The Governor of the fortress, in consideration
of the great valour displayed by the females of
Gerbil., and in order to organize their exertions,
has instituted a female company, which is to co-
operate in the defence of the place. The follow-
ing are some of the instructions published on the
occasion :---

1. The Company of Germane wee= shall be called tic
company of Saint Barbara.
IL 3. It shall consist of 800 members, with four Com-
manders, 8 beads of .squadrons and 8 scrirants. all being wo-
men; all it whom shall be distinguished b% a red scarf.
4. Whenever the (nitrate shall beat, the four divisions,
each of 50 women, shall proceed to the tour spots pointed
out, attended ►y their female ogee's.
6. Each Commander %halt be attended by eight women,
who shall be &aged a ills @applying syntei ts here necessary.
Th. remainder soall take care ut che nutiuded, currying
them to the bospit.ii-, Ac.

Lord MELVILLE is entirely recovered from his
late indisposition; sad yesterday Mr. H. DUNDAS
left town (or Dublin Cant*