Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1808-03-04
LATEST
s2gfoyel2a lnkeMae1ee.
FROM THE LoNDoS GAZETTE ExrnAoa.
DEcLARATIoM.

FhOM THE LONDON GAZETTE EXTRAOR-
BINARY, DECEMBER Is.
The declaration issued at 81. Peeersburgh
by his majesty The emperor of all the Rus
sias, has excited in his majessy's mind the
strongest sensations of astonisli nent and re-
greet.
HismajeSty was not unaware OF the nature
OF those secret engagements which had been
imposed on Russia IN the conferences Of
T'ilsit. But his majesty had entertained the
hope, that a review OF the transactions of
that unfortunate negotiation, and a Just rs
innate fits effects upon the glory of the Rus
sian name, and upon the interests ofthe Rus
sian empire, would have induced his inpe.
rial majesty to extricate himself from the
embarrassment of those new Councils and
connections which he had adopted in a mo-
ment of despondency and Alarni; aud to re-
turn TO policy more congenial TO the prin-
lciples which he has so invariably proses
sed, and more conducive TO the honor OF his
crown, and to The prosperity of his donlini-
ons.
This hope has dictated tohs majesty the
utmost forbearance and moderation in a /
his diplomatic intercourse with the Court of
st Petersburg since the peace of Tilsit.
| His majesty had much cause for susp:ci.
on, and just ground for complaint. But lie
abstaned from the language of reproach.
lbs majesty deemed Unnecessary to require
| specific explanation with respect TO the ar
rangements with France, the concealment
Of which from his majesty could not but con-
firm the impression already received from
their character ard tendency. But his ma
jesty, nevertheless, directed the demand OF
that explanation tobC made, not only with
out asperity or The indication of any hostile
disposition, but with that confederate regard
to the feelings and situation Of the emperor
Of Russia, which resulted from the recollec-
ton Of former friendship, and from CONT
dence interrupted but not destroyed.
! The declaration Of the emperor Of Russia
lproges, that the object OF his majesty's for
lbearance and moderation has not been Az
ltained 1t proves unhappily, that the iniiu-
enee of that power, which IS equally and es.
lsentially the enemy both of Great Britain
and Russia, has acquired a decided ascen.
ldency in the councils of the cabinet OF ST.
Petersburgh and has been able to excite a
lcauseless cnmity between twouations, whose
long established connection, and whose Ina.
itual interests prescribed the most intimate
union and cooperation. t,i
His majesty deeply laments the extension
loi the calamities Of war. But called upon
as be is, 70 defend himself against an act o
lunprovoked hostility, his majesty is anxion,
to rcfute, in the face Of the world, tie pre-.
texts by which the act IS attempted
/ The declaration asserts, tlist his majes.
ty, the EMPEROR Of Russia, has twice taker
up arms IN case, in which the interest o
! 9. Britain was more direct than his own
and Pounds upon this assertion, the charge
against Great Britain, Of having neglected
to secs y and support the military opera.
ticns Of Russis.
Ills majesty willingly does Justice to tho
motives which originally engaged Russia II
the great struggle against France. His ma,
lJes'y ayows with eg0al readiness the int
rest which Great Britain has uniformly Ia.
Ken ~ the fatcs and fortunes Of the power.
OF the contiaent But 1t would surely b,
| difhcult TO prove that Great Britain, VIII,
was herself IN state hostility With Prus