Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1813-03-11
T1Lsrr, slst Dec. 1912.

T1LsIr, 3lst Dec 1912.
After an expectation of four days,
attended with grievVus uneasiness, of which a
part OF the Prussians were witness, in regard
TO the fate of the rear guard, which, from
Mittsu followed me at march distance, am
apprized by letter from general d'Yorck
that he has himself disposed OF the prussian
corps.
4 hereunto subjoin copy Of that letter upon
which do not permit myself to make any
observations. 1t will excite the indignation
of all men Of honor.
Gen. Masscnback, who was here with me,
with two batteries, six battalions, Unfairly
aud six squadrons, Cavalry went off this
Niemen. He is gone to Join general dYorck
and has thus left US in front OF the enc
my.
Accept, &c.
Marshal Duke of Tarente, MACDONALD.
Lenor from Gen. d'9'o,ck TO Marshal duke 81
Iarente.
TAuRKoccEN, Dec. so, 1872.
My LORD, .lt
After very painful marches, found
IL impossible to proceed without being attack
ed and cut Oft on my tanks and in my rear.
This has delayed the junction with your Elk.
celency and having TO choose between two
alternatives, either to lose the greater part OF
nv troops, and all the means which afforded
me subsistence or to save the whole, tho't
II my duty to enter into an agreement, where
in it is stipulated that the Prussan troops will
he assembled 1T certain district III eastern
Prussia, which by the retreat OF the, French
army, has f:.lien into the hands OF the Russi-
ans.
The Prussian troops viii form a neutral
corps, and will not act in ahostile manner to
either party. Events, subsequent to negocia.
tons which are to take place between the
belligerent powers will decide their fate.
hasten to inform YOUR excellency of a step
to which 1 was forced by important circum-
stances
Whatever may be the judgment OF the world
in regard to my conduct, feel very little UNI
easiness. My duty towards my troops and
the most mature deliber&tion, dictated TO NE
motives the most pure, whatever may be their
appearance, guide me,
In making TO you this declaration, my lord,
] acquit myself of all obligation towards you
and beg you will accept the assurances of the
most profound respect with which am, &c.
(signed)
Conformable to copy.
(Signed)
Marshal duke of Tarente, MACDONALD.
LcnerJrOms 1t. Gen. Massenbaek to 1fars1a4
Duke Of Iarente.
Ny LoRp.
The letter of Gen d'Yorck must al
ready have apprized your excellency that my
last step was prescribed, aud that | shall not
be able TO effect any change-the precautiona-
ny measure which your excellency caused to
be adopted this night induces me to suspect
that you wish, perhaps, 10 withhold me by
force, or else TO disarm my troops.
Twas necessitated TO make use Of the means
i'll my power TO join my troops, agreeably to
the stipulation which the general commanding
had signed, and to The instructions he gave
me this morning.
Your excellency will pardon inc for not go
ing mysefto inform ofthe event il saved
me from sensation which would have beer
very painful to my heart for the sentiments q
respect and esteem which have for the person
cfyour excellency, which shall preserve L
the end of my days, would have prevented mt
from executing my duty.
(Signed)
1t. Gen. MAsSEN BACK.
December ST, 1912.