Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1816-03-23

W. ~ oo PoOototC ~ u
habitants where the army of the Loire was
quattered ; at the moment when | proved
myself submissive-when | brought all
my troops to n frank submission-when |
was executing with religious exactness all
orders issued from government; reports
the most %unfounded, and most absurd,
were spread to nv disadvantage, with a
most surprising rapidity. The Journal
lists also assisted in this work of the most
revolving iniquity. Sometimes they pub
lished an account ola chateau being pill
LACED, and Immediately made me appear
at the same place /; afterwards they repre-
sented me as a partisan chief, and at ano-
Their time stated that it was a man who
raised contributions in my name, in the
environs of Brionde, threatening in case of
refusal to set fire to the village, and put the
inhabitants to the sword.-It was next as
serted, that | had taken flight, but WAS
sto ped On the bridge of Clarendon : last
ly, L was said to be arrested at Paris
On one occasion it was affirmed in a seri-
Gus tone, that | had spread throughout the
capital incendiary proclamations (; deter
mined to be still more serious, an accom-
plice has been named. He who held the
thiSoo VI tuC u DlOtS
De mon ceur Punique secretaire,
Eft de tous mes secrets lie grand depositaire.
was ---, one of my cooks, who left
me at Paris. 1t would be necessary to
fatigue the reader, and devote several pa
ges to the most ridiculous details, were |
to enumerate all the charitable articles
which some Journalists have written, and
all the idle stories to which the spirit of
gossipping has given birth. 1t is humi-
hating to human nature TO meet with
persons so base and SO daringly impudent
as to publish such accounts, and also to
md those with whom these imDostures oh
tain belief and become articles of faith.
My fortune has frequently been the sub
Ject OF miserable declarations. | have
been represented as immensely rich, and
1T has been stated that my property is com
posed OF di~lapidations of which | have
been guilty. L have been ageneral for
twenty-five years, and l have always held
important commands. All that | possess
personally is situated at Cassel, in the de-
partment of the North and consists of a
few trifiing This might be ea-
silly ascertained by those who devote so
much attention to the resources of others /:
the examination of the tax books will
prove the truth, and determine exactly the
amount OF this fortune, so ridiculousiy ex-
aggerated.
What have L lone to merit the base in
sInuation of which, am the victim ? Why,
more particularly, do | deserve to be in
Guided III the Royal Ordinance of the 24th
OF JulyP My conduct places me beyond
the reach of reproach. While the King
occupied his throne, / confined myself TO
the duties of a good citizen /; ] paid a blind
and respectful obedience to the laws and
to the Government. Called afterwards TO
defend the French Territory against arm
ed powers, still continued to fulfil the du-
ties OF a good citizen Il joined the brave
men whose dearest interest was to .ende;
the soil OF their countFyrespected. Ide-
~ the bo!dest and most. bitter of nv enc
mics to prove that | have taken part in any
conspiracy, in any act tending to over
throw the government ofthe King, or f.
nally, that | have been guilty of the crime
which his Majesty wishes to punish.
may then say with confidence, that the re-.
lglous justice of this monarch has heen
taken by surprise, and that there has been
designated to him as a disturber a devoted
subject, and as a dangerous man, ore who
loves his country and has always ardent
y wished to see it tranquil and happy.
L entertain the hope that an attentive
examination of my conduct and the %princi-
Piles Ofjustiee, will determine the Cham
0ers not to direct prosecutions against me,
and that may be permitted to enjoy in
the bosom of my country, the repose
which L so much desire. But if, in spite
OF all remonstrance, | should be summoned
before the Tribunals, let it not be suDDo.eJ
that will withdraw myself | can ~easilyl
prove that have been constantly ouidedI
by the love of my country. Devoted toI
the profession of soldier, | lave pursued
my career with loyalty and honor; / have
contributed to the national glory. The
success which | have obtained in arms.
Will surely not be converted into a crime.
Ny name IS not attached to any of those
days which have caused parties to TRIUMPH
or to tall have not served men, but nv
country alone ; 1 have never ceased ia
Combine the zeal of the citizen with the
duty OF the soldier. / have always thought
that a wise and prudent man oIght not TO
libel the government under which he NAV
be placed.
could not fail to be surprised At beino
treated as a criminal, but 1 will not DELAY
the moment in which l may be summoned
before my Judges. | will appear before
them will all the irmness which a free
conscience inspires, confident in the SER
vices have rendered m Y country. the
conduct l have pursued, and the Maternal