Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Wayne County, Ind.) 1831-1837, 1833-02-16

hazardous seiSe. Taking advantage
Of dark nights, they succeeded in form
ing their parallels and cutting their
trenches. Protected by their works,
they showered bombs like hail into the
citadel-instead Of gallantly mounting
the breach, they sprung mines, aud,
not being harassed by All army either
in the rear or front, they worked at
leisure, and by force Of military trac-
tics and the amazing strength Of their
artillery, they reduced the citadel into
the depIorable condition it is now to
be seen. Ii is true the besiegers had
effected their breach, and were pre-
pared to commence the assault; but
Gerard and Haxo were :ully aware
that It would never come to such close
quarter. Their object was to reduce
the citadel, and they have succeeded.
As proof of this, it you refer to one
Of my letters of last week, you will
find that mentioned an interview !
had With a person at head quarters,
who stated positively that all would be
over by Saturday or Sunday. Ibid
not give much Credence to this opin-
lou; neve contemplated that Gerard
would have resorted to the expedient
of turning out the garrison. and ] was
supported IN my belief by most Of the
brave officers attached to the staff.
find my informant was not acquainted
with the secret intentions of the
French Commander, and the citadel
has fallen sacrifice TO the immense
artillery Of the French. and not TO any
military bravery exhibited by the be-
siegcrs.
The deplorable condition in which
Major de la Fountane fou d the cita-
del, beggars all description. Not a
house was left hiCh could shelter the
garrison; their ammur.tlon or provis-
lons were either destroyed, burnt. or
blown up, and only sufficient food was
left for one days ratiors. The Case
mate or vaulted passages, were all
knocked down; and Chase himself was
seated in a vault at 4 table, with every
thing around HIM destroyed by the
bombs. The garrison bore their ms
fortunes with great bravery ,snd devo-
tedness, and until Friday night not a
murmer escaped their lips. On that
night deputation Of the garrison wal
ted on Chase, and urged him to maAe
desperate sortie; and either to sue
coed 10 spiking the guns Of The oesie-
gers, or fall IN the attempt. Thcy com
planned that the fire of the ei.eIn, pre-
vented them from standing to their
gus, and that they preferred risking
their lives Oh the field of battle. to De-
ing murdered by bombs coming from
an enemy away liom their sight, and
against whom they could take no sure
ann. .hasst felt the force Ut this re-
monstr mutiny by the
rench and Eelg.Ds-and from that
moment he seriously thought Of a capl-
tulatIon. 10 attempt sotIre he
knew was worse than madncss-to con-
tinue to depend on the citadel in its
delapidated state was lmPossible-and,
navIng proved TO the world the brave
~ OF ms men, and satisfied the honor
ofiis country, he considered it no de-
gredatlon TO suCCumb to supc.or
force.
The first interview the French par
lementary had with Chase he was
introduced with his eyes covered. The
veteran, the instant he saw him, or
dered the bandage to be removed.
~, have no more secrets, said he.
..admre the glorious works of your
bombs-tell Marshal Gerard the exact
situation OF the citadel"
j There was much firing during the
afternoon along the lower part of the
Scheldt, and the horizon was i!lum-
mated with the reflection of some large
fire in the neighborhood of Liefken-
shock. 1t was reported that the fleet
had succeeded III passing tAe French
batteries. and had anchored near Fort
du Nord.-Gerard sent to Chase re-
questing him to order the vessels from
continuing their fire, was Informed
that he had no control over the fleet.
but would make a signal for the pur-
, posing of his Intention to Capitulate.
1t Is rumoured that the gunboats in
the poldars and near the citadel are to
!: be considered as forming part OF the
dependencies of the citadel.
! The citadel having been disposed OF
tine surrender of forts Lilo and Lief
kenshoCk i, the next question. have