Citation |
MG-A(G.757.026
13 Oct 1757:13 (649)
London, July 26.
The following advices, dated June 22, were received from
Stutgard, the capital of the Duke of Wirtemberg, a
Protestant Prince, the extent of whose dominions, (according
to Templeman) is to that of Yorkshire, in the proportion of
3364 to 4684, the number of square miles therein.
Four thousand, out of 6000 of the troops of our most
serene Duke, were, on the 24th, delivered to a French
commissary, who immediately reviewed them. Scarce was the
review finished, when the soldiers began to mutter, and say
aloud, 'We are sold.' Next morning they deserted at once.
The Thing did not stop here: They were followed by many
more. Bands of 20 and 30 forced their way through the
detachments that guarded the gates. In the evening the
mutiny became general. . . [12 lines] these licentious
young fellows, sat up all night, drinking, making a noise,
and sometimes firing. This morning they assembled, and
having seized some of their officers, marched out of town, 3
or 400 together, with the music of the regiments playing
before them, the General having begged of them to go away
peaceably, in God's name. In this manner near 3000 of them
filed off, and the remainder have since been discharged.
Thus our army has melted away almost in a moment.
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