STATE PAPERS. 



441 



bition or aggrandisement against 

 France, but to secure the inde- 

 pendence of the German nation, 

 and of the states of which it con- 

 sists, and to prevail on the emperor 

 Napoleon to sign an honourable 

 peace. His majesty could not have 

 given a refusal to such proposals, 

 without becoming criminal to his 

 own subjects, and being blind to 

 the sacred principles on which only 

 their welfare can be founded. With 

 full confidence in such open and 

 generous offers, he has therefore 

 resolved to accept them in their 

 full extent, and to conclude an al- 

 liance with the three princes, 

 against the ambitious views which 

 the emperor Napoleon has shewn 

 that he entertains, and for the good 

 effects of which his majesty will 

 use his utmost endeavours. 



" His majesty wishes that a 

 speedy peace may soon restore the 

 relations which he would not now 

 have relinquished, had not the ille- 

 gal extension of a power, which 

 grew every day more insupport- 

 able, rendered it his duty to take 

 the steps, and form the alliance, 

 he has done. 



" From henceforward, united in 

 interest and sentiments with his 

 high and powerful allies, his royal 

 Bavarian majesty will neglect no 

 means which inay contribute to 

 draw closer the ties which bind 

 him to them. 



" Munich, 17th Oct. 1813." 



Address nflhe Swiss Diet. 



We, the Landamman and the 

 members of the Diet of the nine- 

 teen cantons of the Swiss Gonfe- 

 dcralion, 



To you, dear Confederates, health : 



The war which was lately far 

 from our frontiers, is approaching 

 our country and our peaceable 

 dwellings. 



Under these circumstances, it 

 was our duty, as deputies of the 

 confederative cantons, to maturely 

 reflect upon the situation of the 

 country, to address communica- 

 tions to the belligerent powers, and 

 make all the ulterior dispositions 

 which circumstances demand. 



Faithful to the principles of their 

 forefathers, we have, in virtue of 

 the powers and orders of our go- 

 vernment, declared, with unani- 

 mous voice and will, the neutralit)' 

 of the Swiss. We are going to 

 have transmitted and notified in 

 the most proper forms, to the so- 

 vereigns of the states at war, the 

 solemn act which we have just 

 passed with this intention. 



Thanks to Divine Protection, the 

 observation of an exact neutrality 

 has, during ages, guaranteed the 

 liberty and repose of our country. 

 Now, as in old times, this neutra- 

 lity alone belongs to our position, 

 and to our wants. We, therefore, 

 wish to establish and make it re- 

 spected by all the means which 

 are in our power. We wish to in- 

 sure the liberty and independence 

 of Switzerland, maintain its present 

 constitution, and preserve our ter- 

 ritory from all attempts; such is the 

 only end of all our efforts. 



To this effect we address our- 

 selves to you, dear confederates 

 of all the cantons of Switzerland, 

 in immediately giving you infor- 

 mation of the declaration which 

 has just been issued. The Diet 

 expects of each of vou, whoever he 

 may be, that he will act with the 

 same views ; that he will conlri- 



