| Citation |
BEP(F.757.036
3 Oct 1757:41 (1153)
The following advices, dated June 22. were received from
Stutgard, the capital of the Duke of Wurtenberg, a
protestant Prince. "4000 out of the 6000 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 thro' the
detachment that guarded the gates. In the evening the
mutiny became general. They fired upon the officers in the
barracks, and even bearded the general, and field-officers.
Some of them called to the general, that if he did not
immediately withdraw from before the barracks, they would
bring him from his horse with musket balls. Mean while,
some officers having pursued the deserters, bro't back a
part of them prisoners. The mutineers, being informed
thereof, declared, that it they were not immediately set at
liberty, they would set fire to the barracks and stadthouse.
lest they should carry their threats into execution, the
prisoners were released late in the evening. Nevertheless,
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 musick of the
regiments playing before them, the generals having begged
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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