Evening Post in London, Middlesex

Burning of Altena sparks debate over conduct of war

In a letter from Hamburg dated February 25, Danish Army officers and Saxon officials dispute the justification for burning Altena. They contrast Altena's open defenceless status with Stadens fortified resistance, condemn voluntary burnings, and urge restraint, citing international law and the need to punish perpetrators rather than invoke collective vengeance. They compare the Swedish actions in Zealand and Narva to separate cases, arguing that orders and reprisals must be clearly distinguished.