A RELATION OF THE KING OF SWEDEN, his happy and Incomparable success and Victories, against the forces of the Emperour, in Pomerania and the adjacent places, since Christmas last, with his Answer to the Emperours Letter, expressing the Cause of his undertaking the said war and his Resolution to continue the same, unto Germany bee restored to his former Liberty.  
TOGETHER With the Names of the Forts, towns, and Cities taken; as also, the Interception and taking of the convoys of wagons of provision and other necessaries of the Imperialists, since the same time by the King of SWEDEN.  
Febr. the 18. unto which is added our weekly Avisoes from germany and other parts.  
LONDON. Printed for NATH: butter and NICHOLAS BOVRNE. 1631.   

Extract of the Answer of his majesty of Sweden GVSTAVUS ADOLPHVS. Sent to his imperial majesty, concerning this present war.  
High and mighty, most Illustrious Emperour, loving Kinsman and Friend.  
WEe haue recei●… d your Letter at our Army at Rubenitz Whereby wee understand, that your Majesty seems greatly to admite at our invasion into the Empire, this fore-passed Summer with our Army. Also you impute the cause of this combustion of war wholly unto Vs.  
We had not thought that your Memory could so much haue failed your majesty, as to put in oblivion so many attempts lately undertaken against vs. For example, how your field-marshall came vpon us in Prussia with a complete army both of Horse and foot, your Eagl●n ensigns displayed, & that unexpectedly. Besides many injuries more plodded against us as is manifest and notified in all places and known of all men. Insomuch that you cannot accuse us to be the occasion or cause of this war enterprised. For necessity compels us to assure our own State at this present, and to wage battle and raise forces for our own surety and safety.  
Wherefore it must of necessity follow, that wee are excusable in this matter. The rather because wee haue made known in writing, at two several times, as also declared through our ambassadors, both to the Electors of the Empire & your Generals, that in case these intolerable Injuries, & enimicitiall abuses did not cease, nor were remedied we should necessary be constrained, by other lawful means to disburden ourselves, and ensure ourselves and our estate. For it is easily to be guessed at, what your warlike preparations do tend too, even by your daily enterprises. Also the country of Pomerania and those provinces, by woeful experience can too to well testify, by their excessive loss and suffering, what may be expected from your proceeding, although we had never eyed the matter.  
If your imperial majesty object, that these differences might haue been moderated and allayed, without such miserable turmoils and warlike proceeding, wee cannot but willingly grant; But even then, and vpon that occasion you dismissed and rejected out committees and Deputies against all right, reason, and modesty, when they appeared at the City of Lubeck. For than we were fully resolved to end all manner of dissension, and to come to an accord and honest agreement.  
Besides all this, your own Army hath proclaimed us,( or at least) declared us open Enemies, because they shewed all manner of hostility, and manifest enmity against us and ours. As for the present, true it is, you proffer us a treaty of peace( conditionally that we will abandon and lay down our arms) when as now the wound is grown incurable, and the rent is torn so great, that 'tis past mending. For now we cannot any longer esteem of these eminent dangers, as mere imaginations and fantasies, but must be sensible of real injuries, when as both by Sea and Land We are palpably assaulted, and groan under these kind of grievances. Wherefore you shall excuse us, that Wee will no longer trust to your merely verbal promises, but are resolved to entertain and keep our Armies in our own hands, so long till we shall be assured of a faire Peace, and faithful agreement.  
If therefore in the mean time you shall resolve, and deem fitting( as in your writing you do intimate) to afford all your endeavour and best aid and assistance toward the conducting of the bark of whole christendom( which now a long time hath been tossed on the waves of war and turbulencie) to the haven of Peace and tranquilitie, and to that end enter in a Treaty of consonant agreement, You shall find us no way refractory, but in every kind most tractable and inclining to so desirable and wholesome expedition.  
add hereunto, that put the case, you will be pleased to restore and re-establish our mainly respected friends, loving brothers in Law, Cousins, Vncles, aliens, friends Neighbours, peers and States of Germany, into the former state and constitution, in which they were seated, before the rising and combustion of this war began; that also furthermore, all injuries damages and losses which Wee so grievously of late haue sustained, may be reasonably considered and brought to a faire composition, then will Wee fully resolve, to contract a Peace with you and all your near adjoining Neighbors, and faithfully perform and keep the same. In the mean while, be you recommended to the divine protection?  
From Stralsundt, &c.   

Here follows the relation of the several victories, and victorious proceedings, which the King of Sweden lately hath( by Gods great assistance obtained) with all the particularities and circumstances.  
The Copy of a Letter written from Berlyn, concerning all what passed between the King of Sweden Gustavus Adolphus, and the Emperour his Army, from the 1. of Ian: to the 12.  
WHerea● the Imperialists had commanded great Forces from their Army at Gartz, for to relieve the City C●… berge●, which was then Blocqued up, and the same Forces were driven back and prevented by the field Marshall of the King of Sweden. Gustavus Hoorn. His majesty consulted and resolved vpon, to visit the Imperialists in their own quarters. To this end, his majesty commanded his Forces of Stargart, Groffenbarg●e and other places, and took his rendezvous at Dan●ime, situated a mile from Statyn. Whence his majesty marched forth with an Army of 16000. foot and 86. Cornet of horse very well mounted, having along with them 80. pieces of Ordnance: also down the river other, he sent 8. great flat bottom boats, with each of them four Demicanons. With this strong Army he came at the strong passage Griffenhagen, which is three small miles from Statyn. In the city Griffenhagen was governor, a certain Spaniard, Don Capua.  
The fourth of january, his majesty caused Sermons to bee preached ●hroughout the whole Army, and all the Soldiers to be earnestly stirred up, to call vpon God for assistance and victory, being Gods own cause which they went about to maintain. His majesty himself in person, did call vpon his Commanders, Officers and common boldiers, wishing them to be of good cheer, and to fight courageously in so good a Cause, with arguments moving them thereunto.  
hereupon his majesty caused 10. Demicanons, to be planted vpon the place of Execution, which is somewhat a high Hill without the City. These Demicanons played without intermission vpon the City, from 9. of the clock in the morning, until two of the clock in the afternoon; by which time they made a great breach in the wall of the said City. whereupon the Soldiers ran furiously through the breach into the City, and mastered the same, so that they presently flew 200. soldiers, and took 140. of them Prisoners, amongst them was also taken Don Capua, who was shot in his thigh. Also mayor Ant●onius, and Don Joseph, the younger earl of Turn, with many Captaines, Commanders and Officers, were taken Prisoners in this surprisal. The rest of the Garrison, instantly cast down their arms, and craved for qua●ter, which was graciously granted them, some of them saved themselves by flight. In the City were found 8. pieces of Ordnance. The Garrison consisted in all of horse and foot 2500 men. In this hot skyrmish the King of Sweden lost no more but 6. men, but many more were hurt and maimed.  
The fifth of January, his majesty sent his Army to the strong Sconce called Morewitz, which lies over against Gartz, thinking that the Imperialists, rather than they would loose that Sconce, being a place of so great importance, would afford and wage battle; for this his majesty aimed at at the the first, thinking to 'allure the enemy to battle. But God omnipotent did apparently fight himself for the King of Sweden and his army. And caused such fear and perplexity to possess the Enemies, that they fled and abandon●d their weapons and arms at the very fight of a few horsemen which his majesty of Sweden commanded toward the foresaid sconce. Insomuch, that the Imperialists did not make one shot.  
Thus it happened also, at the taking of Gartz, which City of Gartz the enemy burnt down to the ground, except five houses and the customhouse, and the Church, leaving behind all their arms, 8. pieces of Ordnance, much Munition and provision. But they cast some Ordnance and munition into the river other.  
This was all courageously performed by the King of Sweden as shall appear in the sequel. For as soon as his majesty had gained these places he earnestly and speedily pursued his Enemies at the very heel, on both sides of the river other.  
His majesty in his own person, with an Army marched toward Coninxbergen, and his Feeld-Marshall Gustavus Hoorn, with other Forces to Custerin Franckfort, and Lantzbergen. In this pursuit they slay many of their dispersed Enemies, and many of them in the flight were drowned: Especially, about Bardeward, and the Custerine dam. The Crabates are most of them massacred; insomuch, that hardly any are escaped, but the Dutch obtained quarter.  
In Peritz were in Garrison, 1400. horsemen, which also most of them were slain by the Commander Banditz, near unto Coninxbergen. This City Coninxbergen his majesty of Sweden took easily, for those of the City brought him the keys of the Gates, and laid them down at his feet.  
Vpon the 8. of january, his majesty of Sweden pitched his Army near unto the palace or Fort called Lubbs, which is within a Mile of Franckeford by other.  
The imperial Regiments, namely some Saxons, Gotish, Swertenhallish, and other were constrained thereabout to leave behind them above 1000. Wagons. 30. pieces of Ordnance, Bag and Baggage, with 14. ensigns. Onely the general Spaer saved himself within Custerin, with three wagons and some Baggage, how safe he is there, we shall hereafter understand.  
In this prosecution of the King of Sweden, the Imperialists fired the little City Britzen with the Cloister which is there. Those Imperialists that are near unto Colbergen, and Gripswalde, are now deprived of all manner of relief and assistance, there being no means for any help to come to them; for his majesty hath cleared and freed the whole country thereabouts, even from Pruysia to the other and Warts, and the whole province of Pomerania, and also of Mark-land. he causeth now a very strong Sconce to be raised near unto Custerin, and shortly shall another be raised nearer unto Silesia, so that he also will assure himself and clear those passages.  

From Meyssen 20. Dito.  
The dispersed Army of his imperial majesty assembleth again together, and make their march toward Frankford. unto them General Tilly resorts and adioynes his forces. unto whose Army the tenth of this month 8. Companies of the Badish Regiment were added and arrived at brandenburg. The said general Tilly expects also an addition of the Regiment of Don Balthazzar, and also two Scottish Regiments; but by all probabilities, scarcity, and penury, and hunger will surely punish them. Insomuch that very likely they will be prevented of their enterprise.  
It was lately related, but that relation is now seconded, that Zantsberghen also, after it had been besieged but three dayes, is with agreement yielded up unto his majesty of Sweden. The imperial Garrison did first free the Suburbs, or Forestadt, and afterward when with appointment they had delivered up the town, they marched with the Commander Cratz toward Silesia.   

From Leypsich the 20. dito.  
The general Tilly the 20. of this month arrived at Harmundt within 4. miles of Berlyng with fine Regiments of foot and two of horse; he bends his course toward frankford to adjoin himself to the dispersed Imperialists. His majesty of Sweden hath hereupon commanded his field-marshall Gustavus Horn to march with some forces toward Silesia, having a reasonable Army consisting of both horse and foot. Now comes certain tidings, that his majesty of Sweden hath utterly defeated general Tilly, and beat him quiter out of field, his Army now also being dispersed, as were those distressed Imperialists which he went to assist and fortify. The particularities of this exploit we shall hear at large hereafter.  
here is also good intelligence come lately, that those of Maghdenburgh who were very strong, fell out of the City with 5000. men and raised the quarter of earl Wolf. Mansfield, slain abundance of his men and taken the earl himself prisoner. Wee understand from Breslau, that great preparation and fortifications are made at Great-Glogan, and that men are busied with all expedition to raise diuers Sconces there, to which end many houses are pulled down to the ground.   

From Hamburgh the 27. of january.  
Yesterday was writing received here from the Imperialists from brandenburg, which affirmed that Francford other is also taken by the King of Sweden; the truth thereof is very probable by the relation of the circumstances; for it seems that the Citizens understanding the coming of his majesty of Sweden, they all betook themselves to their arms, which the Imperialists perceiving, they durst no longer trust them, but departed thence and marched over the bridge toward Silesia, so that at the coming of the King of Sweden, the City was delivered up into his hands. The King of Sweden hath in person himself been at Custerin with the Duke of brandenburg.  
Before Maghdenburgh at this present lay no more forces but onely the Regiment of the general Holck, and some forces which from Papenheim were commanded thither, insomuch that now the said City is quiter at liberty and free.   

From Gulicke the 24.  
We fear here that we shall fall into new troubles and combustion again; for the Duke of Nieuburgh hath promised the States of Holland, that he will permit the Protestants free exercise of Religion. whereupon vpon shores Eeue last about six of the clock certain Protestants being assembled together at Bracht in Amptbrugge were surprised, the Preacher and master of the house were imprisoned close, and their feet and hands piniond and not released till they paid 300. Crownes forfeiture, which money being paid, presently the Officer took part of the same and employed it to buy powder.    

Contents of a Letter written from Leypsich, wherein is comprised the whole sum of the good success of the King of Sweden.  
The great success and admirable victory which it hath pleased God to afford unto his majesty of Sweden, is now fully confirmed from all parts. That at the taking of Griffenhagen and Gartz, his majesty hath obtained above 60. pieces of Ordnance and much munition, it is much to be admired that the imperial Army near unto Gartz, did not bid the King of Swedens Army head, since they were 15000. strong. They fired the storehouse of provision and munition.  
His majesty of Swedens Army be 86 Coronet horse and 18 Regiment of foot, followed them those in their flight, and so closely stopped up the passage near Lantsberghen, so that the Imperialists could not retire toward Silesia, but were constrained to betake themselves again toward Custein. Where they were utterly disjointed, and put to disorder, and constrained to fly, leaving behind them bag and Baggage and many hundred wagons; and not few of them slain and wounded. Many of them fled into Francfort, which City is also hath taken. Lantsberghen also is incorporated by the Swedish; there also the Imperialists fired the Storehouse of munition. The Gentry and country people in mark haue done great exploits for the King of Sweden near unto Custrin, and Vogelstangh. They haue slain all the Crabates, and of them obtained great booty, both moneys and booty. In the space of 3. houres they took at least 300. wagons. The Silesian forces, under the command of general Scaffgotzy; near unto Custrin passed the other, but were constrained to forsake and leave their Baggage and provision, he himself with the commander Keraus was taken prisoner, and the speech goes that Monte Cuculye is also taken, but we haue no certainty of that. By means of this great victory the Imperialists are quiter expelled out of the Land of mark. Three dayes since the Maagdenburghers made an excursion, and haue slain( as it is confidently reported) to the number of 800. of the enemies forces. Those of Maagdenburgh, brought into the City 800 sheep, and 76 bullocks without any opposition or resistance; they haue incorporated also the Village Presten near delve into their fortifications. The same is in brief confirmed and verified from Statin the twenty one, how that his majesty of Sweden in 8 dayes space accomplished by Gods great help this unexpected and almost unheard of most victorious proceeding, in the which he took many Cities, defeated and slain many of the enemies forces; taken many great and chief commanders Prisoners, dispersed all their troops, and cleared whole Pomerania, Mark-landt, and all the country from Pruysen to the other and part, and now labours by the building of Sconces to free all the passage toward Silesia. For this inestimable favour public thanksgiving hath been given to God in all Churches.  

From Prague the 16 of january.  
Forces are levied in these parts for the earl of Sauelly. From Silesia we understand that great taxation is laid vpon the Inhabitants, as namely, they are to find 5000 quarters of corn for the Emperours Army, or else for every bushel two rycxdallers, which is a heavy tax, and the people will very hardly be able to raise the same.   

From Cleue the 28. of january.  
We are most troubled at this present of the governor at Orsoy. Don Leonard Caracciola, who demands of these neutral towns 12000 Rycxdallers, and therefore hath taken out of this City, as also out of Goch Calcher and other places above 20 Citizens prisoners, which haue been already imprisoned above 10 weekes at Orsoy; neither is there any appearance as yet of their releasement. Last Tuesday we sent Deputies to Orsoy and daily expect a favourable answer at their return. We pray God to deliver us from that Italian.  
Next Tuesday following is a general meeting to be held at Wesell, where all the chief of this province, and also the earldom of Bergh and mark, and Rauensbergh are to appear. We hope something will be concluded vpon there for our comfort, and the good of these countries. The Duke of Nienburgh is again arrived lately at Dusseldorp.   

Contents of a Letter written from Paris the 29. of january. 1631.  
I can communicate nothing unto you concerning the public state at this present, but onely that those great diuersions and preparations which the great turk makes in Transiluania, and the King of Sweden in germany, administer great employment to his imperial majesty and yield him his hands full of business, more than well he can dispatch; insomuch that the Spanish not being able to continue their war in italy, without the aid and assistance of the Emperour are constrained( as also doth the State) to hold themselves to the peace treated of and articled at Ratisborne, which by degrees proceeds in execution. Mazarine is here to hasten forward Monsieur Thorax, and De Seruient, Secretary of State; which two are the Commissaries which the King sends over the Alps or mountaines, in hostage or pledge in the behalf of De Galuzzo, who hath full power in the behalf of his imperial majesty for this execution. The said Galazzo hath already caused his movables( or rather booty) to be removed from Mantua. And here is promise made that the Emperour shall shortly sand that ratification which shall cause all these warres to cease.  
Our divisions at Court continue still; the cardinal Richelieu subsists yet powerfully, through the continuance and sequel of the Kings favour toward him: how long the same shall endure I cannot so certainly assure you of it as I can and do, to be your unfeigned friend.   

From antwerp the 2. of February.  
The Italians and Spanish which were levied for these Countries, do now march toward Lutzenburgh, being strong 3000. men.  
Here arrived lately a Post from Madrid, certifies, that the West-India plate which was expected in October last is arrived the 23. of january at Calis Malis, being in all of them 5. or 46. Ships, and the treasure which they brought is valued to amount to 7. millions, which partly belongs to the King, and part to marchants. This Fleet intended to come from Carthagenae into Hauana, but they being aduertized that the Hollanders expected and waited for their comm●ng vpon the cost of the island of Cuba, they returned homeward another way about, to shun the Hollanders. Which hath been the cause that in this Voyage so many of their men haue been starved, to the number of seven or eight hundred, for they were not v ctualled for so long a voyage, as by their compass ●hey took they were constrained to make; they were in all 50. sail; but two of their galleons with silver and other costly treasure did miscarry; three or four other of this fleet are missing, and it is presumed that they are taken. The coming of this fleet caused much ioy in spain.   

From Serghen op Zoom the 28. of january.  
From Gendt in Flanders letters confirm, that in their assembly there did meet Marquis Aeirona, Marquis d Leganes, the earl Caepeni and the Lord Chancellor, who made a proposition in the name of the King of spain, to these of Flander to this effect. That they must maintain 12000. Walloons, 1000. Spania●ds, 1000. Italians, and 1000. Irish, at their own proper charges, and pay them monthly. Vpon which proposition they are not yet fully agreed and resolved, but doub less it will be granted, as also the like is to be propounde● to the States of Brabant, Artois, Henegou, Liniburgh, Lut●… nburgh, Namen and Mechelen. His majesty of spain i● to continue the pay of bread, and to pay the horsemen. This also causeth great ioy and contentment in those parts.  
We a●e also informed that the Arch-Dutchesse hath pro●… d toward the maintenance of this war, all the expenses of 〈◇〉 Court, but conditionally the Spirituality do the same. The Sp●… levy many forces in these Countreyes. It is supposed it i● to sand a great convoy into Breda, for they fear lest that City should this year be besieged.  
The Dunk●rks continue still very strong at Sea, and do much mischief; they haue again taken another great prise, a Ship which came from the Canaries.  
The Caualery of Shertogenbosch did lately encounter with some of the enemy, forces, who did convoy many wagons with corn into Antwerp, they took from them great booty and at least 50. or 60. good horse.  
Twenty horse-men of weasel met with some horsemen of Count John of Nassau, which they slay and brought home the Lieutenant and corp●… l prisoners with their horse.  
The high and mighty States general haue given order to the Lord Stakencroke, to fetch certain Priests out of the vpper quarter of Gerderlant, whereupon the Priest of Veuraey was brought prisoner into the grave: ●he reason of this is, because the Spanish haue imprisoned the Preacher of Dapelle and some other in Langestrete; this causeth those ministers about Nimminghen, Maes and Wa●l to fly for safety into the next towns.  
There is no certainty as yet whe●… the navy which lay ready in Texel for the Honourable Company of West-India, haue set sail yet yea or not, howsoever they haue long been in readiness, and if they are not yet, they will speedily depart.   
FINIS.