A TRUE HISTORY OF THE MEMORABLE SIEGE OF Ostend, and what passed on either side, from the beginning of the Siege, unto the yielding up of the Town. Containing the Assaults, Alarms, Defences, Inventions of war, Mines, Countermines and Retrenchments, Combats of Galleys, and Sea-fights, with the portrait of the Town: And also what passed in the I'll of Cadsant, and at the siege of Sluice, after the coming of Count Maurice. Translated out of French into English, By Edward Grimeston. AT LONDON Printed for Edward Blount. 1604. To the right Honourable the Earl of Devonshire, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and one of his majesties most Honourable privy Council. Charles Mountioie Anagramma One: A most Rich jewel. YOur good Lordship knows, that in no times of Peace, Peace is so fixed, but the variety to which all things worldly are subject, may give necessary, and undelayed occasion to the Theory of wars, if not their practice; if neither, yet the knowledge of both, being by long and renowned experience so substantially turned into the powers of your mind; the unequal subject of this resolute and deadly siege, cannot but add one welcome form to your discourse, and find some of your emptiest minutes fit to vouchsafe it acceptance. The bloodless and quiet transformation it receives from my tributory labours; wanting so much life of the death and actual excitations it naturally presented, I knew must want as much of the Honour and fire it should confer to the Protection and spirit of a Soldier: but I know withal, the lost lives of so many resolute and Honourable Commanders, having a little restitution made them in this willing remembrance, will find no less cherishing and strength of propagation in your living disposition: to whose true Nobility and generally loved virtues, I thrice humbly submit these and whatsoever worthier causes of your grave consideration the unworthy work compriseth. Your Lordships always to be commanded, Edw: Grimeston. The Author to the Reader. THis latter age hath brought forth memorable exploits of war: & Flanders (without straiing from our subject) to her loss, hath not seen the least, being vexed with continual troubles since the year 1566. The sieges of Harlem, Mastricke, Andwerp, and other towns, have been goodly, according unto the Etymology which some give unto the word. Bellum, quod minime bellum, and it seems that the industry of men instructed by the inventions of former ages, and pricked forward by religion, and other violent causes and colours, hath added what she could, and as it were made the uttermost trial of her forces. I leave it unto the reader to make a comparison betwixt this siege of Ostend, and the rest, but without doubt it exceeds them all in length of time: the importance thereof cannot be told, being the most memorable occurrant of our age. The opinion I have that this small work (recommended by truth itself, and as free from passion, as void of affectation) should be pleasing unto many, is the cause I have set it forth, to represent (as in a table) the most remarkable things that have happened on either side at this siege. Many being interessed in the cause (as they say) will desire to see it, and spirits pricked forward by curiosity would not lose their parts. In the year 1599 the Flemings being molested with the continual courses of them of Ostend, caused certain forts to be made about the town, to bridle them. It is above three years since this siege begun, which was the fifth of july in the year 1601. we may think that the importance of the place, hath (during this time) furnished both the one & the other withal devices possible, for the well assailing & defending of the Town. The discourse which is brief, frees me from giving any censure: and the Law which I have prescribed myself, opposeth: Some not unproperly, call Ostend an Academy and an excellent School, for Governors, Captains, Soldiers, Ingeneurs, Physicians, Surgeons, Pilots and Mariners: and they find it by experience, that every one of these persons which hath continued but three months in Ostend, is become excellent in his art and vocation. A Soldier when he comes forth speaks like a Master in fortifications, of Ramperes, bulwark, Spurs, Counterscarps, Ravelins, Traverses, Parapets, half Moons, Reduites or Block houses and such like, I will allege one example among many, to show the valour of the Soldiers of Ostend: In the year 1603. the archdukes men having surprised the castle of Wastendonck, the inhabitants resolved to retrench themselves against it, setting their Garrison to work, who were scholars newly from this Academy, these good workmen made proof in three hours what they could do, to the great amazement of the Spaniards, who said they could not be men, seeing the Canon did not force them to retire a foot, or else that every one had a new life in his coffers. As for Physicians and Surgians, Mounsieur Moerbeke of Haigh, is held for a Phoenix, Alexander Courtmans of Andwerp is very famous, & all such as have practised in Ostend, have purchased a prerogative above the rest. The like is of all men that have been employed there, finally this little book is good for Soldiers, who shall learn therein many excellent points of their profession, tried at the cost of other men, and ready to be put in practice: neither shall it be unprofitable to any, seeing that we live in this perverse age towards the dissolution of the world threatened of all sides with wars, like unto a poor traveler, which sees the Heaven overcast threatening a storm in the midst of a plain Champion. As for delight: If any one seek to please his taste, the variety of the discourse will minister sufficient matter: My intention in writing these simple remembrances, free from all other affection, was only to serve the public: If my labour may be as friendly accepted, & be pleasing to all good men, & to those whose judgements are not obscured nor transported with passion, neither that have conjured against the truth: I have attained to my desire, and think my pains well employed. Farewell. A. V. A description, and the names of the Forts of the Town of Ostend. 1. Sandhill. 2. Falsebray. 3. Schottenbruch or the Scottish fort. 4. Becc-af, here was the Church of the old Town, whereof the steeple only stands. 5. The menteur or liar. 6. The new haven, the which is not yet finished. 7. Moses table. 8. 9 Flamenburch, upon the West of the new Haven where they have planted a Battery to shoot against the archdukes men, when as they go to their battery which is towards the Saulcisses. 10. The bulwark upon the Northwest with a Blockhouse, upon the Haven, by the which the ships do now enter. 11. The North bulwark, with a battery thereon. 12. The East gate. 13. The Ravelin at the East gate. 14. The bulwark of Pekell. 15. A Battery upon the bulwark of Pekel, in the which there are 9 demie Culverins, to shoot at the archdukes approaches which he makes upon the new Haven. 16. Battery upon the Counterscarp before the colke or gulf. 17. The bulwark of Spain. 18. A gate with a bridge at the bulwark of Spain to go up into the Country. 19 A passage through the Counterscarp, by the which they go into the colke or gulf. 20. The East Ravelin. 21. The Spanish half Moon, fortified without with a corredor or gallery. 22. Becc-af, or the folly of the East. 23. The half Moon of Slimmer. 24. A blockhouse abandoned. 25. A half Moon in the high Country. 26. A bulwark upon the Southeast. 27. A Ravelin upon the Southeast. 28. A point against the South-square. 29. A bulwark upon the South, 30. A Ravelin upon the South. 31. The South Ravelin hath been cut off in this place to stop the enemies approach there. 32. A hafe Moon in the ditch of the Counterscarp. 33. Little squares called claptmus at the end of the half Moon upon the Polder. 34. The bridge of the south-west bulwark to go over the Counterscarp into the Polder. 35. The south-west bulwark. 36. The half Moon of the Polder. 37. The south-west Ravelin. 38. A gate at the south-west of the Town. 39 The West bulwark. 40. The West Ravelin. 41. The Porke-espike. 42. The Helmont. 43. The West Haven with the trenches, 44. A bridge to go unto Sandhill. 45. The old Sluice. 46. A bridge to pass into the old Town. 47. The place where the blue Sluice was. 48. Many lodgings whether the soldiers retired. 49. Many Blinds or coverings to receive the enemies shot which came from their battery upon the West. A description of the Chariot or Pompees bridge, invented to give an assault to the half-moon of the Spaniards at Ostend, as it appears in the plot of the town. A. The Bridge being let down. B. The Mast against the which the Bridge was raised, being 150. foot high. C. The upper part of the Bridge, made of great Ropes and Cables of Musket proof. D. The neither part of the Bridge made likewise of Ropes of Musket proof. E. A Post like unto the beam of a Wagon, to draw the Bridge up, and to let it down. F. Fourscore horses to draw this Chariot. G. Wheels eight foot broad, and 14. or 15. high, the which are exceeding strong, and did cost 300. Ducats a piece. H. here Musketeers should be placed to shoot at them of the Town, and to keep them from cutting of the Rope. The Archduke after he had done what he could to take Ostend, or to annoy the besieged, by the invention of an Italian Ingeneur named Pompee, he caused a Chariot to be made, or a Bridge called Helwagen or Loywagen, or Pompees Chariot, by the inventors name, to go unto the assault at the Spanish half-moon, the which was made and held by them of the town: the Bridge is 100 paces long & 16. broad: on the which ten may march in front, it hath four Wheels every one 8. foot broad, and 14. or 15. high: at the end of the Chariot there is a tree or mast 150. foot high, by means whereof the bridge is drawn up and let down with poollies. Their design was to fasten Anchors on either side of the half-moon, against the which 80. horses should draw the bridge, as it is set down in the Figure. They of the Town having intelligence thereof, made a high Palyssadoe with traverses of masts like unto Gibbets, to receive the upper part of the bridge, being let down: the besieged seeing this bridge approach near unto the half-moon, they broke one of the Wheels with a canonshot, so as it was of no effect, which made them of the town call it the Cowards-bridge. The History of the siege of Ostend, from the beginning unto this present day. OStend is a Sea Town in the county of Flanders, Description and situation of Ostend. one of the most famous Forts of Christendom, situated amongst downs, three miles from Newport, and four hours journey from Bruges, upon a river called Yperlehe, the which increased by others, casts an arm into the Sea by the west Sluice, the which hath sometimes been a good Port, but now it is cut of by the enemy by means of a Trench, and made altogether unprofitable by them of Ostend, with two dikes or causeys upon the side of Polder rampart, to take away all commodity and advantage from the enemy. The Town with the Ramparts about it contain half an hours journey. Before the siege it was reasonably well built. For the situation, the inhabitants maintained themselves with fishing. Before the wars they were about three thousand, but since the greatest part are retired to Camuehr in Zealand, so as there remains not above one hundred and fifty households. The port whereof we have spoken, The Port. stretcheth to the North Norwest of the town, the greatest depth is towards the northwest drawing to the sea. It flows and ebbs every six hours, as in other havens of Flanders, and it remains almost dry at every ebb, neither is it good but at half flood, and for vessels which draw not much water. Besides this Port, A new Gollet. within these few years, the Sea of itself hath opened a new gollet or Port, above a hundred foot broad, entering into the land when the tides are lowest, the depth of two Pikes, and before at the entry a good half fadam, growing every day more deeper, so as it is likely in time to be one of the best ports of Flanders. A new Port. Since the siege they have made a new Port or Haven betwixt these two, whereof shall be spoken more at large hereafter. The fortification of this place began during the wars of the Lowe-countries, A discourse of the estate of the town since the wars and fortification thereof. in the year 1572. It was first enclosed with gates and Palissadoes against the incursions of the enemy, and six years after being better fortified by the confederate Provinces, it hath continued almost alone in all the county of Flanders faithful to her party, and hath courageously withstood all the enemies attempts, and resisted their enterprises. The Duke of Parma in the year 1583. returning with his victorious troops from the prize of Dunkirk and Nieuport, and having besieged it, after five days was forced to raise his siege. Two years after, La Motte governor of graveling, surprised the old Town upon the Seashore, being then only fortified with a simple rampart and a palisado, thinking to fortify it speedily, and so to keep it, but he was chased away with great loss, leaving upon the place above forty men of command, with all his munition. Since it hath been fortified, and first of all the East-downes, (the which by reason of their height and nearness might much annoy the Town) have been made somewhat plainer, and the Sea besides her ordinary course brought round about the town when it flows, above 1200. paces to the South, and at Springtides it runs a league into the country towards the West, and causeth much broken land there about, especially towards the West Sand-downes, whereas the enemy must camp, and whereas his only passage lies to go unto the Town. The fortification comprehended all the Polder, Those of Ostend abandon the Polder. (so they call a meadow or field won from the sea or river) but finding it unfit to be fortified, and requiring a great guard, a part of it was left out. They have likewise furnished their ditches with causeys and dikes, so as whereas they were wont to be dry at every tide, they are now full of water. The chief fortifications have been made since the coming of the Archduke Albert in the year 1596. and at the time when Calais and Hulst were taken, and lastly in the year 1600. the ramparts were made higher, the Bulwarks enlarged, and all reduced to a fit and equal proportion. Besides this fortification, those of the town have need to rampart themselves with dikes and causeys against the sea, the which they fear more than the enemy. This place imports greatly, that it should greatly avail the Archduke, Importance of Ostend. and that the loss thereof should much prejudice the confederate Provinces: for (omitting to speak of the commodity of the haven) the Archduke by means thereof is forced to entertain war in his own country, and to have a little extraordinary army continually in pay, to the ruin thereof. Flanders particularly, (the which in time of peace was reputed for a third part of the seventeen Provinces,) is as it were abandoned to the soldier, and before the siege, the greatest part of the champion country to redeem themselves from spoil and pillage, have been forced to pay a tribute or contribution to them of ostend. The Flemings feeling this thorn in their foot, to bridle and restrain their ordinary roads, have built many forts there about, Forts built about Ostend. and placed guards upon the approaches, especially in the year 1599 by the advice of a corporal fugitive, who had been long in garrison in the Town, and knew all their courses. About the Town from the West to the East, they reckon 17. forts, the farthest of be, Nieudamme, Leffing, Snaskerk, Altemburg, Plassenthale, Stalhille, Niewegen, Nieu munster, and Blanckenberg, in some of them country men do dwell; the nearest be, Albertus, Isabella, Grossendurst, Claire or the stone S. john with his blockhouse, Colombie with his blockhouse and Bredene, whereunto hath been added an eighteenth fort upon the East downs: Bredene is the greatest, in the which there was the last winter a whole regiment in garrison. Isabella is the strongest and nearest unto the Town, the which by means of a trench joins unto Grossendurst, & both of them are commonly guarded by six ensigns: and so is Claire with her blockhouse. In Albertus there are two ensigns, and one in Colombie: the entertainment of which forts in the beginning did cost the states of Flanders ninety thousand Flemish crowns a month, Expenses in guarding these forts. & for all that they could not hinder the descent of an army, as experience hath verified & oftentimes the mutinies of garrisons, have brought no less oppression & ruin to the Country than the incursions of the enemy. cause of the siege. Which hath been the cause why they have often made suit to have it besieged straightly, among the rest after the taking of Calais in the year 1596. offering to pay extraordinarily 300000. crowns within three months. The Archduke seemed then to be resolute, and received a good somme of money, but he did nothing but show himself with his army before the Town, and having viewed it he suddenly retired. After all this they promised again unto the Archduke, (besides the ordinary contribution of 90000. crowns a month for the entertainment of the forts,) to give him 600000. crowns, that is a 100000. crowns when he should bring his army within view of the Town. a 100000. crowns when he had planted his Canon against it, a 100000. crowns when he had made a breach, and the other 300000. crowns when he had taken the Town, and in truth they delivered this sum and more as shall appear hereafter. They prevailed so in the counsel of the States (having practised the Brabançons,) as a resolution was taken according to their desires, Diversity of opinions in counsel upon the siege of Ostend. (although there were great opposition,) saying there was no reason to hazard an army at the siege of a place so much to be feared. As for the Archduke he was fully resolved to the siege, for that (besides the hope he had to carry the place) he thought by this means to force the confederate Provinces, to draw their army from the siege of Reynberg, and with this money to pacify his soldiers, and amongst the rest those of Isabella fort, which had been long time mutined, and had intelligence with them of Ostend, the which did much trouble the Flemings. Then followed the siege, the Archduke came to Altemburg, Ostend besieged. and the fifth of july 1601. he sent Cont Frederick de Berge first Marshal of the Camp before Ostend with four regiments of foot, who encamped upon the East downs, from whence the next day he began to shoot with four double Canons. Within the Town there were 21. Ensigns of divers regiments, and one of the inhabitants, under the command of La north, who provided for their defence most of them sending away their wives & children, into Zealand. The 6. day Don Augustine de Mexia Governor of the Castle of Andwerp, came before the Town with five other regiments, who encamped upon the West very near the Town, betwixt the forts of Albert & Isabella. They of the Town that day and the three following discharged many a Canon shot at them, and in the end forced them to retire and to lodge upon the West downs, they say there were above 400. hurt men carried to Neuport. The mutines of Isabella fort were pacified with promises and fair words, so as they went forth willingly to receive their pay at Winoxberge, to the number of five hundred men. The 10. and 11. of july, the enemy caused the chiefest forces of his camp to pass to the West-downes, leaving upon the East about a 1000 men under the commond of Monsieur de Guson, who made a new fort upon the downs with deep ditches about it. The enemy approached daily upon the West, and fortified himself, planting twelve pieces of Canon upon the plainest of the downs; he made also another battery upon the Sea side, whereby they took from them of the Town that old Port or Haven, so as ever sense they have used the Nieuport, The old haven cut off by the enemy. or Channel which they had made expressly, whereby all great barks or ships with flat bottoms entered, Prince Maurice having intelligence of the siege of Ostend, his excellency sent presently the ninth of july from the camp Sir Francis Vere General of the English with twelve companies of his own nation & Grave Maurice sends to Ostend. Colonel Vchtenbruch with seven ensigns of low Country soldiers and some others, to the number of thirty four companies, all which arrived happily and entered the Town by the North Port the fifteen of july. The besieged expected daily four thousand English men out of England. Succours from England. The 23. of july there arrived 1500. in red Cassackes, the which were presently divided among the twelve first companies. General Vere being arrived fortified himself presently in a certain high place without the Town, where the enemy could not annoy him. The 13. they made a sally, A sally. wherein the Archduke (according to the advice which came from Bruges) lost 600. men. Don Augustin de Mexia had a Musket shot in the hand, and a master of the camp a Spaniard named Don jerosme Monroy was slain there: they of the Town lost about thirty. The 18. of july General Vere cast up earth on the side of the Polder towards the West downs, & the enemy did the like right against him. Then he fortified himself at Cowe-bridge, the which his Excellency had caused to be broken the year before: And the 25. he caused the place to be viewed, and put some Soldiers into it: at the same instant the Arche-dukes men issued forth in great numbers out of their approaches and trenches, every one carrying a Faggot or Bavin upon his head, & passed on running at the mercy of the Musket shot from the Town, to make a passage through the marish, and to seize upon a high place which lies betwixt Cowe-fort & Grossendurst, where in the night they planted three Canons: and there they lost many men. The 26. of july, the Archdukes men played all day upon this new fortification, and at night came to the assault in three sundry places, they forced it and chased away them of the Town, the which was easy to do being but forty men. The 27. A Sailie. of july they within the Town made a sally and won the enemy's trenches, whom they chased even unto the Sand-downes: the Canon of the Town playing in the mean time to great effect upon the Arche-dukes troops. A Spanish prisoner said that there were 600. of their men hurt and slain at this service, and amongst others, Don Diego Idiagues a Spanish Captain, son unto the King of Spain's Secretary, was slain. The 29. of july the archdukes army was supplied with ten Ensigns of new soldiers or Besognes, of the new troops that were come from Italy, the same day the tide overflowed all the enemies approaches, even unto the West-downes of sand. The same day the enemy sunk a Bark in the which were 18. men, whereof there were but six saved, the which did so amaze the Mariners, as they were driven to great want in Ostend, until the coming of john de Duvenuorde the Admiral, who took so good an order as they might easily enter by the North-port and the gullet, and discharge their munition, victuales and merchandise in the Dikes towards the East-port, so as they have abundance of all things since that time. The 31. of july Cont Frederick with a regiment of Germans began to make his trenches round about La pierre S. jean, going on to this new fortification which they had won, the which they did cover with a new wing towards the northwest, and united it to their first works upon the Westside of the Town: The enemy's trenches. so as the enemy's trenches are continued from the west-downes below beyond the Fort of La pierre S. jean. Upon this wing the enemy hath built a little corpse de guard, against the which General Vere made a retrenchment upon the West of his chief rampart, from whence the Soldiers entertained one another with their Musket shot, but it was razed two days after. The same day the Polder rampart was put in defence upon the north-east towards the Town, and upon the south-west it was raised in manner of a platform to plant Canon thereon, and six double Cannons were brought from Zealand, whereof four were planted upon Sandhill, and the other two upon the West Boulwarke, whether most of their ordinance was brought, for that they expected some great attempt of the enemy there. Don Catris commanded upon the West at the Sand-downes, who desired extremely to do some exploit about the Pork epic along the little Tummel-dike, and at the first opportunity when the tide should be gone to cast himself by the haven into the old Town. The 3. of August, the archdukes men made a trench under the fort of S. Claire on the South side. The 4. day they advanced their approaches on the same side within Musket shot of the trench, which General Vere had made upon the West side of Polder. The 6. of August, those that were camped upon the West downs, approached fifty yards nearer unto the Town. The 9 they began to shoot from Cow-fort, whilst the fortification of Polder was a finishing. The same day the archdukes men shot 2200. 2200. canon shot in one day against the Town. Canon shot from their battery of the side of S. Claires' Fort, without making of any reasonable breach, they only hurt and slew some poor miserable creatures, and spoiled some private houses, but it did nothing countervail their great expense of Powder and shot, neither had they any thing advanced their principal design. The defences of Sandhill Bulwark, Wester Bulwark, and Helmont were beaten down, but they were so well repaired in three or four days, as in a whole month the enemy could not much indomage them. The eleventh of August, a servant to Sir Horatio Vere Lieutenant general of the English was slain, and a piece of the Towne-Towre beaten down. The archdukes men stood every night in arms to the number of three or four thousand, The archdukes men stand upon their guard to receive them of the Town, who they thought would sally out upon them. The same day at night came a Fleet of 15. Ships from Zealand. vessels from Zealand with munition and victuals, the which were afterwards unladen in the Town. The same day a piece of the Tower of the old Town was beaten down, and two prisoners were brought into the Town, whereof the one was borne at Bruges, and the other at Namur, who among other things said that the mutins of Isabella fort, had been drawn forth with good words, and were gone to Winoxberge about 500 men; moreover they said that the Archduke had caused all the fugitives to be put in to prison, for that some of them had bragged to know the means how to take the town, but the small likelihood there was in their proposition, did show sufficiently that it was but to win themselves credit. The 12. Of the governors lodging, beaten down with the Canon, and not by him abandoned. of August a small Tower of the governors lodging was beaten quite down and although it were pierced through with many a shot, yet did he not abandon it. The same day many of the inhabitants both men and women returned out of Zealand, who had fled for fear in the beginning of the siege. The 13. of August, arrived 17. or 18. ships, the which entered into the Town by the gullet on the East side about midnight, upon whom the enemy played fiercely with his Canon, and one boy only was slain, this happened because it was moon light, for when the night or dark they pass safely, without discovery of the enemy, whose nearest trenches on that side were a thousand or eleven hundred paces of. The enemy did also much endamage the ships that lay within the Town, behind the new Church, and slew a Mariner and some soldiers. The Archdukes men which where in guard at Katzen-heubten, the which is a kind of Cavalier or platform, played continually with their Muskets into the Town, they hurt a Sergeant of Captain Anthony's company in the leg, and slew the Sergeant of Captain Kolue. Those of the Town took two pieces of great Canon, the which were upon Wester Boulwarke, and planted them in the false Braie at the foot of Sandhill, for that they served them to no use whereas they were before, by reason that the enemy was come so near the Town, and had fortified their approaches too well on that side. The same day, three men thinking to fly unto the enemy, Fugitives taken. two of them were taken & put into Irons; the enemy shot with four pieces, from their nearest trench on the South side, and with others from the East and West, but their greatest effect was to ruin some houses: from the first beginning unto this day, they did not hurt above 18. persons of the Town and some soldiers, the which was little in regard of the multitude of bullets which passed through all parts of the Town, Bullets of 40. pound shot into the town. whereof the greatest part weighed above 40. pounds a piece. The 14. of August, there entered by the gullet 7. or 8. ships laden with munition and victuals: the enemy ceased not to shoot day and night, breaking all the coverings of the houses, the which they complained most of, and sometimes they hurt a Towns-man or a soldier. The same day, about eight of the clock in the morning General Vere was hurt with a piece of a Canon General vere hurt. which split, for the which the enemy made great signs of joy and triumph, discharging many Canon shot, so as they hurt six or eight persons, but not one of them died. After dinner a Canonier was slain upon Sandhill, with a Musket shot in the head, the which came from Keiheubter, this was the seventh Canonier which had been slain, beside there were five soldiers struck with one Canon shot in the ships, whereof some died, the rest were maimed. The same day the Townsmen pierced their Counterscarp, to lodge the ships within their ditches, that they might be more covered. The 15. there was great shooting on either side, and there were 19 or 20. slain of those which helped to unlade the ships, from morning to morning, day & night there was nothing hard but the thundering of Canons and hissing of Muskets on either part. The English men made the green market place within the Town hollow, fitting themselves with cabbines and lodgings in the earth, and they made hollow another void place upon the south-west, yet there were still some of them hurt. Those of the Town say also that they did often see them draw dead men out of the enemy's trenches, the which their Canon had slain. The 16. of August the archdukes men in the night made a half Moon at their nearest retrenchment towards the West-downes, and so carried it along the Sand-downes, unto their nearest approaches, the which stretch from the Downs unto the Polder, and there made a battery of three Canons, fifty yards nearer than they had yet made any, from whence they began at the break of day to shoot against the Bulwark of Sandhill, the which (after they had discharged some thousands of shot) seemed to be a wall of Iron, and they might hear the Bullets strike one against another. They made much sand fly into the air, but they could make no reasonable breach: the Townsmen prepared to undermine a little dike which went near unto the enemy's trenches upon the West side of the Downs. The Archduke caused many houses of Stone to be built in the Fort called Albertus by his name, seeing that the siege in all show would be long. The same day the Sea swollen so high as the approaches and defences coming from the West-downes, towards the Town, yea and those beyond towards the South, were all covered with water, so as the Soldiers were forced to recover the nearest sand downs: the water was half a league about the Town from the East to the West downs. The archdukes men forced to retire by the tide. The English-mens trenches were in like sort full of water, being forced to save themselves upon the highest ground. The Townsmen likewise expected this, believing (as it fell out afterward) that it would make the enemy retire. The 17. of August the archdukes men advanced their trenches from the West towards the Pork espike nearer than they had done, so did they upon the South towards the trenches of the English, labouring there in such sort as if they would have planted all their batteries, and lodged themselves as near in a manner as it was possible. 35000. canon shot against the town. They had about the Town 50. great pieces of brass, and by that day they had discharged 35000. Canon shot, and yet could never make breach, and those places whereas the enemy (the tide being gone) might pass on dry foot were made stronger than before the siege. The same day one of the enemy's soldiers fled away and came into the Town, discovering unto them the enemy's estate, and that they prepared to shoot balls of wild fire into the Town, having a design to assault the West ravelin the which is under Helmont. That day the enemy shot arrows with letters into the English quarter, Letters shot into town with arrows. promising ten stivers a day to such as would serve him, the which they of the Town did interpret, as if they had spent all their inventions & devices. The tide did rise higher that day then before, The tide amazeth the towns men. and did drown the plain country a league round about, and did overthrow 40. or 45. yards of the East dike, which extends to the north, from the East Port unto the old Town, the which did more amaze the besieged, than the archdukes power. The eighteen of August the enemy approached within 20. or 24. yards of the West ravelin: at night there arrived a fleet of ten or eleven sail with soldiers and all sorts of provision and victual, coming from England, and some from Zealand, whereof some barks entered the Town by night without any harm. The 19 of August the archdukes men planted by night two pieces of Canon in their nearest trenches, the which they of the Town dismounted the night following, and broke them in pieces with their Canon. The same day the enemy's camp on the East side was fortified with three regiments, the which marched in view of the Town, with many Wagons and much baggage: some said these were the troops which had been sent to the relief of Berke upon the Rhin, but without any effect, the Cont of Buckquoy came with them. This day as the former, the Canon played furiously on either side, and some inhabitants and soldiers were hurt within the Town. The enemy had begun to mine, but this invention succeeded not, they thought the earth was not fit for it. They turned a battery of seven or eight pieces against the West ravelin, the which did usually shoot against the Sandhill, finding they had prevailed little: with an artificial bullet they fired the commissary of the victuals lodging, the which was covered with straw, but it was soon relieved, and the fire quenched. In the night some soldiers issued forth, who passing along the nearest trenches, slew four soldiers of the enemies, and brought away one prisoner, who said that the enemy laboured in a mine whether no man went, for that the Colonel Don Catris had made a cabin from whence he never departed; right against it in the nearest trenches to the Town, and that they had an intent to give the Town an alarm upon the East, and to give an assault upon the West part. The 20. of August the enemy in the night advanced six yards nearer to the half Moon, unto a certain dike right against the Pork epike. Those of the Town imagined that the Archduke would join all his batteries together vopn his nearest trenches in the West dikes, without leaving any in the rest, The same day arrived 2000 2000 English come into the Town. Englishmen well appointed into the Town. The besieged shot furiously day and night upon the dike, where the enemies were lodged to drive them away, fearing that they would mine. The 21. day, 50. or 60. soldiers made a sally out of the Town upon the enemy, being lodged upon this dike, they slew some, but in the end by reason of the great numbers that came to succour them, they were forced to retire. The same day the enemies discharged all their artillery, they of the Town seeing therewith a great number of men upon the Downs, thought that the Duke was there in person. The 23. 20. Ensigns of French & other nations. there arrived 50. or 60. sail from Zealand, and in them 20. Ensigns of French, Walons, Scottish and Prisons. The 24. of August they made a sally of 700. men, the which retired without any great exploit. The 25. some soldiers which had been two nights in Flanders, returned to the Town and brought with them three prisoners, whereof the one was a Cheesemonger of Bruges, the second of Procter of Dixmude, and the third a peasant, whom they had taken upon the way betwixt Dixmude and Bruges, who said there was small store of money in the army, Prisoners brought into the Town. and that the Merchants of Bruges were out of hope to see the Town taken, the siege whereof had all ready (in their opinions) cost as much as all Flanders might be worth. They said also that the Archduke (to defend himself against the sudden sallies of them of the town) The archdukes invention. had caused to be laid at the nearest retrenchment, long planks full of great nails the points upward, to run into their feet that should assail him: And for that it reigned that day there was little shooting on either side, but towards night the whether growing clear they began in good earnest, yet the enemy short no Bullets above nine, ten, or twelve pound weight. The 26. of August, four corporals marching with a woman which had a child in her arms, were all slain with one shot. They of the Town finding that the enemy approached to come in the end to an assault, prepared (amongst other things to receive them) a great number of planks, Invention for an assault. to every one of which they did fasten twelve Muskets, the which by means of an instrument of white Latin with a train of Powder should discharge all at once. The 27. of August, the great Barks or Ships of War in which there were some Captains, entered the gullet with full sails, the enemy shooting hard, but he hurt no man. The same day they of Ostend did write that having digged and cut a certain piece of ground near unto the half Moon upon the West part, they had made a new Gollet or mouth, so as there is a great Water the which makes a separation betwixt the Town and the enemy, & takes from them all means to come to the assault. The 28. the archdukes men began again to shoot into the Town fiery Bullets and flints in their great Canon. In the night the enemy repaired their trenches and began then at the half Moon, which had been abandoned, but they lodged not in the Town at this time. The 29. of August, eight hundreed men of the troops of the Lord of Chastillion came into the Town. The archdukes men raised up a little platform on the East side of the downs declining towards the South, to plant two or three Canons thereon, (as a prisoner said) to shoot at the ships that went in and out. They shoot also furiously at a little sluice which is in the Counterscarp, along the Porke-espike, so as they of the Town were resolved to stop it up, but in the end they found the Canon could not hit it being placed so high. The same day entered into the Town with their colours flying, the rest of the soldiers who the 23. day by reason of a tempest were forced to return into Zealand: there were three prisoners also brought into the Town. There came an advise from Calais, that the enemies began to faint, and yet notwithstanding the Archduke kept the Flemings still in hope, and said that he would undermine the Town, the which is impossible by reason of the Dike we have spoken of before. This day an English fugitive was taken again and presently hanged. There came also 60. or 70. sail out of Zealand laden with munition and victuals. The 30. day, about 25. of these ships entered by night into the gullet, and without any danger passed into the Towne-ditch. There came also another fleet of 16. or 17. sail laden with munition and victuals. The enemies had near unto their fortifications on the East part four great barks, from whence a canon shot pierced through one of the Town Galleys: they would gladly with those have taken some ship in the Fleet, but they durst not venture them. The last of August in the night, a Fleet of about 32. sail laden with munition and victuals, entered the Town without any loss, except one Bark laden with Bavins, the which was shot betwixt wind and water. They may safely harbour two hundred ships in the new Port, which striking their Masts, cannot be seen nor hurt by the enemy. One of the enemy's camp flying into the Town, said that the soldiers were not well paid, and yet the Archduke was resolute to have the Town, whatsoever it cost him, and that there were yet about 20000. men in his army. An English Captain who was also Sergeant Maior, going the round with Colonel Horatio Vere, was slain with a Canon shot. As for the form of the siege and archdukes camp it was as followeth. The form of the siege and of the Archdukes camp. The Archduke hath made his trenches on the West part towards the Palissadoes of the half Moon, the which the water hath since pierced through and overflown. There are beside six or eight trenches one after another upon the west-downes some higher than others, all well made with Sande and Faggots, and further into the country upon the side of the West-downes, his trenches stretch unto Cow-bridge, the which is above 300. yards, along the which there are divers Bulwarks planted with Canon: these trenches are betwixt the Town and the trenches of the English, and the two Forts called Grossendurst and Isabella. The South end of his long trenches, ends at the channel which goes to Grossendurst and Isabella, and from thence to Bruges, and so through the country. At the end of these trenches which go from the South about a 100 yards towards the West, betwixt Grossendurst and the English trenches, they have built a Fort high and thick, on the which they have planted three Canons. Upon the south near the channel and causey of Ipre, they have another trench, the which stretcheth from this channel to the South Southeast, and so returns to the East to a large and deep Marish, which hath been made by succession of time, and so goes into the Sea: There they have likewise two or three Canons which play upon the town on the South side. Upon the South and south-west of this trench they have another trench of a 150. yards long; the which going towards the Fort of La Pierre, alongst the which there is a low ground, that is sometimes full of water, by the which the boats that bring them victuals must pass. Just upon the West they have brought great store of Sand and bows, within a stones cast of the ditches and counterscarp. Upon the East they have fortified upon the downs, and have made a platform of sand and Bows at the foot of the Downs, on the which they have placed some pieces, the which they have done upon the shore to annoy the ships that went in and out of the gullet or mouth, which pieces were before upon the downs. The first of September, a Captain came to Midlebourgh with five prisoners, to present them to his Excellency: they said the enemy did not shoot so furiously as he had done, and that the breach near the half Moon was five yards wide and deep enough, without any annoyance to the Town: and yet the enemy had made no means to stop it, but had only gathered together a great quantity of Bows, yet by the opinion of the besieged, they might easily have done it, for that at a low water it is not above four foot deep. They have also planted their gabions along their trenches the which is upon the Seaside, and goes right against the old Port or Haven: and for fear that they should be overthrown or carried away with the Sea, they have tied them together with strong Cables and chains of Iron to plant a battery there of Field-pieces to command the North-haven. The 8. of September a Gentleman of Don Catris train yielded himself into the Town, whom his master the day before had struck on the head in Albertus-forte, and left for dead: he said that Don Catris (who had the command of the army) had an intent to give an assault to the West-ravelin, the which is above that breach whereof we have spoken, with many engines and Ladders of Iron. It was then our Lady's birthday, who would not have been pleased with so bloody a sacrifice, and the slaughter of so many men. But when we shall consider the preparations which they of the Town had made to receive them, we can never be sufficiently amazed at the enemy's blindness, who without any likelihood of good success, hazard the poor Soldiers, and lead them without pity to the slaughter, the which may justly be called the rage of furious beasts, that run without all reason or consideration to their deaths, and in steed of victory reap nothing but dishonour. The usual means to take a place besieged, hath been by Mines, sap, or Breach, and when that could not prevail, to cut of their victuals and to famish them, wherein the Spaniards have yet prevailed nothing. And to the end the reader may more easily conceive what the enemy had done to come to the assault, he must understand that he had approached as near upon the West side as was possible, else he must win the half Moon, the which is before Sandhill, but betwixt him and it is the Port, the which is sometimes full of water, and sometimes dry, where he must of force take a counterscarpe betwixt the half Moon and the Bulwark, or else at a low ebb to assault this Bulwark, as the assault given in januarie following showed that it was their design: but as it was exceeding difficult, so could it not succeed well. From the beginning of the siege unto this day the enemy hath still battered this Bulwark furiously, and there were so many thousands of bullets in it, as some would have undertaken to have made it new for the Bullets: and yet the enemy could not make a breach; the Bulwark is a little disfigured, so as a man unarmed and without any opposition might mount up, but a man armed could not by any means, for that it is like unto a mount of Sand, and very steepy, from whence they should fall rather than advance a foot: beside they must force seven Palisadoes, made of great Piles, which are within the port, one a Musket shot from another, all which they must break before they come to the foot of the Bulwark, then in the way as they mount there are certain mines to blow up: and in passing the Musketeers of the half Moon, and of the counterscarp would so welcome them, as many of them would forget to return unto their camp: moreover there are 13. Canon's hidden in the counterscarp and other places, charged with chains and pieces of Iron to scour the place: In the mean time the tide comes, whereunto they must yield or be utterly lost, the which happened in the like sort at the assault of january in the year 1602. Notwithstanding all these great difficulties, no advise of the old Captains, (who had considered of it,) could prevail against the obstinacy of the States of Flanders; who notwithstanding all this, have promised 300000. Flemish crowns monthly for this siege: & 100000. crowns when the Camp should be lodged before the Town, a 100000. crowns when the canon should be planted in battery, & 100000. when a breach should be made, & 300000. crowns when it were taken. It may be they believed that (trying their fortune,) there might chance some unexpected accident, which might cause a success that all the Captains had not dreamt of, but the success was contrary to their expectations, for if we consider the new fortifications of the English, and the breaches which the Sea makes daily, overflowing and breaking the little dummell dike, we shall find the place stronger than before the siege. The forts which the English men have made upon the South, are divided from the Town, and as hard to take as the other. The Archduke had great reason to swear (as his fugitives said) that he would not go from the table before they had served him, for the besieged have laid a wager that they will give it him so hot as they will burn his fingers. This Gentle man of Don Catris said, that there were already about 3000. soldiers slain before the Town, besides pioneers, and above two thousand hurt. The 10. The Lord of Castillion slain. of September, the Lord of Chastillon (being upon the high Bulwark of Sandhill) with Colonel Vchtenbruch a Scotish Lieutenant, and other Gentlemen and men of command, at two of the clock afternoon had his head struck of with a Canon shot above the teeth, his brains flew against the left cheek of Colonel Vehten ruch, and made him to reel a little, the Scottish Lieutenant was also grievously hurt. These be ordinary accidents in war, neither is the the besieger any thing more free from them then the besieged, the greater than the less, the strong and valiant, than the feeble and weak. That night 30. ships came into the Town, and a greater number were daily coming, the which stayed at Flesingue for fair weather to weigh Anchor and set sail. The 14. of September also in the night there entered 23. or 24. sail more, laden with victuals and munition, after the which the enemy shot furiously, but by reason of a cloud and mist which did rise, they could not hit nor hurt any one, whereupon they ceased. A fugitive of the enemies said, that there were many sick men in the Camp, and that the Italians newly come out of Savoy died by heaps; that the Canon from the Town did every day kill many men, that the Soldiers fled from the army by troops, and that many more would go, if the horsemen kept not good guard abroad, and that it was to be feared, that if the men of war were long held in this constraint, being ill paid, they would mutiny. The 15. of September the enemy shot almost all night fiery Bullets and Flints into the Town, the which the besieged returned unto them again in the same coin. The enemy had then but 16. pieces of Canon before the Town, The estate of the besieger. they had sent all the rest to divers strong places, except fourteen which they had sent to Nieuport to be new cast, for that they had been spoiled and broken by the Canon of the Town. They had likewise sent away part of their troops, and those which remained in the army stood in the water throughout all their trenches. At the same time were surprised sundry letters from The Flemings out of hope to take Ostend. men of quality of Bruges and other parts of Flanders, which showed that they had lost all hope to take Ostend, and that the Flemings were much afflicted, and yet notwithstanding the bruit was that the Archduke would by no means heat speak of raising the siege, how long soever it did continue, or whatsoever it did cost. The night before, the Duke of Holstein or Holsatia, brother to the King of Denmark, and the Earl of Hohenlo, entered the town with eight or nine sail, wherein their baggage was and some Powder: they continued there two nights and two days, and then returned to Middlebourgh without any annoyance or loss. There came oftentimes men of quality both from Many of quality go to see Ostend. England and France, to see the place and the siege, but they stayed not. There went out also 18. or 20. ships without any harm, but one that was sunk and an anchor broke. The archdukes men made a half Moon or platform in their trenches that are upon the South at the foot of the Sand-downes, meaning to plant six Canons thereon to batter the West-ravelin, under the West Bulwark, where the besieged wrought daily to make it higher and stronger. The same day as the two former they did not shoot so much as they were accustomed, the which seemed very strange unto the besieged. The Noblemen whereof we have formerly spoken, went the same day with the Governor and Colonels of Ostend, to see the fortifications of the Town, and the enemy's trenches which are about it. The enemy shot 25. or 30. Canon shot at one volley, against the South corner of Sandhill, and broke a little bridge set upon the corner to pass unto the Falsebray, which having done, they ceased, whereby they might well see that they meant to give an assault, and to take away all that might annoy them. There went some out of the Town with Loapestaves, which brought in a Spanish Lieutenant prisoner, who said, that many died in their Camp, and that many fled daily, and more would fly, if the Horsemen in guard (which scoured all the passages to the ampe,) did not hinder them, as hath been formerly said. There was also made a new Haven at the mouth or gullet, A new Haven at Ostend. whereby the ships entered with less hazard and were more safe. They built many houses in Albertus-fort, and round about, so as it might well be compared to a little town, they thought the Archduke would make a Port or Haven of the Sluice which is near, to use it instead of that of Ostend. The 18. of September there entered about 24. sail into the Town, laden with munition, victuals, bows, piles, stakes, planks, and with divers instruments and commodities, and they went forth by the gullet without any hurt or loss. The same day they discharged thrice all the Canons, Muskets and small shot of the Town, in honour of the Queen of England's birthday: this thundering put the enemy in alarm, who presently began to shoot their fiery Bullets and Flints into the Town, to the which the besieged like men of honour and resolution failed not to reply. They of the town having placed some Canons betwixt the uttermost Piles and the Rampart which looks to the enemy's Camp, and bends towards the Sea, were the cause that the Sea swallowed up and carried away part of the ground, so as the opening or the breach of the little Tummel dike grew greater daily. The 19 General Vere being cured of his hurt, General Vere returned to the Town. returned into the Town. Almost all this night the enemy shot fiery Bullets and Flints into the Town, but without any effect. About ten or eleven of the clock, when the tide went out, they of the town (to the number of 200.) made a sally upon the Sands, to fire certain Gabions, but being too green or wet, it would not take, where they lost one Soldier, & brought home ten or twelve hurt: in the mean time the enemy's trenches were fraught with shot, and their Horsemen were upon the Seashore, whether the Canon from the Sandhill shot furiously, being a clear Moonlight. At the break of day General Vere sent forth certain adventurers to the war, to take some one of the enemies, who returned about two hours after noon, bringing with them two Walloons which they had taken in the army, who said that the East quarter of the camp had been fortified with the regiment of Asincourt, wherein were 900. men, but they were ill paid. The same afternoon, the adventurers or fributers brought in a German prisoner, who (besides that which they understood of the two walloons) said that the reason why they had fortified the Camp on the East side, was for that they expected the Archduke there, and that they had prepared a great number of bridges upon wheels, and many great sacks full of Sand, to stop the mouth, or at the least the opening or hole upon the West, and that they had tried this invention at the Sluices and found it good, and therefore they had caused a great number of these sacks to be made throughout all Flanders. And that upon the East there was great store of Bows, great stones and many tumbrelles, to build a fort according to the advice of the Ingeners. And he said also that the Archduke had caused a Fourrier or Harbinger, a volontarie Gentleman, and a Corporal, to be put in prison, The archdukes rigour. for saying that in their opinions the Town was not ready to be taken, and that they were in danger to be hanged: that the Spaniards were wonderfully incensed against them of Bruges, as having (above all other) pursued the siege of Ostend, saying they were all traitors to the king of Spain and to the Archduke. The 20. of September, The Earl of Northumberland, & the Lord of Kessel, came to Ostend. the Earl of Northumberland an English man came to Ostend, with the Lord of Kessel, brother to the Lord of Lockeren, one of whose servants had his arm shot off with a Canon. The same day the enemies did raise and fortify their nearest trenches towards the Polder of the English. The 21. of September, there entered 14. ships more into the Town with victuals and munition, at whom the enemy made many a shot but could not hit any. The same day the besieged had eight pieces of Canon sent them out of Zealand, and they sent back some that were spoiled. The 22. a Burges of Scluse came to Flessingue, who brought news of the siege of Ostend: saying that the Archduke was resolved not to abandon it until he had taken it, although he were the last, & should lose himself there: and that the Soldiers were very ill paid, and might happily mutiny: and that the country six leagues round about, was spoiled and undone; and that the Soldiers were up to the knees in water in their trenches, and had made little banks to sit upon, and to keep their arms dry, and that all the Hospitals of Flanders, Brabant, Lisle, and all the neighbour towns were full of hurt men, which were in all seven thousand at the least. The same day there came towards night eight sail more into the Town, with munition and victuals, at whom the archdukes men did not shoot, being not able to see them by reason of the darkness. The 23. of September it was written from Ostend, that Colonel Vehtenbruche had been slain in the English quarter with a Musket shot the night before, which struck him in the back and came out at his throat: and that a little before a French Captain named Pomerade, had likewise been slain with a Musket in the head. The same day there entered two ships by the mouth or gullet, laden with all kind of Munition and victuals, and two Dromlers laden with bows: the same night the enemy brought great store of bows upon the eastside under the Forts, labouring very much betwixt the Catteyes and Reisern-heubt; they brought also upon the South a great number of Wagons laden with bows, as if they meant to stay there ten years. On the other side they of the Town laboured as earnestly in the English trenches, upon the West and Southside of the Town, Fortification of the besieged. and joined them together with certain forts, that is, with the Boulwarke which is within the Polder without the Town, and the two abandoned trenches with the half Moon, the which is before the trenches on the west part, so as these four pieces were made all one, without all danger of water in Winter. The English trench upon the West was made stronger and thicker, and also more advanced towards the South and North, even unto the causey (the which is about 50. or 60. foot long) where before it was open, so as the enemy might easily shoot upon the Polder Bridge, and did commonly hurt and kill some soldiers. The half Moon on the West side was joined with Cattey fort, to the West trench with a Ditch and Piles, and Iron pikes before it, so as this half Moon was exceeding strong. Those of the Town placed two Canons in the casemate, the which is betwixt the West Boulwarke and Helmont, to batter the enemy's trenches, right against the Porke-espicke, the enemy did all he could to dismount and break them, and in the end they drew down a double Canon against the Porke-espike, and from thence played upon these two pieces, but they shot so furiously from the Town, as the enemy was forced to cease his battery being broken: after that the enemy brought down two other pieces, upon the water's side, which runs by the little broken ditch, with the which they shot against a Palisadoe which they of the Town had made round about the Porke-espike, to defend the foot of this fortification, lest the force of the water should carry it away: those of the Town having discovered their design, played upon this battery from Sandhill, and the Falsebray, which is under Helmont, and from the Westport, so as they were forced to cease. About noon, a Frenchman of the enemy's army came and yielded himself into the Town, where he had sometimes served: Conut Bucquoy made Lieutenant general to the Archduke. He said that Count Boucquoy had been made Lieutenant general in the place of Don Catris, and that they without made a chain to carry upon boats from the Old-haven, thinking therewith to do some great exploit being in their power. The same day a Mariner and a Soldier fled out of the Town to the enemy. The 24. of September, a Soldier of Lorraine came from the enemy's camp into the Town, who said that many Soldiers fled from the camp, and that they were out of hope to take the Town, and that those of the Town did so annoy them with their Canon, as the company under which he was (being at the first a hundred and ten men) was reduced to 40. both by reason of the Town Canon, as of such as were run away for want of pay. That night three Ships with a Bark entered the Town, being laden with victuals, at whom the enemy discharged some vollees of Canon shot, and slew in one of them a woman with a child. They brought out of the English trenches into the Town 22. men slain and hurt by the enemy's Canon, which shot among them that laboured. Upon the West side they discoured great store of Bows, Trees, and such like things, which the enemy caused to be brought in Carts. Upon the West-Bulwarke of the town they planted a new battery with defences about it, to play upon the enemy's trenches, and upon their battery which was below betwixt Reisernheubt and the Cateis. They also made an other battery upon the entry of the Haven in the new Town, along the bridge by which they pass, from whence they played upon the Cateys, to dislodge the enemy's shot which played upon the Soldiers, and others that were in the False Bray, and made great slaughter of them: thus they daily changed their counter-batteries, as the enemy altered his batteries; the enemy did not play so hotly with his Canon as he had done, but sought only to spoil them of the Town with his Musket shot. The enemy came to view a trench that was fallen, the which his Excellency had caused to be made the year before, upon the South and East side to defend the ships entering by the gullet and the East-port. The 25. of September, a ship laden with planks was cast away, yet all the men were saved: there entered some others into the town, at whom the enemy shot but hit no man. In the morning the enemy shot some fiery Bullets and Flintstones into the Town, but they ceased by reason of a great Rain. About ten or eleven of the clock did rise a great Northern wind, the which on the eastside by the gullet, and on the West by the little broken dike did drive great abundance of waters up into the Country, so as the enemy's trenches were so full as they were forced to fly from them to their Platforms and Cavaliers, the which they had raised along their trenches, whereupon their Canon was planted: which they of the town seeing ran up to the Ramparts, crying; Charge, charge: General Vere having intelligence thereof, commanded presently that they should shoot among them, so as many of the enemy's Soldiers were slain. A little Galley of Zealand striving to enter by day into the Town, had her Mast broken with a Canon shot, and was in danger to run on ground, the enemy shot furiously at them, and killed a Mariner: in the end the Galley entered the Town without any more harm. The water before mentioned, carried away part of the enemy's trenches right against the Porke-espike, without doing any harm to the Town. The 26. of September they shot fiercely on either side. That day the enemy's trenches were still full of water, and the breach of the little dike was risen the night before, and their battery betwixt the Cateys and Re●sern-heubt was much endamaged: the country was overflowed a good league about the town, so as their forts from the South to the West were all environed with water, that is Colombie, La pierre S. jean, Isabella and Grossendurst: besides this the new Forts at Cowe-bridge, and all the trenches from the West unto Cowe-bridge, and so to the South & East, even unto the great marish and behind it were covered with water, along which trenches they had made divers platforms, whereon they had planted some Canons, whether the soldiers retired themselves, and during these great waters they could not go one unto another, these overflowings were usual unto them every new and full Moon. The enemy did also make a new fort at the foot of the East downs, planting some Canon there to shoot at the ships, the which must pass towards the South before they could enter into the Town ditches, by reason of the length of the haven. They had made two other batteries before upon the East, there is one upon the North at the foot of the downs, to shoot at the ships when occasion serves, before they come into the Haven or under the Town; the other is upon the West at the foot of the West downs: and this new battery is 25. or 30. yards Southward of the downs, as far from the Town as the rest, and all are made to shoot at the ships when they pass by the South to enter into the Haven. The same day the enemy played from the West upon the Town with 18. Canons, and from the South with two, and on the East side, from whence with one only Canon shot they did some hurt. The Town was much endamaged by the tide before mentioned, in the false Braie of Sandhill, in the old dike of the Sea, which is of the North side of the old Town, and in the dike of the East Sea; but by the wisdom of the confederate Provinces, there are always workmen within the Town which have charge to repair all breaches of the Sea, and there is also good provision of stuff fit for that purpose, the which is very well appointed for the preservation of the Town. The 27. of September, the wind was some thing laid, whereupon the waters did fall a little, and did no more harm to the Town: but without, there were many trenches and fortifications broken: that day the Canon did not play on either side but only Musket shot. All night the 28. of September, the Archdukes men shot many fiery Bullets and Flint stones into the Town, and certain little vessels full of Nails and Bullets chained together, with such like things, whereof one fell behind the governors lodging, and burst against a wall, making a noise as if it had been full of devils, but it hurt no man. The prisoners said that their men thought to kill a hundred men at a time with this invention. All the enemy's trenches were broken and open, the water was within and without, and they were forced by reason of the water to abandon the trench nearest to the Porke-espike. Those of the Town made a new piece at the north-east corner of the Bulwark, to plant two pieces which were upon the mouth of the Ray, in the new Town to entertain the enemies Muskitiers which lie in Rayheubten when it is dry. The 29. of September, at night the great Constable of the Hargubuziers was slain, and betwixt the day & the night, there were 40. men slain and hurt; and for that the wind held north-east, and Northwest sixedayes together so as no ships could get out of the Haven, there were three hundred hurt and sick in the ships to go into Zealand. That night the enemy shot furiously into the Town with fiery Bullets, and in the morning they dismounted one of the Town Canons which was upon Sandhill, the which hurt seven or eight men, whereof Master Henry one of the chief canoneers was one. The enemy's trenches were still full of Water, and by reason of the wind no man went into the Town, nor out by Sea. The 30. of Septemher, as they set the watch, fire took the Powder at the ravelin of the Porke-espike, which spoiled six English men and hurt many others. The same day, the Smith of the Town advancing too far (being drunk) was slain. The same day also, came four English Ships laden with victuals, whereof one entered the Town by the gullet, the other three (by reason of the great Wind,) were forced to pass on and to recover Zealand, and so did all the Ships of war. The Archduke had drawn much money from them of Flanders for the siege of Ostend, and had done all they could to take it, as hath been showed: but in the beginning of October (according to the opinion of the Counsel of War, and the admonitions of most of the Towns of the low Countries) The Archduke resolves to raise the siege. they had resolved to raise the siege from Ostend, and to keep Garrisons in the forts, but whilst that Winter lasted: the Flemings advertised hereof sent the Bishops of Gaunt, Bruges and Ypre with some other men of quality unto them, who went to Niewport casting themselves at their highness feet, and showing them the great misery and desolation whereinto the Country of Flanders should fall if Ostend were not taken, the which they laid open unto them with many pathetical reasons, the which moved their highnesses (contrary to their first resolution) to promise by the faith of Princesses, not to forsake the siege, and that they would try all means possible to bring the enterprise to good effect, so as they might be succoured by them of Flanders, the which the deputies promised to do to the uttermost of their powers and to that end they would give six hundred thousand Crowns more besides the six hundred thousand Crowns promised the fourth of july, and upon the conditions specified in the letters of consent which were then drawn, and that without any diminution of the tribute of ninety thousand crowns monthly, the which they had already paid many months. And to satisfy the curious reader I have added hereunto the letters of the fourth of july, containing the above mentioned conditions. Most gracious Princess and Lady. Most gracious Prince and Lord. THe Clergy and four members of your highness country and County of Flanders, having heard a proposition of half a denier of the hundred, made unto them in your behalf in the city of Bruges the 4. of july last passed, they together with the Knights, towns and Castles of the said country, with all the heads and commons, every one in his quarter, do humbly thank your Highnesses of the good inclination they show by effect, to the prosperity and freedom of this miserable country so worthy of compassion, by the enterprise they have now in hand; assuring themselves that the Almighty God will bless it, and will give it a good end, to the ease of the poor commons miserably vexed for these many years, and to the increase of the name, honour, and glory of your Highness. And although by reason of former impositions, and the poverty of the country, they may well excuse themselves of the demand made unto them by the said proposition: yet to show the singular and great zeal and good will they have to assist your Highnesses with this last money, and with all their power and strength; they have consented and offer by these presents to pay 600000. Flemish crowns, the one moiety before, and the rest after the siege of Ostend, to be employed as it is mentioned in the proposition, and with the conditions, precautions and reservations specified in the letters of consent: And first that the demand of 600000. crowns, bearing date the 24. of February last passed, shall remain by means of this present consent void and of no effect. Item that the managing and distribution of the said 600000. crowns shall remain with them, as an imposition of the first demand upon every fire, and shallbe made by such persons as they shall choose and put in trust: and moreover upon the said sum there shall be deducted all such money as hath been and is daily disbursed for divers stuffs and works, and also for Mariners, Carpenters, Sawers of Planks and other workmen, and generally for all such as are employed in the like things in the camp, and that according to the declaration taxed, and the estimation of them of Flanders. In like sort there shall be a good deduction made unto them out of the said sum, of the interests or rents paid, or to be paid, for money which they have borrowed for the advancement of this business and exploit of war. Moreover there shall be abated what they have disbursed and furnished weekly, and what they shall disburse for the contribution and entertainment of the mutined Soldiers being in garrison in Isabella fort, with that which depends thereon. The said Estates of Flanders humbly beseech your Highnesses, that it would please you to accept and take in good part this their consent, and be well pleased with them in regard thereof, without requiring any further succour for their exploit, and believe that herein they have exceeded, taking upon them a burden exceeding their forces, in giving the said sum besides the ordinary contribution of 90. thousand Crowns a month. They humbly beseech your Highness to do them so much grace, as presently after the taking of Ostend, to free the country from soldiers, except only such as shall be necessary for the garrisons on the frontiers, to the end they may have means to free themselves of the great debts wherewith they stand charged by reason of the exploit. Their Highness' answer. THeir Highness' having a private dispatch made unto them, containing the consent of the Clergy, and four members of Flanders, do take their conclusion in good part upon the preposition made unto them in their Highness' names, and are well pleased with the affection they show, and have always showed unto their service, and do accept the consent and offer made by them of the sum of 600000. Crowns, instead of the half denier of the hundred which they had demanded, to be paid according to the conditions contained in the letters of the said consent; to which effect their Highnesses do give full power and commandment to every one whom it may concern to conform themselves and obey: and will that Letters Patents be granted unto them, such as shall be needful for to make the levy. They do also grant and agree, that out of the said sum according to the supplication of the Clergy, and the four members: the money disbursed by them shall be deducted, or shall be disbursed for this exploit, namely in Mariners, Watermen, Carters, Carpenters, or any other handicrafts men, and generally all those that serve the Camp in such like things, or that depend thereon, according to the declaration and reasonable tax and estimation of the Clergy, and four above named members, and in like sort, whatsoever they shall disburse for the contribution of the mutined Soldiers of Isabella fort, remaining only upon their charge, and what they have formerly paid upon this occasion. They declare also, that they hope this design shall come to a happy end, before that all this money be employed, and that their meaning is not to charge the country any more: yet they expect that as for their parts they will never abandon them, so they will do the like in case necessity requires, and that they will not leave this work unperfect: they promise also to discharge the Province from all men of war, but such as shall be needful to arm the Frontiers. Given at the Camp before Ostend, the 10. day of August 1601. Signed Isabella, Albertus, and underneath, Vasseur. Although this sum of 600000. Crowns was to be paid at two times: that is; the one half ready down, and the other after the taking of Ostend, yet their Highnesses made this demand presently, which followeth. The Archdukes. reverent and worthy Lords and fathers in God well beloved and faithful, well beloved and wise, having understanding that the 300000. crowns which you have granted, & were levied to be employed in the necessities of the siege, are almost all spent, as well in the two stivers a day which is given to every soldier for his service, as in workmen, Wagons, Ships, Faggots, and other like stuff, and that of necessity we must continue, we have thought good (for fear lest the work begun, should quail) to entreat you by these our letters, to assist us with the other three hundred thousand crowns remaining, the which you have promised us after the taking of Ostend: seeing that we mean not to employ it elsewhere, but in the foresaid affairs, and that you may be assured that our intention is not to raise the siege nor to depart from hence, before we have taken the place by the grace of God, whom we pray to have you in his holy keeping, given at the Camp before Ostend, in August. 1601. Signed Isabella, Albertus, and underneath Vasseur. The superscription was. To the reverend and worthy Lords and fathers in God, our well-beloved, faithful and wise, the Clergy and four members of our Country & County of Flanders, as commanding there. The Clergy & four members of Flanders yield to this demand, & for the speedy levying of this sum they writ unto the Towns and Castles in manner following. HOnourable and wise, etc. Although the issue of the design begun against Ostend, grows more long than we did think or expect, notwithstanding, not to suffer so commendable an enterprise of their excellencies to be ruinated, and suddenly to lose all the advantage and expense that hath been made so freely, it is necessary that your Lordships according unto that which we have granted upon the serious demand, which hath been made unto us by their highnesses, that you levy with all speed, and hold ready the other Moiety of your parts taxed of the some of 600000. crowns granted by us, and that you deliver it into the hands of our commissaries in your quarter, at the latest by the fifteen of September next coming as much as you hold dear and desire to see a good issue of this enterprise, to our peace and prosperity, and fail not herein for any excuse or pretext whatsoever, etc. At Bruges the 30. of August, 1601. and underneath. Your Lordship's good friends, the Clergy and four members of the County of Flanders, under written. F. de Grotte, Let us return to our siege. THe first of October, the enemy shot fiery Bullets and Stones into the Town, and in the morning again more furiously, so as a fiery Bullet falling behind a Burgesses house, set fire of a barrel of Powder, the which burned all the house, and no man knows how that Powder came there. The week before two Merchants of Powder, buying Powder of the soldiers which they had stolen, and sold it for little or nothing, were taken and punished, the one who was a Burgeois was banished the Town for three years, the other who was a Mariner was fined at 18. crowns to the poor. The breach of the little dike grew still more large and deep, by which did pass a great quantity of Water up into the Country, the which did much hinder the enemy's design. The archdukes men laboured earnestly to carry faggots from their battery which was nearest to the town unto Albert's fort. The 2. of October, there went out of the Town by night about 60. sails, whereof some had attended eight days, and were kept in by ill weather, but then they went all out without any hurt. Those of the Town made hollow a ditch to cause the Water of the gullet to take a right course towards the enemy's trenches, the which came beating against their Counterscarp, which work was made by 60. soldiers, every of the which did gain a Doller a day. The Earl of Northumberland went out of the Town by night with some others, the Bourgemaister and officer of the Town went with him into Zealand, to recover stuff to repair the works which were broken. The 3. of October, there entered thirty four ships into Ostend by the gullet, upon whom the enemy discharged above seventy shot, but they only slew but one Mariner, and hurt some others, and tore their sails. There were three laden with Powder, some with Bavins, and other stuff fit for fortification, the rest with munition and victuals, and with three double and eight demie Canons; there remained yet five ships without, towards the South under the the Sea dike, to stay for more Water at night: right against these ships there was a little dike broken wherein they of the Town laboured all the could to stop it, upon whom the enemy played furiously both from the East and the South, but the Bullets slew over them. About noon the enemy did beat in pieces the bridge which went betwixt the Polder and the West trenches of the English, so as they of the Town were forced to make a longer, to go from the Polder to the English quarter. Captain Nicholas Van-den Liar, was by them of the Town made general of the Artillery, in the place of Vchtenbruch. The same day there came great store of money into the Town for the payment of the soldiers and other necessities. The fourth day, the five Ships whereof we have spoken, were still at the mouth of the Haven for want of Water, the enemy shot continually upon them but they hurt no man. There were also two ships ready to depart from the Town, but they could not stir for the same reason. The night before a small English bark was sunk, the which lay at Anchor in the gullet on the Southside of the Town. At the break of day they made a sally of 500 men out of the Town on the south-west side upon Cow-bridge, where they took two half Moons from the enemy, who fled away: they slew thirty six, and brought away ten prisoners. Of those of the Town an English ' Captain had his leg shot off, and two French Captains with some seven or eight Soldiers were hurt; but seeing that above 2000 of the enemies came upon them, they retired themselves in time, bringing many Cassocks and Spanish Hats into the Town. About noon Count Frederick Vanden Berg, set fire on all his lodgings, and went with his troops to Albert's fort, they of the town thought it was to fortify their trenches upon the West-downes against their Sallies. The Prisoners of whom we spoke, which were Burgonions, said, that when his Highness came before Ostend he had 9000. foot, and 1500. horse, and that since there were 5000. more come unto him, but now they were not above 8000. and that they were in great want, and many sick, and that many fled by reason of the bad pay, for every Soldier had but two stivers a day and a loaf and a half, and sometimes they received not a penny in three weeks. The 5. of October there entered 8. ships by the gullet, whereof two were shot through and greatly endamaged by the Canon, for that they stayed too long at the entry of the Haven, yet there was but one man slain. That night the enemy shot fiery Bullets and stones into the Town, without any great hurt doing, by day they shot likewise against the English trenches & the Powder, where they of the Town laboured, whereof they hurt some: a Canon shot beat in pieces a plank which a soldier carried upon his shoulder, without hurting him. The regiment of Cont Frederick descended to the Sand downs midway betwixt the Town and Albert's fort. The 6. day, the enemy shot not against the Town on the East side, but only brought certain stuff to make some work, and about noon they did see them carry many Bavins to the next fort or half Moon, into their trenches near unto the English trenches, towards Cow-bridge: about the same time the Sargeant-maiors' Lieutenant was slain upon the West Boulwarke. The 7. of October, the enemy shot furiously with their fiery bullets and stones into the Town from morning until night. The same night, they discharged all the Canons in the Town, with many vollees of small shot, for joy of the birth of the French Kings son. That day towards night a small English bark was lost being laden with Bear and victuals, having stroke against the piles right against the old town, yet all the men were saved, and that night there entered two ships into the Town laden with victuals. The 8. of October, they without raised up a new Platform and battery on the eastside towards the South at the foot of the downs, the which advanceth towards the Haven, to plant four Canons thereon, (as they might discern by the canoneers) to annoy the ships, they laboured not all that day on the West part; after dinner they slew three men within the Town with one great shot, and hurt many. The 9 of October, they without shot vehemently into the Town with their fiery Bullets and flints, & hurt some soldiers in the day and night. At night about 25. sail, entered into the Town by the gullet, with munition and victuals, and five Ships with some Barks went forth: the enemy shot above sixty Canon shot after them, but could not annoy them. They without brought the battery or platform which they had begun upon the East, three yards nearer, but they did not yet shoot from it. The 10. day they of the Town discovered that the enemy had laboured much in their fort, which is betwixt the Cateyes and Reisern heubt, and that they had made it very high and large under the Sands, or midway to the Port, as if they had intended to make a Bulwark there. There came a great Ship to the Southeast of the port of the Town, the which had lain there 14. days on ground, and could not stir for want of water, there went out three or four Mariners to help to draw it from thence, but whilst they were busy at their work the enemy came and slew one cruelly, giving him above 40. wounds, and setting fire of the ship, the rest saved themselves. The same day a little English bark came towards the Port, but being a great calm two of the enemy's barks came to him with owers and took him, they of the Town thought that this had been done of purpose, for that the English & the French might traffic freely in the enemies Campe. Upon the East the enemy made a great trench on the eastside of their new battery, and likewise along the South, stretching out right against that which goes from the South to the North, at the East of their fort which is at the downs, as if they meant to lodge some troops there: they began to work there presently after the flight of a French Corporal, who went and presently yielded himself unto them. The 11. of October there entered sixteen or seventeen vessels laden with victuals and all kinds of munition into the Town, they without shot furiously at them on the East part, yet did no other harm but sunk one laden with Bavins; all the men and Bavins were saved. A Bullet coming from the West part fell into a ship and stroke off both a boy's legs. The enemies did raise up their half Moon, the which is betwixt the Cateyes and Reisern-heubt, and did likewise labour hardly at Cow-bridge, where they did raise a great platform near unto the English trenches, and upon the West they did not cease to labour in their trenches. They of the Town shot nine Canon shot in the day time from the Ships, but the enemy answered them not, The 12. of October beginning to grow dark, some of the enemies came upon the Southside of the Haven, to spy and discover the townsmen's works, who having descried them, they sent 6. or 8. lepers after them, who slew one, and brought away three prisoners, whereof the one was a Sergeant, and all of the country of Henault. This night there went forth 48. ships, at whom the enemy made not one shot, although it were so light as he might easily discern them: there entered no ships but a small Bark. Captain Grenu sallied forth at night with some of his men, but for that the enemy did not present himself so soon, he sent back most of his men into the town, and remained behind with 15. or 16. of his Soldiers, beyond the gullet, to attend what the enemy would do, who coming forth upon him, he charged them, and slew some at the push of the Pike, but seeing 150. horse coming on the back side, he retired without any loss. The archdukes men did not labour so much as they were accustomed in the trenches which they had made upon the East, nor in the Fort betwixt the Cateys and Reisern-haupt, the which they did raise with Sande and Faggots, neither were they seen to labour at all upon the South or West. The same day, two women great with child sitting together at a door, were slain with one Canon shot. The 13. of October early in the morning, the enemy began to shoot his fiery Bullets and stones into the Town, but there was no hurt seen or heard of. They of the Town had begun a Trench before the Bridge which is upon the mouth or gullet, with a Pallissadoe, and before the trench they made a little Palissadoe with Pikes of Iron. In the night the enemies raised up their battery which is at the East side of the Sand-downes, stretching towards the North of them: but they did not then plant any Canon. They laboured also without intermission at their battery betwixt the Cateys and Reisern haupt, upon the West-haven, raising it very high, and never went from it all the day. There were moreover the very same day, eight or ten Soldiers slain and hurt by the enemy's Canon. The 14. Six or seven horsemen give the alarm to the Town. of October there grew a great alarm in the Town. General Vere with the Governor Colonelles and Captains, ran to the West trenches where the alarm was: six or seven of the enemy's men at arms had given it, passing at a low water from the West to the East through the old Town and the gullet, they of the Town shot at them, yet five of them escaped. This night two ships entered by the East-haven without any annoyance. The enemies laboured daily at their Trenches towards the East, as also upon the South at Cow-bridge, and upon the West at their battery betwixt Cateys and Reisern-haupt, there were eight or ten Soldiers hurt with the enemy's Canon. The 15. day at night, the enemy shot many artificial Bullets and Flintes into the Town without any great harm doing. The same night there entered nine ships laden with munition and victuals into the Town, at whom the enemy shot much but in vain. The enemy had two Frigates built like Galleys, in every one of the which they might place 18. or 20. men, whom they sent skulking along the coast, to surprise some ship, but fearing a storm, they struck their sails and retired with their Owers towards the West, passing along the town, and never forsaking the coast. The week before they had taken three ships, and hurt about 30. men in them, whom they cast over-borde, bringing them only in, that were sound, one of the hurt recovered the fleet with swimming. The trenches without upon the West unto Cowe-bridge, and those which stretch towards the South and East, were full of water, so as the enemy was forced to retire to his Platforms: and yet there was no storm. The 16. of October, six ships laden with victuals and munition came into the town, after whom the enemy discharged above 50. Canon shot, but did them little or no harm. They brought many Cart-loades of Bavins and other stuff to the Fort, which is in the East without the town, to fortify it. That day the Canon played little, but there were six Soldiers hurt with Musket shot in the town. The 17. the enemies shot very furiously with their fiery Bullets and stones into the town. In the night they did cast themselves into the half Moon, which is beyond the gullet before the bridge, in the which (according to the order which was given by the commanders) there were none but labourers which did presently abandon it: the enemies being entered, they were presently welcomed with canonshot from the Bulwark of the Spaniards, and from Pekel, the which had been planted there expressie: as also by a troup of Musketeers from the Ravelin which is upon the counterscarp right against the Spanish Bulwark, so as they left many of their men there▪ there were but four of the town hurt: the Chirurgeons of the town went thither afterwards, and brought away Sacks full of man's grease which they had drawn out of their bodies. There was as great abundance of blood, as if there had been a great combat fought, and there was much without the half Moon: the ground was strewed of all sides with arms, legs and hands: such as went thither first, found much money upon the dead men, and garments of good price, with perfumed Gloves, whereby it seems that many Spaniards and men of command were slain there. They had also brought with them many preparatives and devices to burn the Bridge, and many Spades, Hammers, Hatchets, Pikeaxes, and other instruments, as it were to make some fortification. The enemy carried his battery from betwixt the Cateyes, unto the Sea side towards the North. At night there went forth fourteen ships, and not any one came in. A Burguignon prisoner said, that in this last assault there were not slain above eighty five or eighty six upon the place, amongst the which there were some men of command: he said moreover that they would stay it out all Winter, and that his Highness had made provision of stuff to build lodgings for the Soldiers round about the town. The 18. there was nothing remarkable, but that two French men fled to the enemy. The 19 of October, the enemy made high defences upon their battery at the East: afternoon they of the Town discovered a great troop of their enemeiss going from Albert's fort to the fort of La Pierre S. jean, and upon the East side many Wagons laden with Bavins the which they carried to the fort they have at the downs. The same day, there were 9 or 10. soldiers of the Town slain and hurt. The 20. The archdukes men approached nearer by a 130. yards. day at night, the archdukes men made a long trench near unto the lower end of the gullet, 120, or 130. yards under their new battery, and approached nearer unto the Town with 32. Gabions in length and four in thickness: it was for this purpose that the troops (we spoke of) passed the day before from the West to the East, to defend them that should labour in this work, and that by day they conducted so many Wagons laden with Bavins, to employ them in the night work. This day the enemy shot from this new battery, and to advance this trench they left their trenches upon the South and West part. At night there came into the Town four ships and one bark full of men, the enemy shot at them in vain, they discovered their Gabions nine thick. A German of the enemy's Camp came & yielded himself into the Town, who said, that there was exceeding great want in it: that all soldiers which could find any means to fly forsook the army; and that the enemy would plant nine Canons at his Gabions. Afternoon the water being retired they began to labour again at their battery, betwixt the Cateyes and Reisern-heubt. which they drew down along to the Sea, to batter the ships on the northside of the old town, as well on the West side as on the East, wherein they spent all that night. The 22. of October, 44. ships passed out of the Town, and two entered, one laden with English Bear and the other of Breda, at whom the enemy shot little. The same day before noon the enemy brought many carts laden with bavins to the fort which is at the downs, and did lengthen the new trench, which is at the lower end of the gullet with three Gabions, and after dinner there past a great troop of Soldiers from the West to the East. The foresaid fugitive said that the enemy's resolutions was to make his chief attempt upon the eastside, and he said moreover that if he could stop the entry of the ships, he would be master of the Town within 14. days. They played both with Canon and Musket on either side all that day. After dinner they of the Town discovered above a 100 carts which the enemy conducted to the East, to the fort which is beneath the downs. They of the town laboured continually at the Blinds (the which are works of earth, of a mean height, square or in cubit, to cover them which go in the streets, and to receive the Bullets) against the enemy's batteries and trenches which are at the Cateys; that day the fire took their lodgings on the eastside. The night of the 22. day there was much shooting on either side, both with Canon and Musket, so as it hindered the enemy's work, whereas they had lately planted their Gabions: yet they did not leave to conduct many carts with Bavins toward their new battery, from whence they made eight or ten shot that day, as also some from their batteries which are at the downs. About ten of the clock at night 25. or 26. ships went out at the Haven and the enemy never shot at them: there entered two laden with English Beer and other victuals, at whom they made two shot, but hurt them not. The 23. of October, the enemy shot all night with his fiery Bullets and stones into the Town, the which hurt some soldiers. The same night as the former, they of the Town shot furiously upon the Gabions which are near unto the gullet, and hindered the enemy's work: there went forth also three or four Ships at whom they never shot. They without, although they laboured not, yet did they cause great store of Faggots to be carried to the East: they were continually busy at their works which are betwixt the Cateyes and Resern-heubt, the which they carried tawardes the North: where (in my opinion) they did them of the Town a great pleasure, freeing the north-east part from the furious waves of the Sea, the which did much endamage them before the Porke-espike and Helmont, The 24. of October they shot fiery Bullets and stones into the enemies Camp. A Ship going out of the Haven at night did run upon the Sands on the enemy's side, the master and a little boy saved themselves, two Carpenters were drowned thinking to recover the town by swimming: there were beside three sick men, with a woman and her child, whom the enemy took and then set fire of the ship. They did nothing but carry Faggots to the East, they of the Town did not see them work, but they found that their Gabions were seventeen large and thirty five in length. The continual shooting of the besieged did much annoy them in their work. As for their batteries of Cateyes and Reisern-heubt, they laboured continually, raising them and fortifying them daily. The 25. of October, a Captain of a Ship went in a cock boat round about the Gabions, which are upon the gullet to view them, where he found no man, nor any one near, but only three which had been slain with the Town Canon. That day there went no Ship in nor out, and for that it reigned much, there was no shooting, and likewise for the same reason the enemy left labouring, The night of the twenty sixth day, was foul weather and a great tempest, which was the cause that the Canon played not, but in the morning they saluted one another. The Sea (being swelled extraordinarily by reason of this tempest,) carried away some of their Gabions which were not yet fully filled nor fastened. The Water at the very same time was risen ten or twelve yards up into the trench which is upon the gullet, so as the enemy had no man there, and upon the South and south-west a League and a half up into the country, which covered most of the enemy's trenches: and there was no thing to be seen dry but their Platforms, whether they had retired themselves, this torment was the cause that no ship went in nor out. It did somewhat endamage the town at the Porke-espike, and the False-Braye, yet not so much but it was in few hours repaired. The 27. at night, according to their commendable custom, they shot store of fiery Bullets and Flints of either side. There entered an English Bark laden with Beer. The enemy was fortified with a regiment of Italians, and some Walloons. The night of the 28. day, four Barks went forth, at whom they did not shoot; but none came in. The same night they of the Town made a sally of 200. Soldiers, and some Mariners, the water being high, and went upon the enemy's Gabions, many of the which they broke and cut, with many sacks full of earth which they found within them, whereof they brought some into the Town. After noon they might see pass towards the East quarter, two troops of Cartes laden with Bavins. That day they shot but little on either part, and there was but one man slain within the town. The 29. there went no vessel in nor out. There were a great number of Gabions which they of the Town had not broken: The enemy began to work behind them, and did not leave for all the Canon of the Town which played furiously upon them. They without had made a great work upon the East, which they of the town thought to be some new Fort or Battery, but in the end they found it was a Channel or Conduct to pass from Plassenthale to the Conduct of Bruges, containing about half a League, that they might more commodiously furnish the Forts of the East with munition and victuals, as well as those of the West, called Saint Pierre Isabella and Albertus, which receive their provisions by water. About ten of the clock they of the town made a sally of 60. or 70. men, and some Lepers and Friboters, charging upon the enemy's Gabions the which they took. There were about 60. men labouring in them, who fled: presently there came 35. or 36. of the enemy's Horse upon them, so as having viewed well the gabions, they were forced to retire: one of their soldiers was slain, and three or four hurt with the Canon. The Canon of the Spanish Bulwark and of Pekel (which had been planted to that end,) played through the enemies, and overthrew some of their horsemen, one of them was drawn by his horse even unto the town Trenches, who being searched, there were found about him eleven Rose-nobles: an other was taken & brought near the Town, where he was slain. there were also many footmen slain with the Canon, in the mean time the enemy short from the West part upon the Town, where they did no other hurt but struck off a soldiers arm. The 30. of October no vessel went in nor out: the Town was much endamaged by the great torment, who presently sought to repair what had been broken. After dinner some Carts laden with Faggots, munition and victuals, were conducted towards the Fort which is at the East on the Downs: the enemy made some shot from the West against the Porke-espike, and from the East into the town. The same day some traitors were taken within the town, Traitors taken in the town. of whom we will speak in another place. The last of October there went no vessel in nor out. The enemies laboured still behind their Gabions, they of the town shot vehemently upon them from Flammemburg (a high Platform so called being within the Town): they without laboured also upon the East at their new channel, to make it deep enough, for that the country is high in that place. At four of the clock in the afternoon, a great float driven with the Norwest wind overthrew nine Gabions, which they without had planted to cover their labourers from the town Canon, but for that they were tied together with Cables, they remained in the same place. The new battery on the East side under the downs, was all drowned, the tide having never been so great on that side. They discovered more Cartes laden with Bavins on the East part then the day before. Upon the South and Southeast, the country was all covered with water above a league about, & all the trenches on the West under the Sand-downes, and towards the South and Southeast were full of water, so as the enemy was forced to fly up to their highest platforms and cavaliers, the which they had to the number of eight along those trenches, in their retiring there were many of them stayed by the way by the Canon from the town. The enemy during this great water shot furiously upon the Porke-espike to shake it, and to overthrow it, but they prevailed little more than the hurting of some Soldiers that were upon it. They of the town ran by troops upon the Ramparts to see if the Sea and the violent wind would not carry away their Gabions, in the mean time the enemy shot at them but hurt no man. The first of November, the besieged began to repair that which the Sea had carried away of the Porke-espike. They without were not seen to labour in any part, there were many volleys of Musket shot on either side, but without any notable loss. There was a German brought prisoner into the town, who was lame of half his body, and simple, they could draw nothing from him but old stale news, that many of their Soldiers fled, that they were ill paid, and that there was great poverty and many sick in the camp. They of the town thought that the Block-house upon the South should be carried away by the water, for that the enemy drew forth much wood out of their retrenchments. The 2. of November there went no ship in nor out. In the night the archdukes men did lengthen their Gabions which are upon the gullet with 30. others, at the end which is towards the South: and whereas the first do stretch from the South to the North, these lean something towards the East, to cover their workmen; the place where they are set is rough and somewhat high, the which helps them much, so as the Town cannot discover them in their works: yet it is to be supposed they labour, for that the same day (the which was the first time) they did see horsemen in guard at the foot of the downs, by the new battery as if they had feared a sally. They of the Town thought that the enemy had other work then to charge them, they were far besides their count, for the Sea did every day make new work for them, their trenches upon the West (which are right against the Porke-espike) were opened above forty yards by the last tempest, so as the gullet or mouth became daily, greater and larger, and did little harm unto the Town. Before noon they shot little, presently after the General Sir Francis Vere came upon the Spanish Boulwarke and to that of Pekel, commanding them to shoot earnestly at the Gabions, which was the cause they spent some fifty shot suddenly. The 3. of November they of the Town made a sally of a 150. men as well lepers as soldiers, and seven horsemen, who surprised the gabions & cut the cords and Cables with the which they were tied, and overthrew some at the East end: in the mean time some of the enemy's horse went towards the ravelin of the town to cut off their way: the horsemen of the town (whereof I have spoken) seeing that, went to meet them with a 150. muskateers of the ravelin which is on the other side of the gullet, before the bridge of their enemy's side, who repulsed them: then they of the Town gave fire to the Canon, which slew five men with one shot among thirty or forty which showed themselves a far off towrades the new battery: there was also a horseman and some soldiers slain upon the ravelin; during this encounter the enemies gathered together behind the new battery, there went forth three troops of horse against them of the Town: As for the footmen they skirmished with them that first sallied out of the town: these three troops with that which had been chased came with a full carry towards the ravelin of the Town, but being come near unto the footmen, they were beaten back by them, and by the Canon from the Town, which thundered furiously from the Spanish Boulewarke, and from that of Pekel, so as they returned as fast as they came: and seeing that they of the Town had made head against them they retired behind their battery, and they of the Town did likewise retire into their ravelin, In this skirmish there were four of the Town slain & six hurt, as for the enemies they lost a good number, they of the Town recovered six or seven Lances with banderolles, and among them the Cornet of Count Aremberges wherein were his arms: the enemy had gathered together another troop of soldiers behind their new battery, which durst not show themselves near, but retired presently, during which time they of the Town sent them many vollees of Canon. As for the Gabions they were in very bad estate, they did see through some part of them which were in single rank, others were overthrown, and the enemies themselves thinking that they of the town were hidden behind them, shot through them, and their Bullets came even unto the gullet, but they of the Town found no man working there. At noon the enemies transported much wood out of their Trenches into their Blockhouses, and upon the West they razed certain Platforms, and carried away the Bavins to Alberts-fort and to his Block-house, whether it seemed they would retire themselves, and it was held for certain, that a great part of the Soldiers had been drawn out of the camp and sent into Brabant with a good number of the horsemen. They of the town made an other sally, but the enemies did not abandon their forts, showing themselves only a far of, so every one keeping his advantage, there was nothing done. At the same time a great and dangerous treason was discovered, the which was practised in the town. An Englishman named N. Conisbye, Great treason discovered in the town. having served the enemy long, and been Captain of a company of foot in their army, returned through France into England, where he prevailed so much (by means of his friends) as he obtained Letters of commendation to Sir Francis Vere General of the English forces in Ostend. Having these Letters he went to Ostend, and presented himself unto Sir Francis Vere, desiring him to admit him of his company, at which the General could not refuse him, being a Gentleman. This traitor being thus crept into Ostend, began to play his part: he received letters and other things weekly from the enemy, and gave them intelligence what passed within the town, and of the means to annoy it, making his practices and projects according to the instructions he received from them. To send his Letters to the enemy he carried them into a broken boat, the which in the beginning of the siege had been sunk by the enemy, and was upon the dry ground betwixt the Town and the enemy's Camp, making a show as if he went to untruss, knowing well the place where he should hide them: the enemy came at night to fetch them with a little Boat, and upon certain days brought him an answer to the same place: and sometimes money for his entertainment and his practices, the which he went to fetch in the same manner: When he was discovered, he had corrupted four men, and amongst others a Sergeant called William N. who revealed it: This Sergeant coming out of prison, where his Captain had caused him to be laid some days in Irons, being all malcontent, met by chance with this Conisbye, who said unto him that he was very glad to see him out of prison, and asked him what was the reason that he had so great and grievous a punishment: to whom the Sergeant (railing upon his Captain) swore earnestly that he would be revenged of the wrong he had received, although it should cost him his life: Conisby thinking to have found a man fit for his purpose, said that there was good means without losing of his life, but contrariwise he should make his profit and advance himself, wherein he might help him much, and if he would follow his counsel he should want no money. The Sergeant began to give ear unto his words, and seemed to be well affected to his design, and to do what he would advise him. Conisbye (after he had made him to swear not to reveal any thing that he should say,) discovered himself unto him, and presently asked him if he had the resolution, and would set fire of one of the Magazines of munition, with a certain invention of Powder, of Lead, & of Match, the which the Sergeant promised to do, saying that it was very easy, for that he was often sent to fetch Powder for the Soldiers; Conisbye said moreover unto him, that he had practised some others, and would have more, to the number of twenty, and then would execute his design in this manner. One of the Magazines being set on fire, he would work so as he would have the guard of a Sluice which is in one of the Bulwarks of the town, nearest unto the enemy's Trenches, where they should give the assault, and take the town by that means: the Sergeant made show to like well thereof, demanding only of Conisbye a promise of his hand for the assurance of his recompense, when the work should be done: having this promise, he goes presently to the General Sir Francis Vere, and discovers unto him this practice: Conisbye being apprehended and put to the Rack, confesseth all, and that he came to Ostend with that intent, together with the instructions and promises he had from the enemy: his complices were likewise imprisoned. The 4. of November there were many volleys spent of Musket shot and some of Canon. The night before there went forth fourteen sail, at whom they never shot, and not one came in. The enemy this night raised a mount in the midst of their Gabions, the which is a long trench of about 70. or 80. Gabions of rank. They also set Gabions at the two sides of their new battery, which is at the foot of the Downs, and directly at the East of the trench of their Gabions, six or seven on the northside, and towards the Sand-downes thirteen or fourteen to serve for blinds and to covet their men from the Town Canon, who shot very vehemently when as they did see day. About noon an Englishman went out of the trenches and yielded himself to the enemy, it may be to carry them news of the imprisonment of his companions. All that day the Canon and Muskets ceased not, yet was there not any man hurt in the town. The 5. of November they of the town shot some fiery Bullets into the enemy's Camp, and all the night was spent in Musket shot. At night there went out one ship, but none came in. The enemy was busied to deface some platforms and trenches upon the South and North parts, which the water had overthrown, carrying the Bavins unto the Downs and to their Blockhouses. About noon a horseman entered into the gullet of the town, but as he went slowly seeming to be drunk, three or four other horsemen followed him, and one amongst them (who had a great red scarf about his neck) overtook him and gave him many wounds with his Courtelas, and overthrew him, one of them took his horse, and so they returned to their trenches, leaving him for dead. Some of the town having seen this, cast themselves into the gullet to swim and fetch him, but presently four or five of the enemy's horse came, who took him and marched towards their quarter, but before they could recover a place of safety, they of the town shot amongst them and overthrew one of them that carried this Cavalier, the rest fled, leaving two dead for one. The same day the adventurers brought a prisoner into the Town, whom they had taken betwixt Bruges and Dixmude, four leagues from Ostend, who said that the regiment of Count Frederic de Berg, and some Ensigns of the Count de Bouquoy, and Fresin were gone to succour Hertzegenbusch which his Excellency had besieged: and that many of the Arch duke's Soldiers fled daily, that they were ill paid, and had many that were sick among them. They without brought great store of Bavins and other wood, by the new Channel of the eastside to the fort which is at the Downs. The 6. of November they shot furiously with stones into the town. In the morning they might see the Gabions towards the north of the new battery overthrown, so as they might see through them, there were only four standing the which were empty, and served only to take away the sight that they might not shoot at their men: moreover they did see them transport great store of wood by the new Channel towards the East. In the afternoon they did see the enemy labour very earnestly behind their Trenches and Gabions, at whom they of the Town shot sometimes: they did also see them transport much Wood and Bavins to the new Block-house at the Downs. The prisoner of Bruges taken the day before, being examined, said, that at Bruges and throughout all Flanders they made them believe, that in Ostend they died by heaps, of hunger and thirst, and that many Soldiers forced by extreme necessity fled daily: that there was nothing but mutinies and seditions in the Town, and that the Archduke should have them soon at his pleasure, and that no man durst deliver any ill news to the prejudice of the Archduke for fear of his life. The seventh of November they without shot no fiery Bullets, but only many Stones into the Town. They laboured daily behind their Gabions upon the gullet, although they of the town shot often: they began also a new Corpse de guard in their new battery, which is Eastward of the Downs behind the Gabions and looks to the bottom of the gullet. The 8: of November they of the Town did see the enemy labour very earnestly behind the Gabions, some casting up sand, others beating in piles, as if they would raise a Platform to plant Canon thereon. The enemies came near unto the half Moon of the Town which is at the end of the bridge on the other side of the gullet, but seeing them of the Town issue forth to entertain them with resolution, they returned after they had discharged some shot. After dinner an ensign-baerer a Frison was slain with a Musket shot being in the Polder. They without shot stones into the Town day and night. The 9 day they shot many stones with their great Canon, yet they slew no man: in the night they raised their battery which is upon the North betwixt the Cateyes about three foot, and there made canoneers to plant three pieces. About 10. of the clock at night there entered a Bark laden with Beer with a boat into the gullet, the enemy shot furiously at them from their batteries on the downs and at the foot thereof, & likewise with their Muskets from their Gabions, which was the first time they shot from that place, yet the Bark entered happily without any harm. They of the Town discovered the fleet which was come from Zealand, who prepared to enter at night, the which did rejoice them very much, for there were three weeks that no vessel had entered. The enemies according to their custom shot many stones into the Town but did little harm. The 10. of November there entered 13. Ships by the gullet, the enemy shot at them with his Canon, and with his Muskets from the Gabions, without hitting of man or Ship, they only shot through some sails. At night the enemies with their Barks boarded two ships, the which they took and spoiled, and carried away the men that were in them. There were many that laboured in the Gabions upon the gullet. There was one ship had passed on two far and stayed before the Bulwark of Spain, the enemy shot all the day at it, their were 9 or 10. others had entered with it, but they had cast Anchor behind the half Moon, which is upon the gullet for the defence of the bridge, and could not be hurt. The platform which the enemy had begun behind the Gabions, which are upon the gullet, did now appear above them, and it seemed they would plant Canon thereon. The 11. of November, there were some of both parties which parled together betwixt the gullet & them, but a Canon being discharged from the Town every one retired. The Archdukes men laboured continually to finish the platform behind their Gabions, by means whereof they thought to stop the entry of the ships into the Town, and held it for certain that within fifteen days after this work was perfect, the Town was theirs: but they of the Town found out a new secret, for the safe entry and going forth of their Ships, and to make this infinite charge of the archdukes fruitless. The ships which had remained the last night behind the half Moon, entered this night into the haven, & there was no other loss in this goodly fleet of 52. or 53. sail, but only that which had been on ground before the bulwark of Spain, was shot through with the Canon. Upon the eastside, they did see about twenty five wagons laden with bavins and wood, come from the new channel to the fort that is at the downs, and some from Bredene. That day there was not any man slain only three or four hurt. The 12. of November, they shot many fiery Bullets and stones of either side, with much small shot. That night the Governor called the Lord of North, accompanied with Captain roll Grenu and Bronchaulx, dela dign, two Ministers, & two other men of the Town went out with two ships for their convoy to go into Zealand. They might see upon the high plat form which the enemy had made behind the Gabions, four canoneers to plant Canon at, to stop the entry and going out of the ships, for the effecting whereof they wrought all they could, else they shot little. The night of the 13. day they shot not; in the morning they saluted one another with their Muskets. The enemy laboured still at their battery behind the Gabions, making it higher and larger, and neglected their other works. They made a great Corpse de guard near unto Albert fort, although that both within it and at the foot of the downs there were many fair houses. About noon they discovered a great fire in Albert fort, & they said it was fire fallen from Heaven, it burned so violently as it could not possibly be quenched: there was lost for 150000. Florins in jewels: the Estates of Flanders to repair this loss made a present of a 100000. Crowns to the Archduke. The Ship which had been three days before on ground in the gullet before the bulwark of Spain, entered at night into the Town Ditch, the enemy made ten or twelve shot at it but could not hit it. The enemies whole hope for the taking of the Town, was to stop the entry of ships, they thought to have effected their design by means of their new platform which they made behind the Gabions, but they of the Town made a new Haven, The townsmen make a new Haven. the which is not much commanded by the platform, & by that means the enemies hope vanished to smoke. The archdukes trenches upon the westside were neglected and fell daily, and the water from the Sea increased so in the West Gollet, as at this day it is a deep and goodly ditch. The 14. of November at night the Canons and muskets shot vehemently on either side: and in the night there went out 7. or 8. ships, but the enemy never shot at them. They without laboured continually at their battery upon the gullet, making strong defences there: and they of the Town were busied about their new Haven. After dinner two of their soldiers that were within the half Moon upon the gullet fled to the enemy: and presently five or six horsemen came from their battery at the Gabions to receive them, and at the same instant they began to shoot at the town, and at those that wrought in the half Moon, yet they hurt no man: they might then easily discern five canoneers in their battery. The Archduke had been in person at the Camp upon the West, where he had changed some quarters and garrisons; they of the town shot at the Soldiers assoon as they appeared upon the trenches. There was more canonshot that day than the four before, but more from the town then without, there were but three hurt in the town, and not one slain. The 15. of November being dark they shot a little on both sides to entertain the custom, and in the night the enemy shot great stones. That night there went 18. or 20. ships out of the Haven, but none entered, the enemy shot much after them and killed two Mariners and a Boy. The enemy laboured continually at their battery of Gabions, and at that which is betwixt the Cateyes, but they did not yet open their canoneers. The enemy shot against the Mill which is upon the Bulwark of Flammenburg, the Bullet struck of a Frenchman's leg, and all the flesh off the other, so as he was little better than dead. He was scarce retired from thence, but another Bullet struck in the same place, which stayed there and did no harm. That day there was not any one but this Frenchman hurt in the town, & an other a little hurt in the leg. The 26. of November (by reason of the contrary wind) no ship went out of the town, there entered an English man at whom the enemy made some Canon shot, but more store of Musket from their battery which is upon the gullet, yet they hurt no man. They without laboured still at their battery upon the gullet, but they did nothing that day in their other batteries. They shot hotly for half an hour upon the town of the West side, some thought it was for the coming of some Noblemen; others that it was by the intelligence of a fugitive, who had fled to them the night before: after dinner they shot also at Flammenbourg but hurt no man. A Frenchman fled out of the town unto the enemy, who (to escape) thrust himself into the gullet up to the neck. The 17. of November the enemy shot many great stones into the town. About midnight the enemy sent from the West part some horsemen into the old town and carried away three prisoners, at the same time from their battery of Reisern-haubt they cast some planks over the Haven, whereas it is narrowest at a low water, on the which there passed 30. men into the old town, from whence they were presently repulsed with the canon. An Englishman seeking to fly unto the enemy, was presently taken and hanged. Also a French Gentleman disobeying his Sergeant and making a great tumult, was committed to prison, and eight days after condemned by the council of war to be shot. But for that he was borne of a good house, all the French Captains entreated General Vere to give him his life, the which he granted, upon condition, that he should ask the Sergeant forgiveness, the which he would by no means do, notwithstanding any persuasions: whereupon they gave him eight days to resolve with himself; which being passed, and he still obstinate, he was brought to the place of execution and tied to a stake: but when as he did see the Harquebusiers ready to shoot, he began to have horror of death, entreating that he might be unbound, promising to perform the sentence, and to ask the Sergeant forgiveness, the which he did presently and was delivered. That day the enemy was not seen to labour in any place, nor to carry Faggots from the new Channel of the East. The Platform upon the gullet is right against the Cateye of the Town, betwixt the Bulwark of Pekel and the East-Port, where before there were neither Ramparts nor defences: they of the Town (to cover themselves from the enemy's Canon) planted Gabions, so as the enemy could not pierce them, and if the Bullets flew over, than they went into the West quarter among their own Soldiers. That night came in an English ship with a hundred Tun of Beer, the which entered into the town being Moonlight, the enemy shot at them from their batteries. The same night the enemy laboured at their battery of the North, betwixt the Cateyes, and did raise it with sand, leaving their canoneers still shut. The 18. the enemies shot stones and flints into the town, and the besieged exchanged fiery Bullets with them. At the break of day they without laboured at their battery of Gabions, making it higher and larger, neither did they shoot nor labour in any other quarter. In the afternoon they began to labour in one of their trenches on the West part, but they of the town having shot some volleys of Canon at them, scattered them presently. At night there went two ships out of the town for England, but none came in. The same night a Spanish Ancient came and yielded himself into the town, (who (as he said) had slain a Sergeant: he affirmed that there were 3000. men gone out of the Camp into Brabant, and that his Highness had sent new commissions into Arthois and Haynault to levy 3000. men, that the Canon from the town did every day much spoil in the Camp: and that they were yet 6000. men before the town: that is, two regiments of Spaniards, three of Italians, and one of the Walloons, comprehending the garrisons of the Forts: that it was now twenty days since the Soldiers received a penny, and before the Soldiers had received but 14. Stivers in 16. days. He said also that when as the Fort of Albert was burnt, his Highness had lost above 60000. Ducats in jewels and other things, and that the Flemings had made him a goodly present in recompense of this loss: he said moreover that the Captains durst not eat in the sight of the Soldiers for fear of a mutiny, This Soldier had a memorial of the siege of Ostend in the castilian tongue, out of which was taken that which follows, the which many serve to the History, and happily may be pleasing to the reader. The Spaniards are very much discontented, for that the Archduke continues the siege of Ostend, and above all for that he hath cast and dismissed so many old experimented Captains and men of command which did dissuade him, and hath put young men into their places. That there was a great number of Captains & men of command dead, and that the regiment of Don jean de Brachamonte (which had been 1500. men strong) was brought to less than 900. The Captains say that the Archduke is good for nothing but to spoil soldiers, and to waste the number of good and honourable men: for that he understands nothing in the art of war, the which doth much grieve the soldiers that are there: who (among other things) are beaten with three enemies, hunger, cold, and sickness, and are not paid, that for many days they have received but 25. stivers, and fear they shall receive less hereafter. That the Flemings (and especially they of Bruges) cannot or will not contribute any more for the entertainment of the army, and that the bruit was, they should have no more munition Bread nor Beer, and that instead thereof, for two stiners which they were accustomed to receive, they should have five a day: the which seemed very strange unto the Spaniards: They say also that the commissaries and undertakers of the amonition and victuals do make them less and falsify them daily, especially the beer of Bruges, who (when the vessel is half out) fill it up with water, the which was a sign that the Spaniards had a desire to mutiny if they paid them not money. They said also that there were dead at this siege four Colonels, eight Spanish Captains, ten Walloons, and nine Italians, and some Germans and Flemings, with some thousands of soldiers, all men of command, and workmen, and that it is a pitiful thing to see how the new Spaniards and Italians, died miserably for cold and other discommodities. The 19 of November, they shot little; after dinner they might see plainly how the enemies defaced their trenches to have wood to burn: there was no speech of any hurt in the Town that day. At night their arrived 5. ships, the enemy shot much at them, as well from the downs as from their battery at the gullet, yea with their Muskets from the Gabions, but did them no harm. The 24. of November, the archdukes men shot more Canon and Musket than they had done in eight days before, the which they returned them from the Town in the same money. At the break of day there were two soldiers slain, and some others hurt with the Canon, from the West part. From the morning until noon they might see a great number of Wagons pass into the West, betwixt the forts of Isabella and La pier S. jean, and likewise to the East behind the causey of Bredene: yet the enemy wrought not in any place. They of the Town were not slothful in working at the new port and at the bulwark of Pekel. In the night an English Corporal was taken who had hid himself in the dark, for some ill design. Two great barks went out of the Haven and none entered. The 25. of November, the enemy never ceased from night to the morning to shoot great stones and fiery Bullets, so as two houses were set on fire, but they were presently quenched. At night Captain Poelgeest died suddenly being well at noon. The Wagons went still to the East and West, yet the enemy wrought not in any place, At night there went 21. ships out of the Town, at whom the enemy shot 7. or 8. vollees of Canon, yet he hit not any, there entered none into the Haven. The 26. at the break of day there was much shooting on either side for two hours, and then they ceased. They without ceased not to work at their battery on the gullet: and they of the Town omitted no time to work at their new Haven, and at the bulwark of Pekel and defences thereof, and at the East-port. After dinner they might see many Wagons going towards the Sand downs in the East, towards night the Canon played on either side a while, & then great store of Musket shot. A little before night the enemy shot furiously with stones, and soon after ceased, there were two only hurt that day. In the night there went fifteen ships out of the Port, at whom the enemy did not shoot, & not any one came in. The 27. of November in the morning, four ships entered the gullet, whereof two were laden with fresh fish, the enemy shot at them, but could not hit them. The enemy wrought this day upon the West-downes, and in their battery upon the gullet, yet not so much as they had done before, neither did they work any where else. That day Captain Poelgeest was honourably interred. The 28. of November being the day of the feast of S. Elizabeth, This was on the 17. of November stilo veteri (according to the ancient Calendar which they use in England) Sir Francis Vere General of the English, caused all the Canons of Town to be shot off in honour of the Queen of England by their example, the enemy did as much in honour of the Infanta Isabella, and there was hard such a noise and thundering, as if there had been a general alarm both within and without, which being done they were quiet all the morning. In the mean time the townsmen ceased not to work in their new Haven, and at the Gabions betwixt the bulwark of Pekel and the East Port. The enemy was not seen to work in any place, which made them believe that they were troubled to defend themselves from cold, and to keep their soldiers from flying. The Counsel of war of the English caused a thief to be hanged, and his companion to be whipped, whom they entreated not so rigorously, by reason of his youth. At night they of the Town shot fiery Bullets into the enemy's Camp, who sent them back again many stones, yet was there not any one hurt in the town. The 29. of November the enemy began early in the morning to shoot stones into the town. They might see them conduct many Wagons towards the Forts which are upon the Downs at the East and West, betwixt the Forts of Isabella, Albert, and La Pierre S. jean. There reigned a strange disease in the town, Sickness in the town. of the which they that were struck either died or were cured betwixt the morning and night, there died many thereof, but there was no speech of any that was slain or hurt in the town that day. The Archduke and the Infanta went for fourteen days to Bruxelles. That night there went no vessel in nor out. The 30. of November at the break of day the sluggards were awaked with Canon and Musket shot, which played furiously on either side. The enemy made some Canon-short in the day time, wherewith they killed two Soldiers and hurt some others. The enemy's Canon giving some intermission they lost neither the occasion nor the time, but continued their works at their new Haven, as also at the half Moon which is upon the gullet near unto the battery of the enemy's Gabions, the which was made so strong, as it was almost incredible; and though it be in an open place, and at the mouth of the enemy's Canon, yet could they never win it. They have given two assaults, and sought to be masters thereof, even in the beginning when it was made, but they have been still repulsed with great loss of their men, and were forced to leave it. That night no ship went in nor out of the Town. The first of December at night the enemies played vehemently with their Muskets into the Town, and they discharged their Canon three times in the honour of S. Andrew patron of the house of Bourgongne. The enemy's Trenches, (the which at every spring tide were full of water,) by the which they might have gone covered from one platform unto an other, being eight in all, were almost all overthrown, so as they were forced to show themselves as they passed, and the Canon from the town spared them not. Upon the West they might see their Wagons part from the Fort of Albert, Isabella, and La pierre S. jean, and return with all kind of victuals from Bruges, for that they could not bring it by water, the channel being frozen. In the night the enemies set fire on their thirty five Gabions which were upon the gullet, for they served them now to no use, and they had placed them there but only to cover their labourers whilst they wrought at the platform, the which was a high work, and almost perfected, whereon they might plant seven or eight Canons. The 2. of December, a Soldier of the Town fled and went to the enemy: two Mariners were slain by the East-port, and a Harguebuzer in the West. The Townsmen shot almost all night into the enemy's camp, who answered them not, the which made them imagine that they wanted Powder. The same night 14. ships went out of the Port without any annoyance. There were two English Barks laden with Beer which would have entered, but they ran on ground, yet by the help of some other ships they returned in safety to the fleet, The 3. of December at the break of day, the Muskets played furiously on either side, after that, the enemy played with his Canon into the town, but they would not be long indebted unto them. Some that had gone out to the wars returned that day; they had taken two Walloons prisoners, who were so obstinate and wilful as they would not march, so as the Soldiers were forced to kill one, and to bring the other into the town upon their necks, after that they had used him in the worst sort they could: for General Vere had commanded them expressly to bring some one to learn news of the enemy: but this man was yet so wilful, as neither for threats, fair words, nor any other devise, they could draw any thing from him, but in cursing with injurious words, he said that his Highness would not leave the Town before he had brought it to his will. They could not see the enemy work in any place; but the Townsmen ceased not at their new port, the bulwark of Pekel, and the defences betwixt it and the East-port: and although the enemy shot little, yet the Townsmen abated nothing. The night before the fourth of December, the two English ships (whereof we spoke before) entered into the Town, it was a bright Moonlight, and the enemies shot hard at them yet could not hurt them. At the same time when as these ships entered, fire took a house at the East-port, and for that this house was in the right-up-street, and a great concourse of people coming to quench it, the enemy shot continually at them, and yet there were but three soldiers and a Boy slain, and the fire in the end was quenched. The night was quiet enough, Assault at the English Trenches, and repulsed. without any great shooting on either side, until about three of the clock, that the enemies came in great numbers to give an assault unto the English trenches, in three divers places, during the which (being about an hour) they shot furiously on either side: the enemies cried so loud in French; Enter, enter, advance, advance, as they heard them easily into the Town. they were cheerfully received and valiantly repulsed three times, and in the end were forced to retire. There were three Soldiers of the Town slain, and some hurt: as for the enemy, we cannot well know how many were slain, it was so dark: But day being come, they found so much blood upon the place, as they did judge a great number to be slain and hurt, and they might hear them say in returning one unto another: Companions let us carry away our Captain: here is no good to be gotten. General Vere hearing the alarm, ran to those Trenches half naked, his presence did so encourage the Soldiers, as they wished that the enemy would return again. The enemy in the morning began for the first time to shoot from their battery which is at the West upon the Cateyes, and shot three or four times through the Blinds or coverings. The lepers brought in a prisoner of the Country of Luxembourg, who said that he was servant unto the Cont Barlemont. The night before the 5. day of December, the townsmen shot many Stones and fiery Bullets into the enemy's Camp, who shot not until the morning when as they played furiously from the West, and pierced some houses without any great harm. They also made many a shot against the generals house, and beat down a pane of a wall, and before it carried away a French Ancients leg, whereof he died soon after. They of the Town laboured at their defences betwixt Pekel and the East Port, and at their new Haven. That night there entered two ships; in the one of them was the commissary Doublet who brought fifty thousand crowns for the workmen, the which are commonly soldiers who gain very much. yesterdays prisoner said among other things that the Sunday before, the soldiers had mustered upon the East; and instead of two stivers which they received, they promised them 5. but for that they were ill paid the two, they had less hope of the five, and that many fled away daily and many died, and that within three days they had found three soldiers frozen to death in one lodging. The enemy shot vehemently that day from their new battery betwixt the Cateyes and Reisern-heubt; they pierced some houses in the top, & shot against Sandhill the which seemed to them of the Town a mere folly, for if they had spent 10000 Canon shot against this bulwark and the rest, they should have availed themselves little or nothing at all. The 6. of December it chanced (the tide being low) two of the enemy's soldiers came to the bank of the gullet on the eastside, to whom two soldiers of the Town showed themselves on the other side, all of a good humour, without any will to hurt one another, who parled friendly together: the enemies asked them of the Town what they thought of the platform which was upon the gullet, and whether they of the Town could hereafter receive in any victuals, with such like discourses: whereunto the Townsmen answered, that they little regarded that platform, for that there was a new Haven made, to use when need should require; and that they looked to receive daily store of victuals and other things necessary: and besides that, they had yet store of provision for a long time of good Wine and good English Beer, and better cheap then in the Camp; well said the others, we will go & drink with you, look you use us well: hereupon a horseman of the enemies came, still crying after his companions, who retired, saying, we recommend you unto God until our next meeting. In the morning they might perceive 400. Wagons going towards the East, but the enemy was not seen to work in any place. They without, brake and burnt all their Gabions which were upon the gullet, whereas all the platform appeared plain, and there might they see some loop holes. The Townsmen shot all night with fiery Bullets into the Camp, and the enemy likewise into the Town, wherewith there was a woman slain and her husband hurt. The 7. of December both morning, and evening they shot fiery Bullets and stones of either side; in the morning there were some of the town hurt, & amongst the rest Sir Horatio Vere's Secretary had his leg shot off. They without, shot furiously into the Town from their battery which they have raised at the foot of the downs, upon the end of the dike on the eastside, as near the Town as might be, where they had planted three pieces. At night Sir Horatio Vere's Secretary (having his leg cut off) died. The 8. of December in the morning they of the Town began to play with two whole Canons and three demies, against the enemies new work, the which they had raised betwixt the Cateyes and Reisern-haubt, which sport continued above two hours. In the mean time the enemy shot violently into the Town from their other batteries of the west, most part whereof lighted upon the houses, which the Townsmen little regarded, being acquainted therewith. Besides they might see them without, labour carefully upon the downs, to make a new trench of wood to go from one battery to another. In the night, two Barks went out and one came in, with a little shaloup at whom the enemy shot hard, but could not hit them: this was the first time they shot from their battery which is upon the gullet. There entered likewise a shaloupe by the North-haven, into the which there came a Canon shot from the West, which carried away a Mariners arm: They shot much on either side yet few were hurt. The night before the 9 day there were many stones and fiery Bullets shot off either side, according to the custom: & some Bullets passed through the houses: a Burgess found in his cellar in the morning three canon Bullets the which had made a great noise and broken all there about. The night before the tenth of December, after they had stayed of either side, at midnight they began to shoot many stones and Musket shot until the morning. In the night they of the Town heard their enemies labouring upon their new platform in the East, to beat in and cut, as if they had driven in some piles, and had planted more Canon. After noon a Mariner entered by the North Haven in a shaloupe, who was come from England, and had brought a vessel full of goods, the enemy shot at him but could not reach him: He said that he had hard reported at Sandwich by Flemings that were good and credible men, and did assure it for certain, that the fire which had been lately in Albert's fort came from heaven, and had taken first in the archdukes lodging. The 11. of December as the day before, the enemies were busied to deface their old works and Ramparts upon the South and south-west, to have Wood to burn, the Townsmen shot sometimes at them with their Canon. They shot also from their new battery upon the gullet, into the Town and upon the Haven, to try their Canon, without doing of any great harm, there were but three hurt that day in the town, and without danger of death. The night before the 12. of December they began again to shoot stones and fiery Bullets, until midnight without any great effect. In the night a little Boat went from the town to the Fleet, to fetch from the English ship (whereof hath been spoken) certain sheep and live hogs, and returned into the town, beating the hogs to make them gront, to spite the enemies, who shot after them yet could not hit any. In the morning the enemy shot into the town, and at the bulwark of Pekel, from their batteries of Cateyes and the Downs. The 13. of December there entered a Bark laden with fresh fish into the Town, at whom the enemies made two shot but could not hurt him. Captain Gisbrecht Kolbe of Bruges, died of a burning fever, having been sick only two days. It was such a mist that day, as they could scarce see from the town unto the enemy's trenches. There was a Canonier slain, and no man else hurt. The 14. of December from the beginning of the night unto the morning, they shot fiery Bullets and stones on either part, with ordinary Bullets through the houses: the governors house was shot through at noon day, yet no man was hurt. In the night a ship of Vlisingue went out of the Haven, at whom the enemy shot not. In the afternoon the enemy changed his guards, at whom the besieged shot as soon as they might discover them. The 15. of December (according to the custom of war) they shot of both sides, but there was no man slain nor hurt within the town. At night three ships went out of the Haven, and were nothing endamaged by the enemy, who shot at them. The 16. in the beginning of the night the enemy battered in ruin, and shot some fiery Bullets into the town. In the night the enemies brought before the town three great Barks full of stones and sand, with an intention (during the darkness) to sink them in the gullet: and so to stop the passage of the ships: but this devise succeeded not: the Barks were cast directly against the old Town where they ran a ground. The morning was so dark as they could not discern what the enemy did, but about noon the water being low, the enemies began to play with their Muskets and canon-shot into the town, yea upon the three Barks that were run on ground, whether they of the Town were gone to see what was in them: their Horsemen came likewise (having passed through the Haven) and chased them of the Town away three times, so as they were forced to leave them and to attend more water. The 17. of December the enemy shot many stones into the Town. The same day, one of the enemy's horsemen being drunk, came to the half-moon of the town (which is upon the gullet;) and entreated them to lead him to his quarter: they in the half-moon slew his horse, and (to be short) took him prisoner. Upon the West side, two italians (standing Sentinel,) were taken and brought prisoners into the town. The three Barks (whereof we did speak) were this night beaten in pieces by them of the Town, and the greatest part of the wood carried in. In the afternoon the besieged shot against their enemy's battery upon the Cateyes, and towards the East upon the enemy that was come down upon the Sands, the Sea being gone: of whom they slew some, and the rest fled. There was one man slain in the town, and three hurt. The 18. of December in the morning, a ship went out of the Haven, at whom the enemy made three shot but hit it not. After noon they of the Town seeing the enemies change their guards, shot at them. The prisoners that were taken yesterday, said that their men had no opinion nor courage to take the town by assault: and that their only hope was in time to stop the coming in and going out of the ships. At night there went out two ships, and the enemy never shot at them. The enemy shot fiery Bullets and stones at the town until midnight. The 19 day in the morning being fair, there went a Bark out of the Haven, at whom they shot from the battery that is upon the gullet, but hurt them not: after noon they shot no more on either side. The 20. day they of the town shot furiously against a Block-house, where they did see the enemy working, and amongst the guards when they changed: the enemy shot so little this day and the day before, as there was no man slain in the Town, but some hurt. The 21. An assault given, and the enemy repulsed with loss. of December at the break of day the tide being spent, the Archduke gave a furious assault to the old Town, with 700. or 800. men, the which continued well two hours. The assailants with a certain artificial fire burnt the Palissadoes, but they within (the alarm being given) played with their Canon and Musket through the troops; so as the water rising, the enemies were forced to retire to their trenches, without getting any thing, but leaving behind them many slain and hurt: they of the Town issued forth, and among other prisoners brought in a Spaniard, a man of command, who being examined by the General, said, that the truth was, the Archduke his Lord, had taken occasion to press the Town by the weakness of the Garrison, and small number of Soldiers that were in it; and that of long time they had received no refreshing of Soldiers and victuals, whereof he had certain intelligence: that to this end his Highness without losing any more time, had gathered together as many Soldiers as possibly he could, out of Brabant, Arthois, Hannault and other places, and had brought to the number of ten thousand men, being resolved to assault it, in divers places, the which he did hope to take by Christmas, & it might chance before, if occasion were offered. The General having fully understood the confession of this prisoner, and knowing that it was true, for that a little before he had received the like advice from divers places, being conformable there unto, and with all that he had made trial of the weakness of his men in this last assault, and that he had not soldiers sufficient to man all the places of the Town, & to defend them; he thought it fit, (to break of the enemy's design, and to avoid this danger, and also to gain some time) to entertain him with a vain hope, and under colour of composition, to spend some days in parley, not doubting but to draw it so out in length, until the succours which he expected were arrived at the least he should have sometime to set his men in order; and in the mean time to prepare all things necessary for the defence of the place: for this reason he sends Captain Lewis to the Camp, to make a motion for a peace, & to demand a truce & cessation of arms, during the conference, & for assurance thereof hostages to be given of both sides. Captain Lewis (having had a good audience of the Archduke, A treaty with the Archduke to win time. & delivered all that he had in charge, returns unto the town with his answer, & on his highness behalf there came with him Captain Rabas Governor of Escluse a Town in Flanders, and the Sergeant Mayor of the Spaniards, to remain in Hostage for assurance of the treaty. At their first coming there was some disorder among the soldiers for want of well understanding▪ esspecially among the Romans or new Gueus (these are they which yielded up S. Andrews fort to Prince Maurice, in the I'll of Bomel, and turned to his service in the year 1600.) which caused an alarm in the Town, so as the deputies or Hostages retired to the Camp: a while after this trouble being pacified, General Vere sent two English Captains again unto the Camp with whom those men (before mentioned) returned, to treat on the Archdukes behalf with them of the Town. The General propounded unto them (as they said) articles very impertinent and without reason, that is. That he would depart with colours flying and full arms, and that the soldiers should carry away their beggage, victual and Canon, moreover he demanded a marvelous great some of money for the soldiers, and some days of respite, that they might (at their ease) ship their goods and Canon, and carry them away. Ribas made many journeys to know his highness pleasure, who yielded to most part of the articles, but he would by no means hear of giving any money to the soldiers, and would have them go away by Land, offering to give them a Convoy to Breszkins, right against Flussingue, or near unto it, to pass at their pleasures into Zealand, On the other side they of the Town would not go from their first articles, only they yielded some thing in that which concerned the Canon and arms. And so three days were spent in these parleys. During this treaty and cessation of arms, many inhabitants of Bruges and other places both of the East and West side, walking along the Sea side, came near unto the Town, and talked with the Townsmen who showed themselves unarmed upon the Ramparts. The 22. of December General Vere was all day busied in disposing of his guard, and in setting a better order among the Soldiers, to endure a new assault if the enemy had charged them: the enemy was also all the day in arms and changing of his guards, which was the cause they began to shoot again on either side. There came from the Fleet into the Haven 32. sail, at whom the enemy shot from four batteteries, yea from that which is upon the gullet, but the greatest harm they did, was to shoot through some of them, yet all the merchandise and every thing within them was safe. They of the Town laboured continually in the new Haven, without any intermission, no not in the night. The night before the 23. of December, the enemy shot much upon the town, and battered it in ruin. The same night there entered two small Barks into the town without any harm. After midnight being a low water, General Vere went forth in person with two Captains more with him into the old town, to visit it and to view the situation, and went the round, encouraging the Soldiers and commanding them to keep good guard. In the morning they began to shoot on either side: the enemy shot much at the three ships which had been pierced. During the treaty their Highnesses showed themselves before the Town within Canon shot: the Infanta was upon the nearest Mountains of Sande, with twenty Ladies and Gentlewomen in her train, and the Archduke with many Gentlemen, and the guards of his body, being so near as one might easily discern them, the which was also confirmed by the Governor of Escluse, that their Highnesses were come thither under the assurance of the truce. Hereupon the 25. of December being Christmas day, a fleet of Ships of Zealand came before the Town, in the which besides all other kinds of provision, there were five Ensigns of Zelanders which made 600. men and 300. Mariners, the which entered into the Town at divers times in long boats and Shaloups by the North entry or middle haven at noon day in view of the enemy, who shot at them from the four batteries of East and West without ceasing, and yet did no other harm but only hurt three Mariners: by this means the treaty was broken off: and they said unto the Governor of Escluse, that he must return to the Camp, for that the cause of this treaty ceased, by the arrival of these succours, whereat he was much amazed, growing in choler for that they had retained him there for nothing, and using some injurious words, he maintained that there were no Soldiers arrived, but only some munition and victuals, until that Captain Pottey (who came with the Fleet, and whom he knew well) was brought before him, and assured him that it was so: About noon the Governor of Escluse was led out of the Town, and two hours after, one of the English Captains returned for him into the Town, and having sent back the Satgent-Maior of the Camp a Spaniard, the other English Captain returned in like sort: this done there was great joy in the Town for their happy and unexpected delivery, General Vere sending back the Sergeant Maior, charged him with a letter to the Archduke of his excuses, as followeth. We have heretofore held it necessary for certain reasons to treat with the deputies which had authority from your highness, but whilst we were about to conclude upon the conditions & articles, there are arrived certain of our ships of war, by whom we have received part of that which we had need of, so as we cannot with our honour and oath continue the treaty, nor proceed in it, the which we hope your Highness will not take in ill part, and yet when your power shall reduce us to the like estate you will not leave (as a most generous Prince) to give us a gentle audience. From our Town of Ostend the 25. of December. 1601. Signed. F. Vere. THe 26. of December, after that these spectators which did attend another issue of the business had been refused, they began again the war more cruelly than before, the enemy battered in ruin above the platform which is upon the gullet, but the besieged were so acquainted with it that they cared not for it. The same day there entered 48. sail laden with victuals, munition of war and other things necessary, by the gullet into the Town, the enemy's Canon hurt but two ships, the which notwithstanding were saved, and other of them by the indiscretion of the Pilot ran a ground on the enemy's side, the which was spoiled and burned by them. All this time they kept strong and good guard. It seemed the enemy had a meaning to give an other assault unto the Town, for this cause there was good guard kept and the guards doubled, and all things fit to maintain an assault held in a readiness, but they attempted nothing, for that the enemy's design had been broken for this time, by the means of this parley, during the which the succours arrived. The 27. of December, the enemy began again to shoot stones and fiery bullets, and they of the Town sent them their exchange presently. The same day there came fourteen sail into the Town, at whom the enemy made above sixty Canon shot, but did them little harm, only one bark laden with turfs, ran a ground upon the East port, against the Sea dike, at the which the enemy shot vehemently, and beat it almost in pieces, yet all the turfs were saved: So within five or six days there entered forty eight ships into Ostend, whereof three only were lost by the ill conduct of the Pilots. And on Christmas day there entered at the least 400. long boats & shaloupes with soldiers, & the most of them in the day time, the which the enemy could not hinder with their four batteries of the East and West. They expected also in the Town a greater number of soldiers to fortify the Garrison the which gave them more courage and assurance. The 28. at night there went two ships out of Ostend, at whom the enemy shot but he could not reach them. The same night there entered 200. Mariners into the Town to fortify the Garrison. The enemy planted 12. or 13. Gabions under the downs, right against the west Port, where before there had been a battery of two Canons, the which was partly mouldered away, & partly beaten down with the town Canon. About noon a waggon went from Albert fort to the Cateyes, they which seemed to be well laden, about the which there were some horsemen; they of the town made two shot at them from Sandhill, which did beat the Wagon in pieces and scattered the horsemen. The 29. the enemy began again to shoot with fiery Bullets & stones, the which they had not done in some days past. At night there went forth 4. ships, at whom the enemy made some shot from their battery which is upon the gullet, but did not hurt them: an Italian being in guard was taken by the neck & brought into the town, who said that the greatest part of the men of war were retired, and that there remained no more in the Camp but what was necessary for the ordinary guards the which was false, as appeared afterwards. A horseman of the enemies (the water being low,) entered into the old Town, and took a Sergeant prisoner, but a Musketier shot so well after him as he killed his horse betwixt his legs, & by this means freed the Sergeant, the horseman notwithstanding saved himself, and the saddle was brought into the Town. The enemy planted on two broken batteries at the West, upon either a Canon, with the which they shot against the Porke-espike and Sandhill, the which they of the Town held a mere folly and did not esteem it. The Town was wonderfully fortified by the great care and diligence of General Vere, who himself in person stood in guard in the night, whilst the tides were low the which did much encourage the soldiers. The 30. of December, there was little shooting neither did any vessel enter nor go forth by reason of the great wind. It was so quiet about the Town, as one would not have said it had been besieged, the enemy had enough to do against the cold. The 31. of December there was in a manner no shooting all day or night. The besieged having intelligence that the enemy prepared to give them a new assault, they manned their chief places, as Helmont, Sandhill and others: and furnished them with Canon and stones, the which wrought the effect that shall be spoken of on the 7. of january. At night two ships went forth without annoyance. It was thought the Town was now forrified with above 1200. men, all which laboured above eight days in the fortifications, where nothing was forgotten that might help the besieged or annoy the enemy. That day there no speech of any slain or hurt. The first of january, they sent new years gifts with Musket shot; 1602. the enemy made 10. or 12. Canon shot at the Town without any harm doing, there was no man slain nor hurt that day. The archdukes men (knowing they did but thunder with their Canon through houses already broken,) grew daily more cold; that day there went no ship in nor out, by reason of the great wind: a Bark which the day before had stuck upon the Sands near unto the half Moon, was drawn into the Haven this night. The 2. day there was little shooting on either side, only in the morning they sent some canonshot one unto another, but (a great rain falling) they stayed, so as that day there was no man slain nor hurt in the Town. The 3. of januarie, the enemy made two or three shot into the town, and so rested all that night, they shot awhile in the day time but hurt no man. General Vere had sent some Soldiers into the country to learn some news; having been six days abroad, they returned this day, and brought news, that in the country they durst not say, but that the Archduke was already master of the town, although his resolution were only to give a general assault within eight or ten days, the which they held so assured, as they durst not hold the Town but for taken. The 4. of januarie they discharged many Musket shot, and about midnight the enemy shot 8. or 10. canon-shot, and an hour or two after day, 10. or 11. more, with one of the which a Smith was hurt in his house with a piece of a Stone, and some Soldiers. All that day nor night no ship went in nor out: about noon they of the town discovered in the enemy's camp some Nobleman mounted upon a white Horse, before whom marched five or six footmen: they shot at them, and the enemy into the Town, which sport continued two hours and more: there were three Soldiers slain in the Town and some hurt. The 5. of january, they did shoot continually day and night on either part, and there were three soldiers in the Town slain. The enemies made a new Port at their fort which is in the East. The 6. of january, they shot much on either side according to their custom, but they of the Town more often then the enemy, for that they showed themselves but one or two at a time: about four of the clock in the after noon the enemy relieving his guards, they of the Town shot furiously at them, and they answered them with the like, there was no man slain in the Town but one or two hurt. The same day three ships went forth, at whom the enemy shot much, they did no other harm but broke one of their Masts, yet they went away safe. The 7. day of january, the Archduke battered all the day long, (without intermission) the bulwark of Sandhill, Helmont, Porke-espike and other places near unto them, with 18. Canons from two of his batteries, the one is at the foot of the downs upon the Cateyes, and the other on the Southside thereof, all the Bullets weighing 40. or 46. pounds a piece, the canoneers did reckon above two thousand shot, besides that which was shot on the eastside of the Town: this done about six of the clock at night the tide being spent he gave a general assault, his numbers were great, his horsemen driving them forward behind, and they came with great fury upon the old Town, A furious and bloody assault. the which they entered by the West Haven, and by it, (as also along the shore) they began to give the scalado to Sand-hil, (having first broken and overthrown the palisadoes) and had (to that end) carried many ladders with them, and light Bridges for an assault, the which they fastened in divers places with such fury, as it seemed the town would be taken. General Vere with his Brother Sir Horatio were placed in that quarter with a troup of chosen Soldiers, to succour their men in case there were need, who seeing what past, the General crossed (with a part of his troup by the mines) into the False-Braye, casting himself with great cries upon the archdukes men, whom he repulsed three times, and although they returned always with fresh Soldiers, yet could they not prevail with their Pikes and Muskets against the fury of the English: notwithstanding the archdukes men did well, and gave an assault at one instant in all places: yet must they needs fly. The advantage of the besieged consisted in the preparations which they had made, being long before advertised of the enemy's design. Upon the eastside the assault was likewise given, Assault upon the East but about two hours too late, for the water began now to rise, the which did much amaze the Soldiers, for they did see that if they stayed there any longer they could not be relieved by their fellows, which was the cause that they retired: the greatest slaughter was made in their retreat, for the Canon (charged with chains and small Bullets,) and the Muskets could not miss so thick a troup. The archdukes men gave an assault also unto the Forts of Helmont, Porke-espike, Assault at Helmont and the English trenches. and to all the English Trenches, which Trenches (according unto the General's order and command) being weakly manned, were easily taken, but soon after finding great resistance in the town, at the Polder, South-bulwarke and their Ravelins: considering that there was no means to come unto the town that way, after they had set fire on the Corpse de guard, they abandoned the trenches. General Vere had caused two double Canons to be planted that day upon the flanks of the West port, with some other pieces that were there before, the which with others in other places, did scour along the Sand-hil and the West Ravelin, and played upon the coming and return of the enemies, and whilst the assault continued, they charged them with chains and nails, and little sacks full of Musket Bullets, which made a great slaughter, so as there was a pitiful cry of hurt men and dying, and the Soldiers fell one upon an other pellmell. The enemy being hot at the assault, and the water risen; General Vere caused the sluices to be taken up, the which did cool the enemy's courage: and he (growing more and more assured) charged them and put them to flight, recovering all their ladders, bridges and other instruments which they had brought. All about the Sandhill even unto the old Church, & all about the Porke-espike, in the West Ravelin, and in the English trenches, all was full of dead bodies: I speak not of those that were slain going and coming by the Canon charged with chains & small shot, nor of those that were drowned, some of whose bodies were carried along the shore even unto Calais. The spoil was great in money, apparel, and other things of price: Searching among the dead, they found a young Spanish woman near unto Sandhill, in man's apparel, the which (as they might guess by her wounds) had been slain at the assault, she had under her apparel a chain of Gold set with precious stones, with other jewels and silver, during this assault the Archduke was behind the battery of Cateyes, and the Infanta Isabella at the fort of Isabella. Those which gave the assault to the old Town were furnished with two or three days victuals, which they had brought in by sacks, they had also all kinds of instruments to entrench themselves if the enterprise had succeeded. They of the Town had dismounted & cast down all the great pieces that were in the false bray and at the Porke-espike, lest the enemy should use them against themselves: the enemy had already brought six Barrels of Powder to the Ravelin of the Porke-espike, to furnish it & defend it against the Town, but having no leisure to use them, they were forced to leave them to save their lives. The order which the Archduke had given, was that during the chief assault on the West side, other troops should charge upon the East, and if this had been executed with dexterity, and that all his troops could have joined together, General Vere had had much more trouble to resist them, and the party had been doubtful. They were to that end in their great battalions before the Town upon the gullet, but the tide which came in (as we have said) did somewhat disappoint this design; then one of the Town going out of the half Moon, yielding himself unto them, diverted them, saying that there were but forty soldiers in the half Moon, and offered to conduct them thither, the which he did and they took it easily. The General's wisdom. General Vere with great judgement had left it thus ill manned to draw the enemies thither and by that means divide them, and make them to loose time, contenting himself to guard the strongest places and most importing, assuring himself that he should soon recover the weaker. The archdukes men having thus taken the half Moon, and being many therein, they began with Spades, Pikeaxes and other instruments which they had brought, to fortify themselves against the Town, but all prevailed not, for they of the Town began to shoot at them from the South bulwark and from that of Spain, with their Canon and Musket, with such fury as they slew very many: and with all seeing the tide to rise more and more, they began to faint, there upon General Vere sent Captain Day with some troops against them: who fell upon them with threats and cries, and chased them out with great effusion of blood; the next day they told 300. slain in the half Moon, besides them that were drowned and hurt. In this general assault which continued above two hours, The Archduke looseth above 2000 men. in all the places above mentioned, the Archduke lost above 2000 men amongst the which there were a great number of noble men, and commanders in war, that is the Cont d' Imber an Italian, Noble men slain. who offered as much gold as he did way for his ransom, and yet he was slain by a simple soldier; Don Durango Master of the Camp, Don Aluares Suares Knight of the order of S. jaques, Simon Anthony master of the Camp, the Sergeant Maior who had been in hostage at Ostend in December, 1601. and the lieutenant governor of Andwerpe. There were only 30. or 40. soldiers of the Town slain, and about a 100 hurt: but of men of command there were slain Captain M. Haeffren, Captain Nicholas Vandenlier, and a lieutenant of the new Geulx, two English Lieutenants, an Ancient, two fouriers of Captain Haeffrens, a gentleman of General Veres, and Sir Horatio Vere was hurt in the leg. The Archduke sent a trumpet the next day to have leave to search among the dead, the which was granted him for four hours. The names of the noble men and chiefs which commanded the archdukes men at this assault are Cont Farnese an Italian with 2000 men of his Nation against Sandhill. The Cont Bouquoy with 2000 men upon the gullet against the East Ravelin, The commanders names for the Archduke at the assault. but for that the tide was too high before he began to charge, he retired and went upon the half Moon, from whence he was expelled. The Governor of Dixmude with 2000 men against the Porke-espike, who was repulsed, another Captains with 500 men upon the west Ravelin, & an other with 500 men also against the south squares (there are fortifications made in square, whereof they take the name) and the Sergeant Mayor against the West square with a 1000 men from whence they were all repulsed. And for that all kinds of lewd people fly into the low Countries, from Italy, Spain, Germany and all other foreign Countries, as if coffers full of crowns attended them wide open, we will here set down the copy of a letter found about one that was slain, to the end they may see to what a feast they bring them, and how they are served. GOod brother, after my humble commendations done unto you, I will let you understand that I am in good health thanks be unto God, hoping to have the like news of you, moreover I would not fail to acquaint you with that which passeth here, first you must understand that I have great want and much pain, as well by reason of the bad weather, as through cold; for all the Country here about is covered with water, and we are very ill paid, and without hope of any better hereafter, which is the only reason why our enemies hold Ostend so long. They are as strong as they were the first day we came before it, and we know not what means there is to take it, being impregnable, if God do not look on us in mercy and pity, and take compassion of our extreme miseries, and of the great mortality which is among the poor soldiers; we are 48. hours in the Water in guard in the trenches, and never stir, and are not much better in our quarter; and yet we must take all patiently, and besides all this we do daily yea hourly expose our bodies to the mercy of the Canon, Musket, Stones, Grenadoes, and other small vessels full of wildfire, without straw to lie on, victuals or any thing else, but what we buy for four times the value, you may thereby guess in what case a poor soldier lives, that is naked and without money at this time, the which is rightly to die of hunger and cold; this reigns chiefly among the soldiers new come from Italy and Spain, whom I have seen 18. or 20. dying together behind our quarter. For my part God be thanked I have neither been sick nor hurt, and I have a crown in my purse, the which makes me to hold myself the happiest Soldier in the army, for money is dainty here, and it is held a strange thing to see a piece of silver. The God of all mercy help us; but truly it is a great folly to believe that his Highness can take Ostend. From the Camp this 29. of December 1601. The 8. of january there were great numbers of dead bodies seen before the old town 40. and 50. on a heap all naked: they were all goodly young men and black, as Spaniards and italians. The archdukes men had carried away three Boats full. They had a white mark in their hats for a token: some prisoners said they had been forced to this assault by the Archduke, who had been drawn thereunto by some Captains, which desired to find a means to free themselves from these toils and miseries, and to seek to make an end of the siege of Ostend: the which was also his highness intention, and indeed it freed a great number of the miseries of this world. They say they had made an oath to put all to the sword they should find in the town, both women and children. The 9 day there was little shooting on either side. This day the Captains and men of command of the town which had been slain at the last assault, were honourably buried. There was no speech of any slain or hurt in the town, some of the enemies which had been slain or drowned at the last assault, were cast up by the sea into the old town, some of them were richly appareled and had good booty. The 10. of january the Muskets played hotly on either side, as for the Canon they of the town shot more than the enemy, and it seemed the enemies were so amazed with the reception they had had of them of the town, as they knew not what to do, such as escaped, thought still that death held them by the throat. The 11. day there was no great shooting, and that without any great effect, but piercing of houses: That day there came certain ships full of men of war to the fleet before Ostend, the which did much rejoice them of the town, but as some Captains and Soldiers would have entered into the town, the enemy shot at them, and slew some: and about three of the clock in the afternoon some Ships and Barks coming towards the town, the enemy shot at them, and struck a ship betwixt wind and water, and sunk a Bark which was before the North-haven, but all the men were saved, only two Soldiers were hurt, but without any danger. The night before the 12. day there was great shooting of Muskets on either side: they of the town shot two hours together fiery Bullets and great stones. than they ceased until day, when as they began again, the tempest was so great as no ship could come into the town, there was no man hurt. In the beginning of the night, the tide being gone, some of the enemy's horsemen passed by the old port into the old town, with an intent to set fire of the Barks, with the which they brought the Soldiers from the ships into the town, but they of the town shot so furiously after them from Helmont and the West Bulwark, both with Canon and Musket, as they forced them to retire with speed. All this night was spent in fetching of the Soldiers from the ships unto the Town, the which was done without the loss or hurt of any man. The morning being fair there entered 16. ships by the gullet into the town, at whom the enemies shot much, and did nothing but pierce through a ship, but all the men and whatsoever was in it was saved. After dinner the new troops with their colours were set upon the West port of Helmont, where they did their devoir to shoot at the enemy's defences: the enemy shot also at the town from their battery on the West, without killing or hurting of any man. In the beginning of the night before the 14. day, they shot of either side: they of the town trimmed up a great Bark with artificial fire, to burn some of their enemy's works, but this devise succeeded not. In the morning before day, about four of the clock, being a full sea, ten ships entered into the gullet, but being forced to stay by reason of foul weather, the enemy shot furiously at them and sunk three: there were three slain, and three hurt, all that was in them was saved. The same day the Signior of Marquet came into the town with fourteen companies of Soldiers, so as all the Trenches, Spurs, Bulwarks, and ravelins of the town were then manned with new companies. In the old town near unto the old Church in the afternoon, there was a Lieutenant and an Ancient slain, and a Scottish-man had his leg struck off. The 15. of january they entertained one another with Canon and Musket till an hour within night. There was great joy in the town, as well among the Soldiers as the Inhabitants for the goodly succours that were come unto them. There entered yet many Soldiers that night in Boats, and not one hurt. They of the town shot more into the Camp than the enemy did into the town, yet there was no man slain nor hurt. The 16. of january in the beginning of the night they shot little▪ upon the morning they of the town shot from the West Bulwark, but they answered them not. All this day was spent in mustering of the Soldiers in the Town. There were 81. companies of the old garrison, and 31. of the new: and although this were done with great noise of Drums and shot of Muskets, yet the enemy made not above three shot into the town, which made them of the town to think they would raise the siege. The 17. of januarie, three ships laden with victuals and English Beer, entered by the gullet, at whom the enemy made many a shot, but could not touch them. That day there was nothing done, the enemy only defaced certain batteries made upon the West and East. The 18. day the enemy shot little, yet after dinner with one Canon shot from the East, they slew 2. Soldiers in the green market, & hurt three, and with another shot from the same place stroke of Captain Rolls lieutenants legs, whereof he died presently and hurt two or three others. And for that at the same time the enemies changed their guards, they of the Town played with their Canon and Musket through them, and overthrew many. The 19 of january, there went forth seven ships full of soldiers, at whom the enemy made no shot, the night was so dark as they could not see-them. Both before dinner and after, the Canon played a little more on either side then the day before. They of the Town shot against the battery of the gullet, and the Sand downs upon the East, and the enemy from the same place upon the Town, and yet no man was hurt. But there died daily six or eight of sickness. The 20. of january, General Vere sent forth some of his Lepers or adventurers to take some prisoner of the enemy's Camp, they took an Italian, whom the enemies would have taken from them but they could not. This night there fell out a great accident at the going forth of the ships. There were three sunk, whereof two were full of soldiers of the companies of Captain Treslon Gistel and Hauttun: the third was a ship that brought English Beeere. The Ancient to Captain Gistel saved himself and lost his wife: there was also the widow of the deceased Treasurer or receiver of the contribution. The C. Euerewiin, and a commissary of the treasurer Doublets. They were about two hours crying for help, before the enemy could go unto them, and if any had gone in time with boats, they might have retired them from thence, but seeing that they of the Town did not succour them, they sent a Drum through the Water to the enemy's Camp, to require fair wars, else they would all die with their arms in their hands: the enemies granted what they demanded and took them prisoners, and presently the three vessels were burnt. All this night there was little slooting on either side, nor any one slain nor hurt in the Town. The besieged laboured diligently betwixt the bulwark of Pekel and the East Port: In like sort at the new Haven: so as the Town grew daily stronger, wherein General Vere spared neither pain nor travel without fear of any danger, going the round twice a day and once a night, to see if the Corpse de guard were well furnished, and the Sentinels well set, especially when the tide was spent. The 22. day of january, they shot of either side many fiery Bullets and stones, without any hurt done in the Town, but that some soldiers going to fetch away the boards of some ships which had been sunk (ten or twelve days before) the enemy shot at them from the battery of the gullet and hurt four, the which they of the Town seeing, they shot at this battery & at that of the East downs from the bulwark of Pekel. That same day Captain Battemburg (who died of sickness the day before) was honourably buried in the Town. The 23. day one of the enemies (being very drunk) came into the Town, the General caused him to be kept, that no man might speak with him before himself. The General also sent a Drum to the enemy to know some news of the prisoners that had been taken in the ships the 20. of this month. This fugitive said that they had put some of them to death, for that they were of that company that had yielded up S. Andrews fort The besieged shot furiously from the bulwark of Pekel, upon the Gabions which were upon the gullet. The 24. of january, the shot of either side with fiery Bullets and stones until midnight. The fugitive said, that the pieces which were within the town upon Flammemburg, the which are demie Culverins, did much harm to the enemy's Camp, and that many soldiers had been slain. The besieged laboured to fortify the old Town, & had a 1000 men in work there. The enemy made a new battery on the West side, betwixt the battery of the Cateyes and the West downs. The enemies changed their guards in the after noon, they of the Town shot at them from the west port and from Helmont, and many were seen to fall. The 25. of january, they shot furiously of either side, with fiery Bullets and stones. From the morning until noon all was quiet enough; but presently after, the tide came with such a fury as all the Country was covered with water, & the platform upon the gullet was so overflown as they could do nothing with their Canon. That day an Ancient had his leg shot off with a Canon which came from the West, and two Lieutenants of the new Garrison died of sickness: there was no man else slain or hurt. The 26. day two French soldiers ran to the enemy, they played hotly with their Canon and Muskets against the Town, who presently repaid it, and it seemed it was their duties to render carefully such offices one unto another. The besieged (seeing many go and come betwixt Albert's fort, and the forts which are near unto the Town) shot more vehemently than before. They of the Town shot furiously from Flammemburg to the west downs, and the enemies from the battery on the gullet to Flammemburg. That day one of the soldiers in guard in the half Moon upon the gullet went and yielded to the enemy. There was no man slain nor hurt in the Town. The 27. day the Townsmen shot furiously with their Canon, Muskets, stones & fiery Bullets into the enemy's Camp, so as they were constrained to be all night in arms until the morning that they ceased of all sides. They were not seen to labour in any of their fortifications, although most part of their trenches were broken. The 28. of january, the besieged finding that the enemy laboured at the battery which is upon the gullet, they played furiously on them from Flammemburg, and the bulwark of Pekel, The same day one of the soldiers of Captain Grenu fled to the enemy, after whom they of the town shot in vain, They of the town having discovered some of the enemy's Soldiers gathering of Muscles upon the shore at the end of the Cateyes, they shot at them from Helmount and slew some. This night a small Bark went out of the gullet without harm, which was the first since the 20. of the month. The 29. in the morning they shot furiously of both sides; yet there was no harm done in the town: the rest of the day they were as quiet as the wars had been ended. The enemy laboured nowhere, but they of the town were still about their new haven and East-port, The 30. the besieged seeing many of the enemies going and coming betwixt the Cateyes and Albert fort, they planted against them those Canons which was upon the Westport, Helmont and Sand-hil, with the which they slew many, for the Bulwark of Sandhill commands over all the Seashore, even unto the fort of Albert. The 31. of january they of the town shot so furiously from the Bulwark of Pekel and Spain, upon ten or twelve small vessels which the enemy kept in a little channel new made, and were new unlading them, as they forced them to leave their work: yet the enemy made not one shot into the town, but only with sierie Bullets and stones against the ships that were within the gullet, to the which they did no harm. At night two ships went out of the Haven, and one Shaloup came in, at whom the enemy shot but hurt them not. The 1. of February the enemies changing their guards after their accustomed manner upon the West, they of the town shot many volleys of Canon and Musket after them. The 2. of February the enemies stopped up a Block-house near unto Cowe-bridge, and did fortify it, and did environ the Fort of Grossendurst with Palissadoes. The Townsmen thinking they would also work at the Platform which is upon the gullet, shot furiously at it from the Bulwark of Pekel: the enemy sent them many Musket shot and fiery Bullets, yet no man was slain in the town, and but three hurt. The 3. of February General Vere sent an other Drum unto the Camp, for that he whom he had sent the 22. of january (to learn news of the prisoners taken the 20. day) was not returned: this brings answer that the first had been detained until that the Count Bouquoy had news from the Court, upon the demand which had been made unto him by General Vere, touching the prisoners, the which (as the Trumpet reported) were 90. and had been all sent together to Bruges, and that some sick and hurt men had perished in the Sea when as the ships were burnt; and that the enemies had saved a Master of a ship and his Boy, who were fled to the top of the Mast, which appeared yet above the water: and that some of the prisoners had been slain in cold blood and some hanged, for that (by their own confessions) they had been in S. Andrews Fort. The 14. of February about midnight, the enemy shot some 80. Canon shot against a ship that was not serviceable before the East port, for that they did see some Soldiers in it that broke it in pieces, three of them had their legs shot off, and some others hurt. The same day a Soldier being in a lodging near the West-gate with a pot of Beer in his hand was slain. In the mean time the besieged shot furiously from the bulwark of Pekel at the platform of the gullet. Three Soldiers of the town being fled to the enemy, came presently forth in view of the town, threatening (with spits furnished with roast-meat) as if they had wanted victuals, the which was false. The enemy laboured upon the south-west near unto the Fort of Grossendurst, at a Rampart which is in an old wall, the which they raised up higher, and in the midst did build a Corpse de guard, about the which they made defences: they of the town knew not what they would make, no more then of Grossendurst, about the which they had made Palissadoes, for that they had not used them in all this siege. The town was then environed with 27. Forts and Blockhouses, in the fortification whereof they laboured daily. In the beginning of the night of the fifth of February, they shot of both sides with fiery Bullets and stones, but in the day time they shot nothing so much. The 6. of February in the night they of the town made many canon-shot against a certain work which the enemy began to raise at the end of their battery on the Cateyes, more advancing towards the Sea, to plant Canon thereon, besides those that were already, to shoot more easily at the ships coming in and going out of the Haven. The besieged shot also continually at the battery on the gullet, from whence the enemies shot to the sea dike, which is before the fortifications of the town. That day nor the day before there was no man slain in the town, only one Soldier that was shot through, standing Sentinel in the old town upon the East-ravelin. The night before the 7. of February the enemy shot many Arrows with Letters into the Town, by the which they promised to give good entertainment to those that would yield unto them; saying that they had not sent them which yielded unto the Galleys, and that the report of some of theirs which had fled into the town was false. They laboured also this night at their work on the North of their battery of Cateyes, and had raised it almost equal: they wrought also at their Rampart near to Grossendurst. They of the town wrought also at their new Haven, and in the fortifications of the old town. The 8. of February they shot all night on both sides with fiery Bullets and stones, there was no man slain within the town. In the morning a Soldier of the half Moon ran unto the enemy. Before noon a French Soldier passed the Pikes, for that he had slain another soldier treacherously, he had been discovered by the means of his Hat, which fell down in flying away after that he had done the deed. The besieged laboured continually at the rampires of the old Town. The 9 of February, they shot little of either side. There were some soldiers embarked in the Haven which had stayed there above three weeks attending the wind, to sail into Zealand, whereof there died many daily of sickness. The 10. of February, they shot on both sides with fiery Bullets, stones and Muskets until midnight, and after they ceased. The 11. day about two hours after midnight there went 12. ships out by the gullet, at whom the enemy made above 60. shot from their battery which is upon the gullet, and only shot one betwixt wind and water, the which returned into the Town without any more harm: there was no speech of any slain or hurt that day in the Town. The 12. of February, there came 15. ships to Ostend, laden with munition, victuals and soldiers, whereof two by the Mariners fault ran on ground near to the enemy's battery upon the gullet, the one was full of Holland Beer, some 36. or 40. yards on the North side from the battery, in a place whereas the Town soldiers durst not go for fear of the Canon, the enemy set fire of it in the morning, but it would not take; the other was laden with English Beer, as near the battery on the South side, or nearer, in a place whereas they of the Town could not shoot at them; the soldiers of the half moon which were 250. yards of drew out all the Beer and other things, when as the enemy durst not show himself to hinder them, for fear of the Canon of Pekel and the bulwark of Spain, but they of the Town could not have the other ship: a Mariner had his leg shot off, and a woman with two others were hurt. The enemies within few days had much advanced their battery of Cateyes, two yards towards the North, and began again to work: General Vere caused a demie Culverin to be planted against them, the which this night, (after a low Water,) made twenty shot to hinder their work, and for that this piece was upon Helmont, the enemies made four shot from the East against it, whereof some passed over Helmont, and went into their own quarter which is upon the Cateyes, wherein they hurt themselves, as they might see which were in guard at the Porke-espike and Helmont. This day five soldiers of the Town went and yielded to the enemy, fearing to be punished for mutinies and disobediences. The thirteen of February in the night, the enemies carried away by piece meal whatsoever was in the ship that was run on ground of the North side of their battery, not daring then to go by day. The same night the Lepers and adventurers brought a Spanish ancient prisoner into the Town. The 14. the enemy laboured all night at their battery of Cateyes, and raised up the end which they had begun the day before, almost equal with it, although they shot continually at them from the Town. This night a ship went forth of the Haven without harm, and yet the enemy shot much at them. There entered many soldiers in shaloupes from the ships of war into the Town and no man was hurt. The Spanish Ancient taken prisoner the day before, said, that the enemy had small hope to take Ostend, and that the Archduke continued the siege against the advice of the Council of war, and was grieved that he did not raise the siege wholly, when as he went to succour Hertzeghenbusch, the which was a good pretext, but seeing it was so, that for his own reputation and for the honour of the King of Spain, it did import him to continue the siege, he would not now raise it: moreover he said that there were 12000. foot and seven hundred horse before the Town, and that they had promised five stivers in money and two in bread a day to every soldier but they were ill paid: and that at the last assault, his highness had lost the choice of all his whole army, most part of them being Spaniards which had served the King in those Countries and else where, and that the enemy was about some invention to stop up the Haven. As for the fortifications of the town: there is in the old Town against the Sea, from Sandhill towards the North, four strong blockhouses, upon every one of the which there are two Canons, and farther into the new Town they have made a new Rampart, and new Ditch, and the old Ramparts (which run along the Sea) had been fortified within. At this work and such like there were a 100 men labouring from one Sun to another, one half laboured from the night to the morning and rested the day, and the other from morning until night & then rested, and they were paid by the Commissaries of the Stats going from their work. The 15. of February two ships went out of the haven at night without any hurt. The enemy set that day 3. sentinels on the East side more than he was accustomed, so as the half Moon was always environed with them. The besieged thought it was by reason of the troops that were arrived, for there were 15. companies come into the Town with Colonel Edmondt: yea some in barks in the day time, at whom the enemy shot and hurt two Mariners. The enemy laboured also that day upon the North side of the battery of Cateyes, not ceasing for all the Town Canon which played continually▪ they did also shoot, but there was no man slain nor hurt in the Town, only one Carpenter, who had his arm stroke off with a Canon upon the West bulwark. The 16. of February they might see the three extraordinary sentinelles upon the East, for that the enemy feared a sally from the Town being little less than 6000. men in it. There were (besides this number) some Soldiers in the ships of war at Anchor before the town, the which could not enter by reason of a tempest: yet some being more hasty, entered in small Barks, one of them through error by reason of the night, landed his men of the enemy's side, and so returned towards the ships, the Soldiers perceiving that they were of the enemy's side, ran to the waters side, where by good hap they found an other Bark which came to land other Soldiers, of whom they demanded succour; the Mariner having carried away his men, came to fetch them, but in the mean time the enemy had discovered them, and pursued them, so as they were forced to run up to the chin in the water to save themselves, and there was not any one of them lost. The 17. of February the enemy began to shoot with his canon and stones into the town, & they answered them with the like, the which continued all night. They of the town shot all the morning from Sandhill, Helmont, and the West-gate Bulwark, at the battery of Cateyes, although they could not perceive that the enemy had laboured there that night or the night before. The 18. of February in the beginning of the night they shot furiously on either side, both with Canon and Musket; and as they changed their guards, Captain Bernard's Ancient had his hand wherewith he held his colours struck off with a shot. These Canonades continued all night, they of the town slept not, but gave them their exchange, and in the morning they ceased a little. There came an Italian flying into the town, who (by his saying) had slain one of his companions at play. He said among other things, that the Archduke was yet resolved not to depart from the town until he were master of it: and that the enemy had resolved to make a Bridge upon the West-haven, to pass into the old town, and on the eastside they would make a ditch from the Downs unto the gullet, and besides that, they would spoil all the sluices and channels which went into the West-gollet: and moreover he spoke something touching the discontentment of the Soldiers in the Campe. After dinner the enemy shot little into the town, and there was no speech of any slain or hurt. The 19 of February, as they were changing of their guards in the town, the enemy played furiously at them both with Canon and Musket, and Captain Morgan's Ancient with three other Soldiers were slain at one shot, and some others hurt: and soon after there were two other Soldiers slain, not far from General Vere, who was upon Helmont, speaking with the Colonels Marquet, Lohn, and Edmondt. This night there entered into the Haven two ships laden with men, and three with powder, at whom the enemy shot but could not hit them. There was also some Canon spent on either side without any hurt to the town. The 20. of February the enemy's Canon played all night, and slew Sir Horatio Vere's Cook in his kitchen. The same night there entered 6. ships into the gullet, whereof two only came into the town, the other four by the ignorance and fault of the Mariners ran a shore near unto the enemy's battery, one was laden with Turfs, an other with Piles and Planks, and the other two with Beer and other commodities: the enemies did what they could to board them, but they were hindered by the continual shooting from the town, which shot at them from Flammembourg and the Bulwark of Pekel: most of the men saved themselves in the half Moon, but the women and children were taken by the enemy. They of the town seeing the tide come in, and that the enemy would take these ships, they ceased not to shoot fiery Bullets at them, so as they beat them in pieces, the greatest part of the merchandise was seen floating upon the water, the rest burnt with the ships. The enemy grieved for the loss of this booty, shot from all their batteries upon the town, they slew two Soldiers and hurt some others. The enemy going to work upon the North side of their battery of Catteyes, they of the town shot at them to hinder them. The besieged were not idle, but laboured to fortify the town against the violence of the Sea, for that the Mariners said they should within few days have a great tide. The 21. of February there was little shooting on either part. The enemies laboured carefully to raise their trenches and defences upon the West, and that night they did much advance their battery of Cateyes. Two ships more strayed out of their course towards the enemy's camp, near to the downs upon the East, but they of the town thought they had done it expressly to sell their merchandise the better, seeing the enemy's shaloups board than without any show of hatred. The enemies sent to the town the wives of six Soldiers whom they had taken in the four former ships, after they had had their pleasures of them, and turned them away naked, with other outrages, yea their little children were black with stripes. This day there was little shooting, nor any man hurt in the town. The 22. of February in the beginning of the night, they shot furiously for an hour and a half one against an other, the besieged continued all night, even when the tide was spent, to hinder their enemy's work. In the morning they might discover where the enemies had laboured upon the North of their battery of Catteyes, and raised it somewhat. Moreover the enemy laboured upon the West corner of the West-downes, the which they fortified in such sort, as if they meant to stay there ten years. After dinner, a poor woman with child, the wife of one of Captain Weinbergens Soldiers (who was in guard in the half Moon) being gone forth to gather up some boards of the broken ships, was slain most barborously by one of the enemies, before she could be succoured by them of the town: there was none else slain or hurt that day. The 23. of February the enemy shot much at the ships that lay in the town ditches, discovering them easily for that the tide was high and the billow great. After dinner M. George's ingenier of the town, being busy about the making of some fireworks, the next house being by negligence set on fire, fired his work, & slew him with three of his servants, & hurt many others: the enemy seeing this, shot both from East & west upon the Town for an hour together, without any harm doing: the fire was presently quenched by such as are appointed for the like accidents. The 24. of February in the beginning of the night, the enemy shot fiery Bullets and great stones into the Town. The work which they had begun upon the North side of the battery of Cateyes fell down for the most part, as also that which they had made under the corner of the West downs, and that which they had begun upon the West downs was in like sort overthrown, for that they were almost all made of the white Sand of the downs, and the water had washed it away at the foot. The old town was not freed from this night's ruin, the enemy seeing that the last night the tide had made many breaches in the Sea dike, near unto the East gate, they began to shoot from their battery of the gullet to overthrow it quite. The Gabions which were upon the south side of this battery to the number of 35. were this night carried away by the sea, for that they were not full, and served only for Blinds and coverings, for the chief battery is upon the North, and there are 36. Gabions, The enemy shot continually upon the old Town and the Porke-espike, to increase the harm which the Sea had done them. The Water was so high that day, as the Country upon the South and West was a League about overflown, and all the enemies trenches and Blockhouses environed with water. The English square was also in the water, the Countercarfes upon the west were pierced, and there came much water into the Town both by the East & West. There was a breach of ten yards long in the sea dike near the East gate; the bulwark of Pekel began to fall, the new Haven was spoiled and the old Town much endamaged. Part of the half Moon upon the gullet was fallen, whilst this great tide lasted, the enemy made above 1800. Canon shot against the Town, and especially against the dike and other places that were endamaged: yet there were few slain or hurt. They of the Town answered them in like sort from all quarters, and it was a terrible thing to see, for both the Town and the Camp seemed as if they had been all one fire: the alarm was general, not so much for the shot, as for the great ruin the Sea made in divers parts of the dike, Port, Ramparts and defences. The 25. day they might see divers works under the West downs right against the Pork espike overthrown, and that which had been begun on the North of the battery of Cateyes to be much defaced: they without laboured at the West downs. They of the Town shot from the bulwark of Pekel into the Camp, & the enemy into the Town, there was one soldier slain upon Sand hill and two hurt passing upon the ramparts. The 26. of February, they shot on either side until midnight, and then ceased a while. Before noon the adventurers of the town brought in one of the enemy's prisoner, who at the first would not speak, seeming simple and a fool, but in the end he said that two regiments were gone from the Camp into Brabant. There was great joy in the Town, the besieged having discovered upon the West some ships coming from Zealand. The 27. of February, at the changing of the guards two soldiers had either of them a leg shot off. The same night four ships went out of the Port, of the which the enemy shot one through, yet by the dexterity of the Mariners it was drawn forth. The Master of the works labouring in the Counterscarp was shot into the rains of the back with a Musket, and two others were hurt. The enemy began to repair the corner of the west downs, and they drew out great store of goods out of the boats that were in the new channel. The 28. of February (the water being high) there entered 8. sail into the Haven whereof the enemy shot two through, but for that the one got unto the Ravelin of the Town and the other near to the Sea dike, they were presently succoured by them of the town, and all saved that was within them. Colonel Dorth entered the town with a number of soldiers in shaloupes, and some commissaries & treasurers of the States, with money for the soldiers and labourers. The Counterscarp (which had been broken) was repaired this night by the diligence of them that commanded in the Town: and likewise the old Town (which had been much endamaged) was repaired and put in defence; so as the besieged feared not their enemies on that side. After dinner the besieged shot from Flammemburg, where they had planted two demi culverins, at certain soldiers that were upon the Sands, near unto their boats, at the foot of the downs, who presently fled. The enemy shot sometimes towards the Sea, against the ships that were in the road: the ships of war also in going and coming shot at the Archdukes Campe. That day in the after noon four of the enemy's soldiers came & yielded themselves into the Town, and being pursued near, the besieged gave them their hands: they said, their men had been on the East side four days together in battle, fearing lest they of the Town (who had received in so many soldiers) would make some sally out upon them. About that time the Spaniards began to mutiny in the archdukes Camp, The Spaniards mutiny for want of pay. and said openly, that they had brought them unto the slaughter yea unto hell, many of them conspired together to carry away the Archduke and the Infanta (if they could) to Newport, to have payment of that which was owing them, by the means of a general mutiny: this was discovered and ten or twelve of the principal, (whereof one was all aparaled with gold) were strangled: Some private men did write from Andwerp, that the Archduke did fortify his Camp more against the secret practices of his own men, then against his enemies: and that the Spaniards having made some new practices, had been discovered by some of them, & ten of the chief were presently hanged: they of Andwerp by their letters lamented their miserable estate, Complaints of them of Antwerp. for that they could hardly recover any victuals, and that with great impositions, and yet they did see no advancement in their affairs, nor any better hope to come: as for Ostend, there was less hope to take it then the first day: and the design which had been made to stop the gullet, and to hinder the going in and out of ships, had failed, spending their time at three platforms which batter the town in ruin, to tyre the besieged with their Canon, having no likelihood to force the town, in the which there were above 6000. men in garrison, and they received fresh men daily, with munition, victuals, and all other commodities by the gullet, in despite of the platform which is thereon. The night before the first of March it was a great mist, the enemy took this occasion, fastening a Cable cross the gullet, where the ships should pass, tying nine pipes unto it, this was tied to three Anchors, to stay the ships all together, and then to sink them with the Canon: but the ships by chance stirred not: this fog being past, the besieged discovered the pipes, and by the means of an other dark cloud which came presently, they sent some Boats to see what it was, who cut the Cable and brought it into the town, and so this invention was made fruitless. From the beginning until midnight both the Canon and Musket played much on either side. The same night there came five Barks to Ostend laden with fresh fish, at whom the enemy shot but could not hit them. This day three Soldiers of the town and a boy went and yielded themselves to the enemy, and some days after a French Fourrier, who had mutined. After dinner they of the town brought in a prisoner, Great necessity in the camp. who said there was great necessity in the army, many sick, and great mortality, and that no man durst presume to speak of raising the siege, nor discourage his companions, nor report any ill news touching the siege, under pain of corporal punishment: and that their Highnesses had resolved not to leave the town before they were masters thereof, according to the advise sent out of Spain, whatsoever it did cost, or whatsoever could chance: and that all the German Captains (which had served their Highnesses) were gone into Germany to levy troops. and that they were about some preparations to make the gullet fruitless, and to hinder the entry of ships. They might see the enemy busied still to repair the corner of the West-downes, but they could not discern them working at the Cateyes, there was no man slain nor hurt that day within the town. The night of the 2. of March there was little shooting on eytherside until midnight, that (the tide being gone) they of the town shot upon the Camp, to hinder their enemy's work. This night a ship went forth, and none came in, yet many Soldiers came into the town in Shaloupes, which entered by the North-haven. In the afternoon they might see the enemies drawing forth divers merchandise and commodities out of the Boats which were in the new channel upon the East. The 3. of March in the beginning of the night there was little shooting, yet one shot struck of the legs of a Lieutenant and an Ancient upon Flammemburg. The night being dark and the tide high, there entered 50. sail into the town, at whom the enemy made 40. shot and never hurt them. A little before day there entered eight sail more, there were yet many in the road, and others which passed fetching the wind, to enter at night when it should be dark, the enemy shot at them, yet could not hurt them. And for that it was a great mist that day, and also there was a general muster, there was little shooting nor any man slain nor hurt in the town. The 4. of March (the tide being high) there entered 21. sail into the gullet, the enemy shot two through, whereof the one was laden with Bavins, and entered into the Haven, and the other with Turfs, the which by the error of the Mariners who were blinded with the smoke of the Canon, ran on ground near unto the enemy's battery, the men were all saved and brought into the town, which done the enemy set fire on the ship. All that day both the Canon and Musket played hotly on either side: there were four soldiers struck with one shot upon the Bulwark of Pekel, whereof two died presently. The night of the 5. of March, two small Barks with General Vere's horses and baggage went forth, at whom the enemy shot but hurt them not. Before the break of day the enemy shot many fiery Bullets and stones into the town, and struck off a Mariners leg which was in the newhaven. The Sea dike near to the West gate, having been broken, the enemy might see from their battery of the gullet, the Soldiers as they went and came in the town, and shot at them, yet they hurt few. In the afternoon they hurt four labourers which wrought in the Sea dike near unto the East-port. A little before, the Estates had sent an Ingenier into the town, who with another (which had continued there all the siege) laboured diligently in the fortifications of the town, the labourers wrought cheerfully, for that they were well paid. The 7. of March they shot fiery Bullets and stones on either side until midnight, and then the Canon and Musket played. They did easily see the enemy labour at the Catteyes, but they suffered the corner of the West-downes to go daily to ruin. And for that at the West Square and at the Polder (which is without the town) there was some thing ruined, they began to labour to fortify them with trenches, defences, and ditches of 60. foot, and the counterscarpes which are about them: the which being finished, the enemy had no means to come near the town on that side, nor by the Northwest, for the town was exceeding well fortified on that side, and almost impregnable. The tide was so high that day by reason of a strong Northerly wind and a tempest, as all the enemies Gabions and Blockhouses were environed with water. About noon a soldiers wife being near the East-gate where the dike was broken, had her head shot off with a Canon, and a Soldier both his legs. General Vere departed, General Vere leaves Ostend. and Colonel Fredrick Van Dorp commanded in the town, with the Colonels Dort Marquet and Edmont. The night before the 8. of March about midnight the water being high, there entered 34. sail by the gullet into the town, at whom the enemies made but two shot, although presently after the shot above 80. in one of these was the baggage and provision of Colonel Dorp. In the mean time they of the Town shot from Pekel bulwark, and from that of Spain, against the enemy's battery, which kept them from shooting at the ships, not seeing them by reason of the great smoke. In the afternoon they discovered many boats going to Albert's fort and there discharged. They did also see the enemy enlarge & raise his battery upon the gullet towards the South, and repaired their battery at the foot of the East downs upon the South side, the which they had let fall this Winter, and that they made a trench beneath the East downs betwixt the two Cateyes, to the end they might go from one battery to another covered from the Town Canon. There was no man slain nor hurt in the Town that day. The 9 of March every one was set to work in the new Haven, which had been endamaged with the tide, and they hoped to repair it speedily. Within 14. days there were 18. or 20. soldiers which had fled out of the town unto the enemy, some of them were taken again and one of them was hanged the day before: the enemy seeing this lightness, thought it a good means to weaken the garrison of the Town, shooting many letters into it, where by they promised to give them good entertainment that should yield unto them, or else a passport with some money to return into their Countries. About two of the clock in the afternoon, the first ship went out by the new Haven, the enemies made many shot at it, whereof one overthrew a Pipe that stood upon the hatches. There came also two Frigates against it, there were two companies of Soldiers in the ship which showed themselves too soon, and shot at the Frigates, and presently there came four great Barks from the town to succour them, which made the Frigates retire to their trenches or Fort near the Downs. This ship went to the Fleet with a Northerly wind, Colonel Edmont gave unto the Pilot two Rose-nobles to drink. Colonel Lohn parted from Ostend to go into Zealand. The 10. of March they shot fiery Bullets and stones on either side. After midnight the water being high, there went 33. sail out of the Haven, A new Haven at Ostend. at whom the enemy's shot, but did them no great harm, they went forth by the new Haven, and at the same instant the besieged shot furiously against the battery of the gullet from whence they shot most at the ships. The enemy laboured daily at this battery, as also at those which are above, and at the foot of the downs: they might also see that the night before they had laboured on the North side of their battery of Catteyes. They laboured also at a new battery behind their gabions upon a mountain of sand, the which they made square with Bavins and Sand, and raised it very high. A little after dinner there came 16. sail into the town by the new Haven, at whom the enemy shot much but to no end: They shot also from divers batteries at the people which showed themselves openly in great numbers to see the entry of these ships: their were 9 or 10. strooken with one shot, some slain, others hurt. Their were three also slain upon the bulwark of Pekel, four at the new haven, & three in the old Town: It was strange to see the folly of this people, which put themselves in danger by multitudes, when any ship came in by day, without any other subject. Besides these ships, there entered many soldiers and boats into the Town that day. The 11. of March, in the night there entered 13. ships more into the Town by the gullet, whereof three were shot through, yet little or no harm done. One of them being laden with turfs went behind the half Moon, whether the enemy could not go: so as within 10. or 11. days there had entered little less than a hundred sail into the Town, laden with all commodities, in open day or by moon light by the gullet, they might have entered more safely by the new Haven which was now repaired. This night there were five soldiers struck on the East side with one Canon shot, whereof two died. There were two others slain in the South square where they laboured. There was also at the green Market a soldier cut in two in the midst with a great shot, and another had both his legs struck of. The 12. of March the enemies shot many stones into the town, & canon shot at the west ravelin, above two hours together, to keep them of the town from working. That day there went seven ships out of ostend at whom the enemy shot but hurt them not: And for that the north-wind was somewhat loud, the the trenches and blockhouses of the enemies were full of Water as if it had been a great tempest. This day they shot as of custom, yet there was no man slain nor hurt in the Town. The thirteenth of March no ship went in nor out. The fourteen day was as quiet as if there had been no enemy before the Town, there was one soldier slain in the old Town, and another had his legs struck of. About noon the tide being spent, twelve horsemen of the Town went out upon the Sands near unto the Cateyes, thinking to draw forth some of the enemies, upon whom the Town Canon (which was planted for the nonce) should have played, but no man appeared. They might see a great number of vessels in the new channel on the eastside. The 15. of March there parted twenty five sail from Flessingue, laden with soldiers, munition and victuals, the which arrived all together at Ostend. The coming in and going of the ships was in a manner like all the rest of this year, as in like sort their ordinary shooting, the which the reader may imagine by that which hath been written and that which followeth: we will leave this discourse (the which is happily too long) because we will not weary him, and will talk of other accidents which have past this year, to take our first train in the year, 1603. The 5. of july 1602, the Commanders charged them of the town, that at the break of day they should celebrate the first day of the siege of Ostend, shooting of all their Canon instead of bells, for they had none, and even the women and children were commanded to beat upon kettles, pans, and other things to make a great noise, which put all the Camp into alarm, not knowing what it might be: There was also a Sermon made to give thanks unto God for the miraculous preservation of the Town this year, with hearty prayers that it would please to him preserve it so hereafter. The Archduke having certain intelligence that the army of the States under the command of Prince Maurice, Prince Maurice comes into Brabant. passed by Brabant to come to succour Ostend, he caused his Camp to be fortified against the Town and entrenched himself without, to attend this army: these news did wonderfully rejoice them of the Town, who hoped to be freed by this means, but for some let, or occasion that was offered, his Excellency passed not into Flanders. News being come unto the Camp that Prince Maurice had laid siege to Grave, and the Archduke fearing nothing behind, Prince Maurice besiegeth Grave. resolved to find some means to press Ostend more straightly, and to stop the passage for the ships, to this end he causeth Saulcisses to be made (so they call certain things made of wood, ryed together very close with hoops of iron, like unto a tun, but bigger and longer, behind the which a horseman might easily cover himself, and to roll it they must have 50. or 60. men) the which were planted on the East side of the town upon the gullet, & behind they wrought presently, although the town shot furiously upon them. The enemy also made very great gabions which they filled with very great stones, to resist the Sea and the shot from the town. Whilst these things were doing before Ostend, Prince Maurice did all he could to take Grave both by mine and battery, forcing it to yield the 20. of September 1602. and made himself be known for the lawful heir and Lord thereof, in view of the Admiral of Arragon Lieutenant general to the Archduke, who encamped near unto the town to succour it, but seeing his Excellency very well entrenched, and that he should prevail nothing, and that his troops did leave him daily, in the end he retired without any exploit doing worthy the remembering. The Archduke having intelligence that P. Maurice had taken the town of Grave, was more earnest than before to stop the passage of the ships; the which notwithstanding all the inventions his men could find out, have entered all the time of the siege, and a great number by the gullet at the Canon's mouth, oftentimes at noon day without fear of any danger. Their invention of Saulcisses proved also fruitless for this design, they tried yet many other inventions, both to fill up the gullet, and to annoy the ships in passing. Among other inventions the enemy filled a great number of sacks with sand to stop up the gullet, having tried this device in the channel near to Albert's fort, but here it proved fruitless by reason of the violence of the tide. That which most afflicted the besieged this year was the sickness that was among them, Sickness in Ostend and in the Campe. whereof some died daily: neither was the enemy free from it. The Estates of the confederate Provinces, considering that the discommodities the soldiers suffered was the cause of this sickness, Ostend new built. they caused the town to be new built, and the streets were so disposed, as the enemy's Canon could do them little harm, dying at the first thing it hit, so as of 50. shot not one did hit a man, and when any such thing chanced, they held it for an extraordinary accident, which did not trouble them, and this made the sickness to cease. This year 8. great Galleys were rigged and made ready at Sevill in Spain, Galleys of Spain under Spignola. their chief commander was Fredrick Spignola: that wherein Spignola went was called S. Lewis, the Captain thereof was Redon. The second the Trinity, the Captain Pedro de Fergas. The third the Occasion, the Captain Auila: the fourth Saint Philip, the Captain Don Rodrigo de Neruaiz. The fifth the Morning, the Captain Pedro Collado Tenorro. The sixth S. ivan, the Captain Hernando de Vergas. The seventh Hiacintho, the Captain Christovall de Mongis: and the eight La Padilla, the Captain ivan de Sossa. There were 400. men in every one of these Galleys besides the slaves, and eight hundred Soldiers they took in as they passed at Lisbon. These Galleys went their course towards England, and were sent by the King of Spain with some others which the Archduke had, to scour along the coast of England, Holland, and Zealand, to interrupt their trade, and to annoy them of Ostend by Sea▪ Two of them, the Trinity and the Occasion were sunk by Sir Richard Luson Knight, than Admiral in those Seas for the Queen of England, upon the coast of Spain and Portugal, about the Cape of Sicambre; afterwards these Galleys took their course towards the Lowe-Countries, and the third of October according to the new computation, they were first discovered by two of the Statesmen of war: the one was called the Tiger, whereof jacob Pieterssen-Mol was Captain: and the other the Pelican, whereof Timen Luberts' was Captain: these two Ships followed and chased these six Galleys. The same day Robert Mansell Knight, than Admiral for the Queen of England in the narrow Seas, lying betwixt Dover and Calais, discovered them also: and sent presently to Captain jonas, Captain of one of the King's ships called the Advantage, commanding him to go presently to Calais, and along all the coast of Flanders, and to give and alarm with Canonadoes, especially to give advertisement of the coming of these Galleys to the State's Fleet, which lay then upon the coast of Flanders; the which the Captain did perform most faithfully and very speedily. The Admiral did also oftentimes shoot of the greatest piece of Ordinance in his ship, to advertise and call an other of the King's ships called the answer, whereof Bredgate was Captain, who rid at an Anchor South of the Downs, and he presently set sail. Soon after there arrived 4. ships of the Estates of Holland, of the which the Signior Opdan & Henszbruch was Admiral, lying then sick at Porthmouth in England, in whose absence and by his appointment, john Adrianssen Cant, commanded in quality of vice admiral the Captains of the three others were Garbrandt johanss Stahl. Heinric Hartman and Garbrandt janssen of Enchuysen, who (having hard this shooting) had put themselves to Sea towards France. In the end they discovered the galleys, and seeing them to bend their course towards the coast of England, they turned their prows against them, and so did Captain Bredgate, of whom we have spoken, all these together chased them until they came right against Dover where they over took them and played furiously upon them with their Canon, breaking some of the Chains whereunto their slaves were tied, whereof a good many leapt over board, and some recovered the land; but for that it was dark, and the Sea was calm near the shore, they escaped for that time. A while after the Moon began to shine, when as they might discern the 6. galleys row before them above the cape of Dover, bending presently towards the Going (the which is a very dangerous bank called by the English Goodwin Sands) & a good gail of wind rising, they hoist as much sail as they could well bear to chase the galleys; they being come almost right against Gravelin, there comes happily against them from the coast of Flanders, a man of war of the States called the Mackerel, whereof Gerard Olie was Captain, who charged the galley Saint Philip, and slew 60. men, yet she got of his hands, and hoist her sail to fly, the vice-admiral seeing this, with his ship called the Moon, ran withal his force betwixt the great mast and the poop of Saint Philip so as he broke an Anchor and some Iron work of his ship, and carried away with him the hinder part of the galley, and the helm, and broke their mast, making two Canon shot at them in the galley being charged with pieces of old Iron and small shot, so as the owers, banks, arms and legs flew into the air, & presently the galley began to sink: The Galley S. Philip sunk. then jacob Pieterssen Moll struck with his ship against the main mast and the galley sunk: yet there were many saved, Captain Garbrandt janssen of Enchuysen, seeing the Captain and the principal of the galley, about some twenty of them in their boat, seeking to save themselves he sent forth his boat and caused them to be brought aboard of him, else they had been all drowned: then Captain Garbrand janssen Sahl first of all struck the galley called Aurora or the morning, where Pedro Collado was Captain, and broke five or six owers with the hinder part of it, and beat down one of their masts, making some shot into her but without any great effect, than the vice-admiral took her betwixt the mast and the poop, and there with brake half and Galion of his own ship, and cut of all the hinder part of her, overthrowing the helm into the Sea which was of six pieces, thereupon, The Galley called Aurora sunk. Heinrich Hartman of Rotterdam struck betwixt the mainmast and the prow, and with that blow the galley sunk; there were about 40. persons saved: So four of these galleys were lost, the other four were pursued so swiftly as two of them were broken upon the coast near Newport, and another near unto Dunkirk, the eight wherein Spignola was, saved herself with great difficulty in Calais, where the slaves were freed, and went whether they pleased, and Spignola with his gentlemen and others whom he could save, went to the Archduke to Bruxelles. There were carried prisoners into Holland, of soldiers, slaves, and other persons that were taken up in the Sea about 180. liberty was given to the slaves with apparel and some silver, to go into their Countries, or whether they pleased. To return now to our chief discourse, the archdukes men seeing that their battery upon the gullet succeeded not as they expected, and that the ships went in and out thereby; they made a certain work, which they called a float, which was as it were a great and large plancher of wood, the which might swim upon the water, it was armed with defences, and fit to plant Canon thereon, the which they thought the Water would hold up, and not carry it away nor break it: this they brought unto the gullet, but the waves of the Sea broke it, and so this invention proved fruitless as the rest. We have before spoken of the discontentment of the archdukes soldiers for their pay, for the which in the end they mutined and retired to Hoochstraten, and had intelligence with Conte Maurice for their preservation, making the whole Country, (even unto the gates of Andwerp) to contribute for their living and entertainment, & this caused the Archduke to make a proclamation against them; whereof you shall have here a copy with the answer of the said mutineers, to serve for the history as followeth. The Archdukes. 1602. AS we had caused our army to join with an intent to succour the town of Grave, A proclamation & proscription against the mutineers. the which is besieged by the enemy, & whereas the soldiers that are within it defend themselves so valiantly & resolutely as they deserve great praise, being now going to that end in person, we have been informed that some soldiers of our said army which was near unto the enemy's Camp, (under colour that they would mutiny, to recover that which falsely they pretend to be due unto them) have wickedly forsaken and abandoned their colours, and (after many attempts upon sundry places,) have in the end surprised the Castle of Hoochstraten, by treacherous and wicked means, having given many vehement presumptions, that they hold correspondency and have intelligence with our enemies, and mean to employ them. A thing which is prohibited and against all reason and justice, & which never any other soldiers have committed: but chose such as have been in mutiny, when as the enemy hath besieged any place of ours, or that we had need of men for any expedition, they came forth of those places into the which they were retired to serve us willingly and readily. And for that the chief actors of this treason and wickedness be men to whom there is little due, for that some are new come, and others were of the mutinies of Diest, Vueert and Karpen, where they had their accumpt & reckoning, & were paid whatsoever was due unto them within a short time, being men accustomed to invent alterations to seize upon the contribution money, without serving of us, having induced, deceived and forced the rest to commit this treason, whereby the execution is hindered of succouring their brothers & companions besieged, & other courses which we might take against our enemy▪ forcing us to turn our arms against them, as against our domestical enemies, and more prejudicial, for that thereby the enemy is the more fortified. And for that this act is strange, odious, foul and of bad consequence, it deserves to be punished exemplarily. For this cause desiring to set an order for the benefit of the public, and the good of our vassals and subjects, we ordain and command all Soldiers and persons of their company which are in the said castle of Hoochstraten, or shall join there, or in any other place, under colour of alteration or mutiny, that within three days after the publication hereof, they return unto their Ensigns and colours, or present themselves before the governor of Liere or of Herantals', to the end they may send them presently to their Ensigns, where they may remain quietly and peaceably, as if this mutiny had not chanced; and we give them our word and faith, that neither now nor at any time hereafter they shall be punished, nor reprehended for this fact, although they were the chief motives, but shall be entreated with much love and affection, and will endeavour to give them full satisfaction, as to men whom we desire to gratify and reward. And in case they shall refuse to obey, the said three days being past, as well they which are now there present, as they that join with them, we declare them henceforth rebels, traitors and wicked men, which have committed high treason In primo capite. And as such we condemn them to death, their goods confiscate, the which we do presently make forfeit and united unto our treasure: and we give liberty to all men of what estate and condition soever they be, freely (and without incurring of any punishment) to kill the said mutineers or any of them, although it were suddenly, or in what manner and sort they can: and whosoever shall kill them, there shall be given unto them for every one of their heads ten Crowns: and if it be of any one that hath been an ordinary officer a hundred Crowns, and of those whom they call of their council, the Sergeant Maior and Governor of the Horse two hundred Crowns, and for the Electo five hundred Crowns: and if they which shall kill them be any of them, we pardon them and give them the said sums. And we expressly command all judges of our Armies, Estates and Signeories, that they seize by inventary, upon all the goods movable or immovable, which the said mutineers, or any one of them shall have, and the apparel or other things of their wives and children, and that he said goods be put into the hands of the depositor of the army, and be sent with a true and formal certificate unto the superintendant of the mylitarie justice of the army, to the end he may unite them to our treasure. Whereunto we do presently condemn them, commanding all persons, that have money or any other thing of the said mutineers in their hands, or of their wives or children, by exchange, in pawn, in guard, or by what means soever, that they do not deliver it but make it known unto us, to the end it may be seized on, as hath been said, upon pain of confiscation and loss of all their goods that shall conceal them, and an arbitrary punishment. And for the foulness of the fact and bad consequence thereof, for other Princes to whom the like may chance in their armies, this being left unpunished: We therefore require and beseech the Emperor and King of Spain, our Lords and Brothers, and all other Kings, Princes, and Potentates, into what part or place soever the said mutineers shall come, or shall have any goods, that they will cause them to be apprehended and taken, and sent unto us, and their goods to be safely kept, sending us a certificate in form aforesaid, being ready to do the like in our Countries and Signouries at your requests, whensoever you shall desire it. And we do expressly forbid the wives and children of the said mutineers, to go into any place where they may be, or shall be, nor to treat or to confer with them either by word or writing, during the said mutiny upon pain of death. And that every one may strip them and take them without any punishment, if they go unto them, or if there be any suspicion that they mean to go to their said Fathers and Husbands. We will also that within three days they depart our Countries, and that they return not without our especial licence, upon the like pain. We command also that no man within our countries or without, that shall be there under colour of merchandise, victuallers, or servants, or in any other sort whatsoever: shall serve, assist, or give victuals, munition, or any other thing to the said mutineers, to their servants, Horses, or to any one that shall belong unto them, although it be for money, upon pain of death, and other pecuniary punishments, according to the will of our judges, and the quality of the offence and person, and also they that find them may kill them without any offence In Flagranti. And that out of the Muster books of the Army, be drawn the names, surnames, marks and places, where the said mutineers were borne, and those of their fathers. And being necessary to make it publicly known, let information be made, so as it may plainly appear that they are condemned, and that the said mutineers are proclaimed in our court, and in the places where they were bred or borne, as well in our countries, as in those of the Emperor, the Catholic King, and other Princes our friends and confederates, for banished, infamous, treacherous, and base men, which have committed high treason, In primo casu: And that moreover the punishments ordained against such by law, may be executed upon them, their children and descendants. By the which we hold them and declare them from this day condemned. And to him that shall be the means to dissolve this mutiny, and to deliver into our hands the culpable, we pardon him, and offer to give him a very honourable reward: and the like to all those that shall assist him and give him aid, although they were of the same mutineers and chief authors and officers thereof. And to the end our proclamation and proscription may be kept and inviolably observed, and may come to the knowledge of all men, as well general of the Horse, Commanders of men at arms, Master of our artillery, Clonels, Masters of the Camp, Governors, heads of troops, Captains and officers entertained, soldiers and all other martial men, of what quality, condition, pre-eminence or nation soever they be, as also our other vassals and subjects; we command that it be publicly proclaimed & be given in an authentic form to the Licentiat jean Frias, of his majesties counsel superintendant of martial causes in these parts, to the end he may cause it to be observed, kept and fully executed, and may give it to the Auditor general, and other officers and persons whom it doth concern: to the end that all judges of Towns and villages may give him notice of what shall succeed, and he advertise us, that we may provide and decree what shall be needful for the due execution thereof: and that also another formal copy be given unto Master john Richardot Knight, precedent of our privy Counsel, & Counsellor of our Counsel of Estate, that for as much as shall concern him, he may cause it to be observed from point to point, as hath been decreed by us, & commandment given to the other ministers and justices of our Countries to see it accomplished: In token whereof we have caused this present proclamation to be made, & set our seal unto it, made at Diest the 15. of September, 1602. Signed Albert, and underneath. By the appointment of their highnesses▪ and signed I de Mancicidor. The answer of the Squadron, Electo, and Counsel of men of War retired into Hoochstraten. 1602. IF proscriptions and threats may stand for payment, the Squadron, Electo & Counsel of soldiers retired into Hoochstraten, may soon make ready their quittances & send them to your highnesses, confessing that they are well and duly satisfied of all arrearages: but for that this kind of payment neither feeds the belly, nor covers the back; and that in the mean time they (which for so many years have hazarded their goods and lives without pay or reward, & as it were for God's sake, to maintain your highnesses in their estates) might be in danger (for want of other payment) to die of hunger & misery. It is reasonable that the said Squadron, Electo and Counsel should make known unto all the world the lies and horrible cruelties wherewith the said proscription is filled, that the equity of their cause may be known thereby, and that every one may judge if their Highnesses have reason to thunder thus out in choler against them, things which should rather terrify women and children than men. Choler makes their Highnesses to say (we term it choler, for truth can give no such testimony) that they had caused their army to assemble to succour the town of Grave, then besieged by the enemy, what means this? was the Town of Grave besieged at Tilmont or at Leeubs, was it not besieged above a month after? how could their highnesses succour the Town of Grave at Tilmont so long before it was besieged? he adds with the like ground (And going myself in person to put this design in execution) what is he amongst us, or or of all the rest, that did ever see him in the army, when as Prince Maurice would come to visit us, charging us upon our own dunghill, being followed by them which two years before had entertained their Highnesses so roughly near unto Newport. The world knows they sometimes busy themselves at Bruxelles and sometimes at Gand, to give order to their affairs, that their persons may be no more subject to such dangers: we confess notwithstanding that his Highness after the Town of Grave was lost, came unto the Camp, not that there was any need of his presence; for he came but to whet his arms against his friends and faithful subjects, seeing that he had found his enemy's weapons too sharp, and his own too much blunted in Flanders, to cut the knotes of so strong a bond; if we say true or no, let them of Delmonds & Venlo witness. It is said with the like truth, that at what time his Highness prepared to succour the Town of Grave, we under colour of a mutiny did abandon our colours. The art of Arithmetic or numbering should not be practised by giddy brains; choler is an enemy to the memory: but if a good friend seeks to supply the defect of another's memory, he merits reward; If for such a benefit we deserve a recompense, it is in your Highness to acknowledge it, and to speak the truth, the memory whereof is fresh yet to all the world, as well to our friends as enemies: but that the one is blinded with the dark mists of passion, until their giddy spirits be lightened by the truth: we say then that we have employed ourselves for their Highness' service without regard of the extreme necessity and misery whereunto we were brought for want of money, so long as the Admiral of Arragon, who was our commander (and not your Highness) was camped before the Town of Grave, neither did we begin to seek any means for our pay, before the army was far retired from the Town, and that the said Admiral of Arragon had no intent to attempt any thing, either for the relief of the Town, or against the army of Prince Maurice. This was apparent when as the siege of Grobbendoncq Governor of Bolduc, (after that he had laboured long in vain, propounding all the reasons he could devise to induce his Highness to seize upon the Town of Hanestain, and by that means cut of the victuals from Prince Maurice his army (the only means to frustrate his design) in the end he retired himself with much discontentment without doing any thing. Then we began to embrace the pursuit of our just cause. If all they that have taken this course shall be held for traitors and rebels, there is not any one that serves their Highnesses which can be free from this blame: for who hath ever been paid using the contrary course. Their Highness' name Dieest, Vueert and Carpen▪ places which will yield testimony of their saying, the memory is yet fresh of that which lately happened there. It is said also that there is little or nothing at all due unto us, & that we do falsely challenge that which we demand: being men that are newly come from Italy and other places or that a little before had been fully satisfied at Diest, Vueert and Carpen, if this be true or no, the accounts will show it, and if the sum of three Millions of Livers be small with their Highnesses, yet is it great for us. But admit the sum be small as their Highnesses say, it is then more easy for them to find then a greater, and they should not for a small matter suffer us to be reduced to this extremity. As for treaties and correspondencies which we have with the enemies of your Highnesses, we find it strange that they should hold it contrary to reason and all laws, seeing that in their proscription, they confess that it hath been to maintain ourselves with them. For when as we see their Highness' arms turned against us as domestical enemies, instead of giving us hearing in our just complaints: was it not time (being reasonable men) to do that which bruit Beasts without reason do teach us, who with all their force and power oppose themselves against the violence of such as would oppress them. Our actions then are not without ground or reason, but are rather grounded upon reason itself, and upon the general law, necessity being not subject to any law, yea upon the law of nature, which hath given this instinct to all creatures, to forget nothing that may serve for their preservation. It is lamentable thing, that they which for so many years have ventured their lives, and powered out their bloods so willingly for the service of their Highnesses, should be now brought to hold their lives as it were in see of their enemies, and that contrariwise they seek all means on their Highness' part, to root them out, depriving them of their lives, wives, children, victuals, and friends, as it appears more amply in the said proscription. His Highnesses knows well the example of David, who retired to Achis King of the Philistines, his capital enemy, when he was forced to fly before the face of Saul his Lord. It may please his Highness to let the Serenissime Infanta understand these reasons, and not to think it strange if that we being Soldiers would follow the example of such a man of war as David. It is said that these courses were never practised by others, whereunto we will make no other answer, but that all our companions know the contrary. How did they of Siche behave themselves? who had their deputies continually at the Haige, entering and coming forth of Breda at their pleasures, and resting at Langhestrate under their wings which now embrace our defence, entreating whole troops of Prince Maurices as friends, suffering them to pass through them without any let. The examples which their Highnesses propound unto us of such as have mutined heretofore, and yet have abandoned their retreats, and have offered themselves at need to their Highness' service, are things propounded with little consideration: for since that we retired ourselves into this place, their Highnesses never required any thing of us as they did of the rest: what reason then have they to complain of us in this case? But if they had sent unto these others a Herald at Arms, to signify unto them such a proscription as ours, it is to be thought they would not have left the places they then held, but upon good terms, neither would they have showed themselves so zealous to their Highness' service. It were also to be desired for their honour and reputation, that this great zeal and ready obedience of the mutineers had been delayed a while, for that being too rash, it hath been more prejudicial than profitable to their Highness, when as (without respect of their highness word) they did so villainously break it in the behalf of them of Suaeschevobre near to Ostend, the which cost that day the lives of a great number of our companions: notwithstanding if their Highness find herein any act of obedience, as it seems, seeing they exalt them so much for that respect, they are freed from that blame. They will make us believe, that we are men accustomed to make mutinies. We will receive this reproach in part of payment of our debt with the rest; for of late years such as have carried arms for your services, have received no other payment: But what bruit is there among the people? every man saith openly that your Highness have brought in this custom, that the Soldiers being paid in this sort without silver, the cheer in court may be the better. And in truth when there is speech of any exploit of war, those which hold places seized, do willingly leave them and come and offer themselves to your service, being full of zeal and obedience. This cannot be called mutining but rather wintering: for, for these many years all your men of war have learned to winter in this sort: Even as your Highness did change your ecclesiastical estate into a secular, we did much rejoice, thinking that your Highness after that you had been Cardinal, Archbishop, and chief of the whole Inquisition of Spain, would not impose any stricter rule unto your Soldiers, then that which your Highness might read so often in the Bible, which is, Content yourselves with your pay: But it seems (to your great prejudice) that you have forgotten it: And there is no man can dream where your Highness hath found out that Canon, by the which you will begin the practice of a law which is not yet established: that they must content themselves without pay. We did always believe that the Ecclesiastical laws had been the strictest, as coming from God, and regarding men's consciences: but we find ourselves short of our reckoning. As for the money of contribution, your Highness must know what becomes of it, and it is a ridiculous thing even for the peasants to say that we receive it: The truth is that to live we go upon your lands; what should we else do? your Highness' gives us nothing, and Soldiers are no Chameleons to live by the air: even so by law the creditor hath an action on the debtor goods: but for all that, your Highness' ordinary contributions are not diminished. Under correction, that Secretary merits to be dismissed from your Highness' service, that in your names hath not been ashamed to pack up together so many palpable lies in so little writing: for that which hath been so often practised, should not be held for strange: that which is grounded upon good reason and the common law of nature, is neither infamous nor dishonest. And as for the consequence it cannot be so bad, seeing that the great services done with so great zeal and obedience by our companions, and the which we have not yet refused, are so highly praised by your highness; If it were lawful for us to say some thing in your ear, we would think to hit the mark, which is, that some have advertised us from good part, that your highnesses grow so extraordinarily bitter against us, and more than against the rest that have gone before us, somewhat to pacify the people; seeing that of so many wounds which have been received since some years, they could never find means to cure one, the which is credible, seeing your highnesses make no difficulty to hold us for companions with them which were besieged in the Town of Grave, and which have won so much honour, and esteem for their good devoir, which makes us to hold many things set down in your proscription, somewhat tolerable, and to be inserted only Pro formo: It is said that we must return within three days to our colours, or else your highnesses do proclaim us traitors and rebels, etc. Condemned to die and our goods confiscate, &c., To condemn them to die that have no will to die, and that have means not only to defend themselves, but also offend them that would assail them, were very absurd and your highnesses may well think, that we hope to employ our arms so well, as the toleration which you have given to kill us in what sort soever, shall not let you nor your substitutes see as few as may be of our heads, for the which you shall not need to pay ten, fifty or a hundred Crowns promised by your prescription, according to the quality of our persons, to them that shall acquit themselves of this charge. As for that which is said of our goods, movable & immovable; your highnesses know well what movable or immovable goods such poor soldiers half dead with hunger can have; our movable goods cannot be made Mobiles but by ourselves, which be our arms, & we may also call them our immovable goods for them that would attempt to charge them: daring well affirm that even of his highness, himself they would be found too heavy and immovable, if he were possessed with this desire: and if there be any other movable goods found among us, we do freely make offer of them to such as will fetch them: and as for money, apparel, and other things belonging to our wives and children, the registers of your highness army shall need no clerk to enrol them: if you have no other revenues and means to feed so many hungry bellies, it is to be feared that within few days your highnesses will be brought to have as little money and clothes as we had with our wives and children, when as necessity did force us to assemble in this place to find some means to feed and clothe ourselves: for we may say, that we were then in a manner like unto the Indians which go naked, which nakedness by reason of the great cold in these parts is not very tolerable. Neither your Highnesses nor my Lords your brothers, the Emperor nor King of Spain, shall profit much by our clothes, nor our goods lying under their jurisdictions: and as for the defence made unto our wives and children to come unto us upon pain of death, we take it for a great favour which your highness have done on us, not desiring in the estate wherein we are to have our heads much troubled with our wives: It were a ridiculous spectacle that after they had taken away our wives and children's clothes; and they confiscate to your Highness, to condemn them to depart the Country within three days; the conduct of this naked troop would serve for a recompense to some one of your Court, who by the show of so strange a sight, might easily draw some good sum of money from the people being curious of novelties. But do your Highnesses think to famish us by the defence which you have made to bring us any victuals? do you think it is possible for your subjects to obey you in this respect? seeing it is not in your power to warrant them against us? for if you desire to maintain the contents of your proscriptions causing us to be slain by your subjects, Itsh all be easy for us always to revenge ourselves of this cruelty by reciprocal actions. It is said in your proscription that your Highness desires it should be executed against our children and successors: we do not think that your Highness (being an archbishop and reading the Bible) hath ever found the like, but contrariwise have often heard (although they were soldiers) that God doth never punish the children for the father's offence, unless they were likewise culpable. And if we had committed all the offences in the world (the which is not so) by what divinity hath your highness learned that you should proceed so against innocents? Is it for a matter of consequence? What punishment then will their Highnesses reserve for themselves and their successors seeing they are the cause of all this. All Kings and Princes shall have cause to look into your highness carriage, and to learn how they speed that make war without money; which is the sinews thereof. Those which in times past have won reputation by the Wars, have followed contrary courses Cyrus, Alexander, Scipio, julius Caesar, and many others did never impoverish their soldiers, but chose have enriched them; they used no proscriptions nor menaces or threats against them, in case of discontent: but have sought to pacify them by mildness and courtesy, and if it were needful to suffer with them, they did never counterfeit: what did Alexander when in a dray a barren Country, they brought him a Helmet full of water, he was better pleased to cast it on the ground then to drink, seeing that it was no more but for himself, and that his Army had great need, showing by this example that he desired to far no better than his soldiers. Your Highnesses, have ten, a hundred, yea five hundred Crowns to buy our heads, but you cannot find ten, a hundred, nor five hundred farthings to maintain our bodies and hearts in your faithful services; you have found the means to exceed many great Princes, yea the Emperor Charles the fifth of most famous and happy memory, the Emperor now reigning and the King of Spain, in all kinds of state and pomp, and yet ye cannot find any means to pay your poor soldiers (the only foundation of your estate) but by proscriptions and threats. Alexander the great seeing the Macedonians (whom he had greatly enriched) disobedient, and nothing favouring his victories, sought to pacify them by mildness and courtesy, and it succeeded well. Your Highnesses contrariwise after you had rashly and miserably thrust headlong the best part of your most resolute Soldiers and Captains, and seeing their affairs brought to a lamentable extremity, you sought to ruin them quite, paying them with proscriptions and threats, and promising recompenses to them that should kill them. julius Caesar seeing on a time a discontentment among his old Soldiers, which desired to retire home to their houses, refusing to go into Africa about an expedition, he omitted nothing that might pacify them by amiable means, honouring them with the name of Quirites, that is to say, Good and old fellow Citizens; and by this means he satisfied them. Your Highness may learn hereby how a Prince ought to carry himself to his Soldiers, who by his fault are become miserable. Besides all the points contained in this goodly proscription, they will charge us to be the cause of the desolation of the country of Luxembourg, because we did not hinder it; it is well known that before we were taken for traitors and rebels, your highness arms were turned against us, every man was allowed to kill us, & our heads were set at ten crowns a piece. How can all this accord well together? It had been far better your Highness had employed your forces to preserve Luxembourg, and not to suffer so goodly a Province to be so miserably wasted. Seeing then the foulness of your proceedings, and the bad consequence which other Princes may gather thereby, in committing the like excess against their men of war. The Squadron Electo and Council, beseech all Princes and common weals to make use of this example, and to take heed least abusing thus their good and faithful soldiers, which are the sinews of their estates, they draw not the like mischief upon them, which threatens daily more and more to ruin their highnesses. The Archduke after this proscription of the mutineers, went to besiege them at Hoochstraten, where he priest them very hardly, although they were very well fortified with three ditches and ramparts, where they made good resistance, and monsieur de Rosne son was slain there, yet the mutineers seeing in what case they were, provided for their safety, and compounded with Prince Maurice, who came to succour them, causing the archdukes men to raise the siege, delivering by this means the Castle of Hoochstraten into his excellencies hands, and he put the said mutineers in garrison into the town of Grave. They were full six thousand men, horse and foot. They of Ostend left not to molest the archdukes men daily. And we may say that this siege is a stop for his forces, the which for these three years space have taken cold before this heap of Sande, the which hath already cost the Province of Flanders near three Millions of gold, besides that which the King of Spain, and the Archduke, have employed for their parts, and likewise what the estates of the united Provinces have contributed, all which is not of less value, the which may well be said a wonder of this age. The first of january. 1603. they sent one an other 1603. new years gifts with Canon and musket shot. In February the float whereof hath been spoken, (which had been set upon the gullet to stop the passage of the ships) was broken by a tempest and a strong North North-east wind, and did no more trouble the ships going in nor out. From the beginning of the siege unto the first of March 1603, 250000. bullets shot against Ostend. there were shot against the town 250000. bullets of iron, every one weighing betwixt 36. and 50. pounds, and a number of Canon spoiled: as soon as the canoneers did cease never so little, the Infanta (the archdukes wife) lying at Newport, sent in post to command them to shoot continually. The besieged lost no time, for they shot a 100000. The town spent a 100000. shot. Canon shot against the army, and often sent their canons into Zealand to be changed or new cast. They reckoned of dead men, as well through necessity as by the Canon in the Arche-dukes camp 18000. Number of the dead on either side. men and of them town 6000. or 7000. amongst the which there were of either side men of mark chief commanders in war, and Captains. The 12. of March Captain Granszfelo had his leg shot off with a Canon being on the west ravelin and died upon the place. The 16. day there entered three ships by the new Haven, the which were shot through with the Canon. The 17. the enemy planted 6. demie Culverins and a whole one upon a platform called the swallows nest. The 20. of March they began to shoot from thence and among others, hurt 9 men with one shot: they made 375. shot that day. There entered 17. ships into the town by the gullet, which were much annoyed with the Canon, there were three men slain and two ships sunk. The 24. of March in the night there entered 22. sail into the Haven, whereof the one was laden with horses. The 26. day the enemy planted three pieces at the gullet, upon a new platform. The 29. there entered three barks in the day time, whereof the one was laden with Turfs, at whom the enemy made about 68 shot, and pierced that with Turfs in eleven places, the which sunk in the new haven. The 30. of March there went 10. sail out of the Haven, whereof the enemy took four with their barks. The 31. of March they parled together, as well to redeem the ships, as to hold quarter (that is to say Truce) by land, and not by sea, but their followed nothing. The 2. of April a corporal of the governors company was shot, for that he had slain his sergeant in the night, he was called Hans Huhm, & was a Brabanson. The 4 of April 2. Frenchmen of the Town being in guard on the west square, fled unto the enemies to the crows nest: the same day the adventurers of the Town brought in one of the enemy's prisoner, who said that they of the Town laboured continually at a new platform, and that every man which laid the bavins had two double ducats for the day and night, and that they which brought the bavins & other stuff did get as much: and he said moreover that he had been in guard the night before, and that six men had been struck with one shot. The 6. of April the besieged made an enterprise to surprise the enemy's sentinels on the East side, and to cut the Corpse de guard in pieces; and as some of their men were under the Platform to hear what was done, they were discovered, and presently the alarm given throughout all the Camp, the which forced them to retire. The 7. of April they of the Town dismounted a demie Culverin which was at Luysbos upon the gullet. In the night there went forth four sail, whereof three were nothing hurt, the fourth being shot betwixt wind and water, returned, and soon after went to Sea again. The 10. of April three men to whom they had promised a 100 collars, brought in a ship which had been fired, one of them (who was a Canonier) had a Harquebus shot in the arm. The same day a Culverin was planted upon the Polder. The 13. of April did blow a violent south-west wind, so as many old walls and coverings of houses were blown down, & the Church steeple, under the ruins whereof a man was slain, and another had his legs broken; almost all the enemies Gabions upon the East were overthrown, and their new work upon the gullet was likewise much ruined. In the night the enemy gave an assault to the town of all sides, A furious assault with great forces; upon the East side they pulled up above a 100 piles at the half Moon of the town, but they were repulsed and forced to retire: upon the West side they gave an assault to the Porke-espike, and brought thither two barrels of Pitch and resin, but in the end they were repulsed; Captain Hanekrots Lieutenant was slain, and Captain Bocke had a Harquebus shot through the body, whereof he died three weeks after. At the same time the enemy gave an assault to the Ravelin of the Polder, The Polder taken. from the which they were at the first repulsed, but they returned with such fury as they took it, and the Polder square, West square and Sout square, and yet there was a demie Culverin with some iron pieces upon the Polder square, which played their parts well. The put them all in a manner to the sword, and the next day in the morning they slew them in cold blood which had remained: they hanged up a Canonier and then cast him down the Trenches with derision: This assault continued four hours. The 14. of April, about 9 of the clock at night the besieged made a sally upon the squares, from whence they were repulsed and lost many of their men, and amongst others Captain P. Frist, and the Colonel of the Swisses Lieutenant, an Ancient of the Swisses & one of the English: so as there were 400. men of the Town slain, & amongst them many men of mark and valour. The enemy lost a 1000 men with all hope to take the town by assault. The 16. the besieged redeemed the Lieutenant Colonel of the Swisses body for a 100 collars, The number of the slain. and it was brought into the Town. That day and the day before there, entered 7. companies of soldiers into the Town, two of Swisses one of Denmark, one of English, two of Sueden, and one of the low Countries. That day the enemy did fortify himself on the East side. The 17, of April, 4. Culverins were brought to Ostend, three Demies and one Minion. The 18. of April there went a Bark forth whose owers were broken by the enemy. The 19 the besieged planted a bastard Culverin upon the bulwark of Pekel, and another upon the bulwark of the Polder, and the third upon the north-east Ravelin. The 20. they planted another bastard Culverin upon the west Port. The 21. of April, a messenger came to Ostend with letters, which did much rejoice the besieged, giving them to understand that they should be soon relieved. The 22. of April there was a Culverin planted upon the Polder, to shoot at the swallows nest. The 23. the besieged shot three pieces at the swalloes nest, and dismounted three of the enemy's Canons. The same day one fled from the enemy's Camp into the Town, who gave intelligence that the archdukes men had resolved to give an assault to the half moon upon the East; both by water with barks, & also by land▪ they of the town (to prevent this enterprise,) set aboat in guard near to the half Moon, the which was twice sunk, the guard of the place fell out by lot to Captain Seknitt. The 24. of April there entered 32. ships into Ostend by the new haven, at whom the enemy shot about 80. Canon shot, and wounded a Mariner to the death: The same day the enemies planted eight Canon upon their new battery, and made there about eleven canoneers. The 27. of April there entered eleven companies into Ostend, three of them were of Zealand & the rest Scottish & English; there were two slain in one bark, and a boy had his legs struck of. The 28. of April there entered a ship at noon day into the Town, and at night there went six forth: the same day there was a proclamation throughout the town, at the sound of the drum, no man upon pain of death, to fight, quarrel or strick. The 2. of May they brought two Canons from Zealand into the town: and the adventurers took two of the enemy's prisoners. The 3. of May a french man of the enemy's Camp came and yielded himself into the town, in the night there entered two Companies of soldiers. The 5. of May two french men of the town went to the enemy: at night a bark of the Town was sunk and two men slain in another. The 7. of May there came seven galleys before Ostend, who fought with seven ships of war, but they were beaten and made fly. The 8. of May Lieutenant Gesseler was slain. The 10. of May there entered 34. sail into Ostend by the gullet, at whom the enemy discharged 128. canon shot, & sunk five; one was laden with bullets, another with a Culverin, & the rest with munition: they of the town seeking to save the ship that was laden with bullets, had five of their men hurt with one shot, yet in the end they saved it, as also that which had the Culverin, being forced to cast the Culverin into the water, the other three were presently lost. The 11. and 12, of May, the soldiers which lay in the Road, were brought into the Town, about 30. companies, so as then there full 80 Ensigns in the Town. The 13. of May they parled, and there were two prisoners exchanged: at night there was borough 120. barrels of Powder into the Town. The 14. of May, three French men of the Town fled unto the enemy. The 15. there went forth 7. sail at noon day by the new Haven, two whereof were sunk, one of the which (the master being hurt in the arm) went unto the enemy's side, the other was quite beaten in pieces, but all within it were saved▪ The same day there were three mariners of the Town slain by their own men; and Captain Blommert died, nine of the enemies swam through the gullet, to spoil certain vessels. The 16. of May there was a truce made on the East side, but not upon the water, and five prisoners were exchanged: they of the Town had intelligence that the enemy had some practice to sink two ships that lay in the Gollet. The same day, about 60. ships and barks set sail, whereof there was but one sunk, in the which there was the baggage of two captains Frisons, & their spoil which was worth much. The 17. of May, there came a company of Frisons into the Town, and there was Beer also brought in; before a barrel of English Beer was worth twenty four livres which is eleven German collars, and and that of Holland. 20. livres. The 19 day, they might discover about 30. sail at Sea, they shot furiously on either side: there were two men slain in the town, and one soldier that would have fled to the enemy. The 20. of May there went in three ships by the gullet, whereof two were sunk. The 21. of May in the night the troops of Naninck went forth: and a soldier of Schleumers' company was hanged, for that he would have caused the soldiers to mutiny. The 22. of May there entered 20. ships by the gullet, whereof three were sunk. The 23. of May eight ships entered by the new haven, whereof two were sunk, one laden with a Culverin, (the which was saved) the other a merchant and he perished. The 24. of May there entered 29, ships by the new haven whereof two were sunk. The 25. defences were made by the sound of the drum, for all mariners or other persons, to make sale of any merchandise before it had line 24. hours in the halls for that they made monopolies, which caused a dearth: Good orders in Ostend. It was also forbidden to play at Cards, Dice or any other thing, upon pain of imprisonment, and to fast eight days together with bread and water: likewise for men of command not to be drunk being upon their guard, upon pain to lose his arms and to be degraded: And there was a promise made of 50. Crowns to him that could take any one dead or alive that would fly unto the enemy. That night there went 9 ships out of the town without any harm. The 26. of May the besieged received 100000. pound weight of Powder, whereof 40000. for the soldiers, and 60 the Canon; a sergeant came and yielded himself into the town, who said that the besieged did much annoy the new battery upon the gullet, and had that day slain a canonier, and stroke of an others legs. The 27. of May at the break of day, being an easterly wind, a full sea and calm, the general Don Fredrick spignola (by the Arche-dukes commandment, who omitted no opportunity to annoy Ostend) parted from Escluse with 8. galleys and 4. frigatts well appointed both with slaves and mariners, and in them were 2500. musketers and small shot; they showed themselves at the west of the ditch of Escluse, betwixt the banks called Francois Pol, (that is to say) the chief or head, and rowed eastward of this ditch. The ships and galleys of the States and of Prince Maurice, (being Admiral general of the sea) seeing that their meaning was to charge them, weighed anchor, and hoist up their sails, taking their course towards the east, although the tide were contrary; & the wind also being so weak as it would not fill their sails. Spignolas' galleys having the advantage of wind, Combat at Sea. tide, and sun, upon the State's fleet; went by the North beyond the Francois Pol into the Vuielinghe or gulf, turning their prow against the fleet. Being in the Vuielinghe about 5. of the clock, the 8. galleys divided themselves in two four & four, with some space betwixt them, & came in this order very furiously with a great cry, & with all their force against the state's army, first 2. galleys set upon the ship of lost de Mohr vice-admiral, called the golden Lion; don Fredirike Spignola was in one of these galleys, the which had no banderolle or flag upon his mast, but only above the Chamber of the captains lodging; Mohr the vice-admiral defended himself valiantly and did much indomage his enemies with his great ordinance, Spignola slain. so as Spignola himself was there mortally wounded & died before he could go a shore: four other galleys went after the ship of Captain Legier Pieterssen of Groningh called the Segel-hont or flying-dog; one of them took him right upon the stern with his spur or point, and made him retire; at the same time the gunner of the dog set fire to a piece, the which made such a spoil of the soldiers in the galley, as it seemed a Cart had passed from one end to the other: The Hollandoise or black galley wherein jacob Michielson was Captain, did fight with the other two galleys; this skirmish having continued a while, two of the galleys which were near unto the ship of Legier Pieterssen, forsook him, and went against the galley of Zealand called the Flight, in the which Cornelius janssen of Gorchun was captain, who played his part as well as the rest, & without doubt had won the honour, if an accident of fire had not chanced in his galley; The 2. other galleys did in like sort leave Legiers ship, & rowed against the Hollandoise or black galley: One of them was vice-admiral to Spignola & had a banderol upon her mast, these 4. galleys had enough to do with the Hollondoise, who defended herself so valiantly, as notwithstanding that these 4. had grappeled with her to draw her into Escluse, yet were they forced to leave her after a long fight. The galley of Holland being thus forsaken by them that had assailed her, went against them that were in fight with the vice admiral lost de Mohr. another ship whereof Criin Henrihes of Zierc zeè called the Alte-hont or the old dog, although he were not charged, yet did he much harm to Spignolas Galleys; he was among the rest, & did flank them shooting furiously upon the enemy's galleys, which were in fight with the vice-admiral and the black galley. There was such a slaughter on every side, but especially in Spignolas galleys, as even a heart of Flint would have been moved to pity: neither of them showed any base cowardice, they were all so attentive man to man, with the Canon, Muskets, half pikes, swords, and other arms, to shoot, strike and annoy an other, without any care to avoid the enemy's blows, as it was a horrible things to see: in the end Spignolas men fainted, and fled to Escluse in great disorder, carrying back all their galleys, being favoured by the nearness of the retreat. According to the letters written from divers parts, The number of the dead. there were slain on the archdukes side; the General Frederik Spignola with above 800. men; and there were some hundreds hurt on the State's side; There were some 36. slain, and amongst them Captain jacob Michel's and his Lieutetenant: The vice-admiral jost de Mohr, and Captain Legier Pieterssen with some 60. others which were hurt in the vice-admiral and the galley of Zealand, there were in either of them about 18. Englishmen of the garrison which is at Flesingue for the King of England, who served very well, there were 8. slain and 15. hurt which are comprehended in the number of the dead and hurt. In this combat jost de Mohr the vice-admiral commanded, instead of the signeur William Van Halteyn Lieutenant Admiral to the Prince Maurice: which lieutenant (hearing the Canon shot) parted presently from Flesingue, with 5. ships of war and one frigate, to come to the succour of his men, before the ditch of Escluse, but the combat was ended, & the enemies retired when he arrived. Behold what passed then with the galleys of Spignola, wherein is verified that which the royal Prophet David saith in the 16. & 34, Psalms, that victories come not from the force and power of man, but from the grace, succour and assistance of Almighty God. The 28. May, monsieur du Fort went out of Ostend with part of the French men at night there went forth two great ships, whereof the enemies took one. The 29. of May two soldiers of the Town meaning to fly unto the enemy, one of them was slain; two ships went forth whereof one of them was sunk, and fell near unto the enemy's battery: the Pilot saved himself, there were 19 soldiers of Ghistell which were taken, and as some say were hanged. The 2. of june the Lepers or adventurers of the Town brought in four prisoners, and amongst them one of the enemy's adventurers. In the night a little boat passed over the dike, to surprise the enemy's Sentinel: the same night the enemy advanced nearer unto the town upon the west square. The 3. of june they of the Town made a sally, in the which Captain Hanikrot was hurt in the cheek, arm and leg. The 4. day at night there entered 20. merchants ships, whereof three were sunk. The same night they of the Town made a sally upon Lusbos with a 1000 men, and won the Platform and the enemy's trench turning some of their own Canon against them; A sally of 1000 men. they cloyed two, and cut in pieces the Corpse de guard, canoneers, and other officers of the artillery, whom they found there: of their parts they lost the lieutenant to Conte Ernest of Nassau, the first lieutenant of Hauszman, & the Baron of Sancy a frenchman, Grovestein Colonel of the Frisons was hurt in the leg with many others, and in the end they of the Town were forced to retire. They buried their dead men together: the simple soldiers as well of the Town as of the enemies were buried in the downs, & the men of commandment in the Town. The 8. of june they brought 100 barrels of Powder into the Town. The 9 day there went 5. ensigns of French out of the Town: three soldiers fled out of the Town to the enemy, and in the night there entered 44. ships into the Town, whereof two were sunk. About the same time Lieutenant Bitter died. The 11. of june 5. sail went out of the Town by the new Haven, whereof one (in the which were Frenchmen) was sunk, and some of them lost. The same day the bowels of the Baron of Sancy were honourably interred at Ostend, and his body, embalm and sent into France. That night there were two barks sunk, in the one were artificial fireworks, and in the other victuals for Captain Elias. The 12. of june at night they of the Town set fire on the West square the which burned all night: the day following they discovered 8. canoneers which they had not seen before. The 13. of june there were 13. sail went out of the Town; the same day before noon Ancient Long died, who had both his legs struck of with a Canon. The 14. day there entered two companies into Ostend, the same day the enemy began to batter from the Powder square, the half Moons of the Town, that is, the half Moon of Sednezden, that of Slimmer, and the Bec-af or folly of the East, the which is a bow shoot into the Country, under the half Moon of Slimmer, to the which the night following they gave an assault. The Governor of Ostend fearing that if the enemy should become Master of this place, he would build a fort, which might greatly prejudice them of the Town, for that it would take from them the means to transport their stuff, and also the enemy might then cast a bridge upon the gullet, without any let or hindrance, and by that means go from one Camp unto another in less than half an hour: where as now they must have above six: he resolved with the Counsel of war to provide for it as well as he might possibly. The enemies passing by night at Bec-af upon a bridge with Ladders and other instruments, they were presently received by ten or twelve Musketeers, who shot at them giving the alarm by that means, and so arranged themselves presently with their troops which do attend the enemy; which entered almost at the same instant with them, crying, amassa, amassa, guadagnato guadagnato: but being furiously charged by them of the town they retired faster than they entered. If they had charged home to the half Moons, they had been received in the like sort, for they were very well manned and guarded, in the morning they found many slain and a piece of the enemy's bridge broken. The 17. of june at night there went forth 6. ships, and some prisoners were exchanged on either side, The 18. there went forth 4. ships. The 19 one ship went forth which received 17. Canon shot. The 21. of june there went forth 40. sail whereof six were sunk. The 22. they brought a hundred barrels of Powder into the Town. The 24. of june there entered 4. companies of soldiers into the Town, and six sail in the day time, whereof three were sunk and one Mariner slain. The 25. there entered 5. ships in the day time without any harm. The 26. of june, there entered 12. more in the day time, and 9 went forth without any hurt. There entered a frigate in the which there were twenty four persons hurt for that they wonderfully priest in her. The 27. of june Colonel Bruges went forth. The 28. day there came fireworks into the town. The 5. of july part of the ships entered with all kinds of fruits and herbs without any loss, and also with store of Powder, and for that it was the day of the besieging of that place, it was celebrated, and all the Canon of the Town shot of: In the night Captain Adam van liest was slain, being without the half moon of the Polder; his bowels were interred in the Town, and his body was carried to Dordrecht. The 8. of july two loopehooles at Luisbos were beaten down, towards the sea; at night a strong northerly wind cast a ship upon the east shore. The 9, of july there went forth three fisher boats. The 11. of july there entered eight sail by the new Haven; the night before there went forth 30. where of one was sunk, but the barks did succour it and brought it into the road, from whence it sailed towards Flesingue. The same day Bort Lieutenant to Geniel was slain, whose body was carried to Scoonhoven, and his bowels were buried at Ostend. The 12. of july there went forth two ships whereof one was sunk: and in the morning there entered 5. The 13. of july early in the morning, Colonel Dorp (who had been governor) went out of Ostend; and at the same time the seigneur de la Nort (who had commanded there before) came in his place, with 4. companies of Zelanders. The 15. of july a soldier of the enemy's camp came and yielded himself into the Town. The 17. Captain Calwart was slain near unto the half moon of Geniet, his body was carried out of the Town. The 19 of july there went 20. sail out of the town whereof two were sunk, in the one was the baggage of Captain Smith, & in the other the company of Colonel Dorp in the which 5. soldiers were slain at one shot, and many were drowned and miserably burnt, the fire having taken the Powder. The 21. there went forth 6. ships with a bark of the Town full of soldiers. In the night the besieged shot from the West Bulwark to the South-square with a demie Culverin, the which was set on fire and burnt all the covering, The 22. of july at night the besieged likewise set fire upon Luysbos, the which consumed all the bavins and wood thereof, & all the loop-holes, there was a great fire in the midst thereof, & the enemy did what he could to quench it, but it was in vain. The 23. of july the besieged planted gabions without the half Moon of the Polder, thinking to raise up an other half Moon, but the ground was to wet: that night the lieutenant to Captain Kief named Brus was honourably interred. The 27. of july there entered 40. ships in the day time into Ostend, without any more hurt but the loss of 3. or 4. men; some entered by the gullet, and others by the new haven; amongst other things there were 3. culverins in them. The 28. of july there entered 24. sail more in the day time, among the which there was one merchants ship sunk, the which came against the ravelin of the town the frenchmen ran to it, whereof there were 5. slain. The 28. and 29. there entered three companies of Prisons, Hollanders, and Zelanders into the Town. The 30. of july the enemy shot from the East many fiery Bullets, stones, and other shot into the Town: That night Colonel Lohn entered into Ostend with ten sail. The 31. of july the besieged cast balls of wild fire upon the enemy's platforms, the which was presently quenched because it was so calm: there entered two ships. The 3. and 4. of August there went 29. sail out of Ostend, and in them ten companies of soldiers, The 5. day there went forth 12. sail more without any hurt. The 7. of August there entered 28. ships. The 10. of August there entered 5. fisherboats. The 11. of August the besieged were all day and night in arms, thinking there would be an assault given: the same day they set fire of Luysbos, but it was presently quenched. The 12. day the enemies mustered and changed their Camp, they of the Town thinking it had been to some other end stood in arms: the same day five Frenchmen went to the enemy by the West side. The 15. of August two Frenchmen more fled to the enemy upon the east side: Luysbos was again set on fire, but soone-quenched. The 17. day two Frenchmen going to yield unto the enemy were stayed and slain. The 19 of August there entered two companies of soldiers into the Town. The 20. and 21. there entered 7. companies more, the same day they of the town set fire on a platform, at the which they shot a 150. fiery bullets, it took not fire until the 136. shot and continued 3. days and 3. nights. The same day there entered 9 sail. The 24. day there entered five sail more in the day time, in the which was a company of soldiers, with Powder and Matches: in the night the enemy brought some part of another float. The same night there went some ships out of the Town, one of them, in the which were 13. sick persons, and five women, had her helm struck of: they of the Town took eight prisoners. The 25. of August, the enemy brought another part of their float, the which was (by a fugitives saying) of 80. tuns in length, and five fathom thick. The same day the five women were restored, after they had been ravished with all indignities. The 26. of August the enemies hung up all those sick men, Cruelty of the enemy. except one, whom they slew with their sword, being so weak, as he could not go up the ladder. The last of August the adventurers returned and brought in one of the enemy's horsemen prisoner. The 2. of September the adventurers went forth, accompanied with some Mariners, and took an ancient, a Corporal, and an Ingenier. The same day, and the 3. the besieged shot at that which remained of the enemies float, & did in a manner ruin it quite. The 5. of September there entered 9 ships. The 8. of September the besieged demanded a truce of the enemy, who required five days respite to consider thereof. The 19 of September there went forty sail out of Ostend, whereof six were sunk, and two taken by the enemy: one of them did run above a League along the coast, being laden with stuff of great value; they did hang up the Pilot towards the East: the horseman taken the last of August suffered for it, and was hanged in Ostend for the Pilot. The 25. of September they laboured in the new haven which was spoiled: There entered 28. sail into the town, three of the which were full of Mariners. The 28. in the night there entered five sail into the Town, whereof three were sunk. The 29. of September there went forth five fisher boats, & Colonel Dorth went forth in a small bark. That night they of the Town were busy in working at the dike which was broken. The last of September, there were three barks and three boats taken going to fetch flags, there were two slain and some taken prisoners. The 3. of October there entered 18. ships by night into Ostend, and there went forth 31. whereof one was sunk, after that the men which were in her had been saved she ran against Luysbos, where the enemies burned her. The 5. of October there entered 9 ships laden with ten Canon and some munition. The 7. of October in the night there went forth 32. sail with little harm: that day the besieged shot upon Luysbos and the enemy upon the Town, so as there were many arms and legs shot off on either side, and many men slain, they might see the Powder in the Camp set on fire, which did them much harm. The 8. of October there went forth 11. sail, and 12. entered. The 10. day there went forth six ships with the messenger of the Town, who went into Holland. The 11. of October, the enemies with one of their Barks took a ship in the day time which was bend for Flessingue. They made a Salve, every one of the Musketeers three shot, and every one of the Hargubuziers two, at the coming of some noble man into the Campe. The Governor caused the new Haven to be newly repaired, making it more commodious for the ships then before. The sickness which had been great in Ostend began now to cease, the Town being furnished with better Physicians and Surgeons. The Town was every day fortified more & more: About that time there entered 18. Ensigns of soldiers into the Town. The 17. of October, in the night there entered 14. sail into the Town, one was broken at the entry of the Haven, and a man had his head struck off with a Canon. The 19 there went forth 13. sail. The same day there appeared without the Town 13. great Barks and 4. ships which came from Escluse; and it seemed they would cast another float upon the gullet, they of the Town prepared to receive them. The 20. at night they approached with a new float, which they carried back presently. They brought behind Luysbos four ships and some great Barks in the which they had placed some slaves of Escluse. The 21. of October there came in 10. ships at noon day, whereof the enemy took one laden with Bavins, and carried it to the West shore. The 22. in the night there went forth ten ships without any harm. The 23. of October, the enemy brought another float, the which was very great & thick, which they carried almost half nearer than the first, and more towards the East Ravelin. Presently they opened five loop holes, and shot furiously at the bulwark of Pekel, so as they of the Town were presently forced to retire their Canon a little, and at that time they had no other place from whence they might shoot at this float, but the bulwark of Pekel. The twenty six of October, the tide being gone, the enemies thrust a Canon behind their float, from the which they made four or five shot at the East Ravelin, and then when the tide came they presently drew back their Canon with much toil. They of the Town had not yet shot much at it. In the night the batteries of the bulwark of Spain, of Pekel, and of the East Ravelin, were prepared and made ready. One end of the float was undone, they of the Town were in good hope to ruin it in very few days, it was so low as the least wave passed over it. This night there arrived two English Barks laden with Beer and other provision. They of the Town were much troubled to transport their Canon from one bulwark unto another to shoot at the float. The dike upon the Southside was broken again, they were much troubled to repair it, although they spared no money. The 27. of October they might see their enemies labouring at their float with pieces of wood, & beating in of piles behind it. The besieged shot at it with Grenadoes, chains, and stones, meaning to make five canoneers more to plant pieces at. They of Ostend had intelligence from divers places, that the Marquis Spignola with his Engineer Pompee, had some practice in hand to deprive them of the gullet, & to take them by assault, but hitherto all their subtle devices are come to smoke. The 5. of November there entered 11. sail into the Town, and the like number went forth without any harm. The 17. day the enemy brought another float which held from the end of the first float unto the bank of the gullet. The 20. of November, a strong wind coming from the Sea broke this float of the 17. of November, already much shaken by the town Canon, so as there scarce remained any show of it. The 25. day they brought yet an other float, which prevailed no better than the rest, but was broken partly with the wind, & partly with their continual shooting from the Town, so as when the water did rise, their pipes and other vessels parted and went one from another: many beams and other stuff were cast into the Town, so as this invention served them to no purpose. The same day the enemy cast wild fire from Luysbos to the North east Ravelin, there were 9 soldiers and Mariners slain in quenching it, and many hurt, in the end it was quenched without any more harm. The fleet of Zealand showed itself the third time before the Town, having still been put back with a contrary wind; in the end having a fair wind they entered, there were in it some companies of Soldiers Prisons, with munition and victuals. A Turkish slave came and yielded himself into the Town, who said that Spignola had put slaves into his bark, thinking therewith to annoy Ostend much, but hitherto he had done nothing. The same day there entered ●. ships without any loss. The 26. & 27. of November the enemy shot some fiery bullets but with out any effect. The 27. the besieged did cast many Grenadoes the which did much harm in the enemy's approaches. The 28. day the besieged brought a new piece upon the north-east Ravelin. The 30. of November the enemy fired this Ravelin, the which was quenched by the Mariners, to whom was given a tun of Beer. The first of December they fired the same place again, the which was quenched in the night. They of the Town did beat down a corner of Luisbos with the Canon. That night it did freeze hard & was very windy. The 4. day there entered six Fishermen into the Town whereof one was sunk, at night they of the Town received 200. barrels of Powder. The 5. of December two Irish men of the enemy's Camp fled into the Town. The 6. day, three soldiers of the Town went unto the enemy. The same day there blue a strong Northwest wind which carried away a great part of the enemies float. The 7. and 8. of December the enemy shot furiously upon the Town Ravelin, and did great harm to it. The 9 day Captain Simon Krynen Rotbol entered the Town, the same day a Bark was sunk in the new haven, in the which Captain Bebery was: within 4. or 5. days there had entered 12. companies into Ostend. They of the Town took a prisoner, who was so confident and resolute, as he would never discover any thing of the archdukes Camp, neither could they learn any news of him. The 10. of December some ships would have come into the Town, whereof six stuck fast, for that they entered too soon into the hole, (which is the new haven) the rest seeing that, put forth to Sea with great danger, being a Southeast wind: the enemy shot continually at them, and annoyed them much: the Mariners say for their excuse, that they were forced to set sail having both weather & wind contrary: at night the enemy brought another float. The 11. day they of the Town shot furiously upon this float. There were 10. men hurt in Captain Peter Wilkens Bark. The 12. of December, the enemy brought another float. The 13. there entered a ship by day. The 15. there were two Barks lost, but all that were within them were saved, at night there went forth some Mariners. The 16. of December, they parled about the redeeming of prisoners: two came from the South-square to yield themselves into the Town, who said that the enemy would give an assault with a certain bridge. The 17. of December, it was a great tempest with a Northweast wind, the which did much harm on either side. The 18. of December, there entered 41. ships into Ostend, the which were almost all shot through with the Canon, and yet were they all saved, one only was sunk: & another (being laden with victuals) was abandoned by the Pilot, and yet entered into the town. That day the Governor Ghistil arrived at Ostend. The 20. day there was a great tempest with thunder and rain from the south-west. The 22. of December there entered 27. sail into Ostend in the day time, without any loss, one of Amsterdam was the first, falling to her by lot. The 23. day, the Captain of the black galley arrived with a 150. mariners, & the Seignier de la North (which had been governor) went out of the Town. The 24. of December, all prisoners Mariners and Merchants were exchanged one for another, and the truce continued. The 25. of December, being christmas day, the enemies brought another float, the which was not great; they of the town shot continually at it day and night, with 8. Canons and could not break it, being bound very fast unto the first: the enemies laboured there without intermission. They also brought a float upon the West side, and placed it whereas it looked upon the Porke-espike and the false brae, it was far better than the other, for that the Water is not so large in that place as in the gullet, but being nearer unto the Town, it was more easy to fire. The 28. of December, there entered five companies of English into Ostend. The 29. day there went forth 24. ships without any harm: and the same day Captain Kalb of Vtrike was slain. The Copy of a Letter written from Andwerp the 30. of this month, whereby you may learn many notable particularities. HEre we have had great hope of the taking of Ostend, especially when as they thought the gullet might be cut off, and made unprofitable for the enemies, but in the end the Sea hath carried away all the works: notwithstanding there is yet some hope to prevail: Spignola hath undertaken it, and doth daily employ some about the works. He hath casziered and dismissed above 600. men, as well commanders, Captains and sergeant, as commissaries and Treasurers, whereof some had put to account to the King, or to the Country, five stivers for every Bavin, whereas now they have them for half a stiver: he hath also reform the common soldiers. The Country of Flanders doth contribute for the entertainment of the army 12000. flemish Crowns a day, comprehending the munition, forages, and stuff for buildings and services, all to be deducted out of their rates by the other Provinces, for the term of six months to begin the first of November. They mean to make five forts or platforms more before Ostend, at the which they labour already. all things are ready to batter the Town and to give an assault, with great forces, the army (which hath lodged at Kempen) doth now march towards Ostend, the assault shall be given upon the first occasion that is offered. They have promised generally to all soldiers, (the Town being taken) to pay them all arrearages, and to give them four months pay more than is their due, with leave & passport to retire for such as shall demand it. They make many engines at Nieuport, Bruges, Gand, & other places, and amongst the rest canons of wood, a fathom long, with great bands of Iron, the which one man may carry for a need; these they shall charge with nails with two heads or crooked, and every piece shall make but one or two shot at the most, they expect shortly to hear of some great exploits, whatsoever shall befall, they have resolved not to raise the siege nor to abandon the Town. Not long since in a solemn assembly of the Council at War (whereas all the commanders Colonels and chief Captains were present) his Highness (amongst other questions,) demanded how long the Prince of Parma had been before Andwerp, and being answered him, about eighteen months, he said it was not then eighteen years, and when we have been so long before Ostend, we shall take it, yea if we should employ all that is in the King of Spain's power. The speech is, that we shall have 14. thousand Italians and Spaniards in the spring, and to that end they labour continually in the munition houses, to make doublets, breeches, cassackes and such like and you would say that the war doth but now begin: You may see hereby, that they spare no cost, nor fear any danger or discommodity, yea they are without fear of death, hoping to enjoy this spouse in despite of her. The last of December at night, eleven soldiers went forth of the Town to fire some of the enemy's works, but the Bavins would not take, so as they were presently forced to retire with the loss of four of them. 1604. The first of january (according to the custom of war) they saluted one another with Canon and musket shot and many were slain, The 2. of january 8. ships went out of Ostend, whereof one was sunk, the which ran on ground behind Luysbos. The 3. of january there went forth 24. sail together without any loss. The 6. of january there entered three ships. The same day seven Loapers or adventurers brought a Corporal & two Soldiers into the Town; by whom they knew (according to the letter from Andwerp of the 30. of December) that within eight days the Camp had been fortified with 50. ensigns of foot, and seven Cornets of horse, and that they expected the Archeduke; so as it seems they have a design to give a general assault, but they of the town are strong and furnished with all things necessary, to defend themselves, and to hold out besides the succours which are daily and hoverly sent unto them. The 9 of january four ships went out in the day time without any loss. The 10. of january an Italian of the Camp, came and yielded himself into the Town, and said that the enemies had resolved to give an assault to the half Moon that is upon the gullet, the first dark night that should come. And to that effect they had built a bridge, Pompey's Chariot. which they called Pompees Chariot, by the name of Spignolas Ingenieur. It is made in manner of a Chariot with four wheels, every one being 15. foot high and six broad, behind comes the Bridge, supported upon a high cross beam, which is at the end of the Chariot, the moiety of which Bridge that goes before, doth rise and fall as they please, by the means of two Cables that past by two polleys, which are fastened at both ends through a Cross, the Beam whereof as a great Mast, a 150 foot long, the which stands upright before the chariot, the bridge is 60. paces long, and 16. broad, as it is plainly to be seen in the plot of the town of Ostend. As for the effect of this engine, the virtue of the garrison, and the good hap of the States hath turned all into smoke: this fugitive saith also, that the enemy should assail the town in four or five places at once. The tempest and foul weather had almost overthrown the East Ravelin, so as the enemies had now better means to annoy the ships, going in and out of the Town: the besieged looked for stuff daily out of Zealand to repair it. The enemy brought yet another float on the Westside near to Sand hill, right against the old Haven. They of Ostend did writ into Zealand, that all went well in the Town, and that they had no want but of stuff to repair the breaches which the Sea had made. Here ends the Germany discourse, I have recovered many instructions from divers places, containing the most memorable things that have passed since, at the siege of Ostend, as well without as with in, unto this present, the which I have added hereunto, to acquaint the reader as well with the intelligences and letters written from Ostend, as from other places. From the 15. of january to the 19 of February there hath entered at divers times above a 150. sail great and small, with four Canons, two demyes, and ten companies of soldiers. The archdukes men make there approaches at the south-west, betwixt the Polder and the old Haven or platform. They press us most under the west ravelin; and we have 15. companies in guard in the counterscarp. They make battery upon battery, hoping to make a breach: for our parts we double and fortify our counterscarp; we pierce six canoneers upon the Polder, and ten others which flank upon the approaches, with four more in another place. The next night they should plant two small Brass pieces in the half Moon of the Polder, & two others in the Curtin of the West-ravelin, with which pieces they shall play and indomage the enemy's works; their approaches are exceeding near, we do nothing day & night but shoot Grenadoes, fiery bullets, and stones at them; yet they cease not to labour continually, so as you would say they are slaves which are at this work: we do not think but in the day and the night they lose above three hundred men the place where they press us nearest, is the half Moon at the Polder, and the West Ravelin, we cast Grenadoes unto them with our hands hourly. We have prepared a Bark full of wild fire, the which at the first occasion we will thrust against their approaches: The composition of this fire is such, as the more they shall strive to quench it, the more vehemently it will burn. God send it good success. Our double Ravelin shall be soon finished, they do nothing at the new Haven. The enemy approacheth near upon the gullet, and labours there continually, but that will avail them little: we remove our canon from the west part: our half Moon of the Spaniards, is made above like unto a clothiers tainters whereon they stretch their cloth, to withstand the force of Pompees chariot: This chariot hath been once tried, but after they had well observed it, they carried it back to the downs. The 10. of March from Ostend. THe first of this month the wind was very high at West Northwest, with a furious tempest, so as out town hath been wonderfully endamaged. The tide hath been so high as many have been forced to leave their lodgings and houses. The ancient inhabitants say, that there hath not been any so great these forty years. This tempest hath continued unto the fifth of this month; upon the eastside, it hath wholly overthrown our Ravelin with the Curtain, even unto the East gate, as also the East-ravelin which is right before the gate, the enemy shoots there, & doth much harm. The Strod-dicke (that is to say, the Dike made of Straw, which always keeps the water under the soldiers feet) is broken in divers places. The half Moon of the Spaniards upon the gullet is free from harm. A corner of the counterscarpe hath been carried away by the tide. The enemies Lueschosch or Luysbos, hath also been wonderfully ruined, and there is 100 paces fallen down to the ground betwixt the two batteries together with the chief battery at the end of Luysbos towards the Sea shore, in such sort as the least part thereof is standing, and had not that been which they had newly made, Luysbos had been quite carried away with the Soldiers, and whatsoever was upon it. The old town hath had a good share in this wrack, and if the wind had not somewhat abated the third day, all the town had been in danger, but the Almighty God by his mercy did provide for it. A great part of Sandhill was overthrown, but the Pork-espike was not touched. The counterscarp hath been wholly carried away, so as the water cannot be stayed within the town ditches, and when the tide is gone, they go on dry foot. The works of the archdukes men upon the Westside, and their new approaches betwixt the old Haven and the West square, have been wholly ruined, except that which they have newly made under the half Moon of the Polder which stands yet. The 3. day we set fire on their approaches which they abandoned. The 4. they took Becc-af or the folly of the East from us, but we made them presently to forsake it. The 5. day the archdukes men made 150. Canon shot upon Sand-hil, Helmont, Porke-espike, and the West-ravelin. The sixth of March our men forsook Becc-af, which the enemy seeing, he presenlty seized on it, but soon after (fearing that we would blow them up) they forsook it again of themselves. They have also shot vehemently this day from the Polder-square, South-square, and West-square, seeing us to work at our canoneers: we have shot so furiously from the West-gate, as they have been forced to retire their Canon. There have been spent above 300. canon-shot on both sides; to morrow or the next day we shall batter the enemy's approaches which are under the half Moon of the Polder with 19 Canons, and shall fire them. Every night when as the water is low we are continually in arms. The 14. two Swisses of the archdukes Camp came and yielded themselves unto us, and said that they had received no money in seven weeks: that there was great mortality in their quarter, and that the Soldiers had no courage to come to the assault: but we believe them no more than needs must: we are the next night in guard, and the day following. God be thanked we are yet strong enough, and have no need of any thing. From Ostend the 24 of March. THe 15. of this month there went forth 36. sail whereof one was sunk. The 17. there entered 9 sail and 9 pieces of ordinance, as well whole as demi culverins. The 18. there entered 42. sail without any harm or loss. The 21. in the after noon Colonel Ghistel our governor was slain with a musket shot. The same day, two of our Scottishmen went and yielded to the enemy. The 22. The Governor of Ostend slain. they without asked us if our Governor slept still; having opened him, they found the bullet had pierced through his heart, and had stayed in the left ear, his bowels were interred here, and his body embalm and sent to Vtrecht. The 23. day one of the Arche-dukes soldiers came and yielded unto us, saying that without doubt within 3. days the Archduke would give us an assault; and that all the preparatives were ready. The same day M. David de Orleans Ingeneur and chief master of the fortifications within the Town, and the most renowned in Christendom was hurt, he gave order for all things, and then passed into Zealand; but there is good hope of his recovery. The enemies advance their approaches much upon the West and south-west, and are already under the point of the half Moon of the Polder; but that is no great advantage, we are strong in men and want no resolution, and have more provision than we need: God be thanked here is no speech of any sickness; since the great tide there have entered above a 100 sail without any loss, withal kinds of commodities and we expect more daily. The Colonel Lohn hath been chosen Governor in the place of Colonel Ghistel. Letters from the Archdukes Campe. AS for the affairs of the siege of Ostend of our side they do nothing, and these three months they have little advanced: Pompees Chariot hath made a great show, but there is no likelihood that it shall work any greater effect than it hath done hitherto. The Tide of the first of March hath been wonderful terrible, for there hath not been the like seen in the memory of man. It surprised us in the night, at a little platform, and carried away all the Corpse de guard, which were upon the head of the dike, yea the little Baraque of the Count Boucquoys, Baraque signifies a lodging. it overthrew three or four Canons, and forced all the Soldiers of the guard to climb up, unless they would be drowned: it drowned much of our quarter, and carried away a good part of the watermen's: But the hurt it did unto the Town was nothing less: The entry of the haven was all broken; the counterscarp ruined in many places; Bruges Gate quite laid open, the rampere broken in many places in such sort as main thousands of Canon shot could not have done more; for seven or eight days after; they battered the town with twenty five Canons. and it was propounded to give an assault, and concluded so to do, but the order was afterwards changed. They sup now upon the side of Albertus' fort. Catrisse Master of the Camp, and the Bourgingnous on the Polder side, are already alodged at the Counterscarp, they have but eight foot of earth to pierce: Catrisse was shot through the body with a Musket shot; and Mounsiver de Torres hath been called to command in his place where now he is; the said Catrisse died on Sunday at night, his Sergeant Maior called Rowille was slain the night before: and the day before Captain Liestre, brother in law to Catrisse, was sore hurt. I know not what the event will be: Captain L' Enfant sergeant Mayor of the Liegeos was slain a little before: Monsieuer de la Malaise Lieutenant Colonel of the Liegeois is hurt: Mounsieur de Torres escaped fair from a Grenado which fell at his feet. The Italians advanced to the Cangrego, and the Spaniards to the Porke-espike, so as they have taken good footing, and hope for a good end, it were happy it might be soon, for the enemy makes himself strong. Mounsieur de Ghistell Governor of the Town died eight days since of a Musket shot: he whom the Soldiers have chosen in his place, hath had his leg shot off within these four days. Behold the estate of our affairs at this day. The 2. of April 1604. The Estates of the confederate Provinces and the Prince Maurice, seeing that the Archduke Albert continued still his siege before Ostend, The resolution of the Estates and of Prince Maurice. the which he held straightly begirt by land: And although he prevailed not in his designs, which were to reduce it under his obedience, sparing neither men, money, munition nor any thing whatsoever to that effect: Yet the Estates of the confederate Provinces, thought it fit to prepare an army to raise the siege from the said Town, or at the least to annoy the Archduke in some other place, whereby he might be constrained to turn head, and to withdraw some part of his forces, and so to cease the daily alarms which he gave to them of Ostend, who had been besieged three years. To effect this design it was resolved by the said Estates to stay all ships and boats fit for that purpose both of Holland, Zealand and Friesland, to the number of four thousand sail and more, the which they caused to repair to Dordrecht, Goroum, Schoonhouen and other places of Holland: 4000 vessels furnish an army. the Rendeevous being given before the Castle of Ramekins in Wallcheren, the which is one of the Islands of Zealand. They of Horn, Enchusen, and Amsterdam did furnish 500 sail, it was an admirable thing to see the men of war and Mariners, which came to Dordretch: for whose service the ships were rigged & made ready, as well for them, as also to carry a number of pipes full of fresh water, with Wagons and horses, sacks to fill with earth, artillery and other necessary munition, so as it was a goodly thing to behold this equipage. The 21. of April Prince Maurice parted from Dordrecht with 12. or 14. thousand men: amongst the which there were 20. companies of horsemen, and all the above named ships of War, with the rest that were in other places: The which being come to an Anchor before the hole of Middlebourg, and along the shore of Armude, there were found above three thousand and three hundred ships of war, without counting all other charges requisite in an army. At which place his Excellency concluded with the Estates, where they should land in Flanders. The 24. of April the gates of Armude were open from nine of the clock at night until three in the morning, where proclamation was made at the sound of the drum, that all soldiers should embark presently upon pain of death, every one in his own vessel; the which being done, & the tide being good, all the fleet passed towards Flessingue and Ramekins, sailing towards Wulpen, the which is at the mouth of the Haven of Escluse, & having a southeast wind they came betwixt Wulpen and Cadsandt, into the black port or hole, where they landed; the places lying commodiously, but two leagues distant from Flessingue, and one from Escluse. The 26. of April, they came to the I'll of Cadsandt, where they landed without any opposition or let: Such as were in guard at the black Port and other places fled: so as Prince Maurice marched towards the fort of Hossede, and having taken it, he went towards that of Lippinon, causing the Captain (who commanded therein) to be summoned to yield the place, who made answer that he would first see the Canon before he would yield, Prince Maurice sent him word, that if he forced him to make on Canon shot against the place, he would put all within it to the sword, and yet he gave order to bring two canons, the which as soon as the besieged did see they yielded. They of the fort of Estfliet, being likewise summoned to yield, made no answer but with their Canon, to such as presented themselves before it, but towards night, seeing the Canon planted, they yielded, leaving their artillery, munition for war, and victuals in the fort; those which came forth were full six hundred men, so as all the I'll of Cadsandt and the said forts were now in the possession of Prince Maurice: In the mean time the rest of the army was busy to discharge the ships in the said Island. The Archduke (having intelligence of Prince Maurice his descent) sent some troops from his Camp before Ostend, who arrived the 25. and 26. day, and entrenched themselves in a half Moon upon the West side of the Port of Escluse, to stop Prince Maurice his passing. The 27. of April, Prince Maurice sent some of his ships, with some soldiers, (being accompanied with the black Galley) towards the entry of the haven of ●scluse, to pass his men with shaloupes: But the archdukes men being to the number of a thousand horse and three thousand foot (according to the report of some prisoners) which then were encamped at the said entry, and had some artillery planted even with the water, gave them such a welcome as they were forced to retire having lost some Mariners, notwithstanding that his Excellency had two batteries on this side the haven, every one of six pieces of ordinance. The 26. of April Prince Maurice did nothing but assure himself of the I'll of Cadsandt and the archdukes men in their fortifications: his Excellency caused some artillery to be brought even under the Castle of the Port of Escluse, to annoy the Galleys that lay there, but they drew them higher into the Town, and then they shot little on either side. In the mean time they of Ostend being advertised of the descent of Prince Maurice, rejoiced much, hoping to have some rest, as indeed they had for a while; but they omitted not to shoot more courageously against the enemy, with their fiery bullets especially against a great Bulworke the which they called Loucqen Pot, where the fire took, the which the archdukes men seeing, they drew away their artillery, and suffered it to burn and ruin. The last of April, sundry ships went in and out of Ostend by the new Gollet, and yet they shot not at them, notwithstanding that the Mariners were fain to thrust their vessels in and out by main force, a thing which had not been long used in the Country, so as for the present, they of Ostend are in hope that the Town will be hereafter better furnished than it hath been, especially for that they hinder them nothing in their fortifications. Prince Maurice having effected what he desired in the I'll of Cadsandt, being loath to lose any time, he sent to discover the most commodious places to enter into the firm land of Flanders; so as the 30. of April, his Excellency past the stream which comes from Escluse towards Isandicque, and having transported his army without any encounter, he presently took the fort of Coxi, and the Lieutenant with ten others prisoners; such as would defend themselves were slain choosing rather to stand upon their defence. then to save themselves by flight, some prisoners that were taken said, that the enemies were in a great terror, and that they of Escluse did fortify daily, setting their Galley slaves to work, which do serve them to no other use in the Town. The Arch duke notwithstanding is constrained to disperse his forces, The Archduke divides his army into three. according to the resolution of the Estates▪ and is forced to divide them into three that is, one part before Ostend another towards the Prince Maurice & the third against the incursions of the mutineers, the which are 1200. horsemen, accompanied with a thousand six hundred Cavaliers of his Excellencies, and a thousand five hundred Musketeers on horseback set upon Coussins, the which were made this Winter in Holland. His Excellency making his preparation to besiege the fort of Isandicque, changed his resolution, meaning first to force three other forts which are near to that place. The of 1. May, he Camped before Saint Marguerits for't, where there was spent from noon until midnight, with nine Canons, about some hundred shot, the which did so terrify them, that although there were at the least two thousand horse and foot, with the peasants, yet they abandoned the place and fled by night; and so did they in like sort of the forts of Saint Catherine and Saint Philip, although in all the said forts there were three thousand foot & sixteen companies of horse. The 3. of May, his Excellency besieged Isandicque, where he entrenched himself in such sort round about, The siege of Isandicque. as no man could go in nor out, he brought much ordinance unto it, and commanded certain ships of war to present themselves by Sea before it, with some Brigandins and shaloupes to stop their passage forth by Sea: In the mean time the archdukes men which were upon the West side of the Haven of Escluse (thinking now to have a good opportunity to recover the I'll of Cadsandt,) caused many shaloupes to come from Bruges, and with some that were at Escluse, in the which they embarked 2000 men; but those which Prince Maurice had left in guard in the said Island, suffered some thousand to land, whom they charged so furiously as they put them in rout; most of them were Italians and Spaniards, who cried ala barca, alabarca, labouring to recover their shaloupes, but as they priest into them, some of them were overwhelmed, & a great number were drowned, they could not take above 16. or 18. alive, and 8. shaloupes whereof the prisoners were presented to his Excellency. In the end Prince Maurice having entered into the main land, Prince Maurice before Escluse. he set down before Escluse, sending his horsemen to scour the Country almost as far as Gaunt & Courtray, who returned with great spoil, so as they of Flanders are more oppressed than they were ever, all the burden of the war being fallen upon them. His Excellency hath given leave to many ships to retire themselves, & there comes daily new troops to the army from divers nations. The Archduke is come to Gaunt to dispose of his affairs, and hath placed a great Garrison in the Town: They of Bergues upzoone write, that the mutineers have surprised the Town of Wavere above Bruxelles, and make their courses into Haynault, spoiling the Country where they pass, and have burnt the Suburbs of vilnorde for that they would not pay the contribution which they demanded, the which doth greatly terrify the peasants, so as the Town of Gaunt and Bruges are full of Country men, who are fled thither with their wives children and cattle. Saturday the eight of May, three soldiers came out of the fort of Isandicque, and yielded to his Excellency; they said, that the besieged had need of all things and especially of fresh water, and that if the Canon once played, they would not make any great resistance. The ninth of May, Prince Maurice sent to summon them by one of his trumpets, Isandicque summoned by a trumpet was slain. whom they slew with a Musket shot; Prince Maurice offended at this outrageous act, sent a drum to demand him that had committed it, threatening, that if they failed therein, not to receive any one of them to mercy; They sent forth two Captains to make their excuse, saying that they knew not who it was had made that shot, finally, they delivered an Italian unto him, Compotion of the fort of Isandieque. & then it was yielded upon these conditions. First that the besieged should depart the fort with their arms, their matches out, and their drums not sounding. That they should leave the Canon and munition of war. That for four months they should not carry any arms in Flanders against his Excellency. That they should furnish them with ships to carry away their sick men and hurt with their baggage to the Haven of Sas, which ships they should be bound to send back, & for assurance thereof until they were returned, they should leave two Captains in hostage. According to which accord, they departed the 10. of May at five of the clock in the afternoon, being in all, about 600. men, Italians and Walloons. The eleventh of May P. Maurice went with 1000 foot and seven companies of horse before a ruined town called Aerdenburg, Aerdeburg a ruined Town. betwixt Gaunt and Escluse, the which is another passage, bordering upon that country which the Sea hath gained, in the which there was a regiment of Germans, with some troops of Horse, which had entrenched themselves to stop the passage, but they were as faint hearted as the rest, and fled out at the back side into the Marshes, leaving withal a Castle reasonably strong, into the which there was a garrison put of 2000 men, which holds Escluse besieged on that side, so P. Maurice entered the second time into Flanders, finding many enemies, but small resistance. The 16. of May, the whole army (that only excepted which was left for the guard of the I'll of Cassandt) being parted from Isandique passed at Aerdenburg, taking the way of Dam, Damn a Town in Flanders. the which is upon the river that goes from Bruges to Escluse: upon the way half a league from Dam, there is a water (which cannot be easily waded through, by reason of the mud) the which hath a little Bridge and a Sluice, unto the which the tide flows: here the archdukes men had entrenched themselves, to the number of 4000 horse and foot, upon so strait a passage, as but two horsemen could march in front: the fort was reasonably strong, and sufficient to stay Prince Maurice his army: yet after some resistance they abandoned the place, and retired by Dam on the other side of the river; they left upon the place 300. men slain & hurt, and among the rest there were two Captains slain, and three prisoners, two Italians and one Spaniard, and a Sergeant Maior sore hurt, there were more taken prisoners then slain. The same Soldiers being retired (as hath been said) by Dam on the other side of the river, made a show as if they would once again attend the Prince, and to that end they lodged themselves in a place of more advantage than that which they had abandoned; they had a great channel by the which the sea did flow unto Bruges, and with all the river & dikes which covered them. The 18. of May part of the army having been all night in battle the Lord of Chastillon having the point with a part of his regiment, thinking to charge them, he found they had left the place. The same day at night the army camped before Escluse. The 23. day S. George's fort which is upon the bank of Escluse yielded. The 30. day the archdukes men to the number of 4000 foot, & 2000 horse, thinking to put some men, munition & victuals into Escluse, were charged by P. Maurice & put to rout, & their victual & munition taken: there were few slain, & the number is uncertain, for that the country is covered & full of Marshes The galleys being unprofitable for them of Escluse, they drew forth the slaves, and sent them out with some soldiers, who being encountered by P. Maurice his troops, were dispersed, about 100 of these slaves being chained 2. & 2. together saved themselves in his Excellency's camp, where they had good entertainment, and some of them came into France. The 5. of june on Whitsoneve, Assault at Ostend the 5. of june. there was a general assault given in three sundry places, the most obstinate that might be: they renewed it thrice, and it continued eight hours, the enemies had made certain Mines, which annoyed them more than the townsmen, having blown them up too soon; there were 800. men slain, and 500 hurt of their part, and among the rest, the Seignieur of Bossempierre. Bossempierre slain. There were about 100 slain in the town, and some hurt. The 17. of june the enemies gave an other assault the which lasted from two of the clock in the afternoon until eight at night, An assault the 17. of june. when as the enemy did win some of the Ravelins of the Polder, at the which they lost but 150. men: and they of the town some hundred: amongst others there were four Captains slain: And although the Town Soldiers behaved themselves very well, yet the enemies lodged upon the Polder rampires very near the town, where they did strongly entrench themselves. There entered at the same time into the town 17. companies of Soldiers, with munition and victuals by the gullet. The Arch duke seeing that a part of his forces were drawn away to suppress the insolent courses of the The Archduke compounds with the mutineers. mutineers (to the end that he might fortify himself the more against Prince Maurice, who lay before Escluse) he sought a means to make an agreement with them, the which he effected, conditionally that he should (as he had promised) pay them whatsoever was due: that he should remit and discharge them of all such money as they had levied: that he should forgive whatsoever was passed: disannul the proscription which he had made against them; and give them Ruremonde for their assurance; giving to every footman 10. stivers a day, and to every horsemen 25. until they had received their full pay. The said mutineers yielded unto his Highness the castles of Hochstraten and Carpen, and to P. Maurice the Town of Grave, with the 1600. Cavaliers, and 1500. Musketeers which had joined with them, and the said mutineers were not bound to serve his Highness until they had received their full payment. The Reader shall be advertised that the Archduke doth press the town of Ostend very hardly, Conclusion & end of the book. for that Prince Maurice is camped before Escluse, so as they daily make new attempts to take Ostend: and they within the Town do all they can to defend it, having made new retrenchments to that end, whereby we may conjecture they cannot be yet forced, yet either of them do what they can to take or to defend the place: which is the occasion why we end this book, for that every three days they give new assaults, the which would be but a repetition of the like things we have before set down; and therefore the courteous Reader shall content himself with this, until there shall fall out some other memorable thing, the which in time we will offer his sight. A continuance of the sieges of Ostend and Escluse, with a portrait of the new retrenchments at Ostend. WE have heretofore said that Prince Maurice had taken the Isle of Cadsandt, and set footing into the main land of Flanders, to encamp himself before Escluse, and to besiege it. Before we proceed any further, we will represent unto you the situation of the town. Esclufe is a Sea town lying in the country of Flanders, which they call Flamigante, three leagues from Bruges and five from Middlebourg, in Zealand: In former times it hath been a good and a rich town, but through the quarrels and wars it hath had with the Brugeois, it hath been made subject unto them, and much impoverished and diminished. It hath a goodly spacious Haven, capable of 500 ships; the town is exceeding strong both by Art and Nature, environed of all sides with the Sea, Marshes and drowned land so as in a manner it is inaccessible. In the beginning of the wars it held for the confederate Provinces. The Prince of Parma besieged it in the year 1587. and did batter it with thirty Canons and eight Culverins, making a breach of two hundred and fifty paces, where his men gave seven assaults, and were valiantly repulsed by them within the town, who fought for their lives and liberties: In the end succours coming within view of the town, and being hindered by the valour of the Prince of Parma, either to enter, or to do any other exploit importing for their relief, the besieged after three months siege, yielded up the town the 4. of August, upon honourable conditions. Since which time Escluse hath continued under the Spanish government, who have so afflicted them with subsidies, garrisons, and such like vexations, as the greatest part of the Inhabitants have abandoned it. The King of Spain (by the advise of Spignola) made choice of this place for the retreat of his galleys, whereof we have spoken before, and even when as his Excellency came to encamp before it, there were some the which being made unprofitable by his Excellency's forces, they of the town drew forth the slaves, and sent them away as unprofitable mouths, to spare their victuals which are very scant. These are they we have seen in France some months since, who saved themselves, when as their leaders were put to flight by his Excellency's men. His Excellency's quarter is upon the northside of the town, whereas there are many Blockhouses and trenches, aswell against the town as without, to hinder the succours. The second quarter is Count Williams, fortified almost like unto his Excellencies. Count Ernest quarter is some distance from the rest, upon the West of the Town, fortified with Black-houses, having a bridge upon Kreck to go to Sterdenburg upon the south-west. In the drowned land there are fourteen ships and some Barks with Blockhouses, whereas the Signior de la Noot commands. His Excellency hath caused some batteries to be made, but they have not yet done any thing. He hopes to have the town by famine, the besieged having great want of victuals, and especially of fresh water. His Excellency makes the Inhabitants of Flanders to contribute even unto the Gates of Gaunt, for the entertainment of his Army. The Archduke in the beginning of july went to vist the Infanta, and to assure the inhabitants. As for the siege of Ostend, Ostend. the archdukes army consists of eight or nine thousand foot, and fifteen hundred horse, & every day there entereth two thousand men in guard into the trenches▪ the Sea having ruined the fortifications of the town, and especially their counterscarp, by the breach whereof the water hath run out of the ditch, so as the archdukes men took it, & have gotten to the foot of the town rampere. The Bourguignons are lodged on the right hand, the Spaniards on the left, and the Italians in the midst. The second of june the enemy blew up a mine at Polder bulwark, A mine at Polder bulwark. the which did little harm to them of the Town, but buried many of their own men being falty without: the which did cool the heat of the archdukes men being ready to go to the assault. At the same time being come to handy blows, they of the Town played with their Canon and Muskets upon them, where there were about fifteen hundred slain and hurt, and of the Town forty. The 16. day, the besieged made a sally, A sally in the which they slew five or six of them which laboured in the mines, and took four or five prisoners, amongst the which there was one of the chief Masters, and undertakers, who said that the enemy did mine under the the West-gate: Spignola sick. and that Spignola was extreme sick, whom they held for dead. The besieged seeing themselves thus priest, Retrenchments of the besieged. had long before begun two retrenchments at the Rampere, (the foot whereof the enemy was lodged) a hundred and fifty paces one from another; their ditches are forty foot broad the which they fill with water by the sluices they have within the Town, and which cannot be taken from them; betwixt these two retrenchments there is a half Moon. The first was made defensive about mid june, and some pieces of Canon planted thereon as also upon other platforms to play upon the archdukes great battery; the portrait is set down in the beginning of this discourse. The 15. day the besieged were in arms all the morning, thinking that the archdukes men had prepared to come unto an assault, but it was a general revew which they made. The 16. day the enemy blew up a mine near unto the West gate, the which wrought small effect, the besieged laboured to repair the breach which it had made, and did countermine continually. An Italian soldier came and yielded himself into the Town, who said that there was another mine near unto it, which the enemy would blow up the next day, & give an assault, the which they did, but they were repulsed with great loss of their men. There were divers other mines and assaults, like in a manner to the former, in one of them Captain Hamilton a Scottishman was slain; Berendrecht Governor of Ostend was also slain about the same time. Colonel utenhoven who was sent to succeed him, had a Musket shot through the neck, Captain Marquet doth now command there, being sent by his Excellency. They of the town had beseeched him to give them a Governor of the same country, some man of valour & authority. The besieged have no want of any commodities, being refreshed daily with all things necessary from Zealand: The Inhabitants of the Town are so assured, as many of them have caused their wives to return, being retired for the amazement of the mines. The trenchments being finished, The besieged forsake the old rampere. the besieged resolved to bandon the old rampere to spare their men. It is a strange thing & worthy of memory that they have so long time disputed for a rampere of thirty foot thick, so much battered, mined, countermined and sapped. The Spaniards presently seized upon the old rampere. The 15. of july Colonel Marquet Governor of the Town, A sally caused a sally to be made about eight or nine of the clock at night, to cloy the enemy's Canon, of whom there were many slain but seeing the whole army coming upon them, they retired. The siege being planted before Escluse, they of ostend, thinking it would be a cause to make the Archduke to press them more straightly, to divert his Excellency by this means from his entriprise, laboured continually in their new retrenchments, making one behind an other, as you may see in the portrait, seeking out all inventions possibly to that end, and to make the same firm, and to keep it from falling, they have thought it good, besides the Bavins to mingle hay therewith and to fill sacks Spignola, being recovered of his sickness, prepared to batter the retrenchments upon the end of july. The besieged are encouraged by the nearness of his Excellency's army, thinking that they fight in view thereof, to the end that resisting the enemy still, Prince Maurice might the better effect his design upon Escluse, which is to force them to yield by famine. A discourse of that which happened at Ostend since the 17. of june unto the end of the siege. AFter the death of Mounsieur de Ghistelles governor of Ostend his successor Colonel Adrian van Lhoon was likewise shot, than the command of the town remained in three of the chief Captains, whereof the one called Captain Beerendreght was slain, & Mounsieur Vtenhove (another of them) being hurt retired into Zealand: about the last of june Mounsieur Marquet (a gentleman of good sufficiency) was sent for governor: the Marquis Spignola having now the absolute charge of the whole camp before Ostend, Spignola general of the Camp before Ostend. being a man of great resolution, diligent, affable & liberal: rich of himself, having furnished the king of Spain with great sums of money for the maintenance of this siege: after that he had (about the 17. of june) taken Helmont, with the west & south-west bulwarks, Sandhill standing then in great danger; the besieged (having before hand made new bulwarks with other fortifications opposite unto than,) did now begin with all speed to make new retrenchments, in divers parts of the Town, so as one part being lost, they might have another retreat, & their last refuge was by the havens mouth, where they had made a blockhouse or reduite environed with the Sea, in this work they used the advice and skill of an English Ingeneur called Ralse Dexter an old servitor in those Coutries. In the mean time the besiegers continued the approaches & works towards the Sandhill & new works, by mines & battery from their platforms, giving divers assaults with advantage, so as the Archduke was in great hope to take Ostend before that Prince Maurice should be well entrenched before Sluice, being now lodged in the town ditch, which was a hard sandy ground, subject to sap and mine, and this was the general opinion of all his council at war. Prince Maurice General of the army of the united Provinces, P. Maurice entrenched before Sluice. had time enough to entrench himself strongly before Sluice, yet not so suddenly, but that there entered about 1500. men with some small supply of victuals, at two several times through the marshes. Notwithstanding soon after the town was so entrenched about, & all the marish grounds joined together with bridges in such sort, and in some waters, ships and armed Barks brought in all so strongly fortified, & of so great a compass, as the works were wonderful for so short a time. Prince Maurice having finished and furnished his outward fortifications with three skonses, he began to make his entrenchments & battery against the town, causing a marvelous long Bridge to be made to give an assault over the haven; but having intelligence by some that fled out of the Town, that their victuals within grew scant, having above 3000. soldiers 1500. galleyslaves, besides the Citizens to feed, he resolved to famish them, being assured that Ostend would hold out. Moreover he knew that a secret way by the which the Governor Serrano did think to draw in victuals by night, was cut off by a fort which his Mariners had made, and the ways under water made deeper. They of Escluse being in great extremity, made fires nightly upon their steeple, craving succours; Sluice in extremity. 1604. so as the Arck-duke (seeing Ostend to hold out) began to find his own fault, in that he had not resisted the entire of P. Maurice with all his forces: he therefore resolved to succour Sluice, and yet to keep Ostend still besieged, giving order to advance the approaches towards the new retrenchments, the which the Marquis Spignola was very loath to do; It is said that he had written into Spain, that he was marching to the relief of Sluice, with small power & little hope, and not without danger of the winning of Ostend, but he was forced thereunto to satisfy the archdukes humour and obstinacy. The Archduke gathered together all the power he could, and by great promises drew the mutined Soldiers to do him service in this action, who came unto him with a gallant troup of horse and foot; he gathered together also a number of Wagons, and so framed an army under the command of the said Marquis Spignola, not without great envy of the Spaniards & others, leaving the siege of Ostend well furnished with directions & necessaties. About the end of july the Marquis Spignola marched with 5000. men towards Sluice, Spignola marcheth to relieve Sluice. he took an old town called Middlebourg, and so sought round about to force through the Prince's camp, but all in vain: at length when he had tried all quarters with loss on every side, he resolved the 17. of August to put his enterprise in execution on the side of Coxie which is beyond the I'll of Cassandt, having some intelligence that that quarter was but weakly guarded. Prince Maurice being advertised that the Marquis Spignola had resolved to make some great attempt upon the side of Coxie by Cassandt, holding that quarter the easiest to force, and fittest for his approach to Sluice, if he might lodge there: seeing that he was retired the 16. day at night from before his trenches where he had camped, he imagined that he was gone to put his enterprise in execution: he went therefore at night to dispose of all things, if the enemies should present themselves, which was to lodge few men in the two first forts, which he had opinion they would assail, commanding the Captains who had the charge thereof, to make some resistance if the enemies came upon them, and to retire into their trenches as men surprised and amazed, drawing them in as near as they could to his artillery, which discovered all; he had also lodged 2000 Musketeers near unto them, the Lord of Chastisllon, with six companies of French, and Colonel Veer with six of English, commanding that the artillery should not play until the enemies were come to handy blows with them, to the end they might draw on the other troops that came to second them into the trenches, he lodged his horsemen in such sort as they might set upon the enemy behind during the fight, and so disorder them, or to charge the bands of Spaniards, Italians, or Walloons, in their retreat as they pleased. The mutinadoes to the number of 2000 had the point, who giving a furious charge before day, forced the first defences, and entered the trench, where they made some resistance in retiring: those which commanded at the Artillery, seeing them so near, with great advantage, took the opportunity to discharge their Canon, without attending those that were to second them, so as his Excellency's horse could not come in time to charge them. Spignola repulsed at Sluice. The 2000 men which first entered, seeing themselves ill entreated by the Canon and Musket shot, and part of them slain and hurt, they retired in the dark to their other troops which fled. There were many men lost in this charge. It was written to his Majesty that there were fourescoare men of command slain, amongst others the Marquis of Ranty, borne of the houses of Lalain and Croy; Alfonso Borgia, who commanded the Spanish footmen; Maintenon a Frenchman, the rest were masters of the Camp, Captains, and some voluntary Gentlemen. The next day they of Sluice seeing Spignolas repulse, and the army retired, being no longer able to subsist for the great want of victuals which did consume them, they sent forth two Captains to his Excellency to treat of a Capitulation: whereunto his Excellency answered, that there needed but three words, without any further discourse. The first; that if they would depart that day, they should go with their Colours flying, Drums sounding, their matches light, Bullet in the mouth, with their arms and baggage, like men of honour and good Soldiers. If they stayed until the next day, they should then depatt with white wands. But if they temporised until the third day, he would not suffer them to carry away any thing but Halters about their necks, knowing they did it through malice, being priest by extreme necessity, being not bound thereunto in honour, seeing they had no hope of succours, but would glory in showing themselves obstinate. The two Captains being returned into the Town, made report of the conditions propounded by Prince Maurice, Sluice surrendered the 10. of August. but they could not resolve to depart that day, but the next day they changed their opinions, and departed with honourable conditions, being about four thousand and two hundred men, almost hunger-starved, for all their bread and victuals were spent: many of the Galley slaves had not touched any bread in 10. or 12. days, & did feed upon grass, green leaves, leather, old shoes tenderly sodden, parchment and such like. The conquest of this strong situated town, very fit for many attempts, with 70. pieces or more of great ordinance, and 10. or 11. Galleys with their furniture, encouraged the united Provinces to think upon some course for the relief of Ostend, for the effecting whereof they made a general assembly of the states at Sluice in the end of August. Spignola being returned with his forces to the siege of Ostend, the Archduke placed strong Garrisons in Blankenbourg, Dam, & Bruges, fortifying all places that might stop Prince Maurice his passage to Ostend. In the mean time they of ostend had divers and sundry advantages against the enemy by sallies and countermines. The 10. of August they made a sally, chased the besiegers from the old bulwark, seized of their ordinance & cloyed it, but in their retreat (some having ventured too far) 2. or 3. of their captains & officers were slain. Spignola being returned, Spignola returned to Ostend. he priest them more than before, and finding the Spaniards to fly from all services, for the envy they did bear to him & to the Italians, he resolved to employ the Germans in their steed, and to draw them unto it by his bounty: having therefore made his approaches to Sand-hil by mines and other devices, he resolved to give an assault with the German regiments of the Earls of Foglia & Barlamont, being for the most part all old soldiers and of great resolution, who after much resistance took Sandhill, Sandhil taken by the enemy. and slew all them that had not retired in time, the which was a great furtherance to obtain their intent: for this their good service Spignola bestowed of them out of his own bounty some forty thousand gilders to drink, with great thanks and commendation. In the mean time the assembly of the general Estates of the united Provinces of Nether-land, Reasons upon the continuance of the siege of Ostend. being at Sluice to resolve what was best for them to do for the relief of Ostend, propounded that this long, bloody, and chargeable defence of Ostend, was to have an entry into the main land of Flanders. thereby to force them to their contributions and to keep the war there, that seeing they had now taken the strong town of Sluice the Island of Cassandt, with many forts and sconces, besides the strong fort of Isandike and the ruinated walled Town of Ardenburg, (which they resolved to fortify and to build a new) all which contained a great piece of ground in the main of Flanders, whereby they had good means to draw all the wars into Flanders into the enemy's Country, and so force the Country to contribute, 70. 80. or 90. thousand gilders monthly, all which being now obtained, they thought it needless to be at any further charge. Moreover besides the small likelihood there was to defend it: there was no hope to take all the forts and sconces round about it, without the which the town would be to them of no moment. And for the great benefit of the haven to the enemy, they thought, what with their shipping by sea, and their strength of horsemen by land in Flanders, & their daily courses to encumber and stop the rivers and passages within the Country, withal they would not despair, that when the forts round about should be either broken or neglected, to recover the Town again, keeping the dominion of the Sea, which advantage they pretend above their enemies, and that when as the place should be repaired by their enemies against the violence of the Sea, the which now against winter required a great charge of 30. or 40. thousand crowns. These & such like considerations being propounded, the estates resolved to leave the defence with the best and most profitable conditions they could: They resolve to yield it up. unless Prince Maurice with his main force would attempt to raise the siege, or else make a show for the obtaining of more reasonable conditions; but the fortification of Sluice and of their other conquests being very necessary, to take all means from the Archduke to besiege Sluice again; did hinder the same, saving a little show made to no effect. Wherefore the Sandhill being taken by force in September by the Germans, as we have said, and the Marquis Spignola making his approaches & mines in the old Town about the old Church, by which it was greatly feared that with any great tides or Western Winds, the Sea might make some great breach, & be a hindrance to any good composition, Mounsieur de Marquet the governor with his Council of war in Ostend, knowing the will and pleasure of the Estates of the united Provinces of Nether land their masters, Ostend surrendered the 12. of September 1604. having shipped all the principal ordinance and munition, leaving some for a show, entered into treaty with the Marquis Spignola the 8. of September, concluded the 10. day: and they departed the 12. day, after three years and ten weeks siege, and that a continued siege without intermission, with fight & shooting of great ordinance day and night both from within and without, the like hath not been seen in any man's remembrance, nor read in any Histories. The number of shot spent of both sides may hereafter come forth in so me relations and likewise of the dead in three years space. It is written that there was found in a commissaries pocket who was slain before Ostend the seventh of August divers writings and remarkable notes, and amongst the rest a note of the number of the archdukes Camp that died without of every degree. As followeth. Masters of the Campe. 7. Colonels. 15. Sergeant majors. 29. Captains. 565. Ancients. 322. Lieutenants. 1116. Sargents. 4911. Corporals. 9166. Lansepesadoes. 600. Soldiers. 54663. Mariners. 611. Women & children. 119. All amount to 72124. persons Which number is not so great, considering the time of three years, sicknesses, and the cold Winters upon the Sea coast in so cold a Climate, fight against the Elements the which in former times hath not been used. There is nothing yet come to light of the number that died within, but it is thought the number is far less, both for that they were not so many in the Town, and had more ease, and were better victualled. The conditions of the composition were honourable. The Articles. To go forth by land as many as would, with their Colours flying, Drums sounding, their Matches light, and Bullets in their mouths, with four pieces of Ordinance, and Bullets & Powder for ten shot: and two hundred Wagons to carry away their stuff, besides all the Ships within the Town that were laden, and the rest to be laden with their baggage, and household stuff, their wives and children, leaving the rest of the ammunition behind, the chief whereof was shipped before, they left about eight pieces some not mounted, others cracked & broken with two or three mortars, and some 80. bartels of Powder, the rest was shipped away or made unfit to use. And so there went forth about four thousand tall Soldiers by the Strand towards Blankenbourg, having been feasted and banqueted by their enemies, both within the town and without in Spignolas Tents, and had a convoy to conduct them, & their ships departed in like sort; they lodged that night at Blankenbourg and the next day they came to Prince Maurice his camp before Sluice, where all the Colonels, Captains and chief men were kindly entertained and welcomed by his excellency, and the Bailiff of Ostend was made Bailiff of Sluice. There remained no Inhabitants in Ostend, only one old man, and a woman or two, but all retired, leaving it as heaps of earth and sand. The Archduke came thither with the Infanta to see the place, and from thence they went in pilgrimage to our Lady by Dunkirk, to whom they did ascribe the victory. All the country people there about were commanded to bring in stuff of wood and Bavins, to repair the Town against the Sea. The archdukes Camp is dissolved, and the soldiers are dispersed into the cities & towns of Flanders, which were forced to receive them for garrisons, to withstand the incursions of the garrisons of Sluice and Ardenbourg, the which his excellency had fortified with many Bulwarks, leaving there this winter some 7. or 8000. foot, and 2000 horse in garrison, having built stables for their horses in Ardenbourg and Isendicke. monsieur Ʋander Noot being made Governor of Sluice under Cont Hendrik Fredricke of Nassaw, brother to Prince Maurice. FINIS. An Explanation of the figure of the retrenchments of Ostend. 51, A Half Moon before Helmont in the which they of the town kept guard a long time. 52. Helmont cut off from the Town marked 42. in the whole card of the Town represented in the History. 53. A bulwark on the West, where a mine played the 16. of june, and the next day an assault was given in the whole map. 39 54. The Gallery or Corredor from Polder bulwark to the Counterscarp. 55. Here a mine was blown up the second of june, and an assault was given. 56. Here they of the Town had a half Moon and kept guard. where they made a mine. 57 The bulwark of the south-west. 35. 58. The castal, or stable of Kine, the South bulwark. 59 A half Moon within the Counterscarp where they of the Town kept guard. 60. A half Moon taken by the besieged, cut off and separated from the town. 61. A Ravelin. 62. The West Ravelin 63. The Porke-espike, a part whereof the enemy blew up one seized on the rest 41. 64. A Blockhouse before the North gate. 65. A Bridge, 66. A Ravelin. 67. New Helmont. 68 The new bulwark of the West. 69. Sure guards or urigandes. 70. A Platform upon the market place, whereon they have made three batteries marked with the numbers of 71. 72. 73. Afterwards it was changed to the new West bulwark, number 69. the which is of eight pieces, to play upon the enemy's Catteyes, and is changed as occasion serves, as you may see in the portrait.