A True and Exact Relation of the most remarkable passages which have happened in the I'll of REE, commonly called Saint MARTIN'S Island, since the 6. of August last passed to the 24. of the same.  
Wherein is also declared, in what state our Army (under the Command of the Duke of BUCKINGHAM his Grace) is in.  
As also how it fareth with them of the Fort, with the great hopes of the sudden surrender thereof, being driven to great want both of victuals and water.  
Together with The description of the several works, both offensive and defensive about the Fort. The names of diverse Persons of quality both slain and hurt on the French side. The present state of Rochel, and the bordering places about it. The willingness of those of the Religion to adhere to the D. of Buckingham, with the preparation of the French King to oppose them.  
Written in French by a French Gentleman of special account in the I'll of Ree, to a person of note here in England.  
Faithfully translated out of the French.  
LONDON Printed for Nathaniel Butter dwelling near S. Austin's Gate, 1627.   

A True and Exact Relation of the most remarkable passages, which have happened in the J'll of REE, commonly called Saint MARTIN'S Jland, since the 6. of August last passed to the 24. of the same.  
SIR,  
I doubt not but that you are informed of all that which hath passed in this Island of S. Martin, until this present time, by reason of the good acquaintance which you have at Court: Nevertheless, I cannot leave in regard of your love which you have expressed to me, to make you participant of all what is both here and in France passed of late.  
They of Rochel having as it was differred as long possible unto them to declare themselves, intending to get great store of Corn into their City, which they had about it, nevertheless they find themselves now forced to do it, by reason of the cruel and hard usage of their enemies, which have not suffered them to get one half of it into it, and are now come so close to it, that hardly shall any man get any more into it by Land, for the Duke of Angoleine inquartered himself on Saturday last at Estre, with three thousand foot, and a great number of horse, which are dispersed, besides many other foot throughout the Province of Rochel, which make there much spoil. The common Counsel of the said City being thereupon assembled, they resolved to send presently for aid to all their neighbours & friends and at the same time they sent some of their Commissioners to this Island to crave my Lord Duke and Monsieur Soubise to assist them speedily with five hundred Frenchmen which we had here, to aid them to raise up again the Fort of Tasdon, of which their enemies would make themselves Masters: and they were yesterday promised, and sent unto them under the command of Monsieur de Loudriere. But there were some that before their departure would show their valour by an Action, which Monsieur Sabignae Valouso did undertake, and executed their enterprise on the last Sunday about the evening, with five and twenty men. They of the Citadel being brought to great extremities, and compassed round abound with trenches, which hinder them to get any refreshments, did keep with great care a pit in a half Moon, which furnished them every day with six or seven pipes of good water. The said Monsieur de Savignac went about eleven of the clock in the night time to assault the said half Moon, and at the same time went three or four soldiers of great resolution to throw some great bottles with Trane oil into the said pit, which they did, so that according to the relation of a soldier of the Citadel, who surrendered himself yesterday, the said bottles being broken in pieces at the throwing in, the said oil hath infected and spoiled it, that hardly the water of it will be good at any time to be used.  
If the said Monsieur de Savignac had not been hurt. I believe that they should have taken the said half Moon, for he was hurt by a bullet of a pistol in his Groin, of which I hope that he shall shortly be cured, and besides himself there were two of his wounded, but he and his slew eight or ten of the Enemies, and a battalion of English which seconded our Frenchmen, lost eight soldiers, and had betwixt twenty and thirty hurt, amongst which the Lieutenant of the Colonel Boroughs was one. In the same night did the Shalops of our Army which wait every night abroad, that none may go in or out of the said Citadel, did take a Bark of ten tons, which came to bring into it Bread, Wine, Meal, Pease, and Pork, besides another Shalop, in which were seven or eight men of note, and as many sailors, which were carried by a wicked man of this Island who is a Papist, both the Shalop and the men were drowned, except three, which were more happy than the other, having been thrown into the Sea, and hurt in their heads with many musket shot. They being brought to the Land, I went at the dawning of the day on the border of the Sea, to see our Soldiers embarked, I did there a good turn to the said Gentlemen, for I drew them out of the hands of the Soldiers, to make them to get lodging, and to be cured by the Surgeons. Besides the Conductors called Morrisiers and the Mariners, there were drowned these Gentlemen, Monsieur Artaignan, Cornet of the Company of the King's horse which carry little muskets, who was much beloved of his Majesty. Monsieur de la Tournelle, who was a Gentleman of the Duke of Bellegard. Monsieur du Clos, Lieutenant of Monsieur de Contamines, which was slain at his landing, with two or three of his servants. The names of them which are escaped are these which follow here: Monsieur de jony Son of the Governor of Breast, Monsieur de Saint Michael Ensign Colonel of the Regiment of Champagne, and Monsieur de Grandry Gentleman of the Duke of Bellegard, which came hither to get honour, and as we understood had promises of some places which might first fall void. My Lord Duke and Monsieur Soubise visited the said Gentlemen on the same day they were landed.  
For to keep a good order I ought to have begun with the murder, which hath been intended against the person of my Lord Duke of Buckingham, which matter happened as followeth.  
A young man of Blois being in the said Citadel during the space of two months, he being a resolute and courageous fellow, & hearing many of the Propositions which were made amongst the French, he offered to fire one of the Ships of his Majesty of Great Britain, if they would furnish him with a Shalop and other necessaries for that purpose, yea he offered to fire the Ship in which my Lord came, and did still lie in the night time as our enemies conceived.  
A certain Captain whose name is Castellan, perceiving this said young man to be so courageous and resolute, thinking him fit to perform a wicked deed, he propounded unto him, that if he would go and murder my Lord Duke of Buckingham, that he could easily do it by Land, and get a great reward, and an in comparable glory.  
This fellow accepted to do it, upon condition that Monsieur Thorax (the Governor of the Citadel) would condescend to it; the said Captain assuring him of the consent of Monsieur Thorax, the said Soldier goeth in the night time out of the Citadel on the sixth ot August, carrying with him a very short Dagger, but broad and of a good edge. But he being perceived and taken by our Horse, he told unto them that he came with an intention to serve on our side, which being not believed by them, seeing that he was of the Romish Religion, he was carried to Monsieur Soubese, and he suspecting him, sent him as a Prisoner to the Provost: Being there Examined, he persisted constantly in his first Tale: but at last when he was threatened to be Tortured, unless he would confess the truth, he begun to change his colour in his face, and grew very pale, and prayed that he might be carried to my Lord of Buckingham, to make his Grace acquainted with matters of great importance: He being come to his Grace, he told him that which is here above reported, with diverse other circumstances which I conceal here for some good reasons, and he was caused to set his hand to his deposition. My Lo. Duke sent word the next day to Monsieur Thorax in the Citadel, and gave him to understand, that if he would send unto him three or four of them of his Garrison, in which he put most trust, that they should come safely, and that he would make them to see something, which he desired they should communicate afterwards unto him: The Governor sent thereupon presently six of h●s most trusted friends, and amongst the rest the Baron of S. Surie: But the above mentioned matter being showed unto them, they denied it flatly, and the Prisoner maintained it against them, and thereupon returning to the Citadel, some that mistrusted the matter, murmured against the Governor, and others which thought well of him, defended his credit and honour.  
They having made this report unto the Governor, he protested that he was innocent in the said matter, and sent again after dinner to our Camp, both his own Brother and Baron of Surin, besides the Captain Castellan, which laboured there both with fair speeches and great oaths to take away this ill opinion and conceit of the Governor, as they termed it. But the Prisoner persisted still in his former saying, and maintained his deposition as before.  
They requiring thereupon that he should be put to the torture, ours laughed at it, saying, that it is but given to them which deny a crime, and not to such as confess it.  
They entreated thereupon that we would put him to death, with a protestation, that in case he did not recall his saying before his death, that they all there would in such case suffer themselves to be hanged after him, & that if it were required, they would yet cause ten other to come, that should stand to the like condition.  
Their offer was at that time refused: but my Lo: Duke sent them word the next day, that he would cause the miserable wretch to be put to death, if they would send him the said Castellan, upon condition that he might do with him what he should be pleased to do, if the said prisoner should not recall his deposition before his death, but persist in his accusation, and that he would give way that they should give him such a Confessor as they should like best: besides ten of their Gentlemen which should be witnesses of that which should pass.  
But they of the Citadel refused to send the said Castellan, alleging that he was there very necessary for the service of the King: whereby it happened that many which doubted of the matter the day before, did then firmly believe it.  
I did not think in the beginning to extend myself so largely in the relation of the particulars of the abovementioned matter, but many are sometimes glad to learn the circumstances of a business or accident, to judge the better of the matter.  
I believe that if they can send Letters from the Court of France to that of England (as they report here, that there is good passage) that they will do their best endeavours to make you there to believe many idle and frivolous tales. But concerning me you shall have nothing from me but truth according to mine own understanding and knowledge.  
My Lord Duke knoweth now very well their devices, and laughs them out sometimes with much grace, when he speaketh to any of the enemies of their great force both by water, and by land, of their undoubtful succour, and of their imaginary armies in diverse parts of France, which should amount according to their calculation to more than 50000 men, which are now come to eight or nine thousand, for the most: And although they were so strong as they report, they were not able to hinder us of the taking of this Citadel and that within the space of fifteen days, or three weeks.  
The common soldiers which are in it have now but one biscuit in a day, and once water, and the Gentlemen and Captains have not much more. It is true that this retardment is troublesome, and not only hindered our designs, but maketh them likewise more difficult to effect, and shall therefore be more glorious if we achieve them. I think that there shall be a good occasion given to us in these parts; for almost all the forces of the French King march towards Rochel, and there are already fourteen Companies of the Regiment of the Guards, besides many Swissers, and a great deal of ordnance. Many are resolved to secure them, although the passages are well stopped. They have seized upon the person of Mons. de Beaulieu d'Ampierre in his own house, fearing that he should molest them, as he hath done in the former wars. We have already means to make them to restore him unto us, and we hope shortly to have more. We are certified that the Duke of Rohan is very strong in the field, and that he intendeth to go to Montauban on the 25 of this month. Seeing that the City of Rochel hath now in a manner declared itself, I doubt not but that all the rest of the Religion which are in France which before expected to learn what they should do, will shortly make some attempt.  
Here are lately some arrived from Rochel, which report that our soldiers are there happily arrived, and received with great joy. It is true, that their little delay hath made them to gather great store of good provision, by which the City is furnished for the space of a year, or more. And in this Island there shall be wine enough gathered, notwithstanding the wastes and spoil which the soldiers and Mariners have made. We are likewise assured that this night there have been sunk three Shalops which were coming to the said Citadel, which shall make them to lose all desire to venture any more in such a manner. This is all most-what we have of any importance at this present time.  
For to trouble us with other particulars of no moment, it is not needful, namely concerning them which have either been slain or hurt of both sides, as in the rencontres, skirmishes, and with the Cannon shot and casting of granads, and other things of lesser importance, which would require a whole volume to write them all together down.  
Now at this instant are here arrived some Commissioners of Rochel which are come to confer with my Lord Duke and Mons. de Soubise, to make him acquainted with that which is Saturday last passed betwixt them and the D. of Angoulesme, who hath made fair offers unto them, and did yesterday send into the said City Mons. de Comminges, who commandeth the Fort which is called Lewis, protesting that if they will cause the English to remove, that good contentment shall be given to them, and all the Protestants of France.  
At S. Martena in the Isle of Ré the 26 of August, 1627. new style.  
This same day, 17 of August Mons. de Brissac a Gentleman of the Religion is come out of the Citadel, with some other Gentlemen, to retire home with the permission of my Lord Duke and of Mons. de Soubize. They confess that in the Citadel they suffer great incommodities, but they think they may yet keep it a whole month, or thereabout. Eight Soldiers which have fled out of it, & are come to us, affirm that they are at their last breath. My Lord Duke is loved and admired of all men for so many great and excellent parts which are in him.  
SIR I sent you eight days ago a little packet, and having now occasion to acquaint you with more news, I will impart unto you such as I have at this present. Since that time we have not received any other but good news.  
They of Rochel have begun to make their works out of the gate of S. Nicholas near which lieth their Fort of Tadon to hinder the approaches of their Enemies inquartering. Although they have not as yet made any open declarations, they govern themselves nevertheless as if were joined. The Priests and chiefest Papists have already forsaken the said City, and there come daily some soldiers in it, which are there well received and lodged. A declaration of the French King being lately sent unto them, which forbiddeth very strictly to adhere or join with the English, they would not publish it, knowing very well, that unless the English succour had come, there was a resolution taken to subdue them this Summer. We expect here shortly 5000 men from England, and if they come, we will undertake some other enterprises then the taking of the Citadel, which is now at the last gasp, notwithstanding that they expect succour from Marans both of men and victuals within the space of two days, as they say. Their Ensign of the Colonel, of which I made mention in my former, hath by reason of the negligence of his keepers, three days ago made an escape. His Companions were carried to the Ships board by good fortune: for they were all three as a recompense given to that brave English Captain, who was hurt with Mouns-Savignac.  
We have four days ago sent into the Citadel all the women and children of those of this Borough, which are in the Citadel, which were retreated into it, in lieu of so many Gentlemen and Soldiers, which have forsaken it, but they may serve them to dress their meat, for they have lately killed and salted the remnant of their horses. They of the Fort are now so environed with our trenches, that a dog cannot come into it.  
There shall now an offer be made unto them to surrender themselves within the space of a few days, and after the expiration of them there shall no composition be made with them as it is here reported.  
For those which are in the Fort de la Pree, they are so little regarded, that we assault them not, but kill and take them only when they come abroad, and dare go into the next villages for refreshments.  
This is almost all the matter of importance which I had now to write. All the news which come from Paris are much to be suspected. Both there and in other places of France there are rumours spread abroad of Massacres against the Protestants, I pray God to preserve them. It is likewise reported that the French King is to come in person to besiege Rochel with 40000 men: But if the 30000 men shall timely come, which the Protestants expect, they will find them work enough.  
The Duke of Soubize hath lately received very good news from Languedock and other places, the particulars whereof are not yet come to my notice. At the next occasion I shall acquaint you with them, and of such things as shall fall out from time to time.  

From the Island of S. Martin the 24 of August, 1627. new style. To us the 14.  
I Have heard now news of Capt. Gifford since I came from Portsmouth, where I parted from him when he was ready to go on board his ship. I enquired for him after the battle, but he was not landed, neither is his ship yet come into the Fleet. I pray God it be not cast away. You may let my Godfather know this, but none else. I pray remember my duty to him.  
Capt. Talbot is not slain, therefore put out his name from among the dead. Sir George Blundel died at Rochel of the wounds he received in the sight.  
Sir Charles Rich was shot in the shouldier, but there is no danger of death by it. It is reported confidently at Bordeaux, that we lost 3000 men at our landing, and the French but 70. I have scaped many dangers since I parted from you, I thank God, both by sea and land.  
The enemy plays upon the Town wherein we are continually with his ordnance from the Citadel, which is less than musket shot from the Town, and we play upon the Citadel, having three batteries by land, and one by sea.  
I have escaped narrowly from being slain by the shot both of the Cannon and Musket, and diverse other ways, I thank God, I hope he hath reserved me for a better end, and I pray hearty he would preserve me from sudden death.  
My lord Duke hath gained a great deal of honour in this employment, and is sometime blamed for hazarding so much his own person. Our house wherein he lodgeth hath been twice shot through, and his Barge-roome shot through and through.  
We took one that was encouraged by Mons. de Thorax, and others in the Citadel to kill our General: he had about him a short Poniard, and did confess that he was resolved by that or some other way to kill my L. Duke within a fortnight.   

From Pindennis Castle in Falmouth, Aug. 21.  
We have received news from the D. that Sir Ralph Shelton by killing a brave Monsieur hand to hand in fight of both the armies, is made a Lieutenant Colonel to Sir I. Radliffe, who is made Colonel.    
FINIS.