TWO MEMORABLE RELATIONS. THE ONE A LETTER WRITTEN from Colonel General WEERDENBURK, out of the West-india from Farnabuck, to the Lords the State's General of the United Provinces, touching the surprisal of the Town of Olinda in Farnabuck, with the Forts thereunto belonging. Translated out of Dutch into English. The other, The Copy of the true relation of all that hath passed and been done at the taking and reducing of the City and Citadel of 〈…〉 after a very hot and f 〈…〉 Together with all the pa 〈…〉 occurrences that happened at the 〈…〉 Rivolle. By the Lord ● De Crequy. Faithfully translated out of the French Copy. W 〈…〉 Privilege, Printed at Roan 〈…〉 Tho. Mallard dwelling at the 〈◊〉 ●●ace. 1630. LONDON, Printed for Nicolas 〈◊〉 the South Entrance of the Royal 〈◊〉 ●620. A Letter written from Colonel General Weerdenburk, out of the West-India from Farnabuck to the Lords the States general of the United Provinces, touching the surprisal of the town of Olinda in Farnabuck with the forts thereunto belonging. Translated out of Dutch into English. ILLUSTRIOUS, high and mighty Lords, Seeing by God's help I have victoriously conquered this place of Farnabuck; according to my duty I could not omit to give an account unto Your Lordships of the manner and passages that happened in the mastering of this place, as much as this present time will give me leave. Having found General Lonck with his ships in the Bay of St. Vincent, after we had lain there some weeks till the rest of our fleet came unto us, being in all fifty three sail, manned with many sick men amongst the sound ones; on the 26 of December 1629 last, we set forward for the Coast of Brasill; and upon the 12 of February following, we sailed on to the height of eight degrees, where some other of our ships and pinnaces came unto us that had been lost; so that then we were fifty six sails in all: And having met all together in counsel, after mature deliberation we sent out some ships before to discover, and resolved to assault the enemy in two places, to wit, I myself with 2400 soldiers, and 300 sailors. And besides those, other 300 Mariners should go along with the train divided into 16 ships, which should be la●ded some six English miles to the Northward of Fernabuck; and the General to have along with him two other strong squadrons, which should put into the road by the sea bank or shelf. Which resolution was accordingly put in execution upon the 15 day of February last. But in regard those of the Castle were warned, or suspecting of our coming, and had therefore sunk some ships in the very mouth of the shelf, the General his design could take no effect, though he did his best endeavour to open the passage into the shelf with his Canon. In the mean while a great number of the enemies both foot and horse showed themselves in the afternoon upon the sands, which made me make for the shore with sloopes and boats, where we landed in the sight and spite of them all; the rest of our men following me with two pieces of Ordnance, which carried a bullet of some three pound weight. And because it began to be late, I was constrained there to abide and lie on the sands all that night. The next day very early in the morning having sent the boats and sloopes back a-againe to the shipping, I ordered my troops into three divisions. First, the Avantgard, wherein I was present myself in person both in landing the day before, and then upon our march; and this Avantgard was commanded by Colonel Eltz: The Battle was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Steincallenfels; and the rearward by the Sergeant Major Hunks. I led myself the Avantgard along the sea shore towards the town, and coming to the River called Riodolce, the depth whereof is up to a man's middle, and which of necessity we must pass: There the enemy gave us the first encounter, being in my judgement strong about 1800 foot and horse; But after a hot onset, and diverse being flame and hurt on both sides, (but thanks be to God the least number on our side) we put them to flight; notwithstanding they had this advantage of us of a swift running water. Thus being past and a little further advanced on the sands, we met with a second troop, who likewise made a trial of our resolution, assaulting us with a brave skirmish, and we encountering them with a great desire; but after a little resistance they made their retreat into the woods. A third time the enemies showed themselves again, but would or durst no more stand against us. I then perceiving this fear and irresolution amongst them, marched in all diligence directly towards the town, and being come near to it, we climbed up to the height of the hill whereupon stands the Cloister of the Jesuits, and there finding the gates thereof barricadoed, we fell on and broke them open, while part of our enemies defended themselves with their weapons, and part run away: so the others also seeing the courage of our men, after some small opposition, they also fled, leaving behind them many dead and hurt men, as also on our side there were slain some. In the mean while our enemies beneath on the sands, and in the trenches and forts perceiving this our proceeding, and being now also set upon and pressed by our Rear, which entertained a fight with them, after many Canon shots made by ours against them, betook themselves at last to their heels, abandoning their Forts, which we presently took and possessed ourselves thereof. Thus by the assistance of God we became masters of the town, after we had lost by reason of the great heat in the fight about 50 or 60 soldiers in all. The Jesuits cloister wherein I myself lie, and some other avenues and passages, we presently fortified against any assaults that the enemy could make upon us. The 20 of February last I commanded Colonel Steincallenfels, with the advice of the council, to see if he could surprise the great fort that lieth upon the shelf on the land side And truly he carried himself bravely, and gave an assault upon it that lasted two hours together; but because our ladders were too short, it was thought good to prevent the spoiling of more men, to retreat after the loss of some 20 slain and 40 hurt; the enemy having on his side also lost some 12 that were slain by ours. And seeing we could not carry so easily that fort by an assault, we resolved on the 23 of February, to take it by approaches, and forthwith to cause Canon baskets and other necessaries to be prepared and set up. All which was done accordingly, and with such an expedition, that on the 27 of the same month with 500 men we began to break ground and to run a trench and a line towards the Castle, which stood between the village situated upon the shelf and the town: And the next day Lieutenant Colonel Eltz, who commanded the battery, being almost in a readiness, he was relieved that night by Sergeant Major Hunks: I also going thither in person, on the next morning very early the battery was finished of 3 half Canon; we played all that morning, discharging 708 shot till about nine of the clock in the forenoon. Then the besieged called for a parley, holding out a white sheet, and sending forth a Captain, with whom we presently came to a composition, to wit: That they leaving the Fort to us should march out without colours, or lighted matches; leaving behind them all their ordnance, ammunition and victuals that were in the Castle, which we suppose they cast the most part of them into the Sea, because we could find but little in it; Besides, that they should bind themselves by promise to show no hostility against our state in six months after. This being done, we summoned up also the other Castle, which stands upon the entrance into the shelf. The General Admiral and Vice-admiral being advertised thereof, and coming unto us, approved of the Council, and so sending a drum unto the said Castle, they within it presently sent out a Lieutenant (upon condition of leaving one of ours as hostage in his place) who from the Commander thereof had order to treat with us, and to frame certain articles or conditions, which were signed on both sides: And so this great fort being given over also unto us this day, we became not only masters of both these forts, but also withal of the haven and the whole shelf. The next day being the third of March, I commanded Lieutenant Colonel Steincallenfels to make an enterprise upon the I'll of Antonia Vaaz, lying right over against the village that stood upon the shelf, which he did in launching over some boats: But thanks be to God, the enemies having already knowledge that we were masters of the two forts, they fled away without any making of resistance. In the Cloister that stands upon that I'll he lodged a company of his men. And thus at last the Town, Castles and Forts (none remaining) fell under our command. I doubt not but my Lords the Administratours of this Company will second us in this our victory, to the end they may enjoy the fruits thereof; this being indeed a place invincible, if it be well seconded and provided for: It is of good temperature, having fresh and good waters, and good store of meat: A place I say of driving the greatest trade in all Brasill; and which trade (by God's grace) will increase mightily if it be reduced to peace; and such a place as will curb all Brasill, seeing there is such a fear and terror amongst the enemies throughout the whole land already: And I hope to make such a progress into it, that your Lordship's name shall live perpetually in it; And that by the taking of this town, with the forts thereunto belonging, all Brasill will be bridled and brought into subjection, and the enemy's navigations along the coast utterly destroyed; which will be the way to take this trading from them, and to reduce the Inhabitants thereof to a mutual love, amity, and strict alliance. Thus God preserve your Lordships as preservers of his people, in all prosperity, to the glory of his Name, and to the confusion of all our enemies, Amen. Given in the Jesuits Cloister in the town of Olinda Fernábuco, the 7 of March 1630. stilo novo. Your Lordship's most humble servant, D. V. WEERDENBURC K. The true portraiture and description of Fernambuco, the principal and chief City of the Kingdom of Brasilia in America, with all the conveniences and situation of the Country thereabouts, as also the Rivers, Havens, and roads of ships, very lively deciphered according to a Map lately drawn. 1. THE hole of the Resiffe (so named) through which the ships do come into the haven called the Posso, so to come forwards into the City. 2. Posso where the ships lay, and many ships may lie continually. 3. Here is a sand-banck, where it is five foot deep at low water, and twelve foot deep at a spring tide, here the ships must sail round about the Resiffe, where is the greatest depth. 4. The point of the shelve or bank which must be shunned in the coming in of the ships. 5. The River of the City, which hath recourse to divers places. 6. This place is called Varrador, where the ships and barks do unlade their goods and merchandises, etc. The 〈◊〉 of Ferna●buco. 8. The Castle right over against the entrance of the ships, and at a high tide it is compassed round about with water. 9 The River towards the Vargie, running above two miles in height at the top, with many shallow places, here we may sail with barks and boats. 10. Here the ships may ride at anchor as it were in a tide-haven, but they must ride far forth from ebb and flow, and then the slight ropes or cables will serve the turn. 11. This place is called the housing of the Resiffe. 12. A dry place. 13. The Cloister of St. Bento, being the Order of the Benedictines. 14. A Parish Church named St. Peter's Church. 15. This is the head Church called the Che. 16. The Church of Misericorde. 17. Nossa Sinora da Concession, being a Church, near unto which do adjoin certain houses where young maidens are. 18. The Cloister of St. Anthonio, where women and friars are in white apparel. 19 The Cloister of St. Franciscus, in which are Cordeliers, or Love-fryers: here is a great commodity of water. 20. The Cloister of the Jesuits, which is a very fair building, with beautiful gardens, and pleasant clear water, besides Rocks, out of which they dig stone continually, as also stone to make chalk or lime. 21. Nossa Sinora du Monte, and the little Church standing on the hill is also called by that name. 22. The hole of the Barette, right against the River of the Vargie, or otherwise called Capibariba. 23. The house of the Barette with a little Chapel. 24. On the road before the shore ships may anchor at ten and twelve fathom water, being but half a mile or a small mile from the shore. 25. The Island of Tamarca, where men may come out from the road with shallops between the cliffs and rocks, and then from Tamarca again upon the firm land. 26. A Bridge hard by the City, here men may pass at a low water with horses & carts, being but two foot and a half deep, or three at the most: here is a great passage of men, and wagons, and carts, etc. to all quarters and parts of the South. 27. The Island and habitation of Marcus Andre. 28. The firm land of the Vargie de Capibariba, being three miles in length, and a mile and a half broad, with many sugar mills or engines in it: This is a very fair and costly Country, where is great riches of persons, and a mighty deal of sugar. 29. The firm land of the Barette, this is barren, full of Manques, and it is low sandy ground, some two miles' continent, but coming up toward the mountains, it is very costly ground, yielding much sugar, and all kind of commodities. 30. The Resiffes which reach along by the shore and sea-coast, being 6 or 8 foot high at a low water, after the wane or spring of the full and new Moon. 31. A new fort for the securing of the haven, well provided with Ordnance. 32. Retrenchments newly made, well fortified and provided with shot and Ordnance against the coming of the ships, as also for the defence of the haven: insomuch that power nor force will not prevail here, by reason the Forts are so well planted with Ordnance, and the ships must sail very near them to avoid the shelves and sands. 33. This was the old haven, where they were wont to unlade their ships and barks, and is called the old haven, here men may sail between the cliffs with boats and barks. Thus loving Reader and Spectator, you have the declaration of this Map, which will give you a farther demonstration of the City and all appendices. Relation of what lately happened at the taking of the City and Castle of Pignerolle, and the pillaging of Rivolle, by Monsieur de Crequy. THE arms of the King having appeased and settled the great troubles of his Kingdom, and his lilies flourishing with a sweet tranquillity beyond desire and expectation; his Majesty would now cause the enemies of his Crown to be sensible of the power and endeavours of the same; and to that end and purpose conducted his forces into Italy under the command of my Lord the Cardinal of Richelieu: Where his Highness of Savoy (whose spirit can never be at rest) had for a certain space of time given threatening speeches that he would employ his forces thither for the service of his Majesty; and to this effect did offer and present unto the King all manner of submission in true and certain fidelity, assuring my Lord the Cardinal of Richelieu (who was Commander and leader of the King's army) of free passage into Italy. The Lord Cardinal, whose judgement and understanding virtue hath adorned and endued with all manner of qualities required in a General of an army, well knowing by experience that the foresaid his Highness of Savoy had oftentimes made the like and great protestations to the King, and that notwithstanding there was never any trust or credence to be given to his promises, not at this time degenerating from his excellent disposition, would not accept of this his offer, unless first of all he would deliver into his hands diverse Towns which are upon the passage into Italy, to the end that he might retain them within the limits of reason, if perchance he would do that which should prove contrary to the thing he had promised unto the King. The Duke of Savoy not knowing how he might closely hide, and afterwards bring to pass his treacherous intention, well knowing that the Cardinal did use a great deal of prudence and policy, and that his Romish Cardinals hat did not any way diminish or hinder his valour, resolved to grant him his demand, that thereby he might the better colour over his pernicious design. But the said Lord Cardinal using a great deal of requisite providence and precaution, according to his accustomed manner, placed strong garrisons into those towns, which the Duke of Savoy had given into his possession, and in the mean space advanced his Army into Italy; ever being vigilant, and having an especial care of all the actions and passages of his Highness of Savoy, expecting no other issue nor performance of his promise, but only a mark and token of his infidelity. In the mean time, whilst the Army of the King (conducted under the command of the Cardinal Richelieu) marched and advanced into Italy, and that they must needs come unto hands with some troops of Spanish, his Highness of Savoy being inspired with an evil wind, as that is ordinary to him, betakes himself to his accustomed inconstancy and infidelity, trusting, that by such an action he should hinder and overthrow the design and intention of his Majesty: But God who commands the very secrets of the King, would not suffer his will and intention to prevail and take effect. Whereupon having performed this stratagem, the Lord Cardinal possessed himself of all the towns which he retained for hostage, and gave the town of Rivolle to to his soldiers for pillage. Which being done, he caused certain Regiments conducted under the hand of the Lord Marshal de Crequi, to march toward the Town and Castle of Pignerolle; which the said Lord Marshal invested with a diligence and vigilancy agreeable to such a valorous courage. And at the very first volley of Canon shot he reduced the same town under the command and obedience of the King without loss of any of his men. The Lord Martial besides this, well knowing that it was necessary and requisite furiously to assault the Citadel or Castle, before the same could be constrained to yield, he caused all his batteries to shoot, thereby to make trial whether or no those within the Castle were resolved to keep the same. Those within having made certain shot at the King's forces, the Lord de Crequi caused a general assault to be made, in which assault the Count de Saulx did behave himself most valiantly, obtaining to himself the Crown of the walls, by scanding the first and chief Bul work, which he gained with an invincible courage. The enemy having retired themselves into the strong hold or Fort within the Castle, the Lord de Crequy caused a retreat to be founded, and the next day following those within the Castle finding themselves sorely pressed and hardly put to it and having also lost their principal Bulwark, seeing also that the Lord de Crequi had mastered the town, than they made sign for a parley. The Lord Martial de Crequy sent unto them to know what they demanded; their answer was to yield, but on this condition, that faithful promise might be made unto them, that ever after they might remain under the government and obedience of the King, which the said Lord Martial de Crequi assured them of. And the one and thirtieth day of March being Easterday, at seven a clock in the morning, these Lords, the Lord Martial de Crequi, Count de Saulx, and de Villeroy, entered into the Castle with two Companies of foot. The Duke of Savoy at the present is much perplexed, and knows not which way to turn himself; for whithersoever he looks he sees his own calamity, the ruin and destruction of his Country, having now lost Rivolle, Pignerolle, and other places for his safety, and which indeed were bulwarks unto Italy. This is all that passed in Piedmont at the taking of the Town and Castle of Pignerolle; unto which Castle the Lord Martial de Crequy adds all necessaries, and carries all possible care for the keeping and maintaining of the same under the Crown and obedience of France. O you French Nation, for this must you make prayers and supplications unto the Almighty, that he will be pleased to bless and preserve his Anointed Lewis the Just, beseeching his Majesty to afford us this grace and favour, that we may see this King flourish, and to heap upon our King blessings and happiness, giving him a successful offspring, to favour our Prince Dauphin, giving him victory over all his enemies. Heaven grant that our prayers may be received at his hands to whom we direct them, and that his great goodness be pleased to grant us whatsoever we demand, blessing our King, directing his enterprises, giving him the accomplishment of all his good intentions, with the augmentation and increase of his Crown and Kingdom. FJNJS.