Advertisements FROM BRITAIN, And from the Low Countries▪ In September and October.  
LONDON Printed by john Wolf. Anno Domini, 1591.   

TO THE READER.  
Lest that the better sort should be mislead by the malicious, who hearing of some smalgarboyl between the French and English, enlarged it so on tenterhooks, that they proclaimed it a ruin of both the armies. I thought it good to publish this journal of Advertisements, which I received out of Brittany, as well to make it known how well our slender and weak Forces daily confront the enemy, as also with what good agreement (by the great wisdom of the Commanders) the two Naeions join in a common quarrel against a common enemy.  
If I may find this to be acceptable to the Reader, I shall be willing to acquaint him with the rest, as it shall come unto my hands.  
Farewell.   

ADVERTISEMENTS OUT OF BRITTANY, IN SEPTEMBER. 1591.  
SIR, by my last letters of the 20. of August, I did acquaint you with those reasons that moved the Prince de Dombes in such earnestness to urge, and my Lord General to yield unto this voyage of the South: which conclusion so mightily perplexed the Inhabitants of S. Brieux, that their grieves forcing th' ordinary passage of a popular discontentment, resolved into most bitter railings against the Prince, upon whom they publicly exclaimed: That having six months since supplied his army with all things necessary, (entertained both him and it 14. days in their Town, and lastly yielded to a contribution of a thousand crowns,) he would now abandon them unto the implacable fury of their professed enemies, the Lambalists, and the greedy covetousness of the Duke de Mercury, who already had extorted 1400. crowns from them: Some did solemnly vow to seek new habitations, and the greatest number absolutely to give themselves unto the League. How be it in very truth these reasons were not sufficient, to bind an army to the conservation of so mean a place, which by neither party can be otherwise preserved.  
The Gentlemen of those parts seeking to divert this resolution, by drawing the Prince unto a second undertaking of Lambalta, made proffer of 10000 men, toward the better performance of the service, and offered an hundred of the best of them, unto the first breach that should be made by the Canon. These were of those Gallants, which left us at the late siege of Lamballa. who contented themseles to look on at the cutting of our throats, while they (good men) did figure unto themselves no other care, but the fetching in of harvest, and the conservation of their petty menage; as if the wars of their Countreie, nothing appertaining to themselves, were only to be determined by her majesties Forces. But seeing the army ready to march, and that reckoning some what disappointed, knowing withal notwithstanding, the Duke de Mercury's safeguard, which the most of them have, that their own near neighbouring hungry Garrisons, would eternally pray upon them: after the feigned instance of Ixion, and the Eagle: they became untimely suitors for that, which not long before (thorough their own endeavours) they might easily have conquered unto themselves.  
Upon this Text you must give me leave tonote, that these Petitioners were only such, whose whole livings did lie subject to the daily incursions of the Lamballists. Those which dwelled but six leagues from Lamballa, were never moved at our departure, no more do the Britanes otherwise apprehend this general quarrel, then in regard of some particular interest: which error, the King (being assisted with her majesties Forces) may easily reform.  
The Prince being taught by former experience that those few particularities could bring no great advancement to the kings service, continued his former determination of carrying his army into the South, where a great supply of forces was promised by Monsieur de la Verdun, and others: and according to that, our army dislodged from S. Brieux, upon the one and twenty day of August. That night we came to Kersoe, the 23. to Plemy, the 25. to Collinie, where the Prince received information, that the Duke de Mercury was dislodged from Dinant, and marched that night toward a sdmal village called Brun: by the opportunity of which place, he might, to his reasonable advantage, charge us in our next days march. Brun is somewhat more than two leagues from Collinie, and not a quarter of a league from the highway, by which we were to pass unto S. Meyn.  
Upon which intelligence, the Prince, with some of his principal Counsellors, came to my Lord General's lodging, which then was an English mile from Collinie, where Monsieur de la Verdun, dilating all the circumstances of that late received advertisement concluded with these two doubtful considerations. The first, that in regard of the enemy's purposes to cross our passage into the South parts of Brittany, it was necessary to consider, whether our Forces were sufficient to second our defences. The other, that in holding a right forward course, the Duke de Mercury might cut us from all supply of victuals, coming from Reins, and Monford, by taking his lodging at S. Meyn. Unto these two doubts, being the only matter of moment propounded by Monsieur de la Verdun, my L. General most gravely and resolutely answered, that the Prince, Monsieur de la Verdun himself, and the rest of the Prince's Counsel, after a long deliberation, and most earnest opportunity, having embarked themselves, and him into this course, it was not now to look into their weakness, which before should have been weighed with better judgement. Whereby since their reputation were so deeply engaged, he now thought them all tied in honour, to march directly forward, without any regard to their small numbers; and that to take any other course, would altogether savour of an exceeding fear, unto the second, that Duke de Mercury could no more annoy us by putting himself between reins and our army, than we, by possessing those passages which lead to Dinant and S. Malo, from which place he was likewise to attend his greatest relief.  
These reasons being highly approved by the prince, and Monsieur de la Verdun himself, who willingly would have driven a wider course by Malletroit and Plermer, it was concluded, that by break of day following, the army should dislodge, & march directly towards S. Meyn, and that forth with certain light horses should be sent forth, to discover whether the enemy was that night come to Brun, or not. The order of march, and the place whereunto the army should the next day march, was referred to the morning consultation, at the place of Kende●ous.  
At the Council, I remember, Monsieur de la Verdun would needs prescribe a solemn plat of battle, against the next days expected encounter, but that devise was readily altered by my Lord General, who affirmed, that all forms of fight were evermore tied to the circumstances of those places, wherein men were to fight, and therefore, not to be determined, till the place were first viewed.  
The 26. our army dislodged from Collinie; and because the Prince was certainly informed by those light horse, sent forth the night before, to discover that Duke Mercury was not come to Brun, it was resolved that the army should march that day to Saint Meyn: But through the unreadiness of all things appertaining to the Cannon, whereby the best part of the morning was wasted, and the disability of our weak men, in so short a time to perform a march of such length, this course was cut off by the waste, and at night we came to Medrimack, which standeth in the mid way betwixt Collinie, and Saint Meyn. At Medrimack the Prince was truly informed, that the Duke de Mercury, the day before in all secrecy, about seven of the clock in the evening, dislodged from Dinant with his army, and was that night come to Plenaden, where this day he reposed himself, meaning thereby (as afterward it appeared) the better to cover his intention, which was, with a speedy march in the night following, to possess Saint Meyn before we should suspect his departure from Plenaden, which is four Leagues from S. Meyn. From Medrimack thither are counted but three leagues: but this fraud was easily discovered by my Lord General, who advised the Prince, our Grose being not able to perform that march, through the cumber of the Cannon, and the great number of weak men, that Monsieur de la Verdun, having four hundred of our ablest Footmen joined to his fourscore Cuirasses, and not above five hundred Harquebuzers, a cheval should dislodge about midnight, and assay, if by a speedy diligence he could disappoint the enemy of his intended lodging at S. Meyn; which was accordingly performed.  
My Lord General, most exceedingly careful upon all hazards to second these troops, caused our army to dislodge from Medrimack the next morning, almost two hours before day, which was the seven and twentieth. In our march the Prince received advertisement from Monsieur de la Verdun, that Saint Meyn was invested with his Forces, and that nothing could be discovered of the enemy's intention that way: So that all seemed to be very sure on our side. But my Lord General suspecting that which in truth followed, persuaded the Prince to advance with his Cavalarie in so much the greater speed towards S. Meyn. And to the end that our Footmen might follow with the better haste, his Lordship commanded the Cannon and baggage to be placed after the rearward, and for the guard thereof appointed certain lanceknights. The event did show some spirit of divination of what should follow. For the Prince had not been three quarters of an hour in S. Meyn, when a very warm report was brought unto him, that the Duke de Mercury with his whole army, was within half a league of the Town. The truth of these matters was very sensible, for the reporter brought with him two Spanish Captains, whom he and his companions, being all but common Soldiers, had presently made prisoners: the one of these two did afterward swear Bota dios, that he was taken per Caritad in their march, and going to their succours; they were taken by those French companions, which came thither A la picoree, not two hundred pace from the head of the Duke de Mercury his army.  
Some will say, that Monsieur de la Verdun, did this day forget himself: for coming by six of the clock in the morning to Saint Meyn, he did neither send forth his light horses, (pour batre le strado,) whereby the enemy's approaches might have been advertised in time convenient; nor employ the service of his foot in guarding the enemies, but in a plain security of all that might happen, he lodged himself and his in a village, half a league from Saint Meyn, quite opposite from the way the enemies should take, and left our foot embattled in the town, rather for a Parade, then to any other serviceable purpose. By the like carelessness in Monsieur de la Verdun, the County Soysons was two years since taken at Shateau-giron, his army absolutely defeated, and himself did meet with a very narrow escape: but our leisure at that time did not very well serve us to dispute of errors.  
The alarum amongst our French, you may be sure, was very hot, the Prince confused, and those about him, who in calms would overrule all counsels; in this little storm did know, never a point in the Compass. The enemy was within half a league of S. Meyn, Monsieur de la Verdun had bestowed himself and his troops so far, or farther off from us. The French horse that came with the Prince, had already lodged themselves in villages, and where the Prince was, were only left those four hundred, sent the night before with Monsieur de la Verdun, and my Lord General's Cornets of horse: Our vanguard was at the least a long league and a half from us. In which hard plight, neither the Prince, nor those about him, could apprehend any other course of proceeding, but what they did see with the eyes of a most desperate fear. But my Lord General, with a most cheerful countenance, and excellent persuasions, full of all comfortable assurance, did first win the Prince unto a better opinion of his fortune, and then, to repose himself only upon his service. By his Lordship's commandment, the English troops were presently drawn out of the town, and by himself placed in those ways which did lead directly towards the enemy. First, the horse were appointed to advance the foot some quarter of a mile. The dikes and hedges were lined with shot, to the best advantage that might be thought on: and in the highway which was somewhat large, our pikes were disposed into three several stands. Mean while, the Prince had sent for Monsieur de la Verdun, and the rest; so that having a greater increase of horse, discoverers were sent somewhat further off, to see what course the Duke de Mercury did take, who being certainly informed, that the Prince had already invested S. Meyn, became suddenly more perplexed in the field, than his Countrymen were in the town: his army was exceeding weary, for the same had marched all that night. To make any fair retreat they could not; to tarry and fight with us they durst not; much less to force us from our lodging at S. Meyn, where they supposed all our army was: So that the confusion amongst the enemy became very great, and it was verily believed, that at that time, with two thousand English men, the Duke de Mercury and all his army, might easily have been defeated. But how so ever, certain it is, that in a very gentle fear he retired to Luedilliack, which did very well appear, for not finding that place of such strength as he ordinarily useth to encamp in, and nothing liking our near neighbourhood, Luedilliack being but one league and a half from S. Meyn, he was contented to dislodge from that place. After that the Logas for the Cor-degard Fires were laid together, and to encamp at Saint john. Whereby the Duke de Mercury did find the mean, to put a reasonable good river between him and us, and to lie two long leagues and a half from S Meyn.  
Thus with a handful of men, and my Lord Generals careful foresight, the Prince was delivered from the greatest hazard that ever he was in, and we became quiet possessors of our lodging at S. Meyn, which was a service of great consequence, principally, in regard of the multitude of our sick men, who otherwise had been left unto many hard discomfits: beside, the enemy's disgrace hereby received, was not little.  
As for the rest of the army, they came not unto us in two long hours after the enemy's retreat, and it was almost night before the arrival of our Canon. This is the sum of that days work.  
And because it was the next day found that the Duke de Mercury dislodged not, the Prince was advised by some, in whose hearts (peradventure) some relics of the former days fear yet remained, to follow his course towards Reins, which he might very well do, having abundantly satisfied his reputation in his last confronting the enemy, and crossing his purposes. But my Lord General directly opposed himself against this council; affirming, that if we dislodged first, the enemy would be encouraged to pursue us, and beating still upon the tail of our weak army, travel the same with continual pain and trouble, which could not be tolerated; besides the performance of his former vaunt, which was, that he would drive us before him into Reins. That it was therefore better for the Prince, to send for such succours as might be drawn from Reins, and other places not far off, to make good the place whereof they were already possessed, and to attend, either the enemies first dislodging, or some good opportunity, whereby he might be forced unto the same.  
This counsel was followed, and such diligence used in the execution thereof, that by the next morning two hundred horse were come unto us, and two Cannons sent from Reins, were already advanced as far as Monford. Upon the arrival of this small supply, it was presently resolved, that our army should dislodge the next day, and encamp within a quarter of a league of Saint john. But the Duke de Mercury (who all this while did but seek to countenance himself with his stay at that place) understanding the resolution of our army, dislodged the next morning before ten of the clock, and marched four leagues, unto a village called Ereat, where (for himself and his Spaniards) he found a lodging of great strength.  
Certain knowledge being given, that the Duke de Mercury had made his retreat to Ereat, the Prince straightly commanded, that all our army should be in readiness by nine of the clock in the night, to march towards the enemy. For it was presupposed, that by the advantage of that march in the night, we should fall upon the Duke de Mercury his army, weary, and not looking for us, and so perform some great piece of service; or at his next morning's rising, distress the rearward of his army. Our sick men and baggage were left at S. Meyn, and an hundred of ours for their guard.  
My Lord General being well acquainted with the weakness of our army, and observing the thin repair of those that were sent for, did very much oppose himself against this course, the rather, because at that time there was not one in our army, that could justly inform the state of the Enemy's lodging.  
But the Prince, to satisfy my Lord herein, told him in great secrecy, that all was but Pour fair la Meyn; and that after some two leagues march, it was meant that we should return. How be it, in our march one piece so pulled on another, that la Mein was quite forgotten, and something before day light, we were come within two miles of the enemy's lodging: where, (and that not without good cause) a stand was made, and it was solemnly demanded, what could be done upon the enemy. The state of their lodging was freshly inquired after, whereunto answer was made by a French Gentleman, dwelling in those parts, that there were but two Rivers between us and the enemies Grose of his army: whereof the one was hardly to be forded. And that from thence, the way to Ereat was exceeding straight. By means whereof, we did now begin to learn how our Canon might have been lost, and our enemies notably engaged. Upon which considerations, every man began to disavow this council: first la Verdun, than Momertin, Bastine, and the rest: yet God of his goodness did save all our honesties; for while the Prince, my Lord General, and the rest were in council, some of us had taken a priest and a peazaunt: by whom they were informed, that a company of the enemy's hargabuzers a cheval, did lodge within half a league of us, and that there were nothing more easy, than the cutting them in pieces. To the seizing of this pray, lafoy Verdun, and Monsieur de Bastine, with thirty cuirasses, and three hundred Hargabuzers a cheval, were presently sent forth, (for in sudden enterprises it was thought better to use the service of those French shot on horseback, then on foot.  
These following their guides, found not only that company, but three French Regiments lodged all estart, every man in a sound sleep, and not so much as one Centronel to give the alarum, which being well perceived by Bastine, he willingly would have sent for four hundred of our shot and pikes, wherewith questionless all the skirts of the enemy's army might have been handsomely cut off. But lafoy Verdun, either in an emulation towards us, in too great impatiency with himself, with his cuirasses far enough off, he sent those Herga a Chi to the enterprise, who finding no kind of resistance, slew an hundred and twenty of the enemy. In which number Captain Messandere was one: and at that time la Mott Cheure was taken prisoner, who commanded another company of Herga a Chi. The rest which were not, but might very well in like sort have been assailed, received the alarum by their companions last cries, and so saved themselves. The army likewise warned by these, did presently put themselves in arms.  
This service thus performed, we did stand three long hours embattled upon a fair spacious heath, not half a league from the Duke de Mercury his Army, but when it was perceived, that neither honour, nor loss, could drive him unto a trial of Arms (although besides his French forces, it was certain that he had then with him above three thousand Spaniards) that it was not possible to pass any further without apparent loss, the Prince thought good to command our retreat.  
We poor souls were not this day able to march twelve thousand strong: but had you seen their notable resolutions, and earnest desires to fight, you would peradventure grieve that such men, and a commander of my Lords worth, should be exposed into so great an inequality as hitherto we have met with. For I protest unto you before the living God, that our soldiers only have borne the entire burden of this summers service. At Lamballa we were not assisted with three hundred French, which may seem very strange, but what I writ is most true: and how far my Lord General will in all service adventure his own person, is so well known unto you, that I shall not need to mention the same. Upon every opinion of encounter with the Spaniards,, a fair blue scarf (in likelihood presented by some honourable Lady) is fastened to the end of his Pike: for his Lordship understanding that Don john de Laguilla had used some brave speeches: did send him word by Monsieur Gibrian, that by that favour he would make himself known at their first meeting.  
After our return to Saint Meyn, the Prince perceiving that the Duke de Mercury meant that day to dislodge from Ereat, and that the place of our abode, did yield no kind of comfort unto our weak army, other than such as came thither from Reins and Vittrie, which was sometime cut off by the way, thought good likewise to dislodge the day following, and so for this time the Duke de Mercury and we did part company. He upon the thirtieth day leaving Ereat, did take the way towards jocelin: we upon the day following dislodged from S. Meyn, and so to Hendet: the second of September to Breall, the third to Noyall, where the Prince did accord unto us twenty days rest at Shatteau-grion, for the refreshing of our weak men: at this place we arrived the fourth of September.  
The day following, my Lord General was solemnly invited by the principal Magistrates of Reins to visit their City, and the third day after was received into the same with all those testimonies that might assure a most kind and friendly welcome.  
The Prince in the mean time having three hundred men, and three Cannons from Vittrie, did invest the Castle of Chattillion, upon the seventh of this instant. But after three days trial, finding those forces nothing sufficient (for he had but those three hundred French, and five hundred launceknights) he sent unto Reins for six Cannons more, and to my Lord General, in all earnestness, to assist him with six hundred English. His Lordship considering, that after such a deduction, the remainder would be very weak, and by such a separation subject unto hazard, thought good with all his companies to remove to Saint Aubin de Cormer: whereby the strength of our Army might stand still united, and the Prince, according to his desire, readily enough assisted. For from Saint Aubin to Chattillion are but three little leagues. In the mean season his Lordship sent two hundred shot and pikes, to attend the Cannon of Reins, whose service afterwards the Prince used to great purpose.  
Thus not having staid six days at Shatteau-giron, we dislodged upon the tenth of September, and encamped that night at Shatteau-burga, the next day to Saint Aubin.  
The Prince having received those Canons sent from Reins, and planted the same, upon the twelfth of September, were discharged some lost volleys upon the defences of the Castle: The morning following my Lord came to the Prince with three hundred English more, and then the battery was pursued with such fury, that by twelve of the clock the breach was made very fair and assaultable: which being well perceived by the defendants, they came to a parley, and from the Prince received these last conditions: That all Gentlemen and Captains within the Castle should become prisoners: That the soldiers should have their lives, only except twenty, which should rest at the Prince his discretion: for he meant to make some exemplary punishment of them.  
While the enemy did entertain somewhat too long time in the acceptance of these conditions, our lance knights in a hungry desire after spoil, drew themselves (uncommanded) towards the assault: my Lord General perceiving the same, and doubting that some touch in honour to the Prince might thereby arise, partly by persuasions, and sometimes by threatenings, did stay them from that purpose a long half hour: but in conclusion they offered violence to their Colonel, disobeyed all their commanders, forced the breach, where they found no resistance, and of two hundred and thereescore that were within the Castle, left not twenty alive. But in the eager pursuit after spoil, they fired (unawares) some barrels of powder, with the fury whereof thirty of them were presently slain, and at least fifty more came from thence, the most miserable creatures that ever I did behold. The judgement of God was most justly executed upon them both; in these for their disobedience; in the enemy, for their notorious spoils and infinite outrages committed upon the country: it is constantly affirmed, that these companions did yearly spoil La fall, Vittrie, and Reins, of more than twelve thousand crowns.  
They of Fougiers were so terrified at the taking of Shattillion, that in doubt of our next remove towards them, they did begin the very same day to burn their Suburbs, which (peradventure) was but a needless fear: for in plain English, we have neither men, nor means, to undertake the siege of such a place.  
Monsieur de la Verdun did leave the Prince at I. jendit, and promised to return within three weeks with three thousand footmen, and five hundred horse. His preparations (for aught that I perceive) do come but slowly forward, and yet I know the King hath of late urgently hastened the same, our men do now begin to die, and that very fast: so that without a present supply, we are like to have but a poor army.  
The Spaniards pay arrived at Blanett, about the eighteenth of August last. The same was brought thither in four Galliass. The Duke de Mercury is gone to Nantes, where a Spanish County, of the house of Toledo, hath these days passed attended his coming thither, sent by the King of Spain to negotiate about the affairs of Britain. Upon the promise of some honest bribe, you may peradventure win me to send you a true report, both of what is passed in the last years traffic, and in this present negotiation between the King of Spain, and Madame de Mercury, for it is she that doth sway the balance.  
And so hoping that you will be as weary in the reading, as I am in the writing hereof, I commit you to the comfort of your best desires: and us both to the blessed protection of the Almighty.  
From our poor army at Saint Aubin de Cormer, this sixteenth of September, 1591.   

Advertisements FROM THE LOW Countries.  
The 16. day of October.  
LONDON Printed by john Wolf. Anno Domini, 1591.   

BY LETTERS out of the low Countries, of the sixteen of October. 1591.  
Upon the fourteenth day of this present, there was intercepted between Antwerp and Newport, a Spaniard, named Barnardo de Helena, late of the Castle of Antwerp, (repairing to his brother, serving in the company of Don Carlos de Luna, Captain of the Horse at Newport) this man being carefully examined, saith, that the Duke of Parma is still remaining at Brussels, without any likelihood of performing his pretended voyage into France: And delivereth farther, that certain of the mutined Spaniards, to the number of one thousand and five hundred, being upon promise of pay, drawn out of Heretalles, and the Son of the Duke of Parma sent to them, to induce them thereunto. By whose persuasion they were brought into the land of Waes, they now upon some new discontentment, are retired back again, have seized the Town of Tiel-mont, in Brabant, where they fortify against the Duke, and have carried with them perforce, his Son, whom they detain with a Colonel, named Don Sancho de Leva, sometime Governor of Liere, until their demands be granted and performed.  
Mondragon is in the Land of Waes, with three thousand Foot and five hundred horse, to erect certain Sconces for the freeing of the passage between Antwerp and Gaunt, impeached by the taking of Hulsts, which being performed, and the mutiny appeased, the Duke giveth out that he will into France.  
The late Governor of Hulst, and a Spaniard that was commander of the forces in the Town at the time of rendering thereof, are now close prisoners at Brussels.  
Monsieur la Mote is in Brabant, sent of purpose to pacify the mutinies, who as yet do obstinately make refusal of all his offers.  
The Governor of Cambray with five hundred horse hath made of late a great road into Henault, and there exceedingly wasted the country, which hath been utterly contrary to the Duke's expectation, and it is thought to be the chiefest cause of his stay of his journey for France.  
It is advertised, and from diverse places confirmed, that the kingdom of Arragon is revolted, the Viceroy massacred, and those of the Inquisition in that kingdom banished, being practised by the King of Spain's Secretary, fled from the Court upon discontentment.  
The inhabitants of Venlo, by the assistance of the Italians there in garrison, have put out the Walloons that were also in garrison in that place, and afterwards by a notable dexterity have rid themselves also of the Italians, but do as yet hold for the King, and only as it is thought till they have made their peace with the States.  
The Duke of Parma reneweth his demand of five thousand pounds by the month, and would have it to be levied for six months before hand upon the walled Towns, and they afterwards, to collect and reimburse the same upon the country and villages.  
FINIS.