THE CONTINUATION OF THE ACTIONS, Passages, and Occurrences, both Politic and polemical, in the upper GERMANY. HISTORICALLY BROUGHT down, from the Period of the last Relation, till April. Together With a various and intermixed History, of what hath been done in Turkey, Italy, France, the Netherlands, and elsewhere. Faithfully collected out of good and creditable originals and digested Methodically, by the Times, Places, and Actions. LONDON, Printed by E. P. for Nathanael Butter, and Nicholas Bourne. 1637. THE PRINCIPAL HEADS of the Things contained in this History. CHAP. I. 1 THe States of Sweden resolve to continue the War. p. 1 2 The Saxons preparation for War with the Swedes. p. 3 3 The Swedes counsel for managing the War. p. 3 4 The Fort of Mansfeld besieged. p. 4 5 Dehne sent to relieve it. p. 5 6 Three hundred Saxons slain, and taken prisoners. The Siege raised, and the Fort relieved. p. 5 7 Two Imperial Regiments defeated and routed by Banniere at Helmstat. p. 6 8 Banniere marcheth into Thuringen. p. 6 9 Banniere sends to Ertford, for relief for his Army. The Magistrates answer. p. 8 10 The Swedish Army removeth. p. 9 11 The Imperialists march towards Franconia. p. 10 12 Four Imperial Regiments defeated. Goetz his flight. Hatzfeldt plundereth the Country as he goeth. p. 11 13 Mellerstat and Newstat, in Franconia, taken by Stathanse. Paderborne and Wartzburg, in Westphalia, taken. p. 12 14 The Landgrave of Darmstat molested. p. 13 15 Elfeld taken and the Suburbs burned. p. 13 16 A Regiment of Crabats surprised, near Wormbs, and their Colonel taken prisoner by Ramsey. p. 14 17 A Convoy of forty Tons of Wine taken by be Hanawers. p. 15 18 A four months Truce concluded betwixt Darmstat and Ramsey. p. 15 19 A new King of Romans elected. p. 16 20 The Elector of Tryers, and Land-grave of cassel disavow the election. p. 17 21 The manner and Ceremonies of the Election. p. 18 22 The Syndick of Cologne murdered at Regenspurgh. p. 20 23 The King of Romans Crowned. 21 24 The Queen's Coronation. 22 25 New Knights of the Empire made. 23 26 Strange Prodigies. 24 CHAP. II. 27 The death of the Emperor Ferdinand the second. p. 25 28 Ertford summoned. p. 27 29 Besieged by the Swedes. p. 29 30 Surrendered upon composition. p. 30 31 The Articles. p. 30 32 Four Imperial Regiments defeated by Stal●ans. p. 31 33 Seven hundred of them slain, and two Colonels taken prisoners. p. 32 34 Leipsick summoned. p. 32 35 The Governor resolved to defend it. p. 33 Colonel Dehne routed. 34 CHAP. III. 36 Torgaw taken by Banniere. p. 35 37 The Saxon Garrison taketh pay of the Swedes. p. 35 38 The Colonel Dehne beheaded. p. 36 39 A Troop of Swedish Horse surprised. p. 37 40 Leipsich victualled and fortified. p. 37 41 Leipsich again summoned. p. 38 42 Besieged by the Swedes. p. 39 43 Holds out for the Elector of Saxony. p. 40 44 The defence made by the Garrison, and the offence done by the Swedes. p. 41 45 The siege raised. p. 43 46 Thanksgiving for the City's deliverance. p. 44 47 The Imperial Army reunited and reinforced, marcheth towards Misnia. p. 45 48 A Conflict betwixt Stalhanse, and the Imperialists at Sala, wherein four Imperial Regiments were ruinated. p. 45 49 The Crabats under Isolani oppress the Hassians. p. 46 50 Budianis raised, and his Regiment routed by the Land-grave William. p. 49 51 Eleven hundred Pollacks mutinying for pay, take service under Wrangle. p. 50 52 Truchses arrested, and sent to Vienna, p. 50 CHAP. IU 53 The death of Bodislaus Duke of Pomerania. p. 51 54 The Swedish Regiment under Colonel Poye routed. p. 52 55 The Vanguard of some Imperial Troops defeated upon the Mulda. p. 53 56 Two Caesarian Regiments surprised near great Hahn. p. 53 57 The Fort of Hermestein necessitated. p. 54 58 The Landgrave attempteth to relieve it. p. 55 59 Ramsey relieveth it by a Stratagem. p. 55 60 Lemford taken by the Imperialists. p. 57 61 The Presidiaries of Minden and Osnabrugge defeated at D●epshold. p. 58 62 Surprise Hagell, and put four Companies of Caesareans to the sword. p. 58 63 The miserable condition of the Dukedom of Saxony. p. 58 64 Kustrin beleaguered by the Swedes. p. 59 65 The siege intermitted. p. 61 66 Berlin regained by the marquis Elector. p. 62 67 Brandenburg taken from the Swedes. p. 62 68 Drussen blocked up by the Swedes, and the siege relinquished. p. 62 69 Lantzberg surrendered to Wrangell. p. 63 70 Colonel Arnheim surprised by the Swedes and prisoner to Stetin. p. 63 71 Wrangell marcheth into Silesia. p. 63 72 A strange prodigy at Isenach. p. 64 73 Stralen burnt by the Swedes. p. 64 74 Two Imperial Regiments defeated at Weurtzen by Colonel Slangh. p. 65 75 Two hundred Imperial Horse defeated by Banniere at Pegaw. p. 65 76 Three Regiments of Imperial Horse routed by the Swede. p. 66 77 The head Watch of the Imperial Army forced to a confused flight. p. 66 78 The Emperor's Funeral. p. 67 79 The Citizens of Liege complain to the Pope against their Bishops. p. 68 80 The Count of Warfusee his treason at Liege. p. 69 81 Ruelle the Burgermaster murdered. p. 71 82 The Abbot of Mousson and others strangely delivered. p. 73 83 The rage of the Citizens, and the end of the Assassinates. p. 73 84 Warfusee his counterfeited Letters. p. 75 The Table of the Title of Historia Varia. 1 The cause of the Turks invading Transylvania. p. 77 2 The King of France his order for provision for his Soldiers, and ease of his subjects. p. 80 3 John de Werths' flight. p. 81 4 Three hundred Wallon Horse defeated, and surprised by Gassion, near Neufmaison. p. 82 5 The Spanish and French preparations for war. p. 101 6 Crequy sent to the King of France, by the Duke of Savoye. p. 101 7 The French project discovered at Diettenhofen, and their Forces defeated. p. 102 8 The Duke of Rohan his goods arrested by the Grisons. p. 103 9 Come to Capitulation. p. 103 10 The conditions agreed upon betwixt the Grisons and the Duke of Rohan. p. 104 11 Switz besieged and taken by the French. p. 104 12 Honorata recovered by the French▪ p. 105 13 Preparations for War by the Cardinal Infant, and the United States. p. 105 14 A bloody fight betwixt a Party of the Spanish and another of the States Soldiers. p. 106 15 The Statists get the victory. p. 106 16 The Prince of Orance his design against Hulst prevented. p. 107 17 The Bassa in Morea rebelleth against the Turk. p. 107 18 The Vezier Bassa employed lately against the Persian, fleeth to the Sophy. p. 107 CHAP. I. The History of the Actions and Passages in the upper Germany, since Novemb. 1636. Continued and brought down to this present. THE Parliamentary Council of the Swedish States at Stockhohne, was not then dissolved, when the tidings of their victory at Witstock, were confirmed by two expresses, sent from the General Banniere to the Queen and Diet there assembled. His Letters gave such life to their counsels, that they which formerly tottered in their opinions (fear of the Emperors and the united Princes Forces, and suspicion of their own weakness projecting many doubts of ill success) took heart again, and resolved to have the War continued in the Empire, but especially against the House of Austria. The state of the German Protestant Princes, The States of Sweden resolve to continue the War. which had forsaken the Crown of Sweden, and adhered to Caesar, rather moved pity then anger; and the Rix-Chancellor, by the advice of the whole Senate, concluded it fit, to treat with them first as friends, then to fight against them as enemies; hoping by arguments, to persuade them to break off their late alliance with Caesar, and renew the offensive and defensive League, which they had formerly made with the Crown of Sweden. The Duke of Mecklenburg (who since the Treaty of Prague had laboured, though vainly, with the Lunenburger, to disclaim the Articles of Prague) was again desired to treat with the Elector of Saxony to the same effect; and he, according to his instructions, first putting the Elector in remembrance of the benefits he had received by the late King, of his slight forsaking the Confederacy, which he made to his deceased Majesty; of the happy success of the Crown of Sweden, in the late battle against him; and the danger he exposed himself and his subjects unto, by provoking his faithful friends to enmity; advised him to renew his alliance with the Swedes, promising on their parts, an amnesty of what was past, and readiness to comply with him in all mutual offices of love. The Message was delivered bluntly, without much Courtship, and answered in the same accent; neither did the Duke expect a pleasing answer, neither could the Saxon (without shame, and note of inconstancy) fall off from Caesar, and give one: as he found it, so he returned it to the General Banniere, whose Commission was, to proceed with the Elector accordingly. Each unkind office done by a friend, wounds true affection; but the iterating and reiterating of injuries, murthereth that amity, which had its life from humane polity; and it is more easy to stop the stream of a quick Current, then to restrain the irascible appetite, if it be thus provoked to wrath, and armed (though but in opinion) with power to execute revenge. The Elector, who till he had made his peace with his Imperial Majesty, had made good use of the Swedes, for protecting of his Country; having now attained his own ends, The Saxons preparation for War with the Swedes. would fain be rid of them: and though his loss at Witstock had much weakened his power, yet himself raised some fresh forces; employed all the Smiths and Carpenters in his Dominions, to prepare a new Artillery, and their Carriages; commanded his subjects to fortify his Towns, against invasion by the Swedes; whilst the Imperial succours (rallyed by Hatzfield, and supplied with the Regiments, under the command of the Field-marshal Goetz) might come in, to their relief; either by stopping the Swedes, in their victorious March; or, if haply it might be, by an happy Victory to drive them quite out of Germany. The Swedes again were become formidable to the Empire; and the fear of those strangers, strengthened the new band of alliance betwixt Caesar and the native Princes of that Territory. The Imperial Bands sent to the Saxon; under Marazim and Hatzfield, before the late Victory, were but small, to what was now intended for them. The Colonels, Wartenburg-Wahil, and Flanz, were designed to continue the War in Hessen, whilst Goetz with the main Body of the Army, was deputed to join with Hatzfield; and the Baron of Dona, General Major for the Elector of Saxony, to make head against Banniere and Lesle; and the Duke of Lignitz, the Colonels, Truchses, and Knowbeldorfe, were appointed to raise forces in Silesia, and consign them over to the Generalate of Count Mansfeld, to withstand Wrangell, The Swedes counsel for managing the War. who threatened to Winter in Silesia. The Swedish General's not ignorant of these preparations, endeavoured first, with some part of their forces, to hinder these forces from meeting; Lesle undertaking Goetz, in Westphalià; Banniere, Hatzfield, about Fulda; Wrangell, the Imperialists, about the Oder; and then, with the other part, under the command of Stalhanse, to invade Misnia, the upper Saxony, and the other Territories, which either then actually did, or might afterwards, conveniently accommodate or appertain to the Elector of Saxony. The meeting of the two Imperial Generals, was of as much difficulty as consequence; neither of them, single, was able to stand before the Swedes; which fleshed with their late Conquest, carried all before them; nor could they come together, without danger; the one being to make his way with the Sword to the other, through the Swedish Armies, and their forces yet every way inferior to their adversaries. Hatzfield, which by flight from Pomerland saved himself in Misnia, being pursued by Banniere, was constrained more Southward still; and had not (in probability) been able to have reinforced his Army at all, had not the Swedish General stayed a while by the way, in the County of Mansfeld, to subject it to the obedience of his Army, either by a willing submission, or necessity. And yet, his stay there was not long; the timorous people being ready to submit, and the Towns generally coming in, save only the strong Fort of Mansfeld: The Fort of Mansfeld besieged. which (not yielding to his first summons) the Garrison being confident, that their own, and the Castle's strength, was able to hold out, till they might haply be relieved; he first blocked up, and then began to batter, though vainly; his desire to reach Hatzfield (as soon as might be) prompting him on, to departed thence with his main Body, and to leave four Regiments only, before the Fort: which, though they performed as much as so small a number could, were forced to rise within few days, by Adolphus Dehne, the Saxon Colonel; who knowing the weakness of the Camp, by order from the Elector, marched thither-ward Novemb. 4.14. with seven Regiments of Horse and Foot, Dehne sent to relieve it. to relieve the necessitated Garrison. The Saxons march was discovered to the Camp the next day following; and the Army (not yet entrenched) to avoid the danger of being compassed in, resolved to meet the Saxon upon the way, and to give him battle betwixt Cracow and Seburg, about twenty English miles from the Fort: Three hundred Saxons slain, and taken prisoners. The Swedish Army fell upon the Saxons avantguard, consisting of three hundred Horse, environed them round about, put the greater part to the sword, and took the rest, both officers and common soldiers, prisoners. This beginning was of a fair aspect, and promised a better issue, than attended it: the undaunted Saxon Commander (for this small defeat not dejecting his courage, but raising it to a higher pitch,) went on with his Battalia, and in a well ordered fight, The siege raised, and the Fort relieved. charged upon the Swedish Army, which consisting merely of Horse, without any Infantry, being galled with the Musketeers, was compelled to retire to Ascherleben, in the Bishopric of Halberstat, where Bannieres Forces were lately inquartered for safety, leaving the Fort to be relieved by the Saxon Commander; and he Novemb. 11.21. furnished it with fresh Men. Victuals, and Ammunition, according to the Electors direction. Those accidents, which to the eye of reason, seem fortunate; do sometimes prove unhappy beyond expectation: The departure of the Swedish General from Mansfeld, gave liberty to the place, and plained the way for the Colonel's present honour, yet the success in fine, was pernicious to the Saxons, being fatal to the Commanders person, and of dangerous consequence to the Electors Territories. The General Banniere, mustering his Forces at Aschlerben and Eglen, Two Imperial Regiments defeated and routed by Banniere, at Helmstat. received avisoes of two Imperial Regiments inquartered at Helmstat, not fare from thence, made up to them, defeated and routed them totally, and pursuing his conquest, marched with all speed into Thuringen, (where Hatzfield and the Saxon Army appointed to meet,) to prevent their forming of a Real Army, which being conjoined, might have some power to make head against him, and his speedy removal, made those Saxon Troops, which the Elector had raised for the safeguard of his Country, to leave the Elve, and repair towards Sala, to the great affrightment of the Misnians, that Territorie, being by this means, destitute of defence, and open to the Swedish invading Armies. But the storm which threatened Misnia, was for a time turned to Thuringen. The Swede held it fit as yet, to chase the Imperial Army under Hatzfield in open field, which must either fly before him, or fight desperately, and upon disadvantage; then to sit down before any fortified Towns; where a Winter's Siege might consume him, and continuance there, give the Caesareans opportunity to reinforce their weak Army. Notice was given him, that the General Gleene, Banniere marcheth into Thuringen. had received commandment from Caesar (then at Regenspurgh) to muster up the Imperial Troops, which then lay in the Dukedom of Wertemberg, and to carry them through Franconia, to the general Rendezvous at North-ausen; that Goetz had made his way as fare as Osterode, in the Territory of Grubenhagen in Brunswick-land, to the same intent, though he suffered much by Lesle, who stopped his journey, and slew some of his men in continual skirmishes; that the Lantgraviate of Thuringen, upon which (in regard of the late alliance, betwixt it and the Crown of Sweden) he took much compassion, endured much violence, by reason of the Imperial Army, which first exacted great contributions of the Imperial Cities, North-ausen, and Mulhansen, and afterward pillaged them, though yet they were of the same party, and burned the villages as fare as to Ertford, and as well to preserve the Country from further spoil, as to prevent the Caesarians in their design of meeting, he removed his Camp out of the Bishopric of Halberstat, sending before him the General Major Stalhanse, with ten Regiments, and following himself with the gross body of the Army. The presence of the Swedish Forces removed the Imperial General from his quarter, but not out of that Country, his intention was, to abide about the River of Werra, where the Field-marshal Goetz had order to meet him, and though pursued by the Swedes, flitted only from place to place, fled not, being assured that Goetz, though danger threatened him in the prosecution of his design, would leave no stone unmoved, that might hinder his journey towards him. His first station was at Crewtzberg, a Town appertaining to the Duke of Eisenack, where being reinforced, by some Saxon Regiments, he fortified the passage, by which the Swedes must pass, if they marched after him, resolving not to stir from thence, till his partner was arrived with his Forces to assist him. And now began the time of action, Lesle having much wasted Goetz his Army by sundry Skirmishes, still waited upon him, expecting more opportunity to fight, the Imperial Commander still marching warily, and not exposing his Army to any disadvantage; and now, like two parallel lines, which always observing an equal distance, though near each other, never meet, both made their way towards Thuringen, to join with their several confederates. The Swedish Army in all, thirty thousand strong, Horse and Foot, joined together Novemb. 5.15. in the Bayliwick of Ringleben, and the Town of Gebezen. Banniere having his head Quarter at Werninhausen three English miles from Gebezen, and six from Ertford, and the Imperial Army the ninth of the same month at Trefort, nothing having passed betwixt them memorable, save only the defeature of some Imperial Companies at Sommerda, a passage betwixt Gebezen, and Werninghausen, since the first day of the Swedes arrival thither, and a little scuffling betwixt some parties of both the Armies, which met together in the Territory of Eischfeld, Novemb. 8.18. being sent abroad by their Commanders for Forage, and other Provisions. Banniere sends to Ertford, for relief for his Army. Banniere, in this time of his rest, sent a Trumpet to the City of Ertford, (which hitherto stood as a neutral, and had flatly denied the entertainment of the Saxon Garrison, though the Elector had few days before sent thither an agent to that purpose,) desiring food for his Army, and their best assistance for his expedition, according to the Capitulation of the deceased King his Master, and the Magistrate of that City in the year 1631. The Magistrate desirous to continue the neutrality, The Magistrates answer. and unwilling to provoke the Swede to do the City any act of hostility, denied neither, but excused himself for not complying to his desire in both requests, the last being expressly against the Treaty of Prague, which he said, was not accepted by the City, without consent of the Rix-Chancellour, who drew out the Swedish Garrison, which they had formerly entertained, and the first such as might provoke the Caesareans, with whom they had yet good terms and correspondence, to be their professed enemies. Nevertheless, that the General might know, that their former alliance could not be forgotten, he would give free ingress and egress for the Officers of his Army into the City, for their refreshing: but against the common soldiers, whose rudeness and multitude might oppress him, he would keep the Gates shut; not for any ill affection towards them, but the preservation of the estates of the Citizens. The Officers, for the present, were not displeased with his answer, but used the liberty granted them: but the enraged common soldiers, without the General's knowledge, pillaged the bordering Villages; till complaint being made by the Peasants to the General, he made a search, to find out the Ringleaders in those disorders; and by a public Proclamation through the Army, commanded his soldiers to do no more detriment to the Territory of Ertford: of which, he professed that he was as careful, as of the Duchy of Weymar, into which he had laid safe guards, for D. Bernhards' sake; whose former service, and present faithfulness to the Crown of Sweden, had deserved that and many fare greater favours. Novemb. 11.21. the Swedish Army was ordered by the General, to meet at their common Rendezvous, in the Bayliwike of Ringleben: the safe guards, which had been laid abroad the Country, The Swedish Army removeth. being summoned the day before to return to the gross Body of the Army at Hensleben, a City upon the River of Vnstrut, about seven English miles Westward from Gebezen: from whence, the Army that day marched forward, toward the Imperial Campel the cavalry, by the way of Langen-salsa; and the Foot, by Tonna, towards Creutzburg, upon the River of Werra: The design of the Commander, being first to assault the then joined Imperialists, before any new accreut could be brought unto them; and afterward, to invade the Electors Territories. His directions were obeyed punctually; and what he had advised discreetly, was put in execution as speedily; and his fortune still attending him, the counsel and action were seconded with a prosperous issue. Guntrad, Field-marshal to the Landgrave of cassel, had much impeached Goetz in his march, before he came to Trefurt, as well as Lesle, and for his part, slain and taken prisoners eight hundred of his men: and now the Generals as well wanting men, as food for those they had, knowing themselves unable to encounter the Swedes Brigades, being advertised by their Spies of Bannieres design; marched speedily by the Abbeys of Fulda and Hirzfield, towards the Bishopric of Wirtzburg, The Imperialist, march towards Franconia. and Franconia, to join with Gleene, before they would adventure to put their fortunes to the hazard of a Battle; being still followed by Banniere, who hasted to overtake them. It might have staggered the Swedes design, could they have reached thither; but there fell out a Rub by the way: The Count of Eberstein, Lieutenant General to the Landgrave William, lay then in cassel: and he hearing of the Imperials march, and the Swedes pursuit after them, seconded by the Governor in the Fort of Zigenheim; made all the haste he could, to stop their journey; but the Vanguard, under Hatzfeld, was passed, before he could reach them: Only the Rere-guard, commanded by Goetz, was stayed by the Hessian Forces, near Rotemburg, upon the River of Fulda: where, Four Imperial Regiments defeated. being compassed in behind and before, by the Swedes and Hassians, four of his Regiments were utterly defeated; three Pieces of Canon, thirteen Ensigns, three hundred Horse, and two hundred Prisoners, being taken by the Swedes and Hassians: all which were sent immediately to cassel himself, Goetz his flight. and the other part of his Army hardly escaping by flight, through the County of Waldeck, into Westphalia. The Earl of Hatzfeldt having escaped this Brush, still made on towards Wirtzburg, Hatzfeldt plundereth the Country, as he goeth. but not without plundering the Countrey-Villages of the Lantgravate as he went, (Bannieres stay, to take order with his Army, giving him opportututie to do violence to the unarmed Peasants) though not without endangering the lives of many his friends, Prisoners at Zigenhaim, whom the enraged Governor once resolved, (and was hardly dissuaded from that resolution) to deliver up into the hands of the Boors, that by the loss of their lives, by those (than furiously mad, and merciless men) they might give them some satisfaction for their goods, and houses, which the Imperial Generals so hostilely had consumed. The separation of the Imperial Armies, caused the Swedes also to divide theirs: and Stalhanse was ordered, with six thousand Horse, and some Regiments of Foot, to pursue Hatzfeldt into Franconia; Lesle, with four thousand foot, and twelve hundred Hassian Horse, to follow Goetz: Banniere reserving the rest of his Army, to prosecute his designs against the Electorate. Stalhanse struck the Franconians into such a terror, that like distracted men, distrustful of preserving their lives, and livelyhoods otherwise, they conveyed their goods into Wirtzburg, and some other fortified Towns, and retired themselves into the Woods, leaving the Territory to the mercy of the Invaders: Mellerflat and Newflat in Franconia taken by Stalhanse. who took and plundeted Mellerstat, and Newstat; and had done more there, had they not been restrained, by order from the General, from engaging himself too fare; and had not the care of the Bishop of Wirtzburg, arming some thousands of men speedily, with the Garrisons of Swinefurd, consisting of eight hundred, and that of Kizinguen, of five hundred men, made some head against them, Lesle, assisted with his Hassian Forces, not being able to reach Goetz, who shifted from place to place, declining any encounter with his Enemy, in respect of his much weakened Army; that he might not return to the General, without some tokens of his actions, Paderborne and Wartzburg in Westphalia taken. first assaulted Paderborne, and took it by Onslat: then summoned Wartzburg (a Town of note still in Westphalia, though something eclipsed of her first splendour, as having been the head of a County, styled by that name, and now a Minor City, in the Diocese of Paderborne, situate upon the Northern Bank of Dimula) and took it in by composition; the Citizens preferring the safeguard of their persons, and families, before a little Money; and so purchasing their quiet, rather than hazarding all to the fortune of War. And now both these Commanders, being ruled by Commission, returned to the gross of the Army, in Thuringen; giving leave to the Imperial Generals to meet again in Westphalia, and to reinforce their Armies, with the Troops belonging to the marquis of Darmstat, the General Wahle, the Major Fehle, and the Count of Wartemburg: All which, we must leave a little time in the Bishopric of Cologne, and about Dortmund: doing more damage to their friends, by lying still, and consuming the Victuals of the Country, then to their Enemies, by any Hostile action. The beginning of December was the time when the Swedish Commanders were repairing back towards Saxony, and then began that horrid confusion, which happened upon the Elector and his Allies, in his own and Confederates adjacent Territories. The Lantgravate belonging to George of Darmstat, was not only threatened with a storm, as bad as a West-Indian Hurricane, but a skirt of the cloud fell upon it; Giesen, where the Landgrave himself was in person, The Lantgravate of Darmstat molested. for his better security having sent his wife and children into East-Frizeland was menaced. The Inhabitants of Marpurg (the Metropolis of Hassia, and an University famoused by Hyperius the Divine, Eohanus Hessus the Poet, and Johannes Oldendorpius the Civilian) both Students and, Oppidans, betook themselves to flight; Smalkalden surprised and pillaged, the City of Elfeld was taken by assault, and the Suburbs burnt down to the ground, Elfeld taken and the Suburbs burned. and this distress caused the Landgrave to write a doleful Letter to the Elector of Saxony his father-in-law, desiring him to take commiseration of his Subjects, who was able to pity him only, but not for the present to relieve him. But the main tempest fell not in that Province, it steered more North-easterly, into Misnia and Thuringen, where what spoil it made, shall be related afterwards. The Lant-grave-George thus distressed by the Swedes, of the one side, and receiving diverse by-blows by the Garrison of Hanaw, at the same time hasted to treat with them of a Truce, and cessation of Arms for a time to be prescribed and agreed upon, fearing that if the Swedes should thrive, and come nearer the Weteraw, there would neither be time, nor place for any Compromitters to mediate betwixt him, and our Noble Countryman, (as wise in his directions, as nimble and valiant in the execution,) Ramsey Governor of the Military men there. A Regiment of Crabats surprised near Wormbs, and their Colonel taken prisoner by Ramsey. About the tenth of December, stilo vetere, some selected Troops being drawn out of the presidiary Soldiers, to scour the Country thereabout, passed the Rivers of maine, and the Rhine, and at Dirmsteim, a village near Wormbs, lighted upon a Regiment of Crabats, and their Colonel Dishchlier with them. The Crabats seeing how they were surprised, prepared at once, (according to their custom, borrowed from the Parthians) both for fight and flight; but being surrounded by the Hanawers, and forced to their Tackling, they fought till the major part of them being slain, the Colonel and the rest, submitting themselves as prisoners of War, they were carried thence to Hanaw, with five Cornets, store of money, and other good booty. One Prize prepareth the way for another; upon their return homeward, intelligence was brought them, that forty Tons of Wine were to be transported the next day from Frankford to Giessen, A Convoy for forty tons of Wine, taken by the Hanawer. for the use of the Landgrave of Darmstat. The Commander was made acquainted with the business, and he instantly arming four hundred men, sent out to attend the Convoy, which they met withal fortunately, before they had passed a quarter of the journey, and in a short conflict, having subdued the Waggoners which drove it, and Soldiers which guarded it, brought it home to the Garrison, with the Lieutenant which commanded it. This small loss incensed the Landgrave against the Frank-forders, (whom he accused as conspiring with the Hanawers against him, though five of their men were slain in seeking to preserve the charge committed to their trust, pressing them to make it good, otherwise menacing to confiscate their goods which were in his Dominions) but hastened the Treaty with Ramsey, A four months Truce concluded betwixt Darmstat and Ramsay. to prevent any further detriment, which he followed so closely, that by the fourth of the month ensuing a Truce was concluded on, to endure till May, with conditions of free trade and commerce betwixt both parties, and that the Landgrave should furnish the City with some thousands Malders of Corn, at six Rixe-dollers the Malder, and if so much could not be obtained in the public Markets, it should then be taken out of his private Granaries. And this conclusion was joyfully received of all parties: however the premises were displeasing, the Frank-forders, hoping by this means to enjoy the benefit of those Musarum Nundinae, their Mart, the Hanawers a time of breathing, and the Landgrave more liberty to arm himself for the assistance of the Saxon and Imperialists his Confederates. The Electoral Diet convented and commenced at Regenspurgh the last Summer, went on all this hurly-burly notwithstanding; Many and several days were appointed for the Election of a King of the Romans, A new King of Romans elected. and at the last, the twelfth of December old style, was resolved for the time, when without further delay the choice should be. The Circumstances required by the Golden Bull of Charles the fourth were all observed, save only in the time of consultation, the place of Election, and the persons of the Electors. The time of consultation prescribed was bounded formerly with 30. days, and if in that space the Electors could not agree, omnibus aliis detractis cibariis, praeter panem, & aquam, nihil aliud illis detur, The Electors were to be fed with bread, and water, and nothing else till their votes were given up; yet here had been a consultation above four months space. The Election was confined to Frank-ford, and there to the Church of Saint Bartholomew, this was made at Ratisbone. The power of Election was given to three Germane Prelates, Mentz the Arch-chancellour of Germany, Cologne Arch-chancellour of Italy, Triers Arch-chancellour of France; and three temporal Princes; the Prince Palatine of the Rhine Arch-sewer, the Duke of Saxony Sword-bearer, and the Marquis of Brandenburg High Chamberlain, these six being all to be summoned by the Elector of Mentz, and not to lose their suffrages, unless by a wilful default of absence; yet here the Elector of Triers was expressly denied admittance, and the Elector Palatine never called, but another thrust into his place, by the Title of the Elector of Bavaria; The Elector of Triers and Landgrave of cassel. to the just greevance of some Germane Princes, who questioned the Justice of this Election, and not without some ground protested against it, not in respect of the person elected by the Senate, being reported an hopeful Prince, of a good nature, and promising condition, but the indirect means of that Election. But disputes were vain, the Gowne-Law could not prove the Course illegal, and objection could be made to the contrary, the Electoral College proceeded, according to their first determination. To this end the Magistrate of Ratisbone attended with the Burgesses and the Governor, the Colonel Nidrun, waited upon by the men of Arms assembled in the Town-house, and by an oath of Allegiance confirmed the assurance of their loyalty to the Electors. The Bull required a privacy, that the Electors might confer together freely, without interruption by the Ambassadors of Foreign Princes, or the Nobility of the Empire, by whose solicitation in behalf of their particular friends, their Consultation might be disturbed, and a work of this high consequence be hindered. The same Evening therefore, diligent search was made throughout the City for all strangers and such as had no dependence upon the Emperor or the Electors, that they might be warned to departed the City, and not to return thither, till the King of Romans was chosen, and this inquisition was done so effectually, that the Spanish Ambassador, and his retinue retired the same night to Straubinguen, to abide there, till he might without offence to their proceed return to Ratisbone. The day following the Duke of Bavaria and his Lady, arrived at the City in great state, and the next day December 11.21. about nine in the morning, the Electors having before that fathomed each other, and designed the person privately whom they meant that day to proclaim publicly, repaired first to the Statehouse, the place appointed for their meeting, and thence marched magnificently towards the Cathedral Church, where they were to give in their suffrages. The process of all was thus: the present Electors and the Deputies of them which were absent, having used the Statehouse as a Vestry for putting on their Electoral Robes, went thence to the Thumb (or Cathedral Church) in this order. They were divided into three ranks, which in State observing an equal distance, each from other, were thus marshaled. First went the Electors of Mentzes and Cologne; The manner and Ceremonies of the Election. Mentz having the right-hand File, and Cologne the left; The next to these were the King of Bohemia on the right-hand, and the Duke of Bavaria on the left, and last Frederick of Metsch, representing the Duke of Saxony, who had on his lefthand the Count of Swartzemburg, as Deputy in the present Diet for the marquis of Brandenburg. Before them was carried a Sword in its scabbard, but as soon as they came to the Cathedral, the Sword-bearer retired, the Church doors were made fast, a Mass sung by the Elector of Cologne, and then, after some few other Ceremonies, which lasted till about twelve of the clock, FERDINAND the Third, King of Hungary, and Bohemia, eldest Son to Caesar, was proclaimed the Elected King of the Romans. These Ceremonies past, the Emperor adorned with his Imperial Habit was brought in a chair to the Church, and Te Deum being sung, intermingled with many great thunderclaps from the great Ordnance and Muskets, the Electors took horse, twenty four Trumpets and a Kettledrum sounding before them, the Duke of Bavaria carrying the Ball of the Empire, Metsch and Swartzenburg the Sceptre, and the Marshal Pappenheim, a naked Sword immediately before Caesar, who followed in a Chair of State, with the Imperial Crown upon his head attended by the King of the Romans, both of them being under a starry Canopy, guarded with the Elector of Mentz on the right hand, and the Elector of Cologne on the left, and so passed upon a Gallery addressed for that purpose to the Emperor's Palace, where they were entertained the next day with a sumptuous Feast, the Confectioners showing all their Art to set forth a Banquet, and his Imperial Majesty desiring to express his grateful heart for their willingness to suffragate so unanimously for the King's election. Nothing was then wanting, which could be expected at a day's preparation, but the Coronation of the new King, December 19.29 was with much more solemnity than his Election, and the Coronation of the Queen, though celebrated more privately, was nothing inferior to the Kings in glory. The time betwixt his Majesty's Election and Coronation, was spent in ordering of things required for such a day, and administration of Civil Justice. The dignity of State required the first, the safety which by impunity of offenders must needs be endangered, prescribed the other. The Royal Vestments which from the time of Charlemagne, were customarily used at such Solemnities, were then at Noremberg, and thither a Currier was dispached to the Magistrate and Governor for them, who upon sight of the Letters, attended with them personally to Regenspurgh. Thus this order was observed faithfully; but the design for execution of Justice fell not out so happily; V●schius a Doctor of Laws, The Syndick of Cologne murdered at Regenspurgh. and Advocate for the Elector of Cologne, was murdered in his own lodging by some malicious assassinates, who either sought his life, or treasure, of which though they were seized, yet fearing it seems to be discovered, (Quinam hominum est, quem tu contentum videris uno Flagitio? One sin never comes unattended) they deprived him also of the other, and remaining still unknown, the Magistrate propounded great rewards to them, or him that could reveal them, whether parties in the crime or not, and to the first a pardon for their trespass, besides the pecuniary guerdon, upon condition only, to descry their, or his complices, but all was frivolous; the nigh-birds kept still close together, and all they which once had so fare exceeded the bounds of honesty, were resolved to continue in their course and not reveal the villainy. Yet, though the course of Justice was thus impedited, the Pomp of State went on: The prefixed day, for setting the Crown upon the King's head, was observed; and then the King, The King of Romans crowned. to show his Magnificence scattered some Medals of Gold and Silver amongst the people, whereon his Arms, Name, the day and year of his Coronation, were engraven. An Ox roasted whole, larded with Partridges, and stuffed with a Calf, and two Muttons, was exposed to the spoil of the common people: The great Conduit ran White and Claret Wine. The Marshal of the Empire, having brought a great heap of Oats into the open street, carried away a small Measure, and left the rest, not to be shared amongst the people by measure, but caught up and carried away by as many as would and could catch it; tore the Cloth in pieces, with which the Bridge was covered that day, for the passage of Caesar, and the Grand States of the Empire, and distributed it amongst the common people. And thus the Magnificent Ceremonies, for that day, were accomplished. The Queen as yet remained uncrowned: for hough the King and she made but one Body, and it might be supposed, that in him she had seizure of that Character of Royal Dignity, yet her temples were to be impaled also with a material Crown, according to the custom of the Empire; and Decemb. 29. Jan. 7. was designed, for that Ritual transaction. Three days before, were spent in revelling; the Queen giving entertainment to the Empress, the Duchess of Bavaria, and the Ladies of the Court, with Feasts, Music, Masks, and else could be thought of, requisite for the Bien-venu of such great Personages. This time thus expired, the solemn day for the Queen's inauguration was come: and then she in State being brought into the Church, after a Masle chanted by the Archbishop of Mentz, The Queen's Coronation. was carried in a Chair to the high Altar, close to the King her Husband's side, and had the Crown put upon her head; which, though weighty, she wore by the space of a quarter of an hour, and returned to his Imperial Majesty's Palace. It was a day of much joy to the Spaniards then at Ratisbone; and they, to express the content received by this Solemnity, made the Night emulate the Day, shining as bright with Piles of artificial Fires, raised before their Doors, as the Sun in his glory. But the Ambassador, as in dignity of place alone, so in expense there, exceeded all the rest jointly; the night did not terminate his actions. The next day, he invited the new King and Queen, and the personages of quality in the Imperial Court, to his house, entertained them with a stately Banquet; during the which, ten Hogsheads of Wine being brought, one after another, into a great Bay-Window, were rapped, and let run into a Cistern below, for the use of the people; who shared therein, and in many pieces of Gold and Silver, half Pistolets, Rials of eight, and lesser Money, which he scrambled amongst the people, to be divided by fortune, not his own arbitrement. The former Magnificence, was in expense of Money; but another sort followed it, by advancement of some persons of quality to some Titles of Honour. The Kings coming to the Crown, was not in all points like the Sun's appearing in the Horizon, to eclipse the glory of the Minor Stars, and bury their splendour in his own; his promotion to the height of Majesty, was the exaltation of certain Peers to more Honour: Sixteen Noblemen were created Knights of the Empire; namely, the Lord Maximilian Williband, New Knights of the Empire made. Earl of Wollfseck; the Earl Adam Budianis; John Jacob, Earl of Zyll; Peter, Earl of Goetsen; John Anthony, Earl of Cratz; Henry Erneskerpen, Earl of Toringe; Ladislaus Schechii; William Voight, Lord of Maxwein; John Rudolph, and George Rudolph, of Haslang; the Baron William Dieterick, of Runen; John Jacob, of Startzhausen; George, of Seibolsdorff; Stephen Esterhasi; John Philip Gunter; and Henry Christopher, of Flaus: The Duke of Newburg attending upon the King, in the quality of a Cupbearer; and the Prince of Anhalt performing the Office of his Carver, during the time of feasting at this Solemnity. THE Astrologians benign Star, jupiter, seemed now to smile upon the Court at Ratisbone, with a sweet aspect, but Mars and Saturn reigned abroad; Prodigies terrifying the hearts of the people, while the Princes and Peers were in this jollity; and War, with his grim attendants, Famine, Pest, Fear, and Distraction, raging abroad in the Empire. What might happen, by the fault of a careless or unskilful Mason, not well bedding or cementing the Stones, Strange Prodigies. at the building of a new Steeple at Vienna, was by the construction of the vulgar sort counted ominous: The Spire of S. Shotten, lately built, fell down suddenly, about the time of the Coronation, and demolished the Church, and that was made portentous; the rather, being accompanied with another of the same time at Rome; where, a great blazing Star, called by the Naturalists Cometa Crinitus, appeared for a space, and then vanished away suddenly, over S. Paul's Church, with a noise; And divers Monuments, placed in the Church, fell down, and were defaced utterly. CHAPTER II. The death of the Emperor Ferdinand the second: with the siege and taking of Erford by the Swedes, and other things. IT would relish of overmuch boldness to peep into the Ark of the divine secrets, nor dare I, nor can I conclude any particular consequences to have been portended by the accidentary fall of the Pyramid, yet doubtless the Comet though caused by the meeting of secondary and natural causes, was the significator of what ensued about that time, and not long after. Within the space of a month a titular God of the world, and one that claimed a superiority above the rest (though all absolute and undependant Princes, which hold the Sceptre by inheritance, not election, may justly vie with him for eminency of place) Ferdinand the second, who had long been sickly at Regenspurgh, and then removed to Vienna, The death of the Emperor Ferdinand the second. gave a testimony of his mortality, by subscribing to the laws of Nature, and exhaling his last spirit, Feb. 2/15. betwixt 8. and 9 of the clock in the morning, to the great grief of the Court and City, which had prepared triumphs, and tournaments, and in much bravery determined to receive the new King of Romans, but by this occasion laid aside their gallantry, put on the face and weeds of sorrow, and by their dejected looks and mourning apparel, shown their anxiety for his loss, who so long had steered the ship of State, to their content, and was then taken from them when the tottering Empire, freshly assaulted and ransacked by strangers, required such a Nestor, as by sage directions, grounded upon mature deliberations might preserve it from fear of utter ruin. The same afternoon his body was embalmed, and two days after he was laid in the Antecamerâ, to the sight of all that came in: and Feb. 8/18. his corpse was carried into his own Chapel at the Palace, to be kept there till the King of Hungary (who was then upon the Danubie, returning with his Queen from Ratisbone by water) was come thither to give order and instructions for the manner of his interment. About the same time, abroad, the Swedes grown every where Masters of the field, began again to take in Towns, give Laws to the Citizens, swear the Magistrates to allegiance to the Crown of Sweden, take Hostages for performance of Conditions, plunder the Country, where they enquartered, to furnish their Armies with necessaries, and force the Cities which stood in fair terms of agreement with Caesar, the Elector of Saxony, and the other Princes, which either sided with the Emperor, before the treaty of Prague, or came in to him thereupon, to renounce their alliance, and take in their Swedish Garrisons. Leslie the Feeldmarshall, being come back from Westphalia, from pursuit of the Caesarean General Goetz, was come back to the Lantgravate of Hessen cassel where meeting with the Swedish General, he received a new Commission, to return towards the Weser, to have an eye upon the mperialists, and the League, Bannier supposing that body of an Army which himself commanded, sufficient for performance of his own designs in the upper Saxony, there yet appearing no adverse Army which was able to stand against him. Leslie conformed him to his General's Command, and Bannier without further stay marched with his forces towards Misnia. But Ertford, that goodly City of Thuringen again presented itself to his fancy, as he was upon the way; somewhat he resolved to do there, yet what or how he made a pause on; to leave it behind him, he concluded to be no part of policy, the place being of great receipt, and well fortified, both with a Moat, good walls, and the strong Castle of Ziriacksburg, and so, if once furnished by his enemies but with fifteen hundred presidiaries, might molest his Army; to attempt it by force, or a long Siege, might waste his forces, and consume much time: These doubts stumbled him, yet in fine he resolved to take it by a fineness (if it might be) and if that way thrived not, to work otherwise. And take it in the end he did, nor was the design any remora to his further proceed, being but a whet to sharpen the courage of his Soldiers, no stop or let to his purposes. Decemb. ½ 1/1. Bannier took up his head-quarter at Deberstead, a village not fare from Ertford, and the same Evening, to lose no time, first presented part of his Forces in a small Battalia before the Fort of Ziriacksburg, and then road in person to the gates of the City, demanding of the Governor, Ertford summoned. whether he would declare himself a friend or enemy to the Crown of Sweden? The former passage, and treaty before his pursuit of the confederate Imperial Generals, made him confident, that the Governor would answer his demand modestly, without any rude expression of hostility: and modestly he answered indeed, that he had no order from the Magistrate to declare himself an enemy, when the Swede catching the words from his mouth, before he could make an end, replied mildly, Nor am I yours. The Governor intended to tell him, that he would confer with the Magistrate, and follow the order which he should prescribe, but Bannier unwilling to admit any demur in the business, stayed not to attend their conference, but instantly having before hand expressed himself by writing, called for a Trumpeter and sent him into the City with Letters, requiring the Magistrate to send his Deputies to the Camp, with whom he would parley for the benefit and preservation of that City. The Magistrate regarding the safety of the Citizens, and conceiving that the Swede would demand nothing but a supply of necessaries, as and victuals for his Army; sent some of the graver Burghesses the next day to deal according to the directions, which himself by advice of the Senate the night before had concluded on, and confined them to. Early in the morning the Swede road about the City, viewed the fortificatio s, and before the Deputies came, was returned to his tent. Yet at last they came, were entertained kindly, and with many protestations of his affection to their State, which he desired, that they would answer again with a Remonstrance of the like love to him, by renouncing the treaty, and conclusions at Prague, by remaining constant to the Crown of Sweden, as they had been formerly, by surrendering unto him the Fort of Ziriacksburg, and accepting of a Swedish Garrison; which conditions if they liked of, he promised to protect them, and would neither desire any supply of money, or other necessaries from the Citizens. The Burghesses perceived, that his Oration which at first was smoothed with oily words, came off with a sharp twang, that a bitter pill was tendered them, though covered with gold, and though they might have answered him without pausing, being instructed by their Commission, yet desired leave to go back to the Senate, promising faithfully to return an answer the next morning. Their desire was granted by the Swede, and the promised answer was sent by a Trumpeter according to the set time by them; but not suiting to the demand, save only in flat denial, the Citizens having resolved to stand upon their defence, and rather endure the inconveniences which attend a Siege, than subscribe to those propositions. The General was the same day invited to dinner by Duke William of Wymar, and had appointed to meet him, that their alliance might be renewed, and by a good correspondence, they might be assistant, each to other; and this occasion hindered the Swede from planting his battery against the City that day, conceiving that unless his eye was over the work, it would not be done to the best advantage: only for that present, he gave order to some Troops of Horse, to scour the tetritorie about the River of Saal; which was done, and at night they returned to the Camp, Besieged by the Swedes. bringing with them some Saxon Officers prisoners. The next morning very early the General commanded his Canons to be planted upon an hill near Daberstead, and then the Guns played their parts so well, that fifty great shot in a small space were discharged against the City, and more were ready, but that a Fireball cast into the Town, having fired two Barns, and a dwelling house, the General gave order to give off shooting, till he had again felt the pulse of the Magistrate, by sending a Drum unto the City, to wish the Inhabitants to treat with him fairly, and not hasten their own ruin, promising that whatsoever was passed notwithstanding, he would use them with all lenity, and lay no unsupportable burdens upon them. The Senate gave audience to the Messenger, and sent two selected men of quality, to confer again with the General, yet first receiving Hostages for the safety of the Senators (Colonel Goltz, and his Lieutenant) a cessation of Arms for twenty-foure hours was the first proposition made by the Agents for the City, and that obtained, they craved leave to departed, showing a contentedness in their countenances, that they could so easily prevail for what they desired with him, which not many hours before seemed an implacalbe Enemy. But the Camp made better use of this time of forbearing offensive Arms, than the City did; defences were not prohibited, it was lawful for either party to do any thing in that short time of truce, for their own defence and safety; though not to the detriment of the other: and Bannier used not his men as Soldiers, but pioneers, their weapons that day were mattock and spade, and those proved as serviceable for his purpose, as the thundering Ordnance. The Briarean hands of the labouring men, not hindered by any adversary, made a quick dispatch of much work; by the Evening, the approaches were brought to the very gates of the City, and the Castle-walls, and then both the Commander of the Military men, Surrendered upon compolition. and the civil Magistrate, perceiving how the Swede had overreached them by a fineness, feared his force, and yielded themselves and the place upon these ensuing Conditions. First, That the sort of Ziriacksburg should receive for a Garrison, The Articles a hundred of the Swedish Soldiers, and a hundred of the City, all to be commanded by a Swede, who should give an oath of loyalty, both to the Crown of Sweden, and the City. Secondly, The City shall not be charged with entertainment of any Soldiers, but it's own, and which shall be governed by a particular Commander, and both the Soldiers and their Chieftain shall swear as well to the Crown of Sweden, as the City. Thirdly, The Keys of the gates shall be kept by the Senate. Fourthly, The Citizens shall abide true and faithful to the Crown of Sweden, till a firm and constant peace be settled in the Empire, etc. that the City at all times when necessity requireth it, shall give free pass and repass to the Swedes, according to the occasion. Fiftly, The City shall pay the Soldiers in the Army 36000. Rixdollars, whereof 10000 shall be paid immediately in ready money, and 16000 in wares, and the rest within the space of six weeks. Lastly, In this agreement shall be comprehended all the Nobility, Gentry, and Saxon Officers, which are fled to the City for refuge and protection, with their moveables, and other goods. These Articles were sealed on both sides Decemb. 16/26. the gates of the City set open for the Swedes entry, the Castle delivered, and a Swedish Commander put into it. Gleen according to the order received from Caesar, was then upon his march towards Westphalia to unite his Wirtembergers to Goetz and Hatzfie dt; when Bann●er thus thrived in Thuringen. The depth of winter could not stay his journey, nor the cold of the season congeal the burning desire the Imperial Commanders had generally, to enable themselves to meet and fight with the Swedish Army: but succours came in slowly elsewhere, the Duke of Lunenburgh stood a while as a neuter, nor declaring himself till the Spring approached: only Gleen the most forward for the present, proved most unfortunate. Four complete Regiments by the assistance of the Land-grave of Darmstad he had drawn together, 4. Imperiale Regiments defeated by Stalhaus. and knowing where the gross of Banniers Army was, thought to find a way from Franconia to Westphalia by Hessen-land, or if any straggling Swedes should happen by the way; able to encounter with them, and chase them, and so clear the passage by his power. Some Swedish troops appeared in Franconia upon the river of Sala, and they descrying the Caesarean Commander upon his march, retired as afraid of him, into the Forest of Thuringen. It is the condition of an ambitious man to think all others stand in awe of him, and he that concludeth of colours by a false glass, apprehendeth things otherwise then they are; The Caesarean took their retirement, for a plain flight, and thinking to overreach and surprise them, spurred up after them; when suddenly himself was overtaken being encountered by Stalhause, (whom till then they had nor discovered) unexpectedly. There were in that Army some men of quality, and of a spirit transcending the condition they were then in; the Count of Furstemburg, the Colonels Princk, Mantenfell, and Ramsdorff, all daring men, and as able for service, as daring, though now they were unhappily over-weighed. These great hearts saw the present danger, yet undaunted with it they rather armed for battle, then either to run or yield, 700 of them slain, and 2 Colonels taken prisoners and fight they did valiantly, but not fortunately, and the Wirtemberger Regiment encouraged by the example of their Leaders, followed on as resolutely, holding out almost to the last man. The horse only played the jades, for the Cavaliers seeing the Swedes come on impetuously and finding themselves a little galled by the Swedish Musketeers, instead of fight against them ran unto them, leaving the foot to the mercy, or fury of their enemy, who slew 700. upon the place, took near as many prisoners, and amongst the rest, the two last-named Colonels, gained three pieces of Ordnance marked with the arms of Gleen, and pursued the rest almost to Wertzburg where Princk who had his horse slain under him in the battle, and Gleen, and Furstemberg saved themselves with much difficulty. Bannier having ordered things at Ertford, marched thence with his Army consisting of sixteen Regiments of horse, and two thousand foot Decemb. 21. old-stile, when taking up his head quarter at Eckersburg, and Schult-porten, he first summoned Naumburg, the first City in Misnia, on the west side of Sala, and the Commander there refusing to come in upon his summons, he planted a battery, and without much expense of powder and shot, the Citizens careful to preserve their own estates, dissenting from the Praesidiarie Soldiers, he entertained the Burgesses friendly, but forced the men of Arms to come in upon discretion; and the Saxon Lieutenant Colonel which commanded there, the Major and two Captains he detained as prisoners of war, yet the common Soldiers, 150. in number, obtained their lives and liberties by taking service under him. Thence he removed his Camp towards Moersburg, an Episcopal City upon the same River, which submitting itself to the Swede upon the sighf of his Army, Leipsich summoned. he conducted his forces immediately towards Leipsich, where finding two resolute Commanders the Earls of Transdorff, arming themselves and fortifying the place against the fury of his ordnance, and danger by the granadoes, vessels of water being placed in the streets, the houses covered with wet skins, and nothing omitted which the case of a besieged place required for its conservation. jan. 1. old style he summoned the City, and the Castle of Pleisemburg adjoining to it, and receiving a joint answer of refusal to surrender, from the brethren which commanded severally in the Fort and City, he threatened to enforce it, yet for the present only blocked it up, and before he had spent a shot against it, or received one from it, marched thence with the other part of his Army towards Eulenburg, whither he had sent Stalhause before him, The Governor resolved to defend it. with the greater part of his cavalry to discover the power and posture of the General Major Dehne, whose purpose by intercepted letters directed to the Governor of Leipsich, being to bring 2000 men which he had then at Eulenburg in four Regiments for his assistance, was by this means prevented, and way made for the Swedes further conquests. The Saxon Commander had notice of the Swedes before hand, and half an hour before that Stalhause his Avantguard could reach to his late quarter, was risen and road upon the spur toward Torgaw, the care of that City being committed to his trust by the Elector, who himself being secure no where, went from Leipsich to Torgaw, upon the first report of the Swedes being at Ertfort, and thence to Dresden, every where as he passed giving a great charge to the Commanders and Governors, and taking oaths of them, to stand to him faithfully, and not deliver up his towns, unless by necessity into the hands of his enemies. Yet the fate of the General Major depending upon that day's service, though he had gotten the advantage of way, and was upon the speed, could not preserve the City, nor his forces. Stalhause seeing him gone made after amain, and though he could nor overtake the Avantguard of the Saxons, wherein Dehne, and Wilsdorffe, his equal in military dignity was, he overtook the Rear conducted by the Colonel Shletonitz, Colonel Dehne routed. and after a small battle, wherein he had slain 200. of his men, took the Colonel himself, and 200. others prisoners, deprived them of four Standards and Ensigns, and pursued the General Major to the gates of the City, which though it held out that night, was surrendered the next day to the General Bannier, as soon as he appeared before it with his Army, the season favouring his attempt, glazing up the Elve, and exposing the Fort before the Bridge, and the Bridge too, to his obedience, upon conditions to spare the lives and liberties of the Praesidiarie Soldiers, both Commanders and ordinary men, they again condescending to departed without weapons, & to deliver the Swedes the Ensigns, and 32. Standards which were then in the City. CHAPTER III. Torgaw taken from the Saxon, the Garrison turn to the Swedes, with the siege of Leipsich, and the abandoning of it again by the Swedes, and other things. THis Conquest was of no small consequence, the Saxons loss was greater in the conclusion, Torgaw taken by Bannier. then in the beginning, and the Swedes advantage much more. Besides 1200. foot which were garrisond in the City, there were at the same present also 2500. men belonging to several Regiments fled thither for their security, and these upon the surrender of the place, thinking to have had liberty to departed, with their Arms and baggage, as being none of the Garrison, were upon their march in a fair equipage, with 12. Ensigns, & 5. pieces of Canon, which the elector had saved from the Swedes at the battle of Witstocke. But upon them too the Swede seized, and giving liberty to the Commanders to be gone but not without a check, and some reproaches for their perfidious dealing with the Crown of Sweden (to which they had once sworn fealty and sincere alliance) and surprisal of their baggage, The Saxon Garrison taketh pay of the Swedes. he dismounted and disarmed the under-officers and common Soldiers, who perceiving their nakedness of a sudden tendered him their service, and took pay under him, hoping of better wages from him, than they could expect from the Elector; Bannier having lately taken from him the most part of his treasury at Leichtenburg, and now enriched with a new booty, valued at above one million, 16000 Rix-dollers whereof lately appertained to the General Major Dehne. Some men have got wealth by their losses, like Pomponius Laetus in Sabellicus, who having his house pillaged, received double so much as he lost by the bounty of his friends. But the Saxon General's case was otherwise, with the City, The Colonel Dehne beheaded. (to the Government whereof he was recommended by the Elector for his good service in relieving the Fort of Mansfeldt) he lost his estate, and life, the Swedes having got his treasure, and the Elector soon after cutting off his head, for surrendering the City; and the Elector himself, with that particular place, lost more, Meisen, the chief City of Misnia, Eulemburg, Grim, Borne, Debitz, Bitterfeldt, Belgeren, and Hall, yielding instantly to the Conqueror, having no hope of relief by any confederate Army; Only Dresden of all the umbilical Cities of Saxony held out still, yet not without fear of being made the spoil of strangers, the Imperial Armies, being so fare from their succours, that their march and places of rest, were unknown to the Citizens. But the loss of Torgaw, was no small means for the liberty and deliverance of Leipsich; the vigilant Commander there, slipped no opportunity, which presented itself unto him, and perceiving the Swedish Army, both horse and foot discamping jan. 4. old style, and upon their march towards Torgaw, the same night sent forth three hundred Musketeers and two hundred horse, to search for the straggling Swedes, which were lurking about the Villages near Eulenburg, and were not gone with the main body of the Army. The Saxon Soldiers went on with as little noise as might be, and covering the design with the darkness of the night, fell unexpectedly upon a small Troop of Swedish horse, A Troop of Swedish horse surprised. which had taken up their night's lodging in one of the Villages, and surprised them. The Swedish Ritmaster, whose courage surmounted his present power, began to make some resistance, yet oppressed with a fare superior number of Saxons, and dangerously wounded, was forced to yield, and himself and the most part of that Cavallary, some few only saving themselves by flight with a Preacher to the Swedish Army, were made prisoners, and carried to Leipsich. This prosperous design, gave the Soldiers and Inhabitants a small assurance of speedy deliverance; some concluded, that the Swedes had received notice of the Imperial succours, which the Leipzickers expected daily; others, that Mansfeild with his Silesian Army, had invaded the Marquisate of Brandenburg, and was too strong for Wrangell, to whose care that Province was left, and that Bannier was enforced to march back again to relieve him; others, (it is common with men to believe what they desire) that Bannier and his Armies discamping, Leipsich victualled and fortified. was rather a flight for their own preservation, than a warlike March for further execution, and with confidence fed with airy hopes, proclaimed their own delivery. But the provident, and valiant Commander, forecasted what might ensue, and as one not fearing any present danger, opened the Grimmer, or South gate, yet as not secure, kept the rest locked up, and knowing, that besides offensive and defensive Arms, Victuals, and other provisions necessary for life, were required to hold out a Siege, in the absence of the Swedes, which continued the space of seven days, sent into the Country, for Cattles, Corn, Hay, Oats, and Wood, which he bestowed in the Zimmer house, and Baarfuper Church, (necessity causing him to turn that consecrated ground to a profane use) as in two Magazine's: armed two thousand lusty young Prentices, and Journeymen, to serve as Soldiers, strengthened the fortifications, and omitted nothing which might seem needful to preserve the City, suspecting the return of the Swedish Forces thither. His conjecture was not misplaced, jan. 12. old style, the avantguard of the Swedes was discovered upon Gods-aker, early in the morning, and were saluted with some Volleys of Canon-shot, from the Fort of Pleissenburg, and Saint Peter's Bulwark, yet without any offence done, (the Ordnance not answerable to the Commanders desire, Leipsich again summoned. could not reach them) the whole Host, designed for that service, with their Wagons and baggage were descried, coming over Schoenfeldt, under their General the Earl of Brandesteine. The Swedes observed the method of a fair Enemy, sending word first by a Trumpeter to the City of their purpose, intending to prepare for the blow, if the answer did not suit with their demand: The instructions given the Messenger, were in round and peremptory words, to tell the Commander, that his General desired to know, whether he would surrender the City upon a fair Composition, or see it become a pillar of fire, and smoke; and though delivered rudely, was answered as roundly: the Commander replying, that he could not, nor would comply himself to his desire; and that, whatsoever the Swede had promised to himself, it was not in his own ability to perform; but must be referred to the fortune of war. Words were bootless, the Swede prepared presently for the Siege, and the next morning was strongly entrenched before the Grimmer gate, upon the stone way, and planted himself in the New, and Back streets, and other houses near the City. And the Earl of Transdorff, again, neglected not to make his defences, armed the Colleges, which were near the wall, namely, Saint Paul's College, the Great, and New Colleges, and St Thomas his School, with Soldiers and Artillery, making a vacation for the Students, by converting those Nurseries of piety, and policy, into Blockhouses, Bulwarks, and Citadels, replenished with military men, and instruments of war; the present adversary being not to be repelled with scientifical demonstrations, or probable arguments out of Topics, but with fire and sword, shot and powder, from the throats of the roaring Ordnance. Besieged by the Swedes. Now the confusion which attends upon war, began to appear attired in her proper dress; houses flaming and set on fire, not by the enemy, but their proper owners, that they might be no shelter for the adversaries. Churches, Altars, and the dwelling places of the Muses battered by the Canon, endangered by the fire Morterers, and Granades; the Ports boared on the one side with shot from the Camp; and stuffed again with wood and dung by the defendants, to keep their own people from going forth, and excluding their foes; Sallies made out desperately, Mines wrought with difficulty, and where force availed not, for the assailants; threats and fiery menacing Letters sent to the defendants, and by them answered as spitefully. It is almost beyond belief, that in so small a space, as this Siege endured, which was but from the twelfth of january till the seventh of February, such, and so many things should be done. But thus I find them set down in a Journal by one which was engaged in the action, and therefore to be credited. january 13. Old style, from about eight in the morning till nine at night, the Swedes played upon the City, with their Canon, fireworks, and Granades; and the Garrison upon the Camp, with their great Ordnance, dublehaukes, and Muskets, yet without much detriment to either side, the Commander within, having well provided to prevent the mischief, which might be done by the Granades, and the Swedes without, being so strongly earthed, that they could not easily receive damage. Holdeth out for the elector of Saxony. They who stayed in their trenches, were secure, but some few others which ranged abroad, to please their genius, became the spoil of the Garrison, which sallying out in the Evening, found eight men of the Army in an house without the Rhanish gate, which had formerly been a Tavern, and put them all to the sword. Thus that day was spent in thunder, which was not again so violent, till about seven days following, the Soldiers on both sides in the mean time, being employed rather to strengthen their defences, than otherwise. The Commander within, first gave order, that from that day, till the Siege was done, no clock should strike, no bell be told, thereby teaching the people, that the business of the time was such, as required all their hands, men, women, and children, and would not give leave to listen after what's a clock? And the next day having received Letters from the Elector, to do his endeavour for preservation of the place faithfully, and to persuade the Inhabitants to constancy, employed as many as were serviceable in raising of Pallisadoes, stuffing of packs with wool, and bringing them into the several streets near the wall, to be in a readiness, to fill up such breaches as might be made in the wall; and the General without, employed his Soldiers, in raising of batteries, digging of Mines about the Grimmer-gate, and other fortifications, not omitting sometimes to send a Salute by shot to the City, and seldom failing of an answer: yet the adventure of some of the Garrison, jan. 18/28. is worth a remembrance, for seeing the Swedes intended to make use of a Glass-maker's house for a battery, they sallied forth, and after a sharp Skirmish, which endured the space of an hour, burned the house to the ground, and returned to the City; and the day following, perceiving the Swedes to begin to plant many Canon-baskets, upon the foundation of the same house, which was of stone, and so escaped the fire; cut off the Dam betwixt the Pleissenburg, and the Town Moat, without Saint Thomas gate, and by that means drowned the foundation under water, and prevented the design. The defence made by the Garrison, and the offence done by the Swedes. But the 20/30. of that month, and from thence forwards to the time of the Swedes rising, were each remarkable days. A great piece of Ordnance called the Lazy maid, and three Morterers placed on the Grimmer gate by the Garrison, were then employed against the Camp, without any more intermission, than was necessary to cool them, and make them serviceable again. Sallies were made daily by the praesidiarie Soldiers, and to keep the Swedes from the Castle, fired the Suburbs without St. Peter's gate, and the Water-arch, as fare as to the Sand-streete, thinking it better to demolish those ragged buildings, which in time of peace had been of some use, for the meaner sort of people, no ornament to the City, than to have them employed by the Swedes, for execution of their hostile purposes. The Swedes, again employed all their diligence to bring the City to obedience, battered and boared the Grimmer-gate with three Demi-Canons, and other great Pieces, slung massy stones into the City, by help of the Morterers, threw in fire balls and granadoes, and jan. 22. Old style, sent a Drum again to require the Governor to surrender, threatening that if it was taken by assault, no person of what condition or sex so ever, should find mercy; and receiving a scornful answer by the Commander, who had received new Letters from the elector, with a promise of the Imperial succours, very speedily betook themselves again to their tackling, blew up a Mine near the Grimmer-gate, and having dressed themselves with plaited straw about their hats and arms, the same cognisance by which they were distinguished from the Saxons in their day near Witstocke, (thinking thereby to dishearten the defendants) stood in battellaray, as if they intended a present assault. A threatening countenance may daunt a Coward, and the representing of those Instruments to a degenerous spirit▪ which have been formidable unto him formerly, may strike him into an amazement, though there be no cause for it: They were but the Corinthian slaves, which having beat their Masters with Martial weapons, yielded upon sight of the whip, the Commander was of another mould, and answered them in their own terms, from the mouths of the tall and Lazy Maids, two great Guns, and smaller Pieces, and that so enraged the Swedes (who by this were supplied with some thousands of fresh men, from the Camp near Torgaw, and twelve new Pieces from Ertford) that to work they fall again, as not meaning to parley any more, and followed the design so hard till the beginning of February, that (although they could not conquer the City, they did much deface, and ruin it, the windmill street being burned to the earth, some Churches, especially that of Saint Nicholas, and that of St. Paul (the first having his roof broke down, and the other the Steeple battered with the Canon, and falling upon the roof, utterly demolishing it, to the greaterrour of the people, who were more rerrified by another shot from a Demi-canon, which smote the Altar, the Organs, and carried away one moiety of the Apostles Statues) and the Colleges being much ruined by the violence of those storms, attended with artificial thunder. A smart resistance was made by the defendants, which sometimes visited the Swedes in their trenches, yet that had ocene truitlesse, had not the succours come in maturely; but they estate being grown almost desperate, news was brought to them, and the Camp, of the coming of the Imperial Army. The Camp was less disheartened by the report, than the City encouraged, and to make it appear, that they played not in jest, but earnest, resolved to attempt something again, before the Imperial Host could march unto them. To this end, February the sixth Old style being Saint Dorothea's day, they played afresh upon the City, with four Demi-canons, eight great field Pieces, and some lesser Guns, and in the space of five hours, by force of the Ordnance, which had vomited three hundred thirty and five times upon the wall, and virtue of their Mines, made two breaches, one upon the East, another upon the West▪ side of the Grimmer-gate, (like Samson in the sacred Story▪ doing the Saxons more mischief at the last conclusion, than in the whole time of their continuance there) and stood in Battalia again, as if they meant to assault it. The Commander, a man never enough to be praised for his undaunted courage, (virtue where ever it is found is amiable) drew out four Companies of selected foot, armed them with short Pikes, two-handed-swords, Morning stars, (a deadly weapon where it falls) and Muskets, and marched himself in the head of them to the breach, to encounter the Swedes, if they adventured to enter by those breaches forcibly; It was done carefully, but needlessly; an express was brought to the Camp, that the untied Forces under Hatzfield, and Goetz, were within a day's march, and the Swedes thought it fit to retire with their unbroken Forces safely, than to expose them to a double hazard, The Siege raised. and go on desperately: and February the sixth, Old style, betwixt seven and eight at night, while the Morterers cast great stones and Granades into the City, and the Garrison was busy to prevent the mischief which might ensue thereby, the Canons were drawn from the batteries, the Army began to march and the Swedish General took up his head Quarter at Stoteritz. For the space of almost six weeks, since the first summons, jan. the first, New style, the City was thus troubled with an uncouth Fever, neither always intermittent, nor continual; but the seaventh of February the malice of the disease appeared to be abated, though some grudge thereof, like the after-drops of a violent shower, were still remaining. The Arriere of the Swedes, that day set the Superintendents Gaden-house on fire; and the day ensuing, the Villages neighbouring unto it, inferiors ministering members to that more worthy body, were sacrificed to Vulcan; fifteen several Hamlets were seen from Leipsich, flaming at once, and at Grolzschoker, a Dorp exceeding any of the other in greatness, the fire appeared biggest. The ninth day brought with it an happy crisis, the fag end of the Swedes, was not to be discovered, the avantguard of the Imperial succours appeared to the view of the almost distracted Citizens; the clocks were permitted again to give notice of the hour, the Bells were rung to congregate the people to divine service; and the tenth day, the Rhanish gate being opened, the Country people and Soldiers brought in greatstore of wood, straw, and hay, into the City: in fine, upon the twelfth day was a solemn assembly, Thanksgiving for the City's deliverance. and the people were summoned together, in all the Parishes, to render thankes to him, who had watched over the City, for its preservation and deliverance, and to join in prayers, for a firm, honourable, and general peace. Hazardous adventures are not surpassed vithout difficulty; yet industry and diligence perfecteth any Herculean enterprise. Famine, and extreme danger attended the imperials march, yet but a City in Thuringen, famoused of old for excellent wine, the name being thence derived, as Stigelius probably conjectures. Quip vocat jaijn, solymae pius Incola terrae Hoc, quod nos Latio dicimus ore merum. The Imperial Army reunited, and reinforced march towards Misnia. And of late for their theriacal Antidote, relieved the first; and their valour overcame the later; 200000. pound of bread, was extorted by the Imperial Generals, from the City, and the Army thus refreshed, intended to march, with all possible speed, toward Leipsich, but was hindered in the speed by the General Major Stalhause, who having passed the River before them, cut off the bridges behind him, A Conflict betwixt Stalhause, and though Imperialists at Saba, wherein four Imperial regiments▪ were ruinated. guarded the advemies with his Canon, and in three several skirmishes with Hatzfieldt, wholed the Avantguard, consisting of ten Regiments, ruinated four of them, without much loss of his own party; and then seeing Goetz was come with the rest of the host, in an orderly Retreat, marched up to Bannier, and the main of the Swedish Army. The Forces on both sides, like so many lines drawn from several points of the Circumference, began to tend to one Centre; and as if both parties had set up their rest, and were concluded to venture all at once, summoned their associates from their several stations, to the general Rendezvous in Misnia. The Crabats under Isolani, and Budianis, were called out of the Dukedom of Burgundy, to assist Hatzfielde in his design against the Swedes in Saxony; and were by the end of February advanced as fare as Hessen cassel, where they not only pressed the Lantgraves' Subjects which lived in undefenced places, The Crabats under Isolani oppress the Hessians. and oppressed them with mighty exactions for relief, but required Contributions of the great City itself, as deeming it to be under their Command, and threatened Ertford in Thuringen with a Siege and hostile Arms, presuming that they were able to master it, with as much ease, as Bannier had lately done. But the Swedish Colonel Goltz, who commanded in the City, prepared to entertain them; and fortified the place, as much as might be; not omitting the hill Daver, (the place of advantage, where the Swedish General planted his Ordnance, when he had surrounded it) amongst his preparations for defence; knowing that the prepossessing of that hill, was almost sufficient alone, to secure the City from the Crabats violence. This his labour shown his care, to maintain the place committed to his charge; no man can conclude certainly of contingent future's; nor could he, but upon probabilities, have any assurance of what success, these bands of Crabats, might have in Hessen-land; or what forces they might bring against him. Otherwise, that labour might have been spared, those forces being dispersed, the stings of those Serpents being taken away, before they could reach the Thuringer forest, by the Landgrave William, who had form a new Army of his own, consisting of ten Regiments, and was then assisted with seven Swedish Regiments sent unto him from the Camp by Bannier, under the Command of Colonel King, to that purpose. This true professor of the Evangelicall faith, thought it unbeseeming his dignity, to recede a jot from the promise of alliance, which he had made and confirmed by oath, to the Crown of Sweden, and being at that time courted by the Imperialists, to relinquish their party, coined some new Rixdollars, with these Germane words upon them; Es ist besser land, und leut verlobrens, Den, eyu. en falchen eydt geshworens: Which may be Enlished thus, It's better Life and Land forsake, Then to annuls one Oath I make. Not so much, to nip the Saxon for his perfidiousness, as some have judged it, as to testify his own integrity, and loyalty; and aided by the Swedes, March 1/11. visited Budianis in his Quarter at Skenkanfeldt, Budianis raised, & his Regiments routed by the Land●grave William. where after a sharp conflict, in which the Crabat saw 300 of his Soldiers put to the Sword, himself was forced to slight, and that too, so full of horror and confusion, that to save his life, he was fain to cast away his Coat, Saddle, Sable, & to leave his Horse & gajentie, for fear of being discovered and exposed to danger personally, sheltering himself in the Woods to preserve him from the rage of the Victor who by this action gained 300 Horse and their furniture, carried with him to Cassel 26 Prisoners, all or most of them men of note, and eminent Commanders in the Army, cleared his Country of those Caterpillars and marched up towards the Weser and Westphalia, where he doubted not to enlarge his Victory, there being then no Imperial Army to oppose him. Isolani in the interim, taking his way thorough Voidlandt, to attain to the Caesareans Camp, under whose protection, he promised himself more security, as being joined with Confederates, and no longer building upon his own power. Wrangell, who at that time was marched 10 leagues up into Silesiae, to invade that Province, and make head against the Forces under Maerazini, and the Count of Mansfeldt, both which, with a new levied Army there were putting forward towards Pegaw, where Hatzfield, and Goetz expected their coming, received instructions from Banniere to do his best endeavour, to cut them off in their march, or otherwise to hasten thence to the Swedish Camp, and join with him against the whole Caesarean united power. It was more than probable at the first, that the Swedish Field-marshal might have encountered them (at least) upon equal terms, 10000 brave old Soldiers attended him when he first passed the Oder at Franck-fordt. 1100. Polacks, 1100 Pollacks mutinying for pay, take service under Wrangell. which had mutinied for want of pay, and vowed to pillage Mòravia, (a rich Country annexed to the Crown of Bohemia, and abounding with Corn, being generally so full of Tillage, that there was scarce any place of Pasture, and hitherto, untouched in these present wars) to make up their stipend, seeing the Imperialists threatened to pay them with Swords, and bullets, revolted, and took service under him; The Imperialists Army was but on raising, Colonel Truchses who had promised the deceased Emperor to supply him with many thousands of able men out of that Province, failed of performance, and laying strange impositions upon the people grew odious; only Gl●gawe, and some other few places were left to withstand him; and who would not hence conclude a doubtless happy issue? The change of Counsels often turneth the present state of things; to see a supposed Favourite brought to disgrace, infatuates the Common people, with a dotage of new affection to their Commanders. Truchses was arrested as an abuser of the Caesarean grace and mercy, sent a Prisoner to Vienna; Mansfeildt authorised to supply his charge, Truchses arrested and sent to Vienna. and he complying with the people's humour, soon raised a sufficient strength to deal with Wrangell, who grown weaker by this time than he was at his first going to the Field, having left 4000 of his men in several Garrisons, and scarce confident of the Polish Cossacks, (discrees Commanders will hardly give credit to a revolting Fee. He which alloweth the act will not easily trust the actor) retreated thence towards Misnia to join with his associate and fellow in Arms Banniere, and with their united forces, to give battle to the Army of the Caesareans. CHAP. IU. The Death of BODISLAUS, D. of Pomerania. SOme remoras there were which hindered his expedition; one an act of humanity, or rather piety, the other an effect of necessity; and though the first might seem a Nullity, to the overcurious inquisitors into each man's comportment, yet the last is beyond all exception, and requires no apology for it, nor admits argument against it. What Plow-jogger will not forbear one day in Harvest to bury his deceased Father; though the Corn be ripe and ready to shake? what Merchant will not stay a little to give his friends the Foy, though the wind fill his sails, and inviteth forth to sea? An occasion of more consequence in Ethics then a common farewell, and of more importance in humanity then the interrement of a private-man, though a parent, policy attending and playing the handmaid to his piety, stayed him. The golden Bough of Pomerania, was then cropped, and — isthoc avulso deficit alter Aureus et simili non frondet virga metallo. Bodislaus the 14 aged 57 years, who had sat at the Helm of Pomerania by the space of 17 years personally, whose ancestors had governed that Province for 700 years, March 〈◊〉 deceased childless, and without issue; to the great grief of his subjects and confederates, who were the more sensible of his loss by their known assurance of his integrity: and this Prince his Funerals together with a provident care, for preservation of the Dukedom, were one cause of such a stay there, as might show his affection to the memory of that good Prince, but not endanger his confederates. But this was not all, his way was intercepted, and there was no passage through the Imperial Army to his friends, unless the way was cut out with the sword; The Caesarcans had blocked up his way, and unless he would fight desperately, and upon extreme disadvantage, it was vain as yet to attempt it. The adverse armies lay then encamped within one Germane league each of other, both severally seeking to gain, neither willing to give occasion to the other. The Caesareans, & Saxons surmounted the Swedes in number, the Swedes had the odds of them in ammunition for war, and provisions of viands. Banniere thinking to consume his adversaries by famine, lay still in his fastness without striving, and the Imperialists supposing at the length to catch him upon the hanck, observed the same order; nothing was done for many days to the prejudice of the other: the Imperialists at the end impatient of idleness, and relieved with Ordnance from Dresden, and victuals out of Bohemia, gave the first onset upon the regiment under Colonel Poye, The Swedish regiment under Colonel Poye collected. consisting of 400. horse, and rooted it, then fleshed with this petit victory, fell foul upon the Earl of Hoditz, and came thence conquerors; and grown more confident by that success, divided their army into two parts, whereof one was to pass the river of Mulda near Dresden, and the other to abide in their former station. The Swede whose watchful eye attended upon this division, prepared some selected Troops to watch the Caesareans as they crossed the water, The Vanguard of some Imperial troops defeated upon the Mulda. and they so faithfully performed their trust, that with a sudden volley of shot discharged upon the enemies as they were passing over, they were so amazed, that in a strange confusion, they crowded so thick upon the Bridge of Boats, which was made for their transportation, that the Bridge sunk, and broke under their weight, many men and horses were drowned in the water, the Standards of those which were passed the River became a spoil to the undertakers, and the rest of the Army was forced in a confused retreat to hasten backward to the Camp, which resided about Stralen, Rissa, and Oshatz. Two Caesarean Regiments surprised near great Hahin. Two Caesarean Regiments, were quartered at the same time near great Hahin, under the Commands of the Colonel's Shierstets, and Barkersdorff, and under a pretence to surprise them as it was after given out, Banniere who was strongly entrenched about Torgaw, and had an Army of 12000 Horse, and 8 Brigads of Foot, sent 8 Regiments, which fired the Suburbs of that small City, raised the Imperialists from their lodging, routed them by a short but smart charge, pursued them to the very gates of Dresden, and possessed themselves of their baggage; the Caesareans prising their lives above that pelf, willingly leaving that Booty to the victors, to secure their persons by an expeditious flight. But the design tended to a further scope: Marazines Forces lay in Lusatia to keep the passages against Wrangell, who (as they supposed) intended to march that way to his confederates in his Colleagues Army, and to guard him. Those Forces were commanded abroad by the Swedish General, whose intent being suspected by Hatzfield, the Sergeant Major General Bretta March 10/30. Was sent out with 5000 Horse to oppose them. Hitherto Bannier's Forces are upon the winning at least not on the losing hand, the Caesarcans saved a great stake at Leipsick, but drew very few, and those of small value; but his Confederates were sometimes loser's, failing of their own intendments, and sometimes vanquished, or overtaken by the adversary. Nothing is sure under the Sun, the Moon hath a blemish in the middle of her glorious Orb, the Rivers which sometimes enlarge themselves into Lakes, and seeming Oceans of fresh waters are again contracted into narrow Channels, yet the Macula of the Moon, makes the glory of her illuminated body more illustrious, the straightening of the current makes it more violent, and the loss which his Allies and Friends received did not derogate from their glory, nor brought any prejudice (certainly) to their erterprises. The Romans Honour and Empire was not lost, though adventured desperately, upon the valour of three noble Brethren against a like number of Enemies, when two of their Champions were slain, the third by a politic stratagem, and his manhood performing alone what they had all undertaken jointly; and so purchasing a name to his family, and victory to his Nation; it may be paralleled by this modern story. Hermanstein a Fort of consequence upon the Rhine near Coblentz, The Fort of Hermanstein necessitated. which yet held out for the King of France, was straightly beleaguered by john de Werth and reduced to extreme necessity; it was not to be undermiend being seated on a Hill, nor to be forced otherwise then by Famine; the place being so fortified by Nature and Art, that it was, and is not undeservedly esteemed impregnable; the Imperial Commander lay before it, and hindered all supplies of relief. The Landtgrave attempteth to relieve it, but is defeated twice. The Landgrave twice adventured to supply it i'th' necessaries, and was twice beaten back by the asseegers with much loss. The neighbouring Boors, thought to steal thither with Hens, and such like viands through the hedges and back ways, but were apprehended by the way, and hanged for their labour. The Citadel was so much distressed, that the Commander (a man of singular wisdom and fortitude) was compelled to divide his provisions amongst the people by weight, and the Baron of Werth knowing their necessity, and how improbable it was that they should be relieved by and land auxiliaries (his army having stopped that way) or by succours from the Rhine all the Forts upon the Stream, being under the Austrians power) concluded, that the Fort must yield, and had in a manner assured himself, to take it in upon what terms he himself should be pleased to prescribe to the besieged: But the River yielded a passage, though the earth denied one, for conveyance of victuals, and other necessaries unto the Castle. The Story is thus related, by the Dutch from Hamburg. A Spanish Don being sent Ambassador from his Catholic Majesty to the King of Hungary then at Ween, to condole with him for the deceased Emperor and congratulate his accumulated dignities; Ramsey releeveth it by a stratagem. having dispatched his legation; was ready for his journey towards Bruxcls to visit the Cardinal Infant, intending to go by shipping from Mentz to Colin, and thence to Brabandt. The desolation of the upper Palatinate and a great part of Franconia, through which he was to pass from the Danubie to the Rhine, moved him to send some of his Servants five or six days before to prepare his lodgings, and necessaries for him, self, and the rest of his retinue. This was revealed to Ramsey Governor of Hanaw, who aswell to preserve that City from the Siege, which john de Werth threatened it, as soon as Hermenstein should be surrendered, as also for to show his good affection to his Confederates, had long been plotting to relieve them: and now conceited, that if he could but surprise the Spanish Harbingers the business was half done, sent out several parties to watch the high ways, with instructions that if they chanced to meet with those Spanish adventurers, they should do them no other violence, then to bring them into the City. His order was observed, and it fell out in all things according to his wish, the Soldiers met with the Gentlemen, brought them to Hanaw, and presented them to the Commander, who entertained them with all gentleness, and by kindness screwed out of them, the time and day of the Ambassadors coming to the Rhine, the number of vessels designed to attend him, their description by their colours, the number of his own attendants which waited upon him, their habits, and the habit, and favour of the Ambassador himself: And being thus acquainted with each particular circumstance, trimmed up two ships of the like burden, and condition, selected some chosen men out of the Garrison, to personate the Spanish Ambassadors followers, and one well versed in his Sibboleth the Spanish tongue and garb to represent his person, all which being attired in the Spanish dress, with their hair cut close (according to the Catholic Kings late edict, of which they seemed strict observers) and in long mourning cloaks were brought to the Vessels, loaden with necessaries for the relief of the Castle, and appearing upon the Decks, sailed down the Rhine in the face of the Imperial Garrisons, who taking, and mistaking them for Spaniards, not only suffered them to Sail quietly, but saluted them friendly with many Musquetadoes and Canonadoes from the Garrisons; the new Amphitruo, not sparing to compliment with them in a Spanish posture from shipboard, till having reached to Hermenstein, the subtle Sosia's turned in thither, to the vexation of the Spaniards allies, who were ready to bite their fingers, to see themselves thus deluded. It was a neat stratagem well carried, and of great consequence. Hanaw which alone of all the Cities in the Weteraw, yet held out, had been much endangered otherwise. The Caesareans began to appear strong again in the Empire, and had done much damage to the Swedes and their allies in the Bishopric of Munster, the Mark of Brandenburg, and about the Weser, and had certainly resolved to plunder the Weteraw, if the design at Hermenstein had succeeded fortunately. Lemford in Westphalia, a Fort of a pretty strength out great consequence, Lemford taken by the Imperialists. as being one of the inlets of the Territory about it, was kept and possessed by a company of Swedish Dragoons, which did much spoil in the Bishopric of Munster, and were therefore complained of by the Country people, to the Baron of Luttersheim who commanded in Dieps-hold, and he with a Regiment of men sat down before it, and forced the Swedes in the Castle to yield upon discretion, and to take Service under him. The Praesidiaries in Minden and Osnabrugge made out six troops of Horse, and 4. Companies of Dragoons, to be revenged for this loss, thinking to have taken Dieps-hold by O●slat, and surprised the Baron and his Regiment which was lodged there. And to this purpose February ●4/4. marched thitherwards, covering their intention with the darkness and silence of the night. But the Baron had received some intention of their purpose, and having prepared for them, The Praesidiaries of Minde● & Osnabrugge, defeated at Dieps hold. charged upon the avantgard, before they expected it, and had then surprised it, had not the whole band come in suddenly to their rescue. But those old Soldiers practised in the handling and managing of their arms, needed no word of direction from the mouth of their Commander, the present state of their friends assaulted by the enemy, taught them both the what, and the how, in their action. The battle grew hot, and the Swedes being compelled by darkness to stick close together, and not to sever for fear of ambuscadoes sought manfully, from 2. of the clock till 5. in the morning, & then perceiving that Luttershem surmounted them in strength, and advantage, betook themselves to plain fight, and were pursued to Osnabrugge, but without great loss, their horses being good and speedy, and their flight well ordered, and not in confusion. But this loss was soon after regained, both in point of honour and benefit by the same Swedish garrisons; Feb: 10/2● when they surprised suddenly 4. companies of Imperiall-souldiers, which lay in the the small City of Hagell, Surprise Hagell and put 4 companies of Caesarea●s to the sword. put them to the sword, and returned home with 150 horse, and other good booty, and baggage of which they had spoilt the Imperialists. These were the checks which were given to the Swedes associates, in those parts of the Empire, which the General valued the less in respect of the damage he had done to the Saxon, with whom, above any particular Prince of the Empire the Crown of Sweden was most offended; which detriment is expressed particularly by letters from Dresden, The miserable con●i●i●n of the Dukedom of Saxony. March 18/2● wherein with words delivered with an accent of griefa the whole Dukedom of Saxony is said to be totally ruinated, except the Cities of Leipzick, Wittemberge, and Dresden, the Churches lying desolate, the woods being out down, the earth untilled and lying waste, and the villages, and lesser Cities, made pillars of fire and smoke, not only by the Swedes the enemies, but also by the seeming friends the Caesarians, who spare not to burn those places to the ground, where they find not as much provision as they demand for their armies, as the Duke Frederick of Saxon Altenberg complained to Hatzfieldt, desiring him to order his rude soldiers by a better discipline, that such acts of inhumanity might be prohibited, and the offenders punished accordingly. Thus far we have followed Bannier, and Hatzfield, both yet abiding in their fastness, expecting their advantageous opportunity to sight. And now we must look back to the Elector of Brandenburg, and Wrangell the Swedish Field-marshal, whom our last discovery left in that Marquisate. Berlin the Electors seat of residence, Brandenburg the Metropolis of the middle Mark, Tangermund, once the seat of Charles 4. Emperor, and most places of note were brought by Wrangells' army either to entertain Swedish garrisons, or contribute to the maintenance of his forces; only the Forts of Spandaw and Kustrin held out for the Elector, Kustrin beleaguered by the Swedes. whom the Swedes courted with fair language sometimes, and sometimes summoned in the language of a soldier, to surrender those places of strength to him as a surety of his good affection and love to the crown of Sweden, or as a token that he would stand as a neutral, and not show himself an enemy. But both his courtship and summons were frivolous; the El●●●●● answered that those places were Forts of the E●●●●● that he could not deliver them up to a strange ●●owne without prejudice to his honour and credit: and as for the Swedes menaces, that perhaps it might be in their power to deal with his territories in what manner they pleased, but they should never be able to force him from his first resolution. His answer not only displeased, but enraged the Field-marshal, who whereupon immediately (being then Master of the Field) plundered the Country as far as Boeskah & Cotbutz, a town in the lower Lusatia, took away six wagons loaden with baggage belonging to the elector, as they were going to Kustrin, and sent them to Frankfort upon the Oder; blocked up Kustrin, broke down one of the bridges, and conveyed the Oder two English miles from the Fort, by a new artificial channel; the garrison all this time defending themselves valiantly, and though failing of victuals, not fainting in their courages. The elector who was gone from Berlin to Peitz, to raise such forces as might be able to make head against the Swedes, sent private instructions to Cracht the Commander in Kustrin to fortify himself as much as might be, promising faithfully to relieve him, as speedily as might be. The Colonel careful to perform his charge spared not cost; and seeing the suburbs about the Fort were rather serviceable for the Enemy than himself, burned them down, so making good use of this consuming element of fire for his safety; while the other unmerciful destroyer water offered itself to his service: the Oder swelling above the banks of the new channel, and breaking out violently, drowning some Swedish Soldiers, and overflowing the low land, in which the Fort is situated; and this accident caused them to consent with the Commander for a cessation of arms for certain doves, the Commander again promising to requite them with a competent sum of money, if they would give over the siege. It was but a small part of the Swedes which were sat down before the Citadel, the main body was then with the Field-marshal at Frank ford, one part thereof was employed to fetch in victuals, and money from the tributary towns to pay, and refresh the Army: another to plunder that part of the Country which had not submitted, and granted to pay contribution. And these last, ranging as fare as to Peitz, lighted upon six wagons loaden with provision for the Electours household; seized upon them, and presented them to Wrangell, who being himself sufficiently stored, and knowing the scarcity of the sCountrey, & desirous rather to vanquish the elector by courtesy, than violence, sent them back by the Electours own wagoners, and convoy, neither lightning the carriages, nor offering any injury to their persons. And now the winter beginning to be in his strength, The siege intermitted. having well refreshed his Army at Frankford, after he had utterly demolished the bridge, and sent away all the City's ammunition, and burnt down all the bridges near about the fortress of Kustrin, save only one, which he could not safely come to, it being within less than a musket-shot of the Castle. He divided his whole Army, which was then 3000. horse, and 7000. foot, and appointed them to their winter-quarters, the new Mark being appointed for the Cavallary, and the Veker and middle marks for the Infantry, himself in the mean time retiring to Stetin, to be present at the Diet then held by the States of Pomerania. The Marquis elector made good use of the Swedes absence, the Count of Mansfield had supplied him with some forces out of Silesia, Arnheim a Colonel of his own, and kinsman to the late General, had raised up some others in Lusatia, and the Marquisate; and armed with those forces one of his Colonels, and the Swedes not expecting it, came first with his like Regiment (December 18/3●.) of 300 Horse to Berlin, forced open the Southeast or Copenicker Gate, pressed in with drawn Swords and Pistols, Berlyn regained by the marquis Elector. set a Watch upon the several Ports, (the Citizens being ready to receive their natural Prince) and took Prisoners about 70 Swedish Soldiers, which were Billeted in the City, and some prime Officers. In the Evening about 5 of the clock, the Elector himself attended with 600 Dragoons and light Horsemen, Branderburg taken from the Swedes. came into the City; the three Regiments of Horse under the commands of young Buckersdorf. Duke Francis Charles, and Shierstett, being lodged that night in the Suburbs, whose apparition the next morning, made those few Swedes which lodged at Bernaw, and were severed from their company, to retire towards Newstadt, for their more security. A propitious star did then attend the Brandenburgher, his happy Fortune was not thus bounded, part of his Army was dispatched for Brandenburg, and the Frost having then contracted the Elve into a more solid body of Ice, those Soldiers took that City also by a sudden Scalado and put the Garrison to the Sword. News of the Brandenburgers' Progress, was brought to the Field-marshal at Stetin, Drussen blocked up by the Swedes, & the siege relinquished. who instantly gave order to the Commander of that City, to block up the Fort, and passage of Drussen, which he did accordingly. At the expiration of 8. days a rumour was spread in that small Swedish Camp, that the Imperial General Marazini, with 6000 men, was coming out of Silesia to relieve that Garrison; and then the Commander left that siege, and returned homeward, plundering the inhabitants houses upon the way. The Field-marshal himself began to muster up his dispersed Regiments, which then lay about Shiffelbeane, Arenswald, Solden, and Lantzberg, intending again to put into the Field, though the Winter Season did in a manner prohibit him. With these Forces he first marched against Lantzberg, a frontier City of the Marquisat, Lantzberg surrendered to Wrangell. and forced that to yield upon composition, and thence unto the Vekermarck, where the Vanguard of the Army encountered with Colonel Arncheim a Kinsman of the late General of the same name, Colonel Arnheim surprised by the Swedes and sent Prisoner to Stetin. whom after a short conflict, they took Prisoner with 400 Dragoons, and sent to Stetin, from whence again, by the direction of the Lord Steno Biclke who in the absence, and instead of the Rix-Chancellor is there residing for the direction of affairs, he was transported to Stockholme in Swedland, to be used according to the discretion of the States. Drussen was still in the Field-Marshals eye, as being a convenient place for the egress and regress of his Forces, and this again he intended to besiege, and had provided much ammunition, and other provisions, to effect it, intending to assault it by force, if he could not reduce it to a friendly composition; but then the said Ambassador of the Crown of Sweden interposed; being sent to treat of Peace betwixt the Elector of Brandenburg, and the Queen of Sweden his Niece, the Elector himself giving a willing ear to a friendly treaty, having appointed the Marquis Sigismond, with a pleni-potentiary Commission to confer with the Swedish Ambassador, at the little City of Shwed, distant 7 leagues Southwards from Stetin, and this detained the Field-marshal from that siege. Wrangell marcheth into Silesia. There was now a kind of cessation of Arms betwixt the Elector and Field-marshal, in those Territories: and Wrangel having plundered the lands and goods belonging to the Count of Swartzenburg, and taken Prisoners the chiefest of his Officers, garrisoned the Towns in Pomerania and the Dukedom of Mecklenburg, marched into Silesia, to oppose the Imperial Forces which were raised there, and there he received instructions from Banniere, to come and join with his Army, or otherwise to hinder Mansfield from coming to Hatzfield, as it hath been related formerly. It was still a bloody time in the Electorate of Saxony, and a general fear was conceived by the adjoining Provinces, that the Fury of war, would not be confined there: the hearts of the people, were terrified by a strange Prodigy, which though it admits no particular interpretation— — Deus omen in Hosts Convertat; A strange Prodigy at Isenach. was as terrible, as portentous. The Conduit at Isenach situated in the midst of the Marketsted, suddenly instead of Water poured out Blood, and so continued for the space of two hours, before it yielded again that Element, for which that Aqueduct was ordained. A bloody time ensued it, betwixt the Imperial Generals, and Banniers Forces, though they kept their Fastness near Targaw, yet few days passed without blows. The Imperialists prepared two Ship-bridges over the Elve for the transportation of their Forces, one at Dresden, by the Southeast or Pirner-gate, the other at Stralen. To the last of these places, Stralen burnt by the Swedes. the Swedes advanced with six full Regiments, burned down the City and the Castle to the ground, planted their Horsemen on the other side of the River, to hinder the Imperialists march over the Bridges; surprised one of the Caesarean quarters near Wurtzen, carried away 300 Wagons laden with baggage, and made havoc of the Country Villages, forcing the Imperial Safeguards, burning the Towns to the ground: the Caesareans herein not being behind the Swedes, Friends and Enemies (as it were) both conspiring, so to ruin that Country, that March 11/21, 44 several fires within two Leagues compass, might have at once been discovered to the eye. The defeat at Wurtzen was given by the Colonel Slangh, 2. Imperial Regiments defeated at Wurtzen by Colonel Slangh. whom Banniere had sent with 1500 Horse, toward the City Leisnick, Golditz and Eylenburg; the Colonel returned March 23, April 2, giving this account of his action: That at Wurtzen he had defeated two Imperial Regiments, carried away their Baggage, slain 600 upon the place, taken many Prisoners, amongst which were two Rit-masters, five Lieutenants, and many other Officers. Banniere in the absence of the Colonel, purposely to bring a general terror upon the Imperial Army, that by their distraction being assaulted in several places, 200. Imperial Horse defeated by Baniev at Pegaw. Slangh might be more secure, ranged about diverse of their Quarters, and first at Pegaw, encountered with 2000 Imperial horse, whom he defeated, and routed utterly. That victory incited him to proceed further, and appearing in Battell-array before the Imperial Camp, provoked them to Battle, but they unwilling to leave their holds, kept still in their Trenches, which made him return to his own quarters. The Caesarean Army lay then betwixt Torgaw, and Meisen, on the East side of the River Elve, and the greater part of the Swedish horse and Dragoons, on the other side just against the Caesarean Camp, which they kept waking with perpetual Alarms. April 2. new style, the Caesarean Commanders had a design to transport some Regiments of Horse, from their head-quarter at Riesa, to the West side of the River, that there being no impediment which might stay their courses, they might sometimes break in upon the Swedes, and gall them with sudden skirmishes. The Swedes who well understood their purpose, 3. Regiments of Imperial Horse ●ou●ed by the Swedes. suffered three Regiments to pass the River quietly, intending to requite trick for trick, but then having armed themselves for the assault, charged them so furiously, that they were forced to retreat in such a confusion, that above 200. of them were drowned in the Elve, and so many slain, that the Captives whom they took in the Battle confessed, that those 3. Regiments were almost totally ruined. The next day following, Bannier resolved to visit the Caesarean Army in their quarters, and to that purpose selected two Companies out of every Regiment, both of Horse and Foot; and attended with those expert Soldiers, and the Watch-masters Regiment, he marched directly to the Imperial head-watch, which consisted of 20. Companies of the best and ablest horse in the Caesarean Camp, and were commanded by the Sergeant-Major Bretta. The Head-Watch of the Imperial Arm● fo●●d to a 〈◊〉 ●●●ght. The conflict betwixt them was short and sharp; the Swedes came on roundly and charged home upon the Caesareans, which standing together in a close compacted body, endured that shock, and prepared to entertain the assailants again. But then Bannier doubled the number of them that gave the charge, and over burdened the Caesareans, with the weight of that heavy body, compelled them to slight, in which, they being stayed by the inconvenience of a small River, many of them (the number is uncertain) were cut off, and left dead upon the place, and many taken Prisoners. All these several Conflicts betwixt the two Armies, were not without the effusion of much Christian blood, but the blood so shed was not taken away by way of murder (War justly grounded, is continued lawfully; the Sword is oft a just decider of controversies, and though it be accounted one of the great Plagues, sent by God, it is not attended with any injustice in the execution.) Black murders and horrid treasons hatched in darkness, what ever the pretence thereof may be, are not only unexcusable, but detestable also to God and man. The Emperor's Funerals. The Court at Vienna, was about this time clothed in black, for the solemnisation of the late Emperor's Funerals, which were solemnly celebrated by the Nuntius Apostolicus, attended with 10. Prelates in their Mitres. The Hearse was black, but inlaid with silver, and garnished with many burning white wax Tapers; the Imperial Eagles were blazoned about it, in the midst, stood the Corpses; covered with a black cloth, intermingled with gold; over his head lay the Imperial Hungarian and Bohemian Crowns. At his Feet the Golden-fleece, and betwixt then both, the Imperial, Ball and Sceptre; in the midst whereof was placed a Crucifix of silver; At his sides lay his Rapier, Dagger, and Spurs. The Boots of the Hearse were adorned with the pictures of Virtues, and upon the top, on a Pyramid, stood a Globe, and a Crown. The Church being hung with black, and the solemnity ended, his heart and bowels were lodged in three Cabinets, and conveyed without any pomp, from Vienna to Gratz by his late Privie-Counsellours, and other Officers of the Court, which are since cashiered; the young King his Son instantly reforming, and by the hand of the Earl of Medaw the Major domo upon his Father's decease; having reduced his Counsel to the number of 5. which were the Bishop of Vienna, the Earl of Trautmansdolff, who is now the Major Palatii, and the Earls of Slavata, Frankenberg, and Venda; the care of his Chancery, being committed to Doctor Prickmajor, under the name and title of Vicechancellor. The difference betwixt those two great Potentates the Christian and Catholic Kings, drew several free Princes, and States to their parties, and caused such a combustion in the City of Liege, that the City was divided against the Bishop, and the Bishop against the Burghesses: He labouring to advance the Caesarean and Spanish cause, and therefore ●●●ing great impositions and taxes upon the Citizens, and they rather inclining to the French King, though at first submitting themselves to the Bishop's orders, with a kind of unwillingness, paying their contributions, yet in the end flatly opposed him: and in the beginning of the year, they sent a complaining petition to the Bishop of Rome against him, the heads whereof were these. That as a child, by instinct of Nature, in its sufferings, will have recourse to the Mother; so, they did now humbly prostrate themselves at the feet of his Holiness, to desire his assistance, and relief in their present necessities: That their case was to be pitied, The Citizens on Liege compleine to the P●pe against their Bishop. in that notwithstanding their due obedience, which they had always exhibited to S. Siege their proper Bishop, who reciprocally ought to protect them, he yet oppressed them greevously, to the great prejudice and dishonour of the Catholic Religion, the war raised by him, having already consumed and laid waste 5000. dwelling houses in the Country, not without profanation of the Sanctuaries, Churches, and holy Vessels, as Chalices, Bells, and other sacred Utensils and Ornaments, which were employed to other uses, than what they were first ordained for; That the hallowed Host was trampled on by them who ought to honour it: that the Churchmen designed for Divine Service, were chased from their Parishes, where by that means the Liturgy was quite abolished in some places, and in the Major part much intermitted: That the Religious women, and others, both Wives and Virgins, were ravished before the eyes of their own husbands, and Fathers. Their Herds of Cattles were driven away, their tillage decayed, and to speak no more, that the sole inhabitants of Liege were constrained to contribute above 60000. Florins to the Church to preserve the City from the Siege, threatened by Charles Duke of Lorraine, the Bishop of Verdun, Piccolomini, and john de Werth, upon his solicitation, who had incensed one party of the Liegois, against the other; whose tyranny caused 5. principal Burghesses of Tongres, to to be led as like slaves, before his triumphant Chariot, putting two of them (in the end) to the Sword, and bastinadoing the other three, till they had promised a good ransom. Much more was added, and every particular expressed with such passion, as might have moved a Scythian to compassion; yet, their only prayer was, that his Holiness would excuse their boldness, and send them some Cardinal for a Protector, by whose countenance, they might be defended from such oppressions. But the effect of this Petition, and what it availed is not yet discovered, though it may be thought fruitless (if we may guess upon consequents) by this ensuing History. The Count of Warfusee's treason at Liege. Natural respect must needs have moved tears. from the eyes of Caesar's Son, at his Father's funeral, But the consideration of his care in preservation, and for enlarging the honour of the House of Austria, deserved a solemn mourning; his decease ministered occasion to a bloody assassinate, to attempt a deed of horror, which for his own credits-sake he meant to palliate with a cloak of authority, forging letters to the Bishop of Cullen, and thereby expressing an order and commission given him by the King of Hungary, intending (doubtless) to mitigate his execrable action, under pretence of his commission, if he should hap to fail and be discovered (no sincere interpreter, being able to conceive that so heroical a spirit would consent to so foul a treason) and to suppress them, if he had happily executed his design. The story (as some do relate it) is thus? The Count Warfusee, who some years past had revolted from the Catholick-King, stood in displeasure, during the life of the late Emperor, both with his Imperiall-Majesty and the King of Spain, and now thinking to win his Master's favour again, by the heads, lives, and states of those which entertained him in his rebellion, plotted the death of la Ruelle, prime Magistrate of Liege, & some other principal members of that body-politique, & put it thus in practice. The Count being lodged in St. johns-cloyster, in the house of a Prebend of that Church, accommodated with a backdoor toward the waterside; invited to dinner thither, the said Burgermaster de la Ruelle, the Abbot of Mousson, and diverse other principle men of the City, whom he intended to murder traitorously. To that purpose he suborned the Burgundian Count de Milis, and some choice Spanish-Souldiers drawn out of the Garrisons of Narrigue, and Argentoy, to steal privately by the Postern into his house, and to lurk there secretly till the word being given, they might be prepared for execution, which they observed & performed accordingly. In the midst of the ●east (as if his malice had not tended to the mine of their bodies, but their Souls also) when their hearts were merry with wine, he began a health to Lewis King of France surnamed the lust, which had no sooner passed round, but the Assassinate's armed with Swords & Pistols, broke into the dining-room, surprised the Burgermaister, and the Abbot, sent for a Priest, and as soon as he was come, as if they would do them some favour at their death, Ruelle the Burgermaster murdered. bade them make their confession, for they must dye. The Priest who was sent for to take his confession, was the Subprior of the Covent, by name Antory Eurard, a Dominican, who accompanied with his confrater William L●ncon (both which have testified this relation under their hands) went, and at their coming to Warfusee the Subprior hearing his demand to take Ruelles confession and give him absolution, like a man amazed, stood aghast, enquiring the reason of that proposition, and what his Lordship meant, by requiring him to that service, which he might not do but with licence from his Ordinary; except only in some cases, in which upon the appearance of imminent death, it was lawful for him so to do if the Priest deputed thereunto, by his Superior was not to be found. To this the Count replied, that Ruelle must dye, and that within the space of one quarter of an hour, & therefore commanded him to dispatch immediately, as he would answer upon his Soul the Burger-maisters salvation, being desperate if he should die unconfessed. The Friar seeing the enraged countenance of the Count, & fearing his own life if he should disobey, answered only that he would not do it till the Burgermaister called him; there needed no further words. A servant that stood by apprehended what his Lord meant, and going in, and coming suddenly again from the Chamber where Ruelle lay bound, he tells the Friar that he desired him to come in. The sight of the Magistrate bound like a malefactor put the Dominican into a greater passion, and compassion for him; and with some language expressing sorrow, wished him to prepare for death, the Count being resolved to murder him; Ruelle much distracted with the consideration of his estate, one while according to the superstition of the Romanists, commended himself to God and the blessed Virgin preparing for death, and then again, hoping for life, desired the Friar to be an advocate for him to Worfusee, as willing to be condemned by him to any prison or galleys, if he had done him injury: all which was related again by the Confessor to the Count who stopped his ears against him and constrained the Goodman, to that unwellcome work of his office, which was but the immediate Prodromus to the Burger-Maisters execution. There was no remedy but patience; they saw the guides which must conduct them to the black-chambers of death before them, made their confession, and prepared to bid the world good-night. Ruelle the Burgermaster mu●thered. Ruelle was the first who had discarged his Soul of the burden of sins upon it, and he was instantly delivered by Warfusee to the Count de Millis, who took him into another chamber, thrust him through the body 7 times with a rapier, and so murdered him. The Abbot of Mousson, a French-gentleman, named monsieur de Saison, and two servants of the Burger-maisters, surprised at the same time with those two prime men, were advised, in the interim, by the Traitor, to go to confession, and prepare for their dissolution. The Abbot a well-spoken man, a good Orator, and now improved in that faculty, by the goodness of his cause, began to plead for his own life, and his companions, declaring their innocency, laying before the murderer the heinousness of his offence. But words were vain, Millis returned suddenly from the former execution, drew out of ●●s bosom a formal process, and sentence against them, in the name of the new Emperor (as they styled him,) the Cardinal Infant, and the Prince of Liege, as offenders against his Imperial Majesty, The Abbot of Mousson, and others strangely delivered. which they conceiting to be an act of of Court, and not to be reversed, pleaded no more for life, but prepared for death. Familiarity of conversation, doth sometimes raise a strange affection, while the Abbot was under confession, a Soldier of Nairaigne, who had formerly been intimately acquained, with one of the Burger-Masters-servants, moved with compassion, toward him, rounded him in the ear, and shown him a way by which he might escape, and save his life. It was needless to repeat that lesson again unto him. Extremity ministers capacity, and the apprehension of an eminent danger, rouseth up a dull spirit to seek means to avoid it. The way was open enough, but too praecipitious to be attempted with security, Danger attended the counsel of escaping (yet that perhaps might be avoided) but certain destruction waited upon his stay. A chamber-window proffered a passage, and through that the youngman escaped, crying out, Treason, Ruelle is murdered, Treason, Ruelle is murdered in the house of Count Warfusee, Treason, Treason, Treason. The noise was full of horror, and the name of Ruelle much honoured among the Citizens, who instantly took up their arms, assaulted the house, which being strong, and built of square stone, was by the space of two hours maintained against the Citizens, by Warfusees Soldiers and servants, who being in all seventy strong, and more careful of their own preservation, than the intended murder, left the Abbot, The rage of the Citizens, & the end of the Assassinate's. the French-gentleman, and the other servant bound, to provide for their own safety. But it was vain for the defendants, to contest against such a multitude of assailants. The Citizens were ten thousand in number, and they in the end broke open the doors, fell upon the murderers (who cried for quarter) without pity, haled Warfusee into the open streets, where he no sooner appeared, but was hewn perce-meale by the Citizens, the trunk of his body drawn, & hanged upon a gibbet, which w●s raised suddenly for that purpose, and bur●●● 〈◊〉 ●●tely. Milis the Burgundian had no bett●● a fate, and the common-souldiers employed in that mass●c●●, had as bad a fortune, being all burned in and with the house, in which they were assembled for excention of their villainy. The rage of the Citizens was not thus extinguished. The josuits, who were supposed the plotters of this device, were the next day after inquired into, and many fier-locks, carabines, & pistols ready charged, being found in their cells, two of the old Padres, were put to the sword, & the rest banished the city. A more strict watch than had been kept formerly, was pointed presently, & Ap. 8/8 when their beloved Governor was buried in the church of St. Lambert, under the great crown with this remembrance engraven on his tomb. Pour estre fidel à ma Patrie P ay perdu mon sang & ma vie. Which may be thus Englished. My study for my Country's good, Hath cost my life and dearest blood. While the 32. Companies of the City were met together, it was condescended that the 20. penny of eve●● man, lands and goods should be levied immediately, to raise and maintain a fresh train-band of 1000 men, which at an hour's warning should attend the colours of Bartholus Rolandus the City's General, to serve the City in case of necessity. This is the History. And now see how the crime would conceal its own shame by the countenance of authority. This ensuing Letter, sealed with 3. seals, was taken out of the Traitor's bosom at his first apprehension; directed in these words: TO HIS MOST ILLVSTRIous Highness, my Lord Elector of Coln. BY aid of the Soldiers, which I raised for the Service of his Imperial Majesty, Warf●s●●●● counterfeited Letter. and by order and▪ Commission from his said Majesty, I have slain the Burgermaster Ruelle, he having first confessed himself, and submitted to the will of GOD and his Majesty. By his order also, have apprehended the Abbot Mousson, Mouns. de Sesan, and some others, over whom I keep a strict guard. Had I stayed but two hours longer before I put the project into execution, I should surely have been a dead man, to the disgrace of his Imperial Majesty and your Highness, as I shall shorrly show your Highness more particularly, and at large. It is much to be feared, that the French will now murder my only Son: yet herein I rejoice, that I have offered him up for the advantage, of your Highness, his said Imperial Master. and my King. I am resolved to continue their Servant, and will not omit to certify your Highness daily, of all that shall happen here, and what I shall effect. And now, Time forbidding me to write more largely, I humbly kiss your Highness' hand, and shall remain as long as I live, Your Highness, most obedient, humble, and faithful Servant, R. Count of WARFUSEE. Liege, Ap. 〈◊〉. 1637. Historia Varia. Hitherto we have brought down a continued History, the wheels of the work, answering each other though fare distant by place. Now by a various, and incertexted relation, we shall discover the most remarkable passages, which have happened, since the period of our last discourse. The cause of the Turks invading Transilvania. Transilvania, the Mediterranean part of Dacia, a rich Country, and noted by Antiquity, for its fruitfulness was terrified with Turkish Armies, the half Moons being there displayed, in the behalf of Istuan Bethleem, against the Prince Ragotsky, who then sat at the stern of that Province. The occasion was this: Solimy David, one of the greatest Lords of Transilvania, Cousin to Estienne, or Istuan Bethleem, who pretended himself, the lawful heir of that Principality, than (as it was conceived) usurped by Ragotsky, moved with the fame of the late deceased King of Sweden, sent to him in the year 1631. to tender him his service, and unwilling to come alone, resolved secretly, to raise 2000 men, whereof himself would be the Chieftain. His design could not be carried so privately, from that stirring and warlike Nation, as to be confined with so small a number. Upon the beating of his Drum, and report of his intendment, instead of 2000 alone, such a number of Voluntieres came to present themselves to the List; that Ragotskie, who before had carried a jealous eye over him, now more suspecting some design against himself, then formerly; mustered up his forces, and with them dispersed and disarmed Bethleems new raised Army. This process so enraged Solymies friends (who had been assisted in this action by some other Lords of Transilvania) that they conspired to murder Ragotskie, their purpose being palliated with a new form of hunting, to the which they meant to invite him. For execution whereof, it being thought that none could be more affectionated than Solimy David, who was now compelled to break his word, with that renowned King, to whom he had promised so great matters, drew him also into their conjuration. But Solimy, more civilised, and not so inclined to cruelty, as others of that Province (though at the first he seemed to consent) yet afterwards, distasting that course, the same day, when as the Plot should have been put into execution; posted to the Prince, discovered the Treason, and with prayers, and tears, prevailed with him, to refrain from that day's sport. Ragotskie made good use of his tale, and carrying for the present, a face of love towards Solimy, dismissed him friendly; but armed withal a Squadron of Horse, against the Conspirators; who surprised them easily, (because unexpectedly) and tortured them with diverse kinds of punishments to death; only the Prince Istuan, who was the prime Projector, (disguised) lurked upon an adjoining Mountain, to see the effect of the enterprise, and saw how his Friends were used, saving himself by fright into the Grand Signiors Territory. A thought of treason, is treason; and however, a Conspirator may think to merit his Prince's favour, by revealing it; yet if he defer the discovery to the last hour, and then, either stung with the pricks of Conscience, or alured with the hope of reward, reveal it; his Prince's clemency may pardon his transgression, his merit cannot be said to have deserved it; the execution of justice, being due to him that shall give consent to so horrid an action, though he may afterward seem to repent. Solimy not looking back to that part of the Wallet, which was behind him, or thinking of that speckled toad, which be had lodged in his heart, his treason; with a kind of confidence, of merit from the Prince, went again to the Court, pressed the service he had done to his Lord boldly, demanded recompense, not thinking that he had been discovered, as a party in that treason. But the Prince, who had already examined the matter throughly, and found him to be a Conspirator, returned him extremity of Justice, in stead of Mercy; bound him hand and foot; cast him into a stinking, loathsome, and terrible Prison, made more horrid by its solitude; all people being forbid to come thither (under pain of death) to give him so much as a visit, (those only excepted) who were appointed to guard his person, and to give him the strict allowance of bread, and water, to the amazement of Solimy, who by this means, being brought to a frenzy, behaved himself so rudely, that the people supposed him to have been possessed with a Devil. News of his strange comportment, raised by reason of the rigour of his imprisonment, was brought into the Empire, and Caesar, moved to compassion in respect of his sufferings, wrote in his behalf to Ragotskie, to abate his punishing hand, to admit some jesuites to have recourse unto him, for his instruction; that he might not lose his Soul together with his Body; Medicamentum pejus morbo; and to consider, that the effect of the service he had done unto him, might at least, stand in an equal poise, against the treason to which he had consented: To all which, the Prince gave no other answer, but that if the Devil had got no new one, Solimy might be his Secretary. Istuan, in the mean time ceased not to intercede by Friends for his own reconciliation, but not prevailing, he implored aid of the Grand Signior, who furnished him with an Army, and promised to invest him in the Principality of Transilvania. Regotskie, to oppose him, sent to the Emperor, and the Polonian for succours, of which though he failed, neither of them being willing to provoke such an enemy, with his own forces encountered the Bassaw in the Field; and by foiling the Turks in their first onset, cleared his Country of those Mahometan Invaders. The Christian King, who had lately given order for the billeting his Army, and supplying in with competent Provisions; seeing the inconvenience which happened thereupon, by a continual access of men of Arms, Light-horse, and Carabines, to the molestation and great charge of his Subjects, after the old Companies were laid in Garrison; put forth another Decree, as the Rule of his former Ordinance, the sum whereof was this: That the Contribution and Provision should not be afterwards delivered, The King of France his order for Provision for his Soldiers, and case of the people. but for 60 Masters of every Company of men of Arms; for fifty of each Company of Carabines, comprehending therein their Chieftains, and other Officers; provided still, that there be that number in each Company effectiué; forbidding expressly, all the Commanders of the said Companies, to exact, or compel the Villages and places liable to those Contributions, to deliver more than as prescribed, for such a number of men as is limited by this Ordinance, upon pain of suffering as Extortioners. This Order both pleased the people, being thereby secured from further oppression, and the enrolled Soldiers, such good order being taken for their subsistence and maintenance. This billeting of Soldiers in the Frontiers was not unnecessary. john de Werth, & Pycolimini, who were gone towards the Frontiers of Luxenburg, were upon the return to invade the King's Dominions, Decem 8/1●● they were come over the Bridge of Gyvais, upon the Maase. The marquis De la Force understanding of the enterprise, made head against them, to the terror of the common Soldiers under the Spanish Command, their General commanding the Bridge to be broken down behind him, thinking thereby to cause his men to fight; the common Soldiers opposed it, and fearing to be hemmed in betwixt the River and the French Army, made more haste then good speed to return; and in a tumultuous confusion, hasting back towards the River (the Bridge being pestered with their own Carriages) they pressed so thick one upon another, that to the number of four hundred men were thrust into the water and drowned, and many Wagons overturned into the River. And this ill beginning, made the Spanish General betake himself to the Forest of Liege, john de Wethe flight. being pursued by the Count of Quinse, the Marquess De la Force, and the Colonel Gassion, who cut off many of the Reareguard, the General still flying towards the Bishopric of Triers, where he was appointed to take up his Winter-Quarter. Gassion, being now free from any offensive Enemy, ran over the Country of Henault, plundering it, and exacting of the Villages there, the same sums of money and Contributions which Don Marcos de Lima the Spanish Governor in La Capelie exacted from the French Villages in that Vicinage. The Cardinal Infant, as well to retaliate the French Frontiers with the like Inroads, as to reinforce his Garrisons, sent into Irson, (a Town upon the River of Oise. lately appertaining to the Duke of Guise; but taken by the Spaniards in the late Invasion) the Regiments of Horse, under the Command of St Bath, and De la Granges, making in all about six hundred, as a reinforcement to the Presidiaries there, and then that Garrison being grown confident of their own strength, began to plunder the Neightour Territories. Decemb, 1●/26 Gassion had Intelligence, that the next day at ten in the morning, the Garrison intended to go a foraging in-into the Villages about Neufmaison. To lose no time he presently commanded the Sergeant-Maior of his own Regiment, to take four Companies out of his Regiment, which was then at Vervin, with instructions to lie in ambush in a Wood, and to attend the issuing out of the Garrison; Himself not being in case for that Service, because of an old would upon him, which then began to bleed afresh. The Sergeant-Maior performed his Directions so speedily, that within one hour after his Trumpets were sounded (the Boute-selle being given immediately) the Horsemen were all ready, and were instantly about their business, waiting in their Ambushment till the next day at Noon, at which time the Enemies were discovered to be ready to sally forth of the City. By the space of two and twenty hours, in which the French Cavalry attended the Spaniards coming out of their Hold, ●oo Walloon Horse defeated, and surprised by Gassion near Neufmaison. no noise was heard in that small Camp, nor were they discovered by the Garrison, though lodged within a quarter of an English mile from thence. An high tree, which raised his lofty head above the rest of the Thicket, was prepared by the Sergeant-Maior, as a Watchtower to discover the Spanish preparations. Four Scouts were appointed by the Commander to that purpose; one in the top of that boughie Tree, who could easily look into the Castle, and himself unseen, see every thing done therein, and observe especially the ingress, and egress of them that came in, and went out thence. Another Scout was placed in the middle of the Tree, a third at the foot, and a fourth twenty paces thence, with fifteen French Horse, and the Body of the Army fifteen paces thence, Warning was given in a trice of the Spaniards sally, the second Sentinel receiving it from the first, the third from the second, the fourth from him, and the Army from the last. The Cavalry thereupon kept close in their Ambushment, while the Spanish forces about three hundred Horse, having passed the River of Irson, and the Wood wherein they lay undiscovered, took their March toward Neufmaison. The Spaniard surpassing the French in number, and the advantage of the place, made the French Commander advise with his Captains, whether it was fit at that time to encounter them. The fear of supply, by the neighbour-Garrison, and the countenance of the Spaniards showing a courageous Resolution, dishartened the Commander from attempting any thing: but three Captains of that Band, Ravonelle, La Land, and Balthasar, sprightly Gentlemen, and ashamed to return to the Colonel, without some tokens of their Valour, resolved to take fifteen Horse out of each Company, which under the command of Balthasar, should give the first charge upon the Spaniards, whilst the other remainder of the Army, being divided into three Squadrons, might come up conveniently to second them. The Spaniards stood then in a firm Body, and having sent an hundred Horse into the Village of Neufmaison, the other two hundred attended armed in three Squadrons to secure the pillagers from the French Military men, if any should happen to march that way. And now began the hurly burly: Balthasar came on bravely, and in his first Charge had seven of his men wounded by the Spanish opponents. But that scratch dishartened not the French Assailants, who coming up to his succour, charged upon the first Squadron with their Pistolets, and with the first volley of Shot, having slain above twenty of the Enemies, routed the rest of the Squardron; whose sudden flight caused the other two Squadrons to betake themselves to their heels in a strange confusion; the French troops pursuing them eagerly, and in the pursuit having slain seventy others, constrained the rest to take the River, wherein forty three of them were found drowned immediately, and seventy two begging Quarter, had it granted them. The storm was not yet spent, the Peasants of Neufmaison, and the other Neighbour Villages, heard the report of this defeat and sallied from the Woods, in which they had hid themselves for fear of the Enemy, and encouraged by the Soldiers, fell upon the remnant of the Spaniards, slew fifteen or sixteen of them, took the rest about ninety in number Prisoners, whom they brought to Veruins, with two hundred Horse, upon which the Spanish Soldiers were mounted; so gaining four fold, what they had lost, by those Pillagers. In short, none escaped, save only nineteen Soldiers, and their Captain B●sansano, and his Cornet, who in this confusion, got over the River where it was wadeable, and saved themselves in that Garrison. All the Prisoners took service under Gassion, six only excepted, men of r●nk● and quality, which having their wives and children in Irson, durst not serve under his Colours, but proffered a good ransom. Picardy ●hus freed, in the end of the old year, of the Spanish bands, the County of Burgundy, and the Province of Guien, only remained to be secured from those invaders. jonville, a City in the French County, upon the River of Saone, was made a Magazine for Victuals, and other Provisions, and Ammunitions for War, by Gallas, when he made his first inroad into the Duchy of Burgundy. Duke Barnard in that time of Winter, resolved to besiege it, and to that purpose, taking with him three small Pieces of Canon, began to batter it; but those Guns, not able to boar the Wall, he sent for three greater, which were brought unto his Army, not without much difficulty; the fowl ways, and deep waters being ready to sink them, unless they had been supported by strength of men. This encumbrance, did somewhat slacken the execution of what he intended. The Garrison was One thousand strong, the Enemy's succours began to appear in person, for their assistance, and Duke Barnard, too weak with that handful of men he had designed for this occasion, sent to the Cardinal De Valette for more help, who sent thither, the Viscount De Turenne with Two thousand Foot, and the Colonel Tupadell with Ten Regiments of Horse: And they coming in maturely, plied their Batteries close, and having made a reasonable breach in the Wall, threatened to assault it. The Praesidiaries, though so many in number, as might have defended the City, yet wanting courage (for they were not all Soldiers that bore Arms, Five hundred Burgesses and Peasants being employed in that service) or not truly affecting the Spaniard, for Four hundred of the Soldiers were strangers, and none of his Subjects; hung out a Flag of Truce immediately, and consented to deliver up the Town, only with leave to departed, with their Arms and Baggage, which was granted, and the Garrison dismissed, save only Habercourt the Commander, who was detained Prisoner, and the Town surrendered to Duke Barnard. And thus the last years Tumults were ended about the Duchy of Burgundy. In Given, the Spanish Forces were still busy, since the prize of St. john de Luz (whence thirty Religious Reformadoes, The Fort of St. Barba taken by the Count of Grammont. rather desired to departed, and leave all they had, than to give the Oath of Allegiance to their Enemies, which they ought unto their King) and the Spaniards, seeing that the Holds which they possessed near St. john de Luz & Cibouro, could yield them no advantage; to proceed further with their Forces (a River running through the middle of the Valley, in which those Forts were placed, whose current hindered their Progress) they devised in the month of October, to raise a Fort near the Church dedicated to St. Barba, where there is a very strong Tower, and such a one as might serve almost for their design. Six weeks together, their Labourers and pioneers had been employed for that work, and they followed it so earnestly, that by the ninth of December new style, they had brought it to defence, and garrisoned it with two hundred of their best men, and fortified it with two Pieces of Canon. The Count of Grammont, Governor for the King in Bayon, considering how serviceable the Fort was for the Enemies, who might not only from thence protect their spoiling Bands, sent into France, but discover also the French troops, that should march from Bayon, against them; resolved to defer it no longer, but instantly to assault it. To this purpose, December 19 new style, he selected nine hundred men out of the Garrison of Bayon, and first the day following, having fallen upon fifty Perdues of the Spanish party, surprised them; and encouraged by this beginning, ran furiously with his Army to the Fort, scaled it at once in twenty several places, and though the Spaniards, fight bravely, kept the Combat doubtful by the space of half an hour, yet in the end, became Master of the great Bastion, and slew all the Soldiers appointed to guard it, save only fifteen which fled to the Church, preserved as a place of Refuge, by 12 of their company, if the Fort should chance to be surprised by that onslat. Valour, not number, is most prevalent in warlike actions. Those twenty seven alone, which had made a Citadel of the Sanctuary, did more hurt to the French Assailants, than the whole company appointed for the defence of the Baestion. They barricadoed the Church doors, and by the advantage of the Tower, renewed a desperate fight, of two hours long against the besiegers. In the end wearied, not vanquished, they began to slacken the Combare, and that little intermission, giving time to the French, to expedite the work, a new Scalao was made, and the French became Masters of the Tower. The Spaniards case than grew desperate; yet as the Nation is more jealous of their Honour, than careful of their lives, they resolved to fight it out, though disadvantagiously, and not yield cowardly. The resistance they made, was rather desperate, than grounded upon true fortitude. To preserve their lives by fight, it was very improbable, and to escape by flight impossible: Yet fight they did, almost to the last man, and all were slain, save three only, who complying with necessity, yielded themselves, and were taken as Prisoners of war Time would not permit the Count of Grammont, to advise what to do. Carry away the two Pieces of Canon he could not, wanting such equipage, as was needful for that work, and therefore he tumbled them into the Sea. To stand to garrison the F●●t, he might not; during the Combare, the gross body of the Spanish Army, which was then at Bordagaine, began to play with their Ordnance upon him and sent 200 Horse in 2 Squadrons against him, who appearing in the valley, which separated the French from heir Enemies, the Count posted speedily to assail them, and charged them so furiously, that he compelled them to fly to St. john de Luz, where another gross body of their Army was inquartered, and then returned to the fort, which he demolished and made unserviceable for the Enemy, and thence marched home to Bayon, to raise up stronger Forces to oppose the Invaders. Priches, a frontier town of Picardy, plundered by the French Captain Rand. One more Relation only, I find worth the recording for that last year. The Marquis of Praslin, having sent One hundred Horse to the Froutiers of Picardy, to inform him of the posture of the Spaniards, Rand the Captain of the Company, perceived himself of a sudden, to be come so near the Town of Priches; then possessed by the Spaniard, that he thought it impossible for him to retire, before the Inhabitants of the place had raised the Country against him; and therefore, resolved to prevent them, and assault the Town first. To this end, having disburdened some of his Horses, of Twenty Musquetiers, that number of Horse, serving as Dragons in this Expedition, they charging, discharging, & recharging nimbly, made his way against some few Defendants, which had guarded the Advenues, and barricadoed them against all Invaders; himself following, with the rest of his Forces, broke them up, and entered the Town, otherwise undefenced, saving by a small Fort, plundered it, and burned it to the ground. Some Prisoners he took, and carried to the marquis, who being informed by one of them, that the wife of Don Marcos de Lima, Governor for the Catholic King in La Capella, was coming to visit her Husband, he instantly took Two hundred Light-horse, and made an Ambuscado which them, in a pace called Flamangre, near the City, where he was scarce arrived, before he had Intelligence by a Corporal, that three Wallon Captains, Lorgue, Franquin, and Anbrestrot, which served in that City, were coming abroad to forage; The Companies of Walloons defeated, and routed by the marquis praslin. presently took up his Sword and Pistol, wishing the rest of his men to be in a readiness after his example; and himself went secretly to one side of the Hill, whence he might discover the whole Plain, through which the Enemy was to march, entreating the Earl of Quinsay, to repair to another place, where he might observe their Posture. The Earl and his attendants had them first in view, and went instantly to the marquis of Praslin, to certify him of their coming. The French no sooner heard the tidings thereof, but prepared to Battle, scarce being able to contain themselves in their Ambuscado; yet the indiscretion of a Spy, appointed by the Count of Quinsay, by certain signals, to notify the whole troop, of the nearness, and distance of the Enemy, had like to have prevented the enterprise. The often waving of his Cap was perceived by the Walloons, who thereupon suspecti g a train laid for them, were upon Retreat, and had escaped without blows; had not the marquis of Praslin, with a round gallop▪ made up to them, and charged them so eagerly, that of a sudden they were put to a precipitious flight, not being safe till they had reached the Fort of Grand-Floyon, whither they were pursued by the French Cavalarie, who slew forty of them in their flight, and took as many Prisoners. And here the last years Observarions are terminated. We must now look on to the new year, and the new Actions and Occurrences thereof. Janus had scar●● left off his Infant-smile, when the Cardinal Infant, breathing out War against the united Provinces, sent out his Proclamation to his Officers, to practise all hostility ag●●st the Friends, and Allies of the States in the Netherlands. The words ran thus: By the King. S. TO our most dear and faithful Chancellor, and to our Council of Brabant, greeting, etc. Whereas we are informed, That our enemies have lately presumed to impose heavy burdens, A Proclamation set forth by the Cardinal Infant, concerning Contributions. and demand Contribution for their own advantage, upon the Villages and Market Towns near Thienen, intending to augment them, by exacting the like from other places near that jurisdiction, to the great damage of our good and loving subjects, whom we desire to preserve in security, and ●o free from the like Exactions. We therefore ordain and command by these Presents, That you shall immediately and without delay make Proclamation in each place of the foresaid jurisdiction, where such Placaràs are commonly proclaimed, That no man, upon pain of our displeasure, and a severe and exemplary punishment, shall consent to collect or pay any such Contributions, more or less, to the advantage of our Enemies, but shall to the utmost of their power, hinder our enemies, those Rebels, from levying such aids, enjoining withal, our Soldiers that now are in Garrison, or hereafter may be; and commanding all and every one residing in the Villages and Market-towns of the said jurisdiction, which are able to bear Arms, to arm immediately, upon the first report of our Enemies, or their adherents invasion; to issault and slay them that shall be found in the same dominion, neither admitting them as prisoners of war, nor permitting them quarter, which we allow not in any of these parts wherein the Contribution is prohibited. Furthermore we will and require, that a careful watch by night be kept in every Village where it is needful, and that the same be performed by a competent number of able Soldiers we●l armed, who a● stone as they shall descry any of the said Rebeils, sh●ll strike upan Alarm, and purs●e ●fter them: That day and night there shall be placed in the Steeples of each Church, Sentinels, and Watchman to give a warning peal by the sound of a Bell; upon the hearing whereof, the Neighbouring-villages are enjoined to take Arms, and to do their best endeavour to encounter and pursue after our aforesaid Enemies and Rebels, and their adherents: Expressly withal forbidaing all and every one (of what condition soever) not to connive or dissemble in the execution hereof, upon pair of a rigorous, and their exemplary punishment. And for the better encouragement of those, whose valour and forwardness herein shall tessifie their Loyalty; We have granted, and do grant, that to each of them who shall take Prisoner, or slay one of those Enemies, or Rebels, and bring him to us, either alive or dead; they shall be paid in hand, and immediately▪ fichlie Gilders a time, by the Officers apppointed for our Receipt, who shall need no further discharge for their payment, than this our present Proclamation. And for the better execition of what is here required; nee have prohibited all Host's, Innkeepers, Vintners, and Victuallers, which lodge strangers, either within Cities, Market-towns, and Villages, or without, to receive any such, as are known, or suspected to be in the service of our En mies, be they their nearest Kinsmen or Friends, but command them to advise the Officer, Magistrate, or Governor of the place thereof immediately, upon pain to forfeit his life, in case of his knowledge, and in case of suspicion, five and twenty Gilders. This is Our pleasure. Given in our City of Brussels, Ianua. 17/17 1637. The States replied again in words, and in the same Language set forth a Placard, against the Subjects of the Catholic King; yet neither party came to blows, preparations only for war being then undertaken, the time not fitting the field, to which the prosecution was referred. Italy, an hotter Climate, was more pregnant, and sooner shown the new fruits of the Spring. Piacenza was still beleaguered with the Spanish Troops, though Leganez, the General of the Army, and Governor of Milan, was retired homeward for his own repose; the Armies still abode in the Field, which by closing up the Poe, and intereepting the Land-passages, blocked up the City, and relumed it to such extremity, that the Sister of the Grand Duke, wife to the Parmesan, was constrained, by the middle of januarie, to become a Suppliant to the Spanish Army for her departure, which was gra●ted her, in regard of her blood, and her Brother's confederacy with the Crown of Spain; the Duke himself yet relying upon the French succours, still abiding in the City, The Duke of Parma agree●● with the King of Spain. to preserve it against the Assailants: His constancy to the Christian King, was admired through the Spanish Camp; which knowing his extremity, and seeing his friends fail him, with fair words began to solicit him, to relinquish the French party, and to renew his amity with the Catholic King; promising as honourable Conditions, as could be demanded of them, or expected from them: There was no great choice. The French succours were still at Asti; the Spaniards grew stronger, and himself weaker: And though they had these advantages, they stood not upon extremities, but propounded freely, That if the Duke would be only a neutral, and not side with the Christian King, against his Catholic Majesty; they would remove all their Forces out of his Country, restore the forts and towns they had taken from him, and esteem him as a Friend and Confederate. The Conditions of his agreement with the King of Spain. The Duke conformed himself to the time, and his own occasion; and willingly consented to the Spanish Proposition, yet durst not acquaint the French Praesidiaries with his purpose, for fear, that they in a sudden displeasure should plunder the City, nor would he by force of Arms bring it to effect. At last, he pretended a general Muster without the Gates, and thither drew all the Soldiers, upon a promise of paying them their moneys due for wages; but being there, he calls forth the Colonels and Officers; declaring to them, That the non-performance of things promised him by the King of France, had brought all this trouble, both upon himself, and his Territory: That, enforcing necessity had compelled him to capitulate with the Crown of Spain; and shown them withal, the Articles of the Treaty, subscribed by himself, and the Count of Leganez, Governor of Milan, in behalf of the Catholic King, rendered thanks to the Soldiers for their service, paid them their stipends, which they accepted better than his words, and caused them to be conducted to the Frontiers of Piedmont, by 500 Spanish horsemen. The Parmesan himself was thus quit of his troubles, entertained in State at Milan, commerce of trade was granted betwixt his Subjects and the Milanese; but Fabio Scotti his Ambassador, to the Christian King; upon his return from Paris, Fabio Scotti, the Pormesans Ambassador, sent Prisoner to Paris. whence he came with Letters to the Confederate Generals, the Duke of Savoy, and the Marshal Crequi, was sent back by them, as a Prisoner to the King of France; the Duke conceiving (as he thought) a just displeasure against the Prince of Parma for capitulating with the Spaniards, who threatened to invade his Territories; and soon after, invaded Montferat, driving away 700 great Cattles from the Territory of Asti, which caused him to fortify his Frontiers, especially at Turino and other places bordering upon the Duchy of Milan, and to give a sudden assault against the strong Fort of Frassionetta; which he took by onslat, and garrisoned with 1000 men. While these things were transacting in Italy, there passed some light overtures of War in the Dukedom of Lorraine, and the Franch County. Chavanes, commonly called Chavagne, a strong Piece in the Franch County, placed betwixt two Hills, upon the bank of the River of Suran, near the Frontier of France, and the Territory of Bresse, garrisoned with 2 Spanish companies of Horse, Chavanes taken by Thianges, Comman●et of Treffor●. bade lately pillaged Simanère a Town in the Bressoys, burned down five or six dwelling houses, slain the Inhabitants, even to women and children, and the news thereof being brought to Thianges, Covernour of Treford; he, with a selected company of that Garrison; some Volunteers of the Country, 400 men of the Train-bands of Bresse and Bugey, and 300 old Soldiers of the Regiments of Anguien and Rebe, making in all 700 foot, and 50 horse, resolved, if it was possible, to surprise it. The enterprise was put in practice about the middle of january, but not carried so secretly, as to be concealed from the Garrison, who acquainted the neighbour Forts therewith, desired them to have a vigilant eye upon the French Commander, and they jointly blocked up the Passages, attending the march of the French Army; but the number of the Defendants, was too small to withstand the Assailants; they made their way with Sword and Pistol, were at the Town unexpectedly, applied the Petards to the gates, and those engines working effectually, they forced the Garrison to yield upon discretion, with their lives saved, in the sight of five troops of Light-horse, and three companies of Dragoons, which were sent from the neighbouring Garrisons for their succour; carried away Prisoners, the two Captains of the Horse, with all their Officers and Cavaliers, whom they carried to Burg, having enriched the Soldiers with their Horse and Baggage, and the hopes of great Ransoms. Ericourt besieged by part of Gallas his Army. Ericourt, in the County of Monbeliard, was about the same time besieged by part of Gallas his Army, battered with the Cannon, some of the outworks taken, and the Mill near the gate of the city surprised: by benefit whereof, 400 of the Imperial Army passed the water, 400 Caesarean● slain, and taken Prisoners before Ericourt. and took up their Quarter betwixt the River and the City. The Baron of Annevoux understanding how the place was endangered, with 300 Foot of his own, and 40 Horse, attempted hereupon to relieve it; the Quarter betwixt the River and the City, was the place he first assaulted; which being but weakly guarded, and scarce brought to defence, the Soldiers therein in became a prey to the Assay lants, who slew 300 of them upon the place, (amongst which was the Lieutenant of the marquis of Grana his Regiment) took the most part of the rest orisoners, and amongst them the Lieutenant to Tieff●●bach, who afterward died of his wounds. This beginning was but an introduction to his further proceeding. The Baron, who commanded a Regiment of 14 French Companies in Monbeliard for the King, was informed afterwards, that Colonel Mercy, and the Baron of Suitz, the Imperial Commanders there, since the last defeat, were reinforced by a new accrewt of some troops appertaining to the General Gallas; had continued the siege, and brought the Garrison to the point of surrendering for want of succours: Hereupon, he had a design to relieve it; to bring his 〈◊〉 to effect, he assayed to do it many times in the night; but then they having doubled their Guards, and himself failing of the Enterprise, he resolved to accomplish that by daylight, which he could not bring to pass in the dark; nor was his counsel crossed with an unhappy issue. The command of his Infantry, being deputed to Tilloy, The Siege raised. and baily; himself in the head of his Horse fell upon the Trenches of the enemy, put to the sword a guard of Cavaliers, consisting of about 50 Masters, 10 only excepted, who were taken prisoners, compelled the Imperial Foot to forsake a Fort which they had built upon the passage betwixt Monbeliard and Ericourt; routed some other Corpses du guard, and sent the Auxiliaries into the City, under the command of his own Lieutenant Goliefer, who also carried with him all manner of Ammunition for war, even to very Hand-mills, whereof the besieged had much need; to the great encouragement of the Inhabitants, and Praesidiaries; who thus inheartened, the next night, made out two sallies; in one of which they nailed four pieces of Cannon, and slew diverse Caesareans; & to the great dis-hartening of the Imperial common soldiers and Generals, who seeing that place thus provided, both of military and alimentary provisions, after they had lost above 1000 men before it, made 400 Canonshot against it, cast in several Bombards, and Granades to fire it, and broke down some piece of the wall, jan. 27. old style, raised the siege, marched the same night to Granges, in the way to Burgundy, where the next day they divided their Forces, the Baron of Suitz taking the way of Germany to join with Gallas his Army, and Mercy the way of the Franch County, to Duke Charles, who yet remained there. Fortune smiled all this while upon the French; by Sea and Land the affairs of that Kingdom went on, if not prosperously, yet not unhappily. Zarquemine, a frontier town betwixt Alsatia and Lorraine, in possession of the Caesareans and Loranois, was as a prick in the sides of the Villages about Haguenau, and the County of Bitch, in the alliance, and under the obedience of the French King; but the Garrison there was forced, Zarque●●ine surprised by Brevill Commander of Bitch. and the Town yielded to obedience by the Arms of Brevill, Governor of the County, Town, and Castle of Bitch (against which place, those of Zarquemine had a design formerly; who assisted with 100 Soldiers, sent unto him from Aiguebonne, Governor of Haguenau, about the middle of january, old style, marched against it, came to the Fort, broke it open, & became Masters of the place; burning down the house of the Provost, & Controller of the Town, the 2 Boutefeaves, and principal Authors of their hostilities, sparing the Inhabitants (except one who was sent Prisoner to Haguenau, till he had paid his Ransom) giving them this caution, That they should comport themselves fairly, toward the King's Subjects and the Crown of France: threatening otherwise, That they would return thither, and deal with them, as they had done with that Provost, and Controller, who had suffered exemplarily, to deter the rest from giving ear hereafter to such wicked Counsels. The same day, which was so fortunate to the French Commander in the North-east, by land, was as prosperous in the Northwest by Sea. The Ideses of january, ministered a fortunate adventure, and the first was seconded by some others. The Pirates of Dunkerque, who often times had roved thrivingly upon the Coast of Calais, were ranging about for more spoil. The Count of Charost, Governor of the City, being advised thereof, dispatched to Sea a Frigate well armed, Dunkerquer● Rovers taken by the Seamen of Calais, merely to discover the number of the Dunkerquers. A small boat of Dunkerque, haling a rich Holland Ship, which the Fleet had taken 4 days before, appeared singly, which being guarded only with 13 Walloons, the French Pinnace subdued, and brought into Calais with the Hollander; to the encouragement of the Seamen in the Port, who presently rigged up a small Navy, put forth to Sea, resolving not to return with empty hands; and the enterprise succeeded so well, that the next day they brought into the harbour three other Prizes: one whereof, was a Vessel laden with all sorts of Merchandise from Spain, and bound for the Low-countries, in which bottom, and the two others, were found also many Prisoners. This good event, roused up the courage of some other Adventurers to attempt the like. The 3d of the Calends of February, Intelligence was given, That some of the Dunkerquers were in the Channel near that Coast, with some Ships which they had taken as prise from the Hollanders, and that occasion was so powerfully persuasive, that the Mariners needed no other Orator, to encourage them to put to Sea, and fight with them. Three French Frigates were instantly launched out of the Haven, and upon the first sight of the Dunkerquers, the winds filling their Sails, made up to them without delay, let fly their Ordnance, and the Dunkerquers, rather willing to save themselves, than fight to preserve their Prize; left the Hollanders Ships to the French Adventurers, who returned with them to Gallis, and thereby so heartened the Seamen, that the Port which lately wanted Sailors, and could scarce afford one good Commander, soon after abounded both with Captains and Mariners. But these peteete Victories, though the news of them soon after arrived at the Court of France, were not so pleasing to the Christian King, as the reconcliation of the Monsiour his Brother, was to his Maty, for the Prince having vanquished himself, & dispossessed his heart of those jealousies, which made him departed as a Malcontent from the Court, returned again of his own accord, in the beginning of February; and gave the King such a plenary assurance of his loyalty, brotherly affection, The Christian King, and the Monsieur reconciled. and true zeal to the Crown and State of France, that the King by his own Letters, made a kind of Proclamation through his whole Kingdom, of the reunion of their fraternal affections, and assurance of his fidelity. Thus his Letters ran: The King's letters to the Generals, etc. TO all Generals of our Armies, and Governors of our Provinces, Greeting. My good Cousins, since that the departure of my brother the Duke of Orleans to Bloys, in the Month of November last, without our permission, hath given the world occasion to suspect his good intentions; and I myself believed, that if he had (accordingly as he ought) with attention examined the Motives of his Action, (according to our Letters sent after him immediately, to give him as good evidence (as be could desire) of our good will toward him; by that employment which he had in the Command, and Conduct of the principal Forces of the Realm) he might easily have known, that those Avisements, and Motives which caused him to eloyne himself from us, were not only contrary to truth, but also to his proper good; Yet this credulity never hindered me, from taking all care to prevent those evil consequents, which might have followed this our separation: But thanks be to God, whatever hath ensued, hath served to no other end, then to make me know the fidelity of my Subjects; whose constancy I have found unmoevable. My Brother, who hath well concluded, that the union of Hearts, in these times of danger, is as necessary as the forces of the Kingdom, to oppose with the more puissance, the Enemies of the greatness of this Crown, and its tranquillity: Of his own accord, hath applied himself to all which I could desire; and no sooner acknowledged his transgression, His Majesty undertaketh, for his zeal to the State, etc. than I was ready, with all my heart, to forget it, giving such credit to the Assurances he hath given me of his good affection, and zeal to the good of this State, that I myself do undertake, and am a Surety for him to myself. I am also resolved, upon the entreaty of my said Brother, to pardon my Cousin the Count of Soissons, not only his fault for retiring to Sedan, without my licence, but also for his behaviour there all the time since; though it hath been otherwise then I expected. All which I do most willingly; provided, that my said Gosin within the space of fifteen days after the publication of this Declaration (which I make freely and of my own good grace) return to his obedience. All which I would have you understand by this Letter, to the end that you may impart it to all my Servants and Subjects in the extents of your commands: praying God (my good Cousins) that he would take you into his protection. Written at Orleans the 9 day of Febr. 1637. Signed Lovis. And a little lower, Sublet. Some discourse interceded at the same time of a general peace to be concluded at Coln, and of a particular peace betwixt the Christian and Catholic Kings, and the report was delivered so confidently, that the compromittors in that negotiation, were named expressly; but whether the Spaniards prevailing in Italy with the Duke of Parma, as the French would have it, or the French Agents refusal, to go upon the safe passport of Ferdinand the third (in whose name that Instrument was sealed) as by an Imperial power, (the French not allowing him the title of Caesar) the treaty held not, it is uncertain. This is sure, that strong preparations for war, were suddenly made of either side. The French set forth a Navy of 26. The Spanish and French preparations for warr●. Galleys, to invade the Island of Sardignia, attended with 22. other vessels which carried over 8000. land-men. The Spaniard on the other side, knowing that monies were not only the ligaments, but the very foundations of war, sent first 1000 chests, containing two millions and a half of gold in royals of Eight to Genoa, for payment of his Soldiers in Germany, and Italy; then levied in the Dukedom of Milan 8000. foot; and in the Kingdom of Sicily, a Regiment for 2500. foot, under the command of the marquis di Spava-Forno, to be employed in his Navy; and lastly, by the help of the Duke of Florence, (who assisted him with ten Galleys) sent out a convenient Fleet to oppose them. The French in their gallantry rowed and sailed to the Island; and coming on furiously, took the Port Orestano, near Cagliano, affrighted the Inhabitants of that Country, who at first hid themselves in the woods, and caves, and holes, for safeguard of their lives; yet of a sudden betook themselves to Arms, beat out those who were landed, surprised their baggage, and forced the Fleet to return, to Tolour, Crequi sent to the King of France by the Duke of Savoy. a harbour in Province. And now the war by land began to be renewed. The Duke of Savoy, who till this, never felt the fire of war burning in his Dominions, found that Basilisk ready to infect his Territories; and to prepare an Antidote against this poison, sent for the Marshal Crequi, bestowed upon him a Diamond worth 1000 Crowns, and his Duchess another esteemed worth 600; not for service already done, but to be done hereafter, dispatched him by Post to Paris, himself soon after feigning to go to Chambery, but (as it was thought) intending to go to Lion to confer with the Christian King there, for relief in that extremity. About the same time, viz. about the beginning of March (as it is wrote from Triers) a private conspiracy, being made in Diete hofen and Walderfangen by some of the Inhabitants, to deliver those Towns and Forts into the hands of the French Allies, (some of the Soldiers that lay in garrison in Dietenhofen, The French project discovered at Dietenhofen, and their forces defeated. being corrupted with money, to kill the Commander of that place, & nail the Canons, that lay to guard the passage thither by the river of Mosel) and the last of these performed really; the French being made acquainted therewith, sailed down the river with scaling ladders, and other needful implements to prosecute what was thus projected; but the plot was of too dishonourable a birth to have a glorious issue. A French man, who being married in the Town, was master of a small fortune, and father of some children, was made acquainted by the conspirators of their intention, and he not knowing, what might fall to his fortune in that confusion, discovered the treason to the Magistrate, who doubled his watches, kept a strong Corpse du guard at each Port, manned the walls, and armed the Citizens to oppose these unwelcomely expected guests; who finding their purpose prevented by this care, marched from thence to Walderfangen, where the Commander (having notice thereof from Dietenhofen the night before) gave them so rude entertainment, that of 400 foot, and 100 horse, which were designed for this business, scarce the one half returned; and after their departure, made inquiry for the conspirators, proceeded against them legally, condemned them, and as they had deserved, put them to a shame full death. In the Valtoline, the French expeditions began at the same time to flag. The Grisons, an unconstant and uncertain people (as all democratical States are) had often murmured against the Christian King, and his General there the Duke Rohan; and ofttimes been appeased with money from France, The Duke of Rohan his goods arrested by the Grisons, and the good order which was observed by the French Commander; but now, what they had long praeconceived, of disburthening themselves of the French Forces, was brought into action. A general Diet for the settling of that State was appointed to be held at Chur, or Coire, at the same time, when the multitude made head against the French, and to expel them by force out of the Country, were gathered together to the number of 4 or 5000. men, and resolved to surprise the Duke of Rohan in person, if it were possible. A superior providence over-ruleth the wisest Counsels, and often infatuateth their determinations, which would be accounted most prudent: The Duke was then abroad on hunting, and so by accident prevented that misfortune. The Grisons perceiving that course to fail, arrested his good● which were at Chur, and by that violence discovered an alienation of their affections from him. It was not done so privately, as to be kept secret, the valley echoed with the same of what was done in the City, the report was quickly brought to the French Generals ears, who upon the tidings repaired to the Staig, astrong piece, and hardly to be taken, while well manned, and defended. Thus secured, he stood upon terms of Capitulation, as holding it too dishonourable for himself and his Nation to leave the Province, which he had gained by his prudence, and managed by his valour, upon the mutiny of the giddy multitude, which for their own advantage, and hope of gain, might happily have complied with the Christian Kings professed enemy, and the States of that Province, by mediation of those of Zur●ch, giving ear to counsel, came to a fair parley, assured him of the good respect they had of the amity of the Christian King; that, they intended no combination, and confederacy with the enemies of the Crown of France; but that (as hitherto they had been a free State, not overruled by strangers) so now again, they only desired to be Masters of their own Dominions, promising withal, with their own Arms, and at their proper costs, to secure those passages, (which were then held by the French) against the Spaniards; if he would freely restore them. The treaty was upon unequal terms, the Duke was their prisoner, and might not stand to make his own conditions; To gain his safety, and to be assured of the Grisons, he condescended to seal mutually to these Articles. That the Staig, the County of Bormeo, and Chiavenna, should be presently redelivered to the States of those Provinces, and the money which was due unto them paid with all expedition: And the Grisons, on the other side, condescended, to confirm their amity with the King and Crown of France; The Conditions agreed upon, betwixt the Grisons, and the Duke of Rohan. and to maintain the passages against the Spaniard. All which, being sealed unto by the Duke in behalf of the King his Master, and by the Colonel Gasper Smith, in behalf of the Grisons, April 8. old style, and the places were surrendered to the Grisons accordingly. These were the counterbuffs and spots, with which the flourishing fortune and splendour of the French glory was at that time checked and sullied, which yet was somewhat restored and revived by another happy adventure of the Christian Kings Forces in Lorraine about the same day when the Duke was almost surprised. The Caesareans who had some months before taken the City of Switz, Switz besieged and taken by the French betwixt the Dukedom of Burgundy, and Switzerland, had thereby intercluded the passage, and communion, betwixt France, and the Allies of that Crown in that Territory. To regain it the French Garrisons at Beffort, Bruntrant, and Ericourt, mustered up 2000 men, armed them with necessary provisions for a battery, sent them against that City and Castle, and then after two days battery, with 8. Pieces of Ordnance, forced the Garrison to yield upon composition, to departed with their low weapons only, and so opened the way for commerce betwixt that State and the King's Subjects. But, this gain, had been a small requital to the former losses, had it come singly, and unattended without any other. It was the concomitant of better fortunes to the French, who under the Duke of Longueville, did much harm to the Spanish Garrisons in the Dukedom of Burgundy, surprised the City of Amur under the conduct of the Lord Thianges, Honorita and Margarita recovered by the French. and cut in pieces the Caesareans there; and by their Fleet, March. 19 old style, at night assaulted the Island Margarita, and landed some Forces under the Count of Harcourt, took in the first Fort, & after beleaguered the Fort Royal; where the Garrison, after a tedious Siege began to parley, and at last agreed upon composition, and so marched out, leaving the whole Island again to the French, who now go to assault and besiege the other Island named St. Honorata. The Spring began now to come on, and the united States of the Netherlands, and the Cardinal Infant, Preparations for war by the Cardinal Infant. & the united state's. began to prepare for war. The States began with the castigation of some rude Soldiers, cashiering at Mastricht 4. Companies of foot, and at Venlo, and Roermond some others, who being out of pay, and knowing nothow to live otherwise, than by war, promised to reform themselves, and were placed under other more severe Commanders; and this done, dispatches were sent and Proclamation published, that all Commanders should have their Companies ready by the beginning of May. The Cardinal Infant, who was engaged elsewhere, and not only against the States, made great preparation both by sea & land to compass his designs. Great store of Biscuit was baked at Antwerp to supply the Dunkirk, who with two men of war and 16 Frigates, had already put to Sea. Picolomini was furnished with money, and a full Commission, and sent into upper Germany, to levy some thousands of men for the Infante's service, who had prepared his wagons for carriage of the Baggage; and Prince Francis of Lorraine, who already had the Command of 4. Regiments, received order to raise two new ones, and to join with the Earl Picolomins. The time of action was not yet come, the harvest was still in the blade, and the fields afforded no forage. No Armies could yet be brought into Campagnia, only some private parties were employed abroad by the Garrisons, more for spoil, and pillage, than in hope of victory. From Breda 100 valiant and experienced Soldiers were sent out on plundering, who were surprised, and routed near Balen by another party of the State's Garrison at the Bosh, which though it surpassed the Brabantiers in number yet obtained not the victory by mere valour & strength, but by a fineness adjoined thereto; which nevertheless was not so prevalent as to give them a clear victory, without much loss of their own blood. A bloody ●ight betwixt apartie of the Spanish, and another of the States Soldiers. The State's Soldiers, knowing of the enemies march, divided themselves into two bands, the one consisting of 80. the other of 40. men. The minor Company, appeared to the view of the Brabantiers, while the other and greater part remained hidden & undiscovered. The eye of the Spanish Soldiers was no sooner fixed upon the lesser band, but they made towards them with all haste, whilst they pretending a fearful flight, hasted to gain two strong farm houses, near the place where their complices lay, as places of refuge in that necessity. Their enemy pursued them with all eagerness, assaulted the houses with all violence, whilst those within playing upon them with their small shot, and the ambush rising from behind them, made them know, that the victory was hardlier to be achieved, than they imagined. Neither the odds of twenty men in number, nor the unexpected troop coming on so suddenly, did utterly discourage these resolved men, but made them recollect their spirits, and prepare to fight; drooping, if not to obtain the conquest, yet to go off without much loss. The fight was hot on both sides, the Musquetiers were both good markmen, and nimble fingerens of that deadly engine; and charged 〈◊〉 discharged so nimbly, that the ground was purpled with the blood of the wounded, The Statists get the victory. so many being slain on both sides, that after the combat was done, ten wagons were laden with the dead corpses of those two petty Armies, yet in the end, the victory fell to the Statists, the Spanish Soldiers being forced to fly. The Prince of Orange soon after, had a design against Hulst, a Town of importance in the frontiers of Brabant, The Prince of Orarge his design against Hulst prevented. and the Key of the Country from Zealand to that Province, and the Earldom of Flanders. He had made preparation to surprise it, and was about the expedition when certain notice came unto him, that his project was discovered, which made him forbear the attempt, deeming it less dishonour, not at all to begin a work of that difficulty, which might put himself and his Army into hazard, than to go on desperately, and be repulsed shamefully. And thus, we have described the occurrences of these few months, omitting nothing worth observation, which hath happened in these Western parts of the world. In the Eastern parts amongst the Turks, we hear of tumults, civil dissensions, rebellions managed with a strong power, and such like barbarismes. The Belgerbeg Bassa in Morea, attended with twenty thousand Soldiers, made head there against his Sovereign, not contenting himself with that high office, but aiming at a higher kind of dominion in that Peninsula, and to effect his design, called in other twelve thousand Albonese, to assist him; and with those Forces, possessed himself of the City and Port de Santa Maura in Morea. The Grand Signior, enraged with this affront summoned him to appear at his Court at Constantinopl; and (he not coming in) confiscated his lands and goods, and sent an Army against him to surprise his person, and disperse the Rebels; The Bassa in Morea rebelleth against the Turk. but with what success, it is not yet known. The Vizier bassa who had been employed against the Persian, was threatened also to be strangled (a miserable case, when service 〈…〉 by the event) by a Capigie, who was sent purposely to the Army, to deprive the Bassa of his life, because he had not been fortunate in his wars against the Sophy. The Vezier knowing the fury of the Mahometan Emperor, and jealous of what was intended against him, for safeguard of himself, fell to the Persian, and left the Army without Commander, The Vezier Bassa, employed lately against the Persian, fleeth to the Sophy. and so prevented the Capigie in the dispatch of his Commission. The Sultan missing his design against the Vezier, proceeded in rage against the Capigie, smote off his head, and sent Camacan, another of his Bassa's, with the power and title of the former, to command his Armies, whose proceed we must expect hereafter. FINIS.